6-8 Apr 1850.
[Millennial Star 12:257-261, 273-277]
[6 Apr, 10 am*]
[MS 12:257-258]
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, HELD AT GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, DESERET, APRIL, 6TH 1850
Present of the First Presidency - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
Patriarch - John Smith
Of the Twelve Apostles - P. P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson.
Presidency of the Seventies - Levi W. Hancock, Zera Pulsipher, Henry Herriman, A. P. Rockwood.
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel spencer, David Fulmer, Willard Snow.
High Priests Quorum - John Young, R. Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop - Newel K. Whitney.
Clerk of conference - Thomas Bullock.
The conference was called to order by Elder David Fulmer. The choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Fulmer, and singing.
Elder P. P. Pratt then arose to present the business of the day, and without any preliminaries, on motion, President Brigham Young was sustained as the first President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by unanimous vote, and also Heber C. Kimball, as first, and Willard Richards, as second counsellors to President Young.
Moved that John Smith be sustained as Patriarch of the whole Church; carried
Moved that Orson Hyde be the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; carried; also P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, E. T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, as members of the same; carried.
Moved that Willard Richards, be sustained as Historian, and General church Recorder; carried.
Moved that John Young, be sustained as the President of the High Priests' Quorum, also Reynolds Cahoon, and George B. Wallace as his Counsellors; carried.
Moved that Joseph Young, be sustained as the first President, Levi W. Hancock second, Henry Herriman third, Zera Pulsipher fourth, A. P. Rockwood, fifth, Benjamin L. Clapp sixth, and Jedediah M. Grant seventh, Presidents of all the Quorums of the seventies; carried.
Moved that Daniel Spencer be sustained as the President of this stake of Zion, also David Fulmer and Willard Snow, as his Counsellors; carried.
Moved that Henry G. Sherwood be sustained as President of the High Council and Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, Lewis Abott, W. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Elisha H. Groves, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley and Thomas Grover, members of said council; carried.
Moved that Newel K. Whitney be sustained as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; carried.
On motion John Nebeker was sustained as President of the elder's Quorum, also James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his Counsellors.
On motion, Joseph Harker was sustained as President of the Priests' Quorum, also Simeon Howd and James A. Chesney, his Counsellors.
On motion, McGee Harris was sustained as President of the Teachers' Quorum also John Vance and Reuben Perkins his Counsellors.
On motion, William C. Smithson was sustained as President of the deacons' Quorum, also Gehiel McConnell and Gilburd Summe his counsellors.
Elder Pratt remarked that all are in duty bound, in covenant before God, to sustain these several men in their offices, and those who refuse to support them will be found breaking their covenants.
[President Heber C. Kimball]
President Heber C. Kimball preached a long and faithful discourse on the present situation of the Saints, comparing it with our former persecutions, drivings, sickness, and poverty; he exhorted the Saints to faithfulness, and to be obedient to the counsel of these men, whom we have this day covenanted to obey; warned them of the danger of falling into the ways of the world, worshiping the God of Mammon, and forsaking the God of their salvation; exhorted them to faithfulness over our mortal bodies, that we may be rewarded with immortal bodies in the world to come, and expressed himself decidedly, that every individual may travel faster than they now do, if they will be obedient to what they are told, and concluded by blessing the people, that peace might rest in their hearts for ever and ever. Amen.
The choir sung a hymn - Benediction by Elder Benson.
[6 Apr, 1:30 pm]
[MS 12:258-259]
Half past one o'Clock, p.m. - Conference assembled and called to order by Daniel Spencer, choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Orson Spencer, and singing.
[Elder Parley P. Pratt]
Elder Parley P. Pratt, arose and occupied nearly two hours in bringing to the notice of the Saints many scenes he had passed through, on the first establishment of this church on the earth, and several visible manifestations of the Providence of God in the various movements of this Church for the past twenty years, and of the manner in which they have been sustained. Enquired for what purpose is this advancement of knowledge, to qualify the Saints for the great and marvelous work - the restoration of the whole house of Israel - and showed examples, from among the Jews and Lamanites. He showed clearly that the scriptures had done him a great deal of good, and when he read them he wished to emulate the examples of Joseph, David, and Sampson. He rejoiced in reading the doctrines, and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and completely refuted the doctrines as taught by Moses Martin, that the five senses were the counsellors of man. He said the great book of nature has been open in all its sublime grandeur to the Utes, Shoshones, and other Indians, and they had the five senses to lead them; compared their low situation with those who were cleanly and industrious, and who believe in the divine oracles of God; he exhorted the Saints to teach their children faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance towards God, that they might be prepared to be baptized when eight years old; and exhorted them to meet often, and partake of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Saviour.
Many persons are very anxious to hear preaching about the resurrection. He said he had not the keys of the resurrection, but he knew what was written about it, as he had been searching diligently for the last twenty years, and as he now sees more light upon it he argued he saw through a glass dimly, but twenty years hence he might have more light upon the subject. Some persons have the idea, that when a Saint of God dies, when he rises from the dead he will go among the Gods, and do as they do - but, said he, I have not the idea that a man goes straight into celestial glory, but that he will come on the earth and improve in the things of God, until he is perfected. He enquired what was the meaning of that scripture, which saith, they are sown a mortal, but raised a spiritual body? They are natural, because they die, and it is right to call them spiritual, because they are quickened by the spirit of God; they are temporal, because they belong to things that are temporal; it is time, because the earth has not passed away. When the earth is purified time will be no more; what we call the end of time is the winding up scene of this earth; it is made new, and eternity commences; the earth passes away and becomes celestialized. It is one thing to remove the curse from earth, and another to purify it; and there is a great difference in being free from death, pain, and misery; and being restored to the glory and splendor of youth. He exhorted the faithful Saints to read their patriarchal blessings, claim the promises therein, and add all the good things they an think of, and that is not all they will have; for Jesus has promised, that whosoever forsakes father, mother, wife, or children, lands or possessions, for his sake, shall receive in this time an hundred fold, and in the worlds to come life eternal. He said that death and resurrection was like going to sleep at night and waking up in the morning. This opens, that scripture, which says, "I created all things: first, spiritual, then temporal. Again, first, temporal, then spiritual; for, to myself, my work has no beginning or ending." We were firstly, spiritual, then fell under the curse; then take a higher temporal degree, and finally a higher spiritual degree. I would like to rise and see things improve, see those mountains levelled, those barren sage plains turn out their pools of water, and all the swords, spears, and gun-barrels gathered into the blacksmith's shop, and made into implements to till the earth; have one thousand years of peace, gather up my poor scattered children, cheer up the hearts of the widow and the fatherless, and say, here is your hundred fold that you have suffered for the gospel's sake, when you were in the latter day on the earth. Not having seen these things twenty years ago, shows me, that I now only see through a glass dimly; but if I had a voice like a trumpet, I would say, repent and prepare for the great restitution o all Israel. Amen.
Choir sung, "Come let us anew."
President Young requested all the High Priests and Elders to meet in the Bowery at five o'clock, P.M., to transact some business with Samuel Russell and Moses Martin.
[6 Apr, 5:30 pm]
[MS 12:259-260]
Half-past five o'Clock p.m. - The Elders met, and were called to order by Elder Pratt. After singing a hymn, and prayer by Elder Carter, President Young called for Samuel Russell to come to the stand and explain some remarks he had made in regard to his faith in the gospel of salvation, when
[Samuel Russell]
Russell said, "There may be some points of Mormonism I believe; but as for believing in the principle of Revelation, as the Latter-day Saints do, I do not. I believe that Joseph Smith was as great a prophet as ever was on the earth, but I have no confidence in the Bible, or the Book of Mormon, or the book of Revelations as being revelations from the Almighty. I may have made light of the Holy Ghost. I have asked what was the Holy Ghost? and said that the only time the Holy Ghost was ever seen, was in the form of a pigeon, and it might be that I did ask if that was good to eat? Gentlemen, I have spoken my sentiments. The brethren have all used me like gentlemen; I might have withdrawn, but did not think it would do any good."
[Levi W. Hancock]
Levi W. Hancock arose and said, I do know that Russell once enjoyed the spirit of God, and he has felt that this was the Church of God. I believe that the man has not prayed, but has been negligent, or he would know that Joseph was a prophet of God, and that Brigham Young is the prophet now. I move that Samuel Russell be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Seconded by A. P. Rockwood, and carried unanimously.
[President B. Young]
President B. Young, after some preliminaries said, Mr. Russell has tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, and now to forsake that God who has sustained him, and offered him eternal life, and now to turn away from God and make light of those things, is detestable to my feelings. (Turning to him, he said,) inasmuch as we have severed this branch from the tree, I say unto you, Samuel Russell, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, you shall feel the heavy hand of God; I deliver you over into the hands of Satan. You have covenanted to serve your God; as you now forsake him, you shall feel the wrath of God, and shall know there is revelation, and if it does not burn you up, you will wish it would.
I now call up the case of Moses Martin - when he came into the Valley a year ago last fall, he had not he spirit of the Lord with him that I could perceive; nothing was said to him, or about him, till last summer, when the presidents of the seventies called him in question; they examined his feelings, and I know that he lied in the name of the Lord: I said he was a wicked man: he is. I can prove he is guilty of adultery, and the Doctrine and Covenants says, a man who commits adultery and does not speedily repent, will lose the spirit of the Lord, and will deny the faith; I would not sustain him were he my own father or brother. A year ago I asked him in council, brother Moses, I ask you in the name of the Lord, did you keep ourself virtuous and pure until you returned to your family? After about five minutes hesitation and conversation he said, yes. He lied and that too in the name of the Lord. He is a liar, and I know it; he has always been like a wild bull in the net. I am on hand to prove him guilty of adultery.
President H. C. Kimball moved that Moses Martin be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for his wickedness; carried unanimously.
President Young said, there were many going to the mines; he would rather they would stay here and raise grain, and not run after the God of this world - when I see some of the brethren going away, I feel like a mother seeing her darling child in the midst of the ocean, or in the roaring flames. He then requested the mechanics to commence working their labour tithing, and enquired what rate their wages should be; and appointed a meeting of all the mechanics, for the purpose of deciding what should be the standard of wages the coming season. As I came here this morning - I said to my teams, rest - to my family, rest, while I go up to worship the lord in this comfortable tabernacle, and get the warming influence of his Holy Spirit, that we may be prepared to go to the nations of the earth and build up the kingdom of our God. If you all felt as I do, you would want to come here, but not hurry to go away again. Let us spend a few days and worship - the heavens are full of days and we have nothing to do but to enjoy them.
Benediction by John Murdock, when the congregations dispersed.
[7 Apr, 10 am]
[MS 12:260-261]
Sunday, April 7th, 1850. - Conference convened at ten, a.m., called to order by G. A. Smith.
Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Benson, and singing. The house was very crowded.
Elder Kimball said, he hoped the brethren would begin to find out the inconvenience of building such small houses, and hoped the brethren would build larger, so as to accommodate all who came.
[Elder George A. Smith]
Elder George A. Smith requested the prayers of the Saints, as he did not expect to preach when he came here this morning. The intelligence we receive directly from our Heavenly Father, in answer to prayer, is calculated to guide, direct, and lead us in the path that we have undertaken to travel. He compared the present improvement in this valley, to the time when he first entered it as a pioneer, when it was inhabited with innumerable hosts of large black crickets, and a few half-starved Indians. It appeared to him a miracle. Ancient history has no parallel to such an undertaking as we have accomplished, and it is something more than human nature alone could accomplish. God has guided us, and sustained and guarded us to the present time; and we are now in more prosperous circumstances than ever we were. It is in accordance with the revelations of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, through the prophet Joseph 'smith, that his Saints should be tried in all things. This people has been driven from the State of New York, next from Jackson county, then from Clay. The same persecution drove us from Ohio, and the exterminating order of Governor Boggs drove us from Missouri. We left that State willingly, because we were obliged to, and we had the privilege of settling down in the most sickly, deathly, swamps of Illinois, at Nauvoo. The Gentiles rejoiced, for they thought it would surely kill off the Saints; but when we had drained the swamps and made it healthy, we must be driven from our improvements, and in as miraculous a manner as the children of Israel were delivered from Pharoah, were we led to this place. When a ship is at sea, running without the danger of shoals, rocks, or shallows, she can ride a boisterous sea in safety - the captain and officers all feel contented, but if a sudden squall rises and takes her in the bows, it would very likely dismast the vessel or sink her. We have rode through a sea of poverty, sickness, disease, and death; but the storm has always been in our rear, and we could sail through it safely; but here there is danger from a heavy head wind. One of my personal friends, Samuel Russell, came to this stand yesterday, and pronounced himself an unbeliever in the revelations of God, we are now in a situation to be tried by a heavy head wind, and it may dismast some part of the vessel,. While we were at school, in Kirtland, it was the desire of every elder to qualify himself to be a messenger of peace to all nations, kingdoms, tongues, and people, until the Lord should say it is enough. We have had but little time to preach since then, having been continually broken up and driven about from place to place, as vagabonds on the earth, which has made us look out a place where we could make our families comfortable for a season. Some of those elders now want to make themselves rich; but I do not want to see any man having the Holy spirit, have his heart set on farms, cattle, or gold. I say, just as soon as by the blessing of the Almighty, and the blessing of my brethren, I can provide a reasonable means of subsistence for my family, I am ready, and my heart beats high to go and bear this gospel to some people who never heard it, where the gospel never was preached, and where they are in darkness altogether; then I am on hand, and I trust in the Almighty that I may fulfil the work which God requires at my hands. Elders of Israel, and Saints of God, should always consider what they are about; never do a thing that the spirit of truth suggests is not right. Moses Martin was yesterday disfellowshipped, and I will warrant that when he put forth his hand to do evil, the still small voice cried out, "Moses, that is not right." Never do a thing that you are convinced is not right. Every elder must retain his integrity before the Lord, or he will be damned. Remember the words of the Saviour: "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you." Consider all that we have and are, is at the service of the Almighty; and all that we do to his glory and in his name, and everything we put our hands to will prosper. But if we conclude we have suffered enough, and laboured enough, and stick stakes as apostates do, that they will go thus far and no farther, they will go down swiftly to destruction and be eternally ruined. I desire to bear testimony to the truth of this work. This people have got to be cultivated until they are governed by the will of the Almighty. And the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized twenty years ago yesterday, is the only true church, and the only possible way of salvation, and I know it. If a man sacrifices his own talents to his own corruption, he seals himself up to ruin. This is the only church that will lead you to celestial glory - I know it is so. Joseph has died for it, Hyrum, David, and many others died for it. I know it is the truth. I desire my brethren to treasure these remarks, for I know they are true. And may the Lord God of Hosts preserve us all until we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, which is my prayer. Even so. Amen.
Moved, that Robert Campbell, John O. Angus, and James Works go to England and preach the gospel under the direction of the Presidency there - carried.
Moved, that Hyrum Clark and William D. Huntington, go to California, to assist Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich.
Moved, that Jesse Molan go to the States on a mission - carried.
Benediction by Daniel Spencer.
(To be Continued.)
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[MS 12:273-276]
Minutes of the General Conference, Held at Great Salt Lake City, Deseret, April 6th, 1850
(Concluded from our last.)
Two o'clock, p.m. - Conference again assembled, and was called to order by Elder Benson. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by E. T. Benson, and singing.
[Pesident Young]
President Young arose and said, with joy and gratitude to my Heavenly Father, I look upon this congregation with admiration. I rejoice to see my brethren and my sisters congregate together to worship the Lord. It is a feast to me to look upon the Saints. It is a joy and gladness to mingle in their society. I feel thankful for the goodly number that are safely landed in the mountains. I look forward to the day when scores of thousands will join us in our secluded retreat. It is a matter of consolation to me to have the privilege of looking at the Saints. I can truly say, it is sweeter to me than the honey comb. The greatest luxury I( can enjoy, is to assemble with those who delight to serve the Lord with all their hearts. And in the midst of all afflictions and privations we have the privilege that we never before had, of assembling unmolested from our oppressors. I esteem the providences of God as a fresh manifestation of his kindness in removing the Saints to this place, to suffer the wickedness of the wicked to remove us to this place. I hope we will improve on the same. I would be thankful if I could have my feelings satisfied at this conference; to a certain degree they are, and will be. When I realize what a struggle and labor we have undergone, I would rejoice at the privilege to look at my brethren for days and days. It is a place of happiness to me--the day I have long looked for, to enjoy the privileges now around me. I can truly say, ten or fifteen years ago, I looked upon this people with an expectation that every man and woman would be worn into the grave, their lives spent in preaching, in watching their houses and protecting their families, before we could enjoy the present privilege. I expected it would be enjoyed by my children, but not by me. I am disappointed-it is all I could have anticipated--my life, my labor, all that I could anticipate eight or ten years ago, is now realized by me. The providences of the Almighty speak volumes to me, and say to Israel, be on the look out. Latter-day Saints be on the watch-tower. The providences of God as they are dealt out to the earth speak to us, and should be realized as peals of thunder, that the Lord will cut short his work in righteousness, for a short work will he do on the earth.
I can say to all Israel, it is time we should awake from our lethargy, from our drowsy and sleepy feelings; awake to righteousness, and hasten the work that is upon us, for in a day and hour that we are not aware of, behold, the Son of Man cometh, as fast as the wheels of time roll round, to bring calamities, famine, fire, pestilence, sword, and the destroyer that walks abroad at noon-day, or at midnight, and lays wastes its thousands; nations are revolutionized; kingdoms are tottering and falling: a whole world is in commotion, what can we say? I can say, watch! watch!! watch!!! brethren, and be faithful! When I came here yesterday morning, my feelings were peculiar; I realized that for years we have been deprived of such a privilege to meet together to worship the Lord. This is the most comfortable place I have ever seen for the Saints to hold their meetings in at our gathering place. When I have been abroad in the world, we have had splendid halls; but, at the gathering place, this is the best. What next, brethren? Some think I will go to the conference; but if I do, I cannot stay there. I must go to the kanyons, or hunt my cattle. I would like to go to conference, but I want to plough my lot, or fence my field, or to go to mill, or to my farm. This I feel -- I felt it yesterday. I have the same cares that other men have -- the care of my family, the daily labour that is upon me; my business is before me; but I said to my flocks and herds, and teams, now rest; workmen stop your business, all hands; my family prepare to entertain those who call upon us; do the best you can; prepare the best to feed them with; and to all around me, I said rest while I go and worship the Lord; it has been a great struggle, like two immense armies contending; the enemy of all righteousness contending by storms and thunder, that we should not prepare a place to meet; we have been fighting and struggling for years. I recollect four years last February, we left Nauvoo; from that time to this we have been struggling to build a place to assemble in, we were thwarted in getting a Council House, we have not got it yet; we have been two winters idle, and some of the Elders have forgotten there is a God; they have forgotten their covenants, their vows, and their prayers; they have forgotten what they once remembered, as the first and foremost in their hearts. I will draw cuts with any man who would go and plough to-morrow, which grows the most wheat, by staying here to-morrow and getting our hearts warmed, or go ploughing; I have seen it tried, and proved that when the Lord requires anything of his Saints, and they do it, he can give the increase better, than if they served themselves; there is not the first man who has gained the first picayune by going to a kanyon on Sunday, or by labouring on the Sabbath day; necessity does not drive a man to do it, no such thing, but it is their own dispositions, and the spirit that is in them. there is no more necessity to go to the kanyons, or hunt your cattle on the Sabbath day, you might as well plough; but some feel that they cannot spare time on a week day. We have tried it in travelling since we left Nauvoo, and not one time having travelled on the Sabbath day, have we gained by it, but we have lost a day or two the next week to pay for it. What is the harm? It proves that you treat lightly the rules of the God of nature, -- the God we serve. The laws that organized the elements knows what they can endure; he said to man, when you have laboured six days, rest one, to refresh your bodies; let your horses and cattle that labour rest; your men and women, let them rest; I don't mean to rest like Christians, ride ten miles to a meeting, and then ride twenty-five miles for pleasure; but I mean a Saint's Sabbath: there is not a nation nor a people that keep the Sabbath, not a Christian, from the Pope to the latest reformer; there is not one who keeps it, no not one, unless sick, if there is one it is by mistake or by accident. Now you gain nothing by transforming the ordinances of nature to your own desires; let them all rest, and when the earth has brought forth six years let it rest the seventh; you will not make anything by transgressing any rule of the God of nature, and if our eastern neighbours had done so, their land would have been as good as when they first saw it. I would as soon rest a whole week and let every thing rest a week; for have we not worked more than six Sabbaths? If we tarry a whole week, it would not pay the debt, and the God of nature will bring it all back again. If I hurry this Conference, I have got to hurry every business transaction, and every speech, and then the spirit would not abide with us. I want you to feel as I feel; stay right here, and spend a week in Conference, if necessary. A great many persons feel that they are so poor they have to go to the gold mines, they will be in such a hurry they will forget to pray; another cannot spend a week day to go after wood or hunt his cattle; you can see the example, poor they are and poor they will be, and by and by they will wake up in hell. It is not a polite expression, but it is true doctrine, they will go down to hell, poverty stricken and naked; are those who go to meeting every Sabbath going to get rich? Not just yet. They will have more wheat; you may take economy and rest on the seventh day, and he will be the best off. I am not going to desire anything but the will of my Father in Heaven; if my Father makes me rich I will be contented, and if I am poor I will be contented still, and I will be content with all good men and good people. It is disgusting to me to see a person love this world in its present organization; look at kings on their thrones, their crowns fall at their feet, their almighty dollars do them no good, their wealth and opulence are gone, nation after nation are dethroned and crumble to ashes. Take the very youth of beauty; it is laid low in the grave! Riches take the wings of the morning and fly away; it is beneath the heart of a man who loves God and His spirit.
I wish the brethren to listen to the principles this morning set forth on speculation, and their daily walk; we are here, and it is our duty to sustain ourselves in this place, and also those who will come to us; we have a duty to perform to our brethren; we are under holy Christian covenants to assist our brethren who are left in the states, until they are gathered here; remember the poor who are yet in bondage, and say what we can do for our poor brethren this season; it is one of the most important things that we can do, to raise grain to sustain ourselves, and those who come here.
I have a few words to say on Mormonism as it is called, but to us, the doctrine of salvation; I can say I know it is true. I have known for years and years that Joseph was a prophet. I did not embrace Mormonism, because I hoped it was true, but because it was that principle that would save all the human family that would obey it. and it would make them righteous. Joseph Smith lived and died a prophet, and sealed his testimony with his blood; he lived a good man, and died a good man, and he was as good a man as ever lived; and the voice of the Lord is still heard for this people. for myself I am here just as I was in the days of Joseph. I never pretended to be Joseph Smith. I am not the man who brought forth the Book of Mormon, but I do testify to the truth of it. I am an apostle to bear testimony to the Gentiles of this last dispensation, and also to the Jews. I can say the heart of man is always eager for something, just like little children; we often see children when they have been feasted on pumpkin pie and sweet cake, and other good things, eat until they are filled with pain, and cry for more. The Elders have had so much revelation, that it has put them in pain, because they did not know how to digest it, and yet they cry for more. You live and see the time that kings and prophets have desired to see, but have died without the sight. It is your privilege, and it is mine, to receive revelation, and my privilege to dictate to the church. Here are a cloud of witnesses from the death of Joseph or the return of the Twelve to Nauvoo, that all things have been dictated by the Twelve, with your humble servant at their head; could it have been bettered? Was this people or any other people ever led, fed, or administered to more kindly and faithfully than this people have been by the Twelve and those that helped them? No, not even in the days of Joseph. From the day that I was baptized until this present time, I have felt as if I was in another world, in another existence. I never look back upon the old world, but it is like looking into hell. I have only one desire, and that is to do the will of my God, and that is all the will I ever had. I do chastise my brethren, find fault with them, and give them counsel, but the counsel I give let any one say it is not right; I am at the defiance of any one to say that I have not told them just right.
Next thing. Just as soon as any of the Twelve become dissatisfied, they lop off, they have not the boldness to go to the Council and say "good bye, I am going to hell my own road;" no, not even John E. Page. I remember once at the commencement of this church, a necromancer embraced it, but he could not be satisfied; he came and said he had fingered and handled the perverted priesthood so much, the course I have taken is downward, the devil has too fast hold of me, I cannot go with you; but the rest slide off.
Let me tell you it is the truth of the Lord God Almighty, and if a man will not do right, God will remove him out of his place forthwith.
I never was afraid of Joseph, although many would falter and feared Joseph would go astray. I did not serve Joseph, but I patterned after the doctrine the Lord has revealed through him. There was no possibility of Joseph leading the people astray. If I thought that God would suffer a man to lead a righteous people astray I would not serve him, I would leave him and seek another; I serve the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers; he has called Joseph and will never let him lead this people astray, but when he has done his work he will take him to himself. I never was afraid of my friends, and you need not be; the Lord Almighty will never suffer his people to go astray, unless they as a people want to follow iniquity; never, no never, no never.
Do you know the word of the Lord when you hear it? It is the will of the Lord that he wants his people to do. As for revelation, some say it has ceased; it has no such thing. I could give you revelation as fast as a man could run, I am in the midst of revelation. Do you want more revelation written? Wait till you obey what is already written.
The last two years of Joseph's life, Joseph laid out as much work as we can do for twenty years. I have no disposition to seek for more, until I see these we have, obeyed. I tell you one thing, if we obey the word of the Lord, this people have got to quit drinking whiskey, and leave off using so much tobacco, tea, and coffee. It is not religion to spend our time in light visits, or squandering your time as many have. When I look at the world and hear the blasts of the devil, I say blow away. I trust that I shall live to accomplish my designs of fighting the devil, and if I do not live, there are other men who will step into my place who are just as good for a hang on, as I am, or Joseph was.
My feelings are the same as they were when I was baptized, to do the will of my God. When we have the spirit of the Lord, we work together in oneness, and we shall accomplish the design sooner or later. Joseph used to say, "do not be scared, I have not apostatized yet;" and he did not. I say, brethren I have not apostatized, and there are a good many who have not. We have got to gather Israel, and see the redemption of Israel, and if I do not live to accomplish it, I shall come back to enjoy it. I say come on ye Elders of Israel and preach the mysteries of the kingdom. When a principle comes to your understanding, it is no more a mystery; but, behold, the mystery has flown, and all things are easy to be comprehended; all is simple; all is childlike; and all is Godlike.
Moved that Claudius spencer take a mission to England; carried.
Moved that Simon A. Dunn, and Uriah B. Powell, go to the Society Islands; carried.
The Band played a lively tune.
President H. C. Kimball inquired if it was the feelings of the people to continue the Conference another day, it was his feelings that we should stay here a few days. On motion the Conference continues another day; carried.
The Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by G. A. Smith
[8 Apr, 10 am]
[MS 12:276-277]
Monday April 8th, 10 a.m. - Conference met pursuant to adjournment. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by W. W. Phelps, and singing.
Moved that Isaac C. Haight, Moses Clawson, Appleton M. Harmon, Jesse Crosby, and William Burton, go on missions to England, to preach the gospel; carried.
Moved that Jonathan Crosby go on a mission to the Society islands, and James Bay to Ohio; carried.
President Kimball gave them some instruction, and advised all the Elders when the start on missions, to leave their families at home, and then their minds will be more free to serve the Lord.
A great deal of local business was attended to, and instructions given on various duties.
[President Young]
Afterwards President Young gave some instructions on the law of tithing. The Lord himself instituted the principle through Joseph the Prophet, and that is for all the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to pay one-tenth of all they have, to begin with, and afterwards one-tenth of their increase. After making some further observation, he said we want to build a large house and farm to place the poor on, as soon as they arrive here. We want only your tenth. I ask not that of my brethren but what I am willing to give myself; and what I do as your leader, or president you should be willing to do the same.
We want to build a large store house, and I trust I shall see the day when we want a few teams, or a few thousand bushels of grain, to send to the relief of the poor; all we shall have to do will be to go to the store house of the Lord, without calling on the brethren to contribute. We shall yet see the day that we have not a poor person in our midst, and the invalids and indigent persons will be in a comfortable situation for food and raiment, &c.
He then made a few remarks on the subject of mesmerism and witchcraft in the days of old, showing that the power of the mesmerizers are perfectly harmless to the faithful Elders of Israel.
[Elder G. A. Smith]
Elder G. A. Smith made some remarks on the severity of the weather in the mountains in the fall of the year, and the prospect of sending forth a great number of Elders; and in order to avoid a great deal of suffering by them, passing through the mountains. He moved that we adjourn this conference to the first Friday in September, then to meet at the Bowery, in Great Salt Lake City, at 10 a.m.; carried unanimously.
The Band played a lively tune.
Benediction by Elder David Fulmer, when the Conference was adjourned by President Young's blessing the people in the name of the lord.
Thomas Bullock, Clerk of the Conference.
19 May 1850,
Conference, Kanesville, Iowa.
[Wilford Woodruff Journals 3:553-555]
[19 May, 9 am?]
[WWJ 3:553-554]
19th
* According to appointment I met in Conference with Orson Hyde Orson Pratt And
the High Council near the stand in the grove one hour before the general
meeting. Elder Hyde Addressed the Council in substance as follows:
That
there was business left unfinished at the conference which must be closed to
day. As some officers are going to the valley others must be appointed. Bishop
Johnson was going. Another Bishop must be appointed. Also men must be appointed
to visit the various branches who would attend the Council & carry the
spirit of the Council to the people & bring back the spirit of the People
to the Council. Joseph Young & Benjamin Clapp who were appointed last Year
were not with them at all either in Body or spirit & whenever they did
attend A Council Joseph Young Could not stay till He went away. We will pass
them over & let them go.
poor
not to come here & some have Contrary to this Council through a misguided
zeal Councilled them to come to this place & such must bear the
Consequences of it. It was voted that A Bishop be appointed to take the place
of Bishop Johnson, & that Elder Stodard be appointed to travel among the
Churches & Call such men to his help as He needed. Three men were Appointed
as A Committee to locate the poor.
We
then repaired to the Stand before the congregation & each item of business
was presented before the people the same as before the Council And a vote taken
upon each item. Elder Hyde made many remarks upon each item as they came up
before the people. Among other things said that the Priesthood & Saints
Held the keys of Blessings in there own hands & said we have not had but
one shower of rain this year or since last fall & we have not seen the bow
in the Heavens at all this season. The earth is parched up & dry now. If
you want rain open your doors & receive the poor And you will have the
Blessings. The people said they would do it & Elder Pratt Prayed for rain.
Elder Hyde Also wished the Sin Curse & evil that arose in that place from
the grog shops should rest upon the Head of those who kept such dogeries &
the people Said Amen to it.
[19 May, 2 pm?]
[WWJ 3:554-555]
In
the Afternoon Elder O. Pratt Preached to the people in an Edifying manner.
Spoke Also against the Grog shops Also of his travel in England the progress of
the work in that land the many thousands who were Coming into the church the
great increase of the publications the opposition that was beginning to be
manifest against them. Spoke of the signs of the times the building of the city
of Zion the peculiarity of that city having A pillar of fire by night & a
Cloud by day resting over the Habitations of the saints. Elder Pratt spoke
quite lengthy upon these points.
When
He Closed He was followed by Elder W. Woodruff who spoke briefly upon a few
item. He manifested much pleasure in once more meeting with the Saints. Said He
had been on a mission to the East nearly two years. He Could not give so
flattering account of matters as Elder Pratt Had for the field in the Eastern
States had been like the gleaning of grapes after the vintage was done. There
had been Baptized in his field of labour about 200 since he had been on his
mission.
As
there had been much said about the poor coming to Kanesville Elder Woodruff
remarked that He had received Council from the Presidency in the valley to
stretch out his arms and gather all He possibly Could to Zion. And when the
Lord tells me to do any thing or I receive Council through the proper Source I
go at it with all my might. And I can neither eat Drink or sleep in peace except
the work that is required of me to be performed is progressing about right. I
have laboured hard to gather out the people according to the instructions given
me. One Company started from Philadelphia under Elder Gibson of [ ]. I Also
started from Boston on the 9th with 209 And from St Louis with 225 & we
arived here in safety & there are a few poor who came with me who cannot go
through & will stop here & if in my zeal to carry out the instruction
of the Presidency I have been instrumental in causing more poor saints to come
to Kanesville than ought to have come it has been an Error of the head &
not of the heart.
I
feel to sustain Elder Hyde in the course He has taken here in taking a stand
against drunkenness gambling stealing Bogasmaking & iniquities of all
kinds. There is order in the kingdom of God. The Presidency of the Church are
the first to receive & give instruction to the whole Church & Elder
Hyde is the president in this place & the one to receive & give
instructions & He is accountable for his course to the Presidency of the
Church.
Other
remarks were made & was followed by Elder Hyde who said that what Elder
Woodruff had done was all right & would work for good & other remarks
were made. He then gave council for the Brethren who had farms to sell &
were thinking of going to the Valley to take this as an omen that it was right
for them to go if they could sell them for what they were worth to sell them
& go. If not to stay and till them unless they felt disposed to give them
to some poor brethren.
The
conference was dismissed & though there had not been a shower of rain but
once since last fall & the bow had not been seen since last year yet as
soon as meeting was dismissed the Clouds gathered the rain poured down the Bow
appeared And it was a matter of observation with many of the world as well as
Saints. I spent the night at Elder Hydes.
6-8 Sep 1850, General
Conference, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly, 1:108-111, 9/14/1850 pp 4-7; 1:116-117, 9/21/1850 pp 4-5]
[6 Sep, 10 am]
[DNW, 1:108, 9/14/1850 p4]
Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at Great Salt Lake City, State of Deseret,
Sept 6, 1850; President Brigham Young Presiding.
Present of the first Presidency - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
Patriarchs - John Smith, Isaac Morley.
Of the Twelve Apostles - Orson Hyde, P. P. Pratt, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson.
Presidency of the Seventies - Levi W. Hancock, Zera Pulsipher, Henry Herriman, A. P. Rockwood.
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel spencer, W. Snow.
High Priest's Quorum - John Young, R. Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop - Newel K. Whitney.
The High Council of the Stake.
Thomas Bullock - Clerk of Conference.
The Conference was called to order by Elder g. A. Smith.
The Choir sung a hymn - prayer by P. P. Pratt; singing.
[Pres't Young]
Pres't Young then stated to the congregation that the morning would be occupied by exhortation, teaching, and preaching, and instructions through the day. The business before the Conference will be concerning the different quorums and authorities of the Church, the propriety of strengthening the San Pete Settlement, and a call for volunteers to return with Father Morley; a delegation of elders to Germany, and the various States in that country; that he purposed, once more to lay the law of tithing before the people; praying that he might have the spirit to communicate, and the people to understand; and that on Saturday afternoon, elder Hyde would deliver a lecture on education to the Chancellor and Regents of the University.
Isaac Morley then expressed his thankfulness for this opportunity to meet the Saints: my heart is full of blessings for the people. - I want a company of good men and women to go to San Pete, and I do say, that no man shall dwell in that valley, who is in the habit of taking the name of God in vain.
Pres't. Young said, I have it in my heart to ask the congregation if Father Morley shall have the right and privilege to select such men as he wishes to go there?
Moved that he have that privilege; carried.
Moved that he select one hundred men, with or without families; carried.
[Pres't Young]
Pres't. Young said, it is as good a valley as you ever saw; the goodness of the soil cannot be beat; there is only one practicable road into it, and that is up Salt Creek; the inhabitants there, are "No. 1;" and when I was in that valley, I prayed to God that he never would suffer an unrighteous man to live there. - I am going o bring before the people the necessity of keeping up the fund for the emigration of the poor. I declare openly and boldly, there is no necessity for any man of this community to go to the gold mines, to replenish the fund; we have more property and wealth than we are capable of taking care of. If a man is not capable of improving one talent, what is the use of his getting more? He is like the foolish child, that cold h old but one apple in both his hands, and in reaching for more, he lost what he had. If men only knew how o control what they have, and were satisfied, they would do much better.
I will commence at the north and go to the south settlements, and pick out 25 of our inhabitants straight before me, and another man may take 50 of those gold diggers, off hand, and they cannot buy out the 25 who have tarried at home. Before I had been one year in this place, the wealthiest man who came from the mines, Father Rhodes, with $10,000, could h e buy the possessions I had made in one year? It will not begin to do it; and I will take 25 men in the United States, who have staid at home and paid attention to their own business, and they will weigh down 50 others from the same place, who went to the gold regions: and again, look at the widows that have been made and see the bones that lie bleaching and scattered over the prairies.
Brother Joseph suffered himself to be dragged about the country by a mob, and was dragged into something like 46 or 48 law-suits, yet he triumphed over all of them, and then the murdered him in cold blood, in Carthage Jail, without any shadow of crime attached to him. I then swore that I never would fee a lawyer again; & we don't owe one dime, but that we are able to pay at any moment. - If I can keep my credit good with the Almighty, I care not whether men speak evil of me, or not.
Singing by the Choir, and Benediction by G. A. Smith.
[6 Sep, 2 pm]
[DNW, 1:110, 9/14/1850 p 6]
Two P. M.
Conference called to order by Daniel Spencer.
Singing, prayer by G. A. Smith, singing.
[P. P. Pratt]
P P. Pratt made some remarks on the mountains and vallies south of the Utah.
If we carry out the instructions that we continually receive, we shall be the happiest people on the earth: whoever is governed by the kingdom of God, is a happy man; but who realizes it? It always was the man that was ready, that the Lord would work by; the only thing that should concern us, is, have we the principles of the kingdom of God in our hearts? and is it our desire to fulfil them?
[Orson Hyde]
Orson Hyde then plead in behalf of the Perpetual Emigrating Poor fund, and those who remain in Pottawattamie County. "I am glad that ways and means have been devised to deposit horses, oxen, wheat, &c., and give checks on the States, where the money can be appropriated to bring on the poor to this place. The operation is a good one, and it will operate not only in the United States, but in England, and other countries also, - I feel when I get back to Iowa, that I can revive the Saints, as I have both seen and tasted of the fruits of the Valley."
[Pres't. Young]
Pres't. Young said, "I am much gratified to see the warmth of feeling for the poor, by Elder Hyde, and I think the best way to relieve ourselves, of all our spare horses, and cattle, is, to put them into the Poor Fund. - We shall not cease our exertions until Zion is redeemed, and all Israel is gathered.
From the days of Joseph, to the present moment the prophecies were never fulfilled faster, and that too, upon natural principles; they are miracles and remarkable phenomena to us so long as we do not understand them."
H. C. Kimball moved that there be a committee of Three appointed, to take charge of, and transact the business of the Poor Fund; carried.
And, on motion, Willard Snow, Edward Hunter, and Daniel spencer were voted said Committee.
[Pres't. Young]
Pres't. Young said, "there is one question I wish to ask; it is this: will this people back that committee up to the last farthing? If they will, in the end, great joy will be yours; if you will covenant to do it, please signify it by raising the right hand. (All hands up.) Gentlemen, that's the terror among the nations! you can NOT get the contrary vote! That's the terror! THE UNION OF THIS PEOPLE.
I think our next move will be, to have this committee organized into a Company, and chartered by the State, to sue and be sued, collect and be collected, and dispose of, and do all business as a Company, and then will be the budding and blossom of one of the greatest banks in all the world.
We do not want to detain this meeting any longer; but at intermission, come forward and enter your names and what amount you put in, Bro. bullock will enter to your names."
Singing by the Choir, and Benediction by Ezra T. Benson.
[7 Sep, 10 am]
[DNW, 1:109-110, 9/14/1850 pp 5-6]
Saturday, Sept. 7, 1850, 10 A. M.
Conference called to order by D. Spencer.
Singing by the Choir, prayer by Lorenzo Young: singing.
[Elder G. A. Smith]
Elder G. A. Smith rose to speak on the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He said, "to preach the word of life to man is a very high and holy calling, and an important trust committed to any people; and chose for his text, Thessalonians, 1st chapter 5th verse; and divided his text into, firstly, the word of the gospel; secondly, the power of the gospel; thirdly, the power of the Holy Ghost; and fourthly, its assurance. As the gospel is the power of God unto every soul that believes; he reviewed the birth, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and then the commission he gave to his disciples, and his instructions to them, as his witnesses, to testify to the truth, and teach all the things whatsoever he commanded them, and their commencing to preach on the day of Pentecost, in fulfilment of their commission; calling on the people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, with the promise of the Holy Ghost, that was to follow, through the ordinance of the laying on of hands.
Men must obey the ordinances of the first principles, or their superstructure is in vain; it is recorded, all power in heaven and on earth is given unto Jesus Christ; therefore, he ordered them to go and baptize the people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and they went in the name of Jesus Christ and did act; and the Comforter proceeded from the Father, and d d bring all things to their remembrance, and did teach them things to come: and when the people had obeyed, the Holy Ghost fell on them, the promises were fulfilled and then the people rose up and declared they knew the thing was true.
The sects of the day argue that these gifts and blessings were with drawn from the earth and they dared not even attend to baptism, or the laying on of hands, although the Savior positively tells us we must obey.
Did God intend that this gospel should be applicable to us in all its power and glory, gifts and blessings? Yes! they are promised even unto the end of the world; and just as long as there was a being on the earth; and Christ himself gave some apostles, some prophets, teachers, &c., for the work of the ministry, and the edification of the Church.
The whole Christian world have rejected the law, lost its light, have not the power and authority and blessings; and for the want of these things, they are tost about on every wind of doctrine, and the cunning craftiness of men.
God, in these last days, in his infinite mercy, sent Joseph Smith with the gospel, and the assurance DID FOLLOW THOSE THAT ENTERED IN BY THE DOOR, following the Shepherd of the sheep. The world united against him, and forty times he was brought before the rulers, when no fault could be found against him; and then he was by wicked priests and crafty men, murdered in cold blood, and his blood was shed on the ground like water. He bore his testimony to the truth, and sealed it with his blood; and the authority is HERE to administer the ordinances to you and your children, and as many as the Lord our God shall call; its principles are now preached, and we invite you to come forth and receive its blessings, in all its fulness; and may God our Eternal Father bless you all, in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.
[Willard Snow]
Willard Snow presented a subscription book as follows: - "We, the undersigned, agree to pay to the committee of the Perpetual fund for the emigrating Poor, the amount set opposite to our names," &c., and then strongly advocated the cause of the Poor Fund, but wanted all to pay as they go.
[George A. Smith]
George A. Smith - "there is an item of business to present to this Conference in relation to Father Cutler. After the Presidency left Pottawattamie, there was a report that Father Cutler went to Jackson County to lay the foundation for another Temple; there is an influence existing there, to draw away from the Valley, and a great mystery hangs over their doings. The Conference in Pottawattamie County, withdrew fellowship from Cutler, Calkins and others. Calkins said there was no power there, to try him, as he was a Bishop.
We have had a notion of asking the good people now living in Jackson County, Missouri, to petition us to go back again and build a Temple there, if the Legislature of Missouri will pass resolutions to protect us in our rights."
[Pres't Young]
Pres't. Young said, "there is no trial before the Church, concerning the Silver Creek branch, where Father cutler resides. During the late war he was acquainted with many Indians in York State, who went to Green Bay: they saw him again at Winter Quarters, when they urged him to go down and build mills, and establish a school among them, as they had the privilege from Government, to select their own mechanics and teachers. I told him to go down, work, and get his outfit. This has been turned into an under current of lies, and has destroyed his influence.
The Conference there, has all the authority to act with members in that Conference, and I sanction their proceedings; all is perfectly lawful, as far as I have heard.
I wish it distinctly understood, that there is not an apostle of Jesus Christ who now lives, or ever did live, or ever will live, but that man's word is law and gospel to the people if he magnifies his calling. The Apostles did right in this case; and I say the acts of the Conference in Pottawattamie, Elders Hyde, G. A. Smith, and E. T. Benson are just; and if this Conference think the same, signify it by the uplifted hand. (All hands up.) And further, if the Conference in Pottawattamie Co. have cut them off, they are as much cut off, as they ever can be.
When we have an Apostle abroad, who has not power to deal with a Conference, we will call that man home, or send him to Texas, to join Lyman Wight, and then we will put another man in his place.
Choir sung a hymn, Benediction by Aaron Johnson.
[7 Sep 2 pm]
[DNW, 1:1108, 9/14/1850 p 6]
two P. M.
Conference called to order by W. Snow; singing, prayer by W. Snow, singing.
[Elder O. Hyde]
Elder O. Hyde delivered a lecture to the Honorable Chancellor and board of Regents of the University of the State of Deseret, in presence of the Conference, on Education.
Education is not confined to letters only, but to the excluding of all darkness, and when a man has ascended to the summit, he can then bask in the light, having nothing to obscure his vision. Every person is under a responsibility to impart the intelligence that he enjoys, unto others. The child that is born into this world is like a blank sheet of paper, susceptible of any impression, and we have cause to be thankful for the place of our birth; that it has been in a country where intelligence has burst from the heavens through the administration of an angel.
Great honor has been conferred on parents, to mould and fashion that mind, which is put into the tabernacle by the Almighty himself, that they may be qualified to fill the stations they are destined to fill. Here is the honor of rearing up children to the gory of our father in Heaven, and we have an opportunity of rearing it, to offer it to our Father and our God, from whom we received the pledge.
Man originates ideas by external circumstances, and there must be some vehicle to convey his ideas to others, or they are comparatively useless. How pleasing it is when a man gets hold of a brilliant idea, to be able to convey it to others. We can conceive ideas as splendid as the heavens, as brilliant as the orbs that roll above us; but when we want to convey our ideas, our language is imperfect. There was a time when God talked with Father Adam, in the garden of Eden, in a language so perfect and pure as the water that flows in rills around. Afterwards, God confounded the language, all over the world. Yet an imperfect language is better than none at all. if you could bring all the best authors now living, together, they will express their ideas in different words, and they will all admit, that our language is imperfect, yet we have to use that which we have, in order to accomplish the object which is before us, and fulfil the obligations we are under, one to the other, by using the instruments already in our midst.
A certain portion of your property ought to be devoted to the education of your children, in order to qualify them to be good representatives. Let them be full of light and intelligence and then they are able to give an answer to any thing. The schoolmaster occupies an exalted sphere in the field of labor. My feelings are, endow your teachers with a liberal compensation and then they will spare no pains to educate your children. If you sustain the teachers, they will bless you in return; and that people that pays the school master well, are destined to prosper; and may you increase in knowledge until ignorance is burned up in celestial fire; may God grant it; Amen.
[Brigham Young]
Brigham Young said we have been highly entertained by Elder Hyde, he has dealt out the food I like. I feel it my duty to speak in behalf of the Perpetual Emigrating fund for the Poor Last year we did wonders, we accomplished a good thing in raising over $5,000, which was sent back to the States for the Poor. Benediction by Eld. P. P. Pratt
[8 Sep, 10 am*]
[DNW, 1:110-111, 9/14/1850 p 6-7]
Sunday, Sept. 8, '50, 10 A. M.
The Conference was called to order by Pres. Young, stating it was the duty of the Bishops and their Counsellors to attend to their respective Wards, and the officers of state and County to keep perfect order round the building.
The Choir sung the Prodigal Son - Prayer by G. A. Smith - singing.
Elder G. A. Smith said, "the business that presents itself to this Conference is the presentation of the different Authorities of the Church, to see if this Conference sanctions them in their fellowship, and then presented Brigham, who, on motion, was sustained as first President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; also Prophet, Seer and Revelator; and also H. C. Kimball as his first Counsellor and Willard Richards second Counsellor, Historian and general Church Recorder.
B. Young then presented Father John Smith, who on motion was sustained as Patriarch of the Church.
On motion, Orson Hyde was sustained as president, and P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, J. Taylor, G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, E. T. Benson, c. C. Rich L. Snow, E Snow and F. D. Richards as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. John Young was sustained as President of High Priest's Quorum - also R. Cahoon and G. b. Wallace as his Counsellors.
Joseph Young was sustained as Senior President of the Seventies, also Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and Jedediah M. Grant as Presidents of all the Quorums of Seventies.
D. Spencer was sustained as President of this Stake of Zion and David Fullmer and W. Snow his counsellors.
N. K. Whitney was sustained as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
H. G. Sherwood was sustained as President, and Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, Lewis Abbott, Wm. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Elisha H. Groves, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, as members of the High Council, and John Parry was voted to be a member of the same, in place of Thomas Grover who is gone to the States.
John Nebeker was sustained as President of Elder's Quorum, also Jas H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his Counsellors.
Joseph Harker was sustained as President of Priest's Quorum, also Simeon Howd and James A. Chesney his counsellors.
McGee Harris was sustained as President of Teachers Quorum, also John Vance and Reuben Perkins his counsellors.
Wm C. Smithson was sustained as President of Deacons' Quorum, also Gehiel McConnell and Gilburd Summe his Counsellors.
[President Brigham Young]
President
Brigham Young then rose and called the attention of the Conference to the
direct principle of tithing; "We have preached and talked and wrote about
it a long while; I will try again to give my views on it, and the things that
are, I will give you my knowledge so that you may all understand and be
edified.
In the
first place, we are in duty bound to pay our tithing; one tenth of all we
possess, that is what is required of this People: but there are so many queries
and doubts, and sentiments, as to leave the principle of tithing in the dark;
yet it is simple and easy to be understood and may be comprehended by the
weakest of all Saints; yet, there is a general confusion pertaining to the real
debt we owe, called tithing. That debt we all acknowledge, all are willing to
subscribe to it, and sign an obligation for it, and yet many do not understand
that it is the tenth of all we have. It is as easy to be understood, as it is
for Elders who are sent forth to preach the first principles of the gospel that
men may be saved. The time has been, when you and I did not understand those
easy, simple principles that you read over in the Bible: you can read all the
ordinances in the Bible and yet many exclaim we know nothing about it; at least
the Christian world presents its o, because there is no light in them. For the
real debt of tithing, I will have to suppose characters to bring it to your
minds. Some say they are going to pay their tithing in produce and not in
labor; and some say they pay one fifth, instead of one tenth. I say there is
not a man that has ever lived up to the principle of tithing. I will except many,
for they have given all, and then the balance have not paid even the
one-fiftieth of their tithing; and in all probability not more than one in a
thousand dollars, that has been due as tithing, in the Kingdom of God. I have
been an observer so far as to know, that as a general thing, the law of tithing
has not been lived up to. Those who have promptly acted as Saints of the most
High God, and as servants of the Lord have been ready to give their all; men
must come to understanding and then live to it.
I will
take the whole community and represent it as one man and call his name Mr. A.,
a member of the Church: I walk up to him and say, Mr. A., tithing is required
of you to help build Temples, feed the poor, the widow and the fatherless, and
anything that the Law requires; you give the one-tenth of all you have for
building up the Kingdom of God upon the Earth, to sustain the Priesthood, and
for rearing up the Kingdom. Mr. A. is engaged in many branches of business,
merchandizing, trading, farming, and raising grain and cattle; he then retires
to his country seat, rides in his carriage, has plenty of spare time; then he
goes to the anvil, to the joiner's bench, c., &c., and fills a variety of
trades, positions and characters. Mr. A. commences with one hundred thousand
dollars as capital stock, Mr. A., there is then thousand dollars due from you,
which we want this day. He pays it and has ninety thousand dollars capital
stock on hand. Every man must do something, no idler is allowed in Zion, every
man must go to work, no man must wrap his talents in a napkin, but put it to
usury; Mr;. A. goes to speculating on cargoes of merchandize, cattle, horses,
and farms are offered at auction, he puts forth his $90,000 as purchase money
and gains perhaps $410,000 making in all $500,000 in one week, it is quite a
supposable case - there is then $41,000 more tithing due, to pay into the store
house of the Lord, - the balance goes to his capital stock.
We next
see Mr. A., his money all gone, going into the Kanyon after a load of wood, or
to the mill for something to eat, we see him ten days toiling and working, he
owes the one-tenth of his time and team; when he was worked nine days for
himself, then let him take his team and work a day for the public works.
We next
see him as a carpenter or joiner, set him to work on the public works and every
tenth day is put down to him as credit on tithing.
We next
see him a farmer, raising wheat, cattle, horses, sheep, &c., he sets down
and calculates what he has raised, say 100 bushels of wheat at 20 days work, we
then take ten bushels of wheat for this tithing. If he idles away 150 days of
his time in riding and pleasure, he owes 15 days work to the Lord - if he idles
away his own time he has no right to idle away the time of the Lord. If he has
100 sheep, he pays the one-tenth part of them, and has an increase he must
bring in the one-tenth of his wool, and the one-tenth of his increase, or pay
for them, one of the two: - again, he has some cows, and they give so much milk
- where are they? we want the one-tenth of them, with the one-tenth of your
butter, cheese, and the one-tenth of your calves. If Mr. A. has 50 ducks we
want the tithe of them, which is five, and the tithe of the eggs - if you think
it is too trifling a matter for you, let us have the whole of them, it is not
too trifling for us - we want the tithe of your geese and of all the increase -
it may look penurious to you, if it does, hand over the whole of
[To be continued in our next No.]
[DNW, 1:116-117, 9/21/1850 p 4-5]
MINUTES of the General conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at Great Salt Lake City, State of Deseret, Sept. 6, 1850; President Brigham Young, Presiding.
[Continued from page 111, of Deseret News.]
them
- again, passing by his house, I saw a beautiful garden, with melons, onions,
potatoes, &c., if you bring the one-tenth of all, that is all we ask, we
want the one-tenth of what you have got now, and the one-tenth of what you ever
will have.
I an
knowing to men and women carrying eggs ten or twenty miles to sell, and I have
known men to work on the Temple walls half starved to death, while the rich
have been rolling in wealth; it seemed to them so trifling to pay the one-tenth
of what they had, that they would let men build Temples on Johnny-cake and cold
water.
If men
hereafter talk about it, it is only for the purpose of making themselves look
foolish; the grumblers are the men who have not paid the first cent for tithing
since they have been in the Valley. No man that grumbles ever pays tithing. We
want your labor tithing for all the time you are not raising grin, and while
you are raising grain, we want the one-tenth of your increase. If a man says he
is not able to labor, and on that account wants to be excused from tithing on
his time, we want him to come and see us every tenth day and sit by and look
on, and let us look at him, and then we can tell whether he can labor and is a
subject for tithing or not, and whether he feels an interest in the cause, and
if any man is not able to come and see us every tenth day, it is the duty of
the bishop to look after him, and see whether he is not a subject for the
reception of tithing.
Those who
raise rain three months in a year, we want the one-tenth of their grain, and
then one-tenth of their labor for the remaining nine months in the year.
Again, we
are doing wonders; it is a miracle to see what has been accomplished by this
people. I feel the nerve of the Almighty, and the light is burning within me,
and I feel determined that the Gospel shall be preached and the Kingdom built
up; and I will fight the devils all the time, so help me God. (Loud cries of
Amen from the assembly.) I am willing to do anything to help to roll on this
work, and what I do, others ought to be willing to do the same - you see the
works and labors of my brethren, and there is not a man in the world, who knows
us, but has full confidence in us.
H. C.
Kimball - I have ben much interested with the remarks of the President, and I
should suppose any person with sense, would now understand the principle of
tithing. It is clear and comprehensive. We are blest above any other people on
the face of the earth - the Lord has prospered us, and such a crop has never
been seen as a general thing.
Another
thing I have to remark is, do you observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy? Let
us prove to the Lord, Angels and Saints that we will observe it, and then our
blessings will be increased in proportion. As the Lord has said rest on the
Seventh day, and let your animals rest, that your prayers may be accepted of
God.
Many
persons having the Priesthood become careless and sin, and then they are cut
off from the vine, and cannot regain the ground they have lost in not cleaving
to the vine. Although the branch withers and dies, the life remains in the vine
the same as before - then let us take warning and be kind and gentle, subject
our passions to ourselves, and be in subjection to the will of God.
P. P.
Pratt spoke against persons taking the name of the Lord our God in vain,
"and if a man is even an Atheist, he shows bad manners and disrespect to
his superiors, and it is a sin against the neighbor who hears him - any man who
suffers his children, or servants to do it, is neglectful of his duty.
If
persons come here who do not profess any religion, we do not want to
hear them sin against us, as a people, by taking the name of God, or his Son
Jesus Christ, in vain:
Choir sang joy to the world - Benediction by P. P. Pratt.
[8 Sep, 2 pm]
[DNW, 1:117, 9/21/1850 p 5]
two p.m.
Conference called to order by D. Spencer, Choir sung "Jerusalem," prayer by N. K. Whitney, singing.
N. K. Whitney spoke in favor of the brethren going to the San Pete Valley.
[H. C. Kimball]
H. C. Kimball called on those brethren who wanted city lots to leave their names with Bro. bullock, and he would allot each man his inheritance; and any man who sells his place for more than the improvements which are on it, I shall want it, to pay into the Lord's Treasury, where it belongs.
[P. P. Pratt]
P. P. Pratt gave a lecture to young men on cleanliness, and the abstaining from the use of Tobacco, and Ardent spirits; and in a few years it will be written of you, "that they were perfect in their generation, clean in their houses and their persons; good hearted, gentle, kind, happy and everything that is agreeable; their houses were filled with the spirit of good men, sanctified by the Holy Ghost and where angels delighted to visit," - &c.
Prest. Young then said, we will adjourn our conference until the 6th of April 1851, at 10 o'clock, A.M. to meet in this place.
Singing, Bened'n by O. Spencer.
President Young blessed the people in the name of the Lord.
Thomas
Bullock,
Clerk of conference.
15 Sep 1850, Special
Conference, SLC Bowery.
[Deseret News Weekly, 1:114, 9/14/1850 p 2.]
[15 Sep, 10 am]
[DNW 1:114, 9/21/1850, p 2]
A public meeting held in the Bowery, opened with the usual ceremonies.
G. A. Smith rose to speak in behalf of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund for the Poor, and alluded to the time when we were surrounded by mobs, and over 100 houses lighting the heavens with their lurid flame, at midnight; and when rapine, robbery, and violence ruled supreme in Illinois. at that time this people were defenceless; every liberty was taken from them, and they resolved that they would leave the State of Illinois. Many enquired how can I get to the gathering place? We then entered into a covenant, that to the extent of our property and influence, we never woujld cease our exertions, until all the Saints who desired, should be removed to a place of safety; and, at the request of the Presidency,
I move, that this meeting resolve itself into a Special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; -- carried.
Pres't. Brigham Young spoke on the subject of the organization of the Perpetual Fund Company: it is now in a shape that makes it comprehensible; we have the legal right, from the authorities of the State, to pursue lawfully, a system to gather the Poor.
The Ordinance incorporating the Perpetual Emigrating company, was read.
G. A. Smith then asked, who this Conference wanted to be the President of this company? when Pres't. Brigham Young, George A. Smith, D. H. Wells, W. Richards, John Smith, and N. K. Whitney were severally nominated and seconded.
After speeches from O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, and H. C. Kimball,
Motion that Brigham Young be the President of the Perpetual Emigrating Company, was put to vote and unanimously carried.
Pres't. Young said, "you can read in the Doctrine and Covenants, when members of this church are tried, they can appeal from one Court to another, until they attain the highest Curt, which is the Conference, and that is the end of all controversy; for it is impossible to get any thing that is wrong passed through any Conference; so long as the majority of the people are righteous, and that is a principle, that will stand for ever and ever; there is nothing that is sanctioned by the people, but what God will own.
Let the Latter-day Saints be humble and faithful to their God, and all is right; I want this people so to live before the Lord all the time, as to have the light of eternal truth continually dwelling in them.
I present Heber C. Kimball as one of the Assistants in this Company; carried; -- also Willard Richards, Newel K. Whitney, Orson Hyde, George A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Jedediah M. Grant, Daniel H. Wells, Willard Snow, Edward Hunter, Daniel spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Cosby, Amasa Lyman, Charles C. rich, Lorenzo Young, and Parley P. Pratt; who were all unanimously voted as Assistants to the President of the Company.
The President of the Company appointed a meeting for 6 o'clock this evening; Choir sung a hymn; Benediction by P. P. Pratt.
T.
Bullock, Clerk.
5-6 October 1850,
General Conference, Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, England.
[Millennial Star 12:321-325, 345-349, 357-365, 369-370]
[5 Apr, 10:30 am]
[MS 12:321-325]
GENERAL CONFERENCE
of the
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS,
FOR GREAT BRITAIN AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES.
Held in the Carpenter's hall, Manchester, on Saturday and
Sunday, 5th and 6th days of October, 1850
SATURDAY MORNING.
PRESENT OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES
|
Orson Pratt |
John Taylor, and |
F. D. Richards |
OF THE SEVENTIES.
Eli B. Kelsey, Jas. W. Cummings, Joseph W. Clements, Cyrus H. Wheelock, Lewis Robbins, J. H. Flanigan, Jacob Gates, Isaac C. Haight, Robert Campbell, Wm. burton, &c., &c.
HIGH PRIESTS
Levi Richards, Geo. B. Wallace, Wm. Moss, John S. Higbee;, Wm. Philips, Wm. Gibson, Crandell Dunn, John Davis, George D. Watt, James Pugh, &c., &c.
The Presidents of the conferences generally, a vast concourse of elders and other officers and members of the Church.
[5 Apr. 10:30 am]
At half past 10 o'clock, the meeting was opened by singing "Th Spirit of God like a fire is burning," &c. Prayer was offered by President Orson Pratt, after which he made the following remarks.
[Orson Pratt]
Dear Brethren and Sisters, we have assembled this morning in a general conference. It is now upwards of two years since such a conference has been held in this country. As there is important business to be transacted, we hope that all present who are concerned, will seek the aid of the Spirit to assist them The principal part of the business is to be transacted may be done to day. If we had not important business to transact, it would be good to gather together, and to impart such counsel as would be necessary to strengthen the union of the Saints. This is necessary in such a church as this. The church of the Latter-day Saints in the British Isles, has become a great people, and is scattered from one end of the land to the other; and unless there is a united exertion on the part of the officers of the church, there cannot be maintained that union necessary to the enjoyment of the blessings of the kingdom of God, and the further advancement of the work in this country. There is strength in union, and greater strength than many people imagine. When the Saints are united, they can prevail with the heavens, and draw down blessings u pon their endeavors, and no man can hinder; how much the union of three or four thousand elders has already accomplished! It is necessary for all to have correct views in relation to the kingdom of God and the work entrusted to their charge; it is for this purpose, that there may be a union of action and feeling, that we have assembled ourselves together this day. The first business we shall transect, will be in relation to the officers of the church, and after that, there will be some general instructions given. The presidents also will be appointed to their particular conferences, that those who intend to emigrate, may do so, with the sanction and voice of the conference; that is the plan ordained by the church, and which was enjoined upon us by our prophet and seer: in the revelations given to him, we are instructed to do all things by common consent. Now, we want all to vote on the subjects that may come before them either one way or the other, either for or against. You are not bound to vote either in the affirmative or the negative, but according to your own judgment, and if you all have the spirit of the Lord, it will teach you to vote unanimously, according to the truth. This is the order of heaven; if we were acquainted with the quorums above, we should find that there is a unanimous feeling upon all subjects pertaining to the affairs of the heavenly world. This will eventually be the case upon the earth, but in our present imperfect state, every man must act according to the best wisdom he can command. No man can be condemned for voting in the negative. When the voice of the church is required as to the sustaining of any of her officers, if they please to vote in the negative in these cases, we shall not call them to an account. I make this observation, because, in some of the conferences, the members have been constrained to vote in one particular way; and if they voted contrary, they were called to account, now this is to take away their liberties. It is true, there are subjects on which people are required to vote in one way, in principles of doctrine, or in matters that relate to our duty, wherein people that vote in the negative may be called to an account. I will now give way for the brethren to bring up the different quorums of the church.
[John Taylor]
Elder John Taylor remarked: In relation to these things spoken of by brother Pratt, they are strictly correct; union is the principal thing that cements and binds men together. Where there is union there is power, it is the power of /God, and the spirit and truths of God will roll forth by it. Union is based upon law and intelligence. However, I will not enter further into that matter, but touch briefly on the subject named by Elder Pratt, namely, the manner of calling over the councils of the church. It is necessary that men should not only be called of God, but be acknowledged as brother Pratt remarked, by the people. This is not as it is in the political world; they sometimes say that the voice of the people is the voice of God. This is not always so, for if a man receives an office from the Lord, he is set apart by the Lord to perform the duties of that office, to communicate his will to the children of men. Now, whether these men receive that message or not, he is bound to communicate that thing to the people, although they were to call him an imposter, he then has done his duty, and stands acquitted before God. But in relation to this matter, thee are certain principles connected with it which we should be acquainted with. The voice of the people is the voice of God, if conducted upon proper principles. The commandment comes from God and not from the people, he calls, ordains, and sends them to do certain things,a nd their communication of them is the voice of God; it becomes the voice of God, because these men are under the influence of the spirit of God. The elders of this church, if they are men of God, have been put in possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and are capable of discerning the difference between light and darkness, if they are doing their duty before God, for MY sheep hear my voice and will follow me, but a stranger they will not follow." Then it is necessary that when the Lord sends forth his servants, he ordains them to certain offices, which should be acknowledged by the people over whom they preside, and to communicate the word of God, when this is done, the officers, according to their various grades, are held responsible for their own actions. The children of Israel thought proper to choose a king, and says the Lord, you can have one, if you want one, but it will not be good for you: he will do thus and so for you, but you can have a king if yo please, such and such consequences will follow. Give us a king; take it, you can do just as you please, you have a voice in it. God in these last days has organized his kingdom. When Joseph Smith was living, he was the anointed of the Lord, and received revelations from Him for the guidance of the whole church. Were the people bound to receive these revelations? In a certain sense they would have been guilty if they had not, but thy became bound when they had acknowledged those words. Here is Joseph Smith, the prophet, for instance, will you sustain him? all that do so, hold up your right hand; this became the act and duty of the people, and they then became bound to observe all the intelligence he should impart. What then? why, the twelve, &c., are placed in precisely in the same situation. We have man appointed by the lord in the first place, and then by the different councils of government in Zion, the councils of twelve, high priest, seventies, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, and by all the different branches throughout the nations of the earth, wherever this gospel has gone. Here comes a communication, a revelation or commandment through him, for the elders to do so and so, -- how do they feel? why, say they, this man is set apart, and he as set us apart to carry out such and such measures. We will go right at it: it is not a question with us, whether we shall do it or not: we have voted for him and are willing altogether, to sustain him as a servant of god. Then comes on the twelve upon the same principle, the elders of conferences and branches, and according to the peculiar positions that they all occupy, they have got to be sustained in their own place; the church must be governed by their directions. But if an elder should do wrong, are we to vote for him? no, lift up your hands to cut him off, if he repent not. That is the way I want yo to do with me, with brothers Pratt and Richards, and with all of us, we do not want you to sustain iniquity under a false cover; when men do right, then it is that we have to sustain them. How long? why, all the time, until they have been proven guilty of something wrong; don't let a man drop, because some one has whispered so and so, have proof, and then let him be dealt with according to the rules; I need not enter on them. This forms a bond of union. The Lord says to his servant, the prophet, I want such a thing accomplished; go and communicate it to the elders of my church. You twelve, say to somebody else, do so and so, for the well being and salvation of man; the presidents of conferences &c., are up and doing, and saying to others, do so and so; thus there is formed a complete unbroken chain of union, knowledge, and power, and the spirit of God exists with them,m and the blessings of God attends that people, and hence it is that we are presented before you from time to time. Why human nature is weak, the servants of God are liable to err, and when they are assembled before the thousands of His people, what then? If they should have done anything wrong, the spirit of God in the people will mark it, that the church may be kept pure: vote for the good and true, and those you vote for, sustain by your prayers and influence, and not say, well, there is something good about such a person, but his evils we will say nothing about; we do not want anything of this sort, if there are any evils, let them be brought forth. I make these remarks, that when you vote to sustain a person, you will do so with all your hearts, and move that this conference accept and sustain President 'Brigham Young as the first President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
[Franklin D. Richards]
Elder Franklin D. Richards moved that Presidents Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards be accepted and sustained by the conference as his counsellors, which was also seconded and passed by a unanimous vote.]
The following motions were made, seconded, and unanimously carried severally.
That Orson Hyde be sustained as President of the Twelve Apostles.
That Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards be sustained as the traveling High Council of Twelve Apostles.
F. D. Richards moved, That the conference not only feel to sustain Elder Orson Pratt as the President of the church in the British Islands, but that we bestow upon him our most heartfelt thanks for the skilful and efficient manner in which he has conducted the affairs of the church in these Islands. His labors and services have not been of an ordinary kind! The instructions which have emanated from his lips,a nd from his pen, have been of such a character as to instruct teachers, and qualify presiding elders to feed their flocks and build up the church of Christ. The term of his presidency has been the dawn of a new era upon the Saints in Europe. During his ministry, the circulation of the MILLENNIAL STAR, has been increased from thirty-eight hundred to twenty-three thousand semi-monthly. Not less than three thousand Saints will have emigrated from these shores to the land appointed of God for the establishment of Zion, through his agency, and no fewer than sixteen thousand will have been added to the church by baptism in these lands. What cheering prospects are now before the elders and Saints in these lands. What joy will fill Elder Pratt's bosom as he recedes from this land, when he shall contemplate the great success with which is labors have been crowned. All who appreciate his labors, will unite in invoking the choicest blessings of Almighty God upon his person, his beloved family, and all that appertains to him -- that his soul may be satisfied with the goodness of god unto him. I move an expression of gratitude to God, and thanks to elder Pratt for his labors of love to the people of these Islands.
Elder John Taylor seconded the motion,m and put it to the conferences, which ws carried by a unanimous vote.
[Orson Pratt]
Elder Pratt then said, I cannot but feel grateful to you, and the Great God for this expression of kindness and love towards me. When I came into this country, I came as Paul said he came to the Corinthian church, with much fear and trembling; I realized the responsibilities that were bout to be placed upon me -- responsibilities not like those of earthly governments, but infinitely greater, to look after the Church of God, to look after the welfare of the Saints, to look after the spreading forth of the work of God in this country; I felt my own weakness, and sought much of God in earnest prayer to give me he wisdom of his Holy Spirit; to give me grace to assist in my administrations, and in all the duties of my Presidency in this land; that I might set an example before the people which I might look back upon in years to come with joy and satisfaction. I realized that it was impossible for me by my own understanding, or by human wisdom, to stand in the responsible station to which I had been appointed, and do justice to the work of this ministry. I did not feel to trust in my own wisdom, and have not from that time to this; for there is no wisdom that man can naturally command that is able to qualify him to act even as a deacon, how can he magnify a greater office without the spirit of the Lord? These feelings have ever been with me in times past, a nd are with me to this day. And I feel grateful to the Lord, if I have been an instrument in his hand in befitting the people here, it is of the spirit of the Lord and not of men. I had not been accustomed to writing much previous to engaging in my editorial labors in this country; therefore, it being something nearly new to me, I felt my own inability, and felt that unless god gave me assistance, it would be impossible for me to write so as to benefit the people. I am thankful to God for his spirit, and pray that it may abide with me, while I abide in your midst, so that I may be able to show and example to the people that shall be acceptable in the sight of God, and then return to my brethren in the land of Zion, with a conscience void of offense, and enjoy the approbation of the Saints here, and of those in America. I will at this time say a few words upon some of the business entrusted to my charge in this country; I shall, perhaps, have no better occasion while I remain among you of properly setting forth before the Saints those things than at this present General Conference. I wish to set forth before yo some of the business which I have endeavored to perform according to the best of my ability. The first Presidency in Zion appointed me to take charge of the church, the printing department, and the emigration of the Saints; these were the three particular charges given to me. so far as the printing department is concerned, I have endeavored to inspect all articles that have been sent for insertion in the STAR, that our paper might the true reflector of sound doctrine ad general information. While I was from this country on a visit to council Bluffs, the STAR was conducted in a very able manner by Elder Kelsey, and all the pieces he permitted to go in have met with my approbation. I have endeavored to keep a close watch on all articles sent for the STAR; these wee the instructions given to me by the first Presidency. The STAR stands forth for the whole world, and for future generations to gaze upon, and therefore, it should be a repository of truth. I am not aware that I have published anything but what is strictly correct; but to err is human! if, therefore, I have published error it has not been intentionally, but has been an error of judgment; I am not aware, however, of having published anything but what I consider to be correct, but if any brother will point out anything erroneous, I will endeavor to correct in future publications. I have published many pamphlets in this country, and have disposed of them at wholesale price, which has been about one penny each; that is much cheaper than many other publications of the same size and amount of matter. The books, STARS, &c., will have a great influence wherever they g, and we hope that the demand in this country for the STAR may greatly increase, and that there may be hundreds of thousands circulated by the future presidency, for in this way the word of God may be more fully manifested throughout all the land. With these observations I close my remarks.
Elder J. Taylor moved that this conference sustain Elder F. D. Richards, as successor to President Orson Pratt, in the presidency of the church, in the British Islands; also George B. Wallace and Levi Richards as his counsellors. Second, and passed unanimously.
An expression of fond remembrance was made in behalf of our brethren who are laboring in France, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, and all other countries where the gospel is preached, with earnest prayerful solicitude for their success in winning souls to Christ.
[It was our intention to have presented Elders Philips, Davies, and Pugh, the presidency of the ten Welsh conferences before the General Conference for their vote of confidence, but we regret to say this item was overlooked: we would assure them of our undivided confidence and fellowsh8p in the ministry of reconciliation, and do believe that all the faithful bestow upon them this love so far as they are known. -- Ed.]
Resolved, -- that the following presidents of conferences, and travelling Elders, be released from their labors, and have permission to emigrate with their families to America; and the conferences over which they have so ably presided and labored in, are hereby requested to assist these men of God to gather to the bosom of the church, which would be but a just recompense for their invaluable teachings and labors of love among them.
Elder Wm. Gibson, President of the Manchester Conference.
----- Thomas Margetts ...................................London Ditto.
----- Crandell Dunn, ..................................... Edinburgh Ditto.
----- James D. Ross, ......................................Staffordshire Ditto
----- James W. Cummings, .............................Sheffield Ditto
----- George D. Watt, .....................................Preston Ditto
----- William Booth, .......................................Cheltenham Ditto
----- William Moss, ........................................Clitheroe Ditto
----- William Henshaw, travelling in Herefordshire Ditto
----- Thomas Smith, ditto Bedfordshire Ditto
(To be Continued.)
[MS 12: 345-349]
(Continued from our last.)
The following resolutions were then adopted:--
That Elder Eli B. Kelsey succeed Elder Margetts in the presidency of the London conference.
That Elder Cyrus H. Weeelock succeed Elder Gibson, in the presidency of the Manchester conference.
That Elder Lewis Robbins succeed Elder Cummings, in the presidency of the Sheffield conference.
That Elder James Marsden succeed Elder Dunn, in the presidency of the Edinburgh conference.
That Elder James Bell succeed Elder Ross, in the presidency of the Staffordshire conference.
That Elder Joseph W. Johnson succeed Elder Watt, in the presidency of the Preston conference.
That Elder Isaac C. Haight succeed Elder Booth, in the presidency of the Cheltenham conference.
That Elder Jesse W. Crosby succeed Elder Kelsey, int he presidency of the Warwickshire conference.
That Elder Haden W. Church succeed Elder Wheelock, in the presidency of the Herfordshire conference.
That Elder Jacob Gates succeed Elder Robbins, in the presidency of the Leicestershire and Derbyshire conferences.
That Elder Robert Menzies succeed Elder Marsden, in the presidency of the Bradford Conference.
That Elder James H. Flanigan continue to preside over the Birmingham conference.
" Joseph Clements ...................................................Glasgow Ditto.
" George Haliday .................................................... South Ditto.
" John Spiers ............................................................Bedfordshire Ditto.
" Thomas Smith .........................................................Norwich Ditto.
" Hugh Findlay ..........................................................Hull Ditto.
" John Lyon ...............................................................Worcestershire Ditto.
" James Mc. Naughten ...............................................Channel Islands Ditto.
" William C. Dunbar ................................................ Southampton Ditto.
" George Kendall ......................................................Dorsetshire Ditto.
" Gland Rodger ..........................................................Liverpool Ditto.
" Lorin Babbitt ...........................................................Lincolnshire Ditto.
" John S. Higbee.........................................................Newcastle-on-tyne Ditto.
" John Kelly ................................................................Isle of Man Ditto
That the branches of Carlisle, Daston, Annan, Alstone, and Brampton, be detached from the Newcastle-upon-Tyre conference, and for a conference of themselves to be known as the Carlisle conference, and that Elder Appleton Harmon take the presidency thereof.
That the branches of Shrewsbury, Asterley, Llanymanach, Pool Quay, Montgomery, and Lightwoodgreen, be detached from the Liverpool Conference, and form a conference of themselves, to be known as the Shropshire conference, and that Elder Joseph W. Young take the presidency thereof.
That the branches of Whitechurch, Market Drayton, and Press, be detached from the Staffordshire conference and annexed to the Shropshire.
That the branch at Newtown be detached from the Welsh jurisdiction, and annexed to the Shropshire conference.
That the branch at Southport be detached from the Preston conference, and annexed to the Liverpool.
That the few members at Mold be detached from the Liverpool conference, and annexed to the Flintshire, under the Welsh jurisdiction.
That the Saints in Newport, Stafford, and neighborhood, be detached from the Staffordshire conference, and annexed to the Birmingham.
That the branch at Great Grimsby be detached from the Bradford conference, and annexed to the Hull.
That the branches of Ledbury, Keyson Street, Old Storage, Pippin Hill, Ridgway Cross and Froomes Hill, be detached from the Herefordshire conference, and annexed to the Worcestershire.
That the Portsmouth and Gosport branches be detached from the London conference, and annexed to the Southampton.
That the Saints in Salisbury be detached from the South conference, and annexed to the Southampton.
That the branches forming the present Clitheroe conference be annexed to the Preston conference, when Elder Moss leaves for America.
That Elders Moses Clawson and David Smith be appointed to labor in the Dorsetshire conference, under the direction of Elder Kendall.
That Elder Kelly, of Galloway, be appointed to labor in the Worestershire conference under the direction of elder Lyon, and that he be authorized to appoint some elder or priest to take charge of the Saints in Galloway.
That Elder Claudius V. spencer be appointed to labor in the Leicestershire and Derbyshire conferences, under the directions of Elder Gates.
That Elder Burton be released from the Lincolnshire conference, and be appointed to labor in the Edinburgh for the time being, under the direction of Elder Dunn.
That Elder Job Smith be released from the Norwich conference, and appointed to labor in the Bedfordshire, under the directions of Elder Spiers.
That Elder Gilbert Clements be appointed to preside over the church in Belfast and vicinity, and that he have permission to call Brother Dennison to his assistance, and others if necessary.
That Elder E. Sutherland be appointed to preside over the church in Dublin and vicinity.
That Elders G. B. Wallace and Levi Richards be accepted as travelling Elders, under the direction of the presidency in this land.
[Franklin D. Richards]
Elder F. D. Richards. -- I would much rather have heard Elder Pratt present before you the items of instruction which I am about to present, than to do it myself. I feel deeply sensible that much is made to depend upon the instructions given to instructors. A great deal depends upon the wisdom, diligence, and faithfulness of the presiding Elders of conferences and branches as to what is accomplished in the work of the Lord -- it is by your influences severally in your spheres of labor. Your instructions and examples are effectual upon the people, hence the vast importance of their being consonant with the word of God, and dictated by his Holy Spirit that they may have free access to the hearts of the Saints, and increase their excellence in the sight of God and the Holy Angels. You as the luminaries of the people should be diligent to reflect truly and faithfully all principles of doctrine and other instructions which are from time to time given you by those who are appointed over you in the Lord. One man cannot be in all places to administer the word of God; but he sends forth the instructions which he receives through others to the people; if those whom he sends forth possess the same spirit, and like our Lord Jesus Christ, do not their own will but the will of Him that sent them, then they to whom these are sent will receive the same instructions, partake of the same spirit, and will vie together from first to last to carry out any measure necessary for the furtherance of the work of the Lord. Herein is the power of God made manifest through His people to the world, by their union of faith, their concert of action, being all led by the Holy Spirit to mind the same things. One part of the great work which is assigned to us, is the emigration of the Saints to Zion; in performing which, the presidency in Liverpool have found many difficulties. Instructions to the Saints, how to prepare themselves and arrange their effects to emigrate, have been repeatedly published in the STAR, in the most explicit manner; but notwithstanding this is done, letters come in almost daily, calling for the information which has been so plainly and frequently published; to answer which, imposes a heavy tax of time and labor upon the office. If the elders take it upon themselves to set forth and carry out the instructions contained in the STAR upon this and other subjects, it will save much labor, much anxiety, and much expense to all the Saints concerned, as well as ourselves. There are many reasons why the general instructions which are published in the STAR upon all subjects should be reiterated frequently in the ears of the people, in the public congregations of the Saints, and in the counsel of the Priesthood. One reason is, some of the Saints are unlearned, and perhaps can scarcely read at all, many dwell in the pits of the earth, almost from one week's end to the other, we feel in our hearts to compassionate them in their servile condition; many who can read are apt to forget what they have read, their minds being often troubled with the cares of the wold, which choke the word; consequently, their minds need an occasional stirring up to remembrance. Another reason is; as people come into the church, obtain the spirit of the work, and become acquainted with our method of business, if they have the means they gather out, and new members are added to the church daily who have not read the STARS, and of course know nothing of the instructions that have ;been published in them; consequently, if the Elders do not instruct them upon these subjects, they remain unacquainted with them, until they wish to emigrate, then they institute an enquiry, too often at the office instead of their proper president. The primitive condition of the churches, arising from the fact of our sending off those best acquainted with the counsels and instructions of the church; also the departure of presidents of conferences best qualified fo the work, ant heir places often supplied by others less experienced and unacquainted with instructions formerly published, render it necessary that the presidents of conferences and branches should acquaint themselves thoroughly with all the epistles and instructions which have been published from time to time, by the Presidency in this country, and also those published by the First Presidency. Brethren, these things are necessary; in order that we may efficiently co-operate in building up Zion.; for unless instructions can be sent forth, and promptly acted upon, the measures of the kingdom of God can not be accomplished. One item upon the subject of emigration is worthy of more particular remark; viz., when the printed letters of notification are sent from the office, to inform the persons when the ship will sail, if they cannot go in that ship, and immediately return an answer to that effect, their deposit money can be transferred, so as to apply on their passage in any subsequent ship, but if they return word they will go, and then fail, they subject us to a heavy loss, besides they must themselves lose their deposit money. When the James Pennell sailed on the 2nd inst., several berths were vacant, which might have been occupied just as well if the persons who failed to occupy them had returned word that they could not go on receiving their letters of notification. Several were anxious to go out in that ship whom we were obliged to refuse, because others who did not go had informed us they would. It is not required that all persons should go who are notified, but it is required, that when they are notified, they should immediately inform us whether they can or cannot go; then others can be notified, who stand ready to take their places. This is a matter of importance, Ł100 may easily be lost through a trifling neglect.
Another subject which is worthy of your studious and prayerful consideration is, the circulation of the printed word to the uttermost, throughout your conferences. The Books of Mormon, and Doctrines and Covenants, are not so highly appreciated by the Saints generally as they would be, if the Saints were more familiar with their contents; and it cannot be expected that intelligent people will become believers in them, until they become somewhat acquainted with their precepts. These books cannot be too extensively circulated, nor their contents too well understood. They contain the words of Holy Prophets and Apostles. They contain the words of Holy Angels. they contain the words of the Lord Jesus Christ to his people on earth. In them is plainly predicted many important events which are now being fulfilled. They also declare what shall befall the present generations of man until the coming of Christ. In them is definitely pointed out the order of the Church, and the duties of the several officers thereof, in a manner too plain to be misunderstood by those who are blessed with the Holy Spirit in their minds. The instructions contained in these books are of that momentous import that justly entitles them to the consideration of all men. They should be read by every family that can read throughout the nation, and it is quite inexcusable for the Saints to remain ignorant of their precious contents. It is the duty of the teachers throughout all the conferences, to ascertain who have, and who have not these books, and to teach such as have not to obtain them, and search them as for the treasures of life. If there were any who are unable to purchase them, the presiding Elders may devise such means as they deem fit, to provide the worthy poor with these invaluable treasures of knowledge, that while they are impoverished with excessive toil for a morsel of bread, they may be fed with the words of life, that their spirits may sustain them under their privations and hardships, until the day of their deliverance shall come. Some valuable hints upon the method of accomplishing this are contained in the lat minutes of the Warwickshire conference, by Elder Eli B. Kelsey. Beside the circulation of these books, should be attentively considered, the circulation of the various publications of the church which have been written in elucidation and defence of the different doctrines of our Holy Faith. The press is a most powerful and prolific means of spreading the knowledge of truth. Each book, pamphlet, or tract, is a preacher, exhorter, or defender of the faith; testifying of the things which do know, and which we most assuredly believe. The words of a man of God, as the seed sown broad cast, fall upon the congregations of the people, like the various kinds of soil mentioned by our Saviour, some being good in which the word takes root; but much of the precious seed falls upon the way side, on stony ground, or among thorns, and consequently becomes choked, withers away, or is altogether plucked up by the fowls of the air; while a small proportion takes root in good tender hearts, and brings forth, thirty, sixty, and sometimes an hundred fold. But the silent printed messengers often go where the servants of God cannot obtain audience. By accident or design, they find their way into the drawing-rooms, and parlors, of those who would be unwilling to jeopardize their standing in society by openly listening to our words. Many who like Nicodemus of old, desire to know (unobserved) what thee things mean, can entertain such silent preachers in the retirement of their bedchambers, if the general observation of the family is considered dangerous, or unpopular, and thee learn what they must do to be saved. The words of life read under these circumstances, are not soon forgotten. These small exponents of the faith often carry home with true deliberate aim, the arrow of truth to the heart, and create an uneasiness to know if these things are so, till constrained to venture forth, they seek the assembly of the Saints. (carefully however at first, lest he should be noticed). The words of truth are sweet to the honest soul, he drinks and drinks, and drinks again, until the gracious influences of the holy Spirit in confirmation of the truths which he has heard, produces in his mind that satisfaction and delight, in the society of the people of God, which he can find no where else, he shakes off his timidity, he realizes the potency of those truths which so fully satisfy his soul, and boldly dares to give a reason for the hope which he sees before him in the Gospel. Finding his reasons unanswerable, he rejoices in further exploring, and more zealously advocating the newly-discovered truths of heaven, in doing which, the Holy Spirit aids him; convinced of the excellence of the knowledge of God, he becomes obedient to the ordinances fore-ordained of heaven for his salvation from his sins, and receives the testimony of Jesus, -- his joys are now increased in the lord, -- he seems inseparably attached to the doctrines of life, insomuch that they appear to have become a part of his nature; while the idle and sinful enjoyments of sensuality in the pride of life in which he used to delight himself, have altogether lost their relish for him. He being now in Christ a new creature, old things have passed away, and all that is before him appears now. His course of conduct now so changed and exemplary, preaches to his family, kindred, and friends, with a persuasion tenfold more powerful than Cambridge eloquence, until as in numerous instances which have come under our observation, the whole family, one after another, are induced to render obedience to the faith, and walk together as the heirs of the grace of life. This glorious end attained, their united influence is felt among a numerous circle of friends, more or less of whom are, by reading the publications and conversation, convinced of the truths which but a few days or weeks before they persecuted: and all this the effect of secretly perusing a single tract carried into the house by a servant. A gentleman who was educated for a Church of England clergyman, recently informed me, that his attention was first attracted by the regular absence of his servant; upon inquiring into the matter, she presented him with a syllabus of the course of lectures which she was attending; he was induced to attend a lecture, the subject of which was named on the bill; the result is, his own and another family connected by marriage, are families of saints; and he dates their conversion from the circumstance of his calling his servant to account for the manner she spent her absent time, when she presented him the syllabus of lectures. Instead of a clergyman preaching the doctrines of a church "as by law established," he is an Elder in, and advocates the doctrines of the Church established by the commandment of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of Holy Angels. Seeing, then, brethren that so small portions of the printed word as a TRACT, and a BILL announcing a course of lectures, lead to so great and glorious results, in the hands of servants; let us all seek to serve the people faithfully wit BOOKS, PAMPHLETS, and the STARS, in their own private dwellings as well as at our public assemblies. The vast amount of good that may be effected by them, renders it extremely desirable that you employ the devices of your enterprising minds, to give them as widely extended a circulation as possible.
I will further add, your time and talents will be more profitably occupied in instructing the priesthood and Saints in their duties, than in commencing the work in new places, generally. Let the travelling Elders and Priests minister to the world, and build up new branches as the Spirit may direct, while you feed the flock, and teach them how to spread forth upon the right and left.
These few important items are deemed worthy your notice; may your attention to and action upon them, increase your abilities to do the will of God, a nd make you abler ministers to the great and good people over whom yo are called to preside.
In conclusion, allow me to congratulate you, my beloved fellow-servants, upon the great success which has so generally crowned your labors in your various conferences. Your labors have not been in vain in the Lord. Thousands will rise up and bless you in the great and coming day. As the time of President Pratt's departure draws near, I view in perspective the duties of the presidency rolling in upon me like the mountain wave; but by your prayerful co-operation, and the exuberant blessings of the Holy Spirit, I hope to be able o stand with you open and without rebuke, accomplishing the good pleasure of the Lord concerning us, until we finish our course with joy.
[MS 12:357-365]
[John Taylor]
Elder J. Taylor arose and said, -- Thee is one subject I would speak a little upon, and that is connected with the emigration of mechanics to the Valley, and of the necessity of a concentration of action for the accomplishment of this, that the church may enjoy the beneficial results. In relation to this matter, the Presidency in the Valley in their public addresses, and in their general epistles, have stated the necessity of such persons going there, that we may manufacture our own materials; this is absolutely necessary for every people to attend to, if they wish to prosper. It is upon this principle that England has been sustained, namely, by her manufactures, and although there are many evils in the present organization of things, in relation to manufactures, the inhabitants of this country could not be sustained without them. We are now going to that country where it is the intention of all the Saints to go, when circumstances will permit. We have a rich soil, and a good climate, but there are many inconveniences we have to suffer for want of home manufactures. We have to transport from a distant country many things that are necessary to meet our wants;, and these we have to purchase from different parts of the United States, while these very things might be provided in our own midst. If mechanics could go there, we should be capable of manufacturing among ourselves those things that are necessary for our happiness and enjoyment in this world, by pursuing a correct course. Some people are anxious to obtain money, but it is labor that is true wealth. If god and silver is multiplied to a great extent; it has a tendency to impoverish and not to enrich, when improperly employed. For instance, a very large majority of the inhabitants of Mexico, Peru, Chili, and of various other countries possessed of mineral resources, have sunk into a state of ignorance and wretchedness, because their wealth has not been properly appropriated. Many people are deceived that go to 'California, they think to get plenty of gold, is to get wealth; but can the getting of gold, independent of other species of labor, feed you and clothe you? Why if you were to offer bushels of the precious dust for a piece of bread, or for an article of clothing you could not obtain it, if it were not for the laboring farmer and the mechanic. What is wealth? If a man has food, and clothing, and horses, and carriages, and houses, and lands, he is generally considered a wealthy man in England, and in France, and in other European nations. Where do these things come from but from the men who manufacture the raw material? even the gold by which these things are purchased could not be obtained but by the labor of man. When we are in the fat valleys of the Rocky Mountains, what do we want to do? We want to establish manufactories, according to a properly organized system, that we can go to work and prepare everything necessary to bring about this wealth. We have the resources in our possession, in great abundance; for it is one of the best countries in the world for cattle, and for sheep, so that wool will be quite plentiful, and of the best quality. I will suppose some of us were in the Valley, and we want to possess happiness and wealth. Well, we want shoes, do we not? but shall we take the leather from this country? no; we have plenty of cattle there; we want tanners to tan it; there is also plenty of bark and other necessary materials for this purpose. The we went shoemakers to make the leather into shoes and boots, so that we may not go barefoot, but have something to protect our feet. Then we want stockings to keep us warm, and of course we shall want wool to make them of, we have plenty of it there, so that we have enough to supply the wants of the people. We shall want some carding machines, to card this wool, and spinning machines to spin it. I understand wool can be spun the same as cotton, through some recent improvements which have been made in this department of manufacture. We want these improvements, and we want them to go there. One of these machines I understand will save the labor of six men, when compared to the former process of doing that kind of business. Some people may say, "that is going to injure the trade." Not so; you need not be afraid of getting out of work, on account of the introduction of machinery there. We have got a nation to raise, cities to build, and temples to erect and to accomplish great feats; and if you want to do two days' work in one, you can do it! I have had plenty of it myself. I have never seen the Saints short of work the idea is, to do as much of it as possible with as little labor. Well, when we hv got the yarn for our stockings, we will get our sisters to knit them.
The next thing we want is pantaloons. shall we trust to other nations for this material? No; but we will take our own wool, and after having it spun, we will weave it. There are plenty of men from the neighborhood of Bristol, in the west of England, and from Bradford and Leeds, in Yorkshire, that understand the manufacture of fine cloth; and thus we shall have just as good broad cloth as can be manufactured here or anywhere else; and we will not have to come here and buy these materials, and pay 30 per cent. duty upon them in the States of AMerica; but we will raise the wool in the mountains,a nd have everything of this kind that we want, and as much of it as we want.
Well, now, we have got fur coats and vests, but, by the bye, some of them are to be made of silk, and we shall want some silk handkerchiefs. We can take some of the silk worm eggs from this country, or from the States, or from France, and raise the worms and the silk in the Valley; and then we can take some of our Macclesfield brethren, who understand how to manufacture it. We shall also want some hats: we have plenty of beaver up there; there are all kinds of fur: it is the very country where the Hudson Bay Company go to for fur.
So that we have now got our shoes, and boots, and pantaloons, and stockings, and hats; but I have not noticed our shirts: we shall want shirts. The Valley is the greatest place in the world to raise flax. We do not raise cotton there, but I presume cotton may be raised in the southern valleys; however, if we cannot muster cotton shirts, we can wear linen ones.
Thee are the sisters, by the bye: they will want some clothing; we must not forget them while we are enumerating all these grand things. Their stockings and shoes, and many other articles of their clothing, are made of the same kind of materials we have mentioned. I do not know of anything, except is their bonnets, that would differ; and we can raise plenty of straw, so that they can make straw bonnets. We calculate to introduce everything of that kind, so that every body can be supplied with anything they want. The ladies' shawls are manufactured from wool and silk and hemp and silk.
Now these are some of the articles necessary to make people comfortable. We can manufacture counterpanes, sheets, blankets, and all these sort of things, as well as any people can. Then we shall want some crockery ware, such as cups, saucers, plates, and all other articles of tea-service. They are principally made of clay, flint, and a few other things. I presume we can obtain all these articles there, and if we can get them made there, they would not be broken in going over the long journey. We have plenty of gold in that country, with which we can beautify our pots and dishes if we think proper. There is an endless amount of blessings and comforts to be obtained, and the way is to make them ourselves. Who are we? We are the people of God. We are the people to go there, and unite our energies to create these things and then enjoy them.
We will build our own houses, and live in our own habitations. What about the ores? we have plenty of them, and of the most precious kind. We can dig into the mountains for the ores we need, without going so deep as they have to do in Wales; we possess the principle of wealth right among ourselves, we have it in the intelligence we have derived as a people. We shall want knives and forks to eat with, and some tools to work with: where must we get them from? shall we go to Sheffield for them? no; but we will set the Welsh boys to get the ore in the mountains, and then set the Sheffield boys to work in fixing it up into tools, and into knives and forks, and anything else of that kind we may need. Why, brethren, there is nothing under heaven but what is in our reach. You go to work there, and turn over the rich soil, and dig in the mountains, and you will find an abundant supply of all things necessary for life; and that too, without a great amount of trouble. There is nothing we require but we can manufacture ourselves. But we have other wants, we need sugar, the sisters won't like to get along without their tea; I care nothing about it without the sugar myself. How must we get that? we are going to raise beets, the same as they do in France. The whole of the French nation is supplied with sugar manufactured from the beet; the Valley is as good a country for growing beets as France ever was. We will have some folks go there who understand how to make sugar from the beet rood, and thus we will learn to manufacture our own sugar; and then we will plant our peach trees, and our currant trees, and gooseberry trees, and make preserves, and we will be as well off as anybody's folks. but how has al this got to be done? It cannot be accomplished all at once; there has got to be a unity of effort, to bring all this about. If I had the money, and wished to speculate there is nothing I would rather do than enter into this work. If I had the means, I would take out a company of potters; I would go to the presidents of the conferences, and say, I want you to show me some of your best potters. -- I want to organize a company of them to go right through to the Valley, and when they get there, to manufacture the same kind of articles, and as good as they do here i England. I guarantee the man that would do that would make himself rich, because there would be an abundant demand for them, and all the pay he could require. look what an amount of crockery ware is now imported to that land; and the heavy duties that are upon those things. They go out of the hand of the manufacturer into the hand of the wholesale merchant, and he has his profit on them. They are then purchased by the agent, and he has his profit too, for his commission; then they go over to the United States, a nd there is 30 per cent to pay on them for duty; they afterwards go into the hands of the store keeper, and he must have his profits upon them. Thus, before an article reaches us, we have to pay four or five times more than its actual value. I have seen common plates sell for half a dollar (2s. 1d.) each, on the Valley; they are not so high in the United States. This extra price is put on to cover the losses caused by breakage. Any reflecting man, must see at once, that if we were to pursue a course of that kind, it would enrich and dignify this people. We have the principles of intelligence amongst ourselves, a nd it is evidently the best plan, to manufacture among ourselves, the things we consume. I should certainly recommend, if it can possibly be done at all, that a small company of potters go, and be prepared to go through to the Valley, and when there, to go to work, and make plates and dishes and ever thing we want. I should like to see the potters calculate to carry the thing out properly. It is a thing absolutely necessary at the present time, and it will make any body well off that undertakes it. I would recommend that two or three unite together and furnish means for the accomplishment of this.
There is another thing I would speak about. It would be a good thing if a company were thus organized to establish the manufacture of woollen cloth, and , if they could, would take a machine along with them like the one I have referred to. There were small concerns going from ST. Louis, but I am afraid they will not be competent to meet the wants of the people. Now, persons going and fitting out establishments of that sort, would find it a great source of wealth. If I had money,a nd was a speculator, there is nothing I would sooner lay my money out in than in some of these branches of business; and I have no doubt I could get a many of the large manufacturers of this country, after showing them the advantages, to jump at the chance; but we want the brethren to do these things, and reap the advantages; others would oppress you and bind burdens upon you. We do not want oppression, we want all men to be free -- free from being ground down to the dust of death. We want all men to be comfortable, and enjoy the blessings of life. If a few cutlers could go there soon it would be well, as the products of their branch of business are immediately wanted, as well as some of those other branches. And if some persons could go and establish the manufacturing of blankets and shawls, or some persons from Bradford would go and manufacture fabrics for ladies wear, some such things as these would be very useful and lucrative. Then we could be our own manufacturers and merchants, without having to send out such a great amount of means to bring in those things. The Lord in his providence has poured out an abundance of many of these things upon the Saints in the VAlley, and they are well off at the present time, but they have to send out for some hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of manufactured goods yearly. Now, there is no occasion for this, for we have the resources among ourselves, and we wish to build one another up, and all things will move on well. And this is the object we had in view, in writing to the Saints in this country about these things.
And again there might be men who would go and establish the manufacturing of iron, but I presume there may be those there who are acquainted with that matter; if an organization of that kind could go, it would be well. In speaking of these things, I wish to present those before you that are more immediately wanted, and the most of those I have named come under this class. Any good practical chemist, not one who says he is one, but only in name, I mean one who is capable of turning to good use the elements of nature; we want some men of this king do go too. There are many other things in relation to this emigration that might be touched upon, but if any person would go and manufacture any fabric I have mentioned, or if any company would go and manufacture these things, they would confer blessings upon themselves and the Church. If there should be any carpet-weavers, let them go; for we want everything that is calculated to promote the comfort of men. We must have these things among ourselves and then we shall build one another up. The potter makes his pots and wants to buy bread. The farmer raises wheat, and wants crockery ware; so with the woollen manufacturer, and the tanner, a nd the cutler, and the carpet-weaver, and persons of all other branches of trade, they all want these common comforts which they can purchase of one another. Now if we can get these things among ourselves, we shall be perfectly independent.
I should like the brethren to find out how many mechanics can supply themselves with their outfit to the Valley, and then how much means it will require for the establishment of each of these several leading branches of manufacture; and then, perhaps, there might be individuals found who can supply the necessary means; and when these have been found, let them report to brother Pratt, as to their wishes to enter into this affair. I should like to see companies established to go and manufacture these leading articles. I will make a rough estimate of what fifteen hundred people will need to purchase to supply their wants: --
They will spend about four dollars each per year for boots and shoes, which will amount to six thousand dollars. They will use about ten dollars a-piece for cloth, which will be fifteen thousand dollars; two dollars apiece for crockery-ware, which will be three thousand dollars; if they spend two dollars each for flannel, that will come to three thousand dollars, and then another two dollars each for cutlery, will come to three thousand dollars more. We see, then, that the amount expenced by these fifteen hundred persons, for these articles, only would be thirty thousand dollars, or Ł6250, in one year at the very least estimate, and I think the demand would double that amount.
Now suppose a man should go into the shoe trade, he would have passing through his hands 6000 dollars in the year, and I will guarantee him to double this amount. A clothing establishment would handle 15,000 dollars at the very least estimate; and none of this would have to be expended to pay for the exportation of wool for we have plenty of it right at hand. A company of cutlers might calculate on selling 3000 dollars worth of their cutlery. And on the other hand, if we have that amount of means continually going out from us, it will be a continual drain upon the vitals of the community; then seeing we have the raw material among ourselves we ought to manufacture these things, and not be dependent on other people; we can make everything that is necessary for the comfort of every person. We can also raise just as good beef and mutton as you can in this country, or as can be raised in any other. I have not yet seen better. We can raise our milk, and butter, and cheese, and peas, and beans, and potatoes, and ll the other necessaries of life in abundance. When we have got all thes4e things in our own midst, then what odds shall we ask of any one in the world. We do not want to go among the nations buying from them the things we want to consume, for there will be earthquakes and distress of nations, and an overflowing scourge from the Almighty will perplex them. We do not want to be among those nations when these things take place. People talk about communism, we have the best community in the world. It is a community that embraces all intelligence, and promotes peace and happiness, and fills the bosoms of men with peace and joy. It is a community that will do right, and we do right, because we love to do right. A gentleman in France commenced talking to me, and wished to know if we thought of accomplishing something great in the world? I told him we had come to preach the gospel to all the world; and that it had already reached the ends of the earth. It is not a work that will be done in a little corner, but it will reach throughout time into eternity. It will go back into eternity, and take hold of those who have died thousands of years ago, and bring them into the kingdom of God. It will pour blessings upon generations to come, and ultimately unite heaven and earth together, and this we will accomplish in the name of Israel's God. The powers of heaven lend us their aid, and our fathers in the eternal world are uniting with us; for we have the promise of the life which now is, and also that which is to come. We have only just commenced in our glorious enterprise. by and Bye we will accomplish all that the fathers have spoken; we are already powerful, and there is a great number who do not belong to us whose hearts are with us. We will go forth brethren, and not sturdy our own ease, but how to bring about the accomplishment of the glorious purposes of God. "Shall anything separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." I feel to rejoice this day, for I love to see my brethren here who have been in straight places; I see around me brethren who have walked up undaunted to the cannon's mouth, who have triumphed over the plague, when the power of the adversary has been exerted to destroy us. I rejoice to see you here, may God bless you, every one; and may the spirit of Israel's God rest upon your families; and let all the congregations ay, Amen. (Amen.) The power of truth has to go forth, the chains of darkness have to be severed, and the kingdom of God has to be built up, and no power can stay it. We are now becoming established as a people; I cannot go any where but they are talking about the Salt Valley, and the "Mormon people;" all desire to know about this great work; the European nations are awakened upon the subject, they do not know that the God of heaven has set up His kingdom, but they shall know it.
[Orson Pratt]
Elder Pratt then spoke as follows: -- These are subjects, brethren, of the greatest importance; they are not subjects that we have originated in our own minds, but they are subjects that have been originated at head quarters, by those who have been appointed to look after the welfare of the people of God in these last Days. This people, whose views and feelings accord with our own, we know are to be the only people that God will support upon the face of the whole earth, at the time of his second coming. The Latter-day Saints will have power over all the nations of the earth at the coming of Christ, and have the dominion over all parts of the earth, and will extend to the ends thereof. Although the kingdom of God is only in its infancy; this is but a day of small things, as is the case sometimes, preceding that which is great. The First President of the Church at the Valley has sent express instructions in relation to all kinds of mechanics and manufacturers, and of those things that have been spoken of before you by Elder Taylor. And now is the time they are wanted, for we are situated at a vast distance from all the civilized nations of the earth, we are planted in the valleys of the Rocky mountains, in the great interior of North America. In order that we may become great and flourish as a people, itis highly necessary that we have these manufacturers in our own midst. The materials are there that are needful and necessary for the skill and ingenuity of man to work upon. Brother Taylor has set forth fully the necessity of these thlings3; and I wish now to impress upon the minds of the presidents of conferences, to look throughout their respective conferences, for those men that are requisite and needful should immediately go to the Valley. Let them look up men, who are manufacturers, who have means to emigrate themselves; and if they can find individuals who are not manufacturers and have means, teach them to invest their money in that way, to assist to take over persons who are useful, such as a company of potters, or a company of people to manufacture the cloth from wool. There is no way in which a capitalist might invest his property to better advantage to himself, than to invest it in that way. Now, you must be aware that it is impossible for one man to visit in person all the conferences and search out all these manufacturers himself; this is a duty devolving upon the presidents of conferences, and when they find them they should persuade them to go to the Valley immediately. Let a man of capital seek to invest his means, so as to bring about the greatest amount of good to the kingdom of God, and instead of helping poor widows and orphans before we have prepared the way for them, let them help those whom the Presidency have sent for; by so doing you will be fulfilling their counsel, and laying a foundation for the poor to live when they shall come, years after. Perhaps enough has been said upon this subject; e believe the presidents will see to this thing, and see there are exertions made to bring it about. The emigration fund is to carry out this very principle; it was commenced in the Valley: they began to consider it there, and in a very few days after, there as contributed to this fund several thousand dollars, by a very few individuals in the Valley. This is to be appropriated entirely by the counsel of the first Presidency of the Church, to the emigration of the poor Saints; but those we wish to take out first f the poor are mechanics, because these are needed in the Valley to prepare the way for the rest. We not only call upon the rich to assist by their means, but we also state that this fund will be appropriated to the same purpose.
Some persons at the commencement of this fund, thought that it would answer as a kind of a deposit, which they could command at any time here; no such thing; the individuals, or many of them who contributed to this fund, may not be emigrated fr some time, but we hope it will be extended to all the poor before many years. The prospect at present is not that all the poor will be immediately removed, but it is needed to emigrate such as are the most wanted at this time in the Valley, such as mechanics, &c.; this fund will at present be appropriated to that purpose. I wish to make a few remarks as to the collection of this fund. There have been some statements made already in the STAR in relation to this, but I would make further additions. When those remarks were made, it was before an experiment was made, and perhaps we imparted some instructions that cannot be carried into effect. We expected that the rich would contribute their forty and fifty pounds, and this would swell the fund. But instead of that, we find we are going to realize more from the poor than from the rich; they contributed their pennies, &c., and we find they have become so numerous, that it would require seven or eight clerks to record all their names, and their penny contributions.
Secondly, we have concluded that it would be the best plan for the sub-treasurers in each branch of the church, to keep a list of the names of all persons who donate to that fund, and that they send up the sum total collected in each branch to the general treasurer of their conference, and that the general treasurer send up to Liverpool the amount collected by all the branches, together with the names of the branches, and the amount that each branch contributes, and the sum total of the whole of the branches.
The branches are the only ones requested to keep a list of the names of the contributors, and they are requested to keep a strict and correct account of every farthing they receive and transmit. Well, now, thee are about six hundred branches of our church in Great Britain and Ireland; these will require six hundred treasurers, one to each branch. These treasurers should be looked to as all men are not honest. Thee should be auditors appointed to audit the account of each treasurer, therefore let each branch appoint two men to look to this account and ascertain how much has been contributed by the branch, and, if necessary, have the name of every individual rad over, with the amount contributed, that the branch may know all is straight, and at the same time see the sums total actually forwarded to the general treasurer of the conference, and a receipt obtained, so that the branch may see that every farthing goes to the proper place. Then there are the general treasurers of conferences: thirty-five or forty will be needed; these also must be looked to. Each conference must appoint two auditors to audit the general treasurer's accounts, to reckon up the sum total of what the branches have delivered to him, and to see that he gets a receipt for the amount sent up to Liverpool. You can observe that this course will keep the treasurer at Liverpool straight. The amounts received at Liverpool from each branch must be entered upon the books, which are subject to the inspection of the presidents of conferences; and these funds are not to be touched only by counsel of the First Presidency, at the Salt Lake Valley, and of which is expenced by them a strict account will be kept. I would state that the conferences have far exceeded our expectation in the amount of funds they have already raised, considering the short length of time this has been in operation: there is already near Ł200 sterling donated in this country; and a very few of the conferences have reported to us the amount they have collected, I should think not more than one-third of them have reported. We shall expect that the elders will be active and energetic in carrying these things out, that the funds may roll in for the emigration of the mechanics,a nd afterwards for the emigration of the poor, and in addition to this fund we shall have the fund from the Great Salt Lake; it will come rolling in from the gold region, and will be appropriated to the emigration of the poor. It is aa very different thing from the old joint-stock company, it is something like heaven, it is God-like, it is a plan that is noble in its design and object, for the benefit of the poor Saints throughout the whole of Great Britain; you have been bound down by poverty, laboring for 7s., 8s. or 10s. per week to support a large family. We want to remove you into a country, where by a small amount of labor you can live and soon obtain an independency by your labor. You know the kingdom of God was to be established in the tops of the mountains in the last days, it is the stone cut from the mountains that was to roll forth and break in pieces, all the kingdoms of the earth by its power. We want to lay a sure foundation, we already see the nucleus, and it will continue to grow, and there is not power enough in the lower regions, or on earth to hinder the power in operation to make the infant grow, but it will be strong, and mighty to accomplish the purposes of the great Jehovah.
I want to make a few remarks to the elders on supporting the work in this country. I wish to add my exertions to that of the Presidents of conferences, in sending the Gospel into new places; but it is not that President that preaches the most that is doing the most good; they have other duties besides preaching. Preaching is good in its place, but it is not the man that preaches the most that accomplishes the most work; he it is who is searching out new fields of labor, and searching out good and faithful men who have ambition to do good among the sons of men, and who sends them forth into the surrounding region of country; this is the man that is accomplishing the most good in his conference, he who keeps ll his officers at labor, and suffers no idlers to be in the midst of the field. Much can be accomplished by the printed word. If the members were provided with the different kinds of publications they could circulate them among their friends and neighbors, and do a great deal of good. The Presidents can thus put them in possession of means to accomplish nearly as much good as the officers: let the members of the church have the tracts to circulate, and this they can do from house to house every week. Each member ought also to possess a copy of each of our works for his own use; all the poor may be supplied by forming clubs, as brother Kelsey has done. When brother Kelsey was in the Glasgow conference, he circulated our books extensively, which caused great numbers to come into the church.
Since he went into "Warwickshire conference he has ordered Ł50 worth of books, of different sorts, chiefly of the book of Mormon, which were all called for at once. How has he accomplished this? The Saints are not able to do this immediately, but he has formed little societies, which contribute so much weekly or fortnightly; and these persons being thus united together, they are able to pay small amounts to purchase one book, and then decide by lot which shall have the title to that book.
There is no officer in this kingdom who is capable to magnify his office without the books, and unless he seeks continually to extend the boon to others. It is true a number of the Saints may not be able to read, but they can learn to read, and if they will only appropriate the hours that are running to waste, to learn to read, they would soon learn to read the Book of Mormon. Except a man knows what is contained in these books he cannot do all his duty as an officer and as a member of this church. He will learn some of his duty from these books. These books give you the general rules of your religion, and the Spirit of the living God gives you the particular rules. You need the books to give these general rules, as well as the Spirit to gie you the particular rules. Those servants of God who seek truth from the written word and from the spirit of prophecy, will be the persons that will know how to extend the work, and fulfil their duties.
In speaking of brother Kelsey as I have done, I do not wish to intimate that you have not done your duties. If you say you have done all you could, we say God bless you, and continue to assist you to do all you can in the future. Amen.
After some remarks by Elders F. D. Richards, W. Speakman, E. B. Kelsey, and G. D. Watt, the meeting was dismissed by prayer at six o'clock p.m., having spent the day together without adjournment, which enabled the conference to transact the most of its business.
(To
be concluded in our next.)
[6 Apr. 10 a.m.]
[MS 12:369-370]
Sunday,
October 6th
The Hall was filled to overflowing at the usual hour of morning worship. After being called to order by the President, the choir sung "Come all ye Saints who dwell on earth," &c. Elder F. D. Richards engaged in prayer. The choir then sang "God moves in a mysterious way," &c.; after which the assembled thousands listened with profound attention to a stirring discourse from Elder John Taylor; and was succeeded by Elder James Marsden and Thomas Margetts. Morning service closed by singing the hymn, "Sing to the great Jehovah's praise," &c. , with benediction by Elder T. Margetts.
[6 Apr. 2 p.m.]
At two o'clock, p.m., the multitude were of one accord in one place; who, after the usual service of singing and prayer, listened to an interesting and powerful discourse upon the subject of the Holy Spirit, by President O. Pratt, in which he entered largely into his subject, and presented it to the minds of the audience in such a manner as to deeply impress them with a sense of the presence of the divine power, and lead them to wonder and adore the omnipotence that sustains man, and surrounds him with the laws of life.
Elder Pratt was succeeded by Elders Levi Richards, G. B. Wallace, and W. Gibson, in brief but appropriate and pertinent remarks.
[6 Apr. 6:30 p.m.]
At half-past six, p.m., after singing to the praise of God, and prayer by Elder Eli B. Kelsey, the vast multitude was again addressed by Elder F. D. Richards:
[ Franklin D. Richards]
enforcing upon the elders and priests the necessity of manifesting love, affection, and true charity towards the millions with whom we are surrounded, who are sitting in darkness and ignorance as to the great and glorious message now revealed from heaven for their salvation. Elder Richards spoke of the wisdom of God in choosing the poor among men to be the pioneers of the kingdom of God in the last days; showing veery clearly, that had the Lord chosen the rich and mighty of the earth they never would have accomplished what the poor hardy sons of toil have, in bringing their fellow-men to repentance and salvation, because the effeminacy of their lives, though equally honest-hearted, would not have permitted them to endure the trials, fatigues, and hardships that the humbler servants of God have suffered. He exhorted the ministers of the Lord to spare no pains in spreading the work on every hand, and bringing it to the notice of the rich as well as the poor; for all men are alike in the sight of God, equally precious when they agree serving Him, and keeping His commandments.
In the course of his remarks he adverted to the great amount of business transacted by the conference on Saturday, showing that it was through our union in principle and feelings, aided by the Divine Spirit, that we astonished the world by the great moves of the Church in her power and majesty; and that while the congress of America, the Parliament of Britain, and the late peace congress at Frankfort, were divided in principles and feelings, and consequently actions, we were united; our decisions were unanimous, and our resolutions were carried into effect with a degree of certainty and success which characterized neither of their proceedings.
Elder Richards was followed by Elders Taylor, Clements, Booth, and Dunbar, after which the meeting was closed by prayer.
Orson Pratt, President .
G. D. Watt,
> .
Robert Campbell, >
Secretaries .
James Linforth
> .
[The limits of our small paper will not admit of our publishing the many excellent addresses delivered by various presiding elders who were present. The more important business items are now published. Discourses of Sunday morning and evening may appear hereafter, if time and space permit. The substance of the afternoon discourse [by Orson Pratt] is contained in an article on "The Holy Spirit," found in Nos. 20 and 21 of the STAR. -- Ed.]
6-7 Apr 1851, General Conference, Great Salt Lake City.
[Desert News Weekly 1:241-242, 4/19/1851 pp 1-2]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 1:241, 4/19/1851 p 1]
MINUTES of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at Great Salt Lake City, State of Deseret, April 6, 1851, 10 A.M.,
President Brigham Young presiding.
Present of the First Presidency - Brigham young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards.
Patriarchs - John Smith and Isaac Morley.
Of the Twelve Apostles - Wilford Woodruff and Ezra T. Benson.
Presidency of the Seventies - Jos. Young, Levi W. Hancock, Zera Pulsipher, Henry Herriman, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and Jedediah M. Grant.
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer, and Willard Snow.
High Priests Quorum - John Young and Reynolds Cahoon.
The High Council of the Stake.
Clerks of Conference - Thomas Bullock and William Clayton.
Conference opened, and adjourned to the 7th, on account of the heavy rains, and the leakage of the roof of the Bowery.
[7 Apr, 10 am*]
[DNW 1:241 4/19/1851 p 1]
Monday, April 7, 10 a.m. Conference being called to order, was opened with singing, prayer by John Young, and singing. -
President Young being detained by sickness, President Kimball stated the business of the conference, and remarked very pointedly, that it was the duty of the presidents of the different quorums, to furnish a list of their several quorums, at every conference, for the benefit of the historian, and the authorities of the church; and presented Brigham Young as the president of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, throughout all the world, and also as prophet, seer, and revelator; which was carried by unanimous vote.
Heber C. Kimball was then presented as first counsellor to Pres't. Young, and Willard Richards as his second counsellor; who were severally sustained in that office.
John Smith was sustained as the presiding patriarch to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Willard Richards was sustained as the historian of the church, and general church recorder.
Orson Hyde was sustained as the president; and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards were severally sustained as members of the quorum of the twelve apostles.
Daniel Spencer was sustained as president of this stake in G.S.L.Valley, and David Fullmer and Willard Snow his counsellors.
H. G. Sherwood was sustained as president; and Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, Lewis Abbott, Wm. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Elisha H. Groves, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, and John Parry was members of the high council..
John Young was sustained as president of the high priests quorum, and Reynolds Cahoon and George B. Wallace his counsellors.
Joseph young was sustained as senior president, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and Jedediah M. Grant, as presidents of the quorum of Seventies.
Pres't. Kimball nominated Edward Hunter, to occupy the place vacated by the death of Newel K. Whitney, as presiding bishop in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: carried unanimously.
John Nebeker was sustained as president of the elders' quorum, and James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his counsellors.
Joseph Harker was sustained as president of the priests' quorum. (His counsellors have left this stake, and he is not prepared to nominate new counsellors.)
McGee Harris was sustained as president of the teachers' quorum, and John Vance and Reuben Perkins his counsellors.
The presidency of the deacons' quorum having been removed into other quorums;, no action was taken on their officers.
Some of the bishops having removed to the southern settlements, it was moved that Nathaniel V. Jones be the bishop of the 15th ward: carried.
Abraham Hoagland, bishop of the 14th ward; Reuben Miller, Mill creek ward; Abraham O. Smoot, Big Cottonwood ward; Ezekiel Lee, Holladay's settlement; Peter McCue, 1st ward; and Joseph C. Kingsbury, 2d ward.
Pres't. Kimball nominated Brigham Young to be trustee in trust for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; carried unanimously. Bishop Edward Hunter was elected assistant trustee.
The motion to build a temple to the name of the Lord our God in G. S. L. City, was carried by acclamation.
A committee of one, viz. Daniel H. Wells, was appointed to superintend the building of the Temple, and the public works.
The following new song entitled "The Sixth of April," composed by W. W. Phelps, was sung by the choir.
Say! say!
The church is twenty-one to-day, -
Let all the people sing and pray;
Though justice mourns o'er Joseph's tomb,
Still wisdom cries, rejoice my friends!
"Thy kingdom grows, and never ends."
See! see!
The Saints of latter days are free, -
Destin'd, on all the earth, to be
The only precious seed, with faith,
To live by light, and truth, and grace,
And gather Adam's fallen race.
Oh! oh!
The Jews, some thousand years ago,
With Aaron's priesthood hoodwink'd so,
Exclaimed: - "HIS BLOOD MAY BE ON US,
"We hold the line of king and queen, -
"So crucify that Nazarene!"
Done! done!
The boasting sons of Washington,
Throughout the realm, yes, every one,
In secret said: - "KILL JOSEPH SMITH, -
"No prophets more need we expect;
"We are the Christian, Lord's elect."
Still! still!
The nat'ral man is prone to kill,
Till every plain, and every hill,
Is crimson'd o'er with prophets' blood!
And now the judgment day is set,
To call the world to pay the debt.
Rise! rise!
For now the Holy Priesthood cries, -
The Lord requires a sacrifice,
Before the day of vengeance comes,
To end the wickedness of men,
And clothe the earth with bliss again.
Now! now
The faithful elders all know how,
When revelation comes, to bow,
And go and do the will of God:
Not asking what's the consequence?
Or when they'll get a recompense?
Then! then!
Ye Saints who suffer much from men,
Up, up and get four fold again,
(When earth is fill'd with peace and love,)
In houses, lands, and friends, and wives,
And children - WITH ETERNAL LIVES.
Benediction by J. M. Grant; adjourned for one hour.
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 1:241-242, 4/19/1851 pp 1-2]
Two p.m. conference opened according to adjournment, in the yard south of the bowery. Singing, prayer by E. T. Benson, singing; Pres't. Kimball presiding.
Brigham Young was sustained as the president of the perpetual emigrating company to gather the poor, and H. c. Kimball, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, W. Snow, E. Hunter, D. Spencer, T. Bullock, J. Brown, W. Crosby, A. Lyman, c. C. Rich, L. Young, P P. Pratt, O. Pratt, and F. D. Richards were sustained as his assistants.
J. M. Grant then made a call for volunteers to go to Iron county, and requested those persons who were appointed last fall, to go and fulfil that appointment.
Anson Call gave a short review of what had been done towards settling that country.
Pres't. Kimball then called several by name, when 37 persons agreed to go.
[E. T. Benson]
E. T. Benson said, - this morning you all voted to build a Temple; you appointed a committee to superintend the public works; you are aware that they cannot progress without your assistance; you are aware we are the Latter-day Saints, and are the bone and sinew to roll forth the work; it is required of the presidents and quorums in this church, that they pay their tithing, and you know this has not been lived up to; I consider it a command on this people; there are some men and women who have done and will do all they can. This church will not become of age until we all pay our tithing, and we live up to all the commandments binding on them; then they will be free indeed, for the gospel is the gospel of freedom. Many persons enquire, when shall we get any more revelations? I tell you we shall not get many more until we as a people observe those revelations which are already given; when we do that, we shall get more.
H. C. Kimball remarked, - we should be glad to continue this conference three or four days; but we cannot. He called on all men to attend to their duty, and then the power of God will be with us; there will be no fear with those who do right, &c.
On motion, conference adjourned to the first Sunday (7th) in September, 1851.
Dismissed with benediction by Willard Richards.
THOMAS BULLOCK, Clerk.
7-10 Sep 1851, General
Conference, Bowery, Great Salt Lake City.
[Millennial Star 14:33-36]
[7 Sep, 10 am]
[MS 14:33]
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Held in the bowery, Great Salt Lake City, Sept. 7th 1851
(From the Frontier Guardian).
Present of the First Presidency - Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
Patriarch - John Smith.
Of the Twelve Apostles - Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, G. A. Smith, and E. T. Benson.
Presidency of the Seventies - Joseph Young, B. L. Clapp, J. M. Grant, A. P. Rockwood, H. Herriman, Levi Hancock, and Zera Pulsipher.
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer, and Willard Snow.
High Priest's Quorum - John Young, and Reynolds Cahoon.
The High Council of the Stake.
Presiding Bishop - Edward Hunter.
Clerk of Conference - Thomas Bullock.
The Conference was called to order by President Kimball, who stated that if the people have paid their tithing, the Spirit of God will be on this conference; and notified the brethren, that another person would not get his endowment until his tithing was paid in full.
The Choir sung a hymn; prayer by Elder Orson Hyde, and singing.
[President Young]
President Young then addressed the people on the business of the Conference, and the experience that this people had passed through, and showed that Mormonism circumscribes all truth, whether in heaven, on earth, or in hell, and will continue to revolutionize this world, until all the kingdoms of the earth are subject to the kingdom of Jesus Christ; and testified that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and was as good a man as ever walked on the earth. Adjourned.
——
[7 Sep, 2 pm]
[MS 14:33]
2 o'clock, P.M.
Opened with singing and prayer, followed by discourses from Elders E. T. Benson, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Levi Hancock, President Young, and Willard Richards, each bearing a powerful testimony to the work of the Lord in the last days, and testifying that Joseph was a Prophet of God.
Adjourned, until the 8th, at 10 o'clock, A.M.
——
[8 Sep, 10 am]
[MS 14:33-34]
Monday, September 8th, 10, A.M.
Conference called to order by President Young; singing; prayer by Elder Joseph Young, and singing.
President Young then introduced the Hon. Perry E. Brocchus, Judge of the Supreme Court, for Utah Territory; who thanked the people of the Territory for their hospitality and kindness, in attending him in his sickness, when he was a stranger. He bore testimony of the peacefulness of the inhabitants, their fellowship, peace and love one towards another; then submission to the tribunals of their own choice, and prayed God to grant that the time may soon come, that all the United States may soon have such tribunals as are in this Territory, and then it always would bring peace to the hearts of those who had to be judged. He expressed his indignation and abhorrence of the scenes which transpired, in driving the Latter-day Saints from Missouri and Illinois.
He then presented a description of the monument intended to be built to the memory of Gen. Washington, and finished his discourse by saying, that he should always remember with deep gratitude, and respect, his interview with the Latter-day Saints in their mountain city.
He was followed in his remarks, by President young and the congregation was dismissed with benediction by Elder Wilford Woodruff.
——
[8 Sep, 2 pm*]
[MS 14:34-35]
2 o'clock, P.M.
After an intermission of one hour, the Conference was called to order by President Young; singing; prayer by Elder John Young and singing.
President Kimball then rose, on the business of the Conference, to bring before the people the authorities of the Church, and presented Brigham Young as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout all the world, and also as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator; which was carried unanimously.
Heber C. Kimball was then presented as First Counsellor to President Young, and Willard Richards, Second Counsellor; who were severally sustained in their office.
John Smith was sustained as the Presiding Patriarch to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Willard Richards was sustained as the Historian of the Church, and General Church Recorder.
Orson Hyde was sustained as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles c. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and F. D. Richards, were severally sustained as members of the same Quorum.
Daniel Spencer was sustained as President of this Stake of Zion, and David \Fullmer, and Willard Snow, as his Counsellors.
Henry G. Sherwood, was sustained as President of the High Council, and Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, William W. Major, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldridge, John Vance, E. D. Wooley, and John Parry, were sustained as members of the same, and Winslow Farr, and W. Snow were voted to be members of said Quorum.
John Young was sustained as President of the High Priest's Quorum; and Reynolds Cahoon, and George B. Wallace, as his Counsellors.
Joseph Young was sustained as Senior President of all the Quorums of the Seventies; and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and Jedediah M. Grant were sustained as his Counsellors.
Edward Hunter, was sustained as Presiding Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
John Nebeker was sustained as President of the Elder's Quorum: and James H. Smith, and Aaron Sceva, as his counsellors.
Joseph Harker was sustained as President of the Priest's Quorum; and Simeon Houd, and Lewis White, as his Counsellors.
McGee Harris was sustained as President of the Teacher's Quorum; and John Vance, and Reuben Perkins, as his Counsellors.
Return R. Hill was voted as President of the Quorum of Deacons.
Brigham Young was sustained as Trustee in trust, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Edward Hunter as an Assistant Trustee.
The President, and Assistants, of the Perpetual Emigrating Company, to gather the Poor, were next presented, when Brigham Young was sustained as President of said company; and Heber C. Kimball, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, W. Snow, E. Hunter, D. Spencer, T. Bullock, J. Brown, W. Crosby, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, L. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, and F. D. Richards were sustained as his Assistants.
President Young said, there would be travelling Bishops, to visit the Bishops in their respective wards, to see that they do their duty, and if they do not do it, they will be removed out of their place and others put in; when Nathaniel H. Felt, was nominated as one of the travelling Presiding Bishops, under Bishop Edward Hunter - Carried.
John Banks was nominated as another of the travelling Bishops, and carried.
Ezra T. Benson, Jedediah M. Grant, and Orson Hyde, were voted as Agents of the Perpetual Emigrating Company, to gather the Poor to this place.
Samuel W. Richards, Willard Snow, Abraham O. Smoot, Dorr P. Curtis, and Vincent Shurtleff, were voted to take missions to England.
Daniel Carn, was voted to take a mission to Germany.
John Young, was voted to take a mission to the States, to preach, and gather up the Saints.
John L. Dunyon, was voted to take a mission to the States, and preach the Gospel.
A manifest of the affairs in the Tithing office were read; also a manifest of the Perpetual Emigrating Poor Fund Company.
Adjourned to 10, A.M. Benediction by George A. Smith
——
[9 Sep, 10 am]
[MS 14:35]
Tuesday, Sept. 9th, 1851, 10 A. M.
Conference again called to order: singing by the Choir; prayer by H. G. Sherwood, and singing.
The forenoon was occupied by President Young preaching a funeral sermon on the occasion of the death of brother Lewis Abbott, was followed in his remarks by Elder H. G. Sherwood, Levi Gifford, John Young, and H. C. Kimball, and benediction by Elder Hyde.
——
[9 Sep, 2 pm]
[MS 14:35]
2 o'clock, P.M.
Conference being called to order, and opened in the usual manner. The Patriarch John Smith, said he had been through the whole scene of persecution, of mobbing, and murders, from 1832 to the present time; and alluded to the night of the murder of Joseph and Hyrum in Carthage jail, and called on the people to pay their tithing, that it may be said of us, well done good and faithful servants; and was followed in similar remarks by President Kimball, Edward Hunter, W. W. Phelps, Isaac Chase, and Zera Pulsipher.
The Patriarch again arose to speak on the Word of Wisdom, and urging on the brethren to leave off using tobacco, &c.
President Young rose to put the motion and called on all the sisters who will leave off the use of tea, coffee, &c., to manifest it by raising the right hand; seconded and carried.
And then put the following motion; calling on all the boys who were under ninety years of age who would covenant to leave off the use of tobacco, whisky, and all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, to manifest it in the same manner, which was carried unanimously.
The Patriarch then said, may the Lord bless you and help you to keep all your covenants. Amen.
[President Young]
President Young amongst other
things said he knew the goodness of the people, and the Lord bears with our
weakness; we must serve the Lord, and those who go with me will keep the Word
of Wisdom, and if the high Priests, the Seventies, the elders, and others will
not serve the Lord, we will sever them from the Church. I will draw the line
and know who is for the Lord and who is not, and those who will not keep the
Word of Wisdom, I will cut off from the Church; I throw out a challenge to all
men and women. Have I not always counselled you right? I would rather you would
cut me into inch pieces, than to flinch from my duty, the Lord being my helper.
I would rather live with a few men who will serve the Lord, than live with ten
thousand hypocrites. He then exhorted the men and the women never to quarrel,
to cease all contentions. If a man abuses you, settle with him with kind words,
but never go to law. Let every head of a family gather their family together
night and morning, and wait on the Lord until his Spirit rests on you like a
cloud, and I say unto you in the name of the Lord God of Israel, be you
blest.
Adjourned until Wednesday, at ten o'clock, A.M.
Benediction by George A. Smith
——
[10 Sep, 10 am]
[MS 14:35-36]
Wednesday, Sept. 10th, 10 o'clock, A.M.
Conference called to order, and was opened with singing by the Choir.
Prayer by president Young, and singing.
[E. D. Wooley]
E. D. Wooley bore testimony of the work of the Lord, that Joseph was a Prophet of God, and that Brigham is just as good a man as Joseph was, and he was as good a man as ever lived on the earth, &c.
[President Young]
President Young spoke on the subject of the Mormon Battalion, and why they went the journey. General Doniphan said in St. Louis, that, "if he had one thousand Mormon Boys, the same as the Mormon Battalion, he could do more good than all the United States soldiers that were there;" I say, if he had been a Mormon he would have been charged with treason, although the government is good, and the Constitution is as good as could be framed.
He then exhorted the Presiding Bishop to settle with the First Presidency and all the Bishops, and require their tithing, the one-tenth of all their real estate, of the value of their farms and possessions, and all they have got, and then see that the Bishops settle with every man, and that he pays his tithing or we will disfellowship him from the church. I will sell every particle of my property if a man can be found who will pay the cash, and I will put it all into the hands of Bishop hunter, and I will begin anew, and in five years God will so bless me that I shall be richer than any man in this community.
He then called on the First Presidency, the Twelve Apostles, High Priests, Seventies, and every person to know if they were willing to do as he told them, when all hands were immediately raised.
He lifted his hands on high and with all the powers of the Holy Priesthood vested in him, he blessed the Saints in the name of the Lord God of Israel, when all the people cried, Amen.
On motion the Conference was adjourned to the 6th October next, at ten o'clock, A.M.
Benediction by President H. C. Kimball.
Thomas Bullock, Clerk of Conference.
6-11 Apr 1852, General
Conference, Salt Lake City, New Tabernacle.
[Deseret News Weekly 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/52 p2]
Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at the New Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, April 6, 1852, 10 a.m., Prest. Brigham Young, presiding.
Present of the Presidency - Brigham Young, H. C. Kimball, and W. Richards.
Patriarchs - John Smith and Isaac Morley.
Twelve Apostles - O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith.
Seventies - Joseph Young, Zera Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, Henry Herriman.
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer.
High Priests' Quorum - John Young, Reynolds Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop - Edward Hunter.
Clerk of conference - Thomas Bullock; George D. Watt, Reporter.
Conference was called to order by the President, who stated, that, at the last Conference, we adjourned to meet in a new tabernacle on the Temple Block; and we will now proceed to dedicate this hall, and take up the business of the Conference, as the Spirit shall manifest itself to us. He then read the 201 hymn, "Lord in the morning thou shalt hear," which was sung by the choir, under the direction of James Smithies, Chorister.
President Richards offered the following
[Willard Richards]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/52 p2; JD 6:298]
DEDICATION PRAYER.
Great and
all wise God, our Heavenly Father, who dwelleth amid
the cherubims, and art clothed in light as with a garment, in the name of Jesus
thy Son, and by virtue of the Holy and Eternal Priesthood with which thou hast
endowed us, we come before thee upon this occasion, invoking thy rich gifts and
blessings to rest down upon us; pour out, we pray thee, of thy spirit upon each
and every soul now waiting before thee, that our hearts may be united as one,
and that we may approach thee in a manner acceptable in thy sight. May every
emotion of our souls arise in unison unto thee in humble praise and adoration
for all thy mercies, unto the creatures of thy creation.
We
remember, our Father and our God, that we are indebted unto thee for our
existence, for having been sent upon this stage of action in this day and
generation, in which the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, thy Son, has
been manifest, in which the celestial messenger from thy presence, has again
proclaimed the way of life and salvation to the children of men upon the earth,
saying "fear God and give glory to Him for the hour of his judgment is
come;" - shadowing forth the restoration of all things that have been
spoken by the mouths of all thine holy prophets since the world began -
establishing the pure principles of the Eternal Heavens, which constitute the
laws of the kingdom of our God upon the earth; opening up anew the great
principles of revelation and communication with the Gods of Eternity, -
principles which have been hid in the heavens for many centuries, while many
generations have lived and died, looking for the blessings and promises of this
day, desiring that they might have a part in the great preparatory work of the
coming of the Son of Man, in power and great glory, to reign upon the earth.
We
remember before thee, O our Father, that we, thy servants, now in thy presence,
having heard the heavenly message and yielded obedience to its holy mandates,
have become the happy recipients and partakers of this holy ministry; and that
we have oft times been delivered from the power of Satan and the devices and
machinations of wicked and designing men, who have sought our overthrow, and
conspired against our lives, seeking to destroy us from the face of the earth;
but thou, O our Father, hast ever been mindful of us, overruling all seeming
evil for our greater good, until by thy mighty power thou hast brought us to a
glorious inheritance in this goodly land, choice above all other lands; far
from the retreats of mobbers, and murderers, who have slain thy prophets, and
from the land where their blood yet cries from the ground for vengeance to be
poured out from the Heavens.
Mercifully
hast thou dealt with us, our Father, for through all the scenes which thy
people have been called to pass - all the perils and watchings, and sufferings
they have had to encounter, thine angels have watched over and protected us,
and the gentle and refreshing influences of thy spirit have comforted us; and
we have been spared as monuments of thy mercy, while multitudes of our brethren
and friends have fallen by mobocracy, violence, disease and death, and their
bones have been left to moulder upon the prairie and in the wilderness, while
we are again permitted to gather ourselves together in this goodly place and
bring into requisition all the powers of body and mind with which thou hast
clothed us, for the advancement and building up of thy kingdom upon the earth.
When thy people have called upon thee, in their extremities, thou hast not been
slow to hear, but hast exerted thine Almighty power, and encircled them in the
arms of love, and of mercy, until thy people have been permitted and enabled to
build and inhabit, to labor and enjoy the fruits thereof; and to come forth
from our comfortable habitations, this morning, to worship and praise the Lord
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Jesus and Joseph - in this commodious
edifice, erected for the assembling and worship of thy people.
Oft times
have our hearts rejoiced together in councils, in meetings, and in conference,
yet never have we met when the manifold mercies and blessings of our Heavenly
Father called for more ardent praise and thanksgiving to His holy name, than at
the present, in this spacious and commodious room, which thy saints of latter
days are now permitted to occupy; and here, in this place appointed for the
assembly of thy saints on this the anniversary of the birth day of thy church
and kingdom upon the earth, in this last dispensation from the heavens, and in
the midst of the congregation of the Most High God, we thy servants, O our Father
in Heaven, in the name of thy Son Jesus, dedicate and consecrate this house
unto thee, and unto thy cause, for the assembling of thy saints to worship
before thee, and to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper; and to
associate thy people therein for prayer, for praise, and thanksgiving for
fasting and mourning, for transacting business relating to thy church and
kingdom, or for whatever purpose thy people shall assemble themselves together
in thy name.
We set
apart and dedicate this house as a holy sanctuary for thy people unto the Lord
for ever; and we consecrate the ground upon which it stands, and dedicate it
unto the Lord our God. May the floor upon which we walk be holy under our feet;
and the covering which protects us from the snow, the rain and the sun be holy
over our heads; may the walls which protect us from the chilling blasts of
winter be holy round about us; and may the doors, and the windows, and the
slips, and the fastenings, and the trimmings of this house, together with all
the various materials of which they are composed, be holy unto the Lord, for
the meetings, the sacraments, and the transaction of the business of thy
people. And we dedicate and consecrate that portion of this house, where thy
prophet and thy servants now are, to be a holy and sacred place, wherein thy
servants may stand and declare thy word, and minister unto thy people in the
name of thy Son, and before thee, O our Heavenly Father; and may every part and
portion thereof, be holy unto the Lord our God, and may no unclean thing be
permitted to enter into any part of this Tabernacle, but may it be preserved
with the vestry thereof, and the doorkeepers thereof, and with every thing
pertaining thereunto or round about, a holy and sacred sanctuary wherein the
pure in heart may rejoice for ever, and no foul spirit ever be permitted to
disturb their worship.
May the
angels from thy presence be within and round about this habitation; and when
thy servants shall stand in this sacred place to minister unto the people, may they
feel the blessed influences of thy heavenly messengers; may they be filled with
the Holy Ghost, as with manna from heaven, and be clothed in robes of
righteousness; and may the visions and revelations of the eternal worlds be
open before them continually; and may thy saints ever have the listening ear
and the understanding heart, to receive and improve upon the instructions of
thy servants, that they may grow into the stature of perfection that is in
Christ Jesus, that they may be one with Him forever.
If thy
people shall sin, and repent of their sins, and call upon thee in the name of
Jesus from within these walls, then hear thou in heaven, thy holy dwelling
place. Forgive thou their sins, and give them answers of peace; and may thy
fear and thy dread be upon the heathen, that may enter into this sacred place,
and may thy spirit rest upon the honest in heart, who shall hear thy word from
this stand, that they may believe, obey, and be saved with thy people.
And now,
our Father, be pleased to accept the dedication of this house which we now
present unto thee, in the name of thy Son, as a tribute of gratitude from thy
people, and listen to the voice of our supplications, that it may be preserved
from the rage of the elements, and the pollution of ungodly men, and that thy
glory be upon it and abide therein forever; so that when thy saints shall call
from hence upon thy holy name, in righteousness, then thou wilt hear in thy
holy habitation, and grant an answer of peace.
Bless all
those who have assisted in the erection of this edifice. May they ever rejoice
in the labor of their hands, and have the glory they desire in the presence of
their God. Bless those also who have contributed of their substance for its erection;
with all those who have desired to contribute, and have not had the means or
opportunity; may they also partake of the rich inheritance of a celestial
glory, and habitations of comfort and delight among the children of men. Bless
all those also, who profess thy name, and have had the means to contribute for
the upbuilding of this house, and have neglected their privilege, and their
duty; may thy spirit rest upon all such, that they may humble themselves,
repent of their short comings before thee and in the sight of their brethren,
and arise and do their duty from this time henceforth and forever, that they
lose no more blessings through slothfulness in thy service.
Bless thy
servant Brigham with health and strength of body and of mind, with long life
and peaceful days; may he be endowed with thy spirit, and the revelations of
eternity continually; and may thine angels visit and sustain him, and
ministering spirits from thy presence attend him in all his ways; guard him, O
Lord from the malicious designs of wicked men; and turn aside every shaft that
is aimed for his injury; fit and prepare him with every necessary qualification
to lead and guide this thy people; and may his strength and ability be
according to his duties and the burden he is required to bear; may the rich
blessings of heaven and earth be poured out upon him, and upon his household;
may they, individually and collectively, enjoy the communion of God and his
saints, and have bestowed upon them every desirable gift that shall promote their
peace, comfort, health and happiness. Bless his habitation and all therein, his
flocks and his herds, the ground that he cultivates, his fields, his gardens,
and his vineyards; bless him in basket, and in store, and in all that pertains
unto him.
Bless his
Counsellors, thy servants Heber and Willard, with the same blessings. May they
always live in the unity of the faith, and preserve those bonds of love and
union which dwell in thy presence; continue to strengthen their faith, their
power and their influence, until their voices shall reverberate thy word in
tones of thunder throughout earth's remotest bounds, resounding in every ear,
"make ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb," his kingdom has
come; prepare to receive the Lord.
Bless the
aged Patriarch, O our Father; may his days continue to be multiplied and his
faculties be strengthened, and may he be filled with the Holy Ghost to bless
thy children as he approaches the dawning of a brighter day; that amid the
exhalations of a celestial glory, he may seal blessings upon the heads of the
faithful, until thou shalt receive him unto thyself, to rest with his brethren,
in thy presence; and may the like blessings rest upon all the brethren of his
quorum of the Patriarchs.
Remember
the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, with their president Orson Hyde. Grant, O
Lord, that thine angels may go before them, and preserve them from all evil;
wilt thou give them power to overcome all the designs and purposes of wicked
men, and all the devices of Satan, and may they be enabled to carry the gospel
to every nation, kindred, tongue and people upon the face of the whole earth;
and may they have, in connection with, and under the direction of the first
presidency of thy church, power to roll forth thy work upon the earth, like a
mighty torrent, that no barriers can resist. Wilt thou bless them, Father, in
the good things of this world, that their families may be provided for durning
their absence, and while on missions of thy will to the nations, and among all
people; wilt thou encircle them in thine arms of mercy, and preserve them one
and all, to the accomplishment of their several missions, and safe return to
the bosom of thy church, and to their families in the valleys of the mountains.
Bless
with the same blessings all of thine elders of every quorum who are absent on
foreign missions to the nations and islands of the sea afar off. May the
quickening power of thy spirit rest upon them, and their words be like fire,
sinking deep into the minds of their hearers, and their testimony be as the sea
that is broken up, roaring and rolling with no rest, until the voice that spake
as never man spake, shall say, peace, be still; and when all the honest in
heart shall have listened to the whisperings of the spirit of our God and
learned the way of life and salvation, Bless all the families of thine absent
servants.
O Lord,
bless the High Priests quorum, and the quorums of the Seventies, of thy people:
yea, the Presidents thereof, with their councillors, and all the members that are
striving in their warfare to overcome the world and its evils, and are
endeavoring to roll back the curtain which has so long enshrouded the earth in
darkness, and the minds of the people in bigotry, superstition, ignorance, and
sin, and until wickedness covered the face of the whole earth and there was
none found thereon to walk in righteousness before thee, but all were walking
in the precept of men, and in the vain imagination of their own hearts. O Lord,
God Almighty, we pray thee in the name of Jesus, to inspire thy servants, the
High Priests, and Seventies, with the influence of thy Holy Spirit; pour it out
upon them in great effusions, and may they gird up their loins, and renewing
their strength from the fountain of light and intelligence, which thou art
spreading forth, come up to the help of the Lord against the might, and wax
strong in the cause of our God, to the utter overthrow of all his enemies, even
to the downfall of Satan's dominion; that the kingdom of our God and his
Christ, may be established upon an everlasting foundation, never more to be
taken from the earth.
Bless, O
Father, the Elders quorum, and awaken them to a sense of their great
responsibilities. May they all, officers and members, partake of like blessings
with their brethren, arise in power, and walk forth in the strength of Israel's
God to the faithful performance of their duties, qualifying themselves for the
work of God, and putting on the armor of righteousness, be prepared to fight
the good fight of faith, and wield the sword of the spirit to the convincing of
multitudes, who shall become partakers in this holy ministry, and be ready to
go forth in their time and season, and labor in the vineyard.
Bless the
Presiding Bishop with his counsellors, assistants, and all the members of the
Bishops quorum. O Father, thou knowest their labors, and the faithfulness which
they have manifested in thy cause, and in the discharge of their duties; the
overflowings of thy storehouse speak in their behalf, as well as the liberality
of thy saints; and as they have manifested by their labors a willingness and
desire to observe the counsel of thy servants, and to build up and roll forth
thy kingdom, we pray thee to acknowledge their ministration, and bless them
with every blessing pertaining to thy faithful servants; and may they have
every enjoyment emanating from a faithful performance of their several duties
to thine acceptance, and the acceptance of thy servants, that they and their
households may never lack for any good thing.
Regard in
tender mercy, O our Father, thy servants of the Priests' Quorum, with their
president and his counsellors; and thy servants of the Teachers' Quorum, with
their president and his counsellors; also the president and counsellors and
members of the Deacons' Quorum; that they all, in their several callings, may
lift up their heads like the men of God, and work righteousness, instructing
thy saints continually in their several duties, and ministering in those things
pertaining to their high and holy calling; and may they be filled with the Holy
Ghost, and perform a great and glorious work in the midst of thy people Israel.
Grant
that thy blessings may be propitious toward this stake of Zion; its president
and his counsel, and the High Council thereof. May they be men after thine own
heart, quick to discern between good and evil; filled with the spirit of the
presidency, and of counsel, of justice and judgment, that the hearts of the
people may be made glad, and that they may rejoice in all the administrations of
thy servants; and may all the Presidents, Counsellors, High Councils and stakes
of Zion, in all the vallies of the mountains be partakers of like blessings.
Have
mercy upon thy servants who labor upon the public works, and are striving
continually to build up thy kingdom, whether in the various offices and shops,
or by the way side. Bless them with the refreshing effusions of thy Spirit,
that they may have joy of heart continually; bless them in their bodies, that
they may have health and strength; bless their tools and their shops and
everything that they put their hands onto, and that is round about them, even
all that pertain to the general welfare of thy people; and my the ground of
this block be preserved holy unto the Lord, and the time be hastened when its
walls and gates shall preserve it from all unhallowed intrusions; when
fountains shall come forth thereon, for the cleansing and purifying and healing
of thy people; and when a house shall be reared unto thy name, from which the
ordinances of eternal life shall flow forth to the living and the dead, and the
whole shall become a paradise in Zion, even as the garden of the Lord.
Bless all
of thy people in these vallies of the mountains; may thy Spirit dwell richly
within them; and may they serve thee in spirit and in truth; may they cleave
unto thee with full purpose of heart, never failing to acknowledge thee in all
things, and give thanks and praise unto thy holy name; and wilt thou multiply
their posterity, that they may become a great people; and increase their flocks
and their herds, and their farms, and their gardens, and their orchards and
vineyards, and houses, and shops, and factories, and everything they shall
stretch forth their hands to do; and may the earth yield its increase without
measure unto thy people, that there may be abundance in store for all who shall
come hither, to learn more fully the way of life and salvation, and for the
sustaining of the public works; and wilt thou grant this rich blessing unto thy
people, even that they may never be slothful, or grudgingly tithe their
increase, for the upbuilding of thy kingdom, and the spread of thy gospel on
the earth. Bless and preserve thy people from all evil influences, from all
untimely and false judging, from all evil thinking and speaking, from all
enemies within and without; and may their enemies have no power over them, to
prevail against them, or to injure them in their persons, families, or
property.
Bless thy
servants who have gone to gather up thy people in Pottawattamie and lead them
to this place, and give them wisdom and power to accomplish their mission to
thy divine acceptance; and in an especial manner would we remember before thee,
O our Father, thy children who may attempt to walk across the prairie this
season, with handcarts and wheelbarrows, pitching their tents by the way, or
having nought but the heavens for a covering; be very merciful unto all such,
and increase their faith; may thy strength be their strength, and may they be
invigorated continually by thine almighty power, that every bone, and sinew,
and muscle, and nerve, and every part of their bodies may be renewed, day by
day, that their strength fail not; and may they have such power given unto
them, that nothing but thine angels can go before them; and may no enemy have
any dominion over them, or any accident befall them; provide food for them by
the way, even if it needs be manna from heaven, as thou didst unto our fathers
in the wilderness; and may disease and death have no power over them, but may
every soul arrive safely in our midst, to unite with us in songs of praise and
thanksgiving unto God for his great and merciful kindness unto them.
Have
compassion upon thy people, O Lord, who are scattered among the nations, and
desire to gather according to thy word, but have not the means. - Open the
hearts of those who have, to impart unto those who have not, that the rich and
the poor may journey together, according to thy will. And may all who are now
on their way, or may be coming this season, whether by land or water, with
horses, or mules, or oxen, or wagons, or chariots, or by any means whatever,
experience thy rich blessings, that they may be delivered from every evil, and
arrive in safety, that the rich vallies of the mountains may be filled with the
saints of the Most High.
Bless the
Governor of this Territory, with the Legislators, Judges, and Marshals, and
Sheriffs, and all in authority among the people; and may the spirit of love,
obedience, union and peace prevail. And may not the lawyers have power to stir
up strife and contention, and lawsuits in our midst; and may the spirit of
peace and conciliation be cultivated by all in authority.
May the
Delegate from Utah, now in the Congress of the nation, be clothed upon with the
spirit and power of Elijah's God, that he may put to silence the tongues of
evil men; may all the enemies of our God be confounded be confounded, or put to
silence, or fear; but may he feel that God is with him, and that he will bring
him off conqueror over every foe, and stand forth triumphant in the midst of
the nation, clothed with the principles of eternal truth and rectitude; and may
his daily walk be an example to the world, and all with whom he associates;
proving himself a friend of God and a man after his own heart, working
diligently to know thy mind and will, and yielding humble obedience thereunto.
We pray
for the President of the United States, for the heads of departments, for the
members of congress and all those in authority over us; may they have wisdom to
discern the signs of the times, and administer in righteousness in their
respective callings, in their high and responsible stations; and may they love
mercy, deal justly, and seek knowledge, wisdom and judgment from him whose
right it is to rule, and become subservient to his holy teachings. - Holy
Father, may no evil spirit be suffered to prejudice their minds against us thy
servants, or thy people, or cause them to seek our injury; but may the good
influences of thy spirit control them in all their acts towards thy people, and
towards all the people over whom they preside, or for whom they legislate, that
the pure principles of our national institutions may be perpetuated forever.
Bless all
the governments and rulers of the earth, who bless thy people and protect thy
servants; and overthrow all thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, and
governments, that fight against thy cause and thy servants; that the way may be
opened for the spread of eternal truth, even the gospel of salvation, to all
nations, kindreds, tongues, and people that dwell upon the face of the whole
earth; and that thy servants may have access to the honest in heart everywhere.
Vouchsafe
unto thine ancient covenant people, O Lord, the renovating spirit of thy grace,
that they may be prepared to receive their promised inheritance and be gathered
from among all nations, whither thou hast scattered them, and may they become
polished even after the similitude of a palace, and become fit temples for the
reception and indwelling of thy Holy Spirit.
Remember,
O Lord, in mercy, thine ancient covenant people who inhabit this land, even the
seed of Joseph that was sold into Egypt, and give unto thy saints the spirit of
patience and forbearance, that they may act wisely, and justly, in all their
intercourse with them. Be merciful unto them, O our Father, in their ignorant,
degraded, and miserable condition, inflicted on them as a living witness of thy
righteous judgments; yet remember, we beseech of thee, our Heavenly Father,
that they are of thine ancient covenant people, and to them pertain the
promises made unto their fathers, and we pray thee, that the past may suffice,
that they should drink of the cup of thy displeasure, and that thou wouldst
stretch forth thine arm for their deliverance from the darkness, superstition
and ignorance, that reign in their souls. Give unto them dreams, and visions,
and revelations by thy Spirit, that they may see their degraded condition, and
the blessings which are in store for them through the obedience of their
fathers, that they may search after thy servants and receive their teaching,
and the teachings of thy Spirit; that they may be enlightened in principle, in
doctrine, in duty, and learn the way of life and salvation, which their fathers
knew and loved, but lost through transgression; that they may again become a
white and delightsome people in the midst of the nations, and find salvation at
last in thy presence.
Bless all
men, everywhere, who love and obey thy laws, and bless and do good unto thy
people; let their days be lengthened and multiplied upon the earth; multiply
their joy, and increase their posterity, that peace may prevail and
righteousness spread abroad among the nations.
We
present before thee, our Heavenly Father, all men who have had the privilege of
thy gospel, who have heard the teachings of thy servants, and felt, and beheld
the manifestation of thy Spirit, and have turned away from the testimony of
Jesus, and persecuted, and mobbed thy saints, and slain thy prophets, even
thine anointed ones, and done despite unto thy mercy, and thy love, and have
waxed old in iniquity, and changed thine ordinances, have rejected the
testimony of thy servants, and sought to destroy them from the face of the
earth, whose days of repentance, and salvation are past, and who are unmindful
of thee, and will fight against thy cause and kingdom; and have shed innocent
blood; and we pray thee, our Father in the heavens, that thou wilt divest them
of all power to injure thy people, that they may fall in the pits, and be taken
in the snares which they have spread for their neighbors; that they may go
backward and not forward, and fall and rise not again; and may the plagues which
thou hast instituted come upon them, that they may perish from the face of the
earth, and their generations after them, that their names be blotted out from
henceforth, that the posterity of the righteous may fill the earth.
And now,
our Heavenly Father, we beseech of thee to listen to the voice of our
supplication, and give us an answer of peace; accept we pray thee, of this our
dedication of this house, of ourselves, our wives, our children, our houses,
our flocks, and our herds, and all that we possess, unto thee, and to thy cause
forever.
Praying
that thy good Spirit may be poured out upon us, thy people, while we remain
together at this Conference; that thou wilt dictate all things pertaining
thereunto, that we may be enabled to accomplish thy righteous will in all
things, and grow up in perfection, through the gift of thy Spirit, that at last
we may rest in thy presence with all thy sanctified ones; and we will ascribe
all praise, glory, and honor, unto God, and the Lamb, forever and ever. Amen.
Prest. Young read the hymn, "The morning breaks, the shadows flee," which was sung by the choir concluding with "Hosanna in the highest," like a choir of heavenly angels.
A hymn composed for the occasion, by W. W. Phelps, was sung by John Kay, accompanied by instruments:
IN DESERET WE'RE FREE.
——
By W. W. Phelps.
An earthquake seems to shake the globe,
And distant thunder jars the sea;
And every nation wonders what
Such mighty things can be:
And the lightning glares on the billowy main,
And the clouds roll up for a hurricane:-
Yet the Mormons shout "Hosanna!
"In Deseret we're free."
There's "Mene Tekel" on the wall,
An awful, fearful mystery;
The mobs go forth, like kings to war,
In bloody majesty;
And the strongest thrones are a crumbling down,
And the Cholera, and old Death's in town: -
Yet the Mormons shout "Hosanna!
"In Deseret we're free."
All hands are weak; all hearts are faint;
There's shaking of the pow'rs that be;
The great to great exclaim, alas!
"Are you as weak as we?"
And the answer comes in the nimble blast,
"Yes our glory's gone, and our days are pass'd;"
Yet the Mormons shout "Hosanna!
"In Deseret we're free."
'Tis joy to have a Mormon's faith,
Which comprehends eternity;
'Tis joy to live in such a day,
And witness what we see;
As the nations rave, how they fly as chaff,
While the Gods in heaven do sit and laugh:-
And the Mormons shout "Hosanna!
"In Deseret we're free."
President Young addressed the congregation in a most animating speech,
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 4:1, 1/5/54 p1; JD 1:198]
TABERNACLE
Tuesday, 10 a.m. April
6, 1852.
The new
Tabernacle on the Temple Block in Great Salt Lake City, was dedicated this
morning. After the dedication prayer; President Young said:
I rise to
occupy a few moments of time this morning, as we have opened our Conference by
the dedication prayer, for we will spend the remainder of the forenoon in
speaking. I desire to offer my own reflections upon this interesting occasion,
but whether they may be strictly appropriate or not, will, of course, be left
for you to judge.
We have
assembled together in this comfortable and commodious building in peace, and
are we not led to exclaim who could have fathomed, who could have understood
the ways of the Lord, which are higher than man's ways, as heaven is higher
than the earth? We can now calmly reflect upon the experience of our past
lives, and those minds that are opened to receive light and truth, that can
behold the manifestations of the Lord, can at once see that He has done that
which we could not have accomplished by our own power, and that directly behind
(to all human appearance) a frowning Providence oftentimes are concealed the
greatest blessings that mankind can desire. It teaches us to trust in the Lord,
to have confidence in our God. It teaches us absolutely that we need never
undertake to guide the ship of Zion, or dictate, by our own wisdom, to the
kingdom of God on the earth. It teaches us definitely and emphatically that the
Lord Almighty can do His own work, and no power of man can stay the potency of
His wonder-working hand. Men may presume to dictate to the Lord; they come to
naught, but His work moves steadily forward. Many who have left this Church
have tried the experiment of building up the kingdom of God by their learning,
saying, "When we have established our Church it will then be the kingdom
of the Lord." They have laid their subtle plans, have marked out their
ground, pointed out their own path, have firmly (as they supposed) set their
stakes, commanding their proselytes not to turn to the right hand nor to the
left, from the course marked out by them, but in every case has the Lord
overthrown their plans, and thwarted all their designs. When the Lord works, no
man can hinder, while those who feel willing to hearken to His words work with
Him; and when He says, "Be still," they are subject; when He
dictates, they cease to direct; when He directs, they are willing to do His
commandments, He bestows blessings on their labors, His work prospers in their
hands, His kingdom moves onward with a steady and unwavering progress, the
honest in heart are blessed, and the whole is in a state of continual and rapid
increase. Then let the world and the enemies of Christ and His kingdom that are
upon earth and in hell, do their worst, it matters not, the work of the Lord is
still onward and prosperous in His hands.
It is a
great privilege which we enjoy this morning of assembling ourselves together in
this comfortable edifice, which has been erected in the short space of about
four months, in the most inclement season of the year. We have now a commodious
place in which we can worship the Lord, without the fear of being driven from
our seats by wet and cold, or of standing exposed to the weather. I now say to
my brethren, that I feel to dedicate myself and all I possess to the Lord, and
constantly feel, with all I have, on the altar of sacrifice to the cause of my
God.
A year
ago this day, when the brethren were assembled to offer up their prayers, and
to present business before the Conference, for the consideration of the people,
and for the furtherance of the cause we have espoused, I recollect I was not
able to sit up, being sick, but not discouraged. I had not fainted by the way,
but my heart was as brave as it ever was in any moment of my life, yet I was
not able to be in the assembly. I contemplated the situation of this people,
and looked over our past history, considered our then present prospects and
privileges in these peaceful valleys. My eyes were upon those who were
faltering by the way or wandering after the things of this world, and I could
not refrain from tracing their steps, as they were passing to the right and to
the left after the perishing things of this life. I saw the afflictions of the
people, and contemplated their past sufferings and present situation. As I
mused, I said in my heart, "As soon as I am able to speak to the people, I
will unfold to them my thoughts and feelings, and tell them that in the midst
of all the afflictions and chequered scenes through which the Saints have
passed—their joys and their toils, their sufferings and theft comforts, their
fears and their faith, I have never seen them as comfortable as they are now. I
shall say to the brethren, Come, let us build a house that we may enter within
its walls, and there offer our prayers and thanksgivings before the Lord, and
worship Him as long as we please, without the fear of being driven home with
storms of wind, rain, and snow." I said, "If the Lord blesses me with
life and health, I shall put forth my hand to rear an edifice, in which the
people can comfortably assemble, as large as we can build at present, and
dedicate it to the Lord, that the people may say in their heart, Let us go up
to the house of the Lord to worship." I saw that when we should obtain
this commodious building, some would wish to be excused from engaging in the
pleasing duty of worshiping here, and say, "My cattle, my farm, or my
business will be forsaken, I must take care of my family, for the Lord gave them
to me to take care of;" or, "I must attend to my affairs here and
there, and I cannot therefore stay to worship the Lord." I say to such,
Go! but as for me, though all the world should sink into oblivion, I will go up
to worship the Lord.
These
were my feelings a year ago, and they are the same to-day. I dedicate myself,
my family, and my substance anew unto the Lord, they are not mine, I am not my
own creator, nor the producer of anything I possess; I did not originate one
atom of it. Let the world and its cares go! The Lord Almighty, who made it, is
able to take care of it, and He may do with it what He pleases; but He has
commanded me to worship Him, which is one of the greatest privileges that could
be conferred upon man.
How long
shall we stay here? I answer, as long as I please. Brethren and sisters, cast
from you the love of the world, and let it have no dominion over you. There are
a many who delight in the good things of this earth—in gold and silver, in
carriages and horses, in houses and splendid furniture, in costly clothing, in
orchards and gardens, in vineyards and fields, and extended possessions. These
things, compared with eternal riches, are nothing, though in their place they
are good. You may say, "If we live, we must eat, drink, and wear
clothing;" and, "He that provideth not for his own household, has
denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel;" numberless arguments of
this kind will present themselves to the minds of the people, to call them away
from the line of their duty, when they know it is their privilege to dedicate
themselves, their families, and all they possess to the Lord. How quick is the
enemy, how ready to present something of an opposite nature to what is right
before them! You know the mental and physical weakness of man, so common to
mortality, and which the enemy is so ready to turn against you, to his own
advantage. You think that your business needs your continual and undivided
attention, that you must attend to this, or to that, before you can dedicate
yourselves and families to the Lord. There may perhaps be some few here this
morning who feel they ought to be plowing, fencing, building, or attending to
some minor affair, and cannot possibly spend time to remain at the Conference.
If you will hearken to the counsel of your humble servant, you will say to the
fields, the flocks, and the herds, to the gold and the silver, to the goods and
chattels, to the tenements and the possessions, and to all the world—Stand
aside, get away from my thoughts, for I am going up to worship the Lord. Let it
all go by the board, brethren, and who cares? I do not. Your oxen and horses
will not live for ever, they will die occasionally; and sometimes we are
deprived by death of our children, and other members of our families. I say,
let the dead bury the dead, let the corn and the wheat, and all other things,
take care of themselves, but let us dedicate ourselves, our families, our
substance, our time, our talents, and everything we have upon the face of this
world, with all that will hereafter be entrusted to us, to the Lord our God;
let the whole be devoted to the building up of His kingdom upon the earth, and
whether you are called hero or there, it makes no matter; but this morning let
every heart be humble, watchful, and prayerful, dedicating themselves unto the
Lord.
This
people have passed through scenes of deep sorrow and affliction, but they are
now in comfortable circumstances. They have been miserably poor, but they are
now. I may say, in comparative wealth. We have been sick, now we are well. We
have been tormented, now we are comforted. We have been afflicted by our
enemies, but we are now far from them. You pause, and ask, how long will it he
so? I answer, so long as you and I serve the Lord with all our hearts, just so
long shall we be free from our enemies.
We have
now a comfortable habitation to meet in, and we enjoy the privilege of
assembling here in peace. How has it been in by-gone years? Look back six,
seven, eight, ten, or twelve years ago, or to the year 1830, when the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized with sir members—which is
twenty-two years ago this day, and can you tell me of a year, of six months, or
of three months that Joseph was not hunted like the deer upon the mountains, by
sheriffs with writs in their hands to drag him from us to prison; when he and
his brethren were not menaced with bloodthirsty mobs, until this people
assembled in the peaceful valleys of the mountains? Who troubles them now? No
person who fears God, who serves the King, the Lord of Hosts; and none who are
willing to love our Father in heaven supremely—above all things else upon the
face of this earth, or in eternity, will be found persecuting even an idolater,
to say nothing of the Saints of the Most High.
Let us
now seek with greater diligence to build up the kingdom of heaven, and
establish righteousness; seek to magnify the Lord God, and sanctify our own
hearts; establish peace on earth, destroy every root of bitterness from among
the people, and cease from this moment to find fault with any brother or
sister, even though they do wrong, for the Lord will apply the chastening rod
to them if they need it. We serve our children so; if we consider they need
chastening, we chastise them, but we do not thereby hate them. If it is
necessary, we will correct their faults. But should we contend with them? By no
means.
Are those
who have assembled here this morning prepared to make a covenant with
themselves that they will cease from all evil practices, from all evil
speaking, and from all evil thinking, and say from this very morning, I will
never do another evil as long as I live, the Lord being my helper? I will do
all the good I can, and prepare for the coming of the son of man? To this end I
wish we should dedicate our hearts, our affections, and our whole life to the
cause of God on the earth.
I do not
feel like preaching a discourse upon any particular subject; but of urging the
necessity of the brethren and sisters absolutely coming to this determination
this morning, and dedicating themselves and all they have to the Lord from this
time henceforth. Can we come to this conclusion, to firmly, faithfully, and
unitedly enter into a covenant with ourselves, saying, I am for the Lord and
none else; from this time henceforth, I will do the will of my Father who is in
the heavens, who has called me to minister the fulness of the Gospel, and to
share the glory that is prepared for the righteous: I will be like clay in the
hands of the potter, that He may mold and fashion me as seemeth Him good; and
if He will make known to me His will, mine shall bow to it, my affections shall
be placed upon eternal things, and shall not rest upon the fading, transitory
objects of time and sense? Can we make this covenant with ourselves this
morning. Not only to say we dedicate this house and ourselves, our
flocks, herds, families, and possessions, to the Lord, but actually perform the
work, dedicating our affections to His service. If our affections are won and
wholly dedicated to His cause, we have then obtained the victory.
Perhaps
we may find one here and there who will say, "I cannot do this, I may say
it with my lips, but to feel it in my heart, the case is hard; I am poor and
needy, and desire to go to the gold mines to obtain something to help myself,
by speculating upon the Gentiles, and thus get me a good farm and team, with
which to get out of this thraldom and difficulty; my mine is so perplexed, I
cannot say my affections are fully dedicated to the Lord my God." What is
to be done in such a case? I know what I would do, for I have experience in
these matters—I would call upon the Bishop, and make known to him my distress.
There are many who in these words complain, and say they are so poor they
cannot pay their tithing; say they, "I have only got three horses and two
yoke of cattle and about fifty sheep; I want one horse to ride, and the others
to haul wood, I therefore do not know how I can possibly pay my tithing."
While on the other hand, others who have only got half a dozen chickens can
willingly pay their tithing. You may say, "It is easier for them to pay
tithing than for those who possess so much, for they are so very poor, it does
not infringe upon other matters." Now if I had but one cow, and felt thus,
I would give her away forthwith. If you have only six horses and ten yoke of
cattle, or only one cow, and you are too poor to pay your tithing, give the
whole into the public works. I speak thus to those who are inclined to love the
substance of this world better than the Lord. If you have gold and silver, let
it not come between you and your duty. I will tell you what to do in order to
gain your exaltation, the which you cannot obtain except you take this course.
If your affections are placed upon anything so as to hinder you in the least
from dedicating them to the Lord, make a dedication of that thing in the first
place, that the dedication of the whole may be complete.
What
hinders this people from being as holy as the Church of Enoch? I can tell you
the reason in a few words. It is because you will not cultivate the disposition
to be so—this comprehends the whole. If my heart is not fully given up
to this work, I will give my time, my talents, my hands, and my possessions to
it, until my heart consents to be subject; I will make my hands labor in the
cause of God until my heart bows in submission to it.
I might
here use a just and true comparison which will apply to the Church. The rulers
of Great Britain have tried to make every capitalist identify his interest with
the Government-that has sustained the kingdom, and is like a powerful
network around the whole. Apply this comparison to the kingdom of God on earth.
Brethren,
do you wish this heavenly government to stand? There is no government more
beautiful, no confederacy more powerful! What shall we do to accomplish this?
Imitate the policy of that earthly kingdom, identify our interest with the
kingdom of God, so that if our hearts should ever become weaned from loyalty to
the sovereign, all our earthly interest is bound up there, and cannot be
taken away. We must therefore sustain the kingdom in order to sustain our lives
and interests; by so doing we shall receive the Spirit of the Lord, and
ultimately work with all our hearts.
This is a
policy which I have not reflected upon until this morning, but before we get
through with the Conference, I shall, perhaps, see it entered into, not as the
result of any premeditation in the least, but when the condition of our
temporal affairs is read from the stand, you will find the Church in
considerable indebtedness. If any man is in darkness through the deceitfulness
of riches, it is good policy for him to bind up his wealth in this Church, so
that he cannot command it again, and he will be apt to cleave to the kingdom.
If a man has the purse in his pocket, and he apostatizes, he takes it with him;
but if his worldly interest is firmly united to the Kingdom of God, when he
arises to go away, he finds the calf is bound, and, like the cow, he is
unwilling to forsake it. If his calf is bound up here, he will be inclined to
stay; all his interest is here, and very likely the Lord will open his eyes, so
that he will properly understand his true situation, and his heart will chime
in with the will of his God in a very short time. Were we to dedicate our moral
and intellectual influence, and our earthly wealth to the Lord, our hearts
would be very likely to applaud our acts. This reasoning is for those who do
not feel exactly to subscribe to all that has been said this morning, with
regard to dedicating ourselves to the cause of truth. This is what you must do
to obtain an exaltation. The Lord must be first and foremost in our affections,
the building up of His kingdom demands our first consideration.
The Lord
God Almighty has set up a kingdom that will sway the sceptre of power and
authority over all the kingdoms of the world, and will never be destroyed, it
is the kingdom that Daniel saw and wrote of. It may be considered treason to
say that the kingdom which that Prophet foretold is actually set up; that we
cannot help, but we know it is so, and call upon the nations to believe our
testimony. The kingdom will continue to increase, to grow, to spread and
prosper more and more. Every time its enemies undertake to overthrow it, it
will become more extensive and powerful; instead of its decreasing, it will
continue to increase, it will spread the more, become more wonderful and
conspicuous to the nations, until it fills the whole earth. If such is your wish,
identify your own individual interest in it, and tie yourselves thereto by
every means in your power. Let every man and every woman do this, and then be
willing to make every sacrifice the Lord may require; and when they have bound
up their affections, time, and talents, with all they have, to the interest of
the kingdom, then have they gained the victory, and their work is complete, so
far as they understand.
If this
people would take that course, what hinders their being in the Millennium? If I
were to ask what the Millennium—the Latter-day glory so often spoken of, is, I
should find numerous opinions among this people, and many in and out of this
congregation. I have learned long ago that the thoughts and expressions of men
are very diversified; if, indeed, their thoughts or ideas are similar, I know
their words differ widely; so should I find a great many different opinions
among this people, with regard to the real essence and effect of the
Millennium. The Millennium consists in this—every heart in the Church and
Kingdom of God being united in one; the Kingdom increasing to the overcoming of
everything opposed to the economy of heaven, and Satan. being bound, and having
a seal set upon him. All things else will be as they are now, we shall eat, drink,
and wear clothing. Let the people be holy, and the earth under their feet will
be holy. Let the people be holy, slid filled with the Spirit of God, and every
animal and creeping thing will be filled with peace; the soil of the earth will
bring forth in its strength, and the fruits thereof will be meat for man. The
more purity that exists, the less is the strife; the more kind we are to our
animals, the more will peace increase, and the savage nature of the brute
creation vanish away. If the people will not serve the devil another moment
whilst they live, if this congregation is possessed of that spirit and
resolution, here in this house is the Millennium. Let the inhabitants of this
city be possessed of that spirit, let the people of the territory be possessed
of that spirit, and here is the Millennium. Let the whole people of the United
States be possessed of that spirit, and here is the Millennium, and so will it
spread over all the world.
Let us
cease from all evil, and do all the good we can to the nations abroad, and by
and by the vail of the covering will be taken from the earth, and the
inhabitants see as they are seen.
May the
Almighty Father of heaven and earth bless you, and I bless you. in His name,
and pray that we may be diligent in every good word and work before the Lord,
in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
after which the choir sung, 'Ere long the mount of God in latter days shall rise.'
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
[6 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
[6] 2 P.M.
Conference opened in the usual manner, by singing and prayer.
[Elder Orson Pratt]
Elder Orson Pratt addressed the elders on the responsibility that is resting upon them to prepare for the morning of the resurrection, and for celestial glory, referring to the work of God in England, Denmark, &c.; followed by elder Orson Spencer, who felt to rejoice in the thrilling accounts that had been presented this afternoon, and realized that they were true. The people of the earth may as well attempt to stop the progress of the rays of light as to stop the power of truth.
Choir sung, "Before Jehovah's awful throne."
Benediction by Prest. H. C. Kimball.
Adjourned to April 7, at 10, a.m.
[6 Apr, 6 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
6 P.M.
The Seventies assembled to hear instructions from Pres. Joseph Young, and to take into consideration the continuation of the building the Seventies' Hall of Science.
——
[7 Apr, 9 am*]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Wednesday, April 7.
When the doors of the Tabernacle were thrown open at 9 a.m., the people rushed in, as if the floodgates of a mighty reservoir had given way, and in a very few minutes all the seats were occupied, so great was the desire of the saints to hear the teachings of the servants of the Lord. The 8 doorkeepers used every exertion to seat the dense throng of anxious souls, so as to give room for all, but it was impossible; all the alleys were crowded by men standing, and many could not even be admitted at all. Several pieces of music enlivened the capacious building with their sweet strains of heavenly harmony until the Presidency arrived, when the congregation was called to order by Prest. Kimball.
Choir sung, "Once more my soul, the rising day," &c. Prayer by elder H. G. Sherwood, when the choir sung. "Lift up you heads ye scattered saints."
Prest. Young then stated that the first business would be the presentation of all the authorities of the church.
Brigham Young was then presented as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; also as our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and our Leader in Israel, who was unanimously sustained; as also Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards, as Apostles of Jesus Christ, and his counsellors.
John Smith was sustained as the Presiding Patriarch to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Orson Hyde was sustained as the President, and P. P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to all the world.
John Young was sustained as the President of the High Priests' Quorum; also Reynolds Cahoon and George B. Wallace his counsellors.
Joseph Young was sustained as the First President of all the Quorums of the Seventies; and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood and Jedediah M. Grant as his Associate Presidents. Benjamin L. Clapp having expressed many feelings which are opposed to the truth, and having been in the back ground for some time, his standing was laid over for the present, until he makes a humble confession of his folly before the conference; and a letter was sent to him to appear accordingly.
John Nebeker was sustained as the President of the Elders' Quorum; also James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his counsellors.
Edward Hunter was sustained as the Presiding Bishop to the church; also Nathaniel H. Felt, John Banks, and Alfred Cordon as Assistant Presiding, and Traveling Bishops among the people.
Lewis Wight was sustained as the Prest. of the Priests' Quorum; also John Groves and George Deckstader his counsellors.
McGee Harris was sustained as the President of the Teachers' Quorum; also John Vance and Reuben Perkins his counsellors.
Return R. Hill was sustained as President of the Deacons' Quorum; also Andrew Burt and Oswell Barlow his counsellors.
Brigham Young was sustained as the Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Edward Hunter as Assistant Trustee.
Willard Richards was sustained as the Historian and General Church Recorder.
Daniel H. Wells was sustained as the Superintendent of the Public Works.
Brigham Young was sustained as the President of the Perpetual Emigrating company to gather the poor; also Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Hyde, Geo. A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Jedediah M. Grant, Daniel H. Wells, Willard Snow, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, Amasa Lyman, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, and Franklin D. Richards, were severally sustained as assistants to President Young.
Daniel Spencer was sustained as President of this stake of Zion; also David Fullmer and Willard Snow his counsellors.
Henry G. Sherwood was sustained as President, and Eleazar Miller, John Kempton, Heman Hyde, Wm. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, and William Snow as members of the High Council.
Prest. Young remarked that this is the best hall on one floor he had ever seen in his life, as there are 2500 persons present this morning and every one can see the face of the speaker. Prest. Young continued to address the assembly, followed by G. A. Smith and W. W. Phelps.
Singing, and benediction by Prest. Young.
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
2 P.M.
Opened as usual; Prest. Young laid before the conference the amount of Tithing received, and expenditures, which was then read by Wm. Clayton.
Prest. Young occupied the remainder of the afternoon in preaching.
Singing, and benediction by elder H. Herriman.
[7 Apr, 6 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
6 P.M.
The house was crowded by the officers of the church, when elder G. A. Smith, Z. Pulsipher, and Prest. Young addressed the elders.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 4:23, 2/16/54 p1; JD 6:314; MS 16:401, 430, 441]
A DISCOURSE
By President Brigham Young, at a Meeting of Elders and High
Priests, in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, Wednesday, April 7th., 1852,
at six o'clock, p.m., being the second day of the Spring Conference.
It may be
considered that we are a mixed congregation, consisting of Bishops, Seventies,
High Priests, Elders, the Twelve, and the First Presidency; but I consider we
are, strictly speaking, a meeting of the Elders of Israel; for if we were to be
instructed in the duties of any one of these Quorums, that instruction would be
equally good for all.
This vast
concourse of persons are all Elders in Israel, with but a very few exceptions;
for there are some Priests, Teachers, and Deacons present, but not a great
many. The greater portion of the male members of this community are Elders in
the Church; and, as Elders, we are to be instructed so as to obtain an
understanding of all things pertaining to our duty.
We have
heard and felt sufficient to know that the wisdom which is to be obtained in
this kingdom is more satisfactory to us than the boasted wisdom of the world.
This is appreciated by the majority of this assembly, if not by all. The
knowledge possessed by this people is of more value than all the knowledge of
the world put together, and infinitely greater. In this kingdom you will find
the root of all science, and that, too, in men who have not been taught the
sciences after the manner of the world. They understand the origin of science,
and can trace it through the life of man, much to their satisfaction. Let any
man who possesses the Holy Ghost, though never taught the sciences but a very
little, hear a learned man exhibit the principles of any science, he
understands the origin and proper bearings of the subject treated upon by the
speaker, through the increased rays of that light which lighteth every man that
cometh into the world. This is to us a matter of no little satisfaction.
I have
many cogitations with regard to this work of the last days and the prosperity
of this kingdom; yet I have learned years ago that the Lord stands at the helm
that guides Zion's ship. He is its Dictator; and unless we work exactly to the
line that is marked out by him, our works will be in vain. This has been my
experience from the beginning. In every branch and avenue of our lives we must
learn to work to the line of truth. It is for us to know what ought to be done,
and then do it. Though there Should be no earthly, prospect of accomplishing
it, we can certainly try; and if we try with all our might, that act will prove
at least a resolute and determined mind, adorned with patience and
perseverance. And if, with all our resolute endeavours, we are still unable to
accomplish our purpose, the Lord will be very likely to stretch forth his hand
and give the victory.
Perhaps,
before we get through with this Conference, we shall ask such a favour of the
Bishops as we asked of them last Conference, which was granted to the letter,
and that most rigorously. The brethren are rigorous with themselves, for they
have paid their Tithing willingly, and I do not know that the Bishops have had
to urge them any to the fulfilment of this duty. However, some on the first
reflection thought it seemed impossible for them to comply with it, and some
thought that our request was inconsistent; but with a little more mature
reflection, with a little faith and prayer, they brought themselves directly to
obedience. I think this has been almost universally the case. If we should now
call upon the Bishops for a favour, it would be to grant us a little assistance
with regard to our purchasing and laying in lumber, nails, glass, and other
merchandize to supply our future wants. I wish each Ward to bear their share in
this matter. I mention it that the Bishops may be alert in their feelings.
Now,
brethren, can we fight against and subdue ourselves? That is the
greatest difficulty we ever encountered, and the most arduous warfare we over
engaged in. This will apply most perfectly to the brethren who have gathered
with the Saints. When we are out in the world we preach faith and repentance,
so that the Saints bring the knowledge of first principles with them to
the gathering-place. Your next step is to enter into the study of this. A man
may learn letters and study all the various branches of scholastic education to
the day of his death; but if he does not attain to strict self. discipline, his
learning will not amount to much. The catalogue of man's discipline he must
compile himself: he cannot be guided by any rule that others may lay down, but
is placed under the necessity of tracing it himself through every avenue of his
life. He is obliged to catechise and train himself, for he knows his own
disposition the best—its fortified and unfortified parts. He is therefore the
most fit to school himself, until every particle of the man is brought into
subjection to the law of Christ.
When had
you obeyed the first ordinances of the Gospel, then you discovered that the
Lord had set his hand to gather Israel, that Zion might be built up and Israel
gathered from the four winds. These doctrines have been taught and re-taught
again and again. I think there is not a man here who did not fully understand
them while in his native country. There may be a few exceptions among those who
have by chance fallen into the society of the Saints at the gathering-place
where their first acquaintance was formed, and consequently have not had the
same opportunity of hearing the first principles as others have had in the
world. Now, we enter this school to be planed, squared, and polished.
Suppose
we admit of malice, anger, and wrath in our hearts,—steep ourselves in
wickedness, by taking the name of God in vain, by entering into every kind of
outbreak and transgression, by defiance to every wholesome law, by neglecting
our families, physically, mentally, and morally, and by neglecting our brethren
and ourselves, our former repentance and baptism for the remission of our sins
will not profit us, through indulging in sin afterwards; but all our former
sins will again be upon us, and we must atone for the whole. Then let us cleave
unto righteousness, learn to do well, and continue to do so all the days of our
lives, that our former sins may not stand against us. This is our duty.
If every
person in the community would correct his own errors each day he lives, the
errors of the whole would continually be effectually corrected. For where is
there a man who, by preaching on a text from the Bible or the Book of Mormon,
can correct the faults of the people? That may be done until they go into their
graves, and little or no good result from it. I mean to correct my own faults,
and it is for you to do the same. It is an individual business, over which each
man must preside, until every fault in our whole lives is corrected and we are
sanctified before the Lord.
If your
neighbour suffers his cattle or his children to trespass upon your property,
never retaliate or speak an angry reply, for this will engender a spirit of
anger in him. Consider well before you suffer your minds to be irritated in the
least. Suffer them not to be agitated until your blood is boiling with rage
before you are aware; but stop and reflect, coolly consider, and quietly reason
with the person or persons who have trespassed upon you, and show them the
nature of their transgression against you. If they continue in the same course
of conduct, reason the stronger with them, without quarrelling. Thus bring your
passions down into subjection to your will, and cultivate an even unruffled
temper, until you can perfectly control yourselves at all times, in all places,
and under all circumstances. Then our affections and feelings would become
congenial to those of the angels of God, and we should continue to increase in
that Holy Spirit which would prepare us for the society of holy beings. This is
our school, and a profitable one it is to the Elders of Israel.
Why I
mention these things is that you may understand, as quick as you have believed
and have been baptized for the remission of your sins, that you have then
further duties to perform. To be continually repenting is not required of us.
If the Elders of Israel could do all that is required of them; they would not
need to repent, but they would seek continually to walk in the paths of truth,
virtue, and holiness. It is not in keeping with their calling to be fighting
and quarrelling with their brethren, or treading upon the sacred rights of
others; but it is their duty to walk in the paths of righteousness all the day
long. And they will be chastened again and again until they do it.
This is
my teaching to the people continually. We do not care about hearing an
overgrown Gospel sermon preached here; for the people understand it perfectly
already. But do they understand the principle of self-control, and of properly
ordering their lives and course before the Lord? Do the Elders of Israel
understand all that the Lord requires of them? They do not. This belongs to
other branches of the same celestial science. This perfect science requires men
and women to be in the school all the days of their lives; and they Will not
see a single day in which they will not learn some truth with which they were
not before acquainted. They can learn from themselves—from the world—from the
government of heaven—from the management, government, control, doctrines, and
laws of eternity, which will yet be exhibited before us. The Lord has
established the world, with its varied productions, for the education of his
children, that they may improve upon little things first, and so continue to
increase, grow, and strengthen, until they become perfect men in Christ Jesus.
These are the duties and this is the situation of the Elders at home.
We have
not had much privilege hitherto of meeting together in the Valley. Four years
ago, when the brethren came into this valley, brother George A. Smith delivered
his first lecture upon the cannon, for there were no houses wherein the people
could assemble. Since then they have been greatly blessed, yet they have had
little opportunity of holding meeting. The first large place we had to meet in
was the Bowery. We felt comfortable in it, and I felt as thankful for it as I
ever aid for anything in my life; but as quick as the falling westher came, it
drove the Saints away? and rendered it necessary to discontinue the meetings in
that place and to hold them in the different Wards, so that it became
impossible to get all the people together. Now we have a convenient room—the best
hall I ever saw in my life, wherein the people could be convened on one floor.
I trust we shall renew our strength, meet here to pray, and to praise the Lord,
and partake of the sacrament, until our feelings are perfectly pure; for we are
where we can sit and enjoy the society of each other as long as we please, and
there is none to make us afraid. Let us be industrious in this great school,
nor ever slacken our pace.
There are
a great many branches of education: some go to college to learn languages, some
to study law, some to study physic, and some to study astronomy, and various
other branches of science. We want every branch of science taught in this place
that is taught in the world. But our favourite study is that branch which
particularly belongs to the Elders of Israel—namely, theology. Every Elder
should become a profound theologian—should understand this branch better than
all the world. There is no Elder who has the power of God upon him but
understands more of the principles of theology than all the worm put together.
This
reminds me of a little circumstance that transpired here a year ago last
summer. You, no doubt, well recollect Elder Day, (a Baptist minister on his way
to California,) who used to preach to us so nicely. I preached one day when he
was present. In the course of my remarks, I brought up the subject of the
Deity—at the point touching the character of our Father in heaven, upon which
he desired the most to be instructed. I dropped the subject and turned to
something else. He went to dinner with me, and while we sat at the dinner
table, he said, "Brother Young, I was waiting with all my anxious heart,
with mouth, eyes, and ears open to receive something great and glorious."
"What about, brother Day?" "Why, as you were describing the
Deity, and just came to the point I was the most anxious to have expounded,
behold you waived it and turned to something else." I smiled and said,
"After I had taught them how, I wanted the people to add the rest of the
sermon themselves." He said, "I declare, brother Young, I would have
given anything I possessed in the world, if you had continued your remarks
until I had obtained the knowledge I desired." I inquired the nature of
it. "To know the character of God." I smiled and said, "Are you
a preacher of the Gospel?" "Yes." "How long have you been a
preacher?" "Twenty-seven years I have been a preacher of the Gospel
of Christ." "And you have been a minister so long, and have never
learned anything about the character of the Being about whom you have been
preaching! I am astonished! Now you want to find out the character of God. I
can make you answer the question yourself in a few minutes." "Well, I
do not know, brother Young: it is a very mysterious subject to mortal
man." "Now, let me ask you a single question. Will you tell me what
God our. Father in heaven appears like?" He sat a considerable time, while
the colour on his cheeks ebbed and flowed alternately, till at last he replied,
"Brother Young, I will not presume to describe the character of the Deity."
I smiled, and he thought I was treating the subject lightly. "I am not
making light of the subject, but I am smiling at your folly, that you—a teacher
in Israel—a man who should stand between the living and the dead—yet know
nothing about your Father and God. Were I in your place, I would never preach
another sermon while I lived, until I learned more about God. Do you believe
the Bible?" "I do." "What resemblance did our father Adam
bear to his God, when he placed him in the Garden of Eden?" Before he had
time to reply, I asked him what resemblance Jesus bore to man in his
incarnation? and "Do you believe Moses, who said the Lord made Adam in his
own image and after his own likeness? This may appear to you a curiosity; but
do you not see, bona fide, that the Lord made Adam like himself; and the
Saviour we read of was made to look so like him, that he was the express image
of his person ?" He laughed at his folly himself. "Why," said
he, "Brother Young, I never once thought of it before in all my life, and
I have been a preacher twenty-seven years." He never had known anything
about the character of the God he worshiped; but, like the Athenians, had
raised an altar with the inscription, "To the unknown God."
There is
not one of the faithful Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints but is more or less acquainted with the physical and moral character of
the God he serves; which is more than all the world knows, or can know,
independent of the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The greatest, the best, the
most educated, and the most profound theologians on the earth, who have
obtained their learning by reading and study, had no correct knowledge of what
is in the Bible about God, angels, sin, righteousness, and many other important
subjects, until Joseph Smith made it known.
We are
now in the school of theology and making rapid progress in the study of this
celestial science. I admit there are some few dunces in the school: some
advance at a very slow pace, and some not at all. It would be difficult to tell
whether they enjoy anything or not, or whether they are in the faith or not.
But, as a general thing, our boys, who are from the age of ten to fifteen
years, know more of the principles of theology than the most educated clergymen
in Christendom. in comparison to what is plainly revealed, the world of mankind
are almost entirely ignorant of those principles which to them are of the
greatest importance.
You
certainly are learning; and, brethren, I tell you again, what I have told you
repeatedly, if you ever wish to have my good feelings, it will be owing to your
conduct in the strict observance of righteousness and ceasing from all
contentions from speaking lightly of our great Father in heaven, of our elder
brother Jesus Christ, of the angels of God, and of any good being upon the
earth, from this time henceforth and for ever. If you want my fellowship, cease
from doing these things. I may love you and seek your welfare with all my
might; but I do not love the profane speeches and wicked conduct of some of the
Elders in Israel. I have no fellowship for men who are guilty of breaking the
Sabbath, of drinking spirituous liquors to excess, of contending with each
other, and going to law before Gentile or Bishops' courts to settle their
difficulties. There is a better way of settling difficulties than either of
these.
I gave
the Elders a little key lately, to know when they were in the right path. I
will now give you another. When a difference of judgment exists between two
parties, let them come together and lay their difficulties at each other's
feet, laying themselves down in the cradle of humility, and say, "Brother,
(or sister,) I want to do right; yea, I will even wrong myself, to make you
right." Do you not think that a man or woman, acting in that manner
towards his or her neighbour, would be justified by the law of righteousness?
Their judgments come together, and they are agreed: there would, consequently,
be no need of calling in a third person to settle the difference. After taking
this course, if you cannot come together, then call in a third person and
settle it. But for those who bear the name of Saints to go into a Gentile court
to settle their differences is a stink in the nostrils of the Almighty. To me
it is disgusting, filthy, and loathsome, in every sense of the word. I abhor
it. Do, for Heaven's sake and for your own sakes, take my counsel and show
mercy to your brethren, even as the Lord has been merciful to us.
It has
been observed that the people want revelation. This is revelation; and were it
written, it would then be written revelation, as truly as the revelations which
are contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. I could give you
revelation about going to California, for I know the mind of the Lord upon that
matter. I could give 'you revelation upon the subject of paying your Tithing
and building a temple to the name of the Lord; for the light is in me. I could
put these revelations as straight to the line of truth in writing as any
revelation you ever read. I could write the mind of the Lord, and you could put
it in your pockets. But before we desire more written revelation, let us fulfil
the revelations that are already written, and which we have scarcely begun to
fulfil.
A person
was mentioned to-day who did not believe that Brigham Young was a Prophet,
Seer, and Revelator. I wish to ask every member of this whole community, if
they ever heard him profess to be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, as Joseph
Smith was? He professed to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ, called and sent of
God to save Israel. If you know what the calling of an Apostle is, and if there
were ten thousand of them on the earth at the same time, you must know that the
words of an Apostle who magnifies his calling are the words of the Almighty to
the people all the time. He never need be called in question whether he
revealed the mind of the Lord or not. Although brothers Willard Richards, Heber
C. Kimball, and myself are out of the Quorum of the Twelve, our Apostleship has
not been taken from us. Who ordained me to be First President of this Church on
earth? I answer, It is the choice of this people, and that is sufficient. If
the Lord designates a plan how his cause and kingdom can be best advanced,
whose business is it, if it is the mind of the people to follow it? It is ours
and the Lord's; but it is certainly not the business of those who are enemies
to his cause. I preached considerably upon this point in Nauvoo, to give the
people the understanding of the different callings of men. Joseph Smith was a
Prophet, Seer, and Revelator before he had power to build up the kingdom of
God, or take the first step towards it. When did he obtain that power? Not
until the angel had ordained him to be an Apostle. Joseph Smith, Oliver
Cowdery, and David Whitmer were the first Apostles of this dispensation, though
in the early days of the Church David Whitmer lost his standing, and another
took his place. I have taught the brethren this principle years ago. When a man
is an Apostle, and stands at the head of the kingdom of God on the earth, and
magnifies his calling, he has the keys of all the power that ever was bestowed
upon mortal man for the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth.
I will
now leave these items and take up another. I hinted to-day at the wisdom of the
Lord in opening the gold mines, and said he had one object in view,
among many others,—namely, to try the faith of the Saints. By this his
wisdom has been exhibited, and much accomplished by it among those also who are
not Saints. Taken view of this community. A portion will not be Saints. This
has always been the case when God had a Church on the earth. They are not all
sheep that are in the fold, neither are they all Saints who bear the name. I
wish you to understand that when the sheep are separated from the goats, they
will never again bear the like afflictions they bore while they mingled with
the goats, as long as the world stands; no, neither in this world nor any
other. Let the sheep and goats be once separated, and the master of that flock
of sheep will never afflict them. When there are no goats to annoy the sheep,
the latter will mingle with each other and go hand in hand in full fellowship.
But when goats are among the sheep, they besmear them with their stink, and
they frisk about, and behave so as to actually turn the sheep almost into
goats. They will grow short in the hair, look like goats, and stink like them.
The master of the flock must therefore do something to preserve the blood of
the sheep pure, lest they completely degenerate and altogether become goats.
They must be chastened by persecution, to drive out the stinking goats from
their midst. The Lord opened the California gold mines to lead them off; and I
say to the goats, Go! I am glad of it. "But do you not think the sheep
will go too?" Never mind, if they do: they will get well besmeared with
the flavour of the goats, run off and wash themselves, and come back again.
Though I speak thus, I do not despise the goats; no, not in the least.
You will
perhaps recollect a dream I had in the spring of 1848, when so many were going
to California. It seemed as though the whole community would be carried away
with the spirit of gold, which caused much anxiety in my mind and enlightened
my understanding. I dreamed I was a little north of the hot springs, with many
of my brethren, among some scattered timber. I thought of sending to Captain
Brown's, on the Weber river, to get some goats, which I had previously bought
of him; but while I was conversing with the brethren, I thought the Prophet
Joseph Smith came up to us, and I spoke to him. I thought I would send for my
goats which I had purchased from Captain Brown, and brother Joseph started off
to the north, and I thought very likely he would purchase the whole of brother
Brown's stock; but I felt quite reconciled, if he did. I thought I stood there
some time talking with the brethren, when I looked up towards the road on my
right, and behold I saw brother Joseph returning, riding on a wagon without any
box to it; but it had a bottom of boards, and on these boards there was a tent
and other camping implements, &c., as though he had been on a journey of
some length. He alighted from the wagon, and came to where we were standing. I
looked, and saw, following the wagon, an almost innumerable flock of sheep of
all kinds, sizes, colours, and descriptions, from the largest, finest sheep I
ever saw, down to the ugly decrepit dwarf. The wool on the large ones, I
thought, was as white as snow; then the next smaller ones had also nice fine
wool on them, and some were black and white; others had coarse long wool upon
them, approximating to hair; and so on, until they became a mixture of goats
and sheep I looked on the strange flock and wondered. While I was looking, I
asked Joseph what in the world he was going to do with such a flock of sheep,
and said to him, "Why, brother Joseph, you have got the most singular
flock of sheep I ever saw: what are you going to do with them?" He looked
up and smiled, as he did when he was living, and as though he was in reality
with me, and said, "They are all good in their place." This is
the dream.
So it is
with this people. If you can only find the place for the goats, they answer the
end for which they were made. I have always realized that a half-hearted
"Mormon" is one of the meanest of human beings, for such are always
ready to say, "How do you do, brother Devil?" and "How do you
do, brother Jesus?" or, "Brother Jesus, I want to make you acquainted
with brother Devil." It is no trouble for them to turn unto Baal or unto
Jesus; yet, at the same time, the Lord has a use for them. I have often heard
men say they were convinced that "Mormonism" was true, and that they
would cleave to it; but as for their hearts being converted, it is altogether
another thing. Mobs never have done one thing against this people, but they
could trace them, and have known all about it; for you will always find that
the goats will run and lick salt with the sheep; and the Lord who made them has
placed them in the world to serve his own purpose. When by these characters
afflictions are brought upon the Saints, and they are bereft of all they
possess, it is to make them more attached to the cause of truth, while their
persecutors are hurled into oblivion, which is the last of them.
If gold
is a sufficient inducement to lead men off to live in the midst of that society
in California, after they know and understand the condition of it, it certainly
proves that they love the things of this world better than they love Christ.
You may say you are poor, and wish to accumulate something to help yourself and
your family. "Are you starving to death for want of food?"
"No." All of you have plenty to subsist upon. If those who go to
California for gold were full of the Holy Ghost, they would clothe their wives
and children with buckskin, and wear it themselves to the day of their death,
rather than mingle with the wicked and be induced to leave the society of the
Saints. The true cause of their taking such a course is, they do not love the
Lord.
There is
a class of persons that persecution will not drive from the Church of Christ,
but prosperity will; and again, there is another class that prosperity will not
drive, but persecution will. The Lord must and will have a company of Saints
who will follow him to the cross, if it be necessary; and these he will crown.
They are the ones who will wear a celestial crown and have dominion, rule, and
government. These are they who will receive honour of the Father, with glory, exaltation,
and eternal lives. They shall reign over kingdoms, and have power to be Gods,
even the sons of God.
Those
other classes will take different stations and possess inferior glories,
according to their works in the flesh. That class who will altogether serve the
world and disregard the cause of truth will become servants to the sons of God
and be in servitude throughout eternity.
What
shall we do? I say, Cleave to "Mormonism," work with all our might
for the Lord, and love him better than any other earthly or heavenly object.
And if he requires us to sacrifice our houses, our horses, our cattle, our
wives, and our children, let them remain upon the altar; but let us follow him
to salvation and eternal life. Amen.
——
[8 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Thursday, April 8.
Conference opened in the usual manner at 9 a.m., when the saints were edified with a lecture on Education, by Orson Spencer, Chancellor of the University of Deseret, followed by Z. Snow and W. W. Phelps. Prest. Young spoke during the remainder of the morning service, which will be hereafter published in full.
[Brigham Young]
[JD 1:66]
It does
not exactly please me at this time to make the remarks I wish upon the subject
of education, as the greater part of the morning has been devoted to laying
before the congregation, the necessity of improving ourselves in the knowledge
of the sciences. The subject which has been aimed at by the speakers this
morning, bearing particularly upon the necessity of instructing the human
family, has been laid before us in the light in which it is generally held by
the world. When we speak upon education, it is not to be understood that it
alone consists in a man's learning the letters of the alphabet, in being
trained in every branch of scholastic lore, in becoming a proficient in the
knowledge of the sciences, and a classical scholar, but also in learning to
classify himself and others. It has been hinted that education commences with
the first dawn of knowledge upon the mental faculties of the child, and
continues with it till death. But I will trace it a little further back still,
and say that education commences with the mother, and the child in connection.
I will state the facts in the case, as you will find them to be hereafter, in the
education of your children. It depends in a great degree upon the mother, as to
what children receive, in early age, of principle of every description,
pertaining to all that can be learned by the human family. When will mothers
understand this? Knowing that this is the case, I am perplexed with grief when
I see such a wanton diversion from the real design of life, it causes me to
mourn for my poor, ignorant, fellow mortals, and sometimes almost goads me to
anger. I can see mothers pay attention to everything under heaven, but the
training up of their children in the way they should go, and they will even
make it appear obligatory on the father to take care of the child at a year
old. How often is it the case that mothers will say—"Why, Pa, this child
is growing up in ignorance, he is going to ruin. Really, dear husband, what
shall we do with him?" I will tell you the truth as you will find it in,
eternity. If your children do not receive impressions of true piety, virtue,
tenderness and every principle of the holy Gospel, you may be assured that
their sins will not be required at the hands of the father, but of the mother.
Lay it to heart, ye mothers, for it will unavoidably be so. The duty of the
mother is to watch over her children, and give them their early education, for
impressions received in infancy are lasting. You know, yourselves, by
experience, that the impressions you have received in the dawn of your mortal
existence, bear, to this day, with the greatest weight upon your mind. It is
the experience of people generally, that what they imbibe from their mothers in
infancy, is the most lasting upon the mind through life. This is natural, it is
reasonable, it is right. I do not suppose you can find one person among five
hundred, who does not think his mother to be the best woman that ever lived.
This is right, it is planted in the human heart. The child reposes implicit
confidence in the mother, you behold in him a natural attachment no matter what
her appearance may be, that makes him think his mother is the best and
handsomest mother in the world. I speak for, myself. Children have all
confidence in their mothers; and if mothers would take proper pains, they can
instil into the hearts of their children what they please. You will, no doubt,
recollect reading, in the Book of Mormon, of two thousand young men, who were
brought up to believe that if they put their whole trust in God and served Him,
no power would overcome them. You also recollect reading of them going out to
fight, and so bold were they, and so mighty their faith, that it was impossible
for their enemies to slay them. This power and faith they obtained through the
teachings of their mothers.
The
character of a person is formed through life, to a greater or less degree, by
the teachings of the mother. The traits of early impressions that she gives the
child, will be characteristic points in his character through every avenue of
his mortal existence.
This is
the education I wish you to establish in this Church, that mothers may not
suppose they are not required to watch over the early education and impressions
of their children, but over their husbands to know where they are every moment
of their lives, taking special care to order them thus and so, so as to keep
them advised and properly instructed all the time, instead of doing that which
they ought in their houses with their children. I am not quite so strenuous as
some of the ancients were, who taught that if the women wanted to learn
anything, to learn it at home from their husbands. I am willing they should
come to the meetings and learn, but some of the ancients proscribed them in
this privilege, and would confine them at home to learn through their husbands.
I am a little more liberal than they were, but this is not liberal enough for many
of the women, they must also be watching their husband's, while at the same
time their children are running abroad in the streets, naked and barefooted,
cursing and swearing. What time have I got to watch my children to-day? Does
not my duty demand my presence here? Where are my children? Some are here.
Where are the rest of them? Perhaps in the streets, with other children,
playing, or doing that which is wrong, entirely unnoticed by their mothers.
This applies to the community. And then their mother will say—"Husband,
our children will certainly be ruined." Mothers, what do you want? Do you
wish your husband to sit all the time in the parlor with you? Yes, and I should
suppose, by the conduct of some, you want to be seated over the head of God
Almighty, to rule over Him, and all His kingdoms. If I mention my own family,
and use them as an example, I do it that other people cannot complain. Do you
suppose that I cannot see faults in my own family, as well as in my neighbors?
I am not so prejudiced in their favour, as not to discover faults in them,
neither can I close my eyes upon the faults of my neighbors'.
What
faults do I discover in my neighbors' families? I can see their women go off
visiting, riding on horseback, attending parties, while their little ones are
neglected, and left to run at large in the streets, exposed to the pernicious
examples of vile company. Hear it again! The blood of these wicked children
will be required at the hands of their mothers! Should your husbands be called
out to fight the Indians, or go to the islands of the sea to gather the poor,
it is none of your business, when it is their calling to be away from home.
I want
education to commence here. I wish you strictly to follow out this principle,
and when children are old enough to labor in the field, then the father will
take them in charge. If children are not taught by their mothers, in the days
of their youth, to revere and follow the counsels of their fathers, it will be
hard indeed for the father ever to control them. I know it is so, for it is too
true. Mothers will let their children go to the Devil in their childhood and
when they are old enough to come under the immediate guidance of their fathers,
to be sent out to preach the Gospel in the world, or to learn some kind of
mechanism, they are as uncontrollable as the winds that now revel in the
mountains.
It is not
for the mother to rise up and encourage her children to fight against their
father. You know my feelings on this point—they are pointed, resolute, and strong.
And when I undertake to conquer a child who wants to conquer me, it shall be
death to him before I yield. I would rather see every child I have, go into the
grave this day, than suffer them to rise up and have control over me.
Mothers,
if you suffer your children to grow up wild, and uncorrected, when they come
into the hands of their fathers, and will not follow their counsels; let them
be disowned, and have no portion in the inheritance; let them be disfranchised,
be banished from Israel, and not be numbered in the books of the offspring of
Abraham. This shall be the fate of my disobedient children, if I have any; and
if there are any of my children here today, let them hear it! for if they will
not keep my commandments, they shall have no part or lot in the household of
faith.
Let
education commence at this point, you mothers! and then with brother Spencer
and the board of Regents. Let mothers commence to teach their children while in
their laps, there do you learn them to love the Lord, and keep His
commandments. Teach them to keep your commandments, and you will learn them to
keep the commandments of your husbands. It is not the prerogative of a child to
dictate to his mother, or his father; and it is not the prerogative of the
father to rise up and dictate to his God whom he serves. Is it right that my
wife should dictate to me? It is just as reasonable, and as right, as it is for
your children to rise up and dictate to their mother. It is not their business
to dictate to you, their duty is to obey, and not to dictate.
The
Lecture which you have heard from Chancellor Spencer, is so far in advance of
us, that it does not touch the case of this people, at present, with regard to
education, until they have learned the rudiments, that is. according to my view
of the subject.
It is
true the Lord has revealed great and precious revelations to us through our
language, and I believe it is as good a language as any now in use; but when we
scan it narrowly, · we find it to be fraught with imperfections and ridiculous
vagaries. I am as far from believing that it is meet for us to adopt it in
preference to any other tongue, as I am that it is to adopt Presbyterianism, or
the Baptist's religion, in preference to any other of the same order of
antichristian churches, for they are all imperfect. The Lord can reveal Himself
to these Indians, He can talk to any nation, it makes no difference to Him, as
He can connect the ideas He wishes to convey by means of their language, as
imperfect as it is.
I wish to
impress my lecture more particularly upon the minds of mothers. Am I not
continually exhorting the brethren to be kind to their families, and never to
ill use a human being on the earth? I exhort you, masters, fathers, and
husbands, to be affectionate and kind to those you preside over. And let them
be obedient, let the wife be subject to her husband, and the children to their
parents. Mothers, let your minds be sanctified before the Lord, for this is the
commencement, the true foundation of a proper education in your children, the
beginning point to form a disposition in your offspring, that wilt bring honor,
glory, comfort, and satisfaction to you all your life time. To the mothers who
may be here today, who have not the experience they will have, and young women who
are perhaps just entering upon the stage of life, let me say, (and I wish you
always to keep it in remembrance, even you younger females who have newly
entered into the sacred state of matrimony,) fulfil the commandments of
Eloheim, fill up the measure of your creation, that the joy of your hearts may
be fall in the day of the resurrection, in that you have done all you could to
fulfil His law, and bring to pass the purposes of the Lord. Always keep your
minds pure before the Lord. You may say it is impossible, because of your
temptations, but let me inquire, Do you pray? Did you pray this morning, before
you left your houses? Did you pray last evening, before you laid your bodies
down to rest? Did you pray that the Holy Spirit might rest upon you, so that
your sleep might be sweet and refreshing? Some of you may reply, that you have
children, and have not time to pay attention to this duty in the morning. Some
of you may have sick families, and others of you may be afflicted in other
ways, and you will offer these facts as reasons for similar neglect. In these
circumstances the mind must be centred upon the Lord, and upon His work,
continually. When you embark to fill up the end of your creation, never cease
to seek to have the Spirit of the Lord rest upon you, that your minds may be
peaceable, and as smooth as the summer breezes of heaven. Never cease a day of
your life to have the Holy Ghost resting upon you. Fathers, never cease to pray
that your wives may enjoy this blessing, that their infants may be endowed with
the Holy Ghost, from their mother's womb. If you want to see a nation rise up
full of the Holy Ghost, and of power, this is the way to bring it about. Every
other duty that is obligatory upon man, woman, or child, will come in its
place, and in its time and season. Remember it, brethren. Let your hearts be
pure before the Lord, and never cease to do anything you can for the
satisfaction and comfort of your family, that all may enjoy the comforts of the
Spirit of the Lord continually. If you do not come to this, your literary
attainments will not exceed those of the world.
We have
but few collegians among us, but I know that a thoroughly educated man knows no
more than you do, when his literature is displayed, [p.70] though he spreads
himself like the green bay tree. Brother Spencer has given us a display of the
learning of the day, he has erected a beautiful building, but where is the
foundation? In his discourse, he referred to Joseph. Joseph built on the sure
foundation, and, when I build up my superstructure, it shall be upon the same
foundation. Brother Spencer has used language quite beyond your reach. Well, I
have the foundation, and he can make the building. When he commences the
building, I have asked the Board of Regents to cast out from their system of
education, the present orthography and written form of our language, that when
my children are taught the graphic sign for A, it may always represent that
individual sound only. But as it now is, the child is perplexed that the sign A
should have one sound in mate, a second sound in father, a third
sound in fall, a fourth sound in man, and a fifth sound in many,
and, in other combinations, soundings different from these, while, in
others, A is not sounded at all. I say, let it have one sound all the time. And
when P is introduced into a word, let it not be silent as in Phthisic, or
Sound like F in Physic, and let two not be placed instead of one in
apple.
I ask,
have the great and learned men completed their education? No they are ever learning,
and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Let the Board of Regents
commence on the proper foundation, that when we have learned a great while, we
may find to our satisfaction, we have at last come to the knowledge of the
truth.
The English
language, in its written and printed form, is one of the most
prominent now in use for absurdity, yet as a vehicle in which to convey our
ideas verbally, it is one of the best for extent and variety it goes
before and far beyond, any other. Its variety is what I dislike. The schools in
the Southern, New England, and Eastern States, all teach the English language,
yet the same ideas are conveyed with entirely different classes of words, by
these separate communities. If there were one set of words to convey one set of
ideas, it would put an end to the ambiguity which often mystifies the ideas
given in the languages now spoken. Then when a great man delivered a learned
lecture upon any subject, we could understand his words, for there would be
only one word with the same meaning, instead of a multiplicity of words all
meaning the same thing, as is the case now. For instance, there are men in this
house so technical in their feelings with regard to their choice of words, that
when their ideas are formed, and they commence to convey them, they will stop
in the middle of a sentence, and introduce another set of words to convey the
same idea. If I can speak so that you can get my meaning, I care not so much
what words I use to convey that meaning.
I long
for the time that a point of the finger, or motion of the hand, will express
every idea without utterance. When a man is full of the light of eternity, then
the eye is not the only medium through which he sees, his ear is not the only
medium by which he hears, nor the brain the only means by which he understands.
When the whole body is full of the Holy Ghost, he can see behind him with as
much ease, without turning his head, as he can see before him. If you have not
that experience, you ought to have. It is not the optic nerve alone that gives
the knowledge of surrounding objects to the mind, but it is that which God has
placed in man—a system of intelligence that attracts knowledge, as light
cleaves to light, intelligence to intelligence, and truth to truth. It is this
which lays in man a proper foundation for all education. I shall yet see the
time that I can converse with this people, and not speak to them, but the
expression of my countenance will tell the congregation what I wish to convey,
without opening my mouth. We are at present low, weak, and grovelling in the
dark, but we are planted here in weakness for the purpose of exaltation. It is
at the time of the formation of the tabernacle of flesh, that the education of
human life commences. Now, mothers, train up your children in the way they
should go. Fathers and husbands, instruct your wives and children in the ways,
of the Lord, and love, joy, and prosperity will attend you from this time,
henceforth and for ever, which may God grant for Jesus sake. Amen.
Adjourned for one hour;
[8 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
When conference was again opened; after which the following song, composed by Miss Eliza R. Snow, was sung by John Kay:
THE SONS OF GOD WILL COME
——
By E. R. S.
——
An Angel from the upper heav'n
The "everlasting gospel" brought -
The Priesthood unto man is giv'n
Which God to Enoch taught;
And the renovation of earth is near -
The Messiah's kingdom will soon be here -
Let the saints prepare to meet him -
The Son of God will come.
Change, cloth'd with majesty and might.
Will wield his wonder-working rod;
Till Satan yields, and truth and light
And peace are spread abroad:
Till "the pow'rs that be" shall submit to one,
And the will of God on the earth is done:
Let the saints prepare to meet him -
The Son of God will come.
Lo! from the Rocky Mountains' height
The little stone is rolling on -
The pure in heart behold the light
Of the Millennial dawn;
And the vail of heav'n yet will open wide,
And the Groom descend to receive his bride;
Let the saints prepare to meet him -
The Son of God will come.
The mighty in the heav'n of heav'ns,
Who in celestial councils meet,
Await the glorious signal giv'n
When Zion is complete;
And the Gods will shout thro' the worlds on high,
When they see him crown'd who came down to die;
Then the saints will shout in triumph,
The Son of God has come.
[Prest. H. C. Kimball]
Prest. H. C. Kimball plead in behalf of the saints who were coming over the plains with wheelbarrows and handcarts, when 93 persons volunteered to go out with their teams to carry provisions and assist them on the road.
[Prest. Young]
Prest. Young followed on the same subject; then the persons who had volunteered to go, voted to donate their services.
Thomas Margetts and Alfred Smith were voted to take a mission to Italy; Wm. Fotheringham to Calcutta, and John C. Armstrong, Edward Bunker, David B. Dille, Samuel Glasgow, T. B. Broderick, John Dalling, and George Fenn, to go on foreign missions.
Choir sung "The prodigal son," and adjourned to April 9, at 9 a.m.
[8 Apr, 4 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
4 P.M.
The Seventies were convened and were seated by Quorums. Several persons were disfellowshipped, and 67 persons requested ordinations, who were sustained in their applications.
] Preaching by Joseph Young, Wilford Woodruff, G. A. Smith, and others, until 9 1-2 p.m.
——
[9 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Friday, April 9.
Conference opened in the usual form, when Phineas H. Young spoke of the different siftings in this church.
Prest. B. Young addressed the saints on the subject of their endowments and poured forth revelation after revelation on the subject. A most heavenly influence prevailed. He closed by shouting Hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 4:6, 1/12/54 p2; MS 16:310, 324]
DISCOURSE
By
President Young, in the afternoon [morning] of the third [fourth] day of
Conference, April 8 [9], 1852.
——
There is
a goodly portion of this congregation that have received their endowments. I am
disposed to speak upon this subject, hinting at the privileges and the
blessings of the children of the kingdom. Though I will bear testimony in the
first place, especially to some of the last remarks of my brother Phineas. I
know them to be true, and assuredly the case. A perfect example of it you may
see in your children when they have plenty to eat; when all they can eat, they
will eat, until they are uneasy, and unhappy, and still they will cry for more.
Now this is truly the case with the children
of the kingdom. When they are filled full to overflowing, so that they are at a
loss to know what to do with what they have got, they will whine and complain,
and thirst for more. This is the weakness of man; they want a proper
understanding to know when they receive blessings, how to appreciate and
improve upon them.
The
condition of this people, in a temporal point of view, may truly be compared to
that of a family who are blessed with the luxuries of life, with everything
they can desire, with every variety of sweet meats, with every variety of
beautiful gardens, walks, orchards, yards and streets, or parks, and summer houses,
and every variety of earthly possession their hearts can wish or the brain of
man can imagine to have devoted to their comfort; they have nothing to do but
seek pleasure--ride, walk, meditate, contemplate, and yet they are as unhappy
as any people can be.
This,
however, does not apply to all. There are individuals in this community who
have, in comparison, comparing heavenly things with earthly things, everything
they can desire. Then they are rich, they have nothing to do but to put forth
their hands, and pluck what they please, but they must do it according to the
laws and government of heaven, must pluck systematically, so as not to infringe
upon any law of God's kingdom. All is before them; they have nothing to do but
enjoy themselves, and yet their spirits are unhappy, uneasy, and discontented;
they want more, and are inclined to retain what they do have, unlawfully; they
wish to retain it in some other way than that pointed out in the laws of the
celestial kingdom. I say, I bear witness to this. Brethren, let us not be
children all the days of our lives, but let us increase, to a great extent, our
capacities, that we may become men and women before the Lord.
Now,
brethren, to you I desire to speak a few words, that is, to the Saints,
incorporating in the first place those who have received their endowments, and
those who have not received their endowments. It is necessary to state the
facts as they are, with regard to our privileges. It is very difficult to give
the people their endowments, not having a proper place where we can do it. Let
us inquire of ourselves, is it not necessary that we should have a temple? Now,
brethren, if you can believe it, I will reveal the truth to you. It is
absolutely necessary that this people should build a temple to the Most High
God. "What for?" it may be inquired. "To worship the Lord
in?" Yes. "To assemble the congregation in?" No! Absolutely this
is the fact. "Have we not heretofore built temples, and commenced others?"
And when these were built they were built for the assembly of the people, and
for the public worship of God, but this was by permission, that is all. A
temple that is built for the Priests of the Most High, is built to be occupied
by that Priesthood, by those who have the oracles of that Priesthood. But it
may be inquired--"Are they not built to assemble the congregation in to
confess their sins, to confess their faults, and to exhort each other, and
partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, &c.?" That is not the
design of a temple, though it may be done in it. The tabernacle is for the
congregation, and the temple is for the Priests of the Most High to enter in,
and be pillars, and there administer in the name of Israel's God, and for the
salvation of the living and the dead; that is what temples are for. For
instance, let me ask the question here of the Elders of Israel--Are we now in
circumstances to go forth and redeem our fathers, and our forefathers--to act
in their behalf? Now the congregation are lost at this very reflection, they don't
know anything about it; but if I reveal the facts in the case to you, then you
will know.
Were we
to inquire, Where is your baptismal font to begin the operation? It is to be
built for the express purpose of going down into it to be baptized for your forefathers,
for the remission of their sins; and without this, not the first step can be
taken. If we cannot take the first step, it would be altogether improper in
undertaking to take the last step. This would just be like a man standing at
the bottom of a ladder, all the time reaching to the top round, without coming
to it in the regular way by stepping on the first, second, &c. You have got
to begin at the beginning. Although we are giving endowments here, yet if we
had enjoyed the privilege that we should have enjoyed in the land of our
nativity, and had had the privilege of building temples, and dedicating them,
and of occupying them, there is not an act of ours but what would have been
legal. If the inquiry should arise, if it is now by the right authority we act,
I will tell you, it is by the authority of permission; and if we had not a
house here, and were disposed to take the trouble of going on these mountains,
and there give the endowment, the Lord would own it, and acknowledge those
endowed, and all hell could not prevail against them.
Now these
are the facts in the case--if this people wish to be exalted, it is often told
you by my brethren, brother Heber in particular often reminds us of the
necessity of making our own heaven--if you wish your endowments and
exaltations, you must go to work and exert yourselves.
An
inquiry may arise again--"Can we do this of ourselves, independent of the
power of God?" I answer, no. I can say to every person in this house, we
cannot do the first thing towards it in and of ourselves; but can we not be
co-workers with those who give power and authority? We can. Now I am far from
believing, and so are you, that the Lord will give us our endowments, and
prepare us for a celestial kingdom, without our doing it. I will say further,
the Lord could not save us, unless we save ourselves.
That is
the order of heaven, and of all the heavens that are; and surely it is the
order which has been given to us. We are made intelligent beings; God has
placed intelligence in every person, to a greater or less degree; that
intelligence must be improved; you must act upon that which is given to you, in
order for the principles of intelligence to expand within the person, that they
may increase and grow, that they may receive, and continue to receive, until
you see as you are seen, and know as you are known.
If we
expect to receive our endowments, we have got to go to work and prepare
ourselves, and get our endowments; and when we take the path marked out by the
Lord Almighty--when we follow the footsteps marked for us to travel in--when
that is our course, the Lord will bless the labor of our hands; but until we do
that, all our efforts are in vain. The path has been plainly marked out, and
the directions have been given for the human family to save themselves; out of
the channel, their efforts are in vain; in it God owns their labors, and
blesses their works, and thus prepares them for salvation.
Now in
the first place, I will say to the brethren who receive their endowments, and
every ordinance to be bestowed upon them, when this people go to work and build
a temple when it is required of them, all these ordinances will be given to
them over again, every one of them. When the temple of the Lord is done, all
these ordinances will [be] gone through again, and will be administered for my
father, and my mother, and my family who have fallen asleep, and for this
congregation, every one of them who have received their endowments here; but if
they should fall asleep, their present endowments are valid. If they live, the
Lord will require at the hands of this people the building of a temple to
receive their ordinances legally, according to the strict letter of the law.
Perhaps
many of you do not know, you suppose, no doubt, that you have got all you can
have, and therefore it is no use doing this, that, or the other. Now if this is
the case, I want to stand before you as a Revelator, and reveal to you the
facts in the case. Let no man present think he can receive blessings in the
Priesthood, if he fails to fulfil the duties he has been taught with regard to
building a temple. It is necessary for us to put forth our hands and prepare a
place where the endowments can be given legally. Such an individual will lose
what little faith he has, and finally he will be lost also, and that is the
result of it.
Again, I
will speak to those who have not received their endowments. We expect to
continue our labors here from day to day in administering the ordinances of the
endowment as fast as we can, although our conveniences are limited; all who
have experienced for themselves, know that our privileges are very limited in
this matter. All the places this people have hitherto been enabled to erect and
prepare are far short of what we actually need; they only answer the purpose in
an extreme case, though they bestow great honor upon a person who can
understand; figures are reduced to reality, and realities are exhibited by
figures, and those who have the Spirit and understand, derive great comfort and
consolation from that source. I believe, as far as I have knowledge, that every
person, almost without exception, who has received his endowment in this place,
is well satisfied. There are many who know but little or nothing about it, but
we shall continue to give the brethren and sisters their endowments, that if
they should be called away to preach upon the islands of the sea, or be sent to
some foreign land to labor, or be taken away before any other principles can be
made known to them, these blessings will have been bestowed upon them, and they
will be legal and valid.
You may
inquire, "Why is this so?" I observed, if we had enjoyed the
privilege of remaining in our mother country, of building and inhabiting, of
planting, and enjoying the fruits of our labors, and had had the privilege of
building temples as we should have had, according to the glorious Constitution
of the United States, no such permission would have been given; but in
consequence of the power of the enemy and the wickedness of the children of men,
they overcame the Saints, they persecuted them, they have driven them, and have
worn them out, thousands of them, twice told. When brother Phineas inquired
what had become of so many who had taken upon the name of Christ, I could cast
my eye over this congregation and say, many as to number of such congregations
as this, their bodies are sleeping quietly in the dust, and their spirits are
in paradise; they have died in full faith, and in hope of a glorious
resurrection. Though thousands who have embraced the latter day work have
apostatized, yet thousands and thousands have died in the faith. The Saints
have been worn out, they have been smitten and driven, and they have taken the
spoiling of their goods joyfully. They have retreated from their enemies; they
have yielded to persecution, and have bowed down their necks to the yoke all
the day long, and borne it patiently; and through their faith and patience they
have hitherto overcome. The Lord has permitted this, and it is all right. I say
to you, brethren, that have not received your endowments, be patient. We will
administer the sealing ordinances to you as fast as we can. We will do all we
can for the people. Every blessing the Lord has for the people we will be as
ready as possible to bestow upon them, acting as minute men for their good.
But one
thing they may understand and duly consider, if the Lord has nothing for the
people, they need not ask me for anything. And if the people feel like
complaining against me, they can complain as long as they please; my feelings
all the time are, I ask no odds of them. If I have anything for the people,
they are welcome to it; and when I feel tired and wearied, and feel indisposed
to do this or that, the whining of the people will never make me do it. I heard
here last evening inquiries made if the brethren intended to do this, or
that--if they intended to send out a mission this season; they wanted to ask
that question of the President of the Seventies. I say, it is none of your
business; mind your own business.
When the
Lord has anything for the people, it is then time enough for the Presidents to
tell them of it. But if the people claim at the hands of the servants of the
Lord that which the Lord has not given them, it will be poor picking: that vine
is too poor to bear fruit. When it is necessary for all the Seventies to be
organized, I will tell them of it. When it is necessary to do anything
pertaining to the Presidency of Seventies, I will tell them of it. And when it
is necessary to build a temple, I will tell the people.
I will
tell them at this Conference, this morning, our design and wish are, that we
make preparations to commence the temple in the spring of 1853: to commence the
foundation for building a temple to the name of Israel's God, that He may have
a dwelling place as well as the congregation. When the temple is properly
built, and devoted to this purpose, to prepare us for a celestial inheritance,
that temple will be set apart for a dwelling place for the Lord to inhabit, and
the tabernacle will be for the congregation. Do you understand the difference?
This is the place for preaching in, until we can build a larger tabernacle;
hence, when we have built a temple, the tabernacle must be confined to the use
of the people all the time.
I will
tell you what we can do; we can get the walls built up around this block; we
can go on the north, east, and west side, making a comfortable bowery, and
there the people can sit. We should be out of doors it is true; we should have
to preach out of doors; but it would be as comfortable as in this house. I
would choose to be out of doors as much as to be here. You stand between these
two doors here, and you will say that you would rather stand out of doors and
preach, than stand in this draught.
If this
place won't convene the people until we build a temple, we can have a bowery
made, or a kind of shed put up for us that will contain the people, and put in
temporary benches, the same as we had in the old bowery; there we will sit, and
preach, and sing, and convene the whole congregation. If we want to do
business, we call the Elders into this tabernacle, that is, if it is necessary.
And the next thing is to go to work and prepare for the building of a temple,
that the Elders of Israel may receive their endowments according to the literal
letter of the law of divinity, as the Lord has revealed it. However, I wish to
urge upon you, brethren, the necessity of not being in a hurry, though we will
do the work as fast as we can, and you shall have your blessings as far as we
can give them by permission.
I wish to
see the brethren put forth their hands as in times past, to help to build up
this kingdom. I realize that many of them are like brother Phineas, they want
to be urged, and invited, and wait to be looked after. I wish to say to the old
brethren who were in Missouri, and in Nauvoo, we choose to give you your
blessings first; and when any such present yourselves, we give you the
preference; you have borne the heat and burden of the day, and are entitled to
these blessings first. Those who have come lately into the Church, have done
and suffered but little or nothing. Although many who have come into the
Church, have not done the first thing towards building up the kingdom of God,
yet they are bold to ask for their endowments; we give them to them to get them
out of our way. This may have hurt some of your feelings, but, brethren, when
Jacob is blessed, never mind, don't feel hard about it; should the blessings
mar your feelings, they administer some consolation to the others.
Those who
have sat upon the watch tower, and labored night and day, and watched the
Prophet of the Lord, come up, that we may get hold of you. And I will say now,
wherever there is a brother that went into the Battalion, if there is one boy
or man left, if you don't choose to pass by your blessings, come and let us
bless you, and give you your endowments. These boys deserve their blessings; I
say to all such, come along, and if we can bless you we are here to do it.
I would
also say to all the pioneers who first came to this valley, report yourselves,
and come and receive your blessings; you were faithful over a few things, and
if you still be faithful, you shall be made rulers over many things, if your
hearts faint not by the way, but remain steadfast.
So much
for you, brethren, who have not received your endowments, and would wish still
to receive them. We will work as fast as we can, that you may enjoy your
privileges.
Many of
the brethren with me speak of leaving for the south; and so, many want sealing
done before I leave, as though I was not going to return. I have to beg of them
to wait until we get back. We are almost flooded to death with business:
"Cannot you do this, cannot you do that, before you go away?" is
almost all the time ringing in our ears. We shall have all eternity to spend,
therefore don't be in a hurry. If you are faithful to your calling, let me tell
you there are no blessings contained in the celestial law of the kingdom of
God, but what you will have a privilege to enjoy; and if you are faithful, all
things are yours, whether in heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth; all
things, whether they be principalities or powers, or things present or things
to come; the heights and depths of eternal wisdom will be yours. You will then
be rich; only be faithful, and the Lord has it all in store for you.
Now do
you want me to explain this a little? Suppose I happen to drop off from this
state of mortal existence, and leave a great many things undone that I wanted
to do. For instance, I am not sealed to my father, and this is necessary, as I
was born before the new and everlasting covenant was restored; consequently,
not being an heir, I have to receive my inheritance in my father's kingdom by
adoption--by the sealing law. The keys of the sealing power spoken of were to
be committed to Elijah for the last days; these are things spoken of. I must be
sealed to my father, and thus make a chain of Priesthood to connect the links
together. Suppose I should drop off before this is done, what a pity it would
be for brother Brigham to go into eternity and not have his work done. Let me
be faithful unto the end, and my works will follow me. If I had not a son in
the world disposed to do my work for me, by and by my daughters would have sons
and grandsons; and suppose they would not act for me, I have friends on the
earth, for God would raise them up for me, to do my work. That is not all: by
and by the Lord will say to the sleeping dust, Awake and come forth out of your
graves. I am on hand, the Lord wakes me up, or sends somebody to do it that
possesses the keys of the resurrection. My dust is waked up, my spirit is
reunited to it, and it is made a celestial body, filled with immortality and
eternal life. Behold, the first that my children or my friends know of it, I
will be with them in some of these temples, and tell them what to do.
In this
you see I am not discouraged or at all disheartened in pursuing my duties in
this life, for I shall get all my blessings. The Lord will not suffer any faithful
person to be neglected, though you see the pulling and scratching that there
are here. If you cannot see the spirits, I can; I know their feelings--they
want to get this, and that, and the other. What for? Why, "I would be
exalted and blessed first and foremost, I want to be the greatest, the first,
and the best in all the kingdom of God." Get away from me with your
nonsense. What blessings will you receive? What blessings will I receive? I
shall be blessed just in proportion to the amount of labor I do, precisely; and
if I am slothful, and neglect my duty, and neglect my prayers, and to be kind
to those around me--neglect to teach the people, to feed the poor, and
administer to those who are needy, when I have ability to do so, I shall be
rewarded according to my works.
Now,
ladies and gentlemen, take that to heart, every one of you will be rewarded
according to your works. You will often see it thus among the brethren: "I
wish I was ordained a President of the High Priests' Quorum." Why? "I
should be looked upon as the biggest man in the kingdom." Another will
say, "O if I were only a Prophet, and a Seer, what a big man I would be! I
should be up head and shoulders above brother Brigham." What nonsense! Why
was not I brother Joseph? Why did you not tell the Lord that He ought to have
called me out to open up this last dispensation? If He had, He would have left
out you.
These
little sanctified preachers boast, and say, "If you were to do so and so;
I merely suggest it to have you look at it, and see what you think of it; I
think it is a better plan; it is, I think, more heavenly." They will give
their views as to whom to call, and whom not to call. I tell you, you had
better stay at home and keep your noses clean. You do not see this among the Elders
and Seventies, among the High Priests, and in the High Council, and no where
else, but you see it among the females, among the sisters. "O what a glory
it is to me, I am the first woman in this kingdom, how large I do feel, how
important I must look, how grand to think that I am the first lady in the
kingdom!" They are just like their brother the devil, precisely; they do
not care if they creep as low as he, in other points, yet they will stretch up
their necks and declare what great big bodies they are. And you can see it
among the Seventies out in the world. At a certain Conference, as much time was
consumed as we have used in this Conference, to find out if a Seventy was to
preside in a Conference. I think brother _________ had a pretty time in his
neighborhood. Zebedee Coltrin was traveling, and also Charley Thompson. Charley
raised up a Branch, and commenced presiding over it. Three days were spent to
find out whether Zebedee of old or Charley of late was to preside over the
Conference. They might have known better. Such a spirit as they imbibed, made
them altogether unfit to preside over themselves, or over the least one of
God's creation.
Brethren,
let us mind our own business, that is, the calling the Lord has called us
to--to do everything we can to promote the good of the cause of truth, and
never ask how big we are, or inquire who we are; but let it be, "What can
I do to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth?" And then you can
understand what every man ought to do--which is the best he can. Every woman
ought to do the best she possibly can to build up the cause of truth. You may
ask, "What will be our reward?" I don't know. Ask the man who is
devoted to the cause of his God, what he is working for. "Are you
expecting to get some great seat in heaven?" He will answer, "I don't
know, I never asked the question, I have never given it a thought, and I don't
care anything about it, the Lord is with me to work while I am in the flesh. I
love the light, the virtue, the freedom, the intelligence, and the knowledge of
God; and that is enough for me, to make me get fat all the time."
I will
tell you one thing more, if I can reveal it to you so that you can understand
it. A great many are very anxious to know if they will be satisfied with their
situation hereafter. Now I tell you, if you do the best you can, and all the
good you can here, you will be satisfied hereafter; but if you sit down and
whine, and complain of your situation here, you won't be satisfied hereafter.
Can you realize that? I think you may; if you are devoted to the cause of doing
good on earth, of promoting righteousness and the kingdom of God, you will be
satisfied hereafter; but if you continue in your selfishness and complaining,
you won't be prepared to receive the crown you desire, but lose the very object
you are whining for, and render yourselves unworthy of it; you will look back
upon your past life, and say, "I have not done the best I could, and now I
have lost all." Whom will you be dissatisfied with? Not with me, nor with
the Lord; you will know He has done right, and you will be judged out of your
own mouth.
Now let
every man and woman from henceforth do all they can to build up the kingdom of
God upon the earth, and never wilfully do wrong to any of God's creatures that
are upon the earth. If you take this track, you will be perfectly satisfied;
you will be situated just as you want to be; there will not be a murmuring
thought, or an uncomfortable reflection pass over your minds; but you will be
calm and tranquil as the soft, balmy breezes of heaven. The Lord is yours, and
you are the Lord's. If there be still any grounds for complaints here, they are
caused by our own neglect, and picayunish feelings.
I have
one thing now to lay before you, before I close my remarks. I have told you
about the endowments, and about building a Temple. You have heard read from
this stand, a manifesto by the clerk. You know we are in debt; we have property
on hand that will more than meet our liabilities, but it will not pay our debt,
with the exception of our cattle. We are now turning out all the oxen we have,
to liquidate these debts; the cows we have on hand, we keep for the use of the
Public Works. We do not suffer the cows to go from us, for they furnish us with
milk and butter, and afterwards will make beef.
I have
this question to ask this Conference: if they have cattle that they turn out,
will they let us have them now, while they can, that we may turn them over to
Livingstone and Hooper? I ask this Conference to lend us a helping hand; let us
have from two to five hundred yoke.
On the
back of this, many may say, "We are very scant of cattle; we have not
cattle enough to answer our own purpose." Now I know better, and I have
known better long ago; the people have had too many cattle to be profitable to
them, ever since they came into these valleys. The inhabitants of these valleys
have more cattle now than they are all put together able to take care of. See
the men riding over the plains, and in the canyons, hunting lost cattle, losing
their time, and killing their horses.
If you
have a dozen, or fifty, or a hundred--in a word, all the cattle you cannot make
useful to you at this time, turn them out, and keep your cows at home, for they
are the most profitable portion of the stock, but let the cattle go. There are
also too many horses here. If I wanted to hire a man, it is impossible, for
everybody almost has got so many cattle and horses to look after, they won't
serve us, they must go and work with their cattle. Part with your cattle, and
your horses, and your mules; shave down the number of your animals until you
have only what you need, and can comfortably take care of; and let the rest go.
That is
new revelation to you. If you don't believe the Lord has given any new
revelation lately, be glad that you have just now got one. Brother Heber says,
the Lord would not tell you anything about that, but He revealed it to His
servants the Prophet.
I have
told you that which I do know is as true as that the sun ever shone upon this
people. We have got too much around us. The brethren say, they have so much to
take care of, they have not any time to devote to other purposes. If we can get
from two to five hundred yoke of these spare cattle, it will free our hands
from the liabilities now upon us, and at the same time free this people from a
great amount of anxiety and trouble.
May the
Lord bless you. Amen.
Elders John Banks and John Young also addressed the saints.
Choir sung, "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning."
Sister Bybee spoke in tongues, when Pres. Young declared it to be a proper tongue, and enquired, what the nations would do if they were here; and said, if he was to give way to the brethren and sisters, the day of Pentacost would be in the shade in comparison to it.
Adjourned for one hour.
[9 Apr, 1:30 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Half past 1 P.M.
Conference opened as usual, when Patriarch Isaac Morley, Elders, H. G. Sherwood, Wm. Hyde, and Prest. Kimball severally addressed the assembly.
Choir sung a hymn; benediction by Prest. W. Richards.
Adjourned till to-morrow, 9 o'clock a.m.
[9 Apr, 6 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
6 P.M.
The elders and brethren assembled in the Tabernacle which was completely crowded. After the usual introductory exercises, Pres. Young preached several sermons on various subjects, (the Holy Ghost resting upon him in great power, while he revealed some of the precious things of the kingdom.)
[Brigham Young]
[JD 1:46]
It is my
intention to preach several discourses this evening, but how many I do not
know.
I will in
the first place bear testimony to the truth of many remarks made by brother
Hunter, and especially his exhortation to the Seventies and Elders, and those
men who wish to go on missions. I wish also to Urge the necessity of your
proceeding on your missions immediately, and of going to the place of your
destination full of the Holy Ghost, preaching righteousness to the people; and
while you do this, live up to the principles you preach, that you may teach
also by your example, as well as by precept. Go, ye Elders, and now consider
yourselves from this time forth missionaries. If the Gospel is in you like a
flaming fire, to be poured upon the people, gather your neighbors together, and
give your brethren an invitation to your house, and set before them the duties
of man; and preach, if you can speak but for five minutes, occupying that time
to the best advantage. Continue to preach, study, and learn, by faith and
prayer, until your minds and mouths are opened, and you understand most
perfectly the love of Christ.
It is not
uncommon for Elders to say, "If I could have a mission, and be sent among
strangers, I could speak to them, because they have not been instructed in the
way of life and salvation; I could lay before them the principles of the
Gospel, which have been taught to me, without that diffidence of feeling, and
fear, which I experience while speaking to my brethren." It is very true
that the first principles of the Gospel taught by the Elders of this Church are
easy to be understood, compared with what it is to preach them to our families,
or to our neighborhood, and to govern and control ourselves by the principles
of righteousness which the Gospel inculcates. Again, to gather the Saints, to
preach the Gospel to the world, and convince them of the truth, are much easier
tasks than to convince men that you can master yourself, and practise the moral
principles inculcated by your religion. That is a small portion of the duty
required of you in order to obtain crowns of glory, immortality, and eternal
lives. I will here remark, that it is natural for the people to desire to know
a great deal of the MYSTERIES; this, however, is not universally the case,
though it is so with a great many of the Elders of Israel. I do not suppose it
will apply to those who compose this congregation; your object in being here
this evening is not to hear some great mystery of the Kingdom, which you never
understood before. The greatest mystery a man ever learned, is to know how to
control the human mind, and bring every faculty and power of the same in
subjection to Jesus Christ; this is the greatest mystery we have to learn while
in these tabernacles of clay. It is more necessary for the Elders to learn and
practise upon this lesson in the midst of the Saints at head quarters than in
the world; for their facilities for learning are much greater, and I will tell
you wherein. Let a Bishop, a High Priest, a President of any Stake or
Quorum, any who are Elders in Israel, or any individual Saint from the first to
the last of them, fall into error, and it is at once made manifest; he cannot
pursue that course any further, for he is where he can learn his duties, and
know how to walk straight in the paths of righteousness. Here is the
place for you to teach great mysteries to your brethren, because here are
those who can correct you. This fault the Elders of Israel do not fall into in
this Tabernacle, although they may in private houses and neighborhoods. When a
man is capable of correcting you, and of giving you light, and true doctrine do
not get up an altercation, but submit to be taught like little children, and
strive with all your might to understand. The privileges of those who dwell
here are greater than the privileges of those who are abroad. When your duties
call you into foreign lands, and you there exhaust your stock of knowledge and
wisdom, and you are not in possession of the keys to obtain that instruction
which you desire, it is because you are far from the right fountain—far from
the body, where all the members are in lively operation—where the eye
can see, the ear hear, the nose smell, and the mouth speak, and so forth. When
your face is turned from the body, let mysteries alone, for this is the only
place for you to be corrected if wrong. Preach the simple, unadorned truth;
work out your salvation with diligence, and do that which will guarantee you a
warranted deed, an undeniable title to eternal lives.
If you
feel prayer in you, pray; and if you feel the spirit of preaching in you,
preach; call in your brethren, and read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Book
of Covenants, and the other revelations of God to them; and talk over the
things contained in those books, and deal them out to your brethren and
neighbors; pray with them, and teach them how to control themselves; and let
your teachings be sustained by your own example. Teach your families how to
control themselves; teach them good and wholesome doctrine, and practice the
same in your own lives. This is the place for you to become polished shafts in
the quiver of the Almighty. This will answer for one sermon.
I feel
much inclined to talk to the brethren: I have not had the privilege of
preaching much for some time, because of the inconvenience of our former
meeting place. Now, as we have a good, convenient place to meet in, and my
health will serve me, I expect to improve the time. I love to preach at home
with the Saints. I love to meet with them, and look upon their happy
countenances, lit up with the joys of eternity. In short, I love the society of
all good men, and to preach salvation to them.
You may
consider what I shall now lay before you a small matter; but I think it of some
importance. When the Elders of Israel leave this place. and go forth among the
wicked, it is not their privilege to mingle with them in any of their worldly
exercises; for if they do, the devil will obtain an advantage over them, and
succeed in drawing them away from the path of their duty. For instance—suppose
you and I, with many more of the brethren, meet together in a convenient place
in the Valley, and dance to the sweet strains of the violin; we could do so
with a perfect good will but if we should be called to England. and there have
an invitation to join with the wicked in their pastimes and recreations, and we
in our feelings bow down to this, and suffer our spirits to be subject to their
commandments, we suffer ourselves to be ruled over by them, and at once become
their servants. While I am here, I am in the midst, of the Priesthood of
heaven, and in the centre of the kingdom of God. We are before the Lord, where
every hand I shake is the hand of a Saint, and every face I see, when I look
upon the assembled thousands, is the countenance of a Saint. I am the
controller and master of affairs here, under Heaven's direction; though there
are those who do not believe this. I invite those who are not subject to me as
their President, not to contaminate my friends; for were I and my friends to
become subject to those who object to us, we are then on the ground of the
devil, and subject ourselves to him they serve.
Never
suffer yourselves to mingle in any of those recreations that tend to sin and
iniquity, while you are away from the body of the Church, where you cannot so
fully control yourselves. Let the Elders who are going out from this place
carry this instruction with them into the other portions of the earth. Whatever
a man does, let him do it in the name of the Lord—let him work in the name of
the Lord, let all his acts through life be in the name of the Lord; and if he
wants light and knowledge, let him ask in that name.
You are
well aware that the wickedness of the world, or the apostacy of the Church, is
so great, that those who now profess religion cannot enjoy their own natural
privileges in the world. In many places their folly and superstition are so
great that they would consider they had committed the sin of blasphemy if they happened
to hear a violin. The whole world could not hire a good, honest, sound
Presbyterian, of the old fashion and cut, to look into a room where a company
of young men and women were dancing, lest they should sin against the Holy
Ghost. This over-righteous notion is imbibed by the generality of professors of
religion, but it is because they themselves have made it a sin. Let us look at
the root of the matter. In the first place, some wise being organized my
system, and gave me my capacity, put into my heart and brain something that
delights, charms, and fills me with rapture at the sound of sweet music. I did
not put it there; it was some other being. As one of the modern writers has
said, "Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast." It has been
proved that sweet music will actually tame the most malicious and venomous
beasts, even when they have been stirred up to violent wrath, and make them
docile and harmless as lambs. Who gave the lower animals a love for those sweet
sounds, which with magic power fill the air with harmony, and cheer and comfort
the hearts of men, and so wonderfully affect the brute creation? It was the
Lord, our heavenly Father, who gave the capacity to enjoy these sounds, and
which we ought to do in His name, and to His glory. But the greater
portion of the sectarian world consider it sacrilege to give way to any such
pleasure as even to listen to sweet music, much more to dance to its delightful
strains. This is another short sermon.
I wish
now to say a few words to the brethren upon the subject of tithing. it
is well known to the majority of this Conference what transpired, last
Conference, upon the stand in the old Bowery. At that Conference I had good
cause to find fault with the Bishops, and I took the liberty to brush them down
a little. From that day to this there has been more accomplished by our Bishops
in the short space of seven months, than was accomplished by them for the space
of years previously. This gives me great satisfation. The Bishops have done as
well as men could do: their conduct in fulfilling the duties of their calling
has truly been praiseworthy, and I feel to bless them, and pray the Lord to
bless them all the day long, for they have done first rate. When we consider
the ignorance of the world, their unbelief in God, and realize that the vail of
the covering is over the face of all nations, and remember the ignorance we
were once in ourselves, having to commence like babes at the rudiments of
learning, knowing also how faltering men are in their faith, and then look at
what this people have accomplished, we are led to exclaim, "It is
marvellous in our eyes!" Were I to say, "Elders of Israel, you that
feel to put your all upon the altar, rise upon your feet," who would be
left? [All present rose up simultaneously.] Where is there another people upon
the earth who would have done this? I have no tithing, but all—all I have is
the Lord's. You know the word sacrifice: as brother Banks said to-day,
it is a mere burlesque—a nonsensical term. No man ever heard me say I had made
a sacrifice. I possess nothing but what my heavenly Father has been pleased to
give me, or, in other words, Helms loaned it to me while I remain here
in this mortal flesh.
Is it not
marvellous, considering the weakness of man, to see the willingness of this
whole people to die if necessary for the truth? How do you suppose it makes me
feel? Though I may sometimes chastise my brethren, and speak to them in the
language of reproof, there is not a father who feels more tenderly towards his
offspring, and loves them better than I love this people; and my Father in
heaven loves them; my heart yearns over them with all the emotions of
tenderness, so that I could weep like a child; but I am careful to keep my
tears to myself. If you do wrong, it grieves my heart, and it also grieves the
heart of my heavenly Father. I feel continually, to urge my brethren to cease
from all evil, and learn to do well.
The
fulness of the heavens and the earth is the Lord's—the gold and the silver, the
wheat, the fine flour, and the cattle upon a thousand hills; and when we fully
understand His works, we shall know that He is in all the earth, and fulfils
His will among the children of men, exalting and debasing them according to His
pleasure; for the systems, creeds, thrones, and kingdoms of the world are all
under His control. "Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not
done it"—or that He doth not control? The Lord controls the whole; and in
the end, you will find It has regulated all things right, for all will be
consummated to His glory:
The
children of men are made as independent in their sphere as the Lord is in His,
to prove themselves, pursue which path they please, and choose the evil or the
good. For those who love the Lord, and do His will, all is right, and they
shall be crowned, but those who hate His ways shall be damned, for they choose
to be damned.
As I was
meditating on the philosophy of the day, it occurred to my mind how visible it
must appear to all eyes that the Lord does indeed work, that it is He who
blesses this people; and yet it seems as though they cannot see His hand. The
Lord fills the immensity of space. What saith the Psalmist? "Whither shall
I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up
into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there;
if I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the
sea, even there shall thy hand lead me." I was trying to think of the
place where God is not, but it is impossible, unless you can find empty space;
and there I believe He is not. If you can find such a place, it will
become useful for a hiding place to those who wish to hide themselves from the
presence of the Lord, in the great day of accounts. I will close this sermon,
as I intend to preach another before I present the subject I more particularly
wish to speak upon.
My next
sermon will be to both Saint and sinner. One thing has remained a mystery in
this kingdom up to this day. It is in regard to the character of the
well-beloved Son of God, upon which subject the Elders of Israel have
conflicting views. Our God and Father in heaven, is a being of tabernacle, or,
in other words, He has a body, with parts the same as you and I have; and is
capable of showing forth His works to organized beings, as, for instance, in
the world in which we live, it is the result of the knowledge and infinite
wisdom that dwell in His organized body. His son Jesus Christ has become a
personage of tabernacle, and has a body like his father. The Holy Ghost is the
Spirit of the Lord, and issues forth from Himself, and may properly be called
God's minister to execute His will in immensity; being called to govern by His
influence and power; but He is not a person of tabernacle as we are, and
as our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ are. The question has been, and is
often, asked, who it was that begat the Son of the Virgin Mary. The infidel
world have concluded that if what the Apostles wrote about his father and
mother be true, and the present marriage discipline acknowledged by Christendom
be correct then Christians must believe that God is the father of an
illegitimate son, in the person of Jesus Christ! The infidel fraternity teach that
to their disciples. I will tell you how it is. Our Father in Heaven begat
all the spirits that ever were, or ever will be, upon this earth; and they were
born spirits in the eternal world. Then the Lord by His power and wisdom
organized the mortal tabernacle of man. We were made first spiritual, and
afterwards temporal.
Now hear
it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our
father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial
body, and brought Eve, one of his wires, with him. He helped to make
and organize this world. He is MICHAEL, the Archangel, the ANCIENT OF
DAYS! about whom holy men have written and spoken—HE is our FATHER and
our GOD, and the only God with whom WE have to do. Every man
upon the earth, professing Christians or non-professing, must hear it, and will
know it sooner or later. They came here, organized the raw material, and
arranged in their order the herbs of the field, the trees, the apple, the
peach, the plum, the pear, and every other fruit that is desirable and good for
man; the seed was brought from another sphere, and planted in this earth. The
thistle, the thorn, the brier, and the obnoxious weed did not appear
until after the earth was cursed. When Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden
fruit, their bodies became mortal from its effects, and therefore their
offspring were mortal. When the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the
Father had begotten him in his own likeness. He was not begotten by the
Holy Ghost. And who is the Father? He is the first of the human family; and
when he took a tabernacle, it was begotten by his Father in heaven,
after the same manner as the tabernacles of Cain, Abel, and the rest of the
sons and daughters of Adam and Eve; from the fruits of the earth, the first
earthly tabernacles were originated by the Father, and so on in succession. I
could tell you much more about this; but were I to tell you the whole truth,
blasphemy would be nothing to it, in the estimation of the superstitious and
over-righteous of mankind. However, I have told you the truth as far as I have
gone. I have heard men preach upon the divinity of Christ, and exhaust all the
wisdom they possessed. All Scripturalists, and approved theologians who were
considered exemplary for piety and education, have undertaken to expound on
this subject, in every age of the Christian era; and after they have done all,
they are obliged to conclude by exclaiming "great is the mystery of
godliness," and tell nothing.
It is
true that the earth was organized by three distinct characters, namely,
Eloheim, Yahovah, and Michael, these three forming a quorum, as in all heavenly
bodies, and in organizing element, perfectly represented in the Deity, as
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Again,
they will try to tell how the divinity of Jesus is joined to his humanity, and
exhaust all their mental faculties, and wind up with this profound language, as
describing the soul of man, "it is an immaterial substance!" What a
learned idea! Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the same
character that was in the garden of Eden, and who is our Father in Heaven. Now,
let all who may hear these doctrines, pause before they make light of them, or
treat them with indifference, for they will prove their salvation or damnation.
I have
given you a few leading items upon this subject, but a great deal more remains
to be told. Now, remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ
was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. I will repeat a little anecdote. I was in
conversation with a certain learned professor upon this subject, when I
replied, to this idea—"if the Son was begotten by the Holy Ghost, it would
be very dangerous to baptize and confirm females, and give the Holy Ghost to
them, lest he should beget children, to be palmed upon the Elders by the
people, bringing the Elders into great difficulties."
Treasure
up these things in your hearts. In the Bible, you have read the things I have
told you to-night; but you have not known what you did read. I have told you no
more than you are conversant with; but what do the people in Christendom, with
the Bible in their hands, know about this subject? Comparatively nothing.
I will
now again take up the subject of tithing. The brethren have done well. They
have been willing and obedient, no people could have been more so; for this I
thank my Father in Heaven. I could not wish a people to work more kindly in the
yoke of Jesus than this people do; the yoke grows more and more easy to them.
It seems that every man will not only pay his tithing, but give all he has, if
the Lord requires it: still I see wherein they may do better. I asked the
people to day to assist to pay our Church liabilities. The offer of three or
four yoke of oxen only, we do not want; but I will lay before you what we wish
you to do. By the manifesto which has been read, you have learned the precise
situation of the property of the Church. What has incurred this debt? Why does
it exist in the shape in which it now appears? And wherein could we have
obviated the difficulty, and done better? A fourth part of the money already
paid out, did not come in upon tithing. This money we have had to borrow in
order to keep the public works in progress. You may say, wherein could we have
done better, for we have paid our tithing punctually? But has that brother, who
sent $100 back to the East for merchandize, paid $10 of it I into the tithing
office? Or did the brother who has sent $500 back, let us have $50? No; these
have used it themselves, and thereby involved those who hear the
responsibilities of the Trust. Again, those who have not possessed sufficient
money to send back for merchandize, have been necessitated to pay out what they
had. Thousands of dollars have been paid here for merchandize. Has one-tenth of
all that money been paid into the tithing office? It has not. And where is the
tithing that should have come in from England and California. Instead of
tithing their money, they have used it for other purposes, and paid it in
property, with which we could not pay our debts. This is wherein we have failed
to liquidate our debts. The people go to these Gentile stores, on the Saturday,
in crowds, to purchase goods. I think we shall not over-rate the amount, if we
say that $500,000 has been paid, in these rallies, to the merchants. But
suppose they have received no more than, $50,000 from this community, $5,000 of
that money ought to have been first paid into the tithing office; and we could
have sent it to the States, and purchased goods ourselves, for one-third or
one-half less than we have to pay the merchants here. And $25,000 more should
have come into the tithing office from the Church in the United States. The
brethren in California have made no less than $100,000; the tenth of which is
due this tithing office. For want of this money, we are brought into bondage
and we must now apply our faith and works to raise means to liquidate our
indebtedness, which has accumulated by purchasing goods at high and
extortionate prices. I find no fault with the merchants, for they came here
to gather gold by the hundred weight.
Now,
brethren, and Bishops, look over this matter, and try to think what your
feelings would be if you were laid under the same responsibility that I and my
brethren have upon our shoulders. We are required to see the Gospel preached to
the nations afar off, to build council houses and temples, to cope with the
united wisdom and craft of legislative assemblies, and with the powers Of
darkness in high places; and then place yourselves in the circumstances we are
now placed in! Besides all this, see the hundreds who come to us every day to
be administered to in various ways: some want fruit, some sugar, others tea,
and all want clothing, &c. Then step into our private rooms, where we
commune with the people, and you will see and hear all this, and a great deal
more. Instead of every man bringing his picayune, or his sixpence, or his $5,
&c., as tithing on the money in his possession, it is all used for
something else, and the storehouse of the Lord is left empty. Suppose nothing
had been put in there but what the people have put in, the workmen would have
been naked. Walk into the storehouse, and examine for yourselves. To be sure
there has been a little clothing put in lately; for instance, there was an old
silk dress put in for $40, that had been lying for years rotting in the chest:
this is a specimen of the rest. What are such things worth to our workmen? Why,
nothing at all. We wish you to put in strong and substantial clothing. Good,
strong, homemade stuffs make the most suitable clothing for those who are
building up the public works.
Will you
help us out of this thraldom, and have it credited to your future tithing?
There is already a great deal more due than would liquidate all our debts, but
we cannot command it now. Do you feel willing to put your shoulder to the
wheel, and continue to roll it forward, and still continue, you that have faith
to continue, to increase in faith? for the business of this kingdom will
increase, and the responsibility also; the labor will and must grow, and
continue to increase, until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of
our God and His Christ. So much on tithing; you see where the failure is; it is
in that point, and nowhere else.
It is not
for any man to think he is a cipher—that what he can do will not tell in this
matter, and say, "They will get along well enough without me;" but it
is every man's duty to lay it to heart, and help what he can with his earthly
substance; though I wish you to understand distinctly that it is no
commandments—you are left to act freely.
Let all
the sheep stay in the Valley; also the cows; for they will give milk and
butter, and replenish the stock. But when we speak of the horses, mules, and
oxen, let every man look up his spare stock of this description, and with them
help to liquidate these debts. Stock will now pay debts. I will use my
stock for this purpose, and my brethren will do the same, until we have enough.
I do not enjoin this upon you, as you have already paid the tithing which is
required of you; except in some instances in the money tithing. Had we
received the money due to us, we should have had no debts; but this
failure has been, and is now, in existence. I will take every kind of spare
stock I have, except my cows and sheep, and wipe off these debts until they are
cancelled; and now every man who will do the same, let him rise upon his feet.
[The whole congregation of two thousand men rose up to a man.] Do
you suppose we want to deprive you of your teams? It is not so, but we wished
to know the state of your faith, so that when we are ready to call upon you, we
can be sure our call will be responded to. I would not cripple any man, I would
rather give him five yoke of oxen, than destroy his team, and you know it.
[Some of the brethren in the stand, not believing their own eyes, that the
whole congregation rose, it was tried over again, to satisfy them, when the
congregation all rose again to a man.] Brother Hunter now knows what to do.
Mary of the brethren are killing their calves; don't do this; if you cannot
raise them, it will be better to give them away to those who can.
I bless
you, and may the Lord bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sung a hymn; Benediction by elder Sherwood.
——
[10 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
April 10.
The brethren commenced assembling outside the Tabernacle by 7 o'clock, in the morning, so great was the desire to hear the teachings of the Lord. - When the doors were opened at 9, the house was crowded in a few minute.
Conference opened as usual, when Pres. Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Young instructed the saints, in many great and precious principles, followed by a most admirable lecture by professor Albert Carrington, on the subject of medicine, and the different medical societies and theories, and their contradictory opinions on the physiology of disease and medicine.
Pres Young bore testimony to the truth of the remarks and returned thanks on behalf of the congregation.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith, and adjourned to two o'clock.
[10 Apr, 1:30 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Half past 1, P.M.
The house was filled to overflowing and conference opened, when elders D. H. Wells, Wm. I. Appleby, G. D. Watt, Wm. Clayton, and Pres. Kimball occupied the afternoon, by introducing many interesting topics of discourse.
John Kay sung "the Seer," Doxology by the Choir, benediction by Patriarch Isaac Morley.
[10 Apr, 6 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
6 P.M.
The elders in Israel were again assembled in the Tabernacle, and heard addresses by G. A. Smith, S. M. Blair, Richard Cook, Edward Hunter and David Fullmer, when the saints covenanted they would not have another law suit with each other. Elder John Banks then related an anecdote, saying that when lawyers died in his country it was the custom to take the body into an upper room, leaving the window open and in the morning the body was invariably gone - leaving a strong smell of sulpher in the room.
Benediction by David Fullmer. congregation was dismissed at 9 p.m.
——
[11 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Sunday April 11, 9 A.M.
Conference again called to order by G. A. Smith and opened by singing and prayer by elder W. Woodruff. Pres. Kimball preached to the saints on dealing with each other as they would be dealt by; exhorting the saints not to rob the dead. He then presented the case of bishop Hunter, who had not been ordained to his calling as presiding bishop; and he was accordingly ordained under the hands of Presidents Kimball and Richards. Bishop Hunter then presented Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball as his counsellors, who were unanimously sustained by the Conference in that office.
Pres. Kimball then presented Truman O. Angel, to be continued as the Architect of the Public Works for the Church, and he was accordingly sustained. - He gave notice that we should postpone giving any more endowments to the saints, until the return of Pres. Young from is intended exploring expedition to the south.
Seth Taft, David Pettegrew, Abraham Hoagland, David Fullmer, and Daniel Spencer, were then voted to fill the office of assistant presiding traveling bishops in the vallies of the mountains.
Pres. W. Richards gave notice to the congregation that after partaking of the Sacrament in the afternoon, it was the intention to call for a contribution of silver, to make the plate for Sacramental service for the Tabernacle, and urged on the brethren to bring in their cattle so that the debts of the Church might be liquidated the coming week.
Singing by the choir, and benediction by pres. Joseph Young.
[11 Apr, 1:30 pm]
[DNW 2:46, 4/17/1852 p 2]
Half past 1, P.M.
Conference called to order by Pres. Young, and opened as usual, when Pres'ts. Young, Kimball, and Richards, and Bishop Hunter, proceeded to administer the Sacrament, assisted by the various bishops, during which many persons bore testimony to the truth - speaking in tongues, and prophecying; after which the collection was taken up when $149 was collected in silver coin, besides several pounds of Watch cases, Spoons, Rings and other silver ornaments.
[Prest. Young]
Pres. Young then gave notice that from henceforth we should hold meetings regularly each Sabbath at 10 a.m., and 2 p.m., and in the evening, the several quorums of the priesthood would assemble to receive instructions. On Thursdays the brethren and sisters would come together at 2, p.m., for prayer and supplication; and on the first Thursday in each month,at 10, a.m., for the purpose of fasting and prayer, calling the saints to observe that day. He then notified the saints that the raised seats on the right and left of the stand, are set apart for those bishops who attend to the ministration of the Sacrament, for the day on which they officiated. They had this day seen an example of the administration of the Sacrament; the bishops will hereafter take turns, having the lesser priesthood to assist them.
This stand and the vestry is designed for those persons who speak to the congregation and attend to the governmental affairs of the church, and it is expected that no person will come into the stand without being first invited. After this conference is dismissed, it is expected that the alleys and the vestry will not be crowded as they have been at this conference.
The bishops will be advertised of their respective days of working, through the medium of the Deseret News.
Elder John Barker was voted to go on a mission to England, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It was motioned and seconded that when conference was adjourned, it should be to sixth day of October, at 10 o'clock, a.m. Pres. Young then gave notice that on the last Saturday in August, at 10 a.m., there would be special conference held in the Tabernacle for the express purpose of transacting business, sos that the brethren who are sent on foreign missions can travel across the plains in September, instead of going in the inclement season of the year.
On the first Saturday in July will be the quarterly conference of the Seventies, in this place at 10 o'clock a.m.
The High Priests quorum will meet here next Tuesday, at 6 in the evening.
Professor Orson Pratt will deliver his last lecture on Astronomy, in this place next Wednesday evening, at 6 o'clock.
Choir sung a hymn, and benediction, by O. Pratt.
The saints then shouted Hosanna to God and the Lamb, amen and amen, three times.
Pres. Young then blessed the saints in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood vested in him, and said, be you blessed from this time henceforth and forever; blessed be the saints in their health, and in their families; their flocks, their herds, their houses, their farms and all that pertain unto them, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen, and amen.
Thus ended the most glorious conference of the saints of the Most High in these the latter days. - Revelation upon revelation has been poured out from time to time; the spirit of God has rested down upon the saints in every meeting during this conference, - peace, good will, joy and harmony have been in the breast of every person; not a jarring sound - not a discordant voice, nor even a thought, has been manifested in all the transactions of the past happy and glorious week. The heavens have smiled propitiously upon us, and the saints have had such a season of rejoicing as can never be obliterated from the memory of those who have been the happy partakers, and they enjoy a foretaste of what is in store for them, and all are steadily preparing themselves for the day of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
THOMAS
BULLOCK,
Clerk of conference.
The foregoing minutes are very brief, only presenting a general view of the plan and order of exercises during the conference. Sermons, addresses, reports, &c., may be anticipated hereafter, as we have space to insert them.
6-9 Oct 1852, General
Conference, Tabernacle, G.S.L.City.
[Deseret News Weekly 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
[6 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
Minutes of the General conference of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City,
Commencing October 6th 1852, 10 a.m., Prest. Brigham Young, Presiding.
Present, Presidents; Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards.
Patriarchs; John Smith, Isaac Morley
Twelve Apostles; Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, Jon Taylor, George A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards.
Seventies; Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Jedediah M. Grant, Benjamin L. Clapp.
Presidency of the Stake; David Fulmer.
High Priest's Quorum; John Young, Reynolds Cahoon, George B. Wallace.
Presiding Bishop; Edward Hunter,
Clerk of Conference, Thomas Bullock.
Reporter, George D. Watt.
Choir sung "The Prodigal Son," when the Conference was called to order by Prest. Young. Choir sang "Lord in the morning thou shalt hear."
Prayer by Elder Hyde; Choir sung "Come let us join our cheerful song."
[Elder J. D. Ross]
Elder J. D. Ross, was called to the stand, who remarked, that we live in an age of the world, when some great and marvellous work is being performed on the earth, and which causes the learned to be astonished; and that is, the gathering together the honest in heart, to one place. He then alluded to the sayings of Jesus "other sheep I have, that are not of this fold, them also I must gather together; when there will be one Shepherd and one fold, who will be instructed by the Savior himself. When the Savior came in the flesh, it was to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, and he remained with the Jews alone. - he reviewed the dispersion of the ten tribes; and the multitude of nations described in the Book of Mormon, and the promise of the Savior to visit the ten tribes: he also spoke of the prophecy of Jacob, on his death bed, that in the last days a feeder should be born, who should feed the sheep of Israel, in the gathering place - and reviewed the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of L. D. S.
[Elder Orson Hyde]
Elder Orson Hyde remarked, the peculiarity of Elder Ross' discourse, is to make it interesting; and when one truth is demonstrated, the further our vision extends, our desires for truth, increase. The nations who profess Christianity, pray continually that the day may speedily come, when the Savior will come to reign as King of nations; and the time is fast approaching, when the Savior will reign King of nations, as he now does King of Saints: and will take possession of that, for which he shed his blood; and those nations who want to keep the power from him, will burn their hands.
[Elder Jedediah M. Grant]
Elder Jedediah M. Grant, said int: al: through the revelations of God to Br. Joseph, his mind became competent to organize the Church, with a First Presidency, a Quorum of Twelve Apostles, a High Council; and when we got one Quorum of the Seventies, we thought we had a host of Elders, when the Church spread with a brilliancy and a beauty, previously unknown. He then spoke on the subject of miracles, said he, it is a miracle to every ignorant man, how this house is supported without a pillar; or how intelligence can be transmitted from Maine to New Orleans in about a minute, as much as when the Savior fed the multitude with two small loaves of bread; as He was at the Creation of this earth, he knew how to bring the component parts together, for his own convenience, so as to feed the hungry. There is no miracle, only to the ignorant; it is also miraculous for the Kings and Potentates of the earth, that the Latter-day Saints, are a unit; but it is not miraculous to us; we understand the principle by which he rules, although it is the greatest miracle among the nations, to see the Church move on in grandeur and union.
Choir sung a hymn.
[The President]
The President invited the Saints to come up here daily, and worship the Lord, for we have a hall now, which answers a good purpose; and I now invite you to come here, with clean hands and pure hearts; and as to-morrow is our "Fast Day," if there are any poor, I say to the Bishops, hunt them up, and feed them; and if there are not any, then reserve the food for another day.
We want you to tarry in Conference, until your hearts are prepared for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that you may know for yourselves, the truth of the gospel: and then dismissed the people with benediction.
[6 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
2 P.M.
Conference called to order by Prest. Young.
Choir sung a hymn; prayer by elder Zera Pulsipher; singing.
[Elder Ezra T. Benson]
Elder Ezra T. Benson remarked that the reason the devil is mad about the Latter Day Saints, is, because they will enjoy themselves, and they are led by revelation; then spoke of settling the different vallies, in order that the saints may all have an inheritance to dwell upon, and prepare places for other saints to gather to, from every nation, kindred, tongue and clime, upon the earth. The priests in Christendom, warn their flocks not to believe in Mormonism, and yet you, sisters, have power to heal the sick, by the laying on of hands; which they cannot do. The doctrine we heard preached this morning, was good and true; and if we will come up before the Lord as requested, we shall have a good time during this conference, and shall have a witness of the truth of Mormonism.
He asked the question, what in the name of common sense do any of the people let their cattle and pigs run loose for? - and answered, he is not a righteous man, or a Latter Day Saint, who will do so! for those persons who turn their cattle or pigs loose do so, that they may be fed on their neighbors' squash and gardens, in a dishonest manner, while there are 10,000 saints come in this fall, who have to be fed, if we suffer all our garden sauce and grain to be destroyed?
Sacred music upon the Melodeon, by elder Grimshaw
[Prest. Young[
Prest. Young remarked:-
[Brigham Young]
I expect, in all probability, I shall be able to say very little during this conference. My lungs are in such a state, that as soon as I talk long enough to entertain a congregation, they severely afflict me.
I have a few texts to give to the brethren, who may speak upon some of the items, I wish to be laid before this conference, for your contemplation.
The first I have noted, is, a question: Shall we commence to build a Temple next spring, in order that we may receive our endowments more fully. There are many in this congregation who are aware that we do not give all the endowments, neither can we, legally, until we build a Temple. Again, those parts that are already given, and will be given, in the place that we at present use, will be given over again in the Temple, when it is finished. The endowments we now give are given merely by permission, as we have not a house in which to officiate in these ordinances of salvation, that is legal, though we have got a comfortable place, which we have dedicated to the Lord; and the brethren who go therein, know and can bear testimony whether the Spirit of the Lord is there or not.
The next thing I present, is,--We want workmen; masons to erect a wall around the Temple Block. We wish to have a wall to secure the block, that when we commence the Temple we shall not be under the necessity of being thronged and overrun by spectators. A portion of the wall on the north side is already built of stone, and rises about four feet above the surface of the earth; and we anticipate placing about ten feet of adobe work upon that--the whole to be crowned with a picket fence of six feet, making the entire wall about twenty feet high above the ground.
The next item or text, is,--We want one hundred families to go to Iron county, where we expect to manufacture iron. I will say, for the consolation of those who love money, and feel as though they cannot do without it, as soon as these iron works are in successful operation, that will be a monied place.
We also want one hundred families to go to Millard county; that is the intended seat of government for this territory; it is a beautiful valley, and one of the best we have yet settled.
The next that I will notice, is,--We want some twenty missionaries to travel through these settlements. One hundred have already been appointed to go into all the world; and the number may be swelled a little more, previous to the departure of that part of the mission that is to proceed south. We think those brethren whom we shall appoint to travel at home can be as useful here as in any part of the world, to instruct, comfort, and build up the Saints in the most holy faith.
The next thing I have noted, may perhaps be to some a novelty. What was said here last Sabbath by brother Call, and others, gives rise to this text, which I put forth for the brethren to preach upon. It is for the idlers and loafers to build me a good house. These men complain about me living on the tithing; but the truth is, I have never asked for one bushel of wheat, a single load of wood, or for the Church to build me a house. If any complain about the First Presidency living on tithing, I want these men to build me a fine commodious house, worth about 25,000 dollars.
My next text is, for this people not to peddle away their wheat as they do at present, and as they did last year; not to sell your wheat for fifty cents per bushel, for, in all probability, you will have to buy it back again from the same men at four or five dollars per bushel. I will say still further upon this subject,--if this community do not appreciate the blessings of the Lord, given to us from our mother earth--for our heavenly Father causes her to bring forth in her strength, for the brethren and sisters who come here from far off countries--I tell you, in the name of the Lord God, I know the gate of plenty will be shut down, and your wheat and corn will be blasted; the earth will cease to yield in her strength, if this people do not appreciate their blessings, and improve upon them. Further, if this people appreciate these blessings, we will see the time yet, in these mountains, when the people will come from our native countries for bread. If we are faithful, if we are true, if we are humble, and appreciate the blessings of heaven that are poured upon us, and improve upon them, strangers will seek bread at our hands; but if we neglect our duty,--if we become proud, idle, selfish, or covetous, and forget our God, the earth will cease to yield her fruits: they will be blasted, and we will be in poverty; that, you may be assured of, brethren and sisters.
These texts I have given to the brethren, and I will say to the congregation,--if there is any man who feels that he wants to pour out his soul here, before the people--come into this pulpit; we are your brethren. If your heart fails you--if you have not confidence to come to the stand, you may have the privilege of rising upon your feet in the congregation. We have come together to worship the Lord, to build up His Kingdom. This Conference is for the purpose of contemplating, not directly upon that which concerns us in the present tense, but to lay plans for future life: we are endeavoring to lay the foundation for future exaltation and happiness. This is the place to contemplate those things that our physical energies can act upon for our future course, administration, labors, &c. We are gathered together in this Conference, to talk over the things of God, and what will be for the best interest of His kingdom on earth--to thank and praise Him for what He has done, and is doing, and will do for us, if we are faithful. God bless you. Amen.
Elder Levi W. Hancock said, his heart felt to rejoice, that he was out of the clutches of those men, who had robbed, and driven him from his home; and is glad to be in the valley of peace, where the hearts of the children are turned to their fathers, and we can glory in the cause of our God, &c.
Elder Zera Pulsipher remembered the time when he had to travel 326 miles to get a council of elders; comparing the rise of the church, with the present day; and bore a testimony of having seen a vision, when an angel appeared to him, having a Book of Mormon in his hand - and exhorted the new comers to the valley, to keep the commandments of God; to be humble and prayerful, and respect and obey the counsel of the authorities; and shewed, that those who neglect their prayers, and their duty, generally fall away from the church, and are damned.
Prest. Kimball. You have heard the several texts which have been presented before you, by Pest. Young; it matters not which we take up first. There are many schemes laid to get your wheat, for 75 or 80 cents a bushel: - many will come here, who feel in their hearts to complain of President Young, and others: - the present emigration coming in will require near 100,000 bushels of grain to feed them and their stock; and so many persons are without even their own bread, who will require nearly as much more; and I am satisfied there never has been so much grain destroyed in the valley any year, previous to this; and Bro. Brigham says, "take up your cattle, to-night, and herd them." Will you do it? (The saints answered, "yes;") and he exhorted the saints to sell their clothing to the farmers, for wheat, so as to keep away from the merchants; and decorate your palaces with home manufactures; and if you cannot get cotton yarn to weave carpets, braid the rags, and adorn your palaces with rag carpets.
I say unto you all, practice virtue, prudence, economy; be saving, and be industrious, and you will be blest. May the Lord bless you; amen.
A young brother, just arrived, whose name we did not learn, occupied the stand, a few moments, who rejoiced to see so many willing to obey the counsels of the Lord, and stated his reasons for coming to the valley, were, that he might be instructed by the Prophet of the Lord.
Benediction by elder Lorenzo Snow.
Adjourned to 10 a.m., to morrow.
[6 Oct, 6 pm]
[DNW 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
6 P.M.
The elders of Israel met in the Tabernacle; called to order by elder Lorenzo Snow. congregation sung, "Come all ye sons of Zion." Prayer by elder Snow. Congregation sung, "glory to thee my God this night."
[Elder F. D. Richards]
Elder F. D. Richards attended to the call made on him, to preach this evening; and as the word "can't," never was in his vocabulary, he is not under any trouble to expunge it. The responsibility he is under, to preach to the people, enables him to expect the assistance of the Holy spirit always.
The Saints are the only persons on earth, who can really rejoice, and know that the Lord is with us; but the world knowing nothing of the power of God, attribute our prosperity to our leaders being some of the master spirits of the age; seeing us build cities, and in a few years driven from them, and behold in a short time we are richer than we were before, makes them give us credit for having great and mighty power. We have found one spot on the earth, which was not desirable for any man to settle, and praise the Lord, the Latter Day Saints have taken possession of a refuse portion of the earth; and now we can cause the desert to blossom as the rose, and the barren wastes to be made glad.
He advanced the cause of home manufactures, and then, said he, we should have not only a gathering of people, but also a gathering of substance. If the money that has been paid out for the single article of sugar, was now in the valley, there would be a comfortable circulating medium for the whole Territory.
Again, if we can get the iron works started in our midst, it would be a most profitable source of investment, and also prove of great benefit to the Territory. Bro. Erastus Snow and I are going down to Iron county, with a train of goods, to unite with our brethren there, and see if we can make it a blessing to the community, and so save the funds in the Territory; this will give stability to the monied interest. I look forward in a few years, when I can see the wool taken from the sheep, and made into beautiful clothing, by our own hands; and then you will dam up the avenue to the export of money, for that article, also.
Here in these valleys, we can see face to face, and feel the heart of man beating in response to our own; but if you go abroad in the world, you find it truly, every man is for himself, and the devil for them all. I look forward to the time when men will want to come to gain a settlement and a name, in our midst, for worldly gain; yes, brethren, the time will come, when the Presidency will have to use their utmost power and anxiety to prevent the influx of devils in our midst, as much as we are anxious to baptize an individual for the remission of his sins.
Brethren, we have either got to live the gospel, or else our faith is vain. The Lord magnifies us in the eyes of the world, as he often did when we were in Nauvoo; persons would come from Boston, to a conference; their eyes would be so great, that they would go back and report present, about twice the amount of the inhabitants there were in the whole city, &c.
[Elder W. Woodruff]
Elder W. Woodruff. Truly has it been said, that we are growing in knowledge and wisdom, and feel the hand of God guiding us; yet this people have one fault, and that is, to run to a Gentile store and spend the last dollar they've got, in preference to going to a brother in the church; it is an error in Israel, and should be stopped. How long will you sustain men, who do not support this kingdom, in preference to supporting yourselves? The men who drew the very life's blood of the community in Nauvoo, were the first to draw the steel upon us and drive us from our homes, and I fear not to say, that if the saints were to leave these valleys, and the Gentiles were to take possession of our houses, and our farms, they could not live here, and a famine would be in these valleys, in their midst.
Elder O. Hyde then rose to speak, but the Clerk was under the necessity of leaving, on account of sickness.
[7 Oct, 9:40 am*]
[DNW 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
October 7.
Conference called to order by Prest. Kimball, 20 minutes to 10. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Phinehas H. Young. Singing.
[Elder Hyde]
Elder Hyde remarked that it is necessary that the saints should use their best exertions to preserve the perpetuity of both body and spirit, that they may perpetuate the works of the Father, for God works with the instruments which he has prepared for that purpose; and man has to perfect himself, even as God himself is perfect. Man is the author of his own happiness or misery, and should therefore create circumstances to make him happy. Without the comforts of life, the tender woman herself can turn love into hate, as was witnessed at the siege of Jerusalem, when the woman ate the fruit of her own loins. Man must consult nature, and then all things glide smoothly along, when he can bless himself and others; but if he his pinched by want, he feels miserable.
This valley is pretty much all taken up in farms, and the wood all used up, which requires a man to be two days in getting a load of wood; and during that time a man often looses his cattle, which may destroy his neighbor's garden, and incur damages. Therefore it is best to go where neighbors are fewer, and let the best places for farms; you can there get a load of wood any morning, have your cattle on good range and then you get the gifts of God by your own industry. In the country south is plenty of room for the exercise of your energies. In Iron county they are beginning to make iron, and those who live there on the manufacture of the first stove or porridge pot, their names will be had in remembrance. and further, they have a whole mountain of brimstone, and all I have to say is, don't set it on fire yet, but let it remain till the Lord puts the match to it himself when he burns up the earth with fire. There is also plenty of wood, water and grass, and the word is, go south, and fill up the vallies, for if you don't the persons now living in this valley will sell out, and go and take up those very choice lands. Who won't go South, where you can raise oranges and grapes? A man cannot starve to death on grapes alone; I have tried it myself, and want to have the privilege of trying it again. Then don't stay here but go to the land of clover and grapes, and where you can get coal for the digging of it.
"Southward," then is the word; for if you don't find a mountain of sugar there, brother Taylor is going South with his sugar manufactory, and where the sweet is, those who love sweet will go. "Southward the tide of empire flows."
Never stay here, where your cattle pick up a spear of grass on one acre, and then go to another acre for another spear; but go South, where the grass is luxuriant.
Brethren and sisters, consult nature, get a good location; this is the counsel of the brethren, that you may be satisfied; and praise the Lord our God, and God shall reward you. Amen.
[President Kimball]
President Kimball said, many persons here try to keep their relatives here, but if they go to Iron county or Millard county, they fear they shall miss their sealings and endowments; I tell you, no one will get them, until they have proved themselves.
At Coal creek the people are mostly iron manufacturers, who are recommended to leave their farms and go to their trade. In Millard county we have 50 or 60 miles, from north to south, with scarcely an end to it on the west, and that is the seat of government where the Governor and his associates go and dwell, at least part of the year. If you let the spirit of revelation control you a moment, you will see the necessity of what we say. It is only about 60 miles from Iron county where it is one continued supper.
It is the intention of building the wall round the Temple block, and then commence the fonts, &c. Do you want to see a Temple built? What do you say? if you want it, raise your right hands [all hands up.]
We shall move to and fro in these vallies, and not live long in one place at a time, therefore go Southward.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[JD 1:294]
The
brethren have heard considerable about going south; and I know there is
considerable feeling manifested upon this matter. There are a great many
persons in this valley, who are working against this operation; I mean fathers
and mothers, brothers and sisters, and other relations. Nearly all of these
persons have city lots, and they propose to divide them with the emigrants,
rather than that they should leave the city; and at the same time take one
hundred and fifty or two hundred dollars out of their brethren's pockets for
that which cost them little or nothing; so they have a certain object in view
in persuading people to stay in the, city. These things have a strong tendency
to bind the brethren here. There are also many other things that have the same
tendency. They reason among themselves, saying, "If we go to Iron County,
or to Millard County, we shall perhaps lose our blessings, our sealings, and
our endowments, and many other privileges;" and conclude to stay here for
the purpose of obtaining these things. I will tell you, that stay here
for this purpose, you will not get your blessings as soon as those will who go
and settle where they are counselled. For none of you can have these blessings
until you prove yourselves worthy, by cultivating the earth, and then rendering
to the Lord the first fruits thereof, the first fruits of your cattle, of your
sheep, and of all your increase. This is how I understand it. Now go and get
farms for yourselves while you can.
Those
brethren in Iron County, and those that are still at Coal Creek, pretty much
all of them, are ironmongers; they were the first to go into the iron and coal
business and leave their farms. There are somewhere in the neighbourhood of two
hundred acres of land under cultivation in those valleys, that you can have the
privilege of purchasing, or of cultivating for the time being, until you can
make farms for yourselves. In the city of Manti, halter the houses are vacant;
there are houses enough empty there to accommodate fifty or a hundred
families. In Iron County also there are similar advantages.
Fillmore
City, in Millard County, is situated in a very extensive valley. I think we
travel, as we are going to Iron County, somewhere in the neighbourhood of fifty
or sixty miles, and then it extends west far beyond the power of the eyes to
see; the fact is, we can see no distant mountains at all in some directions;
and there are numerous rich valleys that are connected or which communicate
with this, on to Iron County. Millard County we wish to make strong and
powerful, for there is .the centre of the government of the State of Deseret,
and where the governor and his associates, some time in the future, will dwell
part of the year. There will be a building erected there for the use of the
general government of this State and for the general government of the Church
and kingdom of God. Then why need you be afraid of the result of anything that
is best for you to do? Let grandfather, grandmother, brother or sister, have no
influence over you to turn you aside from your duty.
If
brother Brigham is not of more consequence to you than your brother or sister,
or father or mother, or anything else that pertains to this life, I would not
give much for your religion. If you will reflect for a moment, and let the
Spirit of the Lord—the spirit of revelation, have place in your bosoms, so that
you can foresee the future events which we are approaching, and let your minds
expand by the power of the Holy Ghost, you will not hesitate one moment to go
to these valleys.
We have
no wish to get rid of the Saints, but the counsel that is given them to go and
settle those places, is for their best interest, and for the up-building of the
kingdom of God.
You have
arrived safely in this valley, by the providence of God, from Old England,
where it rains almost every day, and where they have to keep the lamps lit,
sometimes, in order to pass through the streets safely in the day time. Often,
when I was there, I had to sit and read in the day time by candle light; and we
very seldom durst go out without an umbrella, for if we did, we were sure to
get soaked to the skin before we returned. It is not so in this country; and
the further you go south, the higher the valleys are, until you go over the rim
of the Great Basin, about sixty miles, down to the Rio Virgin. As soon as you
get there, you are [p.296] where it is summer all the year round; but we do not
wish you to go there until you are appointed to go. We want you to go where you
are sent, for you cannot get your endowments until you have proved
yourselves—that is what we intend; it is the mind of brother Brigham, the
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,. and the Prophet
of God, who holds the keys of life and salvation pertaining to you, and me, and
all the world—not a soul is excepted, neither man, woman, nor child; they all
belong to him; for he is the Prophet, he is our Priest, our Governor, even the
Governor of the State of Deseret.
I think
more of the things that pertain to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, or the kingdom of God, than I do of these little petty territorial
matters. I presume if the brethren in this Conference will go into these
valleys, and grow wheat, raise cattle, and other products of the earth, and
then give one-tenth of all their increase into the Lord's storehouse; and
one-tenth of all they have got now, we shall be able to set to immediately, and
build a temple, and finish it forthwith, and abandon the idea of the Church building
houses for individuals, to get a few dollars here and there to carry on the
public works. Let us attend to the Church matters, and rear that wall round the
Temple block as soon as possible, and apply the Church funds to this purpose,
instead of putting them into the hands of a few individuals, that would perhaps
pay one hundred dollars, or turn in a yoke of cattle, and say, "Build me a
house, and then let the Church pay the difference." They will pay so much,
and perhaps the rest of it is sucked out of the vitals of the Church. This is
afflicting the Church; it cannot carry this burthen, but must and will throw it
off, and use the tithing in building a temple, a baptismal font, store houses,
and such things the Church has need of. I do not know whether you have any
desire to have a temple built or not. Hare you reflected upon it, that we may
go to with our might, our means, our substance, and with all we have to build a
house to the Lord, to build fonts, that we can attend to the ordinances of salvation
for ourselves, our children, our fathers, and mothers, both living and dead?
What do you say? if you say we shall do so, raise your right hands. (All hands
were up.) It is clear that, they will have a temple, brother Brigham.
Now if
you will take hold together, and do as you have been told, and go and people
those rich valleys, except those who have been counselled to stay here, for if
they are wanted here, it is necessary they should stay here; you shall be
blessed. Gather up your, substance, and go and make farms for yourselves, that
you can raise from two hundred to three thousand bushels of wheat next summer.
We have been in those valleys two or three times on exploring expeditions, and
we are going again next fall, over the mountains, down into the lower world, if
the Lord will. We shall thus travel back and forth, and live about as much in
one place as in another; for the future we shall keep on the move, going to and
fro, and shall never be easy; we never want to be, nor that you should, until the
kingdom of God prevails over this earth. We will fill up these mountains, take
up the land, and, as they used to say in the States, "become
squatters," and we will become thicker on the mountains than the crickets
ever were.
If you
can once break up the ranks of the crickets, it breaks up their calculations,
and under such circumstances they never will undertake a war upon your crops.
In like manner we have to become one, and build a Temple, that we may
learn the principles of oneness more fully, to prepare for all things to come,
that when we become fixed for war, we may whip out all the enemies of truth,
and never yield the point, neither man, woman, nor child that is in Israel.
As for
murmurers and complainers and fault-finders, we want to give them some
employment, and we shall attend to that part of the business before long. After
meeting we will lay the thing before them, and all the murmurers, and
complainers, and fault-finders, &c., we want they should raise their right
hand to do some good. If they want to vote, we will appoint a meeting at the
Council House directly after Conference, and organize them into companies, and
appoint a building committee to build brother Brigham a house, and the person
who murmurs the worst shall be the President. We will give him the same right
which we gave to Father Sherwood; but it was a tie between him and Zebedee
Coltrin which should preside; but Father Sherwood's tongue being more limber,
he whipped out Coltrin, and got the Presidency. We will organize a company of
males and females, for we calculate to give females an office in that company,
and they shall be upon an equal footing with the men. Now there's a chance for
you women who seek to be equal with your husbands. This is sticking to the text
brother Brigham gave yesterday. But I believe I will stop speaking for the
present.
Elder O. Hyde then rose and presented the authorities for approval or disapproval, as follows:
President Brigham Young was presented as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also as our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and our leader in Israel, who was unanimously sustained, as also Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards his Councillors; and also Bro. Richards as Historian, and General Church Recorder.
Bro. John Smith was was sustained as Patriarch to the whole church.
Orson Hyde was sustained as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, were severally sustained as members of said Quorum.
John Young was sustained as president of the High Priests' Quorum; also Reynolds Cahoon and George B. Wallace his councillors.
Joseph Young was sustained as President of the Presidency of Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Jedediah M. Grant, and Benjamin L. Clapp as his associates.
[Elder Clapp]
Elder Clapp requested the privilege to speak to the saints; he requested the saints not to throw h[im] away in their prayers to the Lord; and testified that God was in this work; he is living for God, and [for] an eternal exaltation; he has had dark clouds, a[nd] his spirits have been sunken; but he has nev[er] had a feeling of hardness to the Presidency or any [of] the authorities, and is determined to cleave to [the] brethren; yet he expects to have greater trials th[an] this, for he has seen them in vision, and has faith [in] God to help him out; said he, I want to live w[ith] this people and die with them, and if I cannot ha[ve] a place with this people, I wish to sink in to non[en]tity; and then asked the forgiveness of his brethren. I am satisfied with the authorities of the Church [as] they have been voted; I have voted for them myse[lf.]
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by Elder Jose[ph] Young.
[7 Oct, 1:40 pm*]
[DNW 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
Oct 7, p.m.
Prest. Kimball called the congregation to order, 20 minutes to 2.
Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by elder G. A. Sm[ith] and singing.
Elder Ezra T. Benson then presented the remainder of the officers in the church, for approval or di[sa]proval, as follows:
John Nebeker as President of the Elders quor[um], also James H. smith and Aaron Sceva his counci[llors] who were severally sustained
Edward Hunter was sustained as Presiding Bi[shop] to the church; also Nathaniel H. Felt, John Banks, [and] Alfred Cordon as Assistant presiding, and trave[ling]bishops among the people.
Lewis Wight was sustained as President of [the] Priest's quorum; also John Groves and George D[eck]stader, his councillors.
McGee Harris was sustained as President of [the] Teacher's quorum; also Thomas B. Foy, and Re[uben] Perkins his councillors.
Return R. Hill was sustained as President of [the] Deacon's quorum; also Andrew Burt, and O[swell] Barlow, his councilors.
Brigham Young was sustained as the Truste[e in] Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter[-day] Saints, and Edward Hunter his Assistant Truste[e.]
Daniel H. Wells was sustained as the Superin[tend]ent of the Public Works, and Truman O. Ang[el a]s Architect for the church
Brigham Young was sustained as the Presid[ent] of the Perpetual Emigrating Company, to gather [th]e poor; also H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, W. W[ood]ruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, [J. M. ] Grant, D. H. Wells, Willard Snow, Edward H[un]ter, Daniel spencer, Thos. Bullock, John B[rown], W. Crosby, Amasa Lyman, Charles C. Rich, [Lorenz]o D. Young, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Prat[t a]nd Franklin D. Richards, were severally sustaine[d a]s his assistants.
Daniel Spencer was sustained as President [of th]is stake of Zion; also David Fullmer and W[illa]rd Snow, his councilors.
Eleazer Miller, John Kempton, Heman H[yd]e, Wm. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, [John] Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Wi[nslo]w Farr, William Snow, and Nathaniel H. Felt, were severally sustained as members of the High Council of this stake of Zion.
Prest. Kimball then presented the names of Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Ezra T. Benson, George A. Smith, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow. Franklin D. Richards, Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Jedediah M. Grant, and Benjamin L. Clap, as missionaries to preach the gospel in the different valleys.
Also, David Fullmer, James W. Cummings, David Pettegrew, William Snow, Winslow Farr, Martin H. Peck, Lorenzo D. Young, Charles Dolten, and Levi Gifford were voted to have missions to preach the gospel to Israel in the valleys of the mountains.
[Elder G. A. Smith]
Elder G. A. Smith testified that this work, is the work of God, and Joseph Smith was inspired of God to organize the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; for truth is mighty, and will conquer. We are almost a world by ourselves; we are a thousand miles from any other place, living amid snow-capt mountains, and surrounded by vast deserts, and whatever is brought here, is imported at a vast expense.
There exists in the mountains round Iron county, a sufficiency of iron, to supply this mountain world, with articles of iron; it is the most valuable metal, and with it, power can be carried to an unlimited extent. Parowan is a very pleasant settlement, and has rather got the preference of any other settlement; the Indians there, are generally inclined to be industrious, and the brethren there, are first rate men. At Coal creek they have raised the best of crops, They cannot be beat for quantity, or extent; the best iron mechanics are now engaged in farming &c., which ought to be done by others, and they suffered to go to work at their own trade. The plows wanting at this present moment, if brought from the States, would cost us 90,000$, yet, the iron, the coal, the timber, the fire clay, are there, and you can do it if you have a mind to. You have to buy your soap, because you have not kettles to make soap in, and I fear not to say, that 3,000 kettles are wanted this day; then go to work, patronize the Iron company, and make your own soap; and at least 3,000 sets of cooking utensils are wanted by this community.
Iron is the sinew of power; of it, your guns, and your wagons are made; all the utensils in husbandry are made of iron; every saw mill crank that has been made, has cost from 1 to 5$ per pound. Elder Benson paid some 500$ to make his crank; and the one at Iron county cost 1$ a pound for manufacturing it. I invite all to go to Iron county, to increase the number, and strengthen the settlements there. I do know that the fences can be made cheaper of iron, than they are now made of poles. Again, look at the tons of nails, door trimmings, &c, that are annually brought here, at an immense expense. - Now if we will say hold of this branch of industry, we lay the foundation for our independence, and wealth; and in five years we shall be richer than we ever were. Now brethren, pass on to Iron county, and the blessing of God will go with you.
[Z. Snow]
Z. Snow: Bro. George has rightly named his discourse; a gospel sermon for the salvation of this people. I challenge you to find a nation that can be called civilized, without those people manufacturing iron, in some form or other; and we cannot sustain ourselves without manufacturing it. I pledge myself to pay 50$ a pair, for the first 50 pair of stockings, that can be made without iron being used in their manufacture, in some manner.
I say, you have two choices, either to manufacture for yourselves, and be independent, or otherwise be dependent upon other countries, and never be able to rise in the scale of nations.
Choir sung, "the prodigal son."
Benediction by elder W. W. Phelps.
[8 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 2:98, 10/16/52 p 2]
October 8, 10 a.m.
Conference called to order by Prest. Kimball, singing; prayer by J. M. Grant; singing.
[President Young]
President Young presented his views concerning the Kingdom of God on earth; which we have not space to report, in this paper, but present one extract for the benefit of the public hands - to wit:
A few words to the workmen on
the Public Works. Brethren you that wish to go to work, and that are already
working on the Public Works, to you I will make a broad declaration; and I want
it written down and published in the News. From this time, you, that are not
willing to labor on the Public Works, for the pay we get as Tithing, are at
liberty to leave when you please and never strike another blow. We want 200
workmen, who will work there, for such pay as we get, and who will not push my
soul out of me for Money, Money, MONEY, MONEY!!!
Brigham Young's Discourse
[CDBY 1:593-596]
President
Young presented his views concerning the kingdom of God on the earth, he was
anxiously waiting for the cloud of error to burst that he might see the true
light. The gospel is capable of making dishonest man honest if they will act
accordingly to the principles of the gospel after they have received it, God
reveals to his children by vision or revelation. The line was drawn between the
things of God and of man, and the devil but without the revelation of the Lord
or the knowledge of his judgments, mercies and doings to his creations, it is
beyond the comprehension of man. He is over all, under all, through all and
fills eternity. Right here is the kingdom of satan and the doings of mankind.
The chemist by the most powerful microscope can discover the wisdom of God and
mind can not fathom the remotest doings of the works of the Almighty. They
cannot comprehend the duration of time or the kingdoms, the minions and the
Gods, they are from eternity to eternity. No man can comprehend unless eternity
is opened to their mind.
Every man
and woman who is faithful the time will come when you can comprehend and you
can see that God did never cease to exist.
My object
is to reduce our religion and practice, it is music to reflect on the past and
to paint out the future millennium, it is comforting. We may preach about
angels, heaven, hell, what had been before and is to come if we leave out the
practice it is of no earthly benefit. A religion in theory is and shadow it is
in substance in reality, but we have to reduce ours to practical life and to
live it from henceforth and for ever. We present ourselves as the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the children of God our Father in the
heavens, all of our Father Adam and mother Eve as heirs to the kingdom that has
purchased immortality and eternal lives for His children. Let every mind
reflect how we present ourselves so as to be accepted.
We
believe we are to have faith and add works to faith or it will do us no good.
Praying is one portion and works is another portion. Our lives should be spent
in our religion and doing good. Rise early in the morning and thank the Lord
for my preservation. Dedicate all to my Father and go about my work. Suppose a
man or woman comes to my house hungry, the negative of my religion is to pray
for them and send them away hungry but the affirmative is to jump around and
get them something good to eat. God bless all I put my hand to do if a poor
widow wants a stick of wood, shall I pray for her or send her a stick of wood?
I would rather you give the hungry emigrating Saint a peck of potatoes than a
bushel of your prayers. I ask you a question, Is there a poor man or woman who
stands in need of provision who has not had it? Come on the poor saints, but if
you want to go to the gold mines and [-] sheds over you then will surely pay
your debts before you go where is the individual to expound the scriptures. To
reduce the Scriptures to human life, you can read what Adam, Noah, Moses and the
prophets did. In the New Testament you read all the acts of the Savior, now who
will practice what they did, then read within the fights preached. Now here are
the revelations received in our day. Practiced? [-] some [-] more are you going
to practice this, can you do it? Is this people in a situation to do it? That
is in the past. We are looking and preparing for future events. Then what are
we to do? All the revelations in those three books, they are the chart for life
of all saints upon the earth. It leads them to a character who produced it,
that they might receive light and intelligence from the Almighty. A great many
prophecies are not yet fulfilled. The very first revelations to Joseph were
repent of your sins and humbled yourself preparatory to entering into you
religion. For every character who magnifies his calling bears a greater or [-]
share of the holy ministry. Then the angel revealed to him where the plates
were head and told him to prepare himself to go and get the plates from the
Hill Cummorah. Joseph went and scraped off the dirt and lifted up the stone and
took out the plates and the urim and thummim, and laid the stone down and put
soil on it but he did not do precisely as the angel told him, and for the
simple act of trying to [-] that lose? And had to do without those plates.
After a while he got those plates. The very first thing after they received
them was to prepare themselves for manual labor. We must grow in grace and
cannot be made perfect at once.
The
elders which all bear testimony of their manual labor. The hardest labor is to
preach to the people and if it don't wear upon you as much as physical labor it
does upon me. The first work to perform after you are [-] of the spirit to see
the kingdom of the savior is to take them and plunge them in the water in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. All is the manual labor,
separate works from faith and they are good for nothing there is in such thing
as getting remission of sins or any other thing without manual labor. It is our
faith all the day long and unless God dictates that kingdom is not his. God
fills immensity and is in the midst of all things. God is here, round about us,
in us and through us. Shew me that place or spot where God is not? Tell me
where God is not and I will tell the wicked where to go. Who will guide, lead
or dictate this people? The Lord is near us, God is here. We are as much in the
presence of God. He can see us but we cannot see him as dropped the vail. How
are this people to be ruled, to be dictated in their future course. The Lord
Almighty had built up his kingdom, here is the church and kingdom of the Lord
God Almighty upon the earth. This is the kingdom to this kingdom. The Father is
not coming in the flesh to to take this people nor the Son. He called upon his
servant Joseph to establish the kingdom. He is the king, ruler and lawgiver and
head over all. Joseph was slain for the testimony of Jesus and Hyrum. The Lord
suffered them to be taken from us. Joseph established the kingdom and every
branch was perfected and said, "you can do so well without me as with
me." Many times he has said "brethren, I am going to rest and you
must bear of the kingdom to the nations of the earth. I have given you the
pattern. I had not the idea I was going to be killed and there never was and
[-] or [-] or mountain [-] more hunted than Joseph was. This kingdom was
established in shall be my witness what was done. And the twelve apostles of
the kingdom like almighty giants did they shrink? No. Joseph was the prophet of
God. Had visions and revelations. Can the twelve apostles hold the same keys?
If Peter, James and John had not ordained him the apostle of Jesus Christ he
could never have built the kingdom of God. Joseph and Oliver were the President
and counselor [-] And they ordained twelve men. Men may be prophets, seers and
revelators and have visions but they could never build up the kingdom unless
they had been ordained apostles. You can't act for the old prophets or the
Jaredites or Nephites but you must act for the year 1852. And the very doings
of this people performed in Missouri or Nauvoo will have the spirit of
apostasy. If this is oppression may God Almighty increase it (Amen). We have
got to prove ourselves and sanctify the whole man. The man who wants liberty in
wickedness take it but not in our midst. If you want liberty to take the name
of God in vain to curse or steal just go to California just go to hell as quick
as you please. Every saint of God is of the liberty to do good and a man or
woman who is oppressed is by the devil. Righteous principles are do good and
love righteousness. Do good and do not evil. Righteous principles lead men to
enjoy every thing they can desire. There are no principles that are unrighteous
will make God, angels, men or devils happy. The Lord has the power to put
desires into man and places them in possession of it. The rest that remains for
the people of God is to become the sons of God and be enthroned in power and
might and all things subject unto us and you have got to do as I tell you and
my brethren. This is the liberty of the gospel of the Son of God. Love, cherish
and flourish every principle that will make yourselves and your families happy.
The people are at liberty to do good but are not at liberty to commit another
sin. The Lord healed me up last night. I want the expression if I want every
soul to go to Iron County San Pete, Weber or anywhere else just manifested by
raising the right hand (nearly every hand up).
the Lord
instructs me to give the eternal inheritance to the saints and I know how to
dictate this people for the Lord Almighty instructs me to teach this people. We
want two hundred families to go to Iron County and two hundred men to go to
work no the Temple wall. We want the Masons, we want those men who have raised
find crops to draw [-] on their labor tithing. And next April six to lay the
corner stone for the Temple. We shall process and finish it.
Now I say
to all those men keep your grain. Let those traders alone who would ruin you.
This is my household, I am keeping your week, your oxen and your substance but
deal out to those men who won't work we must have the food. Let things go on
for four months more and you will soon have to buy floor from them at ten per
[-] be sure to have enough to keep you fill another harvest. It is the duty to
lay up your grain until we have five years grain. I want the hands of the
public works. Brethren if the pay we get on those public works won't suit you
and you are at liberty to leave and we want 200 laborers to come and work on
some teams. Don't try to make your cells independently rich in so short time or
it if your hearts are not open to receiving the light of truth and trust in God
and will bring you to the place. [-] Will never leave any mourner and suffer who
has lust in him. we want 200 mechanics to come and work on the public works.
Where is there a good decent house that has not been reared by the public
works. It is the [--] that has built up their houses. I just forbid any bishop
to take any old [-] houses. But take the best they have, keep your unruly stock
at home. I feel just as independent as the Lord wants me to be. If my works and
my brethren don't show for themselves, don't ask. When I present myself and my
brethren with me before my situation and my works as I do and them improve that
to the glory of God. You did not call me other men called me to the
apostleship. I don't want to ask man To Go to Iron County or Millard County.
The man who goes shall be blessed and they will walk over those who stay behind
in all worldly advancement. I say may God bless you brethren, Amen.
Choir sung a hymn.
Benediction by elder Thomas Bullock.
(To be continued.)
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
Minutes of the General
Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held in the
Tabernacle,
Great Salt Lake City, Commencing October 6th, 1852, 10 a.m., Prest. Brigham
Young, Presiding
(Continued from last paper)
[7 Oct, 6 pm](out of order)
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
October 7, 6 p.m.
The quorums of Seventies met in the Tabernacle, and were called to order by Prest. Joseph Young. When a hymn was sung. Prayer by Elder Levi Hancock; a hymn "Sweet is the work my God my King." was sung.
[Prest. Joseph Young]
Prest. Joseph Young enquired if there was any person present, who could report the situation of the brethren, who are not yet arrived from the States? The brethren reported, the Sugar Company had lost 80 head of Cattle by a storm in one night; many have not any Flour, and great sufferings prevail, and the Sugar Company were living on their frozen oxen.
Elder Young remarked, many persons who have been ordained into the seventies, are anxious to know when they can be organized. I now say, let them apply to the Senior President of any quorum, and if there are vacancies, to step in and fill them. He then brought forth the subject of the Seventies Hall of Science, on which, nothing has been done for the last 12 months, although he has now got in his possession a Saw Mill, which is ready to run, which will supply the lumber for the hall. There is a load now on my shoulders and I shall want to know if that load is to be taken off me. The Mill that we have, has an excellent natural dam, which was proved by the Freshet of last Spring - and the Saw being circular, will run with great rapidity, for we can turn the whole of the cotton-wood Creek upon the wheel if we wish. If you have a mind, the rotunda can be built, and the roof can be put on next fall.
[Zera Pulsipher]
Zera Pulsipher enquired, how much we sacrificed when we were driven from Kirtland, or from Missouri, or from Nauvoo? And answered, every time, and immense deal more than would build the Hall of Science.
[Levi W. Hancock]
Levi W. Hancock reviewed the rise of the Church when there were but 32 members they were ordered to build a Temple 63 feet by 95 feet, 2 stories high; and if we will all work together we can build that Hall of Science.
[J. M. Grant]
J. M. Grant I once voted, that no man should be allowed to come to meeting unless he would behave himself; and have not yet rescinded it. The Seventies voted to build a Hall, and it remains with them to fulfil that covenant.
The Tithing Office knows no Presidency, no Twelve, no Seventies, no Elders, Priests, Teachers, or Deacons, but they have to do with, Individuals; and we see the result: it rears up Tabernacles, Council Houses, and other buildings when wanted. There has been, and is a disposition among the Seventies, to have a Seventies Hall, and you can build it; but it will require both dollars and hard knocks, and a pile is wanted to carry it on, and I pray the Lord to help you to do your duty.
[B. L. Clapp[
B. L. Clapp I have been whipped for not living in this City, and my only excuse is, I am not smart enough man to live in Salt Lake City.
[Joseph Young]
Joseph Young I was perfectly satisfied two years ago, If I and my Counsel, and the Seventies had bee let alone, we should have built a good old fashioned meeting house, have had it dedicated, and been in it by this time, over 6,000$ has already been expended on it, and the basement is not up, by four feet.
[Nathan Tanner]
Nathan Tanner moved that the Mill be sold, and the Hall thrown up, seconded but not carried.
[John Pack]
John Pack has been absent three years, has returned and found his family in debt, but willing to do all he can; then let us build up the Hall and receive instruction therein.
[Brigham Young]
Prest.
B. Young I requested Brother Tanner to
make that motion. A man that is not smart enough to live in this city, is not
fit to preside over this body of men. When God calls a man to preside, He gives
him wisdom to preside, so heap the blame on to me. I want to let you know I
have heard all that has been said this evening. I will appeal to every Seventy
who was in Nauvoo, whether that Hall was not a credit to the Seventies, it was
so admitted in New York and in England. I was the designer of that Hall, and I
am ashamed of it, it is too small; to do credit to this body of men, let them
build a Hall that will contain 15,000 persons; the Seventies were laying plans
in Winter quarters, to get nails and glass for a hall in the mountains
This body
of men have the privilege of building a hall, and it will belong to the Church.
I have not the least fear of any division in this church, for I can turn them
whithersoever I will. (Amen.)
There is
a foundation laid to build upon. He then spoke in praise of John D. Lee
building the hall in Nauvoo.
We will
build our temples and our halls of science ourselves, for the Lord has suffered
us to be driven 1000 miles from any place, and we have got to build for
ourselves. My good sense taught me that the Seventies would want a hall, and I
say, Stretch forth on the right and on the left, in the front and in the rear,
and show what you can do.
I wish to
ask this people, if you know the doctrine you have been teaching? What is to be
done to prepare this earth for a millennium. These Latter-day Saints have got
to do it, or else they will be removed and others will be placed in their
stead. Can you and I do anything but what God requires at our hands, or what He
approbates in the Heavens.
Joseph
received the pattern of the temple in Kirtland, and said he to me, if this
people would do as they were told, it would be superfluous to have a revelation.
And if you are covetous and indolent, you may get a revelation in regard to
this hall. The nerve, bone, and sinews, are the only capital to build with, and
no other capital exists in reality. One-third of the capital of the Saints
should go to enhance the beauty of the city, but let them hoard it up, and they
are a poor, poverty-stricken people.
If this
plain, simple building (the Tabernacle) were now lying in its native state, you
would not be as rich as you are today. Can you build that hall? Yes, I can
build it myself.
Gentlemen,
your hall is commenced, and if there is anything to regret, on my part, it is
that the hall is too insignificant; and yet it can't be beat in America. It
would be an ornament to any street in London.
I can go
and pick up the very property now, that will be lost in one year to come, in
horses, oxen, &c., and that very property will be sufficient to build it.
Now make yourselves poor, and then show you how to make yourselves rich again,
that is on rational principles. If you want a hall, go and build it. You can't
find a man who has been here two years, but can get his bread and garden sauce.
"Mormonism" has done all for me, and I always thank God, that He sent
Joseph the Prophet, to reveal His will.
Now turn
out your teams and send men to work on it, until it is built. May the Lord
bless you, brethren. Amen.
Dismissed with benediction by A. P. Rockwood.
[8 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
October 8, 2 p.m.
Opened in the usual manner, by singing, prayer, and singing.
[Elder John Young]
ELDER JOHN YOUNG remarked, while the Prest. was preaching this forenoon, I meditated and enquired, if we appreciated the blessings conferred upon us? No people under the whole heavens are blessed as we are, for we have Apostles,Prophets, and all the gifts of the holy Priesthood, and are taught the way of Eternal Life and we are just as sure of salvation as though we were saved already, if we continue in well doing.
The whole world are lulled asleep in wickedness and sin, and we are the happiest people on the Earth and approximating more in the knowledge of the truth daily.
He alluded to those murmuring spirits, who came in; said he, they know nothing of suffering, in comparison with the first settlers of this Valley, many of whom lived on Ox hides and hoofs, and the bodies of Wolves, and felt glad to get them, and when they clambered the mountains to get Leeks with the Indians, they were too feeble to pull them out of the ground - you, who murmur and complain, you know nothing; then cease your murmurings, for you need never go hungry one day, but can live on the best of Flour &c.
[Prest Kimball]
PREST KIMBALL The truths advanced, seem so plain and simple, that I feel assured the people will do right, when you go home from this place, cherish what you hear, and you will not be left in darkness. He instructed mothers in their duty of training up their children, the same as recorded in the Book of Mormon, and testified of Joseph Smith having placed all the keys and powers of the Apostleship upon the Apostles; and every man and woman who fight against it, will be damned and every nation who oppose it, will wither as a branch severed from a tree.
A few years ago the world would not believe in revelation, and Joseph was called "old Joe Smith the money digger," but now all the world either believe in revelations, through the Spiritual Rappings, or else are going a gold digging.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[JD 1:204]
Brother
John Young said he felt as though he wanted to talk; I told him to open his
mouth wide, and he would be very apt to pour out something. What he has said,
and what President Young has said before him, to-day, is verily true. I felt a
flow of good feelings while he was speaking, and this I feel. all the time
while sitting under such teachings. The ideas advanced are so plain and simple,
it seems to me as though every person possessing a sane mind, when they leave
this house, or when they go home from this Conference, will do right, will
determine in their hearts to do as they are instructed. If they will do this,
it is well with them.
There are
a great many who have the idea, that the time will come when we shall be broken
up as a people. Do I fear any such thing? No, I do not fear any thing. I fear
nothing that is in heaven, or that is upon the earth. I do not fear hell nor
its combinations; neither hell, nor the devil, nor any of his angels, has power
ever me, or over you, only as we permit them to have. If we permit the devil to
have power over us, and we are seduced by him, and we crouch down under his
power, then he will have dominion over us. Upon the same principle, we let sin
have power over us, but it has no power over us unless we subject ourselves to
it.
I think
and reflect much upon these principles, and I wish to God, that you, my
brethren, the Elders of Israel, when you go home from this place, would
treasure up the counsel that you have received, that you would nourish and
cherish it in your hearts, then you never would be unfruitful nor walk in
darkness, nor be left to murmur, complain, and find fault.
When I
proposed to the brethren of the complaining class, that they be organized into
a building committee, I wish you to understand, that I had not heard any one
murmur, but I heard there were some. I was rather inclined, however, to believe
that those who told it were the ones that murmured, but they wanted to throw it
off from their own shoulders, and make it out that somebody else was
complaining. I do not believe you were, brethren. I do not believe we can raise
material enough to organize a company of such characters. I do not believe you
are going to murmur, but I believe you will go to and do as you have been told.
I want you to do so, I know the blessings you will obtain in so doing.
Go and
take up some good farms, but do not take up too much, as a great many in this
place have done, they have taken up from one hundred to one hundred and fifty
acres, and have then undertaken to put in 50 acres of wheat, when they could
net attend to the half of it. Be cautious in this matter, put in no more seed
than you can manage, and improve all the land you do take in, and be faithful
to God, and I know that He will bless the land for your sakes, and He will
bless you abundantly, and He will bless your increase, and He will bless your
wheat, and your corn, and every thing that pertains to you.
I have
spoken about these things malay times. There is nothing impossible with God,
but it will not do any thing that is contrary to His law, and that is not
according to his designs. I have said, many times, if you only have faith, and
listen, and put works with your faith, doing as you are told, it is not
impossible for a hen to lay two eggs per day. To prove this, I have sheep in
this valley, and so have other people, that have had four lambs this year, and
we have over thirty lambs now of the second crop. I have seldom heard of such a
thing in my life. This is quite a testimony to bear, but I can prove it to be
true, now, on the spot, if it is necessary. The sheep have brought forth the
second crop of lambs. That is a great curiosity, but it is true, and has taken
place here under our immediate notice, and some of the sheep that have been so
prolific belong to me.
This is
not contrary to my faith; we are the children of Israel, and it is for us to be
faithful, and listen to the will of heaven, and to the man that presides over
us, and to his associates, for they will not teach you anything only what he
sanctions; you need not be afraid, for if I should teach wrong doctrine or
principle, here is the authority to correct me, that this people may have
correct views. Well, inasmuch as we are the children of Israel, we are bound to
prosper, if we continue in the goodness of God, and I walk in His
precepts; if we do not, it will be with us as it was with the children of
Israel of old, our burdens will become hard to bear; but I believe ourselves,
our flocks, our herds, our crops, and every thing that pertains to the earth
which we inhabit, will greatly multiply and increase. These are my feelings,
and this is my faith all the time—I have no other.
We should
teach our children righteousness, if we would raise them up in the way of the
Lord, as it is spoken in the Book of Mormon. Let mothers teach their children
as they were taught then. Three thousand of those men are worth more than one
hundred thousand not raised as they were. They had faith that they should never
fall in battle, because their mothers taught them so. Although there was much
of their blood shed, yet not one of them fell. That was the result of proper
instructions being given them by their mothers. Mothers, I wish you would wake
up and act in your office and calling, as well as the brethren. It is their calling
to go and preach the Gospel, build up the kingdom of God, and establish
righteousness, and it is for you to be stewards at home, and attend to the
things that they leave behind, and to get windom and knowledge in all these
things pertaining to your duty.
When I
heard brother Brigham preaching hero to-day, and laying things of worth before
us, I felt greatly to rejoice, and I believe you felt as I did, and as though
they never would be eradicated from your minds, but that you would treasure
them up in your hearts. We have not a great while to stay on the earth, if we
live to the full age of man. We must all die, sooner or later, as it regards
our earthly tabernacles, but our spirits will continue to live for ever. If
they go to a state of happiness, they will be happy; and if they go to a state
of misery, they will be miserable. You all know this as well as I do, then why
do you not live accordingly? I presume you will.
A great
many things of this kind have been laid before the brethren who have come from
England, and from the States, and from different nations of the earth. They
will hear many more things taught here in addition to what they have heard in
Old England. They could hear nothing there, except the first principles of the
doctrine of Christ; but since they have come here it is all let out, that is, a
great many things; the bird is let out of the cage, and they have it before
them to read and reflect upon; it is the truth, it is the word of God, and the
revelations of Jesus Christ, which were revealed to brother Joseph and others.
As to the
power and authority invested in brother Brigham, do I doubt it? Have I the
least hesitation as to his calling as the President of this Church? No, no more
than I have that God sits upon His throne. He has the same authority that
brother Joseph had. That authority was in the Twelve, and since brother Joseph
stepped behind the vail, brother Brigham is his lawful successor. I bear
testimony of what brother Joseph said on the stand at Nauvoo, and I presume
hundreds here can bear witness of the same. Said he, "These men that are
set here behind me on this stand, I have conferred upon them all the power,
Priesthood, and authority that God ever conferred upon me." There are
hundreds present this day who heard him utter words to that effect, more than
once.
The
Twelve had then received their endowments. Brother Joseph gave them the
endowments, and keys and power were placed upon them by him, even as they were
placed upon him by Peter, James, and John, who ordained him. That is true,
gentlemen, because they held the Apostleship last, and had authority to confer
it upon him, or any whom the Father had chosen. Brother Joseph called and
ordained the Twelve Apostles of the last days, and placed that power upon them.
Five of those men who received that authority from under his hands are now
living. Have I any doubt? Why, no. I know all about it, I am a witness of this
Gospel, of the order and power of the Priesthood, and of the organization of
this Church from the beginning. I glory in it, I glory in this Gospel, I know
it is like a root out of the dry ground, it neither has form nor comeliness to
this world, it is against them every way, and they will run against it and snag
themselves. You know a root out of dry ground has many snags or sharp points to
it, and they stick out many ways; so the people run against a snag when they
run against this work, or against the servants of the Most High. I know, as
well as I know that I live, that every man that fights against it will be
damned. I know it, and am bearing testimony to what I know, gentlemen, and you
may know it just as well as I do. This Gospel, this kingdom, this Church, and
this people, are the pride of my heart, I have no pride in anything else. I
have pride to see this work roll forth, and turn over the kingdoms, and break
in pieces the nations of the earth. I know that every man and woman, every nation
and king that oppose it, will wither like a limb that is severed from a tree.
Now there
are a great many people that have broken off from this Church, we will not
mention names, but have they not withered? Yes, and so will you if you turn
away from it, and if you refuse to obey the counsel that is given to you, you
will wither away like a limb that is cut off from an apple tree, or the grass
that is mown down when the sun strikes it. We are the people of God, and we
cannot prosper upon any other principle than to cleave together, to cleave to
His work, to amalgamate our feelings in one, and nourish the all-powerful
principle of union, all feeling a general interest for the public welfare.
As
President Young has said, this is the household of faith, this is his house,
and this is his people, and he is our leader, our Governor, he is our Prophet,
and he is our Priest. As I have said in other places and in other meetings,
when speaking to the Elders, when they are sent from this place, they are sent
forth by the shepherd that God has stationed here; he is the head shepherd that
is visible on earth, under the direction of Joseph, and he sends forth the
Elders as shepherds to gather up the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and
bring them home to put them into the fold. I have said that you have no
business to maize a selection of any of these sheep, or to make a choice of
them, or make any covenant with them, until they are brought home and placed in
the fold, and then if you want a sheep or two, ask the shepherd for them, and
if you choose a sheep without taking this course you will get your fingers
burnt. Why? Because they are his sheep—mark it. How would you like it, were I
to go and take one of your sheep without permission, would you ever think of
such a thing? One is just as right as the other. You will learn these things by
and by. I would rather have my head laid upon a block, and severed from my
shoulders, than ever make a proposal to any woman living upon the earth and
marry her, unless I had permission from the chief shepherd. That tells it. I
do not know that you can all understand me, but those who have their eyes open
understand it. I only hint at these things, that you may be careful of the
course you take.
Well,
then, he that will not provide for his own household is worse than an infidel,
and hath denied the faith. If this is brother Brigham's household, I belong to
him, and it is my household. Well, then, provide for it, provide for Israel
first, and when they have got enough, then let others have it. Do not let
others have the bread until Israel, the household of faith, are provided for.
Do you understand it, brethren? If you do, say aye. [Aye.] All say aye for
Israel.
Now we
are going to stick together. Those that have come in here are like clay brought
from different parts of the earth—it is taken out of the bank and thrown into
the mill, and the mill has been grinding it until it has become pliable and
passive; then we send out the Elders to bring in a fresh supply of new clay,
and it is thrown into the mill, where it has to become passive, and thus the
mill keeps grinding and grinding, and mixing that which is thrown into it. As
soon as you are passive others come in.
It keeps
us thrashing all the time. The reapers go forth, and bind up the wheat and draw
it in, and thus we keep throwing in new wheat all the time, and we shall never
get the Hoer empty, but we must thrash and thrash until we are worn out, and
others will come up and continue it. Did you ever see them thrash in country
towns in England? It is something like that. We are passing through the mill,
and we have got to be thrashed and cleaned up, and the chaff has to be
separated from the wheat in passing it through the farmers. There are three
ends to this mill in the mountains. where the chaff goes out. Brother Brigham
does not grind any in his mill, without first passing it through the smut
machine; so we have got to pass through the smut mill, before we are fit to be
thrown into the hopper to be ground.
We must
be passive as clay in the hands of the potter. The potter takes the passive
clay, and moulds it into numerous shapes; he can make it into a milk pan, or
into a crock, or into a cup, or a jug, and from that into ten thousand shapes;
he does everything according to his own pleasure, and as the Master Potter has
told him to shape it. If the Master gives him a pattern, he must mould
according to that pattern; it would make him busy indeed if he were to work
according to every pattern. We must work according to the Master's pattern. If
we take this course there will be no trouble. Go forth, then, upon your farms,
sow your grain, and when you get your sheep, they will have two litters a year,
but if you do not do right you shall have none. [Does not God love to bless
those who appreciate His blessings? Yes, just as much as a kind father loves to
bless his son. Our Father in heaven is much more willing to bless us than we
are to bless each other.
Let us
remember these things in which we have been instructed. And let us take hold of
that wall when the Conference is over, and put it round this block this winter,
so that next spring we may fill it up with shrubbery of all kinds, and decorate
it, and prepare it for future purposes. And let us build up a temple with
diligent hands. I have helped to build up two temples, and have had my
endowments in them, and in other places; but to have an endowment that is
proper and consistent, is to have it in a temple that has been built and
consecrated to that purpose. Now go to, and get your farms, and bring in the
first fruits of the earth, the first things you raise; bring them in here and
commit them into the hands of the Bishops. Remember that, and you shall have an
endowment, and shall be greatly blessed with that blessing you have not room to
contain, if you only appreciate it We want these things to roll on, God's work
to prosper, trod His kingdom to be built up, and the work of God to spread to
all the nations of the earth.
Do I fear
the world? I do not fear them, I never did fear them, and I have seen enough of
their stuff. I have been driven with the rest of my brethren from the United
States and from my native home, but what do I care for it? My kindred are
there, but they do not believe the Gospel, nor the revelations of Jesus Christ;
they believe in the spiritual knocking, and nearly all the world are going into
it, and receiving revelations for themselves from the regions of despair. It
used to be with them, "Old Joe Smith, an old gold digger," but
all are digging gold now, and all are getting revelations, but they did not
believe a word from him. He was a Prophet of God, and they cannot help
themselves. They slew him, and that nation has got to smart for it, and it will
be as much as the Saints can do to gather out of it. If they stay there, they
will not gather from there; it is necessary to gather the wheat, and put it
into the barn; if it is left out, the storms will come and actually waste or
destroy it.
Let us be
stirring and moving the principles of life and salvation forward in every
rightful and possible way. I do not care what I am told to do, if it were to
take an adobe and turn it over 500 times a day; if I am doing the will of God,
if I am doing the will of him who sent the to do it, it is none of my business
nor yours. It is for us to do that which we are told to do. You need not
trouble yourselves about brother Brigham, nor about brother Heber, nor about
the Twelve; brother Brigham will attend to them, and then, if they live
faithful, will judge you and your children, and the nations of the earth, and
those that are dead. Don't you judge those men—that is for
brother Brigham to do; if we need thrashing, he is capable of thrashing us, it
is none of your business; and we will sit down and bear it like good fellows,
and not move our tongue; if it should move, we will take it between our teeth,
and give it a nip, and say, "Stay there, you little fellow." As for
the Twelve, and brother Brigham, and brother Willard, they are all men of God;
and there never were better men than the Twelve that live in these last
days—better men never lived. [A voice in the stand, "True."] It is
true, and I know it. Every soul of them can be prepared in two days to go
to the nations of the earth, if we say so. You have got to be so too, brethren
and sisters; you have got to learn to be subject to the Priesthood, as well as
these brethren, and your children must learn the same lesson, and then you will
be moulded into vessels of honor, but you cannot be moulded into vessels of
honor except you be subject. You potters know it, if you have worked at the
potter's business as I have.
I love to
talk about these things. I love the Saints, they are the pride of my heart. As
for the world; its gold or silver, or any thing that pertains to it, my heart
is not upon it, but upon this Church and kingdom, and it never will be
overcome, worlds without end. [A voice in the stand, "Amen."]
Although we may be scattered to the four quarters of the earth, we will gather
again, never to be removed any more, henceforth and for ever. Amen.
[Prest. Young]
Prest. Young spoke on the sin of shedding the blood of Joseph the Prophet.
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 1:596]
Brigham Young's comments
President Young spoke on the sin of shedding the blood
of Joseph the prophet, etc, rests upon the nations; the state of Missouri might
have redeemed themselves from the shedding of blood, if the governor and
generals had come and had us to cut off their heads and let their blood be shed
on the ground to atone for their sin. The nation might have redeemed
themselves, if they had taken those murderers and spilled their blood, but they
held their peace, and by their silence have sanctioned the dig, the spilling of
innocent blood, just the only way a nation can wipe this in from there escutcheon,
but now it must remain.
Singing. Benediction by elder Hyde.
[8 Oct, 6 pm]
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
October 8, 6 p.m.
Quorum of High Priests met, President John Young presiding, R. Cahoon and G. B. Wallace Councilors, S. M. Blair Clerk. Meeting opened by Singing. Prayer by Councillor Wallace. President John Young observed the quorum of High Priests had met to transact business and not to have sermons. President B. Young moved that all who had been ordained High Priests and came to the Valley, and was rebaptized, should be received as members of the quorum, by their giving in their names to the Clerk. Bishop E. Hunter, Felt and Heywood made some remarks followed by president B. Young on Tithing, and the future plan of the bishops keeping their books, and requiring the members of the wards to settle with their respective Bishops &c.
Meeting closed, benediction by elder Erastus Snow.
[9 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
October 9, 10 a.m.
Conference called to order by Prest. Kimball. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Patriarch Morley, and singing.
[Elder Lorenzo D. Young]
ELDER LORENZO D. YOUNG remarked, I have thought while sitting in this Conference, that I had attained in happiness and heaven; when I see thousands of intelligent beings gathered from the four quarters of the Earth, in this spacious hall, it speaks louder than thunder, that this is the Kingdom of God. I feel as though I was in Zion this morning, and sitting in heavenly places and hear instruction: it breathes forth a spirit of peace, union, and power, and it makes every person happy.
It required a man of strong mind, power, and energy, to testify, that God had spoken unto him, by an Angel; unto a generation of men who were sunk in wickedness and sin; yet such a man, was Joseph the Prophet; and I testify before you, that he brought forth the work of the Latter days, and we are the fruit of his labors.
I ask you, who were brother Methodists and Baptists? Why did you not continue with them? Simply because you saw that you were standing on a slippery foundation, and beheld greater light, when this work was presented unto you. If I am not in the Kingdom of God now, I say farewell to all happiness, and future hope of glory, but I am in it, and experience the blessings thereof.
The Lord has brought us by his power and guidance from a land of oppression, sickness, disease and death, to a healthy land and a valley of peace and liberty.
I say to you, heads of families, if you are not now laying a foundation for happiness, and rest, where do you expect to do it? I shall be rewarded according to my works; but those who expect ease in Zion, when they wake up in the resurrection, will find they have no inheritance therein.
If you can shew me a man who is not selfish, you shew me a woman who is not selfish, you shew me an idiot, and one who knows not the way to happiness - or a crown of glory
`When you see an opportunity of doing good, and neglect that opportunity, you will find that you have been led by the adversary, on to the wrong path and are traveling the wrong way.
Know ye] that the Kingdom of God is set up on the Earth, and you are living in the days of Prophets and Apostles; and the Kingdom will continue to roll until it fills the whole world; then let us do every thing willingly that is required of us.
[Prest. Kimball]
PREST. KIMBALL presented the names of Elam Liddington and Levi Savage jr., to go on missions to Siam with Chauncey West, they were present, rose and said they were ready to start, (although thus notified for the first time,) voted unanimously that they should go.
He then asked if we should build the Temple, of Stone from Red Butte, Adobes, or Rock from San Pete; we can build it of the very best material, for we have union, bone, marrow, and muscle. I would like to see something nice, and our President is perfectly able to to [sic] give us a design of what we want, for the Saints to get all their blessings in
He then related the visit of the Ancient Prophet to the Potter in his factory, with the parable thereon, applied to the Saints. He said he was proud, and had occasion to be proud of his religion, and the Elders, the brethren and Saints, and especially when they do well.
Brethren shall we have the Temple built of Stone from Red Butte, Adobes, Rock, or the best stone the mountains afford?
Motioned that we build it, of the best materials that can be got in the mountains.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[JD 1:160]
The
subject President Young wished me to speak of is in regard to our temple, which
we shall soon commence to build—what course we shall take, and what kind of
materials it shall be built of; whether we shall build it of the stone that is
got in the Red Bute Kanyon, or of adobes, or of the best stone we can find in
these mountains. For instance—at Sanpete there is some splendid stone; and
inasmuch as we intend to build a house unto the Lord for Him to accept, for His
angels to come to as ministers to give instructions, I can feel, myself, as
though we are perfectly able to build one, of the best kind of materials, from
the foundation to the tip top. We are able, and we have strength and union, and
we have bone, and marrow, and muscle, and we are able to commence it next year.
I merely
present these things for the brethren to consider and reflect upon. We can go
to work and make an adobe house, and lay the foundation of stone from Red Bute,
and then we can plaster it outside, and make it like the Tithing office. I
would like to see something pretty nice, something noble, and some of the most
splendid fonts that were ever erected. I know for a certainty that our
President is perfectly able to give us the design of this contemplated house,
and all other necessary instructions. What we need is to receive those
blessings that we all want, and this must be felt more, especially by those who
have come in this present season. These blessings are just as necessary for
those who go South, as for those who go North, it makes no difference. They
will all, however, get their blessings, and enjoy their privileges in obtaining
those things. We have plenty of time, and there is no particular hurry, but it
is for every man to walk up to his duty in the time being, and then when
to-morrow comes, walk up to it to-morrow, and so let us do all we can, for we
have got considerable over one thousand years to work, and when we have worked
one thousand years, there will be another, and another, and we shall be at work
to all eternity. There is no end to our work for the living and for the dead.
Let us try and be active to do whatever we find to do to-day.
Let the
brethren go and get farms, and locate themselves, and raise good fields of
grain, that they can bring in the first fruits of the earth. This is what is
required to be done at the present time. Take this course, brethren, and then
every thing you possess will prosper, and you will be abundantly blessed. It is
just as necessary to be engaged in one thing, as it is in another. It takes
many kinds of materials to build a house, so it requires all kinds of materials
to build another earth like this, it requires the same kinds of materials to
make one man as it takes to make another. But let us try to temper ourselves
acccording to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation.
We will
bring up a few comparisons. Now supposing brother Tanner goes into the shop, to
make a scythe, and he takes the materials necessary for the formation of that
scythe, is he dictated to by it, as to how he shall mould it and fashion
it? Would you have the scythe rise up and say—Brother Tanner, what do you do so
for? Why do you strike me on the back? Well, it is just as ridiculous for you
to undertake to dictate to President Young, or those whom he sets to work. it
is not for you to dictate to them. Upon the same principle, supposing I have a
lump of clay which I put upon my wheel, out of which clay I want to make a jug;
I have to turn it into as many as 50 or 100 shapes before I get it into a jug.
How many shapes do you suppose you are put into before you became Saints, or
before you become perfect and sanctified to enter into the celestial glory of
God? You have got to be like that clay in the hands of the poller. Do you not
know that the Lord directed the Prophet anciently, to go down to the potter's
house to see a miracle on the wheel? Suppose the potter takes a lump of clay,
and putting it on the wheel, goes to work to form it into a vessel, and works
it out this way, and that way, and the other way, but the clay is refractory
and snappish; he still trys it, but it will break, and snap, and snarl, and
thus the potter will work it and work it until he is satisfied he cannot bring
it into the shape he wants, and it mars upon the wheel; he takes his tool,
then, and cuts it off the wheel, and throws it into the mill to be ground over
again, until it becomes passive, (don't you think you will go to hell if you
are not passive?) and after it is ground there so many days, and it becomes
passive, he takes the same lump, and makes of it a vessel unto honor. Now do
you see into that, brethren? I know the potters can. I tell you, brethren, if
you are not passive you will have to go into that mill, and perhaps have to
grind there one thousand years, and then the Gospel will be off, red to you
again, and then if you will not accept of it, and become passive, you will have
to go into the mill again, and thus you will have offers of salvation from time
to time, until all the human family, except the sons of perdition, are
redeemed. The spirits of men will have the Gospel as we do, and they are to be
judged according to men in the flesh. Let us be passive, and take a course that
will be perfectly submissive.
What need
you care where you go if you go according to direction, and when you get to
Coal Creek, or Iron County, be subject to that man who is placed there to rule
you, just the same as you would lie subject to President Young, if you were
here, because that man is delegated by this Conference, and sanctioned by this
people, and that man's word is law. And so it is with the Bishops; they are our
fathers, our governors, and we are their household. It is for them to provide
for their household, and watch over them, and govern and control them; they are
potters to mould you, and when you are sent forth to the nations of the earth,
you go to gather the clay, and bring it here to the great potter, to be ground
and moulded until it becomes passive, and then be taken and formed into
vessels, according to the dictation of the presiding potter. I have to do the
work he tells me to do, and you have to do the same, and he has to do the work
told him by the great master potter in heaven and on earth. If brother Brigham
tells me to do a thing, it is the same as though the Lord told me to do it.
This is the course for you and every other Saint to take, and by your taking
this course, I will tell you, brethren, son are on the top of the heap. We are
in the tops of the mountains; and when the stone shall roll down from. the
mountains, it will smash the earth, and break in pieces every thing that
opposes its course; but the stone has to get up there before it can roll down.
We are
here in a happy place, in a goodly land, and among as good a people as ever the
Lord suffered to dwell upon the face of the earth. Have I not a reason to be
proud? Yes, I am proud of the religion of Christ, I am proud of his Elders, his
servants, and of his handmaids, and when they do well I am prouder still. I do
not know but I shall get so proud, that I shall be four or five times prouder
than I am now.
I want a
vote from the congregation concerning the temple, whether we shall have it
built of the stone from Red Bute, or of adobes, or timber, or of the best
quality of stone that can be found in the mountains. It is now open for
discussion.
[G. A. Smith]
G. A. SMITH if there is the
best stone or the best stick of timber in the mountains, it should be offered
to the Lord: if we build of the best, the Lord will open the way for it to be
got; but if we build, for the sake of the ordinances, it will be a drag; and if
we build a splendid Temple, property and every thing else will increase in
proportion; the Lord will accept it: Nations will revere it; and the people
from the four quarters of the Earth will come to receive their endowments. And
motioned that we lay the foundation of the best stone, and build upon it of the
best materials, that Deseret will afford.
[John Taylor]
JOHN TAYLOR it would cost more money to build a house of Stone, than Adobes. And shewed that in England and France they fetch their Stone for public buildings from a great distance, and at an immense expense, and if the Gentiles do it, in the name of God and common sense I say, we must be a poor miserable set of beings, if we cannot do the same. We are going to receive our washings, anointings and endowments therein, if we are crampt in our feelings in building a Temple, we should feel afraid of having crampt blessings. And seconded the last motion.
[E. T. Benson]
E. T. BENSON added and the
Presidency do as they please and proceed to its completion.
[Prest H. C. Kimball]
PREST. H. C. KIMBALL "it
is motioned and seconded that we build a Temple of the best materials that can
be obtained in the mountains of North America, and that the Presidency dictate
where the Stone and other materials shall be obtained and be untrammeled from
this time henceforth and forever."
[Heber C. Kimball]
[JD 1:162]
Our
temple block is 600 feet square, and according to the number of people that
compose the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are able to build a
temple that size, and do it easier than we built a temple at Kirtland. I put
the motion which, is before you, that we build a temple of the best materials
that can be furnished in the mountains of North America, and that the
Presidency dictate where the stone and other materials shall be obtained; and
that the Presidency shall be untrammelled from this time henceforth and forever.
I want every brother, sister, and child to vote one way or the other. All in
favour of this motion raise your right hand. [It was unanimous.]
Carried unanimously. Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by J. Taylor.
[9 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
October 9 1852, 2 p.m.
Opened by singing. Prayer by Lorenzo Snow, and singing.
[Prest. Young]
PREST. YOUNG when cases of difficulty come before me I feel very acute at times, but at the present I feel very careless, if we could get the male members to hear, it would be sufficient. It is concerning the Kanyon. Wood is the prominent product looked after and the men who get it, have an experience; there is no excuse for men to curse and swear and fight, and I think an expression by this Conference will have a salutary result. A few years ago the Legislative Assembly disposed of several Kanyons to certain individuals; and related the actions of different individuals swearing and quarrelling, and "leaving their religion at the mouth of the Kanyon" and exhibited to the community, the disgraceful language and conduct of some men; and called on the community to frown down such conduct. It must be mighty good flock of 8, 10, 20 or 30000 Sheep, without having some bad ones among them, having the itch, &c. I don't want to destroy the Sheep but to wash them and get them clean.
It is my decision that those Kanyons be put into the hands of good men have gates at the mouth and make good roads, and take toll for pay. He then exhibited the conduct of some persons getting into debt, shewing their hypocritical conduct towards the church and the authorities, and when persons don't live to the truth, what is the cause? There must be a devil somewhere.
This community has paid the Gentile merchants in the neighborhood of $300,000 within the last six months. There is not a span of mules that could drag the silver across the plains, that either of those stores have taken.
If this people had the knowledge that angels have, and do as they do, they would be sent to hell, before the rising of another son; but as it is, God winks at our ignorance.
Consider we don't own the canyons. Then let them go into the hands of men who will make good roads, and pay them for it.
We, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the capacity of a Conference, give it as our opinion, and recommend the officers of State, to put the canyons into the hands of men, who will make good roads, and the timber accessible, and let the people have the use of the same by paying tolls. If this is your mind, signified by the uplifted hand. [All hands up.]
Now, Judges of Great Salt Lake County, Utah, or other Counties, take due notice, and govern yourselves accordingly.
[Brigham Young]
[JD 1:209]
There is
a matter of temporal business that I wish to lay before this Conference, and I
embrace the present opportunity to do so. I have not very acute feelings upon
the matter, but I have frequently known cases of difficulty and dissatisfaction
come before me, which were calculated to annoy my feelings, and the feelings of
this people. I feel very acutely, very exquisitely, upon certain subjects
pertaining to their history, but on the present occasion I am quite careless
and indifferent as to the subject I now propose to lay before the Conference.
If we could obtain a hearing of all the male members of this community, or in
other words, get all the inhabitants of these valleys together, that portion of
them that can hear and understand, it would be better; but seeing that this
cannot be done, we shall have to content ourselves by laying before this
Conference the matter, pertaining practically to the actions of men, that we
now wish to present. It is concerning the kanyons, the wood, the timber, or whatever
the kanyons situated near these valleys produce.
Wood
seems to be the first and most prominent product of the kanyons. The situation
of them is too well known to make it necessary for me to offer a description. I
believe that there are some acts performed in these kanyons, of which the
actors are ashamed, and they would rather I would pass over these points, and
the hard words they have made use of; they would much rather have them
forgotten by all who have a knowledge of what they have done and said in the
kanyons.
There are
a great many whose experience exceeds the experience of brother Hyde in this
matter. His short experience, he says, teaches him, that if he had the power in
his hands, he would decree that all men who go into the kanyons for wood and
timber should be saved. This may be the mind of others, and to them it may
serve as an excuse for outraging the principles of righteousness, but to
another class of men it would be no excuse at all. I believe it would be just
as necessary for the boys, when they have mounted their sleds on the top of the
hill, to curse, and swear, and fight, and quarrel, while they are riding down
with all ease, and without any trouble, as it would be to curse, swear, and
fight while drawing their sleds up the hill to enjoy another ride. You know,
boys enjoy themselves very well while their sleds are travelling clown the hill
at a great speed; it is hurrah with them, and all is right; but in dragging
their sleds up the hill, they fall down sometimes, and bump their heads, and
bruise their knees against the hard snow, and they have no sooner recovered
their foot-hold than down they go again, and so they get into confusion. Now it
appears to me to be just as necessary for them to quarrel in riding down the
hill, as it is for them to quarrel in drawing their sleds up the hill, as for
any good it accomplishes in either case.
It is an
up hill business to go into these kanyons and get wood, to say the least of it.
If I am able to; present what I would like to present, and what I have
previously had in my mind, and exhibit it in a few words, and in its true
colors, I believe an expression upon it from this Conference will have a
salutary influence upon the community; that is my opinion, and the reason why I
now present the subject before you. I will call upon my brethren who sit here,
to let their past experience answer a question, or perhaps more than one. Are
you not dissatisfied, and is there not bitterness in your feelings, the moment
you find a kanyon put in the possession of an individual, and power given unto
him to control the timber, wood, rock, grass, and, in short, all its
facilities? Does there not something start up in your breast, that causes you
to feel very uncomfortable? You may be ready on the right and on the left to
say, "No, I am not aware that it affects me any." This may be the
case with a few, but while we find one here and another there of that class, do
we not find multitudes of the other class that would be very irritable upon
that subject—a fac-simile of a roily fountain much disturbed, or like the
troubled sea that casts up mire and dirt? Why I judge the matter in this light
is because of what I have learned previously to this day, concerning the real
feelings of the majority of the people touching this matter. There were a few
instances, some two or three years ago, of the legislative council assigning
kanyons to individuals. Now it is in the hands of county officers to dispose of
such matters. Are the people satisfied with these assignments? They are not.
Could they be satisfied were they placed under different circumstances in
relation to this matter? They could. Have we power as a people to introduce an
order of things that will give general satisfaction? I will say, that it
depends altogether upon circumstances. It can or it cannot be done, just as the
people·please.
I will
relate a few circumstances or incidents that have taken place here, but I will
not name particular places, nor individuals. Mr. B. goes into the kanyons,
without any leave or licence, and without even asking for a grant; he makes his
way up a kanyon, and finds, on each side of him, both fire-wood and fence
poles. He climbs the mountain, for two or three miles, works a road, and gets
to the timber, poles, and wood, at an expense of from one to five hundred
dollars. He commences to get out poles, and keeps his men and teams laboring
there from day to day. Now how long will he remain there before news will come
into the city, that Mr. B. is getting timber and poles at such a point, and
that it is a most excellent chance there? Well, some of the citizens will
say," Has brother B. worked a road up there?" "Yes."
"Can we get up with a team?" "Yes." "Then let us go
and get some wood and poles." How long would it be before the eyes of a portion
of the community would be turned directly to that spot? How long would it be
before they would go to the very place where brother B.'s road branches off
from the main road, and go up the mountain, (of course they could see no other
track than where Mr. B. was getting out his wood,) and get poles, wood,
and timber? They would not Stop to look on the mountains around them, and make
new roads for themselves. No, they can only get wood, poles, and timber where
brother B. is getting them, after he has been at the trouble and expense of
making a road. When they find brother B. there, he says, "You cannot come
into this kanyon, for I have worked the road myself, to facilitate the getting
of my wood and poles here." Another person comes along with twenty or thirty
wagons. Mr. B. says to him, "Look yonder, there is plenty of timber, and
as easy to get at as this that I call my own." Friend H. replies,
"But I will be damned if I don't get wood where you get it." Mr. B.
says, "And I'll be damned if you do go there." This is the
language of men who sit here before me to-day, and so near me that I could put
my hand upon them. They go up in the kanyon, and there quarrel with each other.
Let friend S. once pass by the road that Mr. B. has made, and he may go on up
the kanyon ten miles, surrounded with wood, and not get a stick of timber, for
he and friend H., with his train, and others, never can see and understand how
they can get poles in any other place than where friend B. has made a good road
leading to where he gets his. Is this so? You Elders of Israel will go
into the kanyons, and curse and swear—damn, and curse your oxen, and swear by
Him who created you! I am telling the truth. Yes, you will rip, and curse, and
swear, as bad as any pirates ever did.
Suppose
these characters do as the old quaker did when he whipped the man: he took off
his coat, and said, "Religion, do thou lie there, until I whip this
man." The boys, or many of them, who go into the kanyons with wagons and
teams, do the same: they lay down their religion at the mouth of the kanyon,
saying," Thou lie there, until I go for my lead of wood." I
expect, in all probability, it was the case with Elder Hyde, for he never would
have thought that he ought to be saved for going into the kanyon once, if
he had had his religion along with him.
I do not
wish to say much upon this subject, I am not spirited in it, nor do I care much
about it. I want to show to this community a plan by which these matters of
business transactions can be brought to some kind of a system, to the better
accommodation of the public. We will suppose, when strangers come to these
valleys, that they find land offices, kanyon offices, timber offices, &c.
They enter, and walk up before the clerk in the office, and inquire what facilities
there are to get a living here. Out steps the landlord .and says, "This
valley and all the kanyons belong to old General Harris, and to his heirs after
him. That valley over yonder—Utah Valley, belongs to old General Wolf's heirs;
and there's another valley, that belongs to another man; and I am here as the
guardian of these heirs to all this property, I am here to dispose of it."
"We want to settle here," say the people, "can we get any
land?" "O yes," the landlord replies, "lift up your eyes to
the right, and to the left—do you see the grass?" "Yes."
"Do you see the lovely streams that gush from the mountains?"
"Yes." "Do you see this vast prairie before you?"
"Yes." "Look at the soil, it is rich and productive. We do not
have winters here, as you do in the eastern countries, but your cattle can feed
in these mountain valleys both winter and summer." The landlord says
again, "Lift up your eyes and look: this wood, land, and the grass that
you see growing, and all these valleys, with all they contain, you are freely
welcome to; go now, lay out your city plots and your farms, dig your ditches,
and turn the streams whithersoever you will, for to all this you are
welcome." Would they not think he was one of the finest men that ever was?
Would they not love such a landlord? The people inquire again, "What
chance is there here for getting wood?" "O," says he, "that
is another thing, I will talk to you about that." "We wish to know if
we can get wood here to burn, to cook our food with, and to keep our houses
warm; and upon what terms?" Says the landlord, "My hired servants are
up in the Redbute Kanyon, or they may be in Kanyon Creek Kanyon, or over in the
west mountains; I have got servants, and plenty of wood, this you can have on
certain conditions." "What are your conditions, good
landlord?" "These are my conditions—you must take your teams into
Redbute, where you will find a gate, and a man living there, to him you will
have to pay 25 cents for getting a lead of wood." "But how is the road
after you get through the gate?" "O, it is a good road, and the wood,
timber, rock, and every thing else are first rate; and now you go and get a
cord of good wood for 25 cents. Or you may go to the west mountains, there the
kanyons are all prepared for you, the roads are made, and I keep men there to
see that they are kept in good repair, and all you have got to do is to pay 25
cents for the use of the road." What would be the feelings of this people
under such circumstances? Do you suppose they would feel as those do that have
kept up a continual quarrelling, murmuring, and bickering, and have given way
to wickedness? The kanyons are precisely in the position I present them to you
in this similitude; and you murmur at the council, at the legislative assembly,
at the county court, and at every body that wants to make these kanyons
convenient and passable to the community.
Again, I
ask the question, what would be the feelings of this people, supposing they had
come to these valleys under such circumstances? "The valleys, the grass,
the soil, the water, and all the advantages you are welcome to, but I shall
charge you 25 cents per toad for your wood." If you won't answer the
question, I will for you: every time you would meet with that landlord, it
would be, "God bless you, you are the best man on earth;" and you
would be ready to lick the dust off his feet; you would not say "God damn
you, I will get wood where I please." I am ashamed to repeat the language
that is too often made use of, but I do it that the community may see how
disgraceful it is, and frown upon every man that will allow himself to be
degraded by the use of such filthy language; it is a disgrace to the wicked, to
say nothing of Saints. Again upon this point, would you not take off your hats,
and say, "Thank you," every time you met that landlord? Yes, you
would, and I know it. Well, supposing the legislative body in these valleys
should say to some man, Take that kanyon, and put a gate at the mouth of it,
and make a good road to the wood and timber, and to defray the expence of this,
lay a tax of 25 cents on every man that passes through with a team to get wood,
timber, or anything else the kanyon produces—could you bless that legislature,
could you greet it with smiles and thanks, for doing that for this people? Or
would you curse it?
If I had
time to do so, and if it would be wisdom, I could demonstrate, by a
mathematical calculation, definitely and truly, and you might take into the
calculation Redbute kanyon, and every other kanyon that the people have been
into—I could demonstrate that they have destroyed more horses, mules, harness,
oxen, wagons, chains, and ox yokes, and other property, in getting out of these
kanyons what they have got, than what would lay a first rate turnpike road in
every direction, as far as they have penetrated these kanyons. Suppose we have
a kanyon here within one mile of us, open to all the people, I ask where is
there a man that would work the road to the wood? He is not to be found in this
community. If it were open and free to all, I might spend a thousand dollars
there, and never get one lead of wood. I have done just such things myself. I
have gone to work and made roads to get wood, and have not been able to get it.
I have cut it down, and piled it up, and still have not got it. I wonder
if anybody else can say so. Have any of you piled up your wood, and when you
have gone back could not find it? Some stories could be told of this kind, that
would make professional thieves ashamed. It is not all of this community that
possesses such spirits. A flock of sheep consisting of thousands must be clean
indeed if some of them are not smutty. This is a large flock of sheep that have
come up to these mountain valleys, and some of them have got taglocks hanging
about them, or in other words, there are those that will do what you have heard
exhibited to you to-day.
What
shall be done with sheep that stink the flock so? We will take them, I was
going to say, and cut off their tails two inches behind their ears; however, I
will use a milder term, and say, cut off their ears. But instead of doing this,
we will try to cleanse them; we will wash them with soap, that will come well
nigh taking off the skin; we will then apply a little Scotch snuff, and a
little tobacco, and wash them again until we make them clean. That is what I am
doing now. Peradventure we shall find a few such sheep here in the flock, and a
few that have got the itch; these are apt to spread the disease among those
that are clean, for they will run along and rub themselves on others, until all
are smitten with the disorder, and it would be hard to tell in which it
originated.
I do not
want to destroy the people, I want to wash them, and, if necessary, apply the
Scotch snuff. If this community would let any man of sense, of calculation, of
a good mind and judgment, sit down and make his calculations, with regard to
their getting wood out of these kanyons, they would see the advantage of taking
the course the legislature has marked out, so clearly, that this whole people
would speak out boldly and say, "You men having authority, look up every
kanyon in these valleys, and put them in the possession of individuals who will
make good roads to the timber, that we may get there without breaking our
wagons, or without breaking our limbs, destroying our property, and endangering
our lives." I say, every man of good sense would exclaim, "Put these
kanyons into the hands of individuals, with this proviso—make good roads, and
keep them in good repair."
To
exhibit it to the people in another point of view. I will suppose a Gentile
owns all these kanyons, Uncle Sam, for instance. He determines he will work
these kanyons himself, work the roads, &c., and draw his revenue from them
by the people's getting their timber—should we not esteem it a blessing? We
should. If it would be a blessing to him, or to any rich company of
speculators, then why would it not be a blessing to us, to act upon the same
principles ourselves? Could you tell any reason why not?
A great
many here do not understand certain things that exist; I can tell you some of
them. If any individual will come here and live, and find out how we do
business, learn and understand our business transactions, he will see that
exhibited that will prove to him a great many things he is not acquainted with.
I will take one of the best individuals we have, and put him into the tithing
office, put another into the stone-cutter's shop, and another in the joiner's
shop, and let them work there one or two years, when the books are examined
they have taken up every farthing of their wages, and many have contracted
considerable debts in that office, some are owing 800, 1000, and some as high
as 1500 dollars. Now comes the decision. Suppose you owe that store across the
road there 1500 dollars, would you try to pay it? Yes, you would lie awake at
nights to think how to pay those merchants that do not belong to the kingdom of
God, you would offer them horses, and wagons, and oxen, to liquidate that debt.
But that man who owes on the tithing books will say, "Just straighten that
up for me, cancel that debt, for I want my name to look as good on the tithing
books as the rest." Would he say this to a Gentile? No, he would not. We
never see such goodness, such kindness, such benevolence, such philanthropy in
the persons who owe the tithing office anything.
Did you
ever ask me to liquidate your debts? You may answer the question for
yourselves. I shall not name anybody. But let one of these merchants ask for
the payment of a debt, saying, "I am going away in September," and
you conclude that that debt must be paid—do you pay it? Yes, you will sell
every thing you have on earth, to pay it. But do you owe the tithing office
anything? "O yes, and I am going to work it off; I know I owe about 1500
dollars. But you know it won't do to owe the Gentiles anything. Brother
Brigham, can't you lend me some money. to pay a small debt on that store? Can
you let me have a yoke of cattle, my family is suffering for want of
wood?" You trace those cattle, and where are they gone to? Why, to pay the
enemies of this people. You would take out of this Church the last dime of
money, and every ox, and cow, and horse, and hand them all over to our enemies,
and let the Church sink to the nether-most hell, for aught you care. That is the
difficulty that exists here. If I have got your spectacles, or your shoes, or
any other thing of yours, the common saying made use of is, "O, never
mind, it is all in the family, you are a brother, it is all right." I am
telling you as it is in that tithing office. What did you hear read, last April
Conference? That there were 48000. dollars owing to the tithing office; yet do
you try to pay that debt? No, but the word is, "Brother Brigham, trust me
another thousand;" and you never will pay it on the face of the earth, and
you think me rather hard because I scold you. These are the difficulties that
are here among us.
There
exists a double spirit, there is a false, hypocritical spirit in many of the
people; it is bred in the flesh, and in the bones, it is received from their
fathers and mothers, a hypocritical pretension to friendship, when the real
thing itself does not exist in them, and never did; but they are destitute of
the true knowledge of the principles of righteousness. I have frequently thought
it was not good for a man to have around him too many friends. I have said to
my brethren, heretofore, "Don't love me quite so well as to tulle away all
I have got. I want you to love me pretty well, I have plenty of flour now, and
scores and scores of tons I can distribute, but do not take my soul out of me,
do not love me quite to death. I am willing to be loved sincerely, but covet
not that which I possess, under a false pretension of love to me." There
is that spirit among this people, but it is for want of knowledge, and a proper
understanding. Did they possess these, there would be no difficulty in the
case.
Now, for
instance, a great many inquire, saying, "Why does not our Church keep a
store here?" Many can answer that question, who have lived here for some
years past; and you who make such an inquiry, would have known the reason, had
you also lived here. You that have lived in Nauvoo, in Missouri, in Kirtland,
Ohio, can you assign a reason why Joseph could not keep a store, and be a
merchant? Let me just give you a few reasons, and there are men here who know
how matters went in those days. Joseph goes to New York and buys 20,000
dollars' worth of goods, comes into Kirtland and commences to trade. In comes
one of the brethren, "Brother Joseph, let me have a frock pattern for my
wife." What if Joseph says, "No, I cannot without the money."
The consequence would be, "He is no Prophet," says James. Pretty soon
Thomas walks in. "Brother Joseph, will you trust me for a pair of
boots?" "No, I cannot let them go without the money."
"Well," says Thomas, "Brother Joseph is no Prophet; I have found
that out, and I am glad of it." After a while, in comes Bill and
sister Susan. Says Bill, "Brother Joseph, I want a shawl, I have not got
the money, but I wish you to trust me a week or a fortnight." Well,
brother Joseph thinks the others have gone and apostatized, and he don't know
but these goods will make the whole Church do the same, so he lets Bill have a
shawl. Bill walks off with it and meets a brother. "Well," says he,
"what do you think of brother Joseph?" "O he is a first-rate
man, and I fully believe he is a Prophet. See here, he has trusted me this
shawl." Richard says, "I think I will go down and see if he won't
trust me some." In walks Richard, "Brother Joseph, I want to trade
about 20 dollars." "Well," says Joseph, "these goods will
make the people apostatize; so over they go, they are of less value than the
people." Richard gets his goods. Another comes in the same way to make a
trade of 25 dollars, and so it goes. Joseph was a first-rate fellow with them
all the time, provided he never would ask them to pay him. In this way it is
easy for us to trade away a first-rate store of goods, and be in debit for
them.
And so
you may trace it down through the history of this people. If any brethren came
into the midst of them as merchants, I never know one of them go into their
stores and go out again satisfied, neither did you. If I had 100,000 dollars
worth of goods in that store, owned by myself, or held by a "Mormon"
company, in six months the goods would be gone, and we should not have 100
dollars to pay the debt. But let an infernal mobocrat come into our midst,
though he brands Joseph Smith with the epithet of "false Prophet,"
and calls the "Mormons" a damned set of thieves, and would see all
Israel scorching in Tophet, you would give him the last picayune you could
raise.
There is
not a man who has been in this community a few years but knows I am telling the
living truth. Do any of you hate me for it? Do any of you love me for it? It is
all the same to me. Do you love the cause? "Yes," every heart at once
responds," "I love the cause, I love the Lord and my religion."
If I would only permit myself to swear, I would say, What the devil
is the reason, then, you don't live according to it? What keeps you from
that? What is the reason you cannot pay me what you owe me, as well as your
enemy. You continue to trade with the Almighty that way, and it will sink this
whole people down to hell. You trade with the Almighty worse than you do with
the devil. These things exist, and you know it. A man comes into this Church
with a little property, and he must Suffer them to pick him until he is as
blind as brother Leonard is, that sits over there, or else the people will turn
round and curse him, and sink him to the nethermost hell if possible. They have
treated Edwin D. Woolley so, and others. Can they keep a store among this
people? No, they must let them have the goods, and wait until they can pay
them, if they ever do it at all.
They got
up a quarrel, about a year ago, and every High Priest and Elder were going to
cut Thomas Williams off from the Church, because he asked them to pay their
just debts. I said to Thomas, "If they do not pay you as they agreed,
arraign them before the High Council; I will be your lawyer, and they shall be
cut off from the Church." They had got it all cut and dried, that if he
asked them to pay him, he should be cut off from the Church, but I told them
that if they did not live up to their agreement, they should be cut off
from the Church, and then be tried by the law of the land.
How has
Thomas Williams behaved here? He has paid his tithing, and done good to this
people; he has handed over nails, cotton cloth, and other necessary articles. When
he brings in his goods, he pays his tithing on them honorably, yet he can be
abused; and it is so with every man who comes into the midst of this people
with goods, unless he pays them out at random to Tom, Dick, and the devil.
Latter-day Saints cannot keep a store of goods, because they will not act as
Latter-day Saints, but they will sustain their enemies. How much do you suppose
you have paid into these Gentile stores within four months? Can you give a
rough guess? I can tell you, if you do not know, for I know something about it.
You have paid to them 300,000 dollars within the last six months. The brethren
think that we are very hard with them if we ask for a little tithing. I wonder
if we have received 30,000 dollars, which we should certainly have received in
silver and gold, if the people had been faithful in paying their tithing on the
money they have spent at these stores; the money has gone, from time to time,
in gold and silver, by box fulls, to the east. There is not a span of mules
that could be found in this valley, able to draw the money, if it were all in
silver, to the States, that this people have spent with these merchants within
a few months past; they must therefore do business upon the principle of
checks; in any other way it is a burden to them to get it over the plains.
These are the difficulties that work against our living and doing as we should
do.
I will
now go back, and say to all the inhabitants of these valleys, if I had the
power, and the people were willing to subscribe to that which would do them
good, I would look up all the kanyons containing wood and other facilities, put
gates at the mouths of them, have good roads worked in them, so as to make the
wood and the timber easy of access, and make the people pay for the roads and
the keeping of them in good repair. If I was a Gentile, and I owned these
kanyons, and should make such a proposition, it would be so that I could hardly
get down to this meeting house without some one crying out, "I move that
we give that gentleman a vote of thanks;" another would second it,
"For that is certainly a Gentile of the first class." [The speaker
made motions, such as bowing and scraping, as the poor serfs of foreign nations
do, who subsist on the patrimony of a titled fellow mortal.] I make these
motions to show this people how disgraceful it is; it is a disgrace to any
community to act as they have done towards the measures of those who wish to do
them good all the day long. If a Latter-day Saint wants to do good, why not
bless him for it. But no, it is overlooked as a thing of naught. Now, if I do
ape out a little of these feelings here, it is to show you how they look
inside. I can see them in the people, I know what there is in the midst of
them, I know what they have to contend against, and the difficulties and
weaknesses they are subject to; it is the want of true knowledge and a sound
understanding which causes them to act as they do; if it were not for that, if
this people had the knowledge of angels, and then did as they do, they would be
sent to hell before the rising of another sun; but as they are ignorant, and
inasmuch as they desire to do good, God winks at their foibles, and hopes by it
to bless them.
Now, I am
going to have an expression from this Conference, with regard to the plan that
we, as a community, shall adopt; not as a county, not as the Legislature of
Utah, not as civil and military officers, but as officers and members of the
Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints; and before I take the expression,
if there is one man in this house who feels himself capable of showing a better
method, or of producing a better plan to keep the people from running over each
other, from breaking each other's necks, and the necks of their horses, I will
give him an opportunity of presenting that plan. In the first place, the
feelings of individuals are—what advantage can I get by introducing this plan?
I wish you to remember that all I can get by it is, to protect you against
running over and trying to kill each other. We do not own the kanyons, but the
plan is—let them go into the hands of individuals who will make them easy of
access, by paying them for their labor. Before I take an expression, I want to
see if there is a man that can rise up and propose a better plan than I propose,
which of course would be to our advantage to adopt in preference to mine. I
have talked long enough upon this matter. The motion is, that we, as the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the capacity of a General Conference
assembled, and embracing the whole community in the midst of the mountains,
recommend, and give it as our opinion, that the best method of disposing of the
kanyons is to put them in the hands of individuals to make good roads in them,
and obtain their pay by taking tell from those who use the roads, at a gate
erected for that purpose at the mouth of each kanyon. Now, sisters, I want you
to vote also, because women are the characters that rule the ballot box. If you
are in favor of this motion, as Latter-day Saints, signify it by the uplifted
hand. [Unanimous.]
Let the
judges in the county of Great Salt Lake take due notice, and govern themselves
accordingly. The same thing I say to the judges of any of the other counties of
the territory, Take notice, and govern yourselves accordingly. Put these
kanyons into the hands of individuals who will make good roads into them, and
let them take tell from the inhabitants that go there for wood, timber, and
poles. Now this is my order for the judges to take due notice of; it does not
come from the Governor, but from the President of the Church; you will not see
any proclamation in the paper to this effect, but it is a mere declaration of
the President of the Conference. Let these things go out to make the people
satisfied, and feel contented to have the privilege of getting wood without
breaking their necks and destroying their teams.
I want to
occupy a few moments more, and talk about our contemplated temple. It has been
moved, seconded, and carried by this Conference, that we build a temple here of
the best material that America affords. If this is done, it will have to be
built of platina; and I do not know that there is any of it to be got in this territory.
It is purer, stronger, and is every way a better metal than pure gold. If we
cannot get the platina, we must build a temple of pure gold; that is here, I
know. But if the Conference want us to build a temple of pure gold, they will
have to put into the tithing stores something besides old half-dead stinking
cows, and old broken-kneed horses; or if they even put in all the good cattle
they possess, will it build a temple of gold, of silver, or of brass? No, it
will not.
I am
inclined to offer a chemical argument with regard to the material for building
a temple in our present circumstances. The best materials, I have mentioned,
probably. Iron might be better than stone; the time will come when the Lord
will bring for brass gold, for iron silver, and for stones iron, and for wood
brass, to beautify His sanctuary, and make the place of His feet glorious. That
will be, but it is not now. I thought, when I was at Iron County, and saw the
iron mountains, that the iron was actually come instead of stone.
But for
the chemical argument touching the material for the building of a temple in
this city. It has been proposed, that we send to San Pete to get the rock. Some
say it will cost too much, others say we cannot do it, and others say that we
can. I, not being a practical chemist, but only a chemist in theory, shall have
to use my own language, to express my ideas. You may bring the stone from San
Pete, which is a beautiful specimen of reek, and erect a temple here with it;
then you may take this sand stone that is found in abundance in the Redbute
Kanyon, and build a temple of that; then you step over to the Emigration
Kanyon, and get this bastard marble, and build another of the same dimensions
as that you have built of the red sand stone. Now you have got the San Pete
rock temple, the red sand stone temple, and another built of lime stone, or
bastard marble I call it; then, right beside of that, another one of adobes,
mixed with pebbles—take that clay, and these pebble stones that are so abundant
here, and mix in with them straw, and build another temple of that composition,
besides the three which are built of different kinds of rock, and let them
stand together—which do you think will stand the longest? Being a chemist in
theory, I should say, according to my mind, when the San Pete rock is washed
into the Jordan, the other buildings will still be standing, and be in moderate
condition. The red sand stone will go the next, and the other two still remain,
the bastard marble or lime stone will be in pretty good preservation; and when
that is all decomposed and washed away into the Jordan, you will find that
temple which is built of mud or adobes, as some call them, still remains, and
in better condition than at the first day it was built.
You may
ask any practical chemist, any man who knows, understands, and studies the
elements, and he will corroborate these statements. This is a matter I want you
to look at, to think and meditate upon. I do not talk about the expense of the
building, and the time it would take to erect it, but its durability, and which
is the best material within our reach to build it with. If you take this clay,
which is to be found in abundance on these bottom lands, and mix with it these
pebble rocks, and make adobes of the compound, it will petrify in the wall and
become a solid rock in five hundred years, so as to be fit to cut into
millstones to grind flour, while the other materials I have mentioned will have
decomposed, and gone back to their native elements. I am chemist enough to know
that much. My simple philosophy is this. The elements of which this terra firma
is composed, are every moment either composing or decomposing. They commence to
organize or to compose, and continue to grow until they arrive at their zenith
of perfection, and then they begin to decompose. When you find a rock that has
arrived at its greatest perfection, you may know that the work of decaying has
begun. Let the practical chemist make his observations upon a portion of the
matter of which this earth is composed; and he will find, that just as quick as
it is at its perfection, that very instant it begins to decompose. We have
proof of this. Go into Egypt, for instance, and you will find the monuments,
towers, and pyramids, that were erected in the days of Joseph, and before he
was sold into Egypt; they were built of what we call adobes, clay mixed up with
straw; these fabrics, which have excited interest for so many ages, and are the
wonder of modern nations, were built of this raw material. They have bid defiance
to the wear of ages, and they still remain. But you cannot find a stone column
that was reared in those times, for they are all decayed. Hero we have actual
proof that the matter which is the furthest advanced to a state of perfection,
is the first to decompose, and go back into its native element, at which point
it begins to be organized again, it begins to congeal, petrify, and harden into
rock, which grows like a tree, but not so perceptibly.
Gold and
silver grow, and so does every other kind of metal, the same as the hair upon
my head, or the wheat in the field; they do not grow as fast, but they are all
the time composing or decomposing. So much, then, for my views touching the
material to be used in building a Temple upon this block. You may go to San
Pete and get stone for it, and when five hundred yearn have elapsed you will
not find a building. You may build of that red sand stone, and it will live out
the San Pete rock, and the lime stone will out-live that. But when you come to
the adobes, they will out-live either of them, and be five hundred years better
than the day they were first laid. This is a pretty strong argument in favor of
a mud building.
How long
has the city of Washington been built? What was there before my father entered
into the revolutionary war? Where was the Capitol then? It was in Philadelphia
sixty years ago, there was no such thing as a Capitol in Washington. Let me ask
a question—is it built of rook? I never was there. [Voice, "Yes."] It
is built of rock. The House of Representatives was rebuilt in 1812, not more
than forty years ago. Would any of you that have not been there, suppose that
it would need patching up already to make it comfortable for the
representatives of the nation? This, however, is the case, for within ten years
past eighty thousand tons Of putty have been used to putty up the places where
the stone has decayed by the operation of the elements, and it has not yet been
built forty years. I mention this, because I wish the Conference to know what
they are doing when they commence to build a temple of stone. As for myself, I
know enough about rock. If a man should undertake to put me up a stone house, I
should wish him to build it of adobes instead, and then I should have a good
house. We are talking about building one for the community, and I mention this
about the Capitol to show you that the rock does not endure; the moment it
becomes as hard as it is ever going to be, that moment it begins to decay. It
may be a slow process in growing, or decomposing, yet it is doing the one or
the other continually.
I have my
own individual thoughts, of course, and these I express with regard to the
temple. According to my present views, there is not marble in these mountains,
or stone of any kind or quality, that I would rather have a building made of
than adobes. As for the durability of such a building, the longer it stands the
better it becomes; if it stands ave thousand years, it increases in its
strength until it comes to its highest perfection, before it begins to decay.
What do our "Mormon" boys say about trying to dig into one of those
old Catholic cathedrals that are now standing in California? They say they
might as well have undertaken to dig through the most solid rock you ever saw,
as to dig through those adobe walls. Do you think they are decaying and falling
down? No, they are growing better all the time, and so it is with the houses we
live in. If they have good foundations, these houses that we live in will be
better when they have stood fifty years than they are at this day. I will not
say that it is so with a stone house, or with a brick house; for when you burn
the clay to make brick, you destroy the life of it, it may last many years, but
if the life is permitted to remain in it, it will last until it has become
rock, and then begin to decay.
As for
the temple, I will give you the nature of your vote with regard to it—the sum
of it was, that those that dictate the building of it be left to do with it as
they please. They will, anyhow. But I give it as my opinion that adobes are the
best article to build it of. I do not fear the expense, neither do I care what
you build it of; only when it is built, I want it to stand, and not fall down
and decay in twenty or thirty years, like brother Taylor's one would, that he
was giving an exposition of; "that when we go within the vail into the
heavenly world, we need not be ashamed of it, but when we look down upon it, it
will be of solid rock:" but if it is built of San Pete rock, when he looks
down to see it he will find it aint there, but it is gone, washed into
the Jordan. It cannot remain, it must decay.
May the
Lord bless you. Amen.
He then spoke of the Temple, and the different stone from San Pete, red sandstone, and bastard marble, and Adobe mixed with pebble stones and straw, and said he, the Temple made of adobe and pebbles, will be the strongest; I am talking of the durability of the building. The adobe and pebbles will petrify in 500 years, and will do to cut into Mill rocks, when the others are dissolved. Rocks are always composing is increasing in strength, or decomposing and decaying. The adobe houses will be better in fifty years, then they are the day they are finished. I give it as my opinion that the adobe wall will be the best building.
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by J. M. Grant.
[10 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
Sunday, Oct. 10 1852, 10 a.m.
Conference called to order by elder O. Hyde. Singing. Prayer by elder Hyde, and singing.
[Elder John Taylor]
ELDER JOHN TAYLOR rejoiced to be in the midst of a people where the greatest amount of wisdom and happiness is gathered together on the face of the Earth. In no other place, have I found the people protected in their rights; and this places us above the rest of the human family, and that is positive proof that God is with us.
He related a conversation with a French communist Editor, proving that the Saints have done ALL, which the French have failed to establish. You may trace Catholicism and Protestantism, and let them do their very best, for mankind, and you behold the world in its present wicked condition. There is not one man that DARE say that the Heavens had been opened to him and an angel had been sent unto him: there is not one DARE testify that he knows, there is a God, or that he has spoken to the people from the Heavens.
Then presented many ideas that naturally come to a reflecting mind, shewing a superior intelligence, to man; and who it is, that imparts the intelligence to man; comparing the superior intelligence, that regulates the planetary system, so nice; that the philosopher himself, imperfect as he is, can compute the exact time of the reappearance of a planet, though it may be a 100 years hence, showing life, vitality symmetry, and beauty, that cannot be improved upon; every thing is perfect, beautiful, and harmonious, that man has had nothing to do with; even animal life, birds, fishes, &c., they are admirably adapted to move in their respective sphere; and if man had stood in his place, there would have been the same beauty in the government of man as there is in the government of God. Why the wars, commotions, misery and ruin? It is because man has forgotten God, and every thing proves that he is incompetent to rule, or make himself happy. It is the departure from God, that is the cause of all the ruin, distress and misery, there is in the world, and nothing less than a return to God can reinstate man, and the world, to its pristine beauty.
Spoke of the English conquering a portion of Asiatic country, growing Opium, sending it to China, who destroyed it, according to the law of nations; same as the people in Boston destroyed a cargo of Tea; this brought on a war, and an immense deal of blood was shed.
Again the Americans sent Gen. Taylor to some disputed Territory in Texas, which caused a war with Mexico; and so the annexation of the Califorinias.
Also the Danes and Swedes went to war; and Austria sent a large army (for whom they had no employment,) to take a portion of the Territory, like the Monkey sitting as Umpire between the two Cats, and eating a slice of cheese on each side, until he got it all.
Here is a spirit of union, peace, order, and intelligence, which is communicated to us by the Great Eloheim; then let us be careful, how we use our blessings, for we have a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, who stands between us and God; and the time will come, that "thy will may be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven." Amen.
[Elder O. Hyde]
ELDER O. HYDE when we talk of things, of which you have heard, read, or understood, they touch every sensitive feeling; and explained the cause and nature of quarrelling, whether in a domestic, or national capacity. And when the Creator of the Universe sends forth his messenger to bring peace to the Earth, the inhabitants would not receive him, and commenced to slay all the male children, peradventure they might slay the messenger, and so continue their mastery.
It is lust and misguided appetite, that lead men astray; and those nations, who have been contending with each other, must become the kingdoms of our God, &c.
The reports of the several Bishops, were then read by the Clerk of Conference.
Choir chanted a piece of sacred music.
Benediction by John Taylor
[10 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 2:104, 11/06/52 p 4]
October 10, 2 p.m.
Conference called to order, by elder O. Hyde. Choir sung "Guide us O thou great Jehovah." Prayer by J. L. Heywood; and singing, "Behold the great Redeemer comes."
A blessing was asked on the bread by Bishop Roundy.
[President Young]
PRESIDENT YOUNG said--"It is moved and seconded that Franklin Dewey go on a mission to Siam." Unanimously carried. He then gave notice that he expected Conference to close that afternoon, and requested business to be brought forward. To satisfy my feelings, I should like Conference to continue another week, but it may not be necessary.
I want to answer Father Draper's enquiry, inasmuch as the people have entered into covenant to do as I tell them. I say to Father Draper, and the rest of the people who are present, and I want you to tell your neighbors, and teach it to your children, let all the people know what I say--do good from this time, henceforth and for ever; and never commit any more sins, while you live; and love the Lord with all your heart; do good to your neighbor, and let that extend to all the human family. I say to Father Draper in particular, make yourself happy, and live with your children, get what you want to eat, and drink, and wear, and bless the people.
[Elijah Newman]
Elijah Newman said, one day when I had been standing guard in the Snow all night, bro. Joseph Smith called me in to warm me. I asked him, "bro. Joseph, haven't you got to be killed like another man"?. "I have" said he. "Then who will take your place when you are killed"? said he "I will answer it in this way, who succeeded the Savior when he was crucified"? It was manifested to me, that Brigham Young would be the leader, and it is so now.
A blessing was asked on the water.
Alexander Badlam, Levi Gifford, George D. Watt and Noah Packard expressed their feelings.
[Erastus Snow]
ERASTUS SNOW requested those brethren and sisters who are lately come in, and want to know when we are going to Iron County, I answer it will be, either the last of the week, or the beginning of next week. Those mechanics, who understand nay branch of the Iron trade are particularly requested to go with us to Iron County.
[Joseph Young]
JOSEPH YOUNG spoke on Erysipelas, a disease brought from the Mississippi and Missouri bottoms, and recommended the brethren to steep the Quaking Asp bark, make tea and drink it: and said men may prolong their lives if they have a mind to take care of themselves.
H. C. Kimball I move that this Conference adjourn to the 6th day of next April, at 10 o'clock a.m. at this place, seconded, carried.
Choir sang a hymn.
Benediction by elder O. Hyde
T.B.
6-10 Apr 1853, General
Conference, Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly 3:42-43, 46-47, 4/16/53 pp 2-3,4/30/1853 pp 2-3]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 3:42, 4/16/1853 p 2]
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Wednesday, April 6, 1853, could not have dawned a more lovely day, or have been more satisfactory to Saints or Angels. The distant vallies sent forth their inhabitants, this valley swarmed forth its thousands, and a more glorious sight has not been seen for generations than at Great Salt Lake City this day.
The Deseret National Flag was unfurled to the breeze. The Nauvoo Brass Band, Capt. Ballo's Band, and the Military Band, enlivened the air with their sweetest strains. The Silver Greys made a venerable appearance, and the minute men, true to their duty, were at their posts at an early hour. The Police, under the efficient management of Capt. Hardy, were at their posts at the time appointed; and the countenances of the Saints were as glad and cheered as though each had been favored with the visitation of an Angel. So opened the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in G.S.L.City; which was called to order in the Tabernacle by Prest. Young, at 10 a.m.
Present of the First Presidency, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards.
Presiding Patriarch, John Smith,
Of the quorum of the Twelve, O. Hyde, P. P. Pratt, John Taylor, W. Woodruff, E. T. Benson, G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, L. Snow, E. Snow, and Franklin D. Richards.
Of the Presidents of the Seventies, J. Young, L. W. Hancock, Z. Pulsipher, H. Herriman, B. L. Clapp, A. P. Rockwood, and J. M. Grant.
Presidency of the high Priests' quorum, John Young, R. Cahoon, and C. B. Wallace.
President of the Stake, David Fullmer.
High Council of Zion; Presidency of the Elder's quorum, Presiding Bishop, Edward Hunter.
Clerk of Conference, Thos. Bullock. Reporter, G. D. Watt.
Prest. Young made a few introductory remarks to the Saints; said that in a few years, "we may have a place sufficiently large to accommodate the Saints: although, 23 years ago, the Church was organized with only 6 members."
Choir sung "On mountain tops in Latter days," &c.
Prayer by John Taylor. Choir sung "Come all ye sons of Zion," &c.
The "order of the day" was next read by the Clerk.
Prest. Young rejoiced on opening the Conference under such favorable auspices.
The procession then formed at the vestry door in the following order:
1st Martial music, Colors.
2nd. Nauvoo Brass Band "
3rd. Ballo's Band, "
4th. Capt. Pettegrew with relief guards.
5th. Singers.
6th. First President and Counsellors, and aged Patriarch.
7th. The Twelve Apostles, and Presidency of the Seventies, and President and Counsellors of the Elders quorum.
8th. President of the High Priests' quorum and counsellors, in connection with the President of the Stake, and the High Council.
9th. Presiding Bishop with his Council, and the Presidents of the lesser Priesthood and their council.
10th. Architects and workmen selected for the day, with banner, representing "Zions Workmen."
11th. Capt. Merril with relief guard in uniform.
The procession then marched through the line of guards to the south east corner of the Temple ground, the singers taking their position in the centre, the Nauvoo Brass Band on the east bank, Capt. Ballo's Band on the west bank, and the Martial Band on the mound south west. Capts. Pettegrew, Hardy, and Merril, with their commands, occupying the front of the bank (which was sixteen feet deep,) and moving from corner to corner with they laying of the several stones prevented an undue rush of the people which might, by an excavation, have endangered the lives of many, when Presidents Young, Kimball, and Richards, with Patriarch John Smith, proceeded to lay the south east Corner Stone; and ascended the top thereof, when the choir sung the following song:
Deep
in this holy ground
These corner stones are laid
Rejoicing thousands round,
O God! implore thine aid: -
That Zion now may prosper'd be,
And rear a Temple unto thee.
How
long before thy throne
Shall holy martyrs bleed?
How long shall spirits groan
And angels mercy plead?
Full long we've toil'd: - full long have bled,
To bring redemptions to our dead.
Here
let thy name be known;
Thy blessings manifest:
That men thy truth may own,
And in thy courts be bless'd:
All nations feel thy power divine,
And come and worship at thy shrine.
A
voice from out the ground
Is heard in accents low,
And spirits whispering round
The secret fain would know: -
The time! - The time! - the long sought hour
The time decreed for Zion's power.
When
heaven's royal line
Shall rule this lower sphere:
And priests and kings divine
In robes of light appear:
And saints and angels, thron'd in might
Submerge the earth in endless light.
While
heights and depths combine
In one harmonious song
And in full chorus join
The anthem echo long
Tis free! - Tis free! - The world is free!
The saints have gain'd the victory.
From President Young was then read upon the stone, the following
[Brigham Young, DNW 3:42, 4/16/1853 p 2]
ORATION:
This
morning we have assembled on one of the most solemn, interesting, joyful, and
glorious occasions, that ever have transpired, or will transpire among the
children of men, while the earth continues in its present organization, and is
occupied for its present purposes. And I congratulate my brethren and sisters
that it is our unspeakable privilege to stand here this day, and minister
before the Lord on an occasion which has caused the tongues and pens of
Prophets to speak and write for many scores of centuries which are past.
When the
Lord Jesus Christ tabernacled in the flesh—when he had left the most exalted
regions of His Father's glory, to suffer and shed his blood for sinning, fallen
creatures, like ourselves, and the people crowded around him, a certain man
said unto him, "Master, I will, follow thee whithersoever thou goest."
Jesus said unto him, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have
nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay HIS head." And we
find no record that this man followed him any farther.
Why had
not the Son of Man where to lay his head? Because his Father had
no house upon the earth—none dedicated to Him, and preserved for His exclusive
use, and the benefit of His obedient children..
The Ark
containing the covenant—or the Ark of the Covenant in the days of Moses,
containing the sacred records, was moved from place to place in a cart. And so
sacred was that Ark, if a man stretched forth his hand to steady it, when the
cart jostled, he was smitten, and died. And would to God that all who attempt
to do the same in this day, figuratively speaking, might share the same fate.
And they will share it sooner or later, if they do not keep their hands, and
tongues too, in their proper places, and stop dictating the order of the Gods
of the Eternal Worlds.
When the
Ark of the Covenant rested, or when the children of Israel had an opportunity
to rest, (for they were mobbed and harassed somewhat like the Latter-day
Saints,) the Lord, through Moses, commanded a Tabernacle to be built, wherein
should rest and be stationed, the Ark of the Covenant. And particular
instructions were given by revelation to Moses, how every part of said
Tabernacle should be constructed, even to the curtains—the number thereof, and
of what they should be made; and the covering, and the wood for the boards, and
for the bars, and the court, and the pins, and the vessels, and the furniture,
and everything pertaining to the Tabernacle. Why did Moses need such a
particular revelation to build a Tabernacle? Because he had never seen one, and
did not know how to build it without revelation, without a pattern.
Thus the
Ark of the Covenant continued until the days of David, King of Israel, standing
or occupying a Tabernacle, or tent. But to David, God gave commandment that he
should build Him a house, wherein He, Himself, might dwell, or which He might
visit, and in which He might commune with His servants when He pleased.
From the
day the children of Israel were led out of Egypt to the days of Solomon,
Jehovah had no resting place upon the earth, (and for how long a period before
that day, the history is unpublished,) but walked in the tent or Tabernacle,
before the Ark, as it seemed Him good, having no place to lay His head.
David was
not permitted to build the house which he was commanded to build, because he
was a "man of blood," that is, he was beset by enemies on
every hand, and had to spend his days in war and bloodshed to save Israel,
(much as the Latter-day Saints have done, only he had the privilege to defend
himself and people from mobocrats and murderers, while
we have hitherto been denied that privilege,) and, consequently, he had no time
to build a house unto the Lord but commanded his son Solomon, who succeeded him
on the throne, to erect the Temple at Jerusalem, which God had required at his
hands.
The
pattern of this Temple, the length, and breadth, and height of the inner and
outer courts, with all the fixtures thereunto appertaining, were given to
Solomon by revelation, through the proper source. And why was this revelation-pattern
necessary? Because that Solomon had never built a Temple, and did not know
what was necessary in the arrangement of the different apartments, any better
than Moses did what was needed in the Tabernacle.
This
Temple, called Solomon's Temple, because Solomon was the master workman was
completed some time previous to the appearance of the Son of Man on the earth,
in the form of the babe of Bethlehem, and had been dedicated as the House of
the Lord, and accepted as a finished work by the Father, who commanded it to be
built, that His Son might have a resting place on the earth, when he should
enter on his mission.
Why,
then, did Jesus exclaim to the man who volunteered to follow him wheresoever he
went, that "the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head?" Jesus
knew the pretended Saint and follower to be a hypocrite, and that if he told
him plainly that he would not fare as well as the birds and foxes, he would
leave him at once, and that would save Him much trouble.
But how
could Jesus' saying, that he had "not where to lay his
head," be true? Because the house which the Father had commanded to be
built for his reception, although completed, had become polluted, and hence the
saying, "My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of
thieves," and he made a scourge of cords, and drove the money-changers,
and dove-sellers, and faro-gamblers, all out of his house, and overthrew their
tables; but that did not purify the house, so that he could not sleep in it,
for an holy thing dwelleth not in an unholy Temple.
If Jesus
could not lay his head in an unholy, polluted temple, how can the Latter-day
Saints expect that the Holy Spirit will take and abide its residence with them,
in their tabernacles and temples of clay, unless they keep themselves pure,
spotless, and undefiled?
It is no
wonder that the Son of Man, soon after his resurrection from the tomb, ascended
to his Father, for he had no place on earth to lay his head; his house still
remaining in the possession of his enemies, so that no one had the privilege of
purifying it, if they had the disposition, and otherwise the power, to do it;
and the occupants thereof were professors in name, but hypocrites and apostates,
from whom no good thing can be expected.
Soon
after the ascension of Jesus, through mobocracy, martyrdom, and apostasy, the
Church of Christ became extinct from the earth, the Man Child—the Holy
Priesthood, was received up into heaven from whence it came, and we hear no
more of it on the earth, until the Angels restored it to Joseph Smith, by whose
ministry the Church of Jesus Christ was restored, re-organized on earth,
twenty-three years ago this day, with the title of "Latter-day
Saints," to distinguish them from the Former-day Saints.
Soon
after, the Church, though our beloved Prophet Joseph, was commanded to build a
Temple to the Most High, in Kirtland, Ohio, and this was the next House of the
Lord we hear of on the earth, since the days of Solomon's Temple. Joseph not
only received revelation and commandment to build a Temple, but he received a pattern
also, as did Moses for the Tabernacle, and Solomon for his Temple; for without
a pattern, he could not know what was wanting, having never seen one, and not
having experienced its use.
Without
revelation, Joseph could not know what was wanting, any more than any other
man, and, without commandment, the Church were too few in numbers, too weak in
faith and too poor in purse, to attempt such a mighty enterprise. But by means
of all these stimulants, a mere handful of men, living on air, and a little
hominy and milk, and often salt or no salt when milk could not be had; the
great Prophet Joseph, in the stone quarry, quarrying rock with his own hands;
and the few then in the Church, following his example of obedience and
diligence wherever most needed; with laborers on the walls, holding the sword
in one hand to protect themselves from the mob, while they placed the stone and
moved the trowel with the other, the Kirtland Temple,—the second House of the
Lord, that; we have any published record of on the earth, was so far completed
as to be dedicated. And those first Elders who helped to build it, received a
portion of their first endowments, or we might say more clearly, some of the
first, or introductory, or initiatory ordinances, preparatory to an endowment.
The preparatory
ordinances there administered, though accompanied by the ministration of
angels, and the presence of the Lord Jesus, were but a faint similitude of the
ordinances of the House of the Lord in their fulness; yet many, through the
instigation of the devil, thought they had received all, and knew as much as
God; they have apostatized, and gone to hell. But be assured, brethren, there
are but few, very few of the Elders of Israel, now on earth, who know
the meaning of the Word endowment. To know, they must experience;
and to experience, a Temple must be built.
Let me
give you the definition in brief. Your endowment is, to receive all
those ordinances in the House of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after
you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the
Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them
the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and
gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell.
Who has
received and understands such an endowment, in this assembly? You need not
answer. Your voices would be few and far between, yet the keys to these
endowments are among you, and thousands have received them, so that the devil,
with all his aids, need not suppose he can again destroy the Holy Priesthood
from the earth, by killing a few, for he cannot do it. God has set His
hand, for the last time, to redeem His people, the honest in heart, and Lucifer
cannot hinder Him.
Before
these endowments could be given at Kirtland, the Saints had to flee before
mobocracy. And, by toil and daily labor, they found places in Missouri, where
they laid the corner stones of Temples, in Zion and her Stakes, and then had to
retreat to Illinois, to save the lives of those who could get away alive from
Missouri, where fell the Apostle David W. Patten, with many like associates,
and where were imprisoned in loathsome dungeons, and fed on human flesh, Joseph
and Hyrum, and many others, But before all this had transpired, the Temple at
Kirtland had fallen into the hands of wicked men, and by them been polluted,
like the Temple at Jerusalem, and consequently it was disowned by the Father
and the Son.
At
Nauvoo, Joseph dedicated another Temple, the third on record. He knew what was
wanting, for he had previously given most of the prominent individuals then
before him their endowment. He needed no revelation, then, of a thing he had
long experienced, any more than those now do, who have experienced the same
things. It is only where experience fails, that revelation is needed.
Before
the Nauvoo Temple was completed, Joseph was murdered—murdered at sun light, under
the protection of the most noble government that then existed, and that now
exists, on our earth. Has his blood been atoned for? No! And why? A martyr's
blood to true religion was never atoned for on our earth. No man, or nation of
men, without the Priesthood, has power to make atonement for such sins. The
souls of all such, since the days of Jesus, are under the altar," and are
crying to God, day and night, for vengeance. And shall they cry in vain? God
forbid! He has promised He will hear them in His own due time, and recompense a
righteous reward.
But what
of the Temple in Nauvoo? By the aid of sword in one hand, and trowel and hammer
in the other, with fire arms at hand, and a strong band of police, and the
blessings of heaven, the Saints, through hunger, and thirst, and weariness, and
watchings, and prayings, so far completed the Temple, despite the devices of
the mob, that many received a small portion of their endowment, but we know of
no one who received it in its fulness. And then, to save the lives of all the
Saints from cruel murder, we removed westward, and being led by the
all-searching eye of the Great Jehovah, we arrived at this place.
Of our
journey hither, we need say nothing, only, God led us. Of the sufferings of
those who were compelled to, and did, leave Nauvoo in the winter of 1846, we
need say nothing. Those who experienced it know it, and those who did not, to
tell them of it would be like exhibiting a beautiful painting to a blind man.
We will
not stop to tell you of the sufferings of widows and orphans on Omaha lands,
while their husbands and fathers were traversing the burning plains of the
South, to fight the battles of a country which had banished them from
civilization, for they secured the land on which we dwell, from our nation's
foe, exposed the gold of California, and turned the world upside down. All
these things are before you—you know them, and we need not repeat them.
While
these things were transpiring with the Saints in the wilderness; the Temple at
Nauvoo passed into the hands of the enemy, who polluted it to that extent the
Lord not only ceased to occupy it, but He loathed to have it called by His
name, and permitted the wrath of its possessors to purify it. by fire, as a
token of what will speedily fall on them and their habitations, unless they
repent.
But what
are we here for, this day? To celebrate the birth-day of our religion! To lay
the foundation of a Temple to the Most High God, so that when His Son, our
Elder Brother, shall again appear, he may have a place where he can lay his
head, and not only spend a night or a day, but find a place of peace, that he
may stay till he can say, "I am satisfied."
Brethren,
shall the Son of Man be satisfied with our proceedings this day? Shall he have
a house on the earth which he can call his own? Shall he have place where he
can lay his head, and rest over night, and tarry as long as he
pleases, and be satisfied and pleased with his accommodations?
These are
questions for you to answer. If you say yes, you have got to do the
work, or it will not be done. We do not want any whiners about this
Temple. If you cannot commence cheerfully, and go through the labor of the
whole building cheerfully, start for California, and the quicker the better.
Make you a golden calf, and worship it. If your care for the ordinances of
salvation, for yourselves, your living, and dead, is not first and foremost in
your hearts, in your actions, and in everything you possess, go! Pay your
debts, if you have any, and go in peace, and prove to God and all His Saints
that you are what you profess to be, by your acts—a God of Gods, and know more
than He that made you.
But if
you are what you profess to be, do your duty—stay with the Saints, pay your
Tithing, and be prompt in paying, as you are in feeding your family; and the
Temple, of which we have now laid the South-east Corner Stone, will arise in
beauty and grandeur, in a manner and time which you have not hitherto known or
contemplated.
The
Saints of these valleys have grown in riches, and abundance of the comforts of
life, in a manner hitherto unparalleled on the page of history, and if they
will do by their Heavenly Father as He has done by them, soon will this Temple
be inclosed. But if you go in for a speculation with passers by, as many have
hitherto done, you will not live to see the Topstone of this Temple laid; and
your labors and toils for yourselves and, friends, dead and alive, will be
worse than though you had had no existence.
We
dedicate this, the South-east Corner Stone of this Temple, to the Most High
God. May it remain in peace till it has done its work, and until He who has
inspired our hearts to fulfil the prophecies of His holy Prophets, that the
House of the Lord should be reared in the "Tops Of the Mountains,"
shall be satisfied, and say, "It is enough." And may every
tongue, pen, and weapon, that may rise against this or any other Corner Stone
of this building, feel the wrath and scourging of an incensed God! May sinners
in Zion be afraid, and fearful news surprise the hypocrite, from this hour. And
may all who do not feel to say Amen, go speedily to that long night of rest
from which no sleeper will awake, till roused by the trump of the Second
Resurrection.
Prest. Kimball offered the following
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 3:42, 4/16/1853 p 2]
PRAYER:
O God,
the Eternal Father, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we ask
thee to look upon us at this time in thy tender mercy. Thou beholdest that thy
servants, Brigham and his Council, have laid the Chief Corner Stone of a holy
House, which we are about to erect unto thy name. We desire to do it with clean
hands and pure hearts before thee, and before thine holy angels.
We thank
thee that we are permitted to live in the flesh, and have a place upon thy
footstool, and partake daily of the bounties thy hand bestows, for thou art our
Father, and Jesus Christ is our Elder Brother.
Inasmuch,
O Lord, as we desire to erect a House to thy name, that if it seemeth thee good
to come and take up thine abode on the earth, thou mayest have a place to lay
thy head, we pray thee to assist us to erect it in purity before thee, and the
Heavenly hosts.
We ask
thee to help us so to conduct ourselves, that all the holy Prophets, the angels
of Heaven, with thee and thy Son, may be engaged continually for our welfare,
in the work of salvation and eternal lives. Bless us in this attempt to glorify
thee. Bless this portion of the earth we dwell upon —even these valleys
of the mountains, which we have consecrated unto thee. Cause them to bring
forth the productions of the soil in rich abundance. Bless the seeds that are
placed therein by thy servants and handmaidens. And inasmuch as they are
disposed to do thy work, and erect a Temple to thy name, which is their fixed
purpose and determination; let the heavens be gentle over them. May the earth be
sanctified for their good, and the seeds they throw into it yield to them an
hundred fold in return. We pray thee to bless such men and women—may the
blessings of the Almighty richly attend them, and multiply them in their
families, in their herds and flocks, in strength and in health, in salvation,
and in eternal lives.
We also
pray for those who do not feel favorably disposed to thy work—may thy blessings
not attend them, but may they go backward and not forward, may they wither and
not increase, and may the strength that they might have received, through their
faithfulness to thy work, be multiplied and divided amongst these thy servants,
who are determined to keep thy commandments, and sanctify their affections unto
thee.
Look upon
thy servant Brigham, O Lord, and let thy Holy Spirit rest mightily upon him
this day, and from henceforth. May he live to dictate the erection of thy
house, see the Top-stone brought on with rejoicing, and administer the keys of
salvation and eternal life unto his brethren therein. Bless his Council in
common with him, may they live to a good old age, and glorify God in all their
days; may they never want for food and raiment, for fathers and mothers, for
wives and children, and for the power of the, Spirit to inspire them, and those
thou hast given them.
Pour out
thy Spirit upon thy servants, the Twelve Apostles; may thy power abide upon
them, to qualify them for the responsible calling unto which thou hast called
them. Also, in connexion with them, let thy Spirit rest upon the Quorums of the
Seventies, the High Priests, the Bishops, the High Council, the Elders,
Priests, Teachers, and Deacons; and upon every faithful member of thy Church in
these valleys of the mountains, and in all the world.
Now, O
God, we dedicate this Stone to thee. May this spot be holy, and all that
pertaineth to it. And inasmuch as there shall be an enemy, or a person that
arc, evil disposed towards thy house, and they shall endeavor to lay snares for
the feet of thy people, may they be caught in their own net, be overwhelmed in
their own dilemma, and have no power nor influence in the least to hurt thy
Saints from this time henceforth and for ever. May the power oft he mighty God
of Jacob fortify thy servants, enabling them to execute righteousness before
thee the Lord our God.
Hear us,
O Lord, for we dedicate this, the South-east Corner Stone unto thee, praying
that it may sleep in peace, be preserved from decay, for it is the Chief Corner
Stone of the House we shall rear to thy name. May the same blessings attend the
other three Corner Stones, and all the works thy servants shall set their hands
to do, from this time henceforth and for ever.
Bless the
architect, the superintendent, the foremen of the various departments, and all
the laborers that shall raise a hand, or move a thing for the erection and
perfection of this thine house; and provide for them, their wives, their
children, and all that pertains unto them, that they may want for no good or
necessary thing, while they are engaged in thy service, and from this time
henceforth and for ever.
We
dedicate ourselves unto thee, with our wives, our children, our flocks, and our
herds, with all the settlements and possessions that pertain to thy people in
these valleys of the mountains. And all the praise and the glory we will
ascribe to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The choir sung
THE TEMPLE
——
BY MISS E. R. SNOW.
——
Our
Era this day numbers three years and twenty,
And lo! a great people inhabit the West;
The Lord God of Abr'am, the great God of battles,
Who leads forth to vict'ry, appointed our rest
CHORUS.
The
Temple! the Temple! we'll build up the Temple -
A court of salvation, iniquity's rod,
A glorious beacon, a light on the mountains,
A portal for angels, a threshold for God.
The stones
of the corner - the Temple's foundation!
In peace, in the City of Brigham are laid;
In the chambers of Israel, the ground that is sacred,
Where righteousness triumphs, where truth is obey'd
The Temple, &c.
Glad
tidings of joy to the spirits in prison,
To the Saints of all countries and Isles of the sea,
For a Temple of God in the midst of the mountains,
And joy in the courts of the highest will be.
The Temple, &c.
Rejoice,
all ye meek, all ye contrite in spirit,
For Zion's redemption is ;now drawing near.
And the vail will be rent, and the Saints resurrected,
The Kingdom in heaven will shortly appear.
The Temple, &c.
The
Lord whom ye seek will some come to His Temple.
The covenant messenger whom ye desire;
He'll purify Israel as gold in the furnace,
Consuming the dross with unquenchable fire.
The Temple, &c.
Sing
aloud hallelujah to God the Eternal,
To him be all excellence, glory, and worth,
And blessed be Brigham, and Heber, and Willard,
His authoriz'd agency here upon earth.
CHORUS.
The
Temple! the Temple! we'll build up the Temple -
A court of salvation, iniquitys rod,
A glorious beacon, a light on the mountains,
A portal for angels, a threshold for God.
G. S. L. City, April 4th 1853.
The procession again formed and proceeded to the south west corner, when the Presiding bishop Edward Hunter, his council, and the various Presidencies of the lesser Priesthood, with their associates, laid the South West Corner Stone, when from its top, Bishop Hunter delivered the following
[Edward Hunter]
[DNW 3:43, 4/16/1853 p 3]
ORATION:
BRETHREN
AND FRIENDS:-
This, the
South-west Corner Stone of this Temple, in Salt Lake Valley, and Utah
Territory, has been laid by the Aaronic Priesthood, which is in connection with
the Melchisedec Priesthood forever—to connect those two Priesthoods to the
building up of the kingdom of the last days, and exalt mankind on the earth,
and in the presence of God, and prepare for the coming of Christ our Redeemer.
The past,
the present, and the future—our history, our destiny, recur with redoubled
force upon our minds, upon occasions like this. In honor to the great God we
are here assembled. To the Valleys of the mountains we have been led by His
Almighty power and watchful guidance. We have been delivered from our enemies,
from our oppressors, by His unerring wisdom, and surpassing kindness.
Never
before could the Saints look around, and behold so glorious, so prosperous a
prospect before them, for the accomplishment of the enterprise which we this
day commence. Although peace may temporarily have smiled around, yet it was
like the lone traveller, struggling to make his way through the scarcely
incrustated lava, yet warm, amid the craters of the momentarily extinct volcano,
which has only ceased to pour forth its liquid fire, to gather renewed and
increased energy, and again send forth its lurid flame, molten fury, and
devastation, to all around. Thus has it ever been with this people—in the midst
of enemies have they struggled to build up cities, wherein they might inhabit;
erect temples unto the name of the God whom they serve, wherein to worship, and
receive their holy anointings and endowments. But no sooner have they
commenced, than have also commenced the howlings of the myrmidons of Satan's
kingdom, crying, as they did before Pilate, when they murdered the Saviour of
the world, "Away with him! away with him! crucify him! crucify him!"
And they have poured out their wrath—they have murdered the Saints, driven them
from city to city, from land to land, dispossessed them of their inheritances,
destroyed their cities, their temples and slain their Prophets.
As it was
in the days of our Saviour and his Apostles, so has it been in our day. They
have used every stratagem, every exertion to destroy the Priesthood from the
face of the earth. They were successful then—will they be so now? Will the
authority of the holy and eternal Priesthood of Almighty God, again be driven
from the face of the earth, the Prophets and Apostles all slain, and none left
in possession of the living oracles of divine truth? No.! no!! The might of
Jehovah will preserve us. The Lord God will sustain us, and, if so be we should
be scattered as hitherto, He will gather us in greater power, greater numbers, with
increased ability to perform His work upon the earth.
Let all
people, sinners, mobocrats, and devils, learn from experience that persecution,
plunder, robbery, rapine, murder, and expulsion from home and country, will not
win. They have effectually tried this plan, and it has as effectually failed
every time. Please take notice! and devise some new scheme the next time,
wherein you can feel some assurance, that you may possibly succeed, and we have
the pleasure of not being plundered, murdered, and disfranchised in the same
old way. Tax your inventive genius for some broader scheme to destroy God's
people from the face of the earth.
Suppose
you try the suggestion of our much esteemed, though distant, learned, very
polite, and unsolicited chronicler, Lieutenant Gunnison, "of letting us
alone severely?" But I will not make suggestions for you, having great
confidence in your ability of changing your mode of operation. When your plans
become so futile, weak, and unavailing, as to become stale and uninteresting, I
may suggest for you. In the meantime, let the Saints remember the promise
President Young made their, upon the occasion of his breaking the ground for
this temple, on the 14th of February last—"Not one of them, who had not
been through the fiery ordeal, should lose the privilege, if he continued
faithful; he shall not be a whit behind the most exquisite infliction of
torture that any of the Saints have had to endure." If you are faithful,
you shall have the promised blessing pertaining to those characters who became
partakers of the sufferings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
When we
look around us, what do we behold? We see the most unmistakable tokens
of prosperity, peace, and plenty; the self-evident fruits of high heaven's
protecting care, industry, sobriety, and faith. What else do we behold?
Wickedness—the hydra-headed monster, apostacy, dares to lift his head; thieves
dare to prowl in our midst.
It seems,
that no sooner can the Lord pour out His blessings upon His people, and Zion be
favored for a season, than it becomes occasion for some to kick and flounder,
turning their heel against that beneficent power unto whom they owe their
being, their existences—who has fed them, and nurtured them, and led them, like
as He did the Saints of old, all the day long.
What
becomes the duly of the Saints under such circumstances? Do you realize that
upon yourselves, in a great measure, depends your future prosperity, the
prosperity of Zion's cause, the extension and advancement of the cause of truth
in the world? Do you consider that it is your duty to purify and sanctify your
hearts before God, to put evil far from you, to resist the allurements,
temptations, and devices of Satan, and thus panoplied in the bright armor of
integrity, truth, and righteousness, with pure hearts, and clean hands, and
arising in the strength, might, and majesty of the great Jehovah, put down
iniquity, yea, with an eagle eye, ferret it out, and with a strong arm, hush in
eternal silence every ingrate spirit, who profanes, with his unholy presence,
the most holy place; who tramples under his feet, as a thing of naught, those
covenants, those most solemn obligations, which he has freely made? So shall
Israel put away iniquity from their midst, and obtain and retain the favor of
the Lord of Hosts.
Do you
remember the history of the Gadiantons, as told in the Book of Mormon? We are
surrounded by their descendants. Those loathsome, effeminate specimens of
humanity, which we daily see in our midst, are their children, low, degraded,
sunken to the lowest depths of human existence. We have our location amid their
strongholds, where the ruins of their cities, towns, and fortifications are yet
to be seen—they continue unto this day. Shall we, the Saints of the Most High
God, who have been the special recipients of the oracles of Fife and salvation,
to this generation, to all generations to come, to even those who have preceded
us—shall we, through supineness and neglect, permit a foundation to be laid in
our midst, for the ultimate triumph of wickedness, apostacy, and every
abomination which maketh desolate? I tell you, if we do, we need go no farther
in the progress of this work, for we shall most probably share the fate of
those Gadiantons and their children. Better, far better, would it be for us to
stop, and, in the first place, sweep from our midst and from our borders, every
vestige of unmitigated wickedness and sin. If we do not put it down, it will
put us down. If we do not, when we have the privilege, the opportunity, magnify
our calling, fulfil our covenants, the Lord our God will withdraw His Spirit
from our midst, as being unworthy and negligent servants.
I am
aware that the devil raves and grows angry when the Saints prepare to build a
temple, I am aware that he rummages every nook and corner, to gain the
ascendant, seduce away, stir up strife, contention, and hinder the progress of
the work; he seeks to lull into a false security, the vigilance of the Saints;
to cool their ardor, check their efforts, and render them fruitless; to cause
them to neglect their duties, grow luke-warm and indifferent towards the cause
of God.
Brethren,
let me exhort you against these allurements, against this apathy—it will never
do, it does not become the Latter-day Saints, whose work rolls upon them as
fast as they are able to accomplish it. The Saints pray their Father in heaven
to hasten His work, and roll it forth with mighty power.
Do you
not know that the heavens are ready to drop with blessings in store for the
faithful Saints, if they were ready and able to receive them? The Almighty God
is ready to establish His kingdom upon the earth, in power and majesty, if His
people were ready to receive, were prepared to administer therein in holiness,
purity, and wisdom.
But are this people ready? No! they are
not—their work is preparatory, and I am happy in believing that their progress
is onward, that they are advancing toward that unity, faith, and perfection,
those good works and Godlike attainments, which shall witness unto the Lord our
God, that they are rapidly approximating towards that eventful period, when the
Son of Man will appear in his temple, to cheer the hearts of his people.
The
heavens are propitious, and if we do right, the Lord our God will be our
friend, bless and prosper us in our endeavors to bring. to pass this our
preparatory work. We will build a temple unto the name of the mighty God of
Jacob, here in the wilderness of deserts, amid the forest of mountains, upon
the foundation which we this day consecrate unto the Lord of Hosts. We will
rear a superstructure wherein we can receive the ministrations of angels and
holy beings; wherein we can receive instructions, and perform offices for the
redemption of our dead, receive keys for the resurrection of the Saints of God,
wherein we can meet the spirits of just men made perfect, and again
strike hands with the martyred Prophets, Joseph and Hyrum, and all those who
have suffered and died for the testimony of Jesus.
We are
far more commodiously situated, far better prepared for this work, than ever
before, as a people. We have a house wherein we can hold our Councils, a
tabernacle wherein to worship, storehouses to contain the tithing of the
people, and shops, and machinery in full operation.
The wall
around the Temple Block will soon secure those grounds from intrusion. We are
comparatively free from debt, everything seems favorable for the rapid progress
of this work.
Brethren,
it depends upon your efforts, your liberality, your faithfulness, whether its
progress be slow or fast. We are now ready to bid the Saints "come lend us
your aid—bring up to the Tithing House of the Lord, your tithings and your
consecrations; pay up what you owe, that our hands may be untied, and freed
from our remaining indebtedness; that the hearts of the public workmen may
rejoice in the blessings and comforts of life." Let your liberality be
known by your works, and remember that it is your own work you are called upon
to perform, and one in which you have the deepest and most abiding interest.
Bring forth the materials for building—stone,
lime, and sand; lumber and timber; the pine, the fir, and the cedar; the iron
and steel; the silver, gold, and precious stones; to ornament, make beautiful
and glorious the place of His presence, whose excellence surpasses the
understanding of the children of men. Amen.
Bishop Cordon offered the following
[Alfred Cordon]
[DNW 3:43, 4/16/1853 p 3]
PRAYER:
O God,
the Eternal Father, we thank thee that we are assembled here this morning, to
lay the foundation of another Temple to thy name. We ask thee, in the name of
Jesus Christ thy Son, to let thy blessing rest upon this, the South-west
Corner Stone, which has been laid by the Presiding Bishop of thy Church, and
his Council. Also let thy power and strength rest upon thy servants who shall
endeavor to build upon the same—may that spirit of unanimity and peace
that pervades our bosoms this morning, rest upon those who shall labor upon
this building; may it also rest upon their wives and children, and extend itself
throughout the length and breadth of this territory, and the whole world, that
the honest in heart may rejoice, and thy Saints be filled with thanksgiving,
with praise and adorations to thy great name, for the mercies thou art
continually extending unto them.
Especially
let thine Elders abroad, whose hearts are panting this day with joy and
satisfaction, feel the force and influence of thy Spirit, that so richly rest
upon us, that they may take comfort and consolation. Let their lives be
preserved, that they may return, and behold a building reared to thy name, and
greatly rejoice and More thee, O God. May their way be opened, that they may
move from nation to nation, from city to city, and from habitation to
habitation. Let thine angles go before them, and the secret agency of thy Holy
Spirit touch the hearts of the people for their good, that thy purposes may
soon be accomplished, that Israel may be gathered from the nations of the
earth, that light and truth may spread itself, until all the honest. in heart
rejoice in the principles of freedom, and every band and yoke of the tyrant is
snapped and broken asunder, and the knowledge and power of God shall cover the
earth, as the waters cover the face of the great deep.
We pray
thee to let the petitions of thy servant, which were offered upon the Chief
Corner Stone, be answered upon the heads of this people, and may thy blessing
and power rest upon him and his brethren, even the First Presidency of thy
Church. May they be filled with the spirit of revelation continually, that thy
Saints may flourish, thy kingdom prosper, and thy work roll forth under their
guidance, that the day may soon come when Zion shall be respected among the
nations, and the Holy Priesthood be the only authority acknowledged,
either at home or abroad, on the land or on the sea.
Direct
thy people in thy path, that they may be prepared for the accomplishing of thy
purposes. Let the Temple for which we are this day laying the Corner Stones, be
reared to thy name, and the Top-stone be brought on with shouts of rejoicing
before thee. Let every person that shall put forth his hand to prevent [p.40]
this thing from being accomplished, sink into oblivion, and may his power
wither like the gourd of Jonah. Let all those who put forth their hands to rear
this House, or in any way assist in doing the same, be blessed abundantly in
the blessings of heaven, and the blessings of earth. And may all things work
together for the good of thy people in all time to come.
We
dedicate this Stone, and resign ourselves to thee, to use us according to thy
pleasure, praying thee to direct our course, and save us eternally in thy
celestial Kingdom, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
18 minutes past 12, the choir sung
THE CORNER STONE.
Last
valentine was greatly blest:-
A valley sacrifice;
The Israelites, like men of God,
Just broke the ground for bliss.
Chorus
- We'll shout a loud hosanna to
The happy days to come;
We'll take a cup of wine anew,
When all the saints get home.
We lay
the corner stones to-day,
To give the Lord a place
That we may all be sanctifi'd
Through union, truth, and grace.
Chorus - We'll shout &c.
We'll
rear a Temple to the Lord,
As we have done before;
For tribulation gives us wealth,
And mobbing makes us more.
Chorus - We'll shout, &c.
We'll
tithe ourselves as Abraham did;
Who cares for worldly gain?
The pure in heart will always win -
The just forever reign.
Chorus - We'll shout, &c.
The
persecution we have had
Like rain upon the ground,
Has softly mellow'd ev'ry heart,
And made our fruit abound.
Chorus - We'll shout, &c.
We
claim the promises of old,
Endow'd with holy light,
As saints and angels always have
In circles rob'd in white.
Chorus - We'll shout, &c.
The
message to the nations now
Is sounding every where;
and every messenger can shout,
Behold the Lord is near.
Chorus - We'll shout, &c.
As
wisdom is the grace of God,
And faith is nothing less;
We'll use them both as Enoch did,
And live in righteousness.
Chorus - We'll shout, &c.
Where
little is, there's little gain'd;
But much to much is given;
With God to guide, we cope with earth -
'Tis we that make our heaven
Chorus
- We'll shout a loud hosanna to
the happy days to come,
We'll take a cup of wine anew,
When all the saints get home.
The procession again formed and moved to the North West Corner Stone, accompanied with martial music, when John Young, President of the High Priests' quorum, with his Council, and the President of the Stake, with the High Council, proceeded to lay the Stone; that being done, they ascended the Stone, and Prest. John Young delivered the following
[John Young]
[DNW 3:43, 4/16/1853 p 3]
ORATION:
Brethren
and Sisters:—I have not a written oration to read before you, but shall content
myself with simply expressing the feelings that pervade my breast on this
interesting occasion. What I say, will come at once from the fountain of my
heart.
I have
one thing to say particularly—that this is the best day I ever saw in all my
life. I realize that I am greatly blessed, in connection with my brethren and
sisters of this Church, that I am permitted to live to see the present day, and
to stand upon this rock, which is the North-west Corner Stone of a Temple that
is to be built upon this ground, which Stone we have laid in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ.
I firmly
believe that, as we stand upon this rock, so is the Church of Latter-day Saints
founded upon the rock of eternal ages. My continual prayer and
desire are, that we may live to see a Temple built to the name of the Most High
God. I feel myself honored of God and my brethren, in having the opportunity of
standing here to-day, in speaking, and realizing what I have, since I came on
the Temple ground.
I hope we
shall see the Cap-stone brought on with shouts of joy. I believe we shall, if
we remain faithful in the cause of truth.
I very
well know that, at the commencement of the Temples that have heretofore been
built to the name of the Lord, by this people, the devil has always moved his
artillery with greater power and activity at that time. This is the foundation
of the fourth Temple that the Latter-day Saints have laid; and I pray that we
shall all feel nerved up with power to accomplish the great and glorious work
which we are called to perform.
For my
own part, I am sensible that I have not long to stay upon the earth, but I have
a great desire to live in connection with my brethren, to see this Temple
completed. I believe we shall.
My chief
interest in living on the earth is to see the work of the Lord prosper, and to
assist all in my power to roll it forth; and why I say this is the best day I
ever saw upon the earth, is because the prospects for the advancement of the
kingdom of God are greater now than ever I saw them before in my days. I have
always, in all my life, been desirous to see the cause of the Lord prosper on
the earth, but more especially so since I found a true Church founded by the
Prophet of God.
We have
Prophets among us—a Seer and Revelator, and also Apostles of Jesus
Christ. Do I not know that I am standing this day in the presence of the
greatest men that are to be found upon the footstool of God? My voice is now
sounding in the ears of the greatest men that are this side of eternity, and I
know it. If I should stand before all the kings, potentates, and princes
of the earth, in one general assembly, the comparison would not begin to bear
with the present occasion. They are men chosen by the people alone, and
destitute of the power of an eternal Priesthood. These are the mighty
chieftains of Israel, called and appointed by the Lord of Hosts, clothed with
salvation and eternal lives, and sent for a blessing to the faithful.
I am
thankful and happy. I have not language sufficient at my command to express, in
full, my feelings. If I did not make a written oration, it has fallen to my lot
to make a few verbal remarks. I am proud to stand here with my brethren, and
pray that the power of the Spirit of God may rest upon His people, that they may
prosper exceedingly, and bud and blossom like a fruitful bough upon the
mountains. I have felt, while these Stones were being laid, that the angels of
God were round about us. And may a convoy of them continually attend this holy
spot, until all the things we desire to do for the glory of our Heavenly
Father, and the extension of His cause on earth, are accomplished, which is my
prayer. Amen.
[George B. Wallace]
[DNW 3:43, 4/16/1853 p 3]
PRAYER BY ELDER WALLACE.
Righteous
and merciful God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, we
consecrate and dedicate this Stone unto thee, even the North-west Corner Stone,
which we have laid as part of the foundation of a Temple to be built unto thy
great and holy name. We pray thee, O God, to accept this offering from our
hands; and may thy peace and blessing be and abide here, that this spot of
ground may be holy unto thee, and never be polluted by those who are unholy, or
by any unclean thing.
May this
foundation be firm as the foundations of the everlasting hills that cannot be
moved, that the super-structure which shall be reared upon it may never be
shaken, that the people may receive their blessings therein, to qualify them to
pass through the vale, into celestial happiness.
We pray
thee, O Lord, to let thy peace be upon those who labor upon these works; may
their hearts be inspired by the Holy Ghost, to realize that they are working to
build a House to thy name, that immortal beings may come and administer in the
ordinances of salvation, and teach thy servants things that are beyond the
vail, to prepare them to enter into that rest which is prepared and promised to
thy Saints. We pray thee to cement this Corner Stone in a bond of indissoluble
union with the other three, that they may stand firm as the eternal Priesthood
which has been given unto men, even thy servants, that never can be moved out
of its place, but will stand, from this time henceforth and for ever.
Bless the
people that are congregated together this day; may it be to them a day long to
be remembered let thy Spirit prevail in their midst and every heart be filled
with unutterable joy. Let the visions of eternity be opened unto them, that
they may behold things new and precious, and rejoice in the holy principles of
the Gospel of God; that has been brought to light in this dispensation, by the
administration of angels to thy servants, even in the latter days.
Let our
enemies be taken in their own snare, and fall into the pit they dig for thy
people. Let confusion come upon them; may they be turned backward, and have no
power from this time henceforth and forever, to prevail against the Saints and
the Lord's anointed. Inspire the hearts of thy servants that are scattered
abroad among the nations of the earth, and upon the islands of the sea; may
their eyes be inclined towards us this day, and let their hearts be lifted up
in joy and rejoicing before thee. Strengthen them, and give them great
prosperity in their missions, and return them with honor to see the Cap-stone
of this Temple brought on with shouting grace unto it.
We now
dedicate ourselves, our wives, our children, our flocks and herds, unto thee, O
God the Eternal Father, and pray thee to accept of us, in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.
15 minutes to 1, choir the following
SONG.
——
Come
saints of latter days,
Come sing our father's praise
For mercies given;
For
truth and righteousness,
Mercy and holiness,
Joy, peace, and blessedness,
That come from heaven.
We
thank the Lord that we
This joyful prospect see,-
A corner stone
Is
laid, and on it's base
A glorious Temple raise,
Through God's assisting grace,
That Saints will own.
Come,
O! ye nations come
To Zion, to your home,
Your hearts prepare;
Be
taught the way that's right,
And waling in the light,
Serve God with all your might,-
His glories share.
The procession again formed and proceeded to the North East Corner Stone, which was laid by the twelve Apostles, and First Presidency of the Seventies, and Presidency of the Elder's quorum. The Apostles then ascended the Stone, and Elder P. P. Pratt delivered the following
[Parley P. Pratt]
DNW 3:43, 4/16/1853 p 3]
ORATION:
"And
when they shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and
unto wizards that peep and mutter; should not a people seek unto their God? for
the living to hear from the dead?"
The
foregoing text was copied by Nephi, from the Book of Isaiah, about six hundred
years before Christ, and is now contained in the second Book of Nephi, chap.
ix.
For the last few years the world has been
disturbed very much by alleged communications from the world of spirits.
"Mesmerism," "Clairvoyance," "Spiritual Knockings,"
"Writing Mediums," &c., are said to be channels of communication
between the living and the dead. How often one meets with an invitation
to seek to some "medium"—to some one "familiar with
spirits," in order to hear from a deceased father, mother, husband, wife,
or other relative or friend.
On the
other hand, these alleged communications from the spirit. world are zealously
opposed, on the ground that there is no such philosophy in nature; that
there can be no medium of communication between the living and those who have
passed the vale of death; and that, therefore, all alleged communications from
that source must necessarily be false.
It
becomes the Saints to be able on this, as on all other subjects, to judge
correctly and understandingly, by their knowledge of the principles of true
philosophy, and of the laws of God and nature.
If on the
one hand we admit the principle of communication between the spirit world and
our own, and yield ourselves to the unreserved or indiscriminate guidance of
every spiritual manifestation, we are liable to be led about by every wind of
doctrine, and by every kind of spirit which constitute the varieties of being
and of thought in the spirit world. Demons, foul or unclean spirits, adultorous
or murderous spirits, those who love or make a lie, can communicate with beings
in the flesh, as well as those who are more true and virtuous.
Again—The
spirits who are ignorant, uncultivated, and who remain in error, can
communicate through the same medium as those better informed.
To
illustrate this subject, we will, consider the telegraphic wire as a medium of
communication between New York and Boston.
Through
this medium a holy Prophet or Apostle could communicate the holy and sacred
words of truth; while through the same, could be communicated words of truth in
relation to news, business transactions, the sciences, &c.; and also every
species of lie, error, imposition, fraud, &c. Hence, if the people of New
York should submit to the guidance of beings in Boston, who communicate with
them by telegraph or other mediums, they would be guided by a mixture of
intelligence, truth, error, falsehood, &c., in every conceivable variety.
So with communications from the spirit world, if we once credit the philosophy
or fact of an existing medium of communication.
If, on
the other hand, we deny the philosophy or the fact of spiritual communication
between the living and those who have died, we deny the very fountain from
which emanated the great truths or principles which were the foundation of both
the ancient and modern Church.
Who
communicated with Jesus and his disciples on the holy mount? Moses and Elias,
from the invisible world. Who bestowed upon the Apostles the commission to
preach the Gospel to every creature in all the world? He that had passed
the vale of death, and had dwelt in the spirit world, yea, he that had
ascended far on high above the realms of death, and far beyond all the
principalities and powers of the spirit world, and had entered, and been
crowned, in the mansions of immortal flesh.
Who
communicated with the beloved disciple on the Isle if Patmos, and revealed
those sublime truths contained in his prophetic book? He that liveth and was
dead, through his angel, who declared to John—Behold, I am thy fellow-servant,
and of thy brethren the Prophets, that have the testimony of Jesus.
Who
communicated with our great modern Prophet, and revealed through him as a
medium, the ancient history of a hemisphere, and the records of the ancient
dead? Moroni, who had lived upon the earth fourteen hundred years
before. Who ordained Joseph the Prophet, and his fellow, servant, to the
preparatory Priesthood, to baptize for remission of sins? John the
Baptist, who had been beheaded! Who ordained our first founders to the
Apostleship, to hold the keys of the kingdom of God, in these the times of
restoration? Peter, James, and John, from the eternal world. Who instructed him
in the mysteries of the Kingdom, and in all things pertaining to Priesthood,
law, philosophy, sacred architecture, ordinances, sealings, anointings,
baptisms for the dead, and in the mysteries of the first, second, and third
heavens, many of which are unlawful to utter? Angels and spirits from the
eternal worlds.
Who
revealed to him the plan of redemption, and of exaltation for the dead who had
died without the Gospel? and the keys and preparations necessary for holy and
perpetual converse with Jesus Christ, and with the spirits of just men made
perfect, and with the general assembly and Church of the first-born, in the holy
of holies? Those from the dead!
Again—How
do the Saints expect the necessary information by which to complete the ministrations
for the salvation and exaltation of their friends who have died?
By one
holding the keys of the oracles of God, as a medium through which the living
can hear from the dead.
Shall we,
then, deny the principle, the philosophy, the fact of communication between
worlds? No! verily no!
The
spiritual philosophy of the present age was introduced to the modern world by
Joseph Smith. The people of the United States abandoned him to martyrdom, and
his followers to fire, and sword, and plunder, and imprisonment, and final
banishment to these far-off mountains and deserts, simply because a medium of
communication with the invisible world had been found, whereby the living could
hear from the dead. No sooner had the people and nation, thus guilty of
innocent blood, completed the banishment of the Saints from their midst, than
they began to adopt some of the same principles of spiritual philosophy,
although in a perverted sense of the word.
Editors,
statesmen, philosophers, priests, and lawyers, as well as the common people,
began to advocate the principle of converse with the dead, by visions,
divination, clairvoyance, knocking, and writing mediums, &c., &c. This
spiritual philosophy of converse with the dead, once established by the
labors, toils, sufferings, and martyrdom of its modern founders, and now
embraced by a large portion of the learned world, shows a triumph more rapid
and complete—a victory more extensive, than has ever been achieved in the same
length of time in our world.
A quarter
of a century since, an obscure boy and his few associates, in the western
wilds of New York, commenced to hold converse with the dead. Now, vision, new
revelation, clairvoyance, mediums, oracles, &c., are talked of and
advocated as far as the modern press extends its influence, or steam
its powers of locomotion.
An
important point is gained, a victory won, and a countless host of opposing
powers vanquished, on one of the leading or fundamental truths of
"Mormon" philosophy, viz.—"That the living may hear from the
dead."
But,
notwithstanding these great victories of truth over error, ignorance, and
superstition, in certain points of spiritual philosophy, yet much remains to be
done, are pure, uncontaminated truth will reign triumphant, and darkness and
error surrender their last stronghold on the earth.
The fact
of spiritual communications being established, by which the living hear from
the dead—being no longer a question of controversy with the well informed, we
drop that point, and call attention to the means of discriminating or judging
between the lawful and the unlawful mediums or channels of
communication—between the holy and impure, the truths and falsehoods, thus
communicated.
The words
of the holy Prophet in our text, while they admit the principle of the living
hearing from the dead, openly rebuke, and sharply reprove, persons for seeking
to those who have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep and mutter, and
remind us that a people should seek unto their God for the living to hear from
the dead
By what
means, then, can a people seek unto their God, for such an important blessing
as to hear from the dead?
And how
shall we discriminate between those who seek to Him, and these who seek the
same by unlawful means?
In the
first place, no persons can successfully seek to God for this privilege, unless
they believe in direct revelation in modem times.
Secondly,
it is impossible for us to seek Him successfully, and remain in our sins. A
thorough repentance and reformation of life are absolutely necessary, if we
would seek to Him.
Thirdly,
Jesus Christ is the only name given under heaven as a medium through which to
approach to God. None, then, can be lawful mediums, who are unbelievers in
Jesus Christ, or in modem revelation; or who remain in their sins; or who act
in their own name, instead of the name appointed.
And
moreover, the Lord has appointed a Holy Priesthood on the earth, and in the
heavens, and also in the world of spirits; which Priesthood is after the order
or similitude of His Son; and has committed to this Priesthood the keys of holy
and divine revelation, and of correspondence, or communication between angels,
spirits, and men, and between all the holy departments, principalities, and
powers of His government in all worlds.
And
again—The Lord has ordained that all the most holy things pertaining to the
salvation of the dead, and all the most holy conversations and correspondence
with God, angels, and spirits, shall be had only in the sanctuary of His
holy Temple on the earth, when prepared for that purpose by His Saints; and
shall be received and administered by those who are ordained and sealed unto
this power, to hold the keys of the sacred oracles of God.
To this
same principle the Prophets Isaiah and Micah bear testimony, saying, that in
the last days all nations: shall go up to the house (or Temple). of the Lord,
in order to be taught in His ways, and to walk in His paths; for out of Zion
shall go forth the law, &c. Now it is evident that the people of all
nations in the last days would be utterly unable to learn the ways of the Lord
to perfection, in any other place except in a holy Temple erected among the
mountains. For if the oracles, and most holy ordinances, and the keys or the
mysteries, could be had elsewhere, or in any and every place, the people would
never take the pains to resort to one house amid the mountains in order to
learn of His ways, and to walk in His paths.
It is,
then, a matter of certainty, according to the things revealed to the ancient
Prophets, and renewed unto us, that all the animal magnetic phenomena, all the
trances and visions of clairvoyant states, all the phenomena of spiritual
knockings, writing mediums, &c., are from impure, unlawful, and unholy
sources; and that those holy and chosen vessels which hold the keys of
Priesthood in this world, in the spirit world, or in the world of resurrected
beings, stand as far aloof from all these improper channels, or unholy mediums,
of spiritual communication, as the heavens are higher than the earth, or as the
mysteries of the third heaven, which are unlawful to utter, differ from the
jargon of sectarian ignorance and folly, or the divinations of foul spirits,
abandoned wizards, magic-mongers, jugglers, and fortune-tellers.
Ye
Latter-day Saints! Ye thousands of the hosts of Israel! Ye are assembled here
to-day, and have laid these Corner Stones, for the express purpose that the
living might hear from the dead, and that we may prepare a holy sanctuary,
where "the people may seek unto their God, for the living to hear from
the dead," and that heaven and earth, and the world of spirits may
commune together—that the kings, nobles, presidents, rulers, judges, priests,
counsellors, and senators, which compose the general assembly of the Church of
the first-born in all these different spheres of temporal and spiritual
existence, may sit in grand Council, and held a Congress or court on the earth,
to concert measures for the overthrow of the "mystery of iniquity,"
the thrones of tyrants, the sanctuaries of priestcraft and superstition, and
the reign of ignorance, sin, and death.
Saints!
These victories will be achieved, and Jesus Christ and his Saints will subdue
all opposing powers, and attain to universal empire in heaven and on earth, as
sure as innocent blood was ever shed on Mount Calvary, or the official seal
broken on the door of the tomb of the Son of God. This day's work, in laying
these Corner Stones for a Temple amid the mountains, is one advancing step in
the progress of the necessary preparations for these mighty revolutions.
Let Zion
complete this Temple, let it be dedicated to, and accepted by, the Almighty,
let it be preserved in holiness according to the laws of the Holy Priesthood,
and Zion shall not want for a man to stand before the Lord, and to receive the
oracles, and administer in His holy sanctuary, and to administer the
keys of His government upon the earth,
While
sun, or moon, or stars shall shine,
Or principalities endure.
If the
Saints accomplish these things, and fail not to keep the commandments of Jesus
Christ and the counsels of his servants, the kingdoms of the world shall
never prevail against them from this time forth and for ever.
But
remember, O ye Saints of the Most High! remember that the enemy is on
the alert. That old serpent and his angels, who have ruled this lower world,
with few exceptions, for so many ages, will not tamely, and without a struggle,
submit to have the kingdom, and seat of government, and sanctuary of our God,
again erected on our planet, no more to be thrown down or subdued, till every
square yard of the vast dominion shall be re-conquered by its rightful owners.
No! From the moment the ground was broken for this Temple, those inspired by him
[Satan] have commenced to rage; and he will continue to stir up his servants to
anger against that which is good, but, if we are faithful, the victory is ours,
in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 3:43, 4/16/1853 p 3]
Prayer by Elder Hyde.
Almighty
Father—Thou who dwellest in the heavens, and who sittest upon the throne
of thy glory and power, we beseech thee to behold us, in great mercy, from thy
celestial courts, and listen to our prayers which we this day
offer to thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, thy Son. Although thou art exalted
in temples not made with hands, in the midst of the redeemed and sanctified
ones, yet deign thou to meet with us in our humble sphere, and, as we have
laid, help thou us to dedicate unto thee, this Corner Stone of Zion's earthly
Temple, that in her courts thy sons and daughters may rejoice to meet their
Lord.
Everlasting
thanks are due to thee, O God of our salvation, for thy manifold blessings and
mercies extended unto us—that since we have been compelled to flee to the
valleys and caves of the mountains, and hide ourselves in thy secret chambers,
from the face of the serpent or dragon of persecution, red with the blood of
the Saints and martyrs of Jesus, thou hast caused the land to be fruitful—the
wilderness and desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose. Known unto thee is
the history of our career. Our merits and demerits have been open to thy view,
and our wisdom and folly have not been hid from thine eyes. Thou hast
comprehended our strength and our weakness, our joys and our sorrows, and also
our sufferings and persecutions for thy name's sake; and the martyrdom of thy
servants!
Remember
us, Oh Lord, and let the radiance of thy favor, like the rainbow of peace,
encompass thy people while we sojourn here, and remain tenants at will in these
frail bodies, the abodes of our spirits. And remember, likewise, our enemies
who, through cruel jealousy, and malicious intent, have compelled us to find
homes in these distant regions, and in the more lonely grave, or wander as
strangers and pilgrims on the earth without an abiding city or resting place.
Reward them according to their works, and let them eat the fruits of their own
doings, inasmuch as they repent not.
The
Twelve Apostles of the LATTER-DAYS, to whom has been committed the pleasing
task to lay the Northeast Corner Stone of this Temple, even the last Corner
Stone of the building, are here convened to discharge their duty before thee,
in the midst of the authorities of thy Church, and of the assembled thousands
who are come to witness the solemn ceremonies of the occasion.
We,
therefore, implore thy blessings upon our heads, on this lovely day, while the
sun of heaven, on his annual visit to his northern dominions is changing the
very heart of nature and lighting up her face with the smiles of welcome. The
snows of the everlasting mountains are made to yield at his approach, and to
flow down in crystal streams of living waters, spreading life and verdure over
all the plain.
From the
very hour that the ground was broken to prepare for this foundation, Satan has
been more diligently engaged in stirring up the hearts of his children to hate
the servants and people of our God. But, O Lord, the work is thine, and thine
arm is able to execute and defend it.
We now,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and Lawgiver, dedicate and
consecrate this Corner Stone unto thee, asking that the walls to be reared upon
this foundation may steadily rise, by the persevering industry of thy people,
under thy providential care and blessings, and the protecting and fostering arm
of the Angel of thy presence.
Whosoever,
O Lord, shall bless and aid the building of this Temple, with their faith,
goodwill, and means—with their silver and their gold, with their labor and
toil, with their horses, their cattle, their sheep, and their grain, or with
any or all of their products, necessaries, or availables—may they rise in
wealth and influence, and in the confidence and favor of God and His servants;
and may the blessings of this Temple be extended unto them, whether they be
Jews or Gentiles, bond or free, male or female. And whosoever shall attempt to
hinder, oppose, or obstruct the progress of this building, or that shall hate
or blaspheme the same, or that shall, in any way or manner, knowingly,
wilfully, or intentionally destroy, injure, mar, or deface any part or portion
of the work, let such not only be powerless, and clothed with shame,
disgrace, and condemnation, but receive the very same kind of treatment in
their own persons, in the course of thy providences, as they may manifest or
desire to manifest towards this edifice.
Hasten
thou the period, O Lord, when this thine House, in the midst of the mountains,
shall receive the Top-stone with the shouts of gladness, and be completed, and
nations flow unto it—when many people shall say, "Come ye, and let us go
up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will
teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go
forth the law," making manifest every false and delusive spirit every true
principle, and also the errors that have involved nations in broils and
contentions, in strife, in darkness, and in sin; and that will remove the vail
of the covering that has been cast over all people; and the Gentiles
shall come to the light of Zion, and kings to the brightness of her rising.
Roll on the hour, Eternal Parent, when the intelligence and knowledge obtained
by thy servants, on this consecrated spot, shall prove a beacon light to the
nations who are floating on the sea of time in a dark, cloudy day.
O God of
our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, overrule, we pray thee, every act and
movement of the power of the world, to further the interests of the
Redeemer's kingdom, and to prepare the way for his triumphant reign on
earth. Bless every honest-hearted ruler in the governments and kingdoms of men,
and, though they may be ignorant of thy purposes and designs, yet make
them the agents to bring about and accomplish the very intentions formed
in thy bosom, and decreed in thine heart.
Holy
Father, bless, we pray thee, the Presidency of this thy Church, and
prolong their days, that we may long enjoy their counsels, and avail ourselves
of their wisdom. Remember the Twelve Apostles also, with the Presidents of the
Seventies, who now call upon thy name with our voices. May none of us ever fall
by transgression, or bring dishonor upon thy cause, or a stain upon our
reputation. But preserve us in thy fear, in the light of truth, in the favor of
our God, in the confidence of one another, in the estimation of our superiors,
and in, the favor of the just.
As we
have laid and dedicated this Corner Stone, with our best wishes, most lively
hopes, and unshaken faith that the building may be speedily erected and
finished, we ask thee that we may become pillars in thy spiritual Temple, and
go no out, but sustain and uphold in connexion with all the faithful, the grand
superstructure and edifice reared by infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, in
which to gather, in thine own due time, every son and daughter of Adam's fallen
race. And to God and the Lamb be ascribed everlasting honors, praise dominions
and glory, both now and for ever. Amen.
30 minutes past 1, choir sung "Proclaim to all people we've laid the foundation."
SONG.
——
Proclaim
to all people we've laid the foundation
Of a Temple to which the redeemed shall go;
Each tribe, tongue, and nation, throughout the creation,
With songs of rejoicing unto it shall flow.
Shout
hallelujah through earth, air and sea;
Let angels assist us in
our jubilee;
Jehovah has spoken, our
fetters are broken,
Our bondage is ended, and
Zion is free.
Who!
who would have thought, through the vista of ages,
The latter-day glory, the prophets should see?
But inspir'd by Jehovah, these revered sages,
Gaz'd full on our blessings, and sung of the free.
Chorus. Shout hallelujah
&c.
On the
tops of the mountains, we'll drink of truth's fountains;
That flow from the heavens, both plentious and free;
The standard erected, by prophets predicted;
The nations shall gather God's glory to see.
Chorus. Shout hallelujah,
&c.
Prest. Young then ascended the North East Corner Stone, and gave his benediction as follows: Brethren and sisters I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and pray my Father in Heaven to encircle you in the arms of his love and mercy; protect us until we have finished this Temple; receive the fullness of our endowments therein, and then build many more; and I pray, also, that we may live to see the great Temple in Jackson County, Missouri. You are now dismissed with the blessings f the Lord Jesus Christ upon your heads; Amen.
The procession then returned to the Tabernacle and were dismissed by Prest. Young, until 2 p.m.
[6 Apr, 3 pm]
[DNW, 3:46, 4/30/1853 p2]
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
CONTINUED FROM LAST PAPER.
Tabernacle, April 6, 1853, 3, p.m.
Conference called to order by Prest. Young.
Singing. Prayer by Elder Amasa Lyman. Singing.
Prest. Young delivered the following
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 3:46, 4/30/1853 p 2]
SERMON:
We have
assembled together this afternoon to continue the business of the Conference, a
portion of which I feel should be devoted to instruction, teachings, traversing
the experience of the Church, or in any way the Spirit of the Lord shall
manifest.
The
special business that has to be transacted in a Conference like this, can be
done very quickly—perhaps we might do all that is necessary in
half a day, or in a day at the furthest.
We came
together for the purpose of worshiping the Lord, and many have come from a
distance, who wished to come up here and join with their brethren in
contemplating the work of the last days, and in speaking to each other
comforting words, for it is a very agreeable exercise, on occasions like this,
as well as in other meetings, to rehearse over to each other the scenes of
life, the feelings of the heart, the tragedies that have passed among us, the
difficulties we have surmounted, and the days, months, and years we have been
brought through.
I will
say, for one, so far as it concerns my own feelings, my brethren are at liberty
to talk about that that is in their hearts. This is my privilege, and I wish it
to be understood that it is the privilege of those who shall address this
Conference. If they want to preach us a discourse on doctrine—on the gathering
of Israel, for instance, they are at liberty so to do. If any one wishes to
preach the first principles of the Gospel—repentance and baptism, with the
gifts, he is at liberty.
Were it
not that our bodies have to be fed and clothed, I would propose that we tarry
here a few months, to give all a chance to speak, to exhort, to pray, to
prophesy, to sing, to speak in tongues, or to do whatsoever the Spirit should
manifest unto them. But our work is a work of the present. The salvation we are
seeking is for the present, and, sought correctly, it can be obtained, and be
continually enjoyed. If it continues to-day, it is upon the same principle that
it will continue tomorrow, the next day, the next week, or the next year, and,
we might say, the next eternity.
If we are
saved, we are happy, we are filled with light, glory, intelligence, and we
pursue a course to enjoy the blessings that the Lord has in store for us. If we
continue to pursue that course, it produces just the thing we want, that is, to
be saved at this present moment. And this will lay the foundation to be saved
for ever and for ever, which will amount to an eternal salvation.
Brethren,
we have accomplished the design of our hearts, that we listed to accomplish.
And really, this thought inadvertently rushes upon my mind—Wherein have we
not accomplished all we have listed to do? not only in excavating the
earth, and laying down the Corner Stones in the centre of the main body of the
building we shall rear for the Temple, but wherein have we contemplated doing
one thing we have not done, to build up the Kingdom of God? If there has been a
failure, it does not occur to my mind at present. I cannot now recall to my
mind one circumstance of that kind, with all the mobbing, driving, and
afflictions that this people have passed through.
Though
the enemy had power to kill our Prophet, that is, kill his body, did
he not accomplish all that was in his heart to accomplish in his day?
He did, to my certain knowledge, and I have many witnesses here that heard
him declare that he had done everything he could do he had revealed everything
that could be revealed at present, he had prepared the way for the
people to walk in, and no man or woman should be deprived of going into the
presence of the Father and the Son, and enjoying an eternal exaltation, if they
would walk in the path he had pointed out.
From the
day that he fell, until this day, if there is one item of business, if there is
one thing that should have been done by this people, that has not been done, I
cannot call it to mind, though it looked gloomy for a month or six weeks past,
the weather being so unfavorable with regard to being ready to lay those Corner
Stones, to-day.
I am
happy to say that there has been a great deal of faith manifested by the
Saints, and, through that faith the Lord has granted unto us the desire of our
hearts, or else the devil has been sent on an errand another way, and has
forgotten himself. I do not think, however, he need trouble himself much about
the world, for he has them secure enough. Perhaps he may have slept a little too
long, as he has not been here on this notable day. I attribute it to our Father
in heaven, for giving us this beautiful weather to-day.
The
congregation was not accommodated as we desired. We should have been pleased if
they could have been so situated that all could have heard the orations, and
prayers that were made upon those four stones; but they will be in print, so
you can read them at your leisure.
I do not
like to prophesy much, I never do, but I will venture to guess, that this day,
and the work we have performed on it, will long be remembered by this people,
and be sounded as with a trumpet's voice throughout the world, as far, as loud,
and as long as steam, wind, and the electric current can carry it. It is a day
in which all the faithful will rejoice in all time to come.
Some will
inquire, "Do you suppose we shall finish this Temple, brother
Brigham?" I have had such questions put to me already. My answer is, I do
not know, and I do not care any more about it than I should if my body was dead
and in the grave, and my spirit in Paradise. I never have cared but for one
thing, and that is, simply to know that I am now right before my Father in
Heaven. If I am this moment, this day, doing the things God
requires of my hands, and precisely where my Father in Heaven
wants me to be, I care no more about tomorrow than though it never would
come. I do not know where I shall be tomorrow, nor when this Temple will be
done—I know no more about it than you do. If God reveals anything for you, I
will tell you of it as freely as to say, go to City Creek, and drink until you
are satisfied.
This I do
know—there should be a Temple built here. I do know it is the duty of
this people to commence to build a Temple. Now, some will want to know what
kind of a building it will be. Wait patiently, brethren, until it is done, and
put forth your hands willingly to finish it. I know what it will be. I am not a
visionary man, neither am I given much to prophesying. When I want any of that
done I call on brother Heber—he is my Prophet, he loves to prophesy, and I love
to hear him. I scarcely ever say much about revelations, or visions, but
suffice it to say, five years ago last July I was here, and saw in the Spirit
the Temple not ten feet from where we have laid the Chief Corner Stone. I have
not inquired what kind of a Temple we should build. Why? Because it was
represented before me. I have never looked upon that ground, but the vision of
it was there. I see it as plainly as if it was in reality before me. Wait until
it is done. I will say, however, that it will have six towers, to begin with,
instead of one. Now do not any of you apostatize because it will have six
towers, and Joseph only built one. It is easier for us to build sixteen, than
it was for him to build one. The time will come when there will be one in the
centre of Temples we shall build, and, on the top, groves and fish ponds. But
we shall not see them here, at present.
The First Presidency proceeded to the south-east corner, to lay the first stone,
[Brigham Young continued]
Though it
is customary to commence at the north-east corner—that is the beginning point
most generally, I believe, in the world. At this side of the equator we
commence at the south-east corner. We sometimes look for light, you know, brethren.
You old men that have been through the mill pretty well, have been inquiring
after lights—which way do you go? You will tell me you go to the east for
light? So we commence by laying the stone on the south-east corner, because
there is the most light.
Just as
quick as the minutes of this day's proceedings are out, there will be Elders,
High Priests, and Seventies, inquiring whether the same order has been carried
out to-day, as was observed in laying the Corner Stones of the other Temples. I
want to give you a little history of it, that you may know.
When the
corner stones were laid in Kirtland, they had to pick up boys of fifteen and
sixteen years of age, and ordain them Elders, to get officers enough to lay the
Corner Stones. The Quorum of the Twelve, and the High Council, and many other
authorities that now exist, were not then in existence. Joseph presided over
the Church, by the voice of the Church.
Perhaps
it may make some of you stumble, were I to ask you a question—Does a man's
being a Prophet in this Church prove that he shall be the President of
it? I answer, no! A man may be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and it may have
nothing to do with his being the President of the Church. Suffice it to say,
that Joseph was the President of the Church, as long as he lived: the people
chose to have it so. He always filled that responsible station, by the voice of
the people. Can you find any revelation appointing him the President of
the Church? The keys of the Priesthood were committed to Joseph,
to build up the Kingdom of God on the earth, and were not to be
taken from him in time or in eternity; but when he was called to preside over
the Church, it was by the voice of the people; though he held the keys of the Priesthood,
independent of their voice.
I want
the Elders of Israel to reflect upon this subject. I would be glad to teach you
something, that you may not get into such snarls as heretofore. You make me
think of a child that is trying to make rope of a parcel of old thrums, until
he gets the whole into snarls. It is so with the Elders of Israel as touching
their ideas of the Priesthood.
Now hear
me, and I will try to talk so that you can understand. I will presume to go a
little further than I did, with regard to the President of the Church, and say
to this people, a man might have visions, the angels of God might administer to
him, he might have revelations, and see as many visions as you could count; he
might have the heavens opened to him, and see the finger of the Lord, and all
this would not make him the President of the Church, or an Elder, a High
Priest, an Apostle; neither would it prove that he was even a Saint: something
else is wanted to prove it. Why I mention this, is because of the frailty,
weakness, and short-sightedness of the people. If a man should come and tell
you he had had a vision, and could appear to substantiate his testimony that he
had had the heavens opened to him, you would be ready to bow down and worship
him; and he might be, at the same time, perfectly calculated to destroy the
people—one of the biggest devils on earth. He would appear to be one of the
finest of men, to be honest and unassuming, and come with all the grace and
generalship of the devil, which is so well calculated to deceive the people.
Admit this to be the case.
If you
ask me what will prove a man or woman to be a Saint, I will answer the
question. "If you love me," says Jesus, "you will keep my
sayings." That is the touchstone. If you love the Lord Jesus Christ, and
the Father, you will keep the commandments of the Son—you will do his will. If
you neglect to do this, you may have all the visions and revelations that could
be bestowed upon a mortal being, and yet be nothing but a devil. Why I use this
expression is because when a man's mind is enlightened, and he turns from that
light to darkness, it prepares him to be a devil. A man never knew how to be
wicked, until light and truth were first made manifest to him. Then is the time
for men to make their decision, and if they turn away from the Lord, it
prepares them to become devils.
Now, I
want to go back, for I have wandered on a little with regard to dying the
Corner Stones, and take up the Apostleship, in connection with this. Let me ask
the High Priests' Quorum a question, in order to bring out the thing I wish to
lay before you. I ask the High Priests, from whence toes the Apostleship grow?
Does it grow out of the High Priesthood? I will venture to say, if I was not
here to-day, and this question was proposed for debate, you would find the Elders
in this congregation, perhaps, nearly equally divided on the point. There would
be as many High Priests to say the Apostleship grows out of the High
Priesthood, as there would to say it does not. Let me answer the question. Now
recollect that the High Priesthood, and the Lesser Priesthood, and all the
Priesthood there is, are combined, centered in, composed of, and circumscribed
by, the Apostleship. Brethren, did you ever know that before? If you had read
that book attentively, [pointing to the Book of Covenants,] it would have told
you the story as I am now telling it to you, yet the High Priests did not know
it.
I speak
thus to show you the order of the Priesthood. We will now commence with the
Apostleship, where Joseph commenced. Joseph was ordained an Apostle—that you
can read and understand. After he was ordained to this office, then he had the
right to organize and build up the kingdom of God, for he had committed unto
him the keys of the Priesthood, which is after the order of
Melchizedek—the High Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of
God. And this, remember, by being ordained an Apostle.
Could he
have built up the Kingdom of God, without first being an Apostle? No, he never
could. The keys of the eternal Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son
of God, are comprehended by being an Apostle. All the Priesthood, all the keys,
all the gifts, all the endowments, and everything preparatory to entering into
the presence of the Father and of the Son, are in, composed of, circumscribed by,
or I might say incorporated within the circumference of, the
Apostleship.
Now who
do we set, in the first place, to lay the Chief, the South East, Corner
Stone—the corner from whence light emanates to illuminate the whole fabric that
is to be lighted? We begin with the First Presidency, with the Apostleship, for
Joseph commenced, always, with the keys of the Apostleship, and he, by the
voice of the people, presiding over the whole community of Latter-day Saints,
officiated in the Apostleship, as the first President.
What
comes next in the Church? I will now refer you directly to the building up of
the Kingdom of God in the last days. What do we see next? Joseph as an Apostle
of the Lamb, with the keys of the eternal Priesthood committed unto him by
Peter, James, and John. What for? To build up the Kingdom of God on the earth.
Next grows out an office pertaining to the temporal affairs of this Kingdom,
the keys of which are committed to man on the earth, preparatory to its
establishment, preparatory to its spreading, growing, increasing, and
prospering among the nations. The next step we see taken by the Lord, is to
provide for the body, therefore some person must be appointed to fill this
office, to stand side by side with this Apostle, this first President. Who was
it? It was not brother Hunter. Who was it? It was brother Partridge. We see
brother Partridge was called to fill that place before there was an Elders'
Quorum, or a High Priests' Quorum, in existence, yea, before the thing was
talked of, and also before the Twelve Apostles were chosen, not, however,
before the revelation was given to signify there would be such a Quorum.
We see
this Apostle with the keys of the Priesthood to build up the Kingdom, to give
light to those who were in darkness, to succor those who were feeble, to
sustain the trembling, to administer salvation to the penitent, and to be a
stay and a staff to those who were ready to fall. We see this gigantic Apostle
thus standing forth, clothed with the authority of heaven, to build up His
cause on the earth. Him the Lord told to call a Bishop. So the Bishop was the
next standing authority in the Kingdom of God; therefore we set the Bishop at
the second corner of the building. The Melchizedek Priesthood, with the altar,
fixtures, and furniture belonging thereunto, is situated on the East, and the
Aaronic Priesthood belongs in the West; consequently the Presiding Bishop laid
the second stone.
Do you
ask, was it so in the other buildings? I do not know, neither do I care.
The High
Priests' Quorum—do they come next in order, do they next step into the field?
No, not particularly, any more than the Elders, nor the Elders any more than
the High Council, nor the High Council any more than the Teachers, Deacons, or
Priests. The High Priests' Quorum is a standing Quorum, abiding at home. So is
the Elders' Quorum; but the place of the Bishop is in the temporal affairs in
the Church; so then what shall we say? Why, out of due respect to the High
Priesthood, which is nothing more than what is right and reasonable, that we
should honor the Priesthood that God has bequeathed to us, we say to the High
Priests; lay the third corner stone.
We
started at the South East Corner, with the Apostleship; then the Lesser
Priesthood laid the second stone; we bring them in our ranks to the third
stone, which the High Priests and Elders laid; we take them under our wing to
the North East Corner Stone, which the Twelve and Seventies laid, and there
again join the Apostleship. It circumscribes every other Priesthood, for it is
the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which is after the order of the Son of
God.
To say a
man is an Apostle, is equal to saying that a man is ordained to build up the
Kingdom of God from first to last; but it is not so by saying he is ordained a
High Priest. The Bishoprick by right belongs to the literal descendants of
Aaron, but we shall have to ordain from the other tribes, men who hold the High
Priesthood, to act in the Lesser, until we can find a literal descendant of
Aaron, who is prepared to receive it.
The
Lesser Priesthood then, you perceive, comes within the purview of the
Apostleship, because a man that holds it has a right to act or officiate as a
High Priest, as one of the High Council, as a Patriarch, as a Bishop, Elder, Priest,
Teacher, and Deacon, and in every other office and calling that is in the
Church, from first to last, when duty demands it.
This is
the order of the Priesthood, brethren. I felt as though I wished to make some
remarks upon this subject on the Temple ground; but dismissing the congregation
hurt me much. I wanted to make some remarks at the same time, but I despaired
of making you hear, so I thought I would omit speaking in the open air, and say
what I had to say in the Tabernacle.
I know
what was done at Nauvoo; it was all right. Everything is right with me. There
the Twelve were called to lay the North West Corner Stone, if I mistake not.
However, it is no matter, they were just as well there, as anywhere else. But
to take up the Priesthood in its perfect order and form, you perceive that the
Apostleship circumscribes everything in the Church of God on earth. This is the
order, and I have endeavored to carry it out before you, that you all might
know hereafter, what is the true order, as far as it can be exhibited in the
laying of Corner Stones. So far as simply laying a corner stone is concerned,
one corner is just as good to me as another.
I will
give you the explanation why we proceeded as we have. It was suggested to me,
that perhaps the Twelve would feel better to lay the second stone. When I told
them the fourth stone was the stone they should lay, it struck my mind that I
was ordained an Apostle; and I still belong to the Apostleship; did you ever
cut me off, brethren? [Voices in the stand, No.] It struck ray mind if you
wanted to lay the second stone, you did not feel that you had the Apostleship
in you, or you did not feel like as I did; for it is the beginning and the end,
the height, depth, length, and breadth of all that is, that was, and ever can
be to all eternity. I have not heard that there were any feelings about the
matter, only somebody suggested the thing. It was three of the Twelve, then,
that laid the first stone, and then the Quorum of the Twelve laid the fourth.
Now will
it cause some of you to marvel that I was not ordained a High Priest before I
was ordained an Apostle? Brother Kimball and myself were never ordained High
Priests. How wonderful! I was going to say how little some of the brethren
understood the Priesthood, after the Twelve were called. In our early career in
this Church, on one occasion, in one of our Councils, we were telling about
some of the Twelve wanting to ordain us High Priests, and what I said to
brother Patten when he wanted to ordain me in York State: said I, brother
Patten, wait until I can lift my hand to heaven and say, I have magnified the
office of an Elder. After our conversation was over in the Council, some of the
brethren began to query, and said we ought to be ordained High Priests; at the
same time I did not consider that an Apostle needed to be ordained a High
Priest, an Elder, or a Teacher. I did not express my views on the subject, at
that time, but thought I would hear what brother Joseph would say about it. It
was William E. McLellin who told Joseph, that I and Heber were not ordained
High Priests, and wanted to know if it should not be done. Said Joseph,
"Will you insult the Priesthood? Is that all the knowledge you have of the
office of an Apostle? Do you not know that the man who receives the
Apostleship, receives all the keys that ever were, or that can be, conferred
upon mortal man? What are you talking about? I am astonished!" Nothing
more was said about it.
I know
that Joseph received his Apostleship from Peter, James, and John, before
a revelation on the subject was printed, and he never had a right to organize a
Church before he was an Apostle.
I have
tried to shew you, brethren, as briefly as possible, the order of the
Priesthood. When a man is ordained to be an Apostle, his Priesthood is without
beginning of days, or end of life, like the Priesthood of Melchizedek; for it
was his Priesthood that was spoken of in this language, and not the man.
When I
arose to address you, I wanted to talk to you a little of my experience in
practical "Mormonism." but I have not had time, and have talked long
enough already. I have been round about it, you know, for it is all inside of
what I have been telling you.
May the
Lord bless you forever, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prest. Young was followed by Elder Amasa Lyman, in a long address, bearing testimony, that men have a right to do all the good they can, &c.
Chanting by the Choir, "Judge me O Lord."
Benediction by E. T. Benson.
——
[7 Apr, 10 am*]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 7th, 1853
Conference called to order by Prest. Young at 14 to 10 o'clock a.m. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Erastus Snow. Singing.
Prest. Young presented the text, a set of fire-irons made by the brethren from the native iron in Iron Co., also a small piece of metal, looking like silver, found at the bottom of the furnace on which Aqua Fortis has no effect, and said he, we no longer ask any person to go to Iron County.
BENJAMIN L. CLAPP remarked, "I have been, for some time in a curious frame of mind, depressed in spirit, but I have done nothing in secret, neither blasphemed the name of God," and called on the Saints to forgive him, that he once more might enjoy the spirit of God; and thanks God he has been reproved, as it is for his benefit; he wants to stand in his lot, and place, and magnify his calling; he feels better to-day than he has for the last two years.
PREST. YOUNG asked the brethren and sisters if they can receive him in their faith, and hold him in their faith, and prayers, if so signify it by the uplifted hand. Hands generally raised, none opposed.
Elder Orson Hyde rose and brought before the Conference the officers of the Church, and presented Brigham Young as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator; and our leader in Israel, who was unanimously sustained; as also Heber c. Kimball as 1st Counsellor, and Willard richards as 2nd Counsellor, also Historian and General Church Recorder.
John Smith was sustained as the Patriarch to the whole Church.
Orson Hyde was sustained as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, J. Taylor, G. A. Smith, A. Lyman, E. T. Benson, C. C. Rich, L. Snow, E. Snow, and F. D. Richards were severally sustained as members of said Quorum.
John Young was sustained as President of the High Priest's Quorum, also Reynolds Cahoon, and G. B. Wallace his Counsellors.
Joseph Young was sustained as President of the Presidency of Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, Jedediah M. Grant, and B. L. Clapp as his associates.
John Nebeker was sustained as President of the elders Quorum, and James H. Smith, and Aaron Sceva his Counsellors.
Edward Hunter was sustained as Presiding Bishop of the Church, and N. H. Felt, John Banks, and Alfred Cordon as assistant presiding and travelling Bishops among the people.
Lewis Wight was sustained as President of the Priests Quorum; also John Groves, and Geo. Dockstader his Counsellors.
McGee Harris was sustained as President of the Teacher's Quorum, and Adam Spires, was voted to be his Counsellor in the room of Thomas B. Foy, who had moved to another Valley, and Reuben Perkins was sustained as his 2nd Counsellor.
Return R. Hill was sustained as President of the Deacon's quorum; Alexander Henon voted to be a Counsellor in room of Andrew burt, and Oswell Barlow was sustained in his office as 2nd Counsellor.
Brigham Young was sustained as Trustee in Trust for the CHurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Edward Hunter as his assistant.
D. H. Wells was sustained as Superintendent of Public Works; and T. O. Angel as Architect, for the Church
Brigham Young was sustained as the President of the Perpetual Emigrating Company to gather the poor, also H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, W. Snow, E. Hunter, D. Spencer, T. Bullock, J. Brown, W. Crosby, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, L. D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, and F. D. Richards were sustained as his assistants.
David Fullmer was voted to be the President of this Stake of Zion in room of daniel Spencer, absent on a misison.
Eleazer Miller, Heman Hyde, Wm. W. Major, Levi Jackman, Ira eldredge, john Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, and N. H. Felt, were sustained at one vote as members of the High Council of this stake of Zion, with the addition of Phinehas Richards, to fill the place of John Kempton deceased.
Orson Hyde, W. Woodruff, J. Taylor, E. T. Benson, G. A. Smith, L. Snow, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, J. Young, Levi W. Hancock, H. Herriman, Z. Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, J. M. Grant, and B. L. Clapp, were sustained as Missionaries to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Valleys of the mountains, and J. L. Robinson was added to said list.
PREST. YOUNG gave notice to the High Councils, that when a High Council is organized in any Stake, the most aged man is the President.
Asahel Perry of Springville was voted to be a Patriarch in the Church.
Charles Hyde of Great Salt Lake City, do.
James Allred of San Pete, do.
Elder GEORGE A. SMITH was called upon to preach "an Iron Sermon," who rose, took in the stand one of the Fire-irons, holding the same over his head cried out, "Stereotype edition" and descended, amid the cheers of the Saints. As many of the Saints had been in the house over five hours Choir sung "Praise God from whom all blessings flow". Benediction by Lorenzo Snow.
——
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 7, 2 p.m.
Conference called to order by President Kimball. Singing. Prayer by Elder Woodruff. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" was chanted by the Choir.
Elder P. P. PRATT read his Oration given yesterday on the North East corner Stone of the Temple, and followed with a sermon on first page of this paper.
—— ——
[Parley P. Pratt, DNW, 3:45, 4/30/1853 p 1]
SERMON
By
Elder P. P. Pratt, before the Conference, April 7th 1853.
After
reading his sermon delivered on the North East Corner Stone, Elder P. P. Pratt
spoke as follows:
I was led
to reflection on this subject, not only by my acquaintance with the present
state of the world, and the movements and powers which seem new to many, but
because this text, written by Isaiah so many centuries since, and copied by
Nephi ages before the birth of Jesus Christ, seemed as appropriate, and as
directly adapted to the present state of things, as if written but yesterday,
or a year since.
"Should
not a people seek unto their God, for the living to hear from the dead?"
is a question by the Prophet, and at a time when they shall invite you to seek
unto those familiar with spirits, and to wizards, &c., or in other words,
to magnetizers, rappers, clairvoyants, writing mediums, &c. When they shall
say these things unto you, then is the time to consider the question of that
ancient Prophet—"Should not a people seek unto their God, for the living
to hear from the dead?"
We hear
much, of late, about visions, trances, clairvoyance, mediums of communication
with the spirit world, writing mediums, &c., by which the world of spirits
is said to have found means to communicate with spirits in the flesh. They are
not working in a corner. The world is agitated on these subjects. Religious
ministers are said to preach, editors to write and print, judges to judge,
&c., by this kind of inspiration. It is brought into requisition to develop
the sciences, to detect crime, and in short to mingle in all the interests of
life.
In the
first place, what are we talking about, when we touch the question of the
living hearing from the dead? It is a saying, that "dead men tell no
tales." If this is not in the Bible, it is somewhere else; and if it
be true, it is just as good as if it were in the Bible.
The
Sadducees in the time of Jesus, believed there were no such things as angels or
spirits, or existence in another sphere; that when an individual was dead, it
was the final end of the workings of his intellectual being, that the elements
were dissolved, and mingled with the great fountain from which they emanated,
which was the end of individuality, or conscious existence.
Jesus, in
reply to them, took up the argument from the Scriptures, or history of the ancient
fathers, venerated by reason of antiquity, in hopes, by this means, to
influence the Sadducees, or at least the Pharisees and others, by means so
powerful and so well adapted to the end in view.
Said he,
God has declared Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Now God is not
the God of the dead, but the God of the living; as much as to say that Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob were not dead, but living; that they had never been dead at
all, but had always been living; that they never did die, in the sense of the
word that these Sadducees supposed, but were absolutely alive.
Now if
intelligent beings, who once inhabited flesh, such as our fathers, mothers,
wives, children, &c., have really died, and are now dead in the sense of
the word, as understood by the ancient Sadducees, or modern Atheist, then it is
in vain to talk of converse with the dead. All controversy, in that case, is at
an end on the subject of correspondence with the dead, because an intelligence
must exist before it can communicate. If these individuals are dead, in the
sense that the human body dies, then there is no communication from them. This
we know, because of our own observation and experience. We have seen many dead
bodies, but have never known of a single instance of any intelligence
communicated therefrom.
Jesus, in
his argument with the Sadducees, handled the subject according to the strictest
principles of ancient and modern theology, and true philosophy. He conveyed the
idea in the clearest terms, that an individual intelligence or identity could
never die.
The
outward tabernacle, inhabited by a spirit, returns to the element from which it
emanated. But the thinking being, the individual, active agent or identity that
inhabited that tabernacle, never ceased to exist, to think, act, live, move, or
have a being; never ceased to exercise those sympathies, affections, hopes, and
aspirations, which are founded in the very nature of intelligences, being the
inherent and invaluable principles of their eternal existence.
No, they never
cease. They live, move, think, act, converse, feel, love, hate, believe, doubt,
hope, and desire.
But what
are they, if they are not flesh and bones? What are they, if they are not
tangible to our gross organs of sense? Of what are they composed, that we can
neither see, hear, nor handle them, except we are quickened, or our organs
touched by the principles of vision, clairvoyance, or spiritual sight? What are
they? Why, they are organized intelligences. What are they made of? They are
made of the element which we call spirit, which is as much an element of
material existence, as earth, air, electricity, or any other tangible substance
recognized by man; but so subtle, so refined is its nature, that it is not
tangible to our gross organs. It is invisible to us, unless we are quickened by
a portion of the same element; and, like electricity, and several other
substances, it is only known or made manifest to our senses by its effects. For
instance, electricity is not always visible to us, but its existence is made
manifest by its operations upon the wire, or upon the nerves. We cannot see the
air, but we feel its effects, and without it we cannot breathe.
If a wire
were extended in connection with the equatorial line of our globe in one entire
circle of 25,000 miles In extent, the electric fluid would convey a token from
one intelligence to another, the length of the entire circle, in a very small
portion of a second, or, we will say in the twinkling of an eye. This, then,
proves that the spiritual fluid or element called electricity is an actual,
physical, and tangible power, and is as much a real and tangible substance, as
the ponderous rocks which were laid on yesterday in the foundation of our
contemplated Temple.
It is
true that this subtle fluid or spiritual element is endowed with the powers of
locomotion in a far greater degree than the more gross or solid elements of
nature; that its refined particles penetrate amid the other elements with
greater ease, and meet with less resistance from the air or other Substances,
than would the more gross elements. Hence its speed, or superior powers of
motion.
Now let
us apply this philosophy to all the degrees of spiritual element from
electricity, which may be assumed to be one of the lowest or more gross elements
of spiritual matter, up through all the gradations of the invisible fluids,
till we arrive at a substance so holy, so pure, so endowed with intellectual
attributes and sympathetic affections, that it may be said to be on a par, or
level, in its attributes, with man.
Let a
given quantity of this element, thus endowed, or capacitated, be organized in
the size and form of man, let every organ be developed, formed, and endowed,
precisely after the pattern or model of man's outward or fleshly tabernacle—what
would we call this individual, organized portion of the spiritual element?
We would
call it a spiritual body, an individual intelligence, an agent endowed with
life, with a degree of independence, or inherent will, with the powers of
motion, of thought, and with the attributes of moral, intellectual, and
sympathetic affections and emotions.
We would
conceive of it as possessing eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to handle; as in
possession of the organ of taste, of smelling, and of speech.
Such
beings are we, when we have laid off this outward tabernacle of flesh. We are
in every way interested, in our relationships, kindred ties, sympathies,
affections, and hopes, as if we had continued to live, but had stepped aside,
and were experiencing the loneliness of absence for a season. Our ancestors,
our posterity, to the remotest ages of antiquity, or of future time, are all
brought within the circle of our sphere of joys, sorrows, interests, or
expectations; each forms a link in the great chain of life, and in the science
of mutual salvation, improvement, and exaltation through the blood of the Lamb.
Our
prospects, hopes, faith, charity, enlightenment, improvement, in short, all our
interests, are blended, and more or less influenced by the acts of each.
Is this
the kind of being that departs from our sight when its earthly tabernacle is
laid off, and the vail of eternity is lowered between us? Yes, verily. Where
then does it go?
To
heaven, says one; to the eternal world of glory, says another; to the celestial
kingdom, to inherit thrones and crowns, in all the fulness of the presence of
the Father, and of Jesus Christ, says a third.
Now, my
dear hearers, these things are not so. Nothing of the kind. Thrones, kingdoms,
crowns, principalities, and powers, in the celestial and eternal worlds, and
the fulness of the presence of the Father, and of His Son Jesus Christ, are
reserved for resurrected beings, who dwell in immortal flesh. The world of
resurrected beings, and the world of spirits, are two distinct spheres, as much
so as our own sphere is distinct from that of the spirit world.
Where
then does the spirit go, on its departure from its earthly tabernacle? It
passes to the next sphere of human existence, called the world of spirits, a
vail being drawn between us in the flesh, and that world of spirits. Well, says
one, is there no more than one place in the spirit world? Yes, there are many
places and degrees in that world, as in this. Jesus Christ, when absent from
his flesh, did not ascend to the Father, to be crowned, and enthroned in power.
Why? Because he had not yet a resurrected body, and had therefore a mission to
perform in another sphere. Where then did he go? To the world of spirits, to
wicked, sinful spirits, who died in their sins, being swept off by the flood of
Noah. The thief on the cross, who died at the same time, also went to the same
world, and to the same particular place in the same world, for he was a sinner,
and would of course go to the prison of the condemned, there to await the
ministry of that Gospel which had failed to reach his ease while on the earth.
How many
other places Jesus might have visited while in the spirit world is not for me
to say, but there was a moment in which the poor, uncultivated, ignorant thief
was with him in that world. And as he commenced, though late, to repent while
on the earth, we have reason to hope that that moment was improved by our
Saviour, in ministering to him that Gospel which he had no opportunity to teach
to him, while expiring on the cross. "This day shalt thou be with me in
Paradise," said Jesus, or, in other words, this day shalt thou be with me
in the next sphere of existence—the world of spirits.
Now mark
the difference. Jesus was there, as a preacher of righteousness, as one holding
the keys of Apostleship, or Priesthood, anointed to preach glad tidings to the
meek, to bind up the broken hearted, to preach liberty to the captive, and the
opening of the prison to them that were bound. What did the thief go there for?
He went there in a state of ignorance, and sin, being uncultivated, unimproved,
and unprepared for salvation. He went there to be taught, and to complete that
repentance, which in a dying moment he commenced on the earth.
He had
beheld Jesus expire on the cross, and he had implored him to remember him when
he should come into possession of his kingdom. The Saviour under these extreme
circumstances, did not then teach him the Gospel, but referred him to the next
opportunity, when they should meet in the spirit world. If the thief thus
favoured continued to improve, he is no doubt waiting in hope for the signal to
be given, at the sound of the next trump, for him to leave the spirit world,
and to re-enter the fleshly tabernacle, and to ascend to a higher degree of felicity.
Jesus Christ, on the other hand, departed from the spirit world on the third
day, and reentered his fleshly tabernacle, in which he ascended, and was
crowned at the right hand of the Father. Jesus Christ then, and the thief on
the cross, have not dwelt together in the same kingdom or place, for this
eighteen hundred years, nor have we proof that they have seen each other during
that time.
To say
that Jesus Christ dwells in the world of spirits, with those whose bodies are
dead, would not be the truth. He is not there. He only staid there till the
third day. He then returned to his tabernacle, and ministered among the sons of
earth for forty days, where he ate, drank, talked, preached, reasoned out of
the Scriptures, commissioned, commanded, blessed, &c. Why did he do this?
Because he had ascended on high, and been crowned with all power in heaven and
on earth, therefore he had authority to do all these things.
So much
then for that wonderful question that has been asked by our Christian
neighbors, so many thousand times, in the abundance of their charity for those
who, like the thief on the cross, die in their sins, or without baptism, and
the other Gospel ordinances.
The
question naturally arises—Do all the people who die without the Gospel hear it
as soon as they arrive in the world of spirits? To illustrate this, let us look
at the dealings of God with the people of this world. "What can we
reason but from what we know?" We know and understand the things of
this world, in some degree, because they are visible, and we are daily
conversant with them. Do all the people in this world hear the Gospel as soon
as they are capable of understanding? No, indeed, but very few in comparison
have heard it at all.
Ask the
poor Lamanites who have, with their fathers before them, inhabited these
mountains for a thousand years, whether they have ever heard the Gospel, and
they will tell you nay. But why not? Is it not preached on the earth? Yea,
verily, but the earth is wide, and circumstances differ very greatly among its
different inhabitants. The Jews once had the Gospel, with its Apostleship,
powers, and blessings offered unto them, but they rejected it as a people, and
for this reason it was taken from them, and thus many generations of them have
been born, and have lived and died without it. So with the Gentiles, and so
with the Lamanites. God has seen proper to offer the Gospel, with its
Priesthood and powers, in different ages and countries, but it has been as
often rejected, and therefore withdrawn from the earth. The consequence is that
the generations of men have, for many ages, come and gone in ignorance of its
principles, and the glorious hopes they inspire.
Now these
blessings would have continued on the earth, and would have been enjoyed in all
the ages and nations of man, but for the agency of the people. They chose their
own forms of government, laws, institutions, religions, rulers, and priests,
instead of yielding to the influence and guidance of the chosen vessels of the
Lord, who were appointed to instruct and govern them.
Now, how
are they situated in the spirit world? If we reason from analogy, we should at
once conclude that things exist there after the same pattern. I have not the
least doubt but there are spirits there who have dwelt there a thousand years,
who, if we could converse with them face to face, would be found as ignorant of
the truths, the ordinances, powers, keys, Priesthood, resurrection, and eternal
life of the body, in short, as ignorant of the fulness of the Gospel, with its
hopes and consolations, as is the Pope of Rome, or the Bishop of Canterbury, or
as are the Chiefs of the Indian tribes of Utah.
And why
this ignorance in the spirit world? Because a portion of the inhabitants
thereof are found unworthy of the consolations of the Gospel, until the fulness
of time, until they have suffered in hell, in the dungeons of darkness, or the
prisons of the condemned, amid the buffetings of fiends, and malicious and
lying spirits.
As in
earth, so in the spirit world. No person can enter into the privileges of the
Gospel, until the keys are turned, and the Gospel opened by those in authority,
for all which there is a time, according to the wise dispensations of justice
and mercy.
It was
many, many centuries before Christ lived in the flesh, that a whole generation,
eight souls excepted, were cut off by the flood. What became of them? I do not
know exactly all their history in the spirit world. But this much I know—they
have heard the Gospel from the lips of a crucified Redeemer, and have the
privilege of being judged according to men in the flesh. As these persons were
ministered to by Jesus Christ, after he had been put to death, it is reasonable
to suppose that they had waited all that time, without the knowledge or
privileges of the Gospel.
How long
did they wait? You may reckon for yourselves. The long ages, centuries,
thousands of years which intervened between the flood of Noah and the death of
Christ. Oh! the weariness, the tardy movement of time! the lingering ages for a
people to dwell in condemnation, darkness, ignorance, and despondency, as a
punishment for their sins. For they had been filled with violence while on the
earth in the flesh, and had rejected the preaching of Noah, and the Prophets
which were before him.
Between
these two dispensations, so distant from each other in point of time, they were
left to linger without hope, and without God, in the spirit world; and similar
has been the fate of the poor Jew, the miserable Lamanite, and many others in
the flesh. Between the commission and ministry of the Former and Latter Day
Saints, and Apostles, there has been a long and dreary night of darkness. Some
fifteen to seventeen centuries have passed away, in which the generations of
man have lived without the keys of the Gospel.
Whether
in the flesh, or in the spirit world, is this not hell enough? Who can imagine
a greater hell than that before our eyes, in the circumstances of the poor,
miserable, degraded Indian and his ancestors, since the keys of the Gospel were
taken from them some fifteen hundred years ago? Those who had the Gospel in the
former dispensations, and were made partakers of its spirit, its knowledge, and
its powers, and then turned away, and became the enemies of God, and of His
Saints, the malicious and wilful opposers of that which they knew to be true,
have no forgiveness in this world, neither in the spirit world, which is the
world next to come.
Such
apostates seek, in all dispensations to bring destruction on the innocent, and
to shed innocent blood, or consent thereto. For such, I again repeat, I know no
forgiveness. Their children, who, by the conduct of such fathers, have been
plunged into ignorance and misery for so many ages, and have lived without the
privileges of the Gospel, will look down upon such a parentage with mingled
feelings of horror, contempt, reproach, and pity, as the agents who plunged
their posterity into the depths of misery and woe.
Think of
those swept away by the flood in the days of Noah. Did they wait a long time in
prison? Forty years! O what a time to be imprisoned! What do you say to a
hundred, a thousand, two thousand, three or four thousand years to wait? Without
what? Without even a clear idea or hope of a resurrection from the dead,
without the broken heart being bound up, the captive delivered, or the door of
the prison opened. Did not they wait? Yes they did, until Christ was put to
death in the flesh.
Now what
would have been the result, if they had repented while in the flesh at the
preaching of Noah? Why, they would have died in hope of a glorious
resurrection, and would have enjoyed the society of the redeemed, and lived in
happiness in the spirit world, till the resurrection of the Son of God. Then
they would have received their bodies, and would have ascended with him, amid
thrones, principalities, and powers in heavenly places.
I will
suppose, in the spirit world, a grade of spirits of the lowest order, composed
of murderers, robbers, thieves, adulterers, drunkards, and persons ignorant,
uncultivated, &c., who are in prison, or in hell, without hope, without
God, and unworthy as yet of Gospel instruction. Such spirits, if they could
communicate, would not tell you of the resurrection or of any of the Gospel
truths, for they know nothing about them. They would not tell you about heaven,
or Priesthood for in all their meanderings in the world of spirits, they have
never been privileged with the ministry of a holy Priest. If they should tell
all the truth they possess, they could not tell much.
Take
another class of spirits—pious, well-disposed men; for instance, the honest
Quaker, Presbyterian, or other sectarian, who, although honest, and well
disposed, had not, while in the flesh, the privilege of the Priesthood and
Gospel. They believed in Jesus Christ, but died in ignorance of his ordinances,
and had not clear conceptions of his doctrine, and of the resurrection. They
expected to go to that place called heaven, as soon as they were dead, and that
their doom would then and there be fixed, without any further alteration or
preparation. Suppose they should come back, with liberty to tell all they know?
How much light could we get from them? They could only tell you about the
nature of things in the world in which they live. And even that world you could
not comprehend, by their description thereof, any more than you can describe
colours to a man born blind, or sounds to those who have never heard.
What,
then, could you get from them? Why, common chit chat, in which there would be a
mixture of truth, and of error and mistakes, in mingled confusion: all their
communications would betray the same want of clear and logical conceptions, and
sound sense and philosophy, as would characterize the same class of spirits in
the flesh.
Who,
then, is prepared, among the spirits in the spirit world, to communicate the
truth on the subject of salvation, to guide the people, to give advice, to
confer consolation, to heal the sick, to administer joy, and gladness, and hope
of immortality and eternal life, founded on manifest truth?
All that
have been raised from the dead, and clothed with immortality, all that have
ascended to yonder heavens, and been crowned as Kings and Priests, all such are
oUr fellow servants, and of our brethren the Prophets, who have the testimony
of Jesus; all such are waiting for the work of God among their posterity on the
earth.
They
could declare glad tidings if we were only prepared to commune with them. What
else? Peter, James, Joseph, Hyrum, Father Smith, any, or all of those ancient
or modern Saints, who have departed this life, who are clothed upon with the
powers of the eternal Apostleship, or Priesthood, who have gone to the world of
spirits, not to sorrow, but as joyful messengers, bearing glad tidings of
eternal truth to the spirits in prison—could not these teach us good things?
Yes, if they were permitted so to do.
But
suppose all spirits were honest, and aimed at truth, yet each one could only
converse of the things he is privileged to know, or comprehend, or which have
been revealed to his understanding, or brought within the range of his
intellect.
If this
be the case, what then do we wish, in communicating with the eternal world, by
visions, angels, or ministering spirits? Why, if a person is sick they would
like to be visited, comforted, or healed by an angel or spirit! If a man is in
prison, he would like an angel or spirit to visit him, and comfort or deliver
him. A man shipwrecked would like to be instructed in the way of escape for
himself and fellows from a watery grave. In case of extreme hunger a loaf of
bread brought by an angel would not be unacceptable.
If a man
were journeying, and murderers were lying in wait for him in a certain road, an
angel would be useful to him in telling him of the circumstance, and to take
another road.
If a man
were journeying to preach the Gospel, an angel would be useful to tell the
neighbors of his high and holy calling, as in case of Peter and Cornelius. Or
would you not like to have angels all around you, to guard, guide, and advise
you in every emergency?
The
Saints would like to enter a holy temple, and have their President and his
assistants administer for their dead. They love their fathers, although they
had once almost forgotten them. Our fathers have forgotten to hand down to us
their genealogy. They have not felt sufficient interest to transmit to us their
names, and the time and place of birth, and in many instances they have not
taught us when and where ourselves were born, or who were our grandparents, and
their ancestry. Why is all this? It is because of that veil of blindness which
is cast over the earth, because there has been no true Church, Priesthood, or
Patriarchal order, no holy place for the deposit or preservation of the sacred
archives of antiquity, no knowledge of the eternal kindred ties, relationship,
or mutual interests of eternity. The hearts of the children had become
estranged from the fathers, and the hearts of the fathers from the children,
until one came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the keys of these
things, to open communication between worlds, and to kindle in our bosoms that
glow of eternal affection which lay dormant.
Suppose
our temple was ready, and we should enter there to act for the dead, we could
only act for those whose names are known to us. And these are few with the most
of us Americans. And why is this? We have never had time to look to the
heavens, or to the past or future, so busy have we been with the things of the
earth. We have hardly had time to think of ourselves, to say nothing of our
fathers.
It is
time that all this stupidity and indifference should come to an end, and that
our hearts were opened, and our charities extended, and that our bosoms
expanded, to reach forth after whom? Those whom we consider dead! God has
condescended so far to our capacity, as to speak of our fathers as if they were
dead, although they are all living spirits, and will live for ever. We
have no dead! Only think of it! Our fathers are all living, thinking, active
agents; we have only been taught that they are dead!
Shall I
speak my feelings, that I had on yesterday, while we were laying those Corner
Stones of the Temple? Yes, I will utter them, if I can.
It was
not with my eyes, not with the power of actual vision, but by my intellect, by
the natural faculties inherent in man, by the exercise of my reason, upon known
principles, or by the power of the Spirit, that it appeared to me that Joseph
Smith, and his associate spirits, the Latter-day Saints, hovered about us on
the brink of that foundation, and with them all the angels and spirits from the
other world, that might be permitted, or that were not too busy elsewhere.
Why
should I think so? In the first place, what else on this earth have they to be
interested about? Where would their eyes be turned, in the wide earth, if not
centered here? Where would their hearts and affections be, if they cast a look
or a thought towards the dark speck in the heavens which we inhabit, unless to
the people of these valleys and mountains? Are there others who have the keys
for the redemption of the dead? Is any one else preparing a sanctuary for the
holy conversation and ministrations pertaining to their exaltation? No,
verily. No other people have opened their hearts to conceive ideas so grand. No
other people have their sympathies drawn out to such an extent towards the
fathers.
No. If
you go from this people, to hear the doctrines of others, you will hear the
doleful sayings—"As the tree falls, so it lyeth. As death leaves you,
so judgment will .find you. There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge in the
grave, &c., &c. There is no change after death, but you are fixed,
irretrievably fixed, for all eternity. The moment the breath leaves the body,
you must go to an extreme of heaven or of hell, there to rejoice with Peter on
thrones of power in the presence of Jesus Christ in the third heavens, or, on
the other hand, to roll in the flames of hell with murderers and devils." Such
are the doctrines of our sectarian brethren, who profess to believe in Christ,
but who know not the mysteries of godliness, and the boundless resources of
eternal charity, and of that mercy which endureth forever.
It is
here, that the spirit world would look with an intense interest, it is here
that the nations of the dead, if I may so call them, would concentrate their
hopes of ministration on the earth in their behalf. It is here that the
countless millions of the Spirit world would look for the ordinances of
redemption, so far as they have been enlightened by the preaching of the
Gospel, since the keys of the former dispensation were taken away from the
earth.
Why? If
they looked upon the earth at all, it would be upon those Corner Stones which
we laid yesterday; if they listened at all, it would be to hear the sounds of
voices and instruments, and the blending of sacred and martial music in honour
of the commencement of a temple for the redemption of the dead. With what intensity
of interest did they listen to the songs of Zion, and witness the feelings of
their friends. They were glad to behold the glittering bayonets of the guards
around the temple ground, and they longed for the day when there would be a
thousand where there is now but one. They wish to see a strong people, gathered
and united, in sufficient power to maintain a spot on earth where a baptismal
font might be erected for the baptism for the dead.
It was
here that all their expectations were centered. What cared they for all the
golden palaces, marble pavements, or gilded halls of state. on earth? What
cared they for all the splendor, equipage, tides, and empty sounds of the
self-styled great of this world, which all pass away as the dew of the morning
before the rising sun? What cared they for the struggles, the battles, the
victories, and numerous other worldly interests that vibrate the bosoms of men
on either side? None of these things would interest them. Their interests were
centered here, and thence extended to the work of God among the nations of the
earth.
Did
Joseph, in the spirit world, think of any thing else, yesterday, but the doings
of his brethren on the earth? He might have been necessarily employed, and so
busy as to be obliged to think of other things. But if I were to judge from the
acquaintance I had with him in his life, and from my knowledge of the spirit of
Priesthood, I would suppose him to be so hurried as to have little or no time
to cast an eye or a thought after his friends on the earth. He was always busy
while here, and so are we. The spirit of our holy ordination and anointing will
not let us rest. The spirit of his calling will never suffer him to rest, while
satan, sin, death, or darkness, possesses a foot of ground on this earth. While
the spirit world contains the spirit of one of his friends or the grave holds
captive one of their bodies, he will never rest, or slacken his labours.
You might
as well talk of Saul, king of Israel, resting while Israel was oppressed by the
Canaanites or Philistines, after Samuel had anointed him to be king. At first
he was like another man, but when occasion called into action the energies of a
king, the spirit of his anointing came upon him. He slew an ox, divided it into
twelve parts, and sent a part to each of the tribes of Israel., with this
proclamation—"So shall it be done to the ox of the man who will not
come up to the help of the Lord of hosts."
Ye Elders
of Israel! you will find that there is a spirit upon you which will urge you to
continued exertion, and will never suffer you to feel at ease in Zion while a
work remains unfinished in the great plan of redemption of our race. It
will inspire the Saints to build, plant, improve, cultivate, make the desert
fruitful, in short, to use the elements, send missions abroad, build up states
and kingdoms and temples at home, and send abroad the light of a never-ending
day to every people and nation of the globe.
You have
been baptized, you have had the laying on of hands, and some have been ordained,
and some anointed with a holy anointing. A spirit has been given you. And you
will find, if you undertake to rest, it will be the hardest work you ever
performed. I came home here from a foreign mission. I presented myself to our
President, and inquired what I should do next. "Rest," said he.
If I had
been set to turn the world over, to dig down a mountain, to go to the ends of
the earth, or traverse the deserts of Arabia, it would have been easier than to
have undertaken to rest, while the Priesthood was upon me. I have received the
holy anointing, and I can never rest till the last enemy is conquered, death
destroyed, and truth reigns triumphant.
May God
bless you all. Amen.
The Choir chanted "The Hallelujah Chorus." Benediction by F. D. Richards.
After dismissal, a meeting of the Presidency, Apostles, and others, in the vestry, when James Allred, Asahel Perry, and charles Walker Hyde were ordained Patriarchs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by Presidents Young, Kimball, Richards.
——
[8 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 8, 10 o'clock a.m.
Conference called to order by Pres'. Young. Singing. Prayer by J. M. Grant. Singing.
PREST. KIMBALL stated, "we have a number of elders who are chosen to go on missions," and exhorted them to do their duty; when the following elders, viz: Israel Barlow, Philemon Merrill, James d. Ross, Wm. W. Major, Daniel Tyler, Albert P. Tyler, Benjamin Ashby, Henry E. Phelps, Lorenzo D. Rudd, Israel Evans, Jesse B. Martin, James Bond, Loren Roundy, Charles A. Foster, John D. T. McAllister, James Carrigan, Wilford G. McMullen, Charles R. Dana, and Joseph France, were voted to go to England, and be under the direction of the Presidency to that country.
Thomas Colbera, to Germany.
Samuel Savary and Milton Howe, to the United States.
Edward D. Wade and Cyrus Canfield, to China.
PREST. YOUNG arose and spake as follows.
[Brigham
Young]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p3]
I wish to
deliver a short discourse, which may, perhaps, become a lengthy one before the
close of this Conference.
I will
now give the text, and probably shall call upon the brethren to fill out the
sermon. I do not know that I can refer you to the Bible for the particular
chapter and verse, to find the text; but the text may be given here, and the
book referred to hereafter.
The text
is the right of heirship. I will, however, make an addition to the
Scripture before I proceed further with my remarks, and say, "the right
of heirship in the Priesthood; for unquestionably this will be connected
with the text and brought into the discourse.
In the
little that I shall say, I will endeavour to point out the items of doctrine
and the right view to be contemplated and spoken upon by the brethren; for I
wish this subject to be properly understood.
Pertaining
to the kingdom of God, to this earth, to the organization of it, to the
bringing forth of the children of men upon it, to the preparatory Gospel or law
to fit and prepare them, after receiving their tabernacles, to enter again into
the presence of their Father and God, this heirship, this right did belong,
still belongs, and for ever will belong to the first-born son in every family
of Adam's race.
This is
understood from the Bible, not only by the Latter-day Saints, but also by the
Christian world. Jesus Christ, first-begotten of the Father, of all the rest of
the children, and of all they possess, alone is the lawful heir. This is no
mystery.
After passing
over the ages and generations of the children of men for about six thousand
years, we will come to the present congregation and say the right of heirship
is the same now that it was in the beginning. It is as it was and as it ever
will be, worlds without end. This I wish the Latter-day Saints to understand a
little better than they have heretofore. I will give you my reason.
For
instance, there are sisters in this Church that have been bereaved of their
husbands, who died full of faith in the holy Gospel and full of hope for a
glorious resurrection to eternal life. One of them is visited by a High Priest,
of whom she seeks information touching her situation and that of her husband.
At the same time, the woman has a son twenty-five years of age, who is an Elder
in one of the Quorums of Seventies, and faithful in all the duties connected
with his calling. She has also other sons and daughters. She asks this High
Priest what she shall do for her husband, and he very religiously says to her,
"You must be sealed to me, and I will bring up your husband, stand as
proxy for him, receive his endowments and all the sealing, keys, and blessings,
and eternal Priesthood for him, and be the father of your children."
Hear it
ye mothers! The mother that does that barters away the sacred right of her son.
Does she know it? No. This has been done in hundreds of instances, though
innocently and in ignorance, which makes it excuseable. For my own part, I am
willing to wink at the ignorance of the people, and I believe our heavenly
Father is.
But you
that will hear and be made to understand the true principles that govern this
matter, go from this place and do hereafter as has been doric in bygone days;
and instead of the children being robbed of their just rights: the woman
shall lose her children, and they shall yet stand in their place and be put in
the possession of their rights. What is to be done? Let mothers honor their
children. If a woman has a son, let her honor that son.
But a
mother may say, "My son is only five years old. I never had but one son
among a number of daughters. I am advancing in years, and may die before I can
be sealed to my husband." Let that son wait until he is old enough to
officiate for his father; and though you may go into your grave, let your son
do his duty, and [you] never hang to the skirts of a man that is avaricious.
You may
see a great many miserly persons with regard to dollars and cents. It is just
as natural for men to be miserly with regard to their religious blessings. You
may see hundreds of Elders who say to the sisters, "Come and be sealed
to me," crawling round to make the holy ordinances of, God a matter of
speculation to administer to their avaricious dispositions. They will tell you
that you will go into eternity and find yourselves without husbands, and can:
not get an exaltation,—that you cannot have this, that, or the other, unless
you are sealed to them. I am free, and so are you. My advice to the
sisters is, Never be sealed to any man unless you wish to be. I say to
you High Priests and Elders, Never from this time ask a woman to be
sealed to you, unless she wants to be; but let the widows and
children alone.
I will
refer you to a discourse I delivered here last season upon the subject of the
resurrection and the millennium, setting forth before the people the work to be
accomplished in that period of time. We have at least one thousand years,
counting three hundred and sixty-five days, five hours, forty-eight minutes,
and fifty-seven seconds to the year, if I recollect right, wherein the Elders
of Israel will enter holy temples of the Lord and officiate for just such
persons as you and I, that have done. the work we were called to do in our day,
whether it was much or little. There will be hundreds of thousands of the sons
of Jacob to administer in these temples for you and me. Joseph, Hyrum, father
Smith, and many others will be there to dictate and preside. Joseph will stand
at the head of this dispensation and hold the keys of it, for they are not
taken from him: they never were in time; they never will be in eternity. I
shall be there if I live or if I die. If I die, my brethren or my children will
officiate for me. I shall lose nothing through death. Magnify your calling in
this Church, and I will warrant you an exaltation just as good and as great as
you can ask for.
I might
notice many more items pertaining to this matter; but the Elders going round
telling the sisters they must be sealed to them, or they cannot get an exaltation,
particularly has wounded my feelings. How ignorant such men are! This to me
is like a shadow. To talk about it is sheer nonsense. Let every man and woman
magnify their calling in the the kingdom of God, and he will take care that we
have our exaltation.
Sisters
come to me and inquire what they shall do, saying, Brother A. or B taught me so
and so. They are as wild as the deer on the mountains. Their ideas and
calculations are derogatory to every shade of good sound sense and to every
principle of the Priesthood of heaven.
Brethren,
learn to be patient and submissive to your duty and callings in life, and not
be anxious to accumulate to yourselves that which, when you have obtained, you
are at a loss to know what to do with. There are scores of men in this house
that, if they could pile up an almost unlimited amount of gold, in a short time
would not possess one dime of it. There are also scores of Elders here who, if
they had five hundred women sealed to them and a thousand children, would
destroy themselves and these over whom they exercise any influence. They would
not know what to do with them. You want to have another wife: but do you use
well the one you have got? It is a bad omen to me when a man wants another
wife, and the one he has got is ready to leave him. If you cannot keep the jewel
you already possess, be cautious how you take more, lest you lose them both.
I did not
design to speak long, as it hurts me. I think I have laid out the text before
the brethren plain enough for them to preach upon it. I wish them so to exhibit
the subject before the people, that they may carry it away in their
understandings.
Let me
hear no more of this "You must be sealed to me, or you cannot get an
exaltation." If a man gets the widow of a good man, sealed, married to
him, with a view to hold control over and rob every child in that family of
their birthright, he will be mistaken. It will not be. I say to you, my
brethren, young men, you Elders, Rise up and magnify your calling, honor the
Priesthood; and if a man has stepped up and married your mother under the
influence of such an expectation, TURN HIM OUT OF YOUR HOUSE, AND MAINTAIN YOUR
BIRTHRIGHT.
The Prest. sat down, in the midst of the liveliest sensations of joy, capable of being manifested by a countless congregation.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 3:50, 5/14/1853 p 2, JD 6:309]
SPEECH BY ELDER ORSON HYDE, DELIVERD IN THE TABERNACLE,
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, APRIL, 8, 1853
After
President Young's sermon on heirship at General Conference, April 8, 10, A.M.,
President O. Hyde spoke as follows --
Brethren
and sisters,—I think the words that have just fallen from the lips of our
President must have left an impression upon all hearts susceptible of
understanding, that time will not easily remove.
I am sure
there is no one in this congregation, however he may be entangled in the meshes
of the net himself, but must be constrained to say, "True and righteous
are thy ways, thou King of Saints." When we hear the law which governs the
right of heirship laid down so clearly, plainly, and forcibly as on the present
occasion, we cannot but see; and seeing, we cannot but rejoice and be glad.
When a
doctrine with which we have not formerly been acquainted is first preached to
us, it is not always that we come into possession of the whole truth pertaining
to it at once. This we do not expect.
I will
illustrate it by a principle with which we are all acquainted. Does any person
in this congregation doubt the ability of those skilled in the manufacture of
sugar to produce that article from the beet-root in this valley? I presume
there is not one that doubts it. Again—Is there any one that doubts the ability
of those who are engaged in the iron regions to produce in time that which is
needful and, necessary for the comfort and convenience of the people and for
the improvement of this valley? Did they produce by the first blast, by the
first exertion, that quality of iron that was necessary to cast into andirons
like these? [pointing to two andirons which were placed upon the desk.] No.
There were many comparatively fruitless attempts before anything essential
could be brought out; but these fruitless efforts must of necessity precede the
real, the genuine product. So it is with regard to the manufacture of sugar.
There have been attempts made this to year to produce sugar, and partially
successful. We are moving step by step to produce the very article that we
need.
How many
times have the people of this valley been engaged in various matters and
things; but have they brought forth the genuine articles they wished to produce
at the very first attempt? No. Is it to be expected that Heaven will pour out
the fulness of the truth in all its brightness at once upon us mortals, whose
minds are naturally in darkness—naturally mixed with the world and its errors?
No. But the Lord first sends mortals like unto ourselves to give us light in
proportion to our capacity, and by degrees prepare us to drink of the golden
streams in all their rich effulgence and glory.
We have
had sudden impressions, intimations, and suggestions, from time to time,
which were correct, though perhaps not so clear, and a little error mixed up
along with them: therefore, if the exertion to do right has been made and error
has stepped in, the President has said he could exercise compassion and wink at
the ignorance that has existed. But the time has now come when this error is
being swept away by the light of truth, and the pure principles upon which we
can ground our faith are beginning to be made manifest.
Jesus
Christ is the heir of this lower world. Though he has been deprived, through
the operation of the enemy to all righteousness, for a long time of enjoying
his right,—though the world was his own and everything in it,—though all things
were made by him that were made, yet, when he came to take possession of his
inheritance; his own would not receive him. Hence he said, "The foxes have
holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where
to lay his head." Even upon his own inheritance there was not room where
he might be permitted to lay his head. The day was postponed, and the time
thrown in the future, when he should come into possession of his own.
But will
that time come? Will the Son of God always be deprived of his right to the
inheritance? No; it cannot be, He will come armed with power and glory
eventually, and take possession of his own. When he came to take the world, to
rule and reign over it, his effort was comparatively a fruitless one; for,
instead of this, he was crucified. Fruitless, did I say? Must there not be an
experiment—an exertion made before anything can be accomplished? Were there not
many exertions made before that andiron could be produced? Certainly. Were they
fruitless? Comparatively not; for they were necessary, and must precede that
article, to pave the way. The Son of God came to take possession of his
inheritance here. Did we say it was a fruitless attempt? I will not say so. It
was necessary: it was as it should be. Yet he went from the world without
becoming its ruler; he went to accomplish the will of his Father, to gather
strength and power to effect, in his own due time, the very object and
purpose for which he came. Though he had to lay down his life, it all seemed to
be right and necessary; yet this does not discourage him: he is resolved to try
it again. Why? Because he is the heir, and will not give up his inheritance, no
there than any son would yield up his heirship to a stranger when his eyes are
opened and his mind can comprehend his rights and privileges.
I tell
you, brethren, this is beginning to look like the restitution of all things,
when every right is restored to its legitimate heir. When every man and woman
are put in possession of their own, then there is nothing to make life
disagreeable. If I should see one belonging to me in the hands of another, I
should feel that something was lacking to complete my happiness; but if
everything that belongs to me is restored to my jurisdiction and placed under
my control, where, then, is the aching void? It cannot be; for every principle,
desire, and affection of the whole soul is satisfied, and I will say it is
right. When all things are restored to their proper place—every treasure to its
rightful heir, there can be no ground for dissatisfaction—no ground of
complaint or of murmuring. And He that sitteth in the heavens understands and
knows well the time to bring about all these things—the proper time to let the
heir know and understand his right.
It would
not be wise to tell the inexperienced child that an extensive legacy had fallen
to him, until he should be old enough to appreciate it. If it were told him
before, he might give way to vanity and a thousand foolish ideas and vices that
would prove his ruin. When he is kept in ignorance of it until he is able to
appreciate it, it is very likely, when he is informed of it, to make him a
dignified being. These principles have been wisely hid from us while we were children.
When the time draws near that we can appreciate them, our heavenly Father
begins to make them manifest, to show to the heirs what belongs to them; and
those who have taken the rights of others must relinquish them: they must fall
back into the hands of the legitimate owners. For, just as sure as Lucifer, who
has usurped authority over this world, has got to resign it to the Son of God,
so sure must every right which has been taken from others be relinquished to
its rightful owner. Not that I would compare my brethren who may have
transcended certain bounds to Lucifer; but I tell you that Lucifer has a little
sprinkling in the matter: this is the alloy. However, it is to be winked at,
and heaven's truth will purge the hearts that best for immortality and eternal
life from all this alloy, and by-and-by they will find themselves "right
side up, with care."
It is for
us to attend the instructions we receive from those who are called to teach us,
and do our duty in the office and calling unto which we are appointed, and
Heaven will provide and take care we get those things which we need. Why, says
Isaac, (when his father had prepared the wood and fire for the burnt-offering,)
"Where is the lamb to sacrifice?" Oh, says Abraham, looking upon his
son with eyes that spoke volumes, and a heart containing a world of feeling,
"God will provide the sacrifice." Little did Isaac think he was the
individual. The words of Abraham were enough to teach his son not to give
himself any anxiety about that at all. We are to provide the wood and fire, and
the lamb God will provide in his own due time. Our greatest concern ought to be
how to discharge the duties that are made obligatory upon us—how to act in our
respective callings with an eye single to the glory of God.
If I understand
my own feelings and am capable of judging of things, I want none of the
blessings that belong to my neighbour. I do not crave them. If I come in
possession of anything that is not mine, and I might entertain the strongest
feelings of attachment towards it, if I must have these feelings sacrificed,
and the object of my tenderest regard taken away and given to another, what
shall I do? Why, suffer it, and not complain.
Brethren
and sisters, I say, things are coming to light, hidden things are being made
manifest, and we have reason to rejoice and be glad.
I want to
say a few words to the Elders that are going abroad to preach the Gospel. If I
had never been abroad to preach, I could not speak upon this matter as I now
can, though I have not been abroad, perhaps, as much as many others have; but I
have to a certain extent, which has afforded me an experience I wish others to
be benefited by. Brethren, do we realize that we are not only seeking for a
crown of eternal life in a glorious resurrection, but that the destinies of the
world depend upon our course, our actions, and our conduct in life. What are we
sent forth to preach the Gospel for? To save the meek,: but to the proud, the
haughty, and high-minded, we are not sent. Jesus came not to call the righteous,
but Sinners to repentance. And "how beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of him that publisheth peace, and bringeth glad tidings to the meek."
That is, in other words, how beautiful are the feet of them that come from the
mountains, bringing glad tidings unto the meek. How enviable is their position.
There are no beings upon earth that, in reality, are so dignified and exalted
as the men that have these glad tidings to proclaim to the world, though the
world may not know it—may not see them in their true character.
The world
does not know them because it knew not their Master, but crucified and put him
to death. This, however, did not deprive him of his glory; and although they
did not appreciate the blessing, it was known in heaven, and on earth by the
faithful.
So we his
servants are going forth to save the meek—to proclaim the truth to the meek of
the earth, and gather them together. It is said in the good Book that the
Saints shall judge the world. Who are going forth now to judge the world? Who
are going forth to bind up the law and seal up the testimony? To whom has this
work been committed in the last days? To the servants of our God.
But, says
one, in the day of judgment all these things are to be made known, and the
destinies of men are to be made manifest away in the future sometime. What does
the Saviour say? He says, "Now is the judgment of this world, and now
shall the prince of this world be cast out." I see, even in the kingdoms
of the world, where their laws are in force and prevail,—yea, even here in our
city, I see men apprehended for crime. Shall we give them a postponement of
their judgment until the final breaking up of the government away ahead? No.
But immediately after the crime is committed. I see them arraigned at the bar
of justice, tried and condemned; then they may he seen ornamented with a ball
and chain in the street.
Now is
the judgment of this world; now are the laws of heaven and of earth in force.
Shall crime be permitted to accumulate in the kingdom of God, and never meet
its doom until the end of the world? Now is the judgment of this world; and
when an individual goes forth with the everlasting Gospel, bears his testimony
in meekness, and it is rejected by any person or people, and he washes his feet
in clean water, bearing testimony of it before his God, what has he done to
that people? Do they want to wait for another judgment, when the judgment is
already passed? for it is said, Thou shalt go thy way, and return not again to
that man or to that house, city, or people.
When the
servants of God bind up the law and wash their feet against the people, does
not this look like the Saints judging the world? With such a people the
judgment is passed. They do not know it; but they will find it out when they
wake up from the long sleep of death and reckon their history. They will find
out that away back at a certain time a servant of God washed his feet against
them. Ah! there the die was cast; there their doom was sealed; there
they were barred out against coming into the kingdom of God. That was
the important moment when salvation passed from them.
Is there
any such thing as men having power to forgive sins on earth and they are
forgiven in heaven—of retaining them and they are retained in heaven? When the
servants of God wash their feet against those who reject his counsel against
themselves, do they retain their sins, or forgive them? The Lord says,
"What you do on earth I do in heaven," because "he that heareth
you heareth me, and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me." Brethren, think
of these things, and remember the words spoken still further—viz., "But
search with all diligence and care." Be careful not to wash your feet
against any but those that are worthy; but endeavour, with long-suffering, and
amid the contradiction of sinners against yourself, to be diligent and patient
until it go to the last extremity; but when you have done so against a house,
an individual, or people, be careful not to return there again, but go your
way, even as it is said.
By-and-by,
when we get through this world, we shall have another sphere to act in. But,
say the noble and proud of the world, "I care not for your washing of feet
or your testimony, because, when I die I go into an eternal world, and there I
will meet my God, and not you. He will be more merciful to me. I will have
nothing to fear from you, for you will have no more power there than
myself." But when you go into the eternal world, if that same Elder who
washed his feet against you in this should be the only God you should ever see
or find in the eternal world, then you meet with the rubbers again.
Now,
there are Lords many and Gods many; but unto us there is but one God, the great
Father of all. When he says, "He that rejects you rejects me," the
same importance is attached to your words as to his. What shall we do when we
go into the eternal world, after we have laboured and toiled in this for the
cause of truth? We are to act upon our Priesthood still; for it is an
everlasting Priesthood, without beginning of days or end of life. It lasts for
ever. What, last for ever, and still have nothing to do, as some imagine? We
have a great deal to do. When brother Parley was speaking on the condition of
the spirits in the spirit-world, about their being as dark and ignorant as they
are here, I thought we should have plenty to do. These Spirit Rappers that
communicate with mortals are no doubt a grade of spirits that are as ignorant
of celestial principles as the wild, degraded Indian. The spirit that raps can
tell about somebody that comes within the circle of his knowledge; but what
does he know about Jesus Christ and the eternal plan of salvation any more than
these Indians? Upon this matter they are in the dark. Those men who hold the
Priesthood will enter the abodes of those spirits and make a proclamation of
the Gospel to them, and I presume it will be something similar to Paul's
proclamation at Athens. The people of that city worshiped all the gods of the
nations; and for fear there should be one whom they did not worship, they
erected an altar to the "UNKNOWN GOD." "Whom you ignorantly
worship," says Paul, "him declare I unto you.
Perhaps
the very first proclamation of the Priesthood among those spirits who give
spiritual communications to mortals will draw forth a confession of their
ignorance of the true God and the principles of life and salvation; but you
will go there to put them right and declare to them the true God—the true
principles of spiritual communication,—to point out wherein their way of
communication is not lawful—that there is but one eternal source of true and
certain communication to the other world, and that is through Jesus Christ. You
will tell them that he has been upon our earth, and visited their dominions
long ago, and that he has sent you now to fill his track and set them right.
How was
it at the time the Saviour came on the earth? There were all kinds of spirits
abroad ready to communicate; hence there were false teachers and false Christs.
But the Saviour of the world entered their dark abode and put them right, to
redeem them, and have mercy and compassion on them. So, when we go hence, we
shall go into just such a place—into paradise, or the spirit world, to preach
to them and regulate them. We shall know better about it when we get there: we
shall understand our mission better.
When
brother Parley was preaching about the thief on the cross, who was ignorant of
the principles of salvation—(the Saviour would not stop to preach to him when
he was expiring upon the cross, but he postponed it until he got into the
spirit world, and there he instructed him,) some one whispered to me—I cannot
tell who it was—"Would it not be a good thing to send some of our thieves
on a mission to take lessons in that school?" It Would perhaps be a higher
school than this: they might feel themselves exalted and elevated, if they got
into a higher class. [A voice in the stand: "There are no stray cattle to
look after there!"] I expect stray cattle do not belong to that
department. These matters are of moment and of vital importance to the Elders
of Israel, and ought to rest with weight upon their minds.
I do not
feel disposed to trespass further upon your time. I wanted to reiterate the
remarks of the President. He has illustrated the matter and made so it clear
that every eye may see it, and every heart understand. He knew what was
necessary. He has not only given us a text, but preached the Sermon also. I
cannot make it any plainer, and it would darken counsel by words without
knowledge to attempt it.
I pray
and beseech you to be awake to these things; and may God bless us and save us
all in his kingdom. Amen.
Elder E. SNOW followed, on the subject of selfishness and redemption.
Elder P. P. PRATT bore testimony of the truths advanced by Prest. Young and his brethren.
Singing. Benediction by Elder John Taylor.
——
[8 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 8, 2 p.m.
Conference called to order by Elder Hyde. Singing. Prayer by Levi W. Hancock. Singing.
ELDER TAYLOR gave a sermon on the right of heirship in the Priesthood.
[John Taylor]
[DNW 3:101, 12/22/1853 p 1, JD 1:221]
A
Sermon before the Conference,
By John Taylor,
April 8, 1853.
It
rejoices my heart to hear the principles that have been advanced this day by
our President, because they have their foundation in truth, axe based upon the
principles of equity, and are calculated to promote the happiness, well-being,
exaltation, and glory of man, in time, and throughout all eternity. They lead
us back into eternity; they existed with us there, and in all the various
stages of man's existence they are calculated to elevate and ennoble him, and
place him in a proper position before God, angels, and men. They will put him
in possession of his legitimate right, save him from the grasp of the
adversary, from every subtle stratagem of the powers of darkness, and place him
in his proper station in time and in eternity.
I have
been much pleased with and edified by the remarks that have been made upon this
stand during the Conference. Wisdom has been displayed in them; from them the
intelligence of heaven has beamed forth, the mysteries of eternity have been
spread before our minds, and we have had a view of heavenly things, that has
filled our hearts with joy and our mouths with praise. It has made us feel as
though we were upon the threshold of eternity; as though we were eternal
beings, and had to do with eternal things; as though the things of this world
were short, fleeting, and evanescent, not worthy of a thought when compared
with those things that are calculated to exalt and ennoble us in time and in
eternity.
The
principles of justice, righteousness, and truth, which have an endless
duration, can alone satisfy the capacious desires of the immortal soul. We may
amuse ourselves like children do at play, or engage in the frivolities of the
dance. We may take our little enjoyments in our Social assemblies, but when the
man comes to reflect, when the Saint of God considers, and the
visions of eternity are open to his view, and the unalterable purposes of God
are developed to his mind—when he contemplates his true position before God,
angels, and men, then he soars above the things of time and sense, and bursts
the cords that bind him to earthly objects; he contemplates God and his own
destiny in the economy of heaven, and rejoices in a blooming hope of an
immortal glory.
Such have
been some of our feelings, while our minds have been carried away from the
things of earth to contemplate the things with which eternal beings are
associated, and the glories that await us in the everlasting mansions of the
Gods.
The
principles that we have to do with, then, are eternal, and not simply to play a
game upon the checker of mortality, on which people can win and lose for the
time being. We have to do with that which shall continue
"While
life, and thought, and being last,
Or immortality endures."
We seek
not to build our hopes upon things that are evanescent, fleeting, and
transitory.
It is not
he that can play the best game at checkers, that can take the most advantage of
his neighbor, that can grasp the most earthly good, or that can put himself in
possession of anything his heart desires pertaining to time, that is the most
happy; but it is he who does that which will last, live, and continue to
abide with him while "immortality endures," and still
be on the increase worlds without end.
If we can
possess principles of this kind, then we are safe, everything else amounts to
an illusion or a delusion, which cannot satisfy the desires of the mind, but as
the Prophet says, it is like a thirsty man who dreams he is drinking, but when
he awakes, he is faint, and his soul is thirsty; he dreams that he is eating,
and when he awakes his soul is empty. This is the true situation of all men who
are without God in the world; and nothing but a knowledge of eternal
principles, of eternal laws, of eternal governments, of eternal justice and
equity, and of eternal truth, can put us right, and satiate the appetite of the
immortal soul.
If we
make not a just estimate of these things, it is in vain that we attempt to say,
"Lord, Lord," because we do not the things which He says. Every thing
associated with the Gospel of salvation is eternal, for it existed before the
"morning stars sang together for joy," or this world rolled into
existence. It existed then, just as it now exists with us, and it will exist the
same when time with us is no more. It is an eternal principle, and every thing
associated with it is everlasting. It is like the Priesthood of the Son of God,
"without beginning of days or end of years." It lives and abides for
ever. If there is any principle that is not eternal, it is not a principle of
the Gospel of life and salvation.
There are
many changes and shifting scenes that may influence the position of mankind,
under different circumstances, in this state of mortality; but they cannot
influence or change the Gospel of the Son of God, or the eternal truths of
heaven; they remain unchangeable; as it is said very properly by the Church of
England, in one of their homilies, "as it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be, worlds without end." If nothing else they say is true,
that is, and I can say amen to it, with all my heart. All true principles are
right, and if properly understood and appreciated by the human family, to them
they are a fountain of eternal good.
The
principle of "heirship," which President Young preached about today,
is a principle that is founded on eternal justice, equity, and truth. It is a
principle that emanated from God. As was said by some of our brethren this
morning, there may be circumstances arise in this world to pervert for a season
the order of God, to change the designs of the Most High, apparently, for the
time being, yet they will ultimately roll back into their proper place—justice
will have its place, and so will mercy, and every man and woman will yet stand
in their true position before God. If we understand ourselves correctly, we
must look upon ourselves as eternal beings, and upon God as our Father, for we
have been taught when we prayed to say, "Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name." We have fathers in the flesh, and we do them
reverence, how much more shall we be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and
live. I need not enter into any proof in relation to this; for it is well
understood by the Saints that God is the Father of our spirits, and that when
we go back into His presence, we shall know Him, as we have known our earthly
parents. We are taught to approach Him as we would an earthly parent, to ask of
Him such blessings as we need; and He has said, If a son ask bread of his father
shall he give him a stone, or if he ask for fish, a scorpion. If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more will your
Heavenly Father give His holy Spirit to them that ask Him.
We have a
Father, then, who is in heaven. He has placed us on this earth for some
purpose. We found ourselves in possession of bodies, mental faculties, and
reasoning powers. In a word, we found ourselves intelligent beings, with minds
capable of recalling the past and launching into the unborn future with
lightning speed; and were it not for this earthly tabernacle, this tenement of
clay, they would soar aloft and contemplate the unveiled purposes of Jehovah in
the mansions of the redeemed. We found ourselves here with minds capable of all
this and more. God, who has ordained all things from before the foundation of
the world, is our Father. He placed us here to fulfil His wise and unerring
counsels, that we might magnify our calling, honor our God, obtain an
exaltation, and be placed in a more glorious, exalted, and dignified position
than it would have been possible for us to enjoy if we had never taken upon us
these bodies. This is my faith; it is the faith of this people.
I have no
complaints to make about our father Adam eating the forbidden fruit, as some
have, for I do not know but any of us would have done the name. I find myself
here in the midst of the creations of God, and it is for me to make use of the
intelligence God has given me, and not condescend to anything that is low, mean,
grovelling, and degrading—to anything that is calculated to debase the immortal
mind of man, but to follow after things that are in their nature calculated to
exalt, ennoble, and dignify, that I may stand in my true position before God,
angels, and men, and rise to take my seat among the Gods of eternity.
We will
now come to the principle of legitimacy, which was the text given out
this morning—to our rights, privileges, Priesthoods, authorities, powers,
dominions, &c. &c. And as some of us are Scriptorians, and all profess
to believe the Bible, I feel inclined to quote a text from it. Paul, when
speaking of Jesus Christ, gives us to understand that he is the first-born of
every creature, for by him were all things made that were made, and to him pertains
all things; he is the head of all things, he created all things, whether
visible or invisible, whether they be principalities, powers, thrones, or
dominions; all things were created by him and for him, and without him was not
anything made that was made. If all things were created by him and for him,
this world on which. we stand must have been created by him and for him; if so,
he is its legitimate, its rightful owner and proprietor; its lawful sovereign
and ruler. We will begin with him, then, in the first place, in treating on the
subject of legitimacy.
But has
he had the dominion over all nations, kindreds, peoples, and tongues? Have they
bowed to his sceptre, and acknowledged his sway? Have all people rendered
obedience to his laws, and submitted to his guidance? Echo answers
"NO!" Has there ever been a kingdom, a government, a nation, a power,
or a dominion in this world that has yielded obedience to him in all things?
Can you point out one?
We read
of the Jews who were a nation that submitted only in part to his authority, for
they rebelled against his laws, and were placed under a schoolmaster until the
Messiah should come. We read also, in the Book of Mormon, of some Nephites that
dwelt upon this land, who kept the commandments of God, and perhaps were more
pure than any other nation that history gives any account of. But, with these
exceptions, the nations, kingdoms, powers, and dominions of the world have not
been subject to the law, dominion, rule, or authority of God; but, as it is
expressed by one of the ancients, the prince and power of the air, the God of
this world has ruled in the hearts of the children of disobedience, and led
them captive at his own will. Where is the historian, the man acquainted with
ancient lore, who can point me out one government, nation, power, or dominion,
that has been subject to the rule of God, to the dominion of Jesus Christ, with
the exception of those Jews and Nephites which I have referred to? If there has
been any such nation, the history of it has escaped my notice. I have never
been able to obtain such information.
What then
has been the position of the world for generations past? They have been
governed by rulers not appointed of God; if they were appointed by Him, it was
merely as a scourge to the people for their wickedness, or for temporary rulers
in the absence of those whose right it was to govern. They had not the
legitimate rule, Priesthood, and authority of God on the earth, to act as His
representatives in regulating and presiding ever the affairs of His kingdom.
Perhaps
it may be well, at this stage of my remarks, to give you a short explanation of
my ideas on government, legitimacy, or Priesthood, if you lease. The question,
"What is Priesthood?" has often been asked me. I answer, it is the rule
and government of God, whether on earth or in the heavens; and it is the only
legitimate power, the only authority that is acknowledged by Him to rule and
regulate the affairs of His kingdom. When every wrong thing shall be put right,
and all usurpers shall be put down, when he whose right it is to reign shall
take the dominion, then nothing but the Priesthood will bear rule; it alone
will sway the sceptre of authority in heaven and on earth, for this is the
legitimacy of God.
In the
absence of this, what has been the position of the nations? You who have made
yourselves acquainted with the political structure and the political intrigues
of earthy kingdoms, I ask, from whence did they obtain their power? Did they
get it from God? Go to the history of Europe, if you please, and examine how
the rulers of those nations obtained their authority. Depending upon history
for our information, we say those nations have been founded by the sword. If we
trace the pages of history still further back to the first nation that existed,
still we find that it was founded upon the same principle. Then follow the
various revolutions and changes that took place among subsequent nations and
powers, from the Babylonians through the Medo Persians, Grecians, Romans, and
from that power to all the other powers of Europe, Asia, and Africa, of which
we have any knowledge: and if we look to America from the first discoveries by
Columbus to the present time, where are now the original proprietors of the
soil? Go to any power that has existed upon this earth, and you will find that
earthly government, earthly rule and dominion, have been obtained by the sword.
It was the, sword of men that first put them in possession of this power. They
have walked up to their thrones through rivers of blood, through the clotted
gore and the groans of the dying, and through the tears and lamentations of
bereaved widows and helpless orphans; and hence the common saying is,
"Thrones won by blood, by blood must be maintained." By the same
principle that they have been put in possession of territory, have they sought
to sustain themselves—the same violence, the same fraud, and the same
oppression have been made use of to sustain their illegitimacy.
Some of
these powers, dominions, governments, and rulers, have had in their possession
the laws of God, and the admonitions of Jesus Christ; and what have they done
to his servants in different ages of the world, when he has sent them unto
them? This question I need not stop to answer, for you are already made too
familiar with it. This, then, is the position of the world. Authority,
dominion, rule, government has been obtained by fraud, and consequently is not
legitimate. They say much about the ordination of kings, and their being
anointed by the grace of God, &c. What think you of a murderer slaying
hundreds and thousands of his fellow-creatures because he has the power, and
while his sword is yet reeking with human blood, having a priest in sacerdotal
robes to anoint him to the kingship? They have done it. What think you of the
cries of the widows, the tears of the orphans, and the groans of the dying,
mingling with the prayers and blessings of the priest upon the head of the
murderer of their husbands and their fathers?
It is
impossible that there can be any legitimate rule, government, power, or
authority, under the face of the heavens, except that which is connected with
the kingdom of God, which is established by new revelation from heaven.
In a
conversation with some of our modern reformers in France, one of their leaders
said, "I think you will not succeed very well in disseminating the
principles of your religion in France." I replied, "You have been
seeking to accomplish something, for generations, with your philosophy, your
philanthropic societies, and your ideas of moral reform, but have failed; while
we have not been seeking to accomplish the thing that you have, particularly,
and yet have accomplished it." We began with the power of God, with the
government of heaven, and with acknowledging His hand in all things; and God
has sustained us, blessed and upheld us to the present time; and it is the only
government, rule, and dominion under the heavens that will acknowledge His
authority.
Brethren,
if any of you doubt it, go into some of those nations, and get yourselves
introduced into the presence of their kings and rulers, and say, "Thus
saith the Lord God." They would at once denounce you as a madman, and
straightway order you into prison. What is the matter? They do not acknowledge
the legitimacy, the rule and government of God, nor will they inquire into
them. They receive, not their authority from Him. Nations honor their kings,
but they do not honor the authority of their God in any instance, neither have
they from the first man-made government to the present time. If there has been
such a nation, or if there is at this time such a government, it is a thing of
which I am ignorant.
The kings
and potentates of the world profess to be anointed by the grace of God. But the
priests who anoint them have no authority to do it. No person has authority to
anoint a king or administer in one Of the least of God's ordinances, except he
is legally called and ordained of God to that power; and how can a man be
called of God to administer in His name, that does not acknowledge the gift of
prophecy to be the right of the children of God in all ages? It is impossible.
These men have been grasping after power, and for this they have laid waste
nations and destroyed countries. Some of them possessed it for a while, and others
were on the eve of getting it when they were cut off, and down they went. What
became of them afterwards? Isaiah in vision saw the kings of the earth gathered
together as pisoners in a pit, and after many days they were to be visited.
Having
said so much in relation together governors and governments, we will now notice
the difference between them and Abraham of old. Abraham was a man who contended
for the true and legitimate authority. God promised to him, and to his seed
after him, the land of Canaan for their possession, "The Lord said unto
Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look
from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and
westward; for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy
seed for ever." What did Stephen say, generations afterwards? That God
"gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on;
yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed
after him, when as yet he had no child." Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones
explains this seeming contradiction. The Lord said to him, "Son of man,
can these bones live?" &c. Who are they? We are told, in the same
chapter, they are the whole house of Israel, and that they shall come out of
their graves, bone come to its bone and sinew to sinew, and flesh come upon
them, and they shall become a living army before God, and they shall inherit
the land which was given to them and their fathers before them. The measuring line
shall again go forth upon those lands, and mark out the possessions belonging
to the tribes of Israel.
Abraham
was a man who dared fear God, and do honor to His authority, which was
legitimate. God tried and proved him, the same as He has tried many of us, and
felt after his heart-strings, and twisted them round. When He had tried him to
the utmost, He swore by Himself, because He could swear by no greater, saying,
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy
seed." "And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be
blessed." Abraham obtained his dominion by legitimate authority; his
Priesthood was obtained from God; has authority was that which is associated
with the everlasting Gospel, which was, and is, and is to come, that liveth and
abideth forever. And the promises made to him will rest upon him and his
posterity, through every subsequent period of time, until the final winding up
scene of all things. Will he ever obtain them? Yes. For we are eternal beings,
and I am now talking as though we were in eternity. We shall wake up in the
morning of the resurrection, attain to all the blessings which have been
promised to us, and strike hands with Abraham, and see him inherit the
promises. Abraham and all his children will then inherit the promises, through
the principle of legitimacy. And there are many of the sons and daughters of
Abraham among us at the present time; these will be baptized for their dead
brethren and sisters, and by this means bring them unto Christ, beginning on
the outside branches of the tree, and so progressing to the main stock, and
from that to the root. And it shall come to pass that all Israel shall be
saved. Why? Because it is their legitimate right. And they are Israel who do
the works of Abraham.
Thus it
is, then, with Abraham. The old man feels perfectly easy about the matter; and
if he does see many of his descendants existing as a cursed race on account of
their transgressions, many of them enjoying no higher avocation than crying
"Old clothes," still the time of their redemption will come, and by
means of the eternal Gospel and Priesthood, they with us will be made perfect,
and we with them. While the faithful are operating in heaven to bring this
about, the Saints are operating on earth; and by faith and works we will
accomplish all things, we will redeem the dead and the living, and all shall
come forth, and Abraham will stand at the head of his seed as their ruler. This
is his legitimate position.
We will
now notice those men who are contending for it without any authority, and make
a contrast between the two. We see them gathering their forces, and using their
influence to destroy the poor among men. How long will the kings and rulers of
the earth do this? Until they are dead and damned. And what then? They will be
cast down into a pit. Isaiah saw them there, along with many other scoundrels,
murderers, and scamps. After many days they will be visited, but they have got
to lie in prison a long time for their transgressions. The one is legitimacy,
and the other is illegitimacy; the one is the order of God, and the other is
the order of the devil.
Such is
the position of things in relation to the world, to legitimacy and
illegitimacy, in regard to things that are right and things that are wrong.
Jesus Christ created all things, and for him were they made, whether it be
principalities, powers, thrones, or dominions. Now the question is, is he going
to be dispossessed of his right because scoundrels exist in the world, and
stand in power and dominion; because his subjects have rebelled against him
from time to time, and usurpers have taken his place, and the dominion is given
to another? Verily, no. But the time will come when the kingdom and the
greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven will be given to the Saints of
the Most High, and they will possess it for ever and ever.
We will
now notice some of the acts of God, and some of the acts of those who have been
under the dominion of Satan, those who have had dominion over the world—the proud
and haughty usurpers, and the shedders of innocent blood. These are they that
have lived in the world, and possessed all the good things of it. And what has
been the situation of the Saints in every age? All those who dared acknowledge
that God lived, that this kingdom belonged to Him, that it was His right, and
that He would without doubt possess it, have been trodden under foot,
persecuted, east out, hated, killed; "they wandered about in sheep-skins
and goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, and tormented." As one of old
says, in speaking of the Jews—Which of the prophets have not your fathers
killed. who testified before of the coming of the Just One.
This was
the case in ancient days. and has been carried on in modern times. I have, with
my own eyes, seen holy Prophets expire, who were killed by the hands of a
murderous gang of blood-thirsty assassins, because they bore the same testimony
that the holy Prophets did in days of old. How many more of their brethren who
dared acknowledge the truth, have fallen beneath the same influences—have been
shot, whipped, imprisoned, and put to death in a variety of ways, while
hundreds of others, driven from their homes in the winter, have found their
last bed; they were worm out with suffering and fatigue, the weary wheels of
life stood still; they were obliged to forsake the world, in which they could
no longer remain, because of the persecution heaped upon them by the enemies of
the truth.
The
reason of all this vile outrage upon innocent men, women, and children, is
because there is no legitimate rule upon the earth. God's laws and government
are not known, and His servants are despised and cast out.
Legitimacy
and right, whether in heaven or on earth cannot mix with anything that is not
true, just, and equitable; and truth is free from oppression and injustice, as
is the bosom of Jehovah. Nothing but that will ultimately stand. What has been
the position of the world generally, among themselves? Yea see men marshalling
armies, and making war with one another to destroy each other, and take
possession of their territory and wealth. One man who is in possession of
wealth, power, and authority, sees oppression exercised by kings; so he follows
the example, as do rulers who exercise authority under their sovereign; then
others in a still lower degree do the same; thus oppression treads upon the
heels of oppression, and distress follows distress. You will find this to exist
in a great measure through every grade of society, from the king on his throne,
down to the match-maker, or the chimney-sweep.
To
ameliorate the condition of man, there are a great many institutions introduced
into the world in the shape of Tract Societies, Bible Societies, and many more
too numerous for me to name. Many of them are founded by sincere men, but
commencing on the wrong foundation, they keep wrong all the time, and fail to
accomplish the object desired. If any one of these different institutions were
to carry out their own principles, they would not only fail in accomplishing
the object they have in view, but ultimately destroy themselves.
There are
Peace Societies among the rest; their object is to bring peace into the world,
without the Spirit of God. They see plainly that peace is desirable, but they
wish to graft it on to a rotten stock. In Europe they had a "Peace
Congress," and sent their representatives to all parts of the world; and
of course this "Congress of Peace" wished to regulate the world, make
an end of war, and bring in universal peace.
Talk
about peace, when rancorous discord makes its nest in the councils and cabinets
of all nations, and the hearts of their statesmen are steeped in hatred one to
another. Jealousy, animosity, and strife, like the influence of a deadly
contagion, may be found in almost every family; brother rising up against
sister, sister against brother, the father against the mother, and the mother
against the father, etc. We can find discord reigning even in the "Peace
Society" itself.
Jesus
Christ says, "My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I
unto you," &c. Wherever this peace exists, it leaves an influence that
is comforting and refreshing to the souls of those who partake of it. It is
like the morning dew to the thirsty plant. This peace is alone the gift of God,
and it can only be received from Him through obedience to His laws. If any man
wishes to introduce peace into his family or among his friends, let him cultivate
it in his own bosom; for sterling peace can only be had according to the
legitimate rule and authority of heaven, and obedience to its laws.
Everything
is disordered, and in confusion in the world. The reason is, because no
legitimate authority has been known or acknowledged on the earth. Others have
been trying to build up and establish what they supposed to be the kingdom of
God. The socialists of France call themselves religious people, and they also
expect to bring about a reign of glory through a species of Robespierreism. I
was told by a man well acquainted with matters of fact in relation to these
things, that if they gained the ascendancy in France, their first object would
be to erect a statue to Robespierre. They were going to cut off thousands of
people, to accomplish their designs: and had not Napoleon taken active measures
to head them, bands of men were ready on a moment's warning to cut off the
heads of thousands, and among these, I was informed, fifty thousand priests
were doomed.
These are
some of the principles and ideas that exist in the world, among the various
nations and institutions of men, which are framed according to illegitimate
principles. A change of government changes not the condition of the people, for
all are wrong, and acting without God.
Our ideas
are, that the time has come to favor God's people; a time about which Prophets
spoke in pathetic strains, and poets sung. These men of God looked through the
dark vista of future ages, and being wrapped in prophetic vision, beheld the
latter day glory—the time of the dispensation of the fulness of times, spoken
of by all the holy Prophets since the world began; for they all looked forward
with joyful anticipations to the things which have commenced with us; they all
had their eye upon the time when legitimacy would obtain its proper place upon
the earth, in the shape of the kingdom of God established in the world, when
all false rule and dominion would be put down, and the kingdoms of this World
would become subject to God and His Christ. These are the ideas that they had,
and these are the things we are seeking to carry out.
If we
look at what illegitimacy has done in former times, we shall see the absolute
necessity of the restitution spoken of by the Prophets, for it has filled the
earth with evil, it has caused the world to groan in bondage, laid millions in
the cold embrace of death, and caused disease to spread its pestiferous breath
among the nations, leaving ruin, misery, and desolation in its path, and made
this fair earth a howling wilderness. And nothing but the wisdom and
intelligence of God can change it. The kingdom of God will establish truth and
correct principles—the principles of truth, equity, and justice; in short, the
principles that emanate from God, principles that are calculated to elevate man
in time and through all eternity. How shall this be? It will be by a legitimate
rule, authority, and dominion.
Who have
we for our ruling power? Where and how did he obtain his authority? Or how did
any in this Church and kingdom obtain it? It was first obtained by a revelation
from the Lord of the Universe, by the opening of the heavens, by the voice of
God, and by the ministering of holy angels. It is by the voice of God and the
voice of the people, that our present President obtained his authority. Many
people in the world are talking about mis-rule and mis-government. If there is
any form of government under the heavens where we can have legitimate rule and
authority, it is among the Saints. In the first place, we have a man appointed
by God, and, in the second place, by the people. This man is chosen by
yourselves, and every person raises his hand to sanction the choice. Here is
our President, Brigham Young, whom we made choice of yesterday, who is he? He
is the legitimate ruler among this people. Can anybody dispossess him? They
cannot, because it is his legitimate right, and he reigns in the hearts of the
people. He obtains his authority first from God, and secondly from the people;
and if a man possesses five grains of common sense, when he has a privilege of
voting for or against a man, he will not vote for a man that oppresses the
people; he will vote according to the dictates of his conscience, for this is
the right and duty of this people in the choice of their President, and other
leading officers of the kingdom of God. While this is being done here, it is
being done in every part of the world, wherever the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints has a footing. Is there a monarch, potentate, or power under the
heavens that undergoes a scrutiny as fine as this? No there is not; and yet
this is done twice a year, before all the Saints in the world. Here are
legitimacy and rule. You place the power in their hands to govern, dictate,
regulate, and put in order the affairs of the kingdom of God. This is, Vex
Dei vox populi. God appoints, the people sustain. You do this by your own
act; very well, then, it is legitimate, and must stand, and every man is bound
to abide it if it takes the hair off his head. I know there are things
sometimes that are hard, tough, and pinching; but if a man is a man of God, he
has his eyes upon eternal things, and is aiming to accomplish the purposes of
God, and all will be well with him in the end.
What
advantage is there, then, between this government and others? Why, we have
peace, and as eternal beings we have a knowledge of eternal things. While
listening to the remarks made on this stand, what have we not heard—what have
we not known? The curtains of heaven have been withdrawn, and we have gazed as
by vision upon eternal realities. While, in the professing world, doubt and
uncertainty throw their dark mantle over every mind.
Let us
now notice our political position in the world. What are we going to do? We are
going to possess the earth. Why? Because it belongs to Jesus Christ, and he
belongs to us, and we to him; we are all one, and will take the kingdom and
possess it under the whole heavens, and reign over it for ever and ever. Now,
ye kings and emperors, help yourselves, if you can. This is the truth, and it
may as well be told at this time as at any other.
"There's
a good time coming, Saints,
A good time coming,
There's a good time coming, Saints,
Wait a little longer,"
Having
said so much on this point, we will return to the principle of legitimacy. God
is our legitimate Father, and we are His children, and have a claim upon Him,
and He has a claim upon us. We have come into this world to accomplish a
certain purpose, and we have come in the dispensation of the fulness of times,
when God decreed to gather all things together into one, whether they be things
in heaven or on earth; and everything that has been in existence in any age of
the world, or that is, or will be, which is calculated to benefit and exalt
man, we shall have; consequently it is for us to look after anything and
everything that ever has been true, or that has ever been developed in any
period of the history of man, for it all belongs to us, and has got to be
restored, for restitution means bringing back that which is lost. If the
Antediluvians enjoyed anything that was good, true, and eternal, which is not
yet made known to us, it has to be restored; or if anything existed among the
ancient Patriarchs and Prophets, that has been lost, it has to be restored. If there
are any people of God upon any detached part of this world, they with it have
got to be restored. God's word will also be gathered into one, and His people
and the Jews will hear the words of the Nephites, and the Ten Tribes must hear
the words of the Jews and Nephites, and God's people be gathered and be one.
All things will be gathered in one, and Zion be redeemed, the glory of God be
revealed, and all flesh see it together. God's dominion will be established on
the earth, the law go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem,
and the kingdoms of this world will become subject to God and His Christ.
As
eternal beings, then, we existed with our Father in the eternal worlds. We came
on to this earth, and obtained tabernacles, that through taking possession of
them, and passing through a scene of trial, and tribulation, and suffering, we
might be exalted to more glory, dignity, and power, than would have been
possible for us to obtain had we not been placed in our present position. If
any of you do not believe this, let me refer you to a passage of Scripture or
two. How was man created at first? We are told that God made man a little lower
than the angels; then says Paul, "Know ye not that we shall judge
angels." What through? It is through the atonement of Jesus Christ,
through the taking of our bodies, the powers of the holy Priesthood, and the
resurrection of Jesus Christ that we shall obtain a higher exaltation than it
would have been possible for us to enjoy, if we had not fallen. To do right in
our present state, then, we must carry out the principle of legitimacy
according to a correct rule, and, if we profess to be subjects of the kingdom
of God, we must be subject to the dominion, rule, legitimacy, and authority of
God. No person can escape from this, unless he apostatizes, and goes to the
devil, like a feel. He must be a feel who would baxter away eternal life,
thrones, principalities, and powers in the eternal world, for the paltry trash
which exists in the shape of wealth and worldly honor: to let go his chance of
heaven and of God, of being a King and Priest unto Him, of living and reigning
for ever, and of standing among the chiefs of Israel. I cannot help calling
such men fools, for they are damned now in making such a choice, and will
be hereafter.
I will
say a little more on legitimacy and fight to rule. What would be the position
of a man who would take a course to rob his neighbor, or take advantage of him
in the case of his legitimacy, which you have heard of this morning? Such a man
must be a greater feel than the other. For instance, a good man dies, who has
served God in righteousness all his days; the weary wheels of life stand still,
and he goes to the World of spirits. He believed in the principles of justice,
equity, righteousness, and truth, and that his fights would be held sacred to
him by his brethren after he was gone. But some professed man of God comes to
his widow, and wants to steal her away from him; he would rob the dead with
impunity, under the ostensible garb of justice to her and her dead husband; he
will tell her he is doing it out of pure love to them both, and he is going to
exalt them in the kingdom of God. We read of the kingdom of God suffering
violence; if violence is ever attempted, it is in a case of this kind. It is
bad enough to steal from a man his earthly property, his oxen, his cow, his
horse, his harness, his Wagon wheels, and other paraphernalia; but what think
you of a man that would rob the dead of a treasure which he holds the most
dear, and prized as the most precious thing he possessed on earth—his
affectionate wife! Such a person will assuredly miss his figure.
You will
find in the ancient laws of Israel, there were proper rules in relation to
these matters; one was, that if a man died without a child, his brother or the
nearest relation of the husband should take the widow; and raise up seed to her
husband, that his name might be continued in Israel, and not be blotted out.
Where did these laws come from? We are told they came from God. But instead of
doing this, suppose he should try to steal this woman away, and rob his
brother—how would he get along, I wonder, with such a case against him, at the
bar of justice? The laws and ordinances that exist in the eternal world have
their pattern in the things which are revealed to the children of men on earth.
The Priesthood as it exists on the earth is a pattern of things in heaven. As I
said in a former part of this discourse, Priesthood is legitimate rule, whether
on earth or or in heaven. When we have the true Priesthood on earth, we take it
with us into the heavens; it changes not, but continues the same in the eternal
world.
There is
another feature of that ancient law which I will mention. It was considered an
act of injustice for the nearest relation not to take the wife of the deceased;
if he refused to do it; he was obliged to go before the Elders of "Israel,
and his brother's wife shall loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his
face, and shall answer and say. So shall it be done unto the man that will not
build up his brother's house; and his name shall be caned in Israel, The house
of him who hath his shoe loosed." If the restitution of all things is to
be brought to pass, there must be a restitution of these things; everything
will be put right, and in its proper place.
There is
another thing which is most grievous, afflicting, and distressing to contemplate.
When a man takes to himself a woman that properly belongs to another, and
defiles her, it interferes with the fountain of life, and corrupts the very
source of existence. There is an offspring comes forth as the fruit of that
union, and that offspring is an eternal being—how can it be looked upon? To
reflect upon it, wounds the finest feelings of human nature in time, and will
in eternity. For who can gaze upon the degradation of their wife, and the
corruption of their seed, without peculiar sensations? How pouch more is this
feeling enhanced when the wronged man considers that he has been robbed by one
who professed to be his friend? This thing is not to be trifled with, but is of
the greatest importance; hence the necessity of the sealing powers, that all
things may be pure, chastity maintained, and lasciviousness be rooted out from
among the Saints. Why so? That we may have a holy offspring, that shall be
great, and clothed with the mighty power of God, to rule in His kingdom, and
accomplish the work we propose they shall fulfil; and that when we go to sleep,
we may sleep in peace, knowing that justice will be administered in
righteousness. We shall know that we have a claim upon our own in the first
resurrection; we shall know that our wives and our children will be there to
join us, justice will be administered, and we shall have a claim upon them in
the eternal world, and that no unprincipled scoundrel will be permitted to set
his foot on another, or rob him of his just claims. Why is a woman sealed to a
man for time and all eternity? Because there is legitimate power on earth to do
it. This power will bind on earth and in heaven; it can loose on earth, and it
is loosed in heaven; it can seal on earth, and it is sealed in heaven. There is
a legitimate, authorized agent of God upon earth; this sealing power is
regulated by him; hence what is done by that, is done right, and is recorded.
When the books are opened, event one will find his proper mate, and have those
that belong to him, and every one will be deprived of that which is
surreptitiously obtained.
Let us do
righteously, and you who would seek to injure another and take advantage of one
who was just and faithful to his God in his day, how would you like, when you
get a few years older and drop into eternity, for somebody to come and serve
you the same? You could not expect anything else, you could not die without
being menaced by this supposition, and your dying pillow would be made unhappy,
you would know you had done wrong, and would expect somebody to measure to you
the same measure pressed down, shook together, and running over.
We have
been told to preach confidence—correct principles and just dealings alone will
inspire it. If a man speaks that which is not true about another, can you have
confidence in him? No. If a man defrauds another, can you have confidence in
him? No, But if you would, through a principle of covetousness, seek to sap the
foundation of another's happiness, by trying to wrench from him those sacred
rights which pertain to his interest in the eternal world, how much greater
will be your condemnation? Nothing but truth, integrity, virtue, honor, and
every pure principle, will stand in the great day of God Almighty. If such a
person happens to get through this world, he will find barriers in the next,
and probably miss a chance of obtaining a place in the first resurrection.
Nothing contrary to the authority, rule, and government of heaven. will stand
in time or in eternity; and if any man wants to be blessed and honored, and to
obtain a high place in the eternal world, let him pursue a course of honor,
righteousness, and virtue before his God; and if he wants to find himself
amongst usurpers, defrauders, oppressors, and those in possession of
illegitimate claims, let him take an opposite course. If time would permit,
much more might be said about social, family, and individual legitimate rights;
but as time hastens, I forbear for the present.
Well,
brethren and sisters, may God bless you. Amen.
Elder J. M. GRANT remarked - This audience have received as much intelligence as they can well treasure up; this subject of heirship cannot be exhausted, and the legacy bequeathed to the Saints, is all the good, in Heaven and on earth. All Saints should see to cleaning the inside of the vessels, like Moroni of old; and carry out the law of God, &., &c.
Choir chanted "Judge me O Lord," &c. Benediction by Levi W. Hancock.
——
[9 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 9.
Conference called to order by President Kimball at 10 a.m. Singing. Prayer by T. Bullock. Singing.
Elder ZERA PULSIPHER spoke on the mob scenes which he had passed through in Missouri, and of Neil Gihlumn and his band shooting at prisoners, when they were under guard; also of the mob scenes in Illinois, and the killing of Joseph, and Hyrum Smith, in Carthage Jail while they were under the p ledge of safety, made by Governor Ford, and the leading of this people to this Valley, &c., &c.
Elder ORSON HYDE spoke on the principle of sanctification, and the blessings of the Almighty granted to us, giving the figure of a flock of Sheep, shepherds and their dogs, &c.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 3:49, 5/14/1853 p 1]
Remarks
By
Elder Orson Hyde, before the conference, April 9th, 1853.
We have
been listening to a very interesting discourse from brother Pulsipher. His
remarks were truly appropriate when speaking upon the subject of
sanctification.
I want to
say a little more touching that principle. If I understand it correctly, it
means a purification of, or a putting away from, us, as individuals, and as a
community, everything that is evil, or that is not in accordance with the mind
and will of our heavenly Father.
Sanctification
has also an eye to our own preservation for usefulness—for executing, carrying
forward, and perpetuating the work of the Most High God.
We have
been hearing that this is a fruitful valley. The blessing of the Lord descends
upon the mountains, and abundantly flows into the Valley, causing it to spring
forth, and produce whatever is necessary to sustain life.
I wish to
observe here, that so bountiful have been the productions of the fields of our
farmers, that after they have harvested their grain, they have not taken care
of it, but have thrown it together in a very loose and careless manner. From
want of proper respect for the temporal blessing of heaven, hundreds of bushels
of grain have been wasted, to which .many who are here to-day can testify. In
consequence of this, and some other causes, flour can scarcely be bought for
six dollars per hundred-weight. A short time ago it was sold in great
quantities at the rate of three dollars per hundred to the stores, and now
there is hardly bread enough in Israel to supply the wants of our children. Why
is this waste? A little more care should be exhibited by the farmers for the
products of the soil.
If God
our heavenly, Father has given us temporal blessings in the due course and
order of nature, we ought to hold them sacred, and be as prudent and economical
of them as we are of a precious truth revealed from heaven by the agency of an
holy angel from the presence of God. I know not which to prize the most, the
blessings of the earth which pertain to the sustenance of these bodies, or the
blessings of heaven that give food to the mind; for they are all the blessings
of heaven to me and to you. I look upon every blessing as the gift of Jehovah,
as the Apostle James wrote anciently, "every good and perfect gift cometh
from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow
of turning," whether it be wheat, corn, flocks, herds, houses, lands,
wives, or children; we can obtain none of these things independent of this
blessing; neither can we make one hair white or black, or add one cubit to our
stature, without it is by the blessing of our Father in heaven.
Sometimes
for want of proper care in keeping a secure fence, cattle break through, and
destroy the fruits of our toil I hope, as the time of sowing seed is at hand,
that we shall remember these things. And let me say further, that a good fence
is the most effectual "Stray Pound Law" that can exist. If there are
any so circumstanced as not to be able to walk up to the full extent Of these
instructions, let us, however, try to do a little more than we have done
heretofore, and by a little extra exertion secure to ourselves an additional
amount of comfort, and have a little more to contribute to the building up of
the Temple of God, in which operation we may be sanctified. Brethren, bear these
things in mind.
We have
heard, of late, a great deal about stray cattle, stealing, dissension and
apostacy. I have not spoken upon the subject, I believe, from this stand; at
the same time I have my feelings and views in relation to these matters, and I wish
now to express them by introducing a figure, from which you may draw your own
conclusions.
Now
sanctification means, not only the purifying of the heart by prayer, and by
acts of obedience to God, but it means also to purify a people, and purge from their
midst that which is evil. I will suppose a case, viz., that here is a large
flock of sheep out on the prairie, and here are shepherds also to watch over
them with care. It is generally the case that shepherds are provided with most
excellent dogs, that understand their business—their duty in relation to the
flock. It has been said by some, that shepherd dogs should be reared with the
sheep, and suck the milk from them, and thus partake of their nature; that the
child not only draws its nourishment from the woman, but from the same source
conceives a strong attachment, a kindred feeling and sympathy, for the fountain
of its life. How this is I cannot; say; I have heard the observation, but those
who understand and know concerning this matter, can properly appreciate the
remark in relation to it.
Suppose
the shepherd should discover a wolf approaching the flock, what would he be
likely to do? Why, we should suppose, if the wolf was within proper distance,
that he would kill him at once with the weapons of defence which he carries; in
short, that; he would shoot him down, kill him on the spot. If the wolf was not
within shot, we would naturally suppose he would set the dogs on him; and you
are aware, I have no doubt, that thence shepherd dogs have very pointed
teeth, and they are very active, very sensitive to know when the flock is
in danger. It is sometimes the case, perhaps, that the shepherd has not with
him the necessary arms to destroy the wolf, but in such a case he would set his
faithful dogs on him, and by that means accomplish his destruction.
Is this
true in relation to the shepherd, and the flock, and the dogs? You can all
testify to its truth. Now was Jesus Christ the good shepherd? Yes. What the
faithful shepherd is to his sheep, so is the Saviour to his followers. He has
gone and left on earth other shepherds who stand in the place of Jesus Christ
to take care of the flock. When that flock is out on the prairie, and the
pasture range extending broad and green before them, and completely cleared of
wolves, is not that sanctified and cleansed, when there is nothing to hurt or
destroy them? I ask if one wolf is permitted to mingle with the flock, and
unmolested proceed in a work of destruction, will he not go off and tell the
other wolves, and they bring in a thousand others, more wicked and ravenous
than themselves? Whereas, if the first one should meet with his just deserts,
he could not go back and tell the rest of his hungry tribe to come and feast
themselves upon the flock.
Now don't
say that brother Hyde has taught strong things, for I have only told you what
takes place between the shepherd and the flock, when the sheep have to be
protected.
If you
say that the Priesthood or authorities of the Church here are the shepherd, and
the Church is the flock, you can make your own application of this figure. It
is not at all necessary for me to do it.
It is all
the same to me whether they want to destroy the flock, or destroy, steal, and
carry off the property of the took. If you steal my team, which is my means of
living, you might just as well kill me at once. It is like this—"Brother
Hyde, I will not disturb, molest, or harm you, or any of the rest of
your brethren; but we will take you out on the bleak and comfortless prairie,
and leave you there to starve or freeze to death, and take possession of your
property." You might as well destroy us at once as take us where we should
starve. It would be much better to take our heads offer once than to subject us
to a lingering death. Says the Apostle, to the flock over which the Holy Ghost
had made him overseer—"The time will come when grievous wolves will enter
in among you, not sparing the took, and even of yourselves will men arise
speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them." &c.
I will tell
you a feeling that I have ever cherished, though some may think I speak
contrary to my real sentiments; because in certain circumstances I spoke in
defence of a certain individual, which heaven knows whether he be guilty or
innocent. Perhaps my zeal carried me beyond mediocrity, if it did that will be
overruled for my good, for it may show me who among my friends are my enemies.
At the same time my feelings are these—the best way to sanctify ourselves, and
please God our heavenly Father in these days, is to rid ourselves of every
thief, and sanctify the people from every vile character. I believe it is
right; it is the law and practice of our neighbouring state to put the same
thing in execution upon men who violate the law, and trample upon the sacred rights
of others. It would have a tendency to place a terror on those who leave these
parts, that may prove their salvation when they see the heads of thieves taken
off, or shot down before the public. Let us clear up the horizon around us; and
then, like the atmosphere after the thunder storm has spent its fury in the
tops of the mountains, becomes purified; and a calm sunshine pervades the
whole. I believe it to be pleasing in the sight of heaven to sanctify ourselves
and put these things away from our midst.
I have
delivered the sermon I wanted to preach. I told the President I wished to
preach a sermon of about twenty minutes long, and I believe I am at an end of
it, inside of the time. I bequeath these remarks to you in the name of Jesus my
master, with the best feelings of a heart devoted to your good. Amen.
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by Henry Herriman.
——
[9 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 9, 2 p.m.
Conference called to order by President Young. Singing. Prayer by W. W. Phelps. Singing.
Elder T. Bullock read the report of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, (which will be noticed hereafter.)
Prest. YOUNG occupied the time speaking on various subjects, yet to be reported.
Choir sung "The spirit of God." Benediction by O. Hyde.
——
[10 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 10.
Conference called to order by President Kimball at 10 a.m. Singing. Prayer by P. P. Pratt. Singing.
Elder P. P. PRATT delivered a sermon on heirship.
[Parley P. Pratt]
[DNW 4:29-30, 3/2/1854 p 1-2]
A SERMON
By
P. P. Pratt, addressed to the Conference in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake
City, April 10th, 1853.
At the
request of my brethren, I rise to occupy a portion of the time. I realize that
there are many present who are equally prepared to administer in the things of
the Spirit of God. The time is precious, and I desire that I may have the
Spirit of God, with the prayers and confidence of the people, to speak in
wisdom that which is necessary, and then give opportunity to my brethren; for I
love to hear them, and so do this people.
I have
reflected a little upon the text that was presented to us by our President a
few days since, and upon the excellent remarks made by himself and others upon
the subject of heirship, or the inherent rights of the first-born, and of
election. I consider, indeed, that it opens a broad field, and that there is no
danger of exhausting the subject, whatever may be said of it.
The
covenants made with the fathers, and the rights of the children by reason of
them, are an interesting subject to me.
In the
first place, if all men were created alike, if all had the same degree of
intelligence and purity of disposition, all would be equal. But,
notwithstanding the declaration of American sages, and of the fathers of our
country, to the contrary, it is a fact that all beings are not equal in their
intellectual capacity, in their dispositions, and in the gifts and callings of
God. It is a fact that some beings are more intelligent than others, and some
are endowed with abilities or gifts which others do not possess.
In
organizing and peopling the worlds, it was found necessary to place among the
inhabitants some superior intelligences, who were capacitated to teach,
to rule, and preside among other intelligences. In short, a variety of gifts,
and adaptations to the different arts, sciences, and occupations, was as
necessary as the uses and benefits arising therefrom have proved to be. Hence
one intelligence is peculiarly adapted to one department of usefulness, and
another to another. We read much in the Bible in relation to a choice or election,
on the part of Deity, towards intelligences in His government on earth,
whereby some were chosen to fill stations very different from others. And this
election not only affected the individuals thus chosen, but their posterity for
long generations, or even for ever.
It may be
inquired where this election first originated, and upon what principle a just
and impartial God exercises the elective franchise. We will go back to the
earliest knowledge we have of the existence of intelligences. We learn from the
writings of Abraham and others, and from modern revelation, that the
intelligences that now inhabit these tabernacles of earth were living, active
intelligences in yonder world, while the particles of matter which now compose
our outward bodies were yet mingled with their native element; that then our
embodied spirits lived, moved, conversed, and exercised an agency. All
intelligences which exist possess a degree of independence in their own sphere.
For instance, the bee can go at will in search of honey, or remain in the hive.
It can visit one flower or another, as independent in its own sphere as God is
in His. We find a degree of independence in everything which possesses any
degree of intelligence; that thinks, moves, or acts: because the very principle
of voluntary action implies an independent will to direct such action.
Among the
intelligences which existed in the beginning, some were more intelligent than
others, or, in other words, more noble; and God said to Abraham, "These I
will make my rulers!" God said unto Abraham, "Thou art one of them;
thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
NOBLE!
Does He use the word noble? Yes; the word noble, or that which signified
it, was used in conversation between God and Abraham, and applied to superior
intelligences on earth, and which had pre-existed in the heavens.
I am
aware that the term is greatly abused, in Europe and elsewhere, being applied
to those titled, and to those who inherit certain titles and estates, whether
they are wise men or fools, virtuous or vicious. A man may even be an idiot, a
drunkard, an adulterer, or a murderer, and still be called a nobleman by the
world. And all this because his ancestor, for some worthy action, or perhaps
for being skilled in murder and robbery, under the false glare of
"military glow," obtained a title, and the possession of a large
estate, from which he had helped to drive the rightful occupant.
Now the
Lord did not predicate His principle of election or nobility upon such an
unequal, unjust, and useless order of things. When He speaks of nobility, He
simply means an election made, and an office or a rifle conferred, on the
principle of superiority of intellect, or nobleness of action, or of capacity
to act. And when this election, with its titles, dignities, and estates,
includes the unborn posterity of a chosen man, as in the case of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, it is with a view of the noble spirits of the eternal world
coming through their lineage, and being taught in the commandments of God.
Hence the Prophets, Kings, Priests, Patriarchs, Apostles, and even Jesus
Christ, were included in the election of Abraham, and of his seed, as
manifested to him in an eternal covenant.
Although
some eternal intelligences may be superior to others, and although some are
more noble, and consequently are elected to fill certain useful and necessary
offices for the good of others, yet the greater and the less may both be
innocent, and both be justified, and be useful, each in their own capacity; if
each magnify their own calling, and act in their own capacity, it is all right.
It may be
inquired, why God made one unequal to another, or inferior in intellect or
capacity. To which I reply, that He did not create their intelligence at all.
It never was created, being an inherent attribute of the eternal element called
spirit, which element composes each individual spirit, and which element exists
in an infinitude of degrees in the scale of intellect, in all the varieties
manifested in the eternal God, and thence to the lowest agent, which acts by
its own will.
It is a
fixed law of nature that the higher intelligence presides over, or has more or
less influence over, or control of, that which is less.
The Lord,
in surveying the eternal intelligences which stood before Him, found some more
noble or intellectual than others, who were equally innocent. This being so, He
exercised the elective franchise upon wise principles, and, like a good and
kind father among his children, He chose those for rulers who were most capable
of benefiting the residue. Among these was our noble ancestor, Abraham.
I do not
take up the subject in the middle of it, like the natural man who knows little
of the past or future, and who judges by the things present before his eyes.
Such a one might suppose that it so happened that Abraham came along, and was
picked up without any particular reference to the past, or to eternal
principles, and was elected to office; that it might just as well have
been somebody else instead of him. But instead of this, he was chosen before
the world was, and came into the world for the very purpose which he fulfilled.
But, notwithstanding this pre-election in passing the veil, and entering a
tabernacle of flesh, he became a little child, forgot all he had once known in
the heavens, and commenced anew to receive intelligence in this world, as is
the case with all. He therefore was necessitated to come up by degrees, receive
an experience, be tried and proved. And when he had been sufficiently proved
according to the flesh, the Lord manifested to him the election before
exercised towards him in the eternal world. He then renewed that election and
covenant, and blessed him, and his seed after him. And He said—In multiplying,
I will multiply thee; and in blessing I will bless thee.
The
Sodomites, Canaanites, &c., received the reverse of this blessing. Instead
of giving them a multiplicity of wives and children, He cut them off, root and
branch, and blotted their name from under heaven, that there might be an end of
a race so degenerate. Now this severity was a mercy. If we were like the people
before the flood, full of violence and oppression; or if we, like the Sodomites
or Canaanites, were full of all manner of lawless abominations, holding
promiscuous intercourse with the other sex, and stooping to a level with the
brute creation, and predisposing our children, by every means in our power, to
be fully given to strange and unnatural lusts, appetites, and passions, would
it not be a mercy to cut us off, root and branch, and thus put an end to our
increase upon the earth? You will all say it would. The spirits in heaven would
thank God for preventing them from being born into the world under such
circumstances. Would not the spirits in heaven rejoice in the covenant and
blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in relation to the multiplying of their
seed, and in every additional wife which God gave to them as a means of
multiplying? Yes, they would; for they could say—"Now there is an
opportunity for us. to take bodies in the lineage of a noble race, and to be
educated in the true science of life, and in the commandments of God." O
what an unspeakable contrast, between being a child of Sodom, and a child of
Abraham!
Now,
Abraham, by his former superiority of intelligence and nobility, by his former
election before the world was, and by conducting himself in this world so as to
obtain the renewal of the same according to the flesh, brought upon his
posterity, as well as upon himself, that which will influence them more or less
to the remotest generations of time, and in eternity.
Paul, the
great Apostle of the Gentiles, when speaking upon this subject, testifies that
the children of Israel differ much every way from the Gentiles, for to them,
says he, pertains the election, the covenants, the promises, the service of
God, the adoption, the glory, the giving of the law, and the coming of Christ
in the flesh. He then goes on to trace the peculiar branches in which the
heirship is perpetuated. Abraham had a son Ishmael, and several children by his
other wives and concubines which the Lord gave unto him. They might all be
blessed, but the peculiar blessings of heirship and Priesthood remained and
were perpetuated in Isaac.
Again,
when Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, had conceived twins, the election to these
peculiar blessings ran in the lineage of Jacob, and not of Esau. True, Esau was
the first-born, and was heir to the inheritance, which always pertains to the
birth-right, but the election to hold and perpetuate the keys of eternal
Priesthood was peculiar to Jacob, and even that which Esau did inherit was
forfeited by transgression, and therefore transferred to Jacob.
The Lord
blessed Ishmael in many things, because he was Abraham's seed. The Lord blessed
Esau in many things, because he was a son of Abraham and Isaac, but the
peculiar things of the Priesthood, through which all nations should be blessed,
pertained exclusively to that peculiar branch of the Hebrews which sprang from
Jacob.
Now
before these two children were born, or had done any good or evil in this life,
God, who was acquainted with them in the former life, and who knew the grades
of intelligence or of nobility possessed by each, revealed to Rebecca, their
mother, that two nations or manner of people would spring from these twins, and
that one people should be stronger than the other, and that the elder should
serve the younger. When these two children had been born, and had died, and
when their posterity had become two nations, then the Lord spoke by the Prophet
Malachi, that He loved Jacob, because of some good he had done, and that He
hated Esau, and laid his mountains waste, because of certain evils specified in
the same declaration.
The
Apostle Paul, in speaking of Jacob and Esau, quotes the revelation of Rebecca,
before they were born and the revelation to Malachi after they had become two
nations; and the two quotations, both following in immediate connexion in
Paul's writings, have been mistaken by many, as if God had revealed both
sayings before the two children were born; and thus the Scriptures are wrested
and made to say that God hated a child before he was born, or had done any good
or evil. A more false and erroneous doctrine could hardly be conceived, or a
worse charge sustained against Juggernaut, than the imputation of hating
children before they axe born.
Here I
would inquire, if it is anything inconsistent, or derogatory to the character
of a good or impartial father, who loves all his children, for him to elect or
appoint one of them to fulfil a certain purpose or calling, and another to
fulfil another useful calling? Is it anything strange for one person to be
stronger than another, for one person to serve another, or for one person to
have a more numerous posterity than another? Is it anything strange or
unrighteous for one person to be a farmer, a wine-dresser, or a builder, and
another a teacher, a governor, or a minister of justice and equity? What is
more natural, more useful, or just, than for a father who discovers the several
abilities or adaptations of his children, to appoint them their several
callings or occupations?
God did
not say that Jacob should be saved in the kingdom of God, and Esau be doomed to
eternal hell, without any regard to their deeds; but He simply said that two
distinct nations, widely differing, should spring from them, and one should be
stronger than the other, and the elder should serve the younger. If one nation
is stronger than the other, it can assist to defend the other. If the one
nation serves the other, it will have a claim on a just remuneration for
services rendered. If one inherits a blessing or Priesthood, through which all
nations shall be blessed, surely the nation which is composed of his brother's
children will have an early claim on salvation through this ministry. I should
esteem it a great privilege if, while I was serving my brother, and we were
both partaking of the fruits of my labors, he should be elected to a
Priesthood, through the ministry of which myself and all my posterity, as well
as his own, might be taught, exalted, and eternally saved. By our mutual
labors, then, we could be mutually benefited in time and in eternity. I am
administering to him, and I am happy. He is administering to me, and he is
happy. It is a kind of mutual service, a classification of labor, wherein each
attends to the business most natural to him, and wherein there is mutual benefit.
Why, then, should I find fault, or entertain envy or hatred towards my brother?
Dressing a vine, ploughing a field, harvesting, or building, is just as
necessary as teaching, or administering the ordinances of salvation; one acts
in one capacity, and the other in another, but they are mutually blessed and
benefited by their separate callings and endowments.
On the
subject of hatred, I feel much as the Lord did when He hated Esau, and laid his
mountains waste. When the children of Jacob were in trouble with their enemies,
Esau's descendants joined with the enemy, and did not stand by their brethren.
When Jacob was unpopular, and the nations hated him because of the
peculiarities of his religion, Esau forsook his brother and disowned
relationship, fellowshipping with his brother's persecutors. I also hate a
traitor, who turns against me in a day of adversity, when I have claim on him
as a brother.
But to
return to the subject of election, and of heirship. In the lineage of Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, according to the flesh, was held the right of heirship to the
keys of Priesthood for the blessings and for the salvation of all nations. From
this lineage sprang the Prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles;
and from this lineage sprang the great Prophet and restorer in modern times,
and the Apostles who hold the keys under his hand. It is true, that
Melchizedeck and the fathers before him held the same Priesthood, and that
Abraham was ordained and blessed under his hand, but this was an older branch
of the chosen seed. I am speaking more fully of those who have lived since the
older branches passed away, and since the transfer of the keys to Abraham and
his seed. No Ishmaelite, no Edomite, no Gentile has since then been privileged
to hold the presiding keys of Priesthood, or of the ministry of salvation. In
this peculiar lineage, and in no other should all the nations be blessed. From
the days of Abraham until now, if the people of any country, age, or nation,
have been blessed with the blessings peculiar to the everlasting covenant of
the Gospel, its sealing powers, Priesthood, and ordinances, it has been through
the ministry of that lineage, and the keys of Priesthood held by the lawful
heirs according to the flesh. Were the twelve Apostles which Christ ordained,
Gentiles? Were any of them Ishmaelites, Edomites, Canaanites, Greeks,
Egyptians, or Romans by descent? No, verily. One of the Twelve was called a
"Canaanite," but this could not have alluded to his lineage, but
rather to the locality of his nativity, for Christ was not commissioned to
minister in person to the Gentiles, much less to ordain any of them to the
Priesthood, which pertained to the children of Abraham. I would risk my soul
upon the fact that Simon the Apostle was not a Canaanite by blood, He was
perhaps a Canaanite upon the same principle that Jesus was a Nazarite, which is
expressive of the locality of his birth or sojourn. But no man can hold the
keys of Priesthood or of Apostleship, to bless or administer salvation to the
nations, unless he is a literal descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jesus
Christ and his ancient Apostles of both hemispheres were of that lineage. When
they passed away, and the Saints, their followers, were destroyed from the
earth, then the light of truth no longer shone in its fulness.
The world
have from that day to this been manufacturing priests, without any particular
regard to lineage. But what have they accomplished? They have done what man
could do; but man could not bestow that which he did not possess, consequently
he could not bestow the eternal keys of power which would constitute the
Priesthood. They have manufactured something, and called it Priesthood, and the
world has been cursed with it up to this time.
But God
Almighty, in fulfilment of the covenants made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
and with the Prophets, Apostles, and Saints of old, raised up a Joseph, and
conferred upon him the ancient records, oracles, and keys of the eternal
Priesthood. If he was the impostor the world took him to be, why did he not
happen to state in his book that he was a descendant of the Romans, or that he
had come through the loins of Socrates, or sprung from some of the Greek
philosophers, or Roman generals? Why not a descendant of some noble house of
the Gentile kings or nobles? As we were ignorant of the peculiarities of
election and heirship to the royal Priesthood, why did not the Book of Mormon
predict that a noble Gentile should be the instrument to receive and translate
it in modern times, that through the Gentiles the Jews might obtain mercy? It
is true the book was brought forth and published among the Gentiles: it is also
true that it comes from the Gentiles to Israel, speaking rationally; but when
it predicts the name and lineage of its modern translator, "Behold, he is
a descendant of Joseph of Egypt," why should an imputed imposter be
consistent in this as well as in all other items? The reason is obvious. It is
because the record is true, and its translator no impostor.
Knowing
of the covenants and promises made to the fathers, as I now know them, and the
rights of heirship to the Priesthood, as manifested in the election of God, I
would never receive any man as an Apostle or a Priest, holding the keys of
restoration, to bless the nations, while he claimed to be of any other lineage
than Israel.
The word
of the Lord, through our Prophet and founder, to the chosen instruments of the
modern Priesthood, was this—"Ye are lawful heirs according to the flesh,
and your lives have been hid with Christ in God." That is to say, they
have been held in reserve during the reign of Mystic; Babel, to be born in due
time, as successors to the Apostles and Prophets of old, being their children,
of the same royal line. They have come forth, at length, as heirs to the keys
of power, knowledge, glow, and blessing, to minister to all the nations of the
Gentiles, and afterwards to restore the tribes of Israel. They are of the royal
blood of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and have a right to claim the ordination
and endowments of the Priesthood, inasmuch as they repent, and obey the Lord
God of their fathers.
Those who
are not of this lineage, whether they are Gentiles, Edomites, or Ishmaelites,
or of whatever nation, have a right to remission of sins and the Gift of the
Holy Spirit, through their ministry, on conditions of faith, repentance,
and baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ. Through this Gospel they are
adopted into the same family, and are counted for the seed of Abraham; they can
then receive a portion of this ministry under those (literal descendants) who
hold the presiding keys of the same.
By
obeying the Gospel, or by adoption through the Gospel, we are all made joint
heirs with Abraham, and with his seed, and we shall, by continuanes in well
doing, all be blessed in Abraham and his seed, no matter whether we are
descended from Melchizedeck, from Edom, from Ishmael, or whether we be Jews or
Gentries. On the principles of Gospel adoption, the blessing is broad enough to
gather all good, penitent, obedient people under its wings, and to extend to
all nations the principles of salvation. We would therefore more cordially
invite all nations to join themselves to this favored lineage, and come with
all humility and penitence to its royal Priesthood, if they wish to be instructed
and blessed, for to be blessed in this peculiar sense in any other way, or by
any other institutions or government, they cannot, while the promises and
covenants of God hold good to the elect seed.
Turn from
all your sins, ye Gentiles; turn from all your sins, ye people of the house of
Israel, ye Edomites, Jews, and Ishmaelites; all ye nations of the earth, and
come, to the legal Priesthood, and be ye blessed. The promise is to each and
all of you; do not reject it. The keys of the kingdom, of government, of
Priesthood, of Apostleship; the keys of salvation to build up, govern,
organize, and administer in temporal and spiritual salvation to the ends of the
earth, are now restored, and held by the chosen instruments of this lineage.
I have
spoken in a national capacity and in general principles. In regard to
individual heirship and the rights of fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons,
daughters, &c., I have not the power, if I had the time; to make the
subject any plainer than our President made it the other day. It is for us to
learn more and more from day to day, and continue to learn and practise those
principles and laws that will secure to each individual and family its rights,
according to the ancient order of the government of God, which is now being
restored.
The
living oracles or Priesthood in our midst can develop these principles from
time to time as we need them, for they minister in holy things, and soon they
will enter with us into the holy temple, where we may learn more fully; and if
we are still lacking, they will with us enjoy the great thousand years in which
to teach, qualify, and prepare us for eternity.
We have
need to learn more fully the relationship we sustain to our families, to the
community, to the nations of the earth, to the house of Israel, to heaven, to
earth, to time, and to eternity. We have need to learn more fully to fulfil the
duties of those relationships. We must learn by degrees. Truth is not all told
at once, nor learned in a few days. A little was developed by our President the
other day, for which we are very glad; we will treasure it up, and as
circumstances call for it, we shall receive a little more, until by degrees the
law of God is learned from those who hold the keys, even every item which
pertains to our own rights, and the rights of our children, so that we shall
not trespass on another's. In this manner all the good people on earth, in the
spirit world, or in the world of the resurrections, may become one in love,
peace, good-will, purity, and confidence, and in keeping the laws of Jesus
Christ and of the holy Priesthood. If each person has the knowledge and the
disposition to do right, and then does it continually, even as he would wish
others to do to him, this will not only give to each his right, but create the
utmost confidence, love, and good-will, by which a perfect union may be formed
between each other, and with all good spirits and angels, and, finally, with
Jesus Christ and his Father in worlds without end. Amen.
Matthias Cowley, was
unanimously voted to take a mission to Europe.
Prest. YOUNG taught principle - concerning various matters.
P. P. PRATT again arose and said I am glad I preached, for now I have received more light, and I am thankful for it.
F. D. RICHARDS - The things which have been spoken to us this day, have been rich and precious; and have been given to us, for a high and holy purpose. And then advocated the claims of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, for the great work of the last days, is, to gather israel, to where they may be instructed in the way of salvation.
The Choir chanted "The Hallelujah Chorus." Benediction by John Taylor.
——
[10 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:47, 4/30/1853 p 3]
April 10, 2. p.m.
Conference called to order by david Fullmer. Singing. Prayer by Evan M Greene. Singing.
Elder LORENZO SNOW said he had attended Conferences in Nauvoo and many other places, but never have had such a glorious Conference as this: alluded to the scenes of persecution which the Church has passed through, and the book of Mormon being printed in the Danish, French, Italian and German languages, and in the Engllish language, and is in most of the nations where that language is spoken. He then asked a blessing on the bread; and continued: We have occasion to feel grateful for this peaceful situation, and that we shall not have to travel as heretofore, nor suffer any more from the effects of apostates. I feel that glorious things are to come; especially in being sent on missions, to foreign countries, and I feel to say there are hundreds and thousands now living in these Valleys, who will live to go and dwell in the beautiful places, in Jackson County, which our Fathers have paid for.
Prest. H. C. KIMBALL said he had never seen a better clothed congregation in his life, comparing it with the situation of thousands and millions in the old countries. Complained of some persons, who wanted to rob the dead. I am a believer in the words of Jesus what a man measures to his neighbor, will be measured to him again, either in this life, or the next; and when persons do wrong in Utah, they will be punished for it. We mean to cut the tares down, and not disturb the wheat. A man's damnation will be according to the light and knowledge, which he has. In the days of Moses, a man had his head severed from his body, when he had committed adultery, and the woman was stoned to death for it.
L. SNOW, asked a blessing on the water.
H. C. K. As soon as the emigration for California comes in, you will see these apostates running to them, to make up some divide against our President; but they will be foiled in their endeavors. Be humble and submissive to the authorities that preside over you, in the different branches and you will be blessed.
Prest. YOUNG - If the world could look upon us in our present capacity, they would surely say, we are a stumbling block. The Machinery for making Sugar has been turned over to the Church, we propose to put up the Machinery on the North line of the Church Farm. Elder O. Hyde will take the supervision of it; there is not the least doubt we can make the Sugar from the beet; we shall never give it up, nor cease our opperations, until we manufacture every thing we can eat, drink, or wear from the native element, and make the earth itself, like the garden of Eden. We never had such a pleasant April conference as this, before: and a beautiful spirit in it. This Church is a stumbling block, and Joseph himself, was a stumbling block to this generation.
My soul feels all the time, may God bless you. What is the necessity of a man or woman having any trouble? Sisters if you expect to be happy, in your house, you have to make that happiness yourself, but if you calculate some one has to make a heaven for you, you will be mistaken; then live for God, build up Zion, and fill the earth with the knowledge of God. Let every man and woman be a Saint, and then the yoke is easy.
I appoint the 2nd Saturday in August at 10 a.m. A special Conference, to call some elders and transact business, but shall adjourn this conference to 6 October 1853. And I bless every man and woman in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Singing. Benediction by Prest. Kimball.
Many of the sermons, addresses, and teachings referred to in the above minutes, we expect to present our readers, as soon as space and circumstances will permit, - [Ed.]
6-9 Oct 1853, General Conference, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly, 3:74-75, 10/15/1853 p 2-3]
[6 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW, 3:74, 10/15/1853 p2]
Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City,
commencing October 6th, 1853, 10 A.M. President Brigham Young, presiding.
Present - Presidents, B. Young, H. C. Kimball, W. Richards.
Patriarch, Isaac Morley.
Of the Twelve Apostles, O. Hyde, P. P. Pratt, W. Woodruff, J. Taylor, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, L. Snow, E. Snow, F. D. Richards.
Seventies, Jos. Young, H. Herriman, Z. Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, J. M. Grant, B. L. Clapp.
High Priests Quorum, John Young, R. Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop Edward Hunger.
Presidency of the Stake, D. Fullmer, Thomas Rhoades, P. H. Young.
Clerk of Conference, Thomas Bullock.
Reporter, George D. Watt.
Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder George A. Smith. Singing.
ELDER HYDE opened the Conference by reviewing the arrival of the Saints this season, the Indian disturbance, and exhorting the Saints to look to the beacon light, who guides us to be the heirs of all things both in heaven and on earth; and we should be thankful we have the privilege to follow such a leader.
When a person is appointed to be a leader, it proves that he has passed through tribulation and trials, and has been proven to be worthy to be a leader; and that he has earned it, by his upright conduct, and is sustained by the good will of the Saints
If God himself was to descend from his throne and declare the truths of the gospel to fallen man, many would want some angel to come and bear testimony that he was of a truth, the God. Our Heavenly Father has ascended to his throne through trials and sufferings, similar to many of the saints, and therefore he can sympathize with our weaknesses, and can send forth assistance to our aid; therefore He sent his beloved Son, that who would hear and obey him, heard and obeyed the Father; and when that Son was distressed in the garden of Gethsemane, He sent an angel to comfort him in his trial. Those who will not obey the Son, will not obey the Father that sent him.
A person who hoes out into the world, goes to bear the buffetings of mankind, and with a feeling to earn a crown of reward. The angels are like us, they are unwilling to come here, unless they are sent; they, like us, are too willing to stay at home. When Brother Kimball and I were in England, Brother K. felt to take off his hat and bless the people and bless the land, for there was a peaceful spirit, and many souls willing to receive the truth; but the time will come when peace will be taken from the earth. It is the Saints who are going to judge the earth under the supervision of the almighty. It is the duty of Saints to increase and multiply; and will be their duty to pass sentence on the fallen spirits, for they will be the witnesses of their own persecution and that will cause the sinners to cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of God. When the curse is taken from the earth, it will be given to the Saints and there will be no night, but all will be light, and the glory of God will surround it. There will be a place for everybody, and those who love darkness better than light, will have a world rolling eternally in darkness.
[Orson Hyde]
DNW 3:78, 10/29/1853 p2, JD 1:121]
General Conference
Tabernacle, G.S.L.City
Thursday, Oct. 6, 1853.
President
ORSON HYDE addressed the congregation.
At the
commencement of our Conference, it has fallen to my lot to make a few remarks.
If you
will indulge me with your prayerful attention, I will try to communicate to you
a few words, which I hope and trust may prove, not only edifying to you now,
but a source of comfort and consolation in time to come.
Be it as
the Lord will, I shall use my best endeavors for this; and if I fail in it, it
will be for want of ability, and not for want of a disposition.
I
discover before me many strange faces; I presume they are our friends from the
different settlements, South, North, East, and West, who have no doubt
assembled here for the purpose of obtaining instructions and information
respecting the prosperity of the Church, the duty of its officers, and what is
to be done in the important period in which we now live.
It is a
peculiar and interesting time with us. In the first place, our brethren from
abroad, who are unaccustomed to a mountain life, or a life in this Valley, are
emigrating to this place; and when they arrive here, they do not find every
thing, perhaps, as they anticipated, or they find things different from what
they have been accustomed to in the places from which they came. Everything
seems new and strange, and it takes a little time, as we say in a familiar
phrase, "to get broken into the harness."
Not only
so, but we have had some little disturbance with the red men this season, and
this is a cause of some digression from the common path of duty we are
accustomed to move in.
Under all
these circumstances, as we have business of importance to transact during this
Conference, it becomes necessary that our minds should become united in one, as
far as possible, that we may act in accordance with the mind and will of our
Father which is in heaven. Let me here observe, that the people of God can be
united only upon that principle that vibrates from the very bosom of heaven. If
we are united, if we can touch one point or principle upon which all can strike
hands, by that union we may know that our wilt is the mind and will of God; and
what we, in that state, bind on earth, is bound in heaven, for the action is
reciprocal, it is the same.
Hence,
after so long a separation, we have come together again, under circumstances
somewhat peculiar. It is necessary that we seek to be united. How shall we be
united? Around what standard shall we rally? Where is the beacon light to which
our eyes shall be directed, in order that our actions may tend to the
accomplishment of the same purpose and design? The beacon light is he whom our
heavenly Father has ordained and appointed to lead His people, and give them
counsel, and guide their destiny. That is the light to which the eye should be
directed. And when that voice is heard, let every bosom respond, yea and
amen.
But, says
one, "If this be correct, it is giving to one man almighty power.
It is giving to one man supreme power to rule." Admit it. What are we all
aiming for? Are we not aiming for supreme power? Are we not
aiming to obtain the promise that has been made to all believers? What is it?
"He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and
he shall be my son." Are we not all seeking for this, that we may
overcome, that we may inherit all things? For says Paul, "Therefore let no
man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or
Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come;
all are yours; And ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." Well, then, if
all things are ours, we should be very insensible to our best interests if we
did not seek diligently for that which Heaven promises as a legacy to the
faithful. It is our right, then. Do we not all expect to be armed with almighty
power? Is there a Latter-day Saint under the sound of my voice, whose heart is
fired with celestial light, but that seeks to be in possession of supreme power
(I had like to have said) both in heaven and on earth? It is said, we are
"heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ." Does Jesus Christ
possess all power in heaven and on earth? He said, when he rose from the dead,
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Are we heirs of
God, and joint heirs with that illustrious character ? He has so declared! If
we are, do we not, in common with him, possess the power that is in heaven and
on earth! If one individual, then, is a little ahead of us in obtaining this
power, let us not be envious, for it will be our time by and bye. We ought to
be the more thankful, and glorify God that He has armed one individual with
this power, and opened a way that we may follow him, and obtain the same power.
Instead of it being a cause of envy, it ought to be, on the contrary, a matter
to call forth our warmest thanksgivings and praise to God, that He has brought
back that power again to the earth in our day, by which we may be led step by
step to the point we hope to attain.
After
reflecting a little this morning, a passage of Scripture occurred to my
mind—the words of John the Revelator, or the promise made to him. It says,
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he
shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the
name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem; which cometh down out of
heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name."
In the
course of my travels in preaching the Gospel to different nations, I have often
heard it remarked by the people, in days gone by, "We have heard your testimony;
we have heard your preaching; but really, why does not Joseph Smith, your
Prophet, come to us and bear testimony? Why does he not come to us and show us
the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated? If we could see the
Prophet and the plates, then we should be satisfied that the work is genuine,
that it is of God; but if we cannot see him and the ancient records, we are
still in doubt with regard to the genuineness of the work."
My reply
to them was something like the followings—"Joseph Smith cannot be everywhere,
and the plates cannot be presented to every eye. The voice of Joseph Smith
cannot be heard by every ear." And I have said to them, "You that
have seen me have seen Joseph Smith, for the same spirit and the same
sentiments that are in him are in me, and I bear testimony to you that these
things are verily true."
It is
generally the case, and I think I may say it is invariably the case, that when
an individual is ordained and appointed to lead the people, he has passed
through tribulations and trials, and has proven himself before God, and before
His people, that be is worthy of the situation which he holds. And let this be
the motto and safeguard in all future time, that when a person that has not
been tried, that has not proved himself before God, and before His people, and
before the councils of the Most High, to be worthy, he is not going to step in
to lead the Church and people of God. It never has been so, but from the
beginning some one that understands the Spirit and counsel of the Almighty,
that knows the Church, and is known of her, is the character that will lead the
Church.
How does
he become thus acquainted? How does he gain this influence, this confidence in
the estimation of the people? He earns it by his upright course and conduct, by
the justness of his counsels, and the correctness of his prophecies, and the
straightforward spirit he manifests to the people. And he has to do this step
by step; he gains influence, and his spirit, like an anchor, is fastened in the
hearts of the people; and he is sustained and supported by the love,
confidence, and good-will of the Saints, and of Him that dwelt in the bush.
This is the kind of character that ought to lead God's people, after he has
obtained this good will and this confidence.
What then
is he to do? Is he to go abroad to the nations of the earth and preach the
Gospel; to leave his home and the people of his charge? May we not count him as
first and foremost in the ranks of them that overcome? I think so! Well then,
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he
shall go no more out." All those who approach the nearest to that
standard, we expect will remain in the temple of God at home, and not go abroad
to the nations of the earth.
Says one,
"If an angel from heaven would descend and bear testimony that this work
was of God, I would believe it. Why may I not receive the testimony of angels,
as well as Joseph Smith or any other person? for God is no respecter of
persons! If I could receive it, I would be satisfied then that the work is
true." But let me here remark again—suppose the Omnipotent Jehovah, that
sits upon His throne of glory and power, was to descend and bear testimony,
what further credence would you then want? You would want some one to tell you
that it was really God Himself that had visited you, that you might be
satisfied it was not an angel of darkness in the similitude of a heavenly
personage.
Remember
that God, our heavenly Father, was perhaps once a child, and mortal like we
ourselves, and rose step by step in the scale of progress, in the school of
advancement; has moved forward and overcome, until He has arrived at the
point where He now is. "Is this really possible?" Why, my dear
friends, how would you like to be governed by a ruler who had not been through
all the vicissitudes of life that are common to mortals? If he had not
suffered, how could he sympathize with the distress of others? If he himself
had not endured the same, how could he sympathize and be touched with the
feelings of our infirmities? He could not, unless he himself had passed through
the same ordeal, and overcome step by step. If this is the case, it accounts
for the reason why we do not see Him—He is too pure a being to show himself to
the eyes of mortals; He has overcome, and goes no more out, but He is the
temple of my God, and is a pillar there.
What is a
pillar? It is that power which supports the superstructure which bears up the
edifice; and if that should be removed from its place, the edifice is in danger
of falling. Hence, our heavenly Father ascended to a throne of power; He has
passed through scenes of tribulation, as the Saints in all ages have, and are
still passing through; and having overcome, and ascended His throne, He can
look down upon those who are following in the same track, and can realize the
nature of their infirmities, troubles, and difficulties, like the aged father
who looks upon his race, upon the smallest child; and when he sees them
grappling with difficulties, his heart is touched with compassion. Why? Because
he has felt the same, been in the same situation, and he knows how to
administer just chastisement, mingled with the kindest feelings of a father's
heart. So with our heavenly Father; when He sees we are going astray, He
stretches forth His chastening hand, at the same time He realizes the
difficulties with which we have to contend, because he has felt the same; but
having overcome, He goes no more out.
When the
world was lost in wretchedness and woe, what did He do? Did He come here
Himself? No. But, says he, I will send my son to be my agent, the one who is
the nearest to my person, that is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; I
will send my son, and I will say, he that heareth him, heareth me. Go then, my
son. He came, and how did he look? He looked just like his Father, and just as
they treated him they treated his Father in heaven. For inasmuch as they did it
unto him, they did it unto his Father; He was the agent, the representative,
chosen and sent of God for the purpose. When it was necessary that the Saviour
of the world should have help and strength, should be sustained in the darkest
hour, did God Himself in person come to his aid? No, but He sent His angel to
succor him. When the Saviour was born, the spirits around the throne of God
were ready to fly to his protection, when the kings and rulers of this lower
world sought his destruction. What did they say to the wise men of Israel on
that eventful occasion? "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,
good will toward men."
When he
fasted forty days and forty nights, the angels appeared and strengthened him.
His heavenly Father did not come Himself, but, says the Saviour, he that hath
seen me hath seen the Father also; I am just like him, the brightness of his
glory, and the express image of his person. The same spirit that is in the
bosom of the Father is in me. I came not to do my own will, but the will of Him
that sent me. Then the character that looked upon the Saviour, looked upon the
Father, for he was a facsimile of Him; and if they would not; believe the Son,
they would not believe the Father.
The
Saviour, in the performance of his mission, laid down his life for the world,
rose from the dead, and ascended up up on high. And few and blessed are the
eyes that have seen him since! It is sometimes the case that the veil of
mortality has been rent, and the eye of the spirit has gazed upon the Saviour,
like as did Stephen of old, when he was stoned to death. In his expiring
moments, in the agonies of death, what did he say? He said, "I see the
heavens opened, and the Son of man standing. on the right hand of God."
Stephen saw him in that trying hour.
True it
is, that in the most trying hour, the servants of God may then be permitted to
see their Father, and elder brother. "But," says one, "I wish to
see the Father, and the Saviour, and an angel now." Before you can see the
Father, the Saviour, or an angel, you have to be brought into close places in
order to enjoy this manifestation. The fact is, your very life must be
suspended on a thread, as it were. If you want to see your Saviour, be willing
to come to that point where no mortal arm can rescue, no earthly power save!
When all other things fail, when everything else proves futile and fruitless,
then perhaps your Saviour and your Redeemer may appear; his arm is not
shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavy that he cannot hear; and when
help on all sides appears to fail, my arm shall save, my power shall rescue,
and you shall hear my voice, saith the Lord.
"Him
that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God," &c. The
Father has overcome, the Saviour has overcome, and the angels are overcoming
like we are. But let me here observe, it is a good deal with the angels, in my
opinion, as it is with us.
We who
have been in the Valley some length of time, feel that we are at home, and in a
goodly place, chosen of God, a secret habitation surrounded by mountains,
walled in by natural barriers, where we are secluded from the world, and
inhabiting a little world by ourselves. We know the world is opposed to our
doctrine. Now if one of us were required to go abroad among the nations, a
spirit of patriotic devotion to the interests of God's kingdom, would stimulate
us to forego all the pleasures of domestic life, to earn a crown of glory, and
shine as stars in the firmament for ever and ever; when, if we consulted our
own individual feelings and interest only, we would say, "O that we might
remain at home, and not go out and be buffeted by a cold and heartless
world!" We would rather remain with our friends, and bask in the sunshine
of their good will and favor, and enjoy life as we pass along; but to go out
into the world, and meet its scoffing sneers, it is alone for the cause and
kingdom of God's sake; and for the sake of this, we not only long to go abroad
to the nations of the earth, but to do every thing that is laid upon us to do.
Look at
the angels of heaven. If there are so many millions of them, and they manifest
such an interest for the welfare of mortals, why do they not come, and visit us
more? They may have the same feeling in relation to coming to this earth, that
we would have in going to the nations of the world. If they are sent, they will
go; but if not sent, it is very likely they will stay at home, as we will. If
we are sent, we will go; if we are not sent, we are glad to stay at home. This,
then, I presume, is their feeling; hence it has become proverbial in the world,
that angels' visits are few and far between. And let me here observe, that when
a servant of God, clothed with the spirit of his calling, enters a house, a
town, or a country, he feels the spirit in a moment that prevails in that
house, country, or people among whom he comes. For instance, if he lands upon
the shores of a foreign country, the moment his feet press their soil, their
spirit presses his heart! he senses it; and if the spirit that reigns in the
country is diverse to the Spirit of God; he feels it painful to his heart; and
it is upon this principle that the Saviour said to the disciples, "And
into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the
son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to
you again." Then when a servant of God enters a strange place, and he feels
the son of peace there, let his peace come upon that people, house, and city.
If he feels there is an adverse power that holds the sway there, his peace must
return to him, and he must go his way after he has faithfully discharged his
duty.
I
recollect once in a certain place in England, when travelling along with
brother Kimball, it was in a country town called Chatburn, where the people
were humble, simple, and honest; they loved the truth, and were seeking for
it—when we went there, their hearts and doors were opened to receive us, and
our message. What were our feelings? We felt that the ground upon which we
stood was most sacred, and brother Kimball took off his hat, and walked the
streets, and blessed the country and the people, and let his peace come upon
it. These were our feelings. Why? Because the people were ready to receive the
word of our testimony, and us for Christ's sake.
We had
been to other places, where the very moment our names were sounded, and it was
known we were in a house, there was a similar spirit manifested as there was in
the days of Lot, when the Angel came to his house to warn him to flee
from Sodom; for a mob was raised at once, and demanded the strangers to be
given up to them. We have been in places where the mob demanded us to be given
up to them; but we were shielded by friends, and God always opened a way of
escape for us. Wherever there is a spirit congenial with the Spirit of God, and
a loyalty to the kingdom of the Most High, you will find a hearty welcome, and
you are glad to go there.
If we,
whose sensibilities are benumbed by this veil of flesh which is around us, have
discernment to discriminate Where the son of peace is, the angels, who are not
clogged as we are, whose sensibilities are keener than ours, do you not think
when they approach the world, they know where the son of peace is? In the last
days, I will take peace from the earth, saith the Lord by one of the ancient
writers, and they shall kill one another; And there was given a great sword
unto him that sat on the red horse. And the nations will be armed against each
other. The angels are not fond to descend to this world, because of the
coldness of the spirit that reigns in it; they would rather remain in heaven
around the throne of God, among the higher order of intelligences, where they
can enjoy life, and peace, and the communion of the Holy One. When they are
sent, they will come; but they are tolerably well advanced among them that
overcome.
These are
some of the reasons why they do not mingle with us, why we cannot see them.
But, let me tell you, brethren and sisters, if we will be united as the heart
of one man, and that general union of spirit, of mind, be fastened upon the
Lord Jesus Christ, we shall draw down celestial intelligence by the Spirit of
God, or by angels who surround the throne of the Most High. It is an electric
wire through which and by which intelligence comes from heaven to mortals; it
is only necessary for the word to be spoken, and the power of it is at once
felt in every heart.
"Him
that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God," &c. Do
we ever wish to see the time when we can retire from the scenes of every day life,
to the temple of God, and go no more out? Are we looking for a period of this
kind? Yes, when we shall be made pillars in the temple of our God. We know when
a pillar is placed in a building, it is placed there to remain, pillars are not
often removed. All pillars are considered permanent; they are not to be taken
away, because the removing of them endangers the safety of the building. In
order to be made pillars in the temple of our God, what are we to do? WE MUST
OVERCOME.
Let it be
remarked, that the disposition so prevalent in the hearts of many, not to abide
the counsel of their superiors, has to be overcome; it must be slain, and laid
prostrate at our feet; and we must say we came not to do our own will, but the
will of him that sent us. We came to do the will of him to whom we have
plighted our faith, to uphold him as our leader, lawgiver, and Seer. We have
got to overcome the inclination to revolt at the idea, and be brought into
complete submission, and union of spirit.
"O,"
says one, "how does this look, to be slaves, to have no mind or will of
our own, but be swallowed up in the will of another, and thus become tools,
machines, slaves, and not free men, and independent like other people!"
Well, my dear friends, I will tell you how it was in heaven. There was a
disposition once in heaven that preferred to be independent enough to chalk out
its own course. The rebellious angels undertook it, and what became of them?
They fought against the throne of God, and were cast down, to be reserved in chains
of darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. Yes, they are reserved there,
and that is their glory, and the honor that is attached to them for being
independent, and declaring in the presence of God their independence—instead of
deriving any advantage from this course, down they went to their reward.
I will
advance a sentiment by Paul the Apostle, showing that we were there at the time
that notable controversy was going on, and no doubt we took an active
part with them who sustained the throne of God, and we were therefore permitted
to come to this world and take upon us bodies. The devils that fell were not
permitted to enjoy this privilege; they cannot increase their generation; glory
to God, they cannot do it, but we have the power of multiplying lives; this
is what they are angry about. Says Paul, "Do ye not know that the Saints
shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy
to judge the smallest matters?" Is it possible that these Elders and
servants of the Most High, who are going abroad among the nations, will have
power to judge the nations of the earth? Says one, "God will do it, and
not man." Now, for instance, I am building a house, and it is said Solomon
built a temple, but do you suppose Solomon quarried the rock, laid it up,
&c.? No, but he gave directions to others, and it is said Solomon built a
temple; so God will judge the world. The Almighty Ruler will instruct His
servants to do it, and the Saints will give the grand decision, and the nations
that have slain them will have to bow to their word.
What says
the good Book again? "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto
the end, to him will I give power over the nations; And he shall rule them with
a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even
as I received of my Father." Do we not expect to overcome and have power
over the nations? Yes. Says Paul, the Saints shall judge the world; not only
this, but they shall judge angels. "Why," says one, "I thought
that angels were greater in might and power than we, and is it possible that
we, the servants of God, are going to judge angels? You are surely exalting
yourselves above all that is called God; for God shall judge the world."
How is it that we do not recollect anything now that took place before we took
upon us these bodies? When we lay them off we shall remember every thing, the
scenes of those early times will be as fresh in our view as the sun was this
morning when he rose over the mountains. The Saints will say I to their fallen
brethren, You were arrayed under the command of Lucifer, and fought against us;
we prevailed, and it now becomes our duty to pass sentence against you, fallen
spirits. You have been reserved to this condemnation, and bound with a chain. With
what chain? That you could not multiply your race. There were limits put to you
that you could not increase. It was never said to you, Go forth into
hell and multiply; but it was said to man, Go forth and increase on the earth.
Here were stakes set they could not go beyond, and this is what they are angry
about, this makes a hell to them, because they "can't do it." They
see the superiority of the Saints who have kept their first estate, and they
are envious, and now it becomes the Saints' duty to pass sentence upon them.
The Saints shall judge angels, even those spirits who kept not their first
estate, and have been a long time in chains like criminals who are kept in
bondage to await their sentence. It will be the prerogative of the servants of
God to pass a decision upon them, and not only upon them, but upon the world
among whom they have been associated, and having combined in them the judicial
power, and power of witness, they will have power to judge and determine, for
the Saints shall judge the world.
How will
the wicked feel when they come up at the last day, (or at some day, be it last
or middle,) how will they feel when they see, perhaps one whom they have
persecuted, one whom they have killed as an imposter, or because they said he
was an impostor, when they see that person exalted upon the judgment seat, and
they themselves arraigned before him, and compelled to hear from his lips their
sentence? Sadly will they be mistaken. Says the Saviour, "If they have
persecuted me they will also persecute you. They knew him not, neither did they
know his disciples. Well did the Saviour say at one time, "Father forgive
them, for they know not what they do." They did not understand the power
that was lodged in the breast of their victim; but when the day of his wrath
will come, they will say to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us, and hide
us from the face-of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the
Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to
stand?" It will not; only be the Lamb that will come in the clouds of
heaven with power and great glory, but his angels and Saints that have gone
before him; these are they that will come with him; myriads of spirits will
come, wafted as it were through the air to earth's cold regions to call the
sons of men to an account for their doings.
Now,
"him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God,"
and "he that overcometh to him will I give power over the nations."
Do you want to overcome this worldly ambitious spirit that is ever burning to
be independent, that is, self sufficient and proud? Overcome this, and bring
every power and faculty of the soul into subjection to the power of the Most
High, and you are safe. What have you to overcome next? You have to overcome
that untiring. disposition to do wrong, to overreach your neighbor, that
thereby you may acquire for yourselves a paradise or heaven in this world,
while in its fallen state. Remember this one thing, if you want to be free from
the curse, You know it is said, "It is easier for a Camel to go through
the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of
God," Who then can be saved? Again, says the Saviour, "With men this
is impossible,. but with God all things are possible." Let me show you the
philosophy of this, why it is impossible for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God. God said in the beginning, "Cursed be the ground for thy
sake;" that is, earth and earthly things are cursed. Now the man who has
the most of it has the greatest amount of the curse; therefore if a man acquire
a great deal of earthly things, he acquires a great deal of this curse. For
they that will be rich are made to pass through many sorrows, and they have to
harden their hearts and their faces, and oppress the poor to acquire it; and
when they have acquired it, what have they got? It is to them something like a
red hot ball in the hands of a child, it burns; they have acquired it, and have
got a great curse along with it. It is hard for such to enter into the Kingdom
of God. The gate is narrow, and the curse is wide, so if they wish to go in at
that gate, they must be stripped, and become destitute of the love of this
world's goods. I recollect a beautiful illustration of this in the case of the
rich man, and Lazarus that was poor, and full of sores, and who lay at the rich
man's gate. There was the rich man clothed in fine linen, and fared sumptuously
every day. By and by he died, and went to hell, and saw Abraham afar off with
the same poor Lazarus in his bosom. Says the rich man, "Father Abraham,
have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in
water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame." He was so
humbled as to accept one drop of water from Lazarus, who while he lay at the
rich man's gate was ready to eat the crumbs that fell from his table. How
reverse the scene. Abraham, with the kind feelings of a father, at the same
time with that justness and dignity which is ever the characteristic of the
upright, said, "Son, remember that thou in thy life time receivedst try
good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and
thou art tormented." His arm was too short to reach that one drop of water
to him, for there was "a great gulf fixed; so that they which would pass
from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from
thence." The scene was changed. This is enough to admonish us, and to make
us adopt the advice of the Saviour, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
When
should we want to be rich? When the curse is taken from the earth. We do not
want the earth while it is cursed, for "cursed be the ground for try
sake," &c. Let the world that love darkness rather than light, be
heirs of the curse if they will; but do not let us seek after it with too
greedy hearts, until the curse is taken away; and when the curse is rebuked,
and the earth undergoes such a change that it will shine forever and ever, and
there is no night there, then we may have it, and it will do us good. It is
like this—We say that wheat and barley are excellent when we use them in their
native state; but when we extract the spirit from these grains, and drink it,
it intoxicates; when they are used in their native state, they make bread which
gives life to the body, while in the other state, they destroy. So the earth,
when the curse is taken away, will sustain an endless life. Though the figure
is not altogether correct, still it serves to illustrate the principle. The
Saviour did not say the Saints should inherit the earth while the curse was
upon it, but he said, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
earth." He will not give them something to destroy them, but they have got
to stay until the earth has fulfilled the measure of its creation; and then the
angel will raise his hand to heaven, and swear that time shall be no longer.
What becomes of the earth then? Why, says the prophet, it shall "reel to
and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the
transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not
rise again." If the earth falls, which way will it go, up or down?
Tell me, ye wise men, ye philosophers. Will not the greatest and most powerful
planet attract it whether it goes up or down? for the greater bodies attract
the lesser. If the earth falls, and is not to rise again, it will be removed
out of its present orbit. Where will it go to? God says He will gather all
things into one; then He will gather the earth likewise, and all that is in it,
in one. The gathering will be upon a larger scale in time to come; for by and
by the stars of Heaven will fall. Which way will they go? They will rally to a
grand centre, and there will be one grand constellation of worlds. I pray that
we may be time, and shine among those millions of worlds that will be stars in
the Almighty's crown.
The earth
will have to be removed from its place, and reel to and fro like a drunkard.
The fact is, it has got to leave the old track in which it has roamed in time
passed, and beat a new track; and saith the Lord, "come up here."
What is He going to do with it? Why, take it where the sun will shine upon it
continually, and there shall be no more night there; and the hand of God will
wipe away the tears from all faces. "Come up here, O earth! for I want the
Saints who have passed through much tribulation to be glorified with you, and
then I will give the earth to the meek. For I will take the curse from it, and
rebuke the destroyer for your sakes, and bring all things in subjection to you,
and you shall dwell in everlasting light." Now it is half day and half
night, but I tell you it is not going to be half and half, but there will be no
night there. We have but one sun to shine upon us, but when the earth is taken
out of this orbit, it will come in contact With the rays of other suns that
illuminate other spheres; their rays will dazzle our earth, and make the glory
of God rest upon it, so that there will be no mere night there.
Is it
possible, then, that there are worlds reserved in eternal night, in an eternal
eclipse, rolling in the shade? What is their use? They are the homes of
them that love darkness rather than light; and it shall be said unto them,
Depart, ye cursed, into outer darkness. There are planets that revolve in
eternal darkness, that you who love darkness rather than light may go and find
your own home. There is a place prepared for every body, no matter what their
character. Says the Saviour, "I go to prepare a place for you." There
is a place for every person. There is a place for every body that comes into
this Valley, if they can only find it. So there is a place in yonder world for
every person; but to him that overcometh will I give power over the nations, and
he shall be a pillar in the Temple of my God, and go no more out.
If there
is any thing in this world my soul desires the most, it is that I may overcome,
and be made a pillar in the Temple of my God, and remain at home in the society
that is continually warming my spirit, encouraging my feeling, with that which
is congenial with every principle of my nature; let me bask in their goodly
presence, live in their affections, dwell forever in the midst of their
society, and go no more out. And may God in His mercy help us all to overcome
every obstacle, and endure hardships like good soldiers of the Lamb, and dwell
eternally in the mansions of light; which may God grant for Christ's sake.
AMEN.
Singing. Benediction by J. M. Grant.
——
[6 Oct, 1:30 pm]
[DNW 3:74, 10/15/1853 p2]
Half past one, p.m.
Conference opened with singing. Prayer by Elder E. T. Benson. Singing.
ELDER F. D. RICHARDS congratulated many of the Saints on their arrival this season, having accomplished their gathering. Exhorted them to live right, that they may have the favor of God continually, and not feel sad, because those who have come in previously have got the best locations in the city, but rather rejoice, that you have a name in this place. Be careful and retain the spirit of God, lest you get the spirit of murmuring and complaining, an drop away from the church. As the sisters exercise a great influence upon the rising generation I exhort you not to keep the society of any person who speaks evil of the authorities, but rather associate with those who tend to perfection. You never lived in a country where persons spoke what they meant, before you came to this. Brethren you should be always ready and then nothing will come amiss, even when you are called to bear glad tidings to nations who know not God; for the Lord God will pour out His spirit upon all Israel, that they may be saved; and you can bear witness that the spirit of God has been poured out in richer abundance within the past few years, or since the brethren received their blessings in the temple at Nauvoo, and in this place.
[Franklin D. Richards]
DNW 3:77-78, 10/29/1853 p1-2, JD 1:316]
General Conference
Tabernacle, G. S. L. City
Thursday, Oct. 6, 1853, 1˝ p.m.
Elder
Franklin D. Richards addressed the conference.
Brethren
and Sisters—It seems to have fallen to my lot this afternoon to speak to you.
Whether I may speak lengthily, or occupy but a short time, will be as I am led
and dictated by the Holy Spirit.
I rejoice
in the opportunity, for many reasons. The first and greatest is it is a
blessing for a man who is called of God to teach the people, to exercise
himself in his office and calling, and try to magnify it, for he is thereby
made a blessing to the people, and is himself edified, often, yea, I may say
generally, quite as much as they are.
I rejoice
this afternoon in the privilege of meeting so many of my brethren who have just
arrived from the old country. I behold faces in the congregation with whom I have
within a few years past been wont to assemble in England, in Scotland, in
Wales, and in other places. There we used to rejoice together. The Spirit and
power of God rested upon us while we contemplated the things of God, that are
calculated to prepare us for the life which is to come.
I feel to
congratulate you, my brethren, who have newly come in, and who constitute so
goodly a number of my hearers this afternoon, upon your safe arrival in these
beautiful valleys; for you have now accomplished one of the greatest
undertakings of your lives. Once, had you been told that you would forsake
father, mother, brethren, sisters, kindred, and friends, and that you would do
it under the stigmatized appellation of "Mormon"—to come so great a
distance, to traverse one-third of the circumference of the globe, it would
have been as incredible to you as to any of us. While you were near the close
of this great task, doubtless some felt that had it been one hundred miles
further, they scarcely could have endured to the end of the journey; yet, to
some of us, this wonderful, great undertaking is but a small thing; we have
done it several times, and expect to do it many times more. I congratulate you,
however, on your having accomplished the task, and feel, as your brother in the
Lord, to welcome you here in the midst of God's people, and to pray with
sincerity that the spirit of Zion may rest upon you.
You have
come to this place with feelings and views as varied as the degree of faith in,
and knowledge you have of, the Gospel, and the measure of spirit in which you
walk. There are some who, in their own estimation, are well qualified and fully
prepared to judge of the propriety and impropriety of everything that exists
here; and such, while they may find some few things answer pretty well, will
find many things which, in their opinion, are not right, and really need
reformation.
Brethren,
you who have just arrived in the Valley, I wish to direct my words to you this
afternoon, to sound a word in your ears that may not be lost upon you, and it
is worth your while to hearken to it. You may dwell in this society, and never
know what manner of spirit you are of, nor the power of God that dwells in the
Priesthood in your midst; and, on the other hand, you may come here in a right
frame of mind, and hearken to the Spirit of God through the man whom He has
appointed to watch over us, and know that the words of all God's servants are
the words of life to you; and their faces will shine with wisdom in your eyes.
If you possess this. frame of mind, you will be prepared to drink in
intelligence from day to day, from their counsel and examples, that will lead
you on in the bright and shining way that was discoursed upon this morning.
In the
first place, I will offer a word to all, whether they are mechanics or common
labourers. No matter what calling you may follow in life, you have need, at
this juncture of your existence, to observe and treasure up one thing carefully
and faithfully in your minds, namely, if you live a proper life before the
Lord. you know that you have the fellowship of His Spirit, so that you know
your prayers are heard and answered, because you receive the things you ask
for. If you live so as to always have the witness of the good Spirit, you will
be saved to-day and every day, and thus it will constantly be well with you.
But if you are heedless of this day, and calculate on to-morrow, you
have no assurance that you will realize your hopes to-morrow. The only certain
stepping stone to the great good you may have to morrow in the midst of this
people is, that you be faithful to your covenants with God, and secure thereby
the fellowship of the Spirit, and walk in the counsels of it to-day; if you, do
this, you will have the good that is for you to morrow.
If you have
come into this place nearly penniless, and, in many respects, comparatively
destitute, and with no one to take you by the hand, or your friends are not
here, or, if they are, and do not hail you as you think they ought, be of good
cheer, and let not your hearts be sad, knowing you are doing right, and have
gathered according to the word of the Lord.
If you
look about you and see the Saints who have been here some years, and the choice
locations taken up by them, and you are still at the foot of the hill
apparently, do not fret your souls; remember that those brethren made the roads
to this place, killed the snakes, or gently turned them out of their path, made
the bridges, opened the kanyons, made the fences, ploughed the ground, and
worked in the wet and cold, in the midst of hunger and privation, to the best
of their ability, more than any portion of this people have. Have they not
worked to obtain what they have now got? If you look at it with a single eye,
it is marvelous to see the kingdom of God at this day. After being here only
six years; after being driven from Nauvoo, and suffering the toils of a
wilderness life among savages and wolves, to see it at the present time is
indeed comforting and cheering; the aspect is promising beyond all we could have
anticipated, or almost what could have been wished: Does it not make your souls
rejoice in the Lord, that He has established His people, and to realize that
you are blessed above measure in having a name and a place in this city or
territory? You are better off this afternoon in this place, in rags, and
begging your bread, than in England, Scotland, or Wales, earning one hundred
pounds per annum. You would there be dwelling; among the cloudy mists of
Babylon; where you dare not say your souls were your own. You could make but
little advancement in your holy religion there; but here you can receive words
of life from those whom God has appointed to lead His people into the way of
salvation. Be careful now, that the good Spirit which has accompanied you in
the old world, and dwelt with you in the ship across the sea, and has sustained
you and your teams while crossing the plains—be careful that you retain it, and
make it your counsellor here.
I know
how natural it is for the Saints who come from abroad to be very diligent in
inspecting God's people, to see if they are as righteous as they ought to be;
but they forget they have a duty to perform to themselves. As one of old said,
"the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the car with hearing," but
they forget to look at themselves; the spirit of murmuring and complaining
takes possession of them, and you may see them wandering about in sorrow,
affliction, and grief; and what is worse than all, they have brought it upon
themselves, because they have not retained the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit through faithfulness of conduct, and away they go to California. I felt
to speak these things to you, that you might be admonished at the present time
to faithfulness, and that you might rejoice in the assembly of God's people,
that you had been brought over the mountains to this place in safety. I feel to
magnify the name of the Lord to see so many of you, and pray that those who are
still journeying on the plains may be safely brought in.
In coming
here, you cannot, as individuals, know all things that are before you. You are
now dwelling in a society that differs from any you ever dwelt in. The
circumstances of life are all different, and the business arrangements
different, to those you have been used to in the old country. It is necessary
that you look about you for a season, find out whom you are among, and know the
condition and nature of the elements and state of the society, that you may
drop into business through the fellowship of your brethren and sisters, and
take hold with them in the different branches of business that are carried on
here for the comforts of life. You Elders, who have been in that country,
preaching and building up Branches of the Church there; you that have taken up
your cross, and gone from your homes, and warned the inhabitants of the earth
where you have laboured, the Lord went with you, when you went in the name of
Jesus; His Spirit was upon you, and you were the means of building up Churches,
and of doing much good in various ways; that same Spirit will be with you when
you go to labour in the kanyons, or do anything else, if you will nourish it,
and not cast it from you. Peradventure in the kanyons you may need its
premonitions most when your life or limb may be in jeopardy. This, my brethren,
is the rock upon which many Saints split—they leave the way of truth, they step
aside from the rugged path of duty which they have been wont to walk in, and,
feeling a degree of ease and safety, as they suppose, on arriving here, they
forget their prayers, and that they have need to continue to increase their
fellowship with the Holy Spirit; they leave off their duties, and, are they are
aware of it, they are left to themselves.
It is
said that the females are the ones by whom the nations are ruled. It is certain
that the females have necessarily great influence upon the whole community, and
especially upon the rising generation. Allow me a word with the sisters. In
your associations and visiting with those about you, when you find a sister or
brother that can speak evil of dignities with impunity, and can find fault with
what is being done by the Church, and cannot do any good themselves, (for such
folks cannot do anything themselves but bark and snarl like the dog in the
manger,) when you get into the society of such people, you will take notes, if
you do as I do, and seek the company of those who will speak well of the
brethren and sisters, and then you may expect they will speak well of you. When
you associate with those who speak well of the truth, their counsels will edify
you, and their words will be seasoned with grace to your edification and
instruction, and the clouds of adversity that rest down upon you will vanish
away.
You will
find Saints living about you, that have the good Spirit, and can give you the
word of comfort, and take you by the hand and pour the oil of consolation into
your heart, and do you good in the name of the Lord. If you seek that kind of
society, you will tend upwards towards the realms of light, in duty and
intelligence. By taking this course, you will be cultivating the same good
Spirit in your own hearts, that you see in the hearts, examples, and general
conduct of your brethren and sisters around you, and which is most conspicuous
in those who are called to lead and direct in the Priesthood. On the other
hand, if you come in here, with the intention to be right down sharp, careful
to watch and to criticize your brethren very closely, you will find all the
evil you look for, and see imperfections which the cloak of charity and good
will would have covered, had you possessed it yourself. You never were among a
people where men talked as they meant, and meant what they said, so near as in
this place. If you feel to take advantage of your brother or your sister, you
may, but it will not be good for your soul; it will be money badly earned. But
if you come here with a frank and honest heart, and prepared to speak and act
without hypocrisy, and just as you feel, you will find yourselves among a
community of brethren and sisters that are ready to aid, comfort, and bless
you. If you look with your eyes, as I did with mine when I came home from
England, you will find your brethren and sisters to be such kind of beings,
whose good works you will wish to emulate.
Take the
wisest course to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth; and the only
way is by attending diligently to your prayers, and walking in the light of
God's Spirit. You will find that condescension in the hearts of your brethren,
that love and charity abounding in their bosoms that if you are in adversity
and need they will extend a helping hand, and comfort you, and do you good, and
will not charge you one hundred per bent interest either. I have to say that if
you have come to these valleys determined, as for you and yours, to serve the
Lord, you will find it the easiest thing in the world to fellowship with those
whose hearts run together like two drops of water, and you will be blessed, as
also will those with whom you associate. You have arrived at a juncture of your
life where two ways branch out; if you wish to travel downward, the great depot
of that route is California; if upward, the great depot on that road is this
city, these men that surround me in this stand. You do not know what you may be
called upon to do. I do not know what I may be called upon to do before this
Conference comes to a close, in addition to what is already laid upon me here
at home. It is necessary to be always ready; and if you live as you ought, you
will always be ready, and nothing will come wrong to you; and if you always bye
that way, you may always be as happy as you wish to be.
The work
we are called unto in these last days, calls upon us not to narrow our minds
down to the building of a piece of fence, to the enclosing of a piece of land,
or to the putting up of a house, alone; but it is our duty while seeking to
make an inheritance here, to reach out our prayers in faith and supplication
for the general good, and with becoming liberality feel after those who are to
enjoy the same blessings we enjoy. We have our duties to ourselves and families
to perform, and our daily and hourly duties to our God; but there is a duty we
owe, in common with all God's people, to those who are not yet gathered from
the house of bondage. How many of the Israel of God are there sitting in
darkness, in distant nations, that have not the light proclaimed to them? Have
we come home here to sit down in ease, and let them go down to the grave in
ignorance? If we have, we mistake the matter, and in the and will find we shall
come short of that glory and reward we anticipate. You have come here to obtain
inheritances for yourselves and families, and for your generations for ever, in
righteousness, as God shall give you power to do. You have, in connexion with
this, to build up the kingdom of God, to pay tithing, and be ready to fill
every office and duty that is put upon you, making the kingdom of God the first
and foremost in your affections and attention, and yourselves and families a
secondary consideration; and this Gospel has to be borne off among the nations
of the earth.
How good
it is for us to hear, by the monthly mails, how many there are continually
witnessing afar off to the forgiveness of sins through the Gospel. We ought to
remember them, and be prepared for whatever may be expected at our hands in
those far. Off regions. Let us not settle down, and become sordid in our
affections to anything earthly. It is our duty to seek first the kingdom of
God, and the promise is that other things shall be added unto us.
The Lord
has manifested His readiness, and determination of purpose to pour out
knowledge and intelligence upon His people, as fast as they are prepared to
receive it. Since I left you the last time in the old country, the revelations of
the Lord have been sent forth, which had never before been made public, and we
have all, been led along by degrees in the knowledge of life and salvation. Yet
a great amount of advancement has yet to be made while we are in the flesh,
greater duties are rolling upon us as fast as we can perform those we are
already engaged in. We look around us here upon the house of Israel, the
Lamanites, and while our hearts are opened towards them for good, they are not
backward to administer death to our brethren. Is this always going to be so?
No. The Lord God will work upon them in His own way, until they become one with
us in building up the kingdom of God.
The
Priesthood in the last days has to be manifested in sufficient power to bear
off the kingdom of God triumphant, that all Israel may be gathered and saved.
If all Israel will not be sanctified by the law which their Moses first offers
them, they will peradventure receive a law of ordinances administered to
them, not according to the power of an endless life. Men will be saved in the
last days as in former days, according to their faith and willingness to
receive the word of God, and walk in it.
We may
speak in terms of wonder and admiration of what has been done, and yet where
shall these things grow to? They must grow until they spread over all the face
of the earth, and control the powers that exist upon it. There must be other
revelations fulfilled in our return to Jackson County, and building up the New
Jerusalem there; the Lord prepare us for that day, that we may be able to stand
the exhibition of glory that will there be made manifest. Before that comes to
pass, something must be done here, there is a temple to be built in this city.
You, brethren, who received your blessings and endowments in the temple that
was built in Nauvoo, have been made witnesses of the wisdom and power that have
gone forth to the nations of the earth from that place, and of the power that
was realized in the quorums of the Priesthood; no tide of oppression could be
raised powerful enough to bear down the authorities of God's kingdom; we see
the wicked who came to rule us turned back to their own place, and the
Priesthood appears greater than the powers of earth. The powers of the
Priesthood must be made manifest before the eyes of all the world, and become
transcendently above every other influence. You have sure grounds for
confidence, for every step and every turn this Church makes, is calculated to
increase confidence; and if we live so as to have our eyes washed with the eye water
of the Gospel, we can ourselves realize the rapid growth of Christ's kingdom,
and the growth of grace in ourselves and in others necessary to lead us on to
perfection. You have come here to cultivate perfection in yourselves in the
name of the Lord; and if you do that, and try to be useful, and willing to do
anything here or anywhere else you are instructed to do, you will be made fit
for the performance of any essential good in the kingdom of God.
Well
then, brethren and sisters, while all is auspicious around us, and everything
calculated to encourage us to do good, let us be up and doing, and try to keep
the commandments of God with all our hearts, and we shall find it easier and
easier to do it. Let us be prepared always for every duty that is laid upon us,
and the grace of God will be sufficient for us under every circumstance.
When I
was called to preside in England, I felt as though I never could magnify that
calling, it appeared too great for me. But if we feel right, we shall feel like
the Prophet of old, the Spirit of the Lord will be sufficient for us in the
performance of every duty. I pray that the spirit of Zion may be given to you
who have. newly come in, that you may go on your way rejoicing, and be able to
do the will of God here and abroad. May the blessings of God be and abide upon
you by day and by night, and increase you on the earth, in blessings and riches
for ever, is the prayer of your brother Franklin.
[Brigham Young]
PRESIDENT
BRIGHAM YOUNG said I wish to call the attention of the Conference to an
invitation I shall give them, and wish to extend it to the Saints in this
Valley, and elsewhere. I allude to the gathering of the poor Saints.
Many of
us are acquainted with the circumstances of the Saints when they came to this
valley six years ago, also five and four years ago. Were we to go through this
community and search out the men, women and children who have come here on
their own resources, and those who have been helped here by the Perpetual
Emigrating fund, and by private individuals, it would be seen that a large
proportion of the community have ben brought here through the assistance of
others. I will not say a majority have come here under those circumstances, but
there are thousands who have. Thousands of men, women, and children have been
helped here by the Perpetual Emigrating Fund alone.
This is
the subject to which I wash to call the attention of the Conference, and the
community at large. I wash all to hearken to it, to reflect upon it, and to
contemplate it seriously.
I call
upon those who have not yet put forth their hands to assist in gathering the
poor, to give us their names, and their means, during this Conference, that we
may raise a few thousand dollars to be applied to this purpose. Suppose we
should try to raise as much as we did four years ago, when we were in the midst
of our greatest poverty and distress; we had just arrived here, and had
scarcely sufficient to sustain life. Notwithstanding these straitened
circumstances at the first conference we held in the old Tabernacle, this
subject was agitated, and $5,700 in gold was raised, and sent to gather in the
poor. Dare I venture to fatter myself that we can raise $5 or $6,000 this
Conference to be applied to the same good purpose? The people are better able
to raise $50,000 now, than they were to raise $5,000 then. Suppose we raise $15
or $20,000 to send for our poor brethren, and sisters, who long to be here as
much as any of you did, before your way was opened. This amount can be raised
now, and not call forth an unusual effort.
We might
ask you to reflect upon the days that you have spent in yonder distant land,
where you could seldom walk the streets or enter a shop, like another citizen,
without the finger of scorn being pointed at you, without suffering the
malignant taunts and sneers of the ungodly, for the sake of your religion. Let
me refer your minds to the time that the Gospel was first introduced to you,
and the light and glory of it opened up to your understandings; when eternity
and eternal things reflected upon your benighted minds, and your conceptions
were aroused to see things as they were, as they are, and as they will be. What
were your feelings and meditations, when Zion and its glory burst upon your
vision? when the people of God appeared to you, assembled together, preparatory
to the coming of the Son of Man? Again, what were your feelings, when in every
direction that you turned your eyes, they were met with scenes of wickedness,
and your ears saluted with deep dyed blasphemies of every description? Were
there any that feared the Lord? No. The most pious could do nothing more than
some did in the days of the Apostles; they could erect an image to the unknown
God, and worship somebody, or something, but they knew not what. What were your
feelings and reflections, under such circumstances, when you first heard of the
latter-day work? of the Gospel in its fulness? when you first learned that the
Lord had a Prophet, and Apostles, who held the words of life for the people?
What was there you would not have sacrificed in a moment for the privilege of
assembling with the Saints? of mingling your voices and conversation with
theirs, day by day? of visiting, journeying, doing business, laboring, and
spending your lives with those who know and love the Lord, and will serve Him?
· Is there anything you would not have sacrificed? Verily, no!
If you
can remember your own feeling then, you can know how others feel, you can
realize how thousands and scores of thousands feel at this present moment.
There is no hardship they would refuse to undergo, no danger they would not
endeavor to surmount, if they could assemble with us here this day. No trial
would be too keen for them; there is no sacrifice that they would not readily
and willingly make for the privilege you enjoy this day. Brethren and sisters,
can you realize this?
Let us
now read a chapter on the other side of the page, and we find the' hearts of
men and women, by crossing the ocean, by travelling a few weeks or months by
water and land, appear to become partially closed up, and they lose sight of
the object of their pursuit. It seems as though the hardships they pass
through, in coming to this land, banish nearly every particle of the light of Christ
out of trait minds.
If you
started on your journey with the influence of the Holy Spirit warming your
hearts, who prevented you from retaining it every day of year life? You may say
it was the devil that robbed you of it. But what business had you with the
devil? Was there any necessity that you should enter into fellowship with him,
or into partnership with the works of darkness? "No," you reply,
"I had forsaken him and all my old associates and feelings, and had given
myself to the Lord, had embraced His Gospel, and set out to build up His
kingdom, and wished to gather with the Saints at the gathering place."
Suppose
the devil does tempt you, must you of necessity enter into partnership again
with him, open your doors, and bid him welcome to your house, and tell him to
reign there? Why do you not reflect, and tell master devil, with all his
associates and imps, to begone, feeling you have served him long enough.
Says one,
"I did not know that I could possibly come here with unruly cattle,
without getting wrong in my feelings;" or, "this brother did wrong
and marred my feelings; I was irritated, and the cares of the journey
bewildered my mind, and hurt me so that I do not really know whether I have got
to where I stared for, or not; things are different here to what I expected to
find them, &c."
This is a
representation of the feelings of some who have crossed the plains this season.
My advice to you is, go and be baptized for the remission of sins, and start
afresh, that temptation may not overcome you again; pause and reflect, that
you be not overcome by the evil one unawares.
In the
first place, if you are re-baptized for the remission of sins, peradventure you
may receive again the spirit of the Gospel in its glory, light and beauty; but
if your hearts are so engrossed in the things of this world, that you do not
know whether you want to be re-baptized or not, you had better shut yourselves
up in some canyon or closet, to repent of your sins, and call upon the name of
the Lord, until you get His Spirit, and the light thereof, to reflect upon you,
that you may know the nature of your offenses, and your true condition; that
you may realize and appreciate the blessing you enjoy in being here with the
Saints of the Most High.
Let me
lead your minds a little further. I wish to tell you something which you may
perhaps know as well as I do, but you may not have realized it. When the Lord
Almighty opens the vision of person's mind, He shows him the things of the
Spirit—things that will be. If any of you had a vision of Zion, it was shown to
you in its beauty and glory, after Satan was bound. If you reflected upon the
gathering Of the Saints; it was the spirit of gathering that enlightened you;
and when your minds were opened in vision to behold the glory and excellency of
the Gospel, you did not see a vision of driving cattle across the plains, and
where you would be mired in this or that mud hole; you did not see the
stampedes among the cattle, and those of a worse character among the people;
but you saw the beauty and glory of Zion, that you might be encouraged, and
prepared to meet the afflictions, sorrows and disappointments of this mortal
life, and overcome them, and be made ready to enjoy the glory of the Lord as it
was revealed to you. It was given to you for your encouragement. RECOLLECT
THAT.
You will
recollect my exhortation to those who have means; we want them to give
the Perpetual Emigrating Fund a lift. Bring in your tithes and offerings, and
we will help a great many more to this place in the future than we have this
year. We wish to double our diligence, and treble the crowd of immigrants by
that Fund.
I wish to
show you a little of the philosophy of human nature in its fallen and degraded
state; you may consider it in the Gospel or out of it; in the light of the Holy
Spirit, or without it; as you please. The philosophy of mankind, in their daily
avocations, you may all know for yourselves, by your own observation and
experience. I wish to mention a portion of it that has come under my notice. I
could mention names, but I will content myself with naming circumstances.
We pick
up, say 200 persons, in, England and convey them across the water, and across
the plains; and set them down in this valley. They commence to labor, and in a
short time they make themselves comfortable. They can soon obtain plenty of the
best kind of pay for their labor, such as bread—the staff of life, butter,
cheese and vegetables. When a man gets these things, without the fancy
nicknacks, he does well.
Suppose
we pick up a company of these poor Saints in England, whose faces are pale, and
who can scarcely tread their way through the streets for want of the staff of
life; you may see them bowed down from very weakness, with their arms across
their stomachs, going to and from their work; the greater part of them not
enabled to get a bit of meat more than once a month; and upon an average only
about one table spoonful of meal per day, for each person in a family, without
butter or cheese, by working 16 hours out of the 24; and when they go to their
work and return from it, they need a staff in their hands to lean upon. We
bring 200 of them here; instead of their being obliged to work for two or three
pence per day, they can get a dollar and a dollar and a half per day. With one
day's wages they can purchase flour and meat and vegetables enough to last a
moderately sized family one week.
They have
not been here long when they may be seen swelling in the streets with an air of
perfect independence. Ask one of these men if he will pay you for bringing him
here; and he will reply, "I don't know you, sir." You ask another if
he will work for you, for bringing him out to this place; and he will appear
quite astonished, saying, "What have I had from you?" Another will
say, "If I work for you, what will you give me? Can you give me some
adobes? for I am going to build a fine house, or if you have any money to pay
me, it will answer as well."
How does
such language and ingratitude make the benefactor of that person feel? Why, his
heart sinks within him. I can find thousands of just such men and women in this
territory. When they are brought to this place, they do not know their
benefactors, who saved them from death, but they are a head and shoulders above
them, when they meet them in the streets.
Do you
know the conclusion that is natural to man, when he is treated in such a manner
by his fellow man? It is, "I wish I had left you in your own
country." I wish so too. I say, let such persons starve to death, and die
Christians, instead of being brought here to live and commit the sin of
ingratitude, and die and go to hell; for while they remained in their poverty,
they were used to the daily practice of praying for deliverance; and I say it
is better for them to die praying, and go into eternity praying, and the
Almighty to have bowels of compassion and mercy towards them, than for them to
come here, and lose the Spirit of God through ingratitude, and go into eternity
swearing.
I can
pick up hundreds of men who have passed by their benefactors, and if they
should speak to them, would turn round and say, "I really don't know
you." Or if they do, they will speak every thing against them their
tongues can utter, or can be allowed to; and they will swear falsely about
them—about the very men who have saved them from starvation and death.
I
frequently refer to facts that come under my own observation. When I came into
this Valley; we had notes amounting to $30,000 against brethren we had
assisted, which no person will pay one cent for. We have helped men, women, and
children from England, to over the amount of $30,000. Except one individual,
and that is a man by the name of Thomas Green, who lives in Utah, and one young
woman, who came from England, there has never been a single person who has paid
one dime towards cancelling a debt amounting to over $30,000, besides other
notes, accounts, and obligations which we hold.
Do I mean
to be understood that no person pays their passage? By no means. My remarks
will not hit those, neither are they directed to them who are thankful to their
benefactors, and who do, and are willing to pay. But as far as I am concerned,
before we came into this Valley, with the exception of one man and woman, no
person has offered to pay us one dime, and eight-tenths of them have turned
away from the Church, and a number of them joined the mob, and sought to dye
their hands in our blood.
Now do
you see the philosophy of human nature, and I will say of divine nature? Let me
help a man who makes an evil use of the assistance I render him, and endeavours
to injure himself and me, and his neighbor with it, what does the Spirit of the
Lord teach me in such a circumstance? What would the Lord do, provided He was
here himself? Do you not think He would withhold the thing from him? Do you
think an angel. would help a man who would turn round and destroy that angel
and himself? I do not, neither do I think the Lord would, and no good man would
if he knew it, unless it were done with a view to prove a person. I do not
think a bad man would distribute his means to another individual, or to
individuals, who would use them to his injury.
It is the
evil actions and covetousness in the hearts of the poor that shut up the bowels
of compassion in the rich, and they say they will not help the poor. We could
have gathered hundreds of thousands more of the poor, were it not that the rich
have been so biased, and still continue to be. Say they "We do not wish
our means to be applied to an evil use."
If you
wise to know what I mean by all this, it is that if any men or women
refuse to pay their passage to this place when they are in circumstances to do
it, let them be cut off from the Church, and then sue them at the law, and
collect the debt. Sever those limbs from the tree, and then make them pay
their honest debts. That is to the poor.
We now
want the rich to turn in their means, that the poor, the honest poor,
may be delivered. Some of you may inquire if we wish to send the means now to
England? Yes; we. want the means now, which you can pay into the Tithing
Office, and have it recorded on the books, to answer the means we have there,
which can be used for next season. We want to give a heavy lift to the
emigration of the poor, next season. We have brought out a considerable number
this season, but it is hardly a beginning to what we wish to be brought out
next season.
The first
duty of those who have been brought out by the Perpetual Emigrating Fund is to
pay back what they have received from it, the first opportunity, that others
may receive the same benefit they have received. We wish you in the first place
to get something to eat, drink, and wear; but when you are in any way
comfortable, we wish you to pay that debt the next thing you do, and replenish
the Fund. It is built upon a principle, if carried out properly, and the debts
punctually refunded, to increase in wealth. The $5,000 that was sent for the
poor four years ago this fall, if every man had been prompt to pay in that which
he received, would have increased to $20,000.
We are
the greatest speculators in the world. We have the greatest speculation on hand
that can be found in all the earth. I never denied being a speculator. I never
denied being a miser, or of feeling eager for riches; but some men will chase a
picayune five thousand miles when I would not turn round for it, and yet we are
preachers of the same Gospel, and brethren in the same kingdom of God. You may
consider this is a little strong; but the speculation I am after, is to
exchange this world, which, in its present state, passes away, for a world that
is eternal and unchangeable, for a glorified world filled with eternal riches,
for the world that is made an inheritance for the Gods of eternity.
The plan
is to make every thing bend to the revelations of God; this is the object of
our Priesthood—to bring into requisition every good thing, and make it hear for
the accomplishment of the main point we have in view; and when we get through
we shall reap the reward of the just, and get all our hearts can anticipate or
desire. To lay plans for the attainment of this, is just as necessary as for a
merchant to lay plans to get earthly rich? by buying and selling merchandise.
It is for us to lay plans to secure to ourselves eternal byes, which is just as
necessary as it is for the miser to lay plans to amass a great amount of gold
upon the earth; and it is for us to engage in it systematically.
I say to
the poor, PAY YOUR DEBTS TO THE PERPETUAL EMIGRATING FUND; and to the rich,
HELP THE POOR; and this will bring wealth and Strength, by each one, according
to his ability, calling, and means, assisting in every point and place in this
great speculation for kingdoms, thrones, principalities and powers. It is said
union is strength; and that is enough; if we get that, we shall have power.
This is the plan for us to work upon, and I wish the brethren to whisper this
around among their neighbors, when they go out of this tabernacle, and say,
"What can we give to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund? Can we give anything
this see on?" We will not refuse help from the sisters. Do you ask how
small an amount we will take? We will take from a pin to a bed quilt; but be
sure, when you bring a pin, that you have not many other things in your trunk
that would be useful, more than you at present need; for if you bring a pin
under such circumstances, you cannot receive a blessing, and the reward it is
entitled to. If the clothing you wear each day is all you have, and you have
need to borrow a shawl to go out in, and you have only a pin to bestow, bring
that, and you shall receive a blessing.
We think
it is not necessary to give you the report of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund
this Conference. It is doing well, but we want it to do a great deal better. We
want to swell the operation, and bring the poor from the nations by scores of
thousands instead of by hundreds. This embraces what I wished to lay before the
Conference upon this point.
Before
the Conference is concluded we shall call for quite a number of Elders. It was
anticipated that our missionaries would have been called at the August
Conference of this year, but we will call a considerable number this
Conference. You need not inquire where we want you to go, for it will be told
you when you are ready. Prepare your mind and circumstances against that time,
for we wish to send the Gospel to Israel.
May the
Lord bless you. Amen.
Choir sung "Go ye messengers of glory." Benediction by Patriarch Isaac Morley.
——
[6 Oct, 7 pm]
[DNW 3:74, 10/15/1853 p2]
Seven o'clock, P.M.
Singing. Prayer by President Joseph Young. Singing.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH YOUNG appreciated the necessity of the Holy Spirit taking the lead of a speaker, to a congregation of the Saints. Many of this congregation have not a knowledge of the history of this church from its beginning, altho' it is very interesting. In June, 1832, I first saw the book of Mormon, when it arrested my feelings with a conviction that God was in it. Joseph Smith moved forward in the spirit f his calling, and angels conversed and ministered unto him, and no man could thwart him, for God was with him. I received the testimony by the Holy Ghost that the work was true, and when I first saw Joseph, and took him by the hand, I knew that he was a man of God. Since Joseph and Hyrum were martyred, Brigham, Heber and Willard, are the men that guide this kingdom, so that not a man or woman who seeks it, will lose the glory, wisdom purity and joys of the eternal world. You need have no misgivings, for God is here, angels are round about us, and minister to the Saints, and I bless, and pray for this people.
ELDER B. L. CLAPP said the time is at hand that we have got to be Latter-day Saints in very deed, or else the trials that we have to pass through will cause us to kick out. This people have got to amalgamate their feelings more than they have been, and we shall then receive more of the blessings of God, as we see the scriptures fulfilled.
ELDER A. P. ROCKWOOD remarked, that it is our lot to be the messengers of salvation to all the nations of the earth, to gather out the honest in heart, to prepare for the second coming of the Son of Man, and we should be ready to go any where at a moment's notice, and to fill any mission that may be appointed unto us.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH YOUNG says he has watched the leaders of this people. There are no misgivings in my heart, and if you will keep Brigham's counsel, he will lead you safely into celestial glory. Be pure and virtuous, and we shall take the kingdom and possess it forever.
"Come let us anew" was sung by the congregation. Benediction by Elder P. P. Pratt.
——
[7 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 3:74, 10/15/1853 p2]
Oct. 7th, 1853, 10 a.m.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by Elder W. W. Phelps. Singing.
PREST. H. C. KIMBALL remarked that he felt grateful that we live to see the day we now enjoy. We are blest above all the inhabitants of the earth; all that we need, is to cultivate the earth, and if we live our religion, and are subject to the government of God, the elements will be changed for our good. If all the saints would do as well as they know, the Holy Ghost would rest upon the elders of Israel in ten fold power; and it would take but a few years until "the end" should come. It is for me to serve God, and keep his commandments, and if a person will not fulfil his covenants in this world, God will make that person fulfil his covenant in the next. When the Pioneers arrived in this valley they did not murmur, neither did they murmur when half their horses were stolen by the Indians, near the South Pass. I am glad you have the privilege of an experience as well as we had. It is my wish to live here, until the Lord will allow us to go back to Jackson county; but you can not go there, unless you become as one man, and do as you are told. I say it boldly, before God and Angels, that I have more love towards bro. Brigham and many other good men, than I have for any woman on the earth. I have gone with him without purse or scrip, and gone hungry, barefoot, sick, and destitute of the comforts of life, to preach the gospel of salvation, to the nations of the earth. Gentlemen, you will have to pass through the same, or you cannot sit down and appreciate what we, and the ancient Saints have passed through.
Every one of you have got to help the Perpetual Emigrating Funds with your substance, which is one of the greatest blessings for the poor, that the Lord ever instituted.
—— ——
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 3:81-82, 11/12/1853 p 1-2]
TABERNACLE,
Oct. 7th 1853, 10 A.M.
Prest.
Kimball addressed the Conference:
I feel
grateful to my Father in heaven, that my life has been preserved, and the lives
of my brethren to behold the day we now see, and enjoy the blessings we now
enjoy. As Prest. Young has often observed, we are blessed above all he
inhabitants of the earth. That is true to my certain knowledge.
I have
been a member of this Church 22 years, - and have never seen the day to equal
the one I now see, for prosperity, and for the comforts of life. - With a very
few exceptions, I enjoy all the comforts of life I ever enjoyed at any period
of my life; and I have lived in a fruitful country generally, until I became a
Mormon, and part of that time I have lived where the luxuries of life have been
abundant. As for this country being fruitful, and qualified to produce all
things that we need for our comfort, it is not behind any, in any part of the
earth that ever I was in; and I have visited many parts of it. All that the
soil requires in these regions, is cultivation; and it will make us as
comfortable, as to the necessaries of life, as any people ever was upon the
earth.
I have
often said, and say it again, if we live up to our profession, - be faithful to
our religion, and take a course to be subject to the government of God, to
those who are appointed to lead this people, you need never be troubled with
frost, cold, and with the changes that are common to this country, and every
other country; because I know, the faith, the virtue, the integrity, and the
course that this people will take, viz: to be true tot heir God, and true to
him they have acknowledged to be their head, their governor, their president,
their prophet, their priest, and their king: - if you will take this course,
the elements will change, and the nature of things, not only in this valley,
but among the nations of the earth; for the earth will be revolutionized
through the faithfulness of the saints. This I know. Perhaps some of you do not
believe this statement, but I do. for instance, you may refer to one place in
the book of Mormon, where the servants of God assembled together, and prayed
for the nation in which they lived, and for those that were at war against
them; and they prevailed, and their enemies became their friends and
associates. The faithfulness and prayers of the saints of God changed the
nature of things, not only religiously but politically; and the government was
afterwards administered in peace.
Will it
not have the same effect with us? It is verily true; to my certain knowledge it
will have. - And if this people, taking them as a people, that profess to be L.
D. Saints, would take the course some men take, and have taken from the
beginning, there would be five thousand men and women added to this church
where there is but one at this day; and it would bring to pass the works of God
with more power, and the Holy Ghost would wait upon the elders, and upon the
saints abroad with tenfold more power than it does now. This I know.
I see the
work of God is prospering, and rolling forth from nation to nation in the old
world. It has gone from the shores of Europe into almost every nation. The very
moment the elders put the leaven, as it were, in the measure of meal, it at
once begins to work, and it is quicker and lighter, and sooner elevated to the
surface than it was in the beginning; it catches at once and begins to leaven,
and go from that nation to another nation, until all the nations of the earth
will soon hear the sound of the glorious gospel. It will take but a few years
to accomplish this design; and then the Lord has said the end shall come. The
end of something will come, I assure you; and there will be an overturn with
will make things very different from now.
Well, you
that have come here from England, from the United States, from Germany, from
Italy, from Norway, from Sweden, from China, and from the islands of the sea, -
for what purpose have you come? You came to serve your God, by keeping his
commandments, and to listen to the counsel of those you have acknowledged to be
your head. I will tell you one thing, brethren: it is something very contrary
to your fallen nature to become subject. In the world from whence you have
come, and where you have been taught, men seek to become independent one of
another. This is universally so, according to my own knowledge and experience.
From the time that God called Joseph Smith to set in his position and calling,
he gave him revelations for the guidance of his people, and the very first
elders of this church, when they went forth to preach the gospel and baptize
the people, the next thing was to gather together all those that were disposed
to sacrifice, and covenant with me, saith the Lord. In my experience, since I
have been a member in this church, I have seen a great deal of murmuring and
complaining, and a great many tears, and much sorrow and lamentation, and
thousands upon thousands turn away from the faith, even brethren and sisters
that I loved as I love my own family, they have turned away, and perhaps
because somebody took an advantage of them. Suppose you should all turn away
from the faith, what has that to do with me? suppose you should all act like
devils, what is that to me? What has it to do with my religion? I am to serve
God and keep his commandments, perfectly independent of the acts of any other
person in God's world; they have nothing to do with me, neither one way nor the
other, so far as serving my God as an individual is concerned; but it is for me
and you to serve God and keep his commandments, perfectly independent of the
acts of any other person in God's world; they have nothing to do with me,
neither one way nor the other, so far as serving my God as an individual is
concerned; but it is for me and you to serve God and keep his commandments, and
fulfil his covenants. When we went into the waters of baptism, we made a
covenant to forsake the world, and cleave unto the Lord God with all our
hearts, all the rest of our days. - This is the covenant that I made, and it is
the covenant that each of you made, or if you did not, you should have done.
Now will
you falsify that covenant? There are a great many who will fulfil it; yea, I
will not make a single exception, for God is determined that every man shall
fulfil it; for it they do not in this probation, they will have to do it in
another; and if not in that, in another. When a man commences to hoe his row of
corn, he has got to finish it; if he don't hoe but five hills and then leaves
it, he will have to go back and hoe that row out; and if you skip a single
hill, you will have to go back and hoe that hill. I am speaking by the
principle of comparison, and using a figure that all you farmers can
understand.
I speak
of these things by way of instruction, and to remind you of the duties and
obligations you are under.
I say to
the people who compose this congregation to-day, please go to England, or to
Denmark, to Italy, or to anywhere else in the world, and can you find a
congregation of people that look better than this, either in their looks,
clothing, or other comforts of life. I have lived in the United States, in one
of the best lands there is in the world; it is called the promised land; but I
have never seen as comfortable times as I see now. I never saw them any better
than I see them to-day. I never saw the people as a general thing, as well off
as this people are.
You think
you have made a sacrifice, in leaving your homes, your fathers, your mothers,
your brothers and sisters, your farms, and fine dwellings. I have left all
these, such as I had. Is this any sacrifice? No. I have told you often, that I
thanked God when I escaped from my kindred; and I have never seen the day since
I left them, that I wanted to go back to them; though I did go back once to
visit them; and when I went into their houses, I felt as though there was a
legion of devils in every house I went into. They were opposed to me, to my
religion, and to my brethren. I was thankful when I got away from them; and I
suppose they are as good a people as your kindred are.
This is
called a sacrifice by the most part of you; but it is none to me. You think you
have sorrow, and trouble, many of you, because you have to live in wagons and
tents. I speak of those who have just come in off the plains, who are still
living in their wagons with not much to eat. Prest. Young, myself, and one
hundred and forty others have been here, and we were in our wagons, and nothing
to eat in our wagons and nothing to eat in the country, except it was
crickets. When we got to Green river, making our way to this land, we had to
break the road, for there was not a track or trace for seven hundred miles
through a wild country full of Indians, in which we were perfect strangers.
When we were on the Platte river, one half of our men were out of food; they
had no provisions at all, and no one in the valley to bring out flour, or
teams, or wagons, or potatoes, and everything this valley now produces to us.
We had no person to extend the hand of benevolence and kindness to us; and
notwithstanding this, we did not murmur; I never saw a man cry once, or shed a
tear in the whole camp. We had one man who was appointed "GENERAL
MURMURER,"- and no man was allowed to murmur only that one person.
You would
think you had awful trials if you could not have a chance to murmur; but we
placed it all upon one man; and if there were two that murmured, the greatest
murmurer was appointed boss murmurer. That is recorded, and will come out in
its place in the Church History by and by.
Supposing
we should come to the same conclusion here, and appoint a General Murmurer in
every ward, to do all the murmuring, and let that person be the one that
complains the most; and then follow out the same order among the females, and
that female who tells the most lies, and murmurs the most, we would have
appointed as Queen Murmurer, or queen grumbler, which you please.
It is
true you have come out of nations of different habits and customs; and many of
you live in wagons; and I am glad of it; I lived in a wagon for more than three
years after I came into this valley; I had not a house big enough to get into
to sleep until the brethren started on their mission to Denmark. President
Young was in the same situation.
As to
your trials, your tribulations, your perplexities, your fatigue, and all this -
I say I am glad of it; I thank God for it, because it is salvation for you. -
It is as good for you to have an experience as it is for President Young, and
myself, and other men. We did not murmur when we found this country, nor become
discouraged in the least, but we were thankful that our lives were preserved;
and if our wagons and teams had been taken from us, and our lives had been
preserved, we would have been thankful; yea more than this people are now for
every blessing they enjoy. why? Because a man will give all he has for his life
when he is brought to that extremity, which proves he ought to be more thankful
for that blessing than for all things in the world To hear people who are in
good houses, and have the comforts of live in abundance around them, and have
so much clothing that they scarcely have a place to put it; - I say, to hear
them murmur and complain, there is nothing in this world that makes me feel
more indignant. I feel as God feels when he looks upon the human family, and
sees their unthankfulness; for all the blessings he bestows upon them. You know
it is so; you are not thankful, you do not appreciate the blessings committed
to you, and I know it. It is not in your family only, nor in mine alone, but it
is found in every family more or less.
When I reflect,
and see how kind the Lord has been to us, in preserving our lives, and bringing
us safely to this goodly land through the instrumentality of his servant
Brigham, where we can have the privilege of possessing a piece of land without
money and without price, and our wood in the same manner; and thousands of
other things that cost us nothing but the trouble of getting it, my heart is
filled with praise.
Everything
here is free; the air, and the land is free; our food is free, and everything
we have is free. I know you think you have hard times, and small wages; but let
me refer you to one man here, which you will all know; he is our master singer.
I have staid in his house many days and nights in old England, when I first
went there; and he would weave twenty five and thirty yards of sheeting in a
day, the same kind that we buy here, and only get eighteen pence for his day's
labor; besides having to go seven miles for the webb, and then carry the cloth
seven miles back again. Is not that true, br. James Smithies? [Yes.] And his
wife had to work in the same way; they had to run their shuttles from morning
until night, and from Monday morning until Saturday, and just have time to take
the cloth home and get a little oat meal to live upon. I have sat down with
many times, and perhaps all I had at meal was one or two spoonfuls of oat meal,
and I thought I was doing first rate. I speak of br. James as one person to
represent many, and he will take no exceptions because I refer to him: he knows
I am telling the truth. There are thousands in the same situation; and yet the
brethren, who have been delivered from that state of toil, and comparative
starvation, and placed in a condition wherein they may soon make themselves
wealthy as to this world's goods, will murmur and complain of their sufferings,
and against those who have paid their passage to this place, and delivered them
from bondage. B. James was not brought here; he came with his own means through
the blessing of the Lord; for the Lord opened the way for him to come here. Did
I ever hear him murmur in my life? - No, never; nor any other man ever heard
him; and I wish to God, every other person would follow his example.
I have
seen the time that I have lived weeks upon milk weed and nothing else, not even
salt to put on it, and I have gone from house to house, and begged my bread,
and nothing on my body but tow pantaloons, and a tow shirt, and no one catched
me murmuring. I am comfortable since the Lord made me live in this valley. This
year and last year I have had the privilege of eating fruit off my own fruit
trees, trees of my own planting. I have had the privilege, in part, of setting
down under my own vine and fig tree. I never before in my life have had the
privilege of setting out any kind of tree, and eating the fruit of it until I
came to this valley. I have a specimen with me of the fruit I have raised. Here
are two plums I have taken from my trees. (Exhibited two fine plums.) I have
plucked plums from my trees three years in this valley; and some have got
peaches enough to pay tithing on their fruit. I have eat grapes of a large size
and excellent flavor, this year, that as plucked from a vine that grew in this
valley. Have I not reason to rejoice? Brethren, I would like to live in this
valley so long as I can see you live, or until the time that the Lord shall say
to us, "Go back to head quarters" or to Jackson county. This
is head quarters until we go there. I would like to live here. Can I do it?
Yes, upon certain conditions, and that is to do right and listen to the counsel
of Bro. Brigham, and his brethren that are associated with him, whom God has
given to you to be your servants. He has given these men to you for this
purpose, and if you do not believe it go and read it in the book of doctrine and
Covenants. Can we tell you how to be saved and lead you into the Celestial
world? Yes, every one of you, and you cannot go there unless you do as you are
told; unless you learn to be one; and then is there any power that can affect
us? No. The devil has nothing to do with us. I have turned away from him, and
left his kingdom, and joined myself to the kingdom of God, and acknowledged him
to be my father and my God, and his son Jesus Christ to be my Savior. He is my
God, and my law giver, and I listen to the man he has appointed to lead us here
in the flesh. We have got to learn from his instructions, and be guided by his
counsels, and by the counsels of those appointed by him to transact the matters
and business pertaining to this people; not only here in the valleys of the
mountains, but throughout the whole world.
This
people are the pride of my heart; Mormonism is the pride of my life, it is my
love, my jewel, and my darling, is this people, and this gospel, and plan of
salvation. My heart is on that, and on the Almighty and those who are delegated
by him to roll on this work. As for your troubles, and trials, and crosses you
have to carry about with you every day, I suppose you have to say, "well,
I must take up my cross and travel on, though I have got a monstrous heavy
one." When the law is given, and the principles of salvation revealed to
the people for their protection and salvation, there is nothing that grieves me
more than to see them heedless to observe and slow to obey the commandment of
the Lord.
In the
different settlements the people have been instructed to build fortifications,
and there is scarcely a man to lift a hand in the work, and when they do there
is disagreement and confusion, and the spirit of murmuring and complaining. If
we could take the course marked out to us, and I wish to God we could, and
listen to the counsel, you would see but little trouble in the flesh, but
little poverty or trials; but I am as well aware as I am that the sun ever rose
and set, that there is not a man or woman in this church but will see sorrow; I
can promise you that, you will see sorrow, and not one of you will escape.
Brother Joseph Smith, and from him down through the ranks of faithful elders
have passed through sorrow, mobbing, plundering, death, imprisonment, hunger,
starvation, and some of them have been obliged to eat human flesh, and dead
dogs, and cow hides.
You that
have come in from different countries and nations, who have been helped here,
have had plenty of bread, the staff of life, to exist upon on your journey, and
when there was a scarcity in your camps, flour has been sent out to you; so
that you have passed through comparatively comfortable, and brought into a land
of plenty. Learn to be satisfied with your blessings, and then you will not
have trials. The first elders of this church had to bear the heat and burden of
the day; but you expect to pass along on flowery beds of ease, comparatively
speaking. If you do not feel the rod, it is because it don't come upon you, and
if it does not come upon you it will be because you repent of your sins, and
reform, and pursue the straight path that leads to life, and walk in the
precepts given you day by day by President Young, or those he has delegated, it
is all the same; and his voice is the voice of God to you, for God says
"whether it is by my own voice or that of my servants it is all the
same."
O
brethren, do realize it, reflect, and keep your covenants and walk in the paths
of salvation.
There may
be many who think I am severe in my conversation, or in my instructions, and
remarks. I am not one-half so severe as the spirit of God in me, if I were to
yield to it, neither is Pres. Young in his remarks. You have got to come to the
light that your sins may be reproved, and that you may be set in the way of
life and salvation. I know you desire it, you have come here for that purpose,
that your sins may be reproved, your minds enlightened, and that you may walk
in the path God Almighty has marked out for your feet. I have no other desire
myself. I wish only to do right, and keep the commandments of God, and be a
comfort to my brethren, and a comfort to Bro. Brigham. What I have said a
thousand times I say it now: the love I have for that man, and for many others
of my brethren supercedes any love I ever had for a woman upon this earth. That
is saying considerable, but I say it boldly before God and angels. My love for
them is of a different nature, of a more tangible kind, and more lasting. It is
not necessary for any person to be jealous of me because I love Brother Brigham
better than any one else - (Voice in the stand - He is in the same snap
himself) - and Brother Brigham says he is in the same snap himself, and I will
say, so are a great many more besides.
All these
sayings are good in their time, and in their season. God says he has created
everything in its time and season, to be used with thanksgiving. Everything
that God has created in heaven and on earth, is made for the use of man, to be
used with thanksgiving, and praise to God.
May God
bless you, brethren, and comfort your hearts. My feelings are just as good
toward you as yours can possibly be towards me. I have lived twenty years among
this people, and traveled through the earth with bro. Brigham, and we have
preached the gospel, and opened the door of salvation. Did we go as the elders
now go? No. They go now upon flowery beds of ease, to the nations, to preach
the gospel, and there is always somebody to nourish and cherish them; when we
went without purse and scrip, we went hungry, and were turned out of doors,
when we were so sick that we could not, with comfort sit up. The last time we
went to England, when we started from our homes, I never saw a sick person in
this valley that looked more feeble than either of us. We were feeble, and
naked, and destitute of the common comforts of life. Here is bro. Taylor and
several others of the old Twelve who traveled barefooted, with nothing to eat,
and destitute; we used to travel forty miles a day with a valise on our backs,
and our feet covered with blood, or the blood squashing in our boots and shoes.
In this way bro. Joseph traveled, and bro. Brigham, and Heber, and Parley, and
thousands of others. Now the brethren that go to the nations, are galanted from
city to city in fine coaches, and railway cars. The only time I ever rode in a
carriage was from Liverpool to Preston; we used to travel it on foot.
Many of
the elders that go out now are in wonderful affliction, for fear their families
would not be provided for in their absence. When was the time that our families
were provided for in our absence? But on the other hand, if they had a cow, or
a coat, it was taken from them. Bro. Brigham left his family sick, and not one
of them could help themselves; when he was gone, a good brother took his last
cow, and they took our clothing, and never provided one dime for the support of
our families when we were sick and afflicted. Did we take money from home? No.
Neither did we take clothing, for we had none to cover us. When bro. Brigham
and myself left our families to go to England, we were sick, and shaking with
the fever and ague, so that it was as much as we could do to lift a small trunk
in the wagon. Have you come under such circumstances? You that have not may see
it yet, or I am much mistaken. You will never know how to sit down and meditate
upon these things with us, and with the old apostles and prophets, except you
pass through something of the same kind. Was it any sacrifice to us? No, not at
all. - When bro. Brigham and I left, the brethren were sick and dying, so much
so that there were but few able to bury the dead. His wife came with me to my
house; he fainted on the way, and fell down by the side of a tree. His wife
came up to take care of him till we got ready, and was placed in the wagon, and
bid farewell to our families and friends. I felt so bad I did not know what to
do; my heart almost melted within me; but I said, "tears, stay where
you belong," and said to bro. Brigham, "this is almost too
hard." The wagon started, and Vilate, my wife, was standing at the door,
and instead of crying, we took off our hats and shouted with all our might,
"HURRAH HURRAH," and so we left, sick, nigh unto death at the same
time.
These are
some of the joys and pleasures experienced by the first elders at the
commencement of this work. I am only telling a small portion of our experience
at this time, much more remains untold. And you expect to pass through on
flowery beds of ease.
We have
had to build cities from the commencement of Mormonism to this time. We have
never stopped in any place a few weeks without commencing to build houses, and
make a place for the reception of those that followed in our trail. We have
built cities all along our track from Missouri to this place, and we shall
build cities back again. We have not got through with this world yet, by any
means. You have got to be so subject to the master potter, as to be put upon
the wheel and turned into a vessel without finding fault about it. "O
well," says you, "I am willing to be handled by the Lord, but not by
you." You can please yourself; I am a potter, and bro. Brigham is a
potter, and we understand the business. He is the master potter on the earth,
and I am one of his brethren, a servant potter, to mould vessels according to
the pattern he gives me. I will do my best with a lump of clay, but if it
becomes snappish, and mars in my hands, all that is left for me to do then, is
to cut it off the wheel, and throw it into the mill to be ground until it
becomes passive. You have to be just as passive as clay in the hands of the
potter if you wish to obtain eternal life. It is no trouble for the potter to
take a thousand balls of clay, and make as many vessels of them, and make them
to perfection, if the clay is only passive. Can bro. Brigham bring this people
into shape according to the order of God, if they will not listen to his
counsel? You know it is impossible as well as I do. reflect upon it, and go to
now, with your mights, and do all you can for the cause of God.
Bring in
clothing, and stock, and this, that and the other, for the gathering of the
poor from the nations of the earth. Do not wait until your hearts are closed
up, but always bend to the first good impression. The sisters may feel in their
hearts now to go home and give that coverlet, or anything else that is not in
immediate use, and is not particularly wanted, with is a good impression; but
if you do not feel so to-morrow, you will not do it. You must do the good you
feel to do now; and let us lay hold and be of one heart and mind in these
things.
This
Perpetual Fund is one of the greatest things that was ever instituted for the
gathering of Israel, and it will do it; but you have got to lend a helping hand
every one of you, with your substance, your gold and silver, and those things
the Lord has given to you, that you have not any immediate use for. As for
getting rich, good heavens! the riches of this world are not riches but in
name; they are not riches to me. The more you have got of it, the more you have
to try you, riches are a perfect perplexity to man - I mean the things of this
earth; for it must all turn back to its mother earth.
Now
brethren, whether my remarks are good remarks or not, I make them with a good
intention; they are intended for good; and if you receive them, and treasure
them up in your hearts, they will do you good. As for trials, as bro. Brigham
says, you shall have all you want of them: and as for sacrifices, I know of
none. You have not walked along side of the prophet Joseph, when we heard his
voice telling us to go here or there, we never tarried for wives or children,
for fathers or mothers, houses, lands, or anything else, but we left them where
they were, and away we went. This is the way that bro. Brigham, myself, and
many others have done; we never hesitated for a moment. If I should hesitate
doing anything the Lord God wants me to do, I must change from the course I
have pursued all my days. If there is a danger of me changing, there is also a
danger that you will change; but my prayer is that I may be true to my
brethren, and that my brethren may be true to the cause of truth, to the church
and kingdom of God, true to his angels, and true to themselves, that they can
be my associates by night and by day, that when I call upon his name, he may
hear me, and answer my petitions before I rise from my knees.
Brethren,
would you not like to enjoy those blessings? There is not one of you but can
reform, and take a new start, reforming in all things that you are required to
do; and may God bless you, and be with you and prosper you in righteousness and
in truth forever and ever: Amen.
——
[DNW 3:74, 10/15/1853 p2]
Oct. 7th 1853, 10 A.M.
ELDER GEORGE A. SMITH said, he had listened with pleasure to the remarks of Prest. Kimball, which are true; a great portion of the inhabitants of these valleys, can bear testimony to the instructions given to fort themselves secure. The people generally do not realize the importance of listening to the councils of His servant Brigham. Great numbers have been councilled to go to Iron county to make a strong settlement there; many started, but when they got to Utah, they scattered, built fine houses, and made large farms. I told them that order of things would not answer; they did not obey the councils of the President, when a man by the name of Walker felt he would see if the people would obey him, and by his course of operations, in one week got over 300 houses removed; he actually had more influence than the Presidency had. I do know that if the council of Prest. Young had been observed, not one man would have lost his life by an Indian, and it would have saved many thousands of dollars of expense. The Indian war is the result of the people's thinking they knew more than Prest. young; and even now, if the people will do as they are told, there need not be any more blood shed by the Indians. If the women and children are not more careful than they have been, some of the women will be carried off prisoners, and some of your children may be killed.
[George A. Smith]
[DNW 2:85-86, 11/24/1853 p 1-2, JD 1:191]
TABERNACLE
Oct. 7, 1853.
Elder
Geo. A. Smith addressed the conference.
——
It is
with pleasure that I have listened to the remarks of President Kimball. The
sentiments he has advanced arteries and just, and I am certain no person can
have listened to them without having felt edified and instructed.
There is
no doubt that a great proportion of the people who have been here in these
valleys for years past, can bear witness to the counsel and instructions that have
been given, for the preservation of the settlements, and the establishment of
the stakes of Zion within the limits of these mountains. Perhaps those persons,
when they see me arise to occupy the stand, will at once say within themselves,
"We are going to hear something in relation to enlarging the new
settlements, making entirely new ones, establishing iron works, or some other
thing of that nature, to draw our feelings out of the channel they have run
in," for it is so really certain, that l have scarcely attended a single
Conference since I have been in the Valley, without having something of this
kind to present during the term of Conference. I think, however, for the
last year, it has not been my lot to address an assembly in this place, perhaps
more than once or twice, and I as I had been noted for short sermons and short
prayers, my addresses have also been few. But although my voice has not been
heard from this stand. I have not been silent, neither have I been idle.
I was
appointed to preside over the affairs of the Church in the county of Utah. I
have also made two trips annually through the southern portions of the
territory, visiting all the Branches, taking considerable time and a great deal
of interest in the affairs of Iron County, besides making as many missions to
this place as were necessary, to obtain counsel, and acquire information to
carry on the work entrusted to my charge.
Any man
that knows the country, and is acquainted with the business that has been
placed before me, will be aware, that, lazy as I might be, I have had plenty to
occupy my thoughts, and to give me active exertion, at least for the past year,
in the exercise of my ministry and calling.
I present
myself before you, then, to offer a few reflections upon what I feel to be
important for this Conference to consider for the safety, welfare, and
protection of the Saints in the valleys of these mountains. I have been made
familiar with the condition of our settlements south, and am aware somewhat of
the condition of our settlements in other parts of the territory.
In the
commencement of my remarks, I will say, that the people almost universally do
not realize the importance of listening to the voice of God through His servant
Brigham. My heart has been pained by the things that are past, when I have been
travelling and laboring in different parts of the territory; it has been pained
to see the carelessness and indifference with which the words of the Almighty,
through His servant, have been received.
Numbers
were counselled to go to Iron County, and make there a strong settlement,
sufficiently so to enable the people to protect themselves, and establish iron
works. Many started in that direction, and succeeded in making the distance of
from thirty to seventy miles, and concluded they had travelled far enough on
good land without settling upon it.
Last
spring, when President Young made his visit through the settlements, the county
of Utah was very flourishing in appearance. Many splendid farms had been opened,
and men were living upon them with the same security and carelessness as
heretofore the people have done in the State of New York, where they need not
fear the attacks of hostile Indians. The President had previously counselled
them to settle in forts, and not scatter asunder so as to render themselves in
a state of helplessness in the case of attack by the red men. Forts had
accordingly been surveyed, and cities had been surveyed, where the people could
gather together and fortify themselves; yet the great mass, I may say, or, at
any rate, all the wealthy portions of them, had selected good farms, and were
building good buildings, and making improvements upon them, and were dwelling
safely, scattered all over the valley; a great many of them had lately come
from England, and different parts of the world, and were in a flourishing
condition; cattle were increasing around them, corn was growing in abundance,
and fruit and all things seemingly were beginning to flourish exceedingly.
On
viewing this state of things, I said to myself, "Is this to be the order
of things? Are the people. going to prosper in this way, while in open
violation of the counsels that have been given, namely, to gather into
forts?" I knew that that state of affairs would not continue a great
length of time, and can call the men and women in every settlement to bear
witness that I have publicly testified that that order of things could not
remain; for when God has a Prophet on the earth, and that Prophet tells the
people what to do, and they neglect to do it, they must suffer for it. I bear
witness before you, this day, in the name of the Lord God of Israel, that no
people can treat lightly the sayings of a Prophet of God, whom He places on the
earth to direct His people, and prosper. I know it is impossible. I have borne
this testimony to the settlements, in my preachings, when I have visited them.
In reply, the folks would say, "There is no danger, brother Smith, if we
do live in the country, upon our farms, for it is so unpleasant to live in
town."
When
President Young was going south last season, in one of the large meetings he
addressed at Palmyra, in Utah County, he bore testimony, in the name of the
Lord God of Israel, that if the people did not gather into cities and forts, and
fortify themselves, they should be driven out of these mountains. If God had
come down upon one of these mountains as I tie did upon Mount Sinai, and kicked
up a tremendous thunder storm, I could not have been impressed with the truth
of those remarks one particle more than I was on that occasion. I knew Brigham
to be a Prophet of the Lord, and esteemed his words as the voice of God to the
people.
I
straightway commenced to encourage the people, and preached to them, and
proposed laying out a fort for them, when they would perhaps turn round and
say, "Really, brother Smith, do you think there is any danger?" I
would say within myself, "Here are hundreds and thousands of brethren that
have never been proved; they have never borne the heat and burden of the day,
but they are picking up the fat valleys of Ephraim, and selecting good farms
and securing to themselves beautiful situations, and making splendid
improvements, and living in peace, and eating of the fat of the land, and
forgetting their God. Can this state of things remain?"
I went to
every settlement, and attempted to encourage them to fort, but failed to
accomplish anything towards getting them to obey the word of the Lord on this
matter. Some of them said they would move into forts in the fall of the year.
Some time
in the summer, however, a man, known in these mountains by the name of Walker,
found that the people cared nothing about God, or the instructions of brother
Brigham, and brother George A. so he said, "I wonder if you will mind
me;" and in less than one solitary week, he had more than three hundred
families on the move, houses were thrown down in every direction, and I presume
one hundred thousand dollars worth of property was wasted.
Had the
people listened to the counsel of President Young, in the first place, and put
their property in a proper place, it would have been protected. In the counties
of Utah, Juab, and San Pete, the houses were vacated, and the Indians got into
them, and shot the brethren, so they had to be entirely demolished, which
rendered it necessary for great numbers to move into forts. This has been
affected by brother Walker. That blood-thirsty Indian, in this matter, had more
influence to make the Saints obey counsel than the Presidency of this Church
had, and could actually kick up a bigger fuss in a few days than they could by
simply telling the people the will of the Lord.
When God
places a than on the earth to be His mouth, he says this or that is the law,
and this is the thing for the people to obey. "Well, but," says one,
"I cannot make as good a living in town as I can away out on a farm, where
I can keep a great many cattle." It appears probable to me, you might make
more by going to parts of California, or Australia, than you can make even out
on a farm in this country. If your object is to make as much earthly gain as
possible, why not go where you can get the most of it? This business of having
one hand in the golden honey-pots of heaven, and the other in the dark regions
of hell, undertaking to serve both God and Mammon at once, will not answer.
Aside
from the settlements in San Pete, I believe I have, more or less, been with
nearly all the settlements south, and I have also visited the San Pete
settlements two or three times, and I do know, that if the counsel and
instructions of President Young could have been observed, it would have saved
the people at least one hundred thousand dollars. And I do further know, to my
satisfaction, that if the counsel of President Young had been observed, not one
of the Saints would have lost his life by an Indian. I am certain of these
facts; and yet occasionally some man falls a prey to some cruel savage, and
whole villages have to be removed, and farms vacated, and tens of thousands of
dollars' worth of damage is done all the time, because men will not live
according to the instructions given to them by the Prophet of God. If you ask
men to build in a fort, they will say, "It is a free country, and we can
build where we please." I admit that a man is free to serve the devil if
he thinks proper; but let me tell you, it is the cheapest in the end to do
right.
There was
no more necessity of having this Indian war than there is of our going out to
kill the cattle on the plains of Jordan, and leave them for the wolves to devour.
If we had taken the course that was marked out to us, and observed the advice
given to us, all our past troubles would not have occurred. I know this
language will hurt the feelings of a great many.
But I
will talk about Iron County, as I am the "Iron Major;" I am advancing
in the ranks. They used to say, in Utah, I was a pretty good sort of a fellow
until I got to be a Colonel, and then I became more savage. Be this as it may,
I do know, that if the people of Iron County had listened to the counsel given
to them, they would have saved to themselves in that little settlement—not over
eight hundred strong, not less than twenty-five thousand dollars, which they
have actually lost, or I may more properly say, WASTED, in consequence of the
disposition to do as they pleased. When we first went to iron County, we
went with the same instructions the people had in all the other settlements,
and accordingly we laid out forts as well as we were capable of. We will admit
that those efforts were not planned as well as they might have been, but they
were planned as well as we knew how to plan them at the time. A considerable
number of men went to work at building forts, and those who did so were
subjected to very little loss. But almost every time I have visited any settlement
in Iron County, from the time it first commenced, up to the present, and I have
been through a great proportion of them, I have had from one to fifty
applicants saying, "Brother Smith, may I not go further, this way or that
way, to make me a farm? or, to the other place, to make me a ranch?" And
so it would be almost continually—asking for privileges to do things that they
knew were contrary to counsel. My answer would be, "Yes, of course, just
as soon as the settlements are strong enough to secure to you protection; but
it will not do to venture out, and separate far from each other, for two or
three years. Until the settlements get strong, we must stay together, lest some
evil influence should stir up the Indians, and destroy our settlements entirely."
With all
the influence I could Use in those parts of the country, some of the brethren
broke through and established several posts for cattle ranches, and commenced
to open farms, but it was afterwards found necessary to gather these distant
posts in, and those who were living on large farms, and erecting fine
buildings, which either had to be removed away or entirely abandoned. All this
trouble and loss of property could have been prevented, only for that reckless
disposition—"I want a little more liberty to go a little further
off."
As I had
the honor to preside over Provo, I take the liberty to talk about my own place,
and tell its history, and I want all the new comers to profit by it. In the
first place, there was a number of men wanted to go to Provo and make a
settlement, and have a chance to fish in the waters, and trade with the
Indians. They accordingly begged of the President to let them go in accordance
with their wishes. He finally gave them the privilege of going there, if they
would build a fort for their protection. They went, and made a beginning; they
built something, but I never knew what it was. I have passed there, but not
being very well acquainted with the science of fortification, nor with the
science of topography, I never could find or frame a name for the thing which
they built.
They then
petitioned for the privilege of laying out a city with small lots, and living
in the capacity of a town, as it is so much more convenient to live in a town
than in a fort. The President gave them the privilege, because he was afraid, I
presume, if he had not granted it to them, some of their own careless boys, or
the Indians, would set their hay on fire and burn up the whole concern. They
went to work and laid out a city. The President of that company is one of the
most righteous men I ever was acquainted with; there is not a man living, I
presume, would say any evil of him, and I am the last man to do it on any
account; but he wanted to set an example, you know; for it is generally expected
that Presidents and Bishops love to set an example to the flock of Christ; so
he went off up the creek, and found a splendid piece of farming land. He took
his cabin from the miserable huddle they meant for a fort, and put it on this
piece of land, and said, "Now, you poor brethren, (if he did not say it, I
always thought he did,) you stay in town, and I will remain here, and when I
get rich I will remove into town, and build me a fine house, for these log
cabins will not look well in town." Every man that wanted to get rich went
up the creek to what we technically call "the Bishop's," and pretty
much all the property went into the bushes, and there it remained until Walker
spoke, and it was not a week after before this good President, and all who
followed his brave example, came bundling into town, after he had put up a
thing up the creek among the bushes, that I call one of the mysteries of the
kingdom.
Now if
that man had taken the good and wholesome advice that was given him, he would
now have been well off, it would have been over two thousand dollars in his
pocket, and so it is with all the balance of the people who have acted as he
has. They have had to sacrifice all this property by taking their own way.
The
Indian war is the result or our thinking we know better than our President, the
result of following our own counsel instead of the counsel of Brigham Young. It
has been the cause of almost all the loss of life and property that has been
sustained from the Indians; that is, in the southern departments. Understand
me, I do not pretend to say anything about matters this side the Utah
mountains, but I will tell you what I think: I think that all the forting I
have seen in Great Salt Lake County—it is true I have not seen much of it, but
the most of what I have seen amounts to nothing more than a humbug; and if ever
an Indian war comes upon you, you will be no better off than the distant
settlements, unless you make timely calculations for it beforehand, and make
them right. Such a war will cost you nearly all you possess. I do not know that
you will ever have one, but I should think, allowing me to judge, that you have
one on your hands now. And if I had a family scattered out on any of these
creeks, or living in any of these unfortified settlements, I should think it
prudent for me to move them into the city, or into a fort, and do it the first
thing I did. After the Indians have come and peeled your heads clean, murdered
your wives, killed off your children, burnt your houses, and plundered your
property, then you can move into forts, and it will be all right. That appears
to me to be the kind of forting I can observe in the thinly settled parts of
this county; in the cities the people are more wide awake.
I expect,
brethren, I shall preach here again, if I live, and I shall probably preach
about the Indian difficulties, about the Indian war, if they did say I was the
biggest coward south of the Utah mountains, and that I dare not go out
anywhere, not even for my cows, without my gun, and generally with somebody
with me; and consequently, being so nervously afraid, I shall say to the new
comers, especially if they want to be preserved and to save their property, and
labour to preserve the lives of their families, they have got to take the
counsel of President Young, and that is, to SETTLE IN FORTS—and have fortified
cities; and not only to settle in forts and cities, but to go armed, and not be
overtaken and murdered by the way, in the manner that some have been.
You might
suppose, because I am so cowardly, that I am very anxious to kill the Indians;
but no man ever heard me undertake to advocate the business of killing Indians,
unless it was in self defence; and in no orders that I hard issued (and I have
issued a great many under different circumstances since the war commenced,
being the "Iron Colonel,") have I ever given licence of this kind,
but to act in defence of ourselves and property. For I do believe, if the
people can be made to listen to President Young's counsel, we can close the war
without bloodshed. I have believed it all the time, and I have acted upon it.
With the exception of a few blood-thirsty individuals that may have to be
punished for their crimes, the great body of the Indians that have been
affected, can be brought to peace and duty, if the people themselves will
observe their instructions.
I know
not what my friends may think of me for talking as I have today; but I have
expressed freely my candid sentiments, and I can express nothing else; at the
same time I do not consider that the Indians have had any provocation in any
shape or manner, to cause them to commence this war upon their friends. I
believe it was commenced through the influence of some corrupt individuals who
were fired with a desire for plunder; and that it never would have been
commenced at all, if the people had all been in forts, as they ought to have
been, notwithstanding this influence. But when the Indians saw property
scattered all over the plains, thousands of cattle and horses, with grain and
everything spread before them, in an unprotected condition, those that were
evil minded among them coveted our property, and thought we could not defend
it. And sure enough we could not, for we have more property than we can defend,
we have more cattle than we can take care of; Indians can steal from us all the
time, and we cannot take care of that which God has given us, because we have
so much of it; and for want of its being brought under a proper organization,
it is badly scattered and exposed; and until we make proper provisions to take
care of our stock, evil minded persons will plunder us.
If we had
built our forts, established our corrals, and taken care of every thing we had,
according to the instructions that all the new settlements received, this
Indian war never would have commenced, because the Indians would have
discovered there was no chance for plunder. They had no idea we would move into
forts as we have done.
I advised
one individual, before he built a house out on a farm, to build in the city. O
no, he must have more room; and he built in one of the most dangerous positions
in the mountains. By and by the Indians drove him in. I absolutely did know, if
I let that man's house stand, his family would sooner or later be murdered,
which might have occurred any day; so I issued an order for it to be removed.
He durst not trust me to remove it, for fear I should break something; and
don't you think the poor miserable fellow broke two joists in removing it
himself, which did not appear so small a matter to him as it does to us. He
lost considerable, because he would not build in a safe place. His house was
situated in a position to completely command the mouth of a kanyon, and at the
same time a more dangerous place did not exist in the district; the safety of
the settlement actually required its removal.
There
were several men wounded through leaving their houses and not throwing them
down, for they became a barricade for the Indians; so I took upon me the
responsibility of removing such dangerous places as; would give shelter to our
enemies, while they pierced us with their bullets.
Some men
would tell me such a course was not strictly according to law. I told them I
should save the lives of the people. And if they had not been gathered up,
scores of men, women, and children would have been butchered before now.
I presume
I have talked to you long enough. It is a matter I feel considerable about. I
know men are careless, women are careless; and if there is not greater care
taken, women will be carried away prisoners; and their children will be
murdered, if they wander off carelessly and unprotected. I tell you, in a
country like this, where women are scarce and hard to get, we have great need
to take care of them, and not let the Indians have them.
Walker
himself has teased me for a white wife; and if any of the sisters will
volunteer to marry him, I believe I can close the war forthwith. I am certain,
unless men take better care of their women, Walker may supply himself on a
liberal scale, and without closing the war either.
In
conclusion I will say, if any lady wishes to be Mrs. Walker, if she will report
herself to me, I will agree to negotiate the match.
Choir sung the hallelujah Chorus. Benediction by Elder E. Snow.
[7 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:74, 10/15/1853 p2]
Oct. 7th, 2 P.M.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by Elder Woodruff. Singing.
Prest. Young rose to present a few missionaries, for the approval of the Conference, viz:
Elders
George A. Smith, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, to gather up 50
families to strengthen the settlements in Iron Co.; also 50 families to
increase the settlement at Filmore.
Elders Wilford Woodruff and Ezra T. Benson, to gather up 50 families to
strengthen the settlements in Tooele.
Brothers Lyman Stevens and Reuben W. Allred, to gather up 50 families for each
of the settlements in San Pete.
Elder Lorenzo Snow, to select 50 families to go to Box Elder.
Elder Joseph L. Heywood, to take 50 families to Nephi, in Juab co.
All of which were unanimously sustained by the voice of the Conference.
Elder Orson Hyde was appointed to raise a company, to make a permanent settlement at Green river, which was also sanctioned by the Conference.
Prest. Young then delivered an address from 6th chap 3d verse 1st Cor., know ye not that saints will judge angels?
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by Prest Kimball.
Adjourned until to-morrow at 10 a.m.
[8 Oct, 10 am*]
[DNW 3:74-75, 10/15/1853 p2-3]
Oct 8, 10 A.M.
Conference opened with singing. Prayer by Elder B. L. Clapp. Singing.
Pres. H. C. KIMBALL remarked: I am now about to present unto you the authorities of the Church, to see whether you will sustain them in their offices or not; and we do not with you to vote unless you feel to sustain them. Here is President Brigham Young; I shall present him before you as our President, Seer and Revelator, who stands at the head of this dispensation, and to whom it is our duty to give heed; to abide his counsel in all things as the voice of God unto us; and not to play with his words and feelings as a cat would with a mouse. - We have all of us been accustomed to have our own way, whether that was right or wrong; but now it is for us to be governed by the counsel of God, and forsake our own way; and this is the most perfect freedom: for freedom can only be obtained by obedience to the laws of God. Do not vote for him then, or for any of those men, unless you can sustain him and them, by abiding counsel.
Upon calling the vote, President Brigham Young was unanimously sustained; and Heber C. Kimball as his first Counselor, and Willard Richards as his second Counselor, Church Historian, and General Church Recorder.
John Smith was sustained as presiding Patriarch to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Orson Hyde was sustained as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles] and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, were severally sustained as members of said Quorum.
Joseph Young was sustained as President of the Presidency of Seventies, and Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Jedediah M. Grant, and Benjamin L. Clapp, as his associates.
John Nebeker was sustained as President of the elders' Quorum; also James H. Smith, and Aaron Sceva, his Counselors.
Edward Hunter was sustained as the Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Lewis Wight was sustained as President of the Priests' Quorum; also George Dockstader and Wm. Whiting, his Counselors.
McGee Harris was sustained as President of the Teachers Quorum; also Reuben Perkins and Adam Speirs, his Counselors
Return R. Hill was sustained as President of the Deacon's Quorum; also Oswald Barlow and Alexander Hill, his Counselors.
Brigham Young was sustained as the Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Edward Hunter his Assistant Trustee.
Daniel H. Wells was sustained as the Superintendent of Public Works; and Truman O. Angel, as the Architect for the Church
Brigham Young was sustained as the President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, to gather the poor; and H. C. Kimball, W. Richards, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Willard Snow, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, a. Lyman, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, and F. D. Richards, were severally sustained as his assistants and Agents for said fund.
David Fullmer was sustained as the President of this stake of Zion; also Thomas Rhoades and Phineas H. Young, his Counselors.
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phinehas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, and Nathaniel H. Felt, were severally sustained as members of the High Council; and Seth M. Blair was voted to be a member of said council, in the room of wm. W. Major, sent on a mission to England.
John Young, of G. S. L. City, was voted to be a Patriarch; also Enos Curtis, of Hobble Creek; Samuel Alger, of G. S. L. City; James Lake, of Ogden; William Cazier, of Nephi, Elisha H. Groves, of Cedar, and Emer Harris, of Provo, were severally voted to be Patriarchs in the Church of Jesus Christ.
Elder O. Hyde then read the names of thirty-nine persons selected to accompany him to form a settlement on the banks of Green river, and it was voted they should fulfill that mission.
Elder T. Bullock then read over eighty eight names, who had been selected to go on various missions, under the direction of Elder Parley P. Pratt.
Prest. Young moved, that Joseph A. Thompson be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and be turned over into the hands of his master, the devil; and all persons who want [p3] to walk in the same steps, as he has done, we will serve in the same manner; and let all Israel say amen. The congregation responded, amen.
Elder G. A. SMITH moved, that the Twelve Apostles be authorized by this Conference, to select such names as they need, and present the same to the Presidency, for approval, without presenting them in detail to this Conference; which if this Conference approve of, they signify it by the uplifted hand. Carried.
Prest YOUNG then addressed the persons who were appointed to go on missions, which will be published hereafter.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 3:50, 5/14/53 p2; JD 6:309]
I wish to
deliver a short discourse, which may, perhaps, become a lengthy one before the
close of this Conference.
I will
now give the text, and probably shall call upon the brethren to fill out the
sermon. I do not know that I can refer you to the Bible for the particular
chapter and verse, to find the text; but the text may be given here, and the
book referred to hereafter.
The text
is the Right of Heirship. I will, however, make an addition to the
Scripture before I proceed further with my remarks, and say, The Right of
Heirship in the Priesthood; for unquestionably this will be connected with
the text and brought into the discourse.
In the
little that I shall say, I will endeavour to point out the items of doctrine
and the right view to be contemplated and spoken upon by the brethren; for I
wish this subject to be properly understood.
Pertaining
to the kingdom of God, to this earth, to the organization of it, to the
bringing forth of the children of men upon it, to the preparatory Gospel or law
to fit and prepare them, after receiving their tabernacles, to enter again into
the presence of their Father and God, this heirship, this right did belong,
still belongs, and for ever will belong to the first-born son in every family
of Adam's race.
This is
understood from the Bible, not only by the Latter-day Saints, but also by the
Christian world. Jesus Christ, first-begotten of the Father, of all the rest of
the children, and of all they possess, alone is the lawful heir. This is no
mystery.
After
passing over the ages and generations of the children of men for about six
thousand years, we will come to the present congregation and say the right of
heirship is the same now that it was in the beginning. It is as it was and as
it ever will be, worlds without end. This I wish the Latter-day Saints to
understand a little better than they have heretofore. I will give you my
reason.
For
instance, there are sisters in this Church that have been bereaved of their
husbands, who died full of faith in the holy Gospel and full of hope for a
glorious resurrection to eternal life. One of them is visited by a High Priest,
of whom she seeks information touching her situation and that of her husband.
At the same time, the woman has a son twenty-five years of age, who is an Elder
in one of the Quorums of Seventies, and faithful in all the duties connected
with his calling. She has also other sons and daughters. She asks this High
Priest what she shall do for her husband, and he very religiously says to her,
"You must be sealed to me, and I will bring up your husband, stand as
proxy for him, receive his endowments and all the sealing, keys, and blessings,
and eternal Priesthood for him, and be the father of your children."
Hear it
ye mothers! The mother that does that barters away the sacred right of her son.
Does she know it? No. This has been done in hundreds of instances, though
innocently and in ignorance, which makes it excuseable. For my own part, I am
willing to wink at the ignorance of the people, and I believe our heavenly
Father is.
But you
that will hear and be made to understand the true principles that govern this
matter, go from this place and do hereafter as has been doric in bygone days;
and instead of the children being robbed of their just rights: the woman
shall lose her children, and they shall yet stand in their place and be put in
the possession of their rights. What is to be done? Let mothers honour
their children. If a woman has a son, let her honour that son.
But a
mother may say, "My son is only five years old. I never had but one son
among a number of daughters. I am advancing in years, and may die before I can
be sealed to my husband." Let that son wait until he is old enough to
officiate for his father; and though you may go into your grave, let your son
do his duty, and [you] never hang to the skirts of a man that is avaricious.
You may
see a great many miserly persons with regard to dollars and cents. It is just
as natural for men to be miserly with regard to their religious blessings. You
may see hundreds of Elders who say to the sisters, "Come and be sealed
to me," crawling round to make the holy ordinances of, God a matter of
speculation to administer to their avaricious dispositions. They will tell you
that you will go into eternity and find yourselves without husbands, and can:
not get an exaltation,—that you cannot have this, that, or the other, unless
you are sealed to them. I am free, and so are you. My advice to the
sisters is, Never be sealed to any man unless you wish to be. I say to
you High Priests and Elders, Never from this time ask a woman to be
sealed to you, unless she wants to be; but let the widows and
children alone.
I will
refer you to a discourse I delivered here last season upon the subject of the
resurrection and the millennium, setting forth before the people the work to be
accomplished in that period of time. We have at least one thousand years,
counting three hundred and sixty-five days, five hours, forty-eight minutes,
and fifty-seven seconds to the year, if I recollect right, wherein the Elders
of Israel will enter holy temples of the Lord and officiate for just such
persons as you and I, that have done. the work we were called to do in our day,
whether it was much or little. There will be hundreds of thousands of the sons
of Jacob to administer in these temples for you and me. Joseph, Hyrum, father
Smith, and many others will be there to dictate and preside. Joseph will stand
at the head of this dispensation and hold the keys of it, for they are not
taken from him: they never were in time; they never will be in eternity. I
shall be there if I live or if I die. If I die, my brethren or my children will
officiate for me. I shall lose nothing through death. Magnify your calling in
this Church, and I will warrant you an exaltation just as good and as great as
you can ask for.
I might
notice many more items pertaining to this matter; but the Elders going round
telling the sisters they must be sealed to them, or they cannot get an exaltation,
particularly has wounded my feelings. How ignorant such men are! This to me
is like a shadow. To talk about it is sheer nonsense. Let every man and woman
magnify their calling in the the kingdom of God, and he will take care that we
have our exaltation.
Sisters
come to me and inquire what they shall do, saying, Brother A. or B taught me so
and so. They are as wild as the deer on the mountains. Their ideas and
calculations are derogatory to every shade of good sound sense and to every
principle of the Priesthood of heaven.
Brethren,
learn to be patient and submissive to your duty and callings in life, and not
be anxious to accumulate to yourselves that which, when you have obtained, you
are at a loss to know what to do with. There are scores of men in this house
that, if they could pile up an almost unlimited amount of gold, in a short time
would not possess one dime of it. There are also scores of Elders here who, if
they had five hundred women sealed to them and a thousand children, would
destroy themselves and these over whom they exercise any influence. They would
not know what to do with them. You want to have another wife: but do you use
well the one you have got? It is a bad omen to me when a man wants another
wife, and the one he has got is ready to leave him. If you cannot keep the
jewel you already possess, be cautious how you take more, lest you lose them
both.
I did not
design to speak long, as it hurts me. I think I have laid out the text before
the brethren plain enough for them to preach upon it. I wish them so to exhibit
the subject before the people, that they may carry it away in their
understandings.
Let me
hear no more of this "You must be sealed to me, or you cannot get an
exaltation." If a man gets the widow of a good man, sealed, married to
him, with a view to hold control over and rob every child in that family of
their birthright, he will be mistaken. It will not be. I say to you, my
brethren, young men, you Elders, Rise up and magnify your calling, honour the
Priesthood; and if a man has stepped up and married your mother under the
influence of such an expectation, TURN HIM OUT OF YOUR HOUSE, AND MAINTAIN YOUR
BIRTHRIGHT.
[Orson Hyde]
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by President Young.
——
[8 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:75, 10/15/1853 p3]
October 8th, two P.M.
Opened by singing. Prayer by P. P. Pratt. Singing.
ELDER JOHN TAYLOR explained that Mormonism contains every good thing, both in this world and the world to come. We begin to find out that we are earthly, we came from the earth, our feelings cling to it, when we die we return to the earth, and when we come forth in the resurrection, it was be as immortal beings to dwell on a celestial earth; it will be renovate, and so will the people that dwell on it. It is a natural desire for us to possess the earth, and for this thousands of persons have been laid low, in order to gain possession of it, but the Savior has promised that the meek shall inherit it.
If God does not confer blessings upon men, vain are their expectations; vain is the h nor that men gather to themselves. Is there any person that can point me out where they ever met a class of persons who could declare the first principles of the gospel, although they read it in the Bible? No one, until the elders communicated it to them.
Brother T. then reviewed the rise of the church and its progress to the present time. The priesthood is the only legitimate rule upon the earth, and all the nations will yet have to submit to it, for the kingdom of God will have to be extended over the whole of it, not by sword, or bloodshed, but with wisdom, knowledge, the principles of truth, the revelations from the eternal worlds, and the power of the priesthood.
Here is the fountain head of intelligence, and the persons who know how to dictate a nation, or a kingdom for their own good. Now the door is opened that some of the nations can be benefitted and instructed, and when we have got through bestowing benefits upon the inhabitants of the earth, we shall go to sleep to enter upon far more extensive duties, and have a greater dominion, when the earth is renovated.
Many persons are not satisfied with the situation that they are in, and desire to be something higher: let me tell you, a priest or a teacher that magnifies his calling, is far better than an apostle that does not magnify his calling, &c., &c.
PRESIDENT KIMBALL called for the persons who have been elected to be patriarchs, to meet in the vestry, to receive their ordinations.
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by Patriarch Morley,
Adjourned until 10 to-morrow morning.
The Bishops of the several wards have made the following reports, namely.
[Report of the Bishops. - see chart, Deseret News Weekly 3:75, 10/15/1853 p 3]
[9 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 3:75, 10/15-/1853 p3]
SUNDAY, Oct. 9, 1853, 10 A.M.
Opened with singing. Prayer by Elder Lorenzo Snow. Singing.
ELDER P. P. PRATT remarked, that during this conference we have heard many things for our edification and instruction, and we shall receive more continually. Read from the Second Book of Nephi, also some of the words of Jesus, after he came to the Nephites in America.
I have been glad of the word of the Lord, and have been sorry that many treat lightly the words of the prophets, in not having built forts and made themselves secure from the Indians.
There are three classes of mankind in Christendom; one acknowledges a God of revelation, with power to speak to the people; another, that God can not speak, and must not speak; and the third class are infidels, and believe there is no God. If a prophet were to go to Congress and tell them in the name of the Lord what is going to take place, they would say that their rights were infringed upon, they do not believe God has a right to interfere with them in their independence, which they feel very convenient; but we feel he has a right to teach, instruct, reprove, or chasten them by his prophets, apostles, or by the visitation of angels. He has a right to choose and ordain whom he will, and commission and send them forth whithersoever he will. The Lord has in a great measure brought the word of God from among the Gentiles; for there is almost a famine for the word of God already, which is the signal for the restoration of the House of Israel.
We have had just as much as we could do, to support ourselves and gather our brethren here, but now we are able to feed and clothe the Indians, or at least, the women and children. They are discouraged at their situation which is he cause of their stealing; but now the time has come to improve them, and bring about their restoration and redemption, no matter what labor or expense is incurred thereby; for every word of that book (Book of Mormon) will be fulfilled, for it is the word of God unto you, and if we can redeem the children of Nephi and Laman, we shall be made rich in the promised blessings.
PRESIDENT YOUNG gave a notification for the missionaries to meet this evening, at 6 o'clock, in the Tabernacle.
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by Elder F. D. Richards.
——
[9 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 3:75, 10/15/1853 p3]
2 P.M.
Opened with singing. Prayer. Singing.
H. C. KIMBALL said, he is a witness that the Kingdom of God is set up, and any person in the church of Jesus Christ need not doubt that he is in the Kingdom of God. The Church is protected by that shield, and the Priesthood governs the whole concern. My love and affections are concentrated in President Young; he holds the keys of my salvation in time and hereafter; and should not I love that being who holds the keys of power, and glory, and exaltation? I should. When br. Joseph was alive, br. Brigham and I, stuck to him till death; and when that love is in US, should not the same feelings be in the whole Priesthood? Every person has got to prove himself worthy, and every person has to be as obedient, or they will never get where those are, who have been obedient.
Asked a blessing on the bread.
My wish is that when we leave this place, a reformation may take place in us, and go from us to all the settlements in the valleys; and that you will all do as you are told; then, there are no blessings in heaven or on earth but what will be given to us. God the "Eternal Father has placed me as a Physician in my family. This people should have faith and confidence in those who have authority over them. The time has come, that this Church has to be pruned of the dead and rotten branches. - The men that are the most passive, and willing, we use the most, because we can do far more with them, than with those who are rebellious. I hope that mothers will attend to their children, that they may rear them up properly.
Cyrus Wheelock asked a blessing on the cup.
Stated that he left Nauvoo on a mission to England. I do not know whether it was for my sins that I had to stop there till this time, but was thankful to receive the blessing of the President, yesterday. When I was in England, I did the best I knew how, and now I feel, that I have been paid for all my labors.
Elder ERASTUS SNOW prophesied, that inasmuch as the people retain the Spirit they have in this house, blessings will be poured out upon the inhabitants of the valleys, and upon all Israel, in rich abundance, and it will work a reformation among the Saints.
Prest. YOUNG wished the Latter Day Saints to hearken to this counsel, viz:
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 3:75, 10/15/1853 p3]
We will
now bring our Conference to a close. I wish the Latter-day Saints to hearken to
the counsel they receive from time to time, and especially to the counsel I
will now give to all the Latter-day Saints in this house, in the valleys of the
mountains, and all who are scattered among the nations of the earth. I ask one
thing at your hands, and that is, to live your religion day by day.
The
religion we profess is the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ; a religion of
revelation, ministering of angels, and the power of God on the people, through
the ordinances of God. My counsel to all Saints is, TO LIVE THEIR RELIGION. If
they do, they will live watchfully, prayerfully, and humbly; and their hearts
will be filled with compassion one towards another, and they will seek to do
good all the days of their lives; and when an evil is presented to them they
will shun that evil, and will cleave to that which is right before the Lord;
otherwise they will bring a disgrace upon themselves, and dishonor their
religion. This is my counsel to all Saints, and I wish you to carry it from
this Conference to your neighbors, and spread it abroad throughout all the
Churches of the Saints, upon the face of the whole earth--LIVE THE RELIGION YOU
PROFESS.
You may
say, "Brother Brigham, will you fellowship men who do wrong?" Well,
suppose brother Brigham does fellowship evil doers for a season, exercising
long-suffering and mercy towards them, he does not fellowship their evil
actions. God has mercy upon us, and we should have mercy on each other. Let us
honor our God, our religion, our profession, and our being on the earth, and we
may be proud of our religion, |for it is the only thing on earth that is worthy
of the pride of the heart of man, it is the only thing we have any knowledge
of, that is worthy the attention of intelligence.
I have
felt very thankful for this interview we have had; and if we are blessed of the
Lord, when our next Conference convenes, we will have a place large enough to
accommodate all the people, where all can be seated, and see, and hear. This we
will do, if the Lord will.
You may
inquire what we are going to do. Simply to occupy a portion of this ground
which is being enclosed by the wall, pave it nicely, rear timbers properly
prepared, and make a canopy over our heads with our wagon covers, &c., and
put in our benches, and then all can sit down comfortably. This will put an end
to the little Conferences that are held by numerous individuals around this
house, who cannot be accommodated with seats. We hold a General Conference
here, but outside there are numerous Conferences and caucus meetings. We will
endeavor to have a place where we can have our councils and caucus meetings
together.
I wish to
say one word in behalf of brother Cyrus H. Wheelock. While he was telling you
his dream, and his feelings on arriving at this place, I wanted to testify in
his behalf, and say, he has come home with his heart pure, he is clean and
pure; as he saw in his dream, HIS SHIRT WAS CLEAN.
I wish
all the Elders who go abroad would come home in the same manner. Now and then
one does. Some few come home with clean shirts, and others return with their
garments spotted.
Do you
ask if I mean you? If your own conscience condemns you, I shall, and so will
the Lord. Those who have white shirts know it for themselves; and those who
have got spotted shirts, will come to me and say, "Is my shirt
clean?" To every man who comes to me, saying, "Brother Brigham, do
you think I have come home clean and pure?" my answer is, YOU HAVE NOT,
but your eye has been like the fool's eye, at the ends of the earth. You have
committed some wickedness, your mind has become darkened, and you have been
left to yourself until you have done things which are a disgrace to you.
Let men
come home with the Holy Ghost on them, with the Spirit of revelation in them,
do they want to know of me, or any other person, if they are pure? They know
they are pure, as well as the angels know. But it is a sure sign that a man is
impure, when he doubts in his own mind. I shall not single out any person but
brother Wheelock. Be sure THAT A MAN WHO DOES NOT KNOW HE IS PURE, IS NOT PURE.
I could
tell you a great many foibles the Elders of Israel are guilty of. For instance,
suppose a man goes abroad preaching the Gospel, and tries to fill his mission
as well as he can, but as quick as he is out of the meetings of the Saints, or
has done bearing testimony of the truth to the world, and is alone, his mind is
in the Valley, and with a heavy sigh he exclaims, "I wish I was at home
with my dear wife and children." The Lord would not give a straw for such
a man; his whole soul should be engaged in the work at which he is laboring
while in the vineyard.
Let no
man ever go out into the world to labor as a minister of Christ, and leave his
spirit at home. When the power of God is on a man, he mows the earth as he
goes, and gathers his sheaves continually, gathering around him kindred
spirits. He cannot speak or pray without gathering spirits of his own kind.
When I
find my kindred spirit, a man or woman, who possesses the Spirit of the Lord, I
am acquainted with that person, and feel as though we had been acquainted a
long time ago. These are the men who will do good, and will never lack friends,
for they will find them here and there already made, and they will prove
friends indeed. My mission is to go and make more friends besides the ones I
have at home, and gather up the wheat from among the tares, and search out
Israel wherever they are.
I wish to
say a word now with regard to Israel and the Gentiles, treated upon in an able
and eloquent discourse by Elder P. P. Pratt, touching the privilege of the
Gentiles numbering with Israel. Nine tenths of those who come into this Church
are the pure blood of Israel, the greater portion being purely of the blood of
Ephraim. Joseph was a savior to the house of his father, and will be to the
whole house of Israel in the last days. We are Israel, we are already a portion
of that venerable house. Those who are Gentiles in our midst, have numbered
themselves with Israel through the ordinances of the Gospel, and all the
Gentiles who will come in the future can be adopted, and become Israel, for
Israel has been scattered among the people, and, nationally speaking, all are
Gentiles.
You will
never see a man called to preside in the Priesthood of God on the earth who is
not purely of the blood of Abraham. You may set every man down to be a pure
descendant of Abraham, who holds a position in this Kingdom, and holds the keys
of, and officiates in, the ordinances of the Holy Priesthood. Either God has
not called him, or he is a pure offspring of faithful Abraham. When strangers
and aliens are talked of, we talk of Gentiles.
I can see
no necessity for going through any particular form or ceremony in drawing this
Conference to a close, and I will say, the Conference is now adjourned to the
6th of April, 1854, at 10 A.M., to meet on this block, if the Lord will.
Benediction by Prest. Young
THOS. BULLOCK,
Clerk of Conference.
[9 Oct, 6 pm]
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 3:86, 11/24/53 p2]
Synopsis
Of President brigham Young's address to the Brethren selected
to go on a mission; delivered in the Tabernacle, Sunday evening, Oct., 9th,
1853, and reported by Bro. W. Woodruff, from memory.
——
I have a few remarks to make to the missionaries. I consider all the elders of this Church, missionaries, and I will here say that every man who is clothed with the Priesthood can magnify it while cultivating the earth, or following any other useful occupation, as well as in preaching the gospel to the nations; for while an elder is diligent, and by his labor produces hat, corn, and other articles for the sustenance of man, and beast, he is administering life and salvation. An elder who magnifies his calling, has a right to bless his land, his fields, his crops, his flocks and herds, his wives and children; he has a right to heal the sick, and cast evil spirits out of man or beast. If any of his family or animals are sick, he has a right to lay hands upon them, and heal them, and to do all things which are right and lawful; but a man without the Priesthood has not the legal right to do these things.
Now how is it with you, ye elders of Israel? Do you magnify your calling in all these things, or do you take the name of God in vain, and curse, lie, and steal a little? And when the devil gets into your animals, do you partake of the same spirit, and go to fighting them, or do you cast the devil out of them? I leave you to judge.
When you first received the Gospel, and the light of eternal truth beamed upon your understandings, would you then have cursed, sworn, stolen, lied, or done any evil? No, these acts would have caused you to shudder. But when your light begins to fade, and you walk a long time in the twilight, you begin to stumble a little, and after a time you can commit much evil, and sleep easily over it. It is time for such to cry unto God to have mercy upon them.
Were you going on a mission to the opposite portions of the globe, and about to leave all, with no one to lean upon but God, you would seek unto Him all the time. And when your missions are given to you near home, if you cease to trust in God, and to call upon His name with the same diligence as you would in a foreign mission, you will do but little, if any, good, and your missions will be in vain. .And I warn you, that if you do not fulfil this mission with an eye single to the glory of God, and with a view to save Israel and the souls of men; that if your minds are upon your farms, houses, lands, and families; you will find your garments soiled, they will not be spotless. If you do not feel disposed to devote your time and attention to your missions, you had better say, "Brethren, please excuse me," for you had better stay at home, unless your whole soul is in the work.
I wish to say a few words concerning the gathering of Israel, for my mind reaches forward, when I contemplate the promises of God unto them; and the nations of the earth will accomplish the will of the Lord without observing His hand in their operations. I will ask, who in Nauvoo would have left that city, provided they could have staid there? No one; but we were driven to this place to fulfil the will of God. Joseph tried to get access to the remnants of Jacob, and the people greatly feared, lest we should preach the Gospel to them. Could we have preached to the Lamanites, if we had staid in Nauvoo? No, we could not; but the people have driven us to a place where we can do much more good, than we could have accomplished by remaining in Nauvoo; they have driven us into the midst of the Lamanites, where we can preach the Gospel unto them.
It has been remarked that I have said there would be a rail road built from the States to this territory by the year 1861; now all the Union are in favor of a Pacific rail road, and when it is built our brethren from abroad can come here without walking, as many are now compelled to do.
I wish the Elders to be faithful upon this mission, and much good will be accomplished; and if any Elder is not faithful in the mission assigned to him, let him be chastened; and if he does not repent, let him be cut off from this Church.
The Elders have esteemed it a great privilege to be sent to foreign nations to preach the Gospel, and have, in a measure, seemed to forget the poor, ignorant Lamanites who surround us, and are in our midst, at our own , doors. They are a remnant of the house of Israel, they are of the seed of Abraham; and the Book of Mormon, and all the prophecies concerning that people declare that the Gospel shall be preached unto them, and we have it to do, and it is time for us to begin. This work is upon you; you are sent unto the Lamanites; and to accomplish this mission, you cannot live in your fine houses as you now do, but you must live with them, teach them, and counsel them in all things, and be on hand to do them all the good that lies in your power. If you cannot bring your feelings to a willingness to do this, and cheerfully leave all for the purpose of saving this branch of the House of Israel, you had better say, "let me be excused, and stay at home."
Your first business will be to civilize them, teach them to work, and improve their condition by your utmost faith and diligence. Every Elder, who is now called unto this work, should immediately commence to learn the Lamanite languages. Go to brother D. B. Huntington and take lessons; and I hope soon to see a hundred good interpreters where we now have but one.
When you go among the Lamanites, deal with them honestly and righteously in all things. Any man who cheats a Lamanite should be dealt with more severely than for cheating a white man. An Indian thinks it no sin to steal, or to kill his enemy, because he has been taught from his childhood that there is no harm in it, but on the contrary, that it is a brave act. Not so with the white man, he has been taught from his infancy that it is wicked either to steal, or kill, except in self defence. Walker will not kill a white man, nor go on a stealing expedition to California, until he offers sacrifices to his God, then he thinks he is doing right; and the reason he has not done more in his war on the southern settlements, is because he could get no answer from his God. Had it not been for this, and the faith of this people, he would have destroyed those settlements before this time. I am sorry that some of our brethren have been killed by the Indians, but am far more sorry that some of the Indians have been slain by the brethren. I have often said, and I say again, if any person is to be killed for stealing, let that one be a white man, and not an Indian, for white men know better, while Indians do not; and you must lay aside your angry feelings towards them, and cease wishing to kill them.
Now go to work, you Elders of Israel, fulfil your callings, magnify your office, get the Spirit of the Lord and of your mission, begin to save the Lamanites and not destroy them, for they are of the House of Israel; and the blessings of God will rest upon you, and I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
6-9 Apr 1854, General Conference, Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City.
6-9 Apr 1854, General Conference, Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City
[Deseret News Weekly 4:42, 4/13/54 p 2]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
MINUTES
Of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, held in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, commencing
April 6th, 1854, at 10 a.m.
President Brigham Young presiding.
IN THE STAND: - Presidents, B. Young, H. C. Kimball.
Patriarch: Isaac Morley.
Of the Twelve Apostles: O. Hyde, P. P. Pratt, W. Woodruff, J. Taylor, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, L. Snow, E. Snow.
Seventies: Joseph Young, H. Harriman, Z. Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, J. M. Grant, L Hancock. B. L. Clapp.
High Priests Quorum: David Pettigrew, R. Cahoon.
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter.
Presidency of the Stake: D. Fullmer, Thos. Rhoads, P. H. Young
Clerk of the Conference: Thomas Bullock.
Reporter: George D. Watt.
Conference was called to order by President Brigham Young, and after the choir had sung, President Heber C. Kimball prayed as follows:
O God,
the Eternal Father, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, we come before thee
this morning, and ask thee to look upon each one of us assembled together this
day for the purpose of worshiping thee, and to transact such business as shall
be for the furtherance of thy cause and kingdom, and the establishing of
righteousness upon the face of thine earth, according to the counsel of thy
will.
We ask
thee to dictate all matters pertaining to this conference, and pertaining to
the assembling together of thy people from the different settlements of these
valleys; O Lord, inspire every heart with the Holy Ghost. We pray thee this
morning to forgive all our sins, follies, weaknesses, improprieties, and
everything we have done to grieve thee in the days of our lives; remit our
sins, purify our hearts, and sanctify our affections unto thee, that our hearts
may not be attached to the things of this world, nor our affections placed upon
them, but upon things that are eternal, upon things that endure for ever, and
that will make us happy and comfortable, whether we are in a state of poverty
or in a state of exaltation in regard to the things of this life.
Help us,
O Lord, to be satisfied and contented in whatever circumstances we may be
placed, that we may be like clay in the hands of the potter, and become moulded
and fashioned in the likeness of the Son of God; that we may be influenced by
his spirit, dictated by his counsel, and that the revelations of Jesus Christ
may be poured out upon us; that we may be filled with all wisdom and
understanding necessary to forward thy cause on the earth, to purify our
hearts, that we may be sanctified to enter into the glory thou hast prepared
for the righteous.
We pray
thee to look upon thy servant Brigham, and inspire his heart with the
revelations of Jesus Christ; may the Holy Ghost descend upon him in greater
fulness, to show him things to come, and bring all things to his remembrance
that is necessary for the well being and salvation of thy people, that he may
know what measures to adopt for the good of all people, and for the preaching
of thy gospel, and for the spreading of salvation to the remotest parts of the
earth. Bless him with life and health; renew his age, and invigorate his body,
and cause fresh life to enter every pore, sinew, muscle, and bone of his mortal
tabernacle, penetrating every part from the crown of his head to the soles of
his fee; strengthening his lungs, his vitals, limbs, and joints. May the power
of God rest upon him, and upon his associates, and upon all the faithful
elders. Hear us, O Lord, in this thing.
We pray
thee to bless thy faithful people, thy servants and handmaidens, in the land of
America, and those who are scattered abroad throughout the nations of Europe,
and the islands of the sea. May the spirit of the Lord God rest upon them in
mighty power, and be withdrawn from those who do not assist in building up thy
kingdom on the earth, and in establishing righteousness. May the sap and
nourishment of the withered branches be given to those that are alive in thy
cause.
We pray
thee to take us into thy care. for we dedicate and consecrate ourselves and
this conference unto thee, with this habitation, this land, and everything
pertaining to thy saints. Let thy blessings be upon our wives, and upon our
children; upon our flocks and upon our herds, upon our fields, and upon our
barns; and may the blessings of the Lord God be upon the righteous from this
time henceforth and for ever.
We place
ourselves into thy hands, praying that all things pertaining to thy people this
conference, and at all other times, may be dictated by thy wisdom, and all the
praise, honor, glory, and power, shall be given to the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, worlds without end: amen.
After President Kimball had opened the meeting by prayer, President Brigham Young presented the business of the Conference in the following words:
[Brigham Young]
I will
lay before the Congregation a few items of business that may probably be
presented before this Conference, if the state of my lungs will permit me to
speak.
In the
first place, I ask the privilege of wearing my hat. You may think I am
beginning to feel the infirmities of age; I am older than many would suppose me
to be; in a short time I shall be fifty-three years of age. More than half a
century is a long time to live, and endure as much as I have each year of my
life.
The
Business of the conference, as it regards the organization and regulations
pertaining to the leading officers of the Church, etc., will be the same as
heretofore. We have other things which we shall lay before the assembly;l but
the business parts will probably be omitted to-day, and perhaps to morrow.
If it
should continue weather to oblige us to occupy the Tabernacle, we shall not be
able to accommodate as many of the people as we should like; but if the weather
should be warm and pleasant, the people will continue to gather in from the
country settlements, and many will come to Conference from the city that
otherwise would not; in this case, we are prepared to accommodate the whole
congregation on the north side of the Tabernacle. We did not prepare the seats
you see outside, expecting the congregation to sit out of doors when it is
possible to accommodate them inside. When the assembly swells so large that not
one half of them can get into this hall, we will then retire to the outside, if
the weather will permit, that whatever business is transacted, may be done
before all the people. You will recollect that we have had meetings both
outside and inside of this house, on Conference occasions, which caused more or
less confusion.
It may be
expected by a portion of the congregation, that during this Conference, there
will be a discourse delivered on the occasion of the death of Bro. Willard
Richards. Whether there will or not I am unable at present to say. I can give
you my thoughts upon that matter in a few words, and they will apply to all
matters of a similar nature. Were I to preach a discourse to please Bro.
Willards' surviving friends, and the Church at large, all that I might say can
be summed up in these few words:
Bro.
Willard Richards I have known from before he became a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He lived at my house man years, - boarded
with me. From our first acquaintance to his death, in the gospel and out of it,
as far as I knew him, in his integrity and friendship, he was as true and
unwavering in his course as the sun is to the earth, or as the earth is in
revolving upon its axes. There was not a shade of deviation upon his mind, or
wavering in his actions, in his feelings, or in his faith from the principles
of righteousness. He was true to his God, to his religion, and to his brethren,
and in administering blessings to all, to whom he had power to administer. He
was careful not to injure any person, and lived and died a Latter Day Saint. He
is gone to rest, and is prepared to receive his body again in the resurrection,
and then he will be prepared to take his seat in the Celestial Kingdom of our
God. All this can be said of bro. Willard's whole life is summed up in these
few remarks.
Many that
are personally acquainted with him, will no doubt have something to say
touching the manner of his private life, but I can say to every person who was
intimately acquainted with his private character, and to those who were not,
but only knew him in a public capacity, that he was just as faithful, true,
good, and lived as well as any man can do who is subject to mortality, - who is
of the earth, earthy. No man can do any better than he has done in similar
circumstances.
There may
be some things pertaining to his private character that an ignorant, selfish
sectarian would find fault with, and raise objections to; but it is through
ignorance they would do it. but if they knew him - knew his constitution - the
weakness of his body; if they knew his mind, his faith, his feelings, and his
desires to live, they would know at once, that he has actually fought with
death, and overcome it for many years. And the very course he had to pursue to
keep life in him, he knew himself, would eventually sink him into the grave;
but he would have been there years ago, had he not taken the course he did.
Now, if I
do not say anything more concerning him, it will be all well. Let not any of
the Church, or his family, think that Bro. Willard is neglected, or is not
honored and reverenced sufficiently because I have not preached a long funeral
sermon, which is the fashion of the world. I will do as much, think, speak, and
pray as much for him, as I wish my brethren and friends, to speak, think, and
pray over me when I drop into the grave. When I die, bury me decently, and let
me wait till the morning of the resurrection to receive my glorified body, is
all I ask my brethren to do for me when I am dead.
Custom
becomes a strong law; it is almost one of the most powerful laws there is among
the nations of the earth. It is customary with them to extol the dead. Let the
most miserable and corrupt wretch on the earth die, if he has friends enough to
speak in his favor, he is made to appear one of the most angelic beings that
ever lived. A man may live and die like a brute, and in his life behave like a
demon; but if he has plenty of money, and a circle of influential friends, they
will extol him to the skies when he is dead, and adorn his moral character with
the virtues of a heavenly being, and commit his body to the grave, saying,
"we commit this our brother to the grave; dust to dust, ashes to ashes
with a sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection." - They have no
doubt in their minds, apparently, but that he is gone to Abraham's bosom. That
is what custom does. That is a specimen of the habits, customs, and traditions
of the world. These things I wish to leave behind, and attend to things that
will promote life, salvation, peace, and the best interests of the kingdom of
God on the earth. Let us attend to that, which will redeem Israel, place life
and salvation before the inhabitants of the earth, that will do good to the
living, and tend to save those who are in the broad road to destruction, both
in a national and individual capacity; let us snatch them as brands from the
burning. If I weep for any body, let it be for those who live, and do not live
their religion, but set at naught the counsels of God, and will have none o his
reproof. Never let me weep for a man or a woman who has been prepared in life
for a glorious resurrection after death, and are gone in peace. - When their
bodies sleep in the grave under those circumstances they are all right; I have
no mourning, no tears, or grieving for them; if I mourn for any it is for the
living; and there is much more cause for weeping over many of this people,
because of their guiltiness of heart, and corruptness of affections towards
God, and our holy religion, than there is for those who have died in the faith
and gone to rest.
I hope
the brethren and sisters will be satisfied with these remarks. If there are any
of the brethren who wish to take up the subject, and speak on the occasion of
Bro. Willard's death, and on the death of sister Smith, Geo. A. Smith's mother,
and preach a funeral sermon. I am perfectly willing they should. But if they do
not feel to do it, I do not wish it required at my hands.
Now to
the business that will probably be laid before the Conference.
First of
all brethren and sisters, I wish to enquire distinctly of your feelings, to
know if each individual who professes to be a Latter Day Saint, does know for a
certainty this morning, that their peace is made with God - that their peace is
like an ever-flowing river - that the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ is in
them like a fountain of living water. If the Spirit of God is in you like this,
springing up to everlasting life, it is known to you. This is the most
important part of our conference business. Business of more essential import
could not be presented before our conference, if it were to continue in session
for years. It is 24 years to-day since this Church was organized. Suppose
millions of people belonged to it; or suppose there were only a few, and they
had forsaken the spirit of the holy gospel - had back-slidden in their
affections, faith, and in the spirit of revelation; had forsaken the Lord their
God, ceased to have the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the ministering of
angels, and the gift and blessings of the Holy Ghost, and they assemble merely
out of form, in compliance to an established custom, and they exercise
themselves in the ordinances of the kingdom of God, follow the rules and
regulations in the organization of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, and it is nothing more than a dead form to them; they could not derive
one particle of real benefit by meeting together in a capacity like the present
one. Then;, first of all, I ask the brethren who have been in the kingdom for
twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, and twenty-three years, (as there are those
here who have been in the Church from the beginning) how they feel this
morning. What is the state of your minds? How is your faith? Do you feel as
well as you did when you first embraced the gospel? Is the spirit of revelation
in you as much now as then? What shall I receive for an answer, were I answered
truly? I can give you my opinion; I believe there are many that can truly say,
that the Spirit of the Lord has taken up his abode with them, and dwells
continually with them from day to day, from week to week, from month to month,
and from year to year. They are never without it, for it is in them and round
about them continually; they are full of it from the crown of their heads to
the soles of their feet; it has become their constant companion. With every an
and woman who will be faithful to their God, and to their religion, and who has
been fully tried and proved, the Lord will actually take up his abode, and
dwell with them, and they will not be left to themselves, or to the power of
the enemy any more. They may be tempted and tried, but they always have their
weapons of defence ready, their shield is buckled on; they are always armed
with the armor of Christ, and they are always capable of beating back, of
throwing off and destroying every power of the enemy that attacks them.
This is
the first item of the conference. I also ask those brethren and sisters who
have lately come into the Church, and within a few years crossed the plains to
this place, how they feel; is the Spirit of the Lord now resting upon you? is
the vision of your minds opened to see and understand the things that pertain
to life and salvation? Do you love the scriptures, the word of life, also the
Lord and his people, and his righteousness, as you did the day you first
embraced this gospel? if you have not realized an increase of heavenly good in
yourselves, and made progress, you are dull scholars. How many can say they
have realized an increase of that spirit, and say, "I love the Lord, I love
his people, and his cause better and better every day I live; my understanding
expands, for I see and understand many things I did not know when I first
embraced the gospel. Whereas I loved but little, I now love extensively the
cause of truth; whereas I knew but little, I now know considerably more; and
according to the increase of my knowledge, so is my love and confidence in my
brethren." Can you say this in truth? If you can it is all right.
Again,
let me appeal to those who have done wrong, (if any there are,) and follow it.
Did you come to this Conference from your homes before you first repented of
your sins, and obtained forgiveness? If you did I want you to leave in the
intermission, and go home again, and there I want you to stay, until your sins
are remitted; or get an elder to immerse you in City Creek, and wash away your
sins, so that you may not hinder those who are pure, that every individual's
heart in this Conference may be pure before God, and have a mite to contribute
to the faith of the whole body, that every heart may be lighted up by the power
of God, and receive the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, and increase from
this time in all righteousness, and not come and go like a door upon its
hinges, without any variation for the better. When the people complain of each
other - when they complain of the Church, of their hardships, of hard times, of
this and of that, because the Lord does not speak with his own voice from
heaven, because the revelations of God are not forthcoming, as they did in the
days of Joseph Smith, all I have to say to them is, prepare your hearts, for
there is all for you that you can receive, and a great deal more than you know
wham to do with. That is all that I need to say to you on that point.
Let every
man and woman humble themselves before the Lord, and exercise mighty faith. Did
you come here for the First Presidency and the Twelve to bless you? - It is out
of our power to bless you unless you are prepared to receive a blessing from
your Father in heaven. We can stand before you here, and talk to you; but we
cannot give you the Spirit of the Lord unless you are prepared to receive it
through our administration, but it must come from the Lord. Let every heart
therefore, be prayerful, watchful, and exercise faith, and seek diligently for
blessings for themselves, and then we shall all be blessed together.
I
contemplate this people with great anxiety, and with feelings of deep interest.
I look upon their conduct, and am sorry to see many of them wandering in their
feelings from the ways of truth and righteousness. It is frequently asked me if
it is right for men who have come to the Valley, and been blessed and
re-blessed, to finally receive their endowments, and then want to go to
California; and if they ought not to be cut off from the Church. They should be
cut off were it not for one thing--the Lord wishes to give them ample
opportunity to take a course to save themselves. It is not the mind of the Lord
they should be cut off from the Church, as a general thing, consequently I
think we had better not do it. If it was the mind of the Lord, I would consent
to it; but as it is not, we should do wrong to do it. If every man, woman, and
child in this kingdom were living in the light and blessings of the revelations
of Jesus, would any one of them wish to go to California? You will all give a
negative reply to this question; they would rather cry out, "Spare me the
pain and suffering I would have to pass through by going there, and let me
escape that misery, distress, and anguish, by staying with the people of
God." Yes, my brethren, you who want to go, go; but I have a little more
to say regarding it, which is, pay your just debts before you go, and do not
steal other men's property. There are some already on the way, and are gone,
that I think ought to be cut off from the Church; but I am directing my
conversation to those who are going in the future. Pay your debts when you go,
and be sure and steal nothing from your neighbors. I am perfectly willing you
should go, for if you cannot be flogged, persecuted, and pass through the
ordeals of suffering, sufficiently to prepare you to enter into the kingdom of
God, without first going to hell, the quicker you go through it the better.
I am
often asked if they will be saved who go to California in search of worldly
riches. I answer, yes, some of them, so as by fire. They have not wisdom,
discretion, and natural ability enough; and I suppose their spirits, before
they came into this world, were not endowed with the same amount of rationality
and reflection as others, so that they cannot be saved without passing through
the fire. Let them go to California who wish; and if any of the Saints owe them
anything, pay them honorably, and if they owe you anything, I will give you
liberty to make them pay you. I have as a general thing made such brethren pay
me that which they owe. I calculate on their paying their debts, and also that
they shall not steal anything from this people; but they may go down into their
sufferings as quick as they please; for the quicker they go there, the quicker
they will get through them. Will they be saved? Yes. What! and be prepared to
go into the celestial kingdom of God? Yes, if they repent of their sins, and
turn unto the Lord. And what will they do there? They have been told, years
ago, not to do anything that would aid and build up the Gentiles; but they will
do it, and they must needs go through the suffering that awaits them, to
prepare them to go into the celestial kingdom. Will they be crowned with crowns
of glory, immortality, and eternal lives? No; but they will be prepared to
enter there to serve others that are prepared to receive kingdoms, thrones,
principalities, and powers. That may perhaps appear a strange idea to some of
you. If you want to know it, I will tell you the truth, and you may call it a
revelation or anything else you please. When you go into the celestial kingdom,
you will have your resurrected bodies, and you will gather around you your families,
and friends, and be associated with them there, as here. We are now mortal;
there we shall be immortal; this difference will exist, and it is all the
difference. Mortality is a perfect similitude, pattern, or emblem of the
celestial kingdom, only the one is mortal life, and the other is life in
immortality. Can you who own extensive farms work them with your own hands? No;
but you have to hire help. Ask the woman who has thirty or forty of a family
under her care, if she with her own hands, can do the work necessary to be done
in such a family. She cannot do it without procuring help; she obtains servants
to assist her. The extensive farmer has around him his associates, who are not
capable of themselves of gathering around them property so as to be independent,
so they are dependent on the man who knows how to direct, and increase from the
elements the riches of this life, and he hires them, and pays them their wages,
to help him to do the work necessary to improve every foot of his farm or
inheritance. You will find the same thing in the celestial world, among the
kingdoms of our Father in heaven.
You will
find millions of the inhabitants of the earth there who are not capable of
being crowned with glory, immortality, and eternal lives. Those who are
faithful in putting out their talents to usury, will receive an increase
according to their diligence. But shall we say that all are capable of becoming
lords, and kings, and of being crowned with crowns of glory, and receiving
kingdoms, and powers, and exaltations, and thrones? No, we do not; for they
will be no more capable of it than they are of enjoying the riches of eternity
here, and of properly applying them in this mortality, were they put in their
possession, which would be the sure means of their destruction. They would not
know what to do with such extensive riches. You may put that down as
revelation, and have brother George write it.
Let the
brethren go to California that wish to go, and I request them to be honest. I
have another request to make of them, viz.--that they take with them all the
thieves; for we can not get rid of them. However, it is an acknowledged fact,
that the wheat and the tares must grow together until harvest; and the sheep
and the goats will be in the same fold until the time of separation. Are there
any sheep going to California as well as goats? Yes. And will any goats stay
here? Yes; and some of the poorest, most miserable devils in the whole posse of
them. What can we do with it? Why we must do the best we can. All I ask of
those who are going, and of those who are staying, is to be honest if they can.
This
leads me to what I am now going to lay before the Conference, and it will be an
excellent text for the brethren to preach upon. I will lay a proposition before
this Conference for them to decide upon--that is for us to select a man, and
send him to Upper California, say for instance to brother Horner's Ranch, to
lay out a place for the gathering of the Saints in that vicinity of the world.
Brother Amasa and Brother Rich have got a standard reared in southern
California already. We will also send men to Oregon, from those places, to
preach the Gospel, for many of those who have been chasing the gilded
butterfly, until they have run into the fire, and got pretty well scorched,
will be glad of the chance to forsake their follies and gather again unto the
Saints. We will also establish a place of gathering there. We also wish to send
men to the United States to establish two or three locations there, for the
gathering of the Saints. Then the English, Scotch, Welsh, and German Saints, as
well as Saints from other nations of the old world, whose greatest difficulty
is to get wagons, teams, and provisions to cross the plains, when they have
saved a few shillings, can cross over the waters to one of these gathering
places, where they will be placed under the protection of a good Elder, sent to
take care of them. We have just as good a right to go back to the United States
to live, as any man has that lives there. This is what I have to lay before the
Conference, to be a text for a few short discourses. We contemplate
establishing a post in Ohio, and another in Missouri, as gathering points, to
gather the brethren to, who are scattered abroad in those districts, and who
may in the future come into them.
First and
foremost, -- wish to tell you that the brethren who may locate there for a
season may get well whipped and thrashed, so that when they come to this place,
they will not want to run to California, and leave unpaid that which they owe
to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, for bringing them here. We wish to put them
in a smut machine, and have all the wheat cleansed from smut; and then put them
in a fanning mill; and then through a screen, before they are prepared to come
here, and be put in the hopper ready for grinding.
"Why,
brother Brigham, do you really think we shall get scourged there?" There
is no danger of it, whatever; for Christ and Belial have not yet become
friends. Never mind that, we will gather the people there, and leave the result
to the Lord God of Israel, and trust in Him to dictate the whole affair.
Will you
vote for such a thing--to establish three places of gathering in the United
States? We have one in California, and may establish another in Oregon. It is
an excellent idea, though it may appear a novel one. I proposed the subject to
brother Franklin D. Richards, before he went away, and he said he could send
over ten times more Saints than formerly under this plan. When the New Orleans
Route is closed, the emigration can continue by the way of New York, and after
they have landed there, for a few shillings they can secure a place on the
train, and be landed at once in the vicinity of the gathering points in the
States, when they can be instructed, etc., to prepare them for the further
prosecution of their journey. In that way he can send ten as easy as one to
this place. If they should apostatize we want them to apostatize there, and not
come all the way here to apostatize. We want them to have trials enough to
satisfy them and us whether they wish to be Saints or not, before they pass
through the fatigue, labor, and expense of coming to this distant valley, and
then to apostatize here. We want them to be where they can apostatize without
its costing them so much.
This
portion of the business will be new to you, I have no doubt. When the time
comes to present before you the quorums, we shall probably supply the vacancy
made by the death of brother Willard Richards. Who will supply his place in the
First Presidency? is a question that has not yet been answered, though many
have talked to me about it. I have asked the Twelve to dictate this part of the
business, but they have thrown it back--well, I will say where it ought to be;
they said it was not their place to dictate the affair, but to confirm the
conclusions of the President. If the Conference will show the best method of
knowing who is the best man to be my second Counsellor, I will readily listen
to their wisdom. The Twelve would have nothing to do with it, but said it was
the privilege of the President to choose his own Counsellor, and for them to
run the risk of being right or wrong. However, if the Conference wish to
dictate this matter, I will give them an opportunity. That is my method of
doing business; so long as we are of one heart and of one mind, there is no
ground for discord or dissension.
In my
office and calling it is always time enough for the Lion to roar when the enemy
approaches to invade our borders. There is no need of the Lion roaring when
every body is doing right. When you are doing the best you can, I am then like
a child with the rest of you; but let the dogs and wolves come prowling round,
then you may expect the Lion to roar as usual.
I believe
I have answered the desire of my mind for the present, with regard to laying
out the business of this Conference. I will now resign the stand to brother
Kimball.
Elder Heber C. Kimball then delivered a discourse, which will appear hereafter.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 4:45, 04/27/54, p2; MS 16:449; JD 6:322]
TABERNACLE
April 6th, A.M., 1854
President
Heber C. Kimball addressed the congregation in the Tabernacle as follows: -
We have
had laid before us many items by the President; and so far as I am concerned,
one thing suits me just as well as another. I am very much in favour of all the
remarks of brother Brigham, and they are revelation to us, and, that from God.
It gives me a great deal of satisfaction when I hear a man tell the mind of the
Lord, and I can have a testimony to myself that it is the mind of the Lord; and
when I have a testimony that it is the mind and will of God, I then know that I
have got a similar spirit to the one that revealed it.
It is the
privilege of this people from this time henceforth and for ever to understand
the things that revolve through their minds from day to day and from year to
year. The majority of this people imagine to themselves a great many things
that are in reality the things of God—things that God is putting into their
hearts; but they do not know how to organize them and arrange such ideas into
sentences, to convey them to the minds of the people. It takes an Apostle to do
it. It is not every man or woman that can do it.
There
have been many things related here that you have, no doubt, thought of, but did
not know whether they were right or wrong. It is a great consolation to me to
have that degree of the Spirit of the Lord to discern all things and be able to
tell what is true and what is untrue. Is it not worth more than all the gold of
the world? It is; for gold cannot purchase it. It cannot be purchased with
jewels, nor with clothing, nor with the souls of men; and it is just as free to
you as it is to me.
I thank
God for the things that are going to take place, to give every man a fair chance
to prove himself to be a Saint or to be a Devil. Jesus says, "My sheep
hear my voice, and they will follow me, and a stranger they will not
follow." This is Scripture. What will you do with it? Are those that are
going to the north and to the south, to the east and to the west, following the
Shepherd's voice? Are those who are leaving the Saints to mingle with the world
to search for riches following the Good Shepherd or his Spirit? No; but they
are following a stranger, and they do not know the Good Shepherd's voice nor
the Good Shepherd's Spirit.
Well, I
am glad they are going. I went up to my mill yesterday, and as I was coming
back, I met several brethren on their way to California as fast as they could
drive. I thought they were afraid of getting a mission if they stayed here to
attend the Conference.
I have
learned one thing to a demonstration since I became a member of this Church,
that if a man is determined to be damned, nothing can hinder it. I have argued
with men for hours, for weeks, for months, and for years, to prevail on them to
serve the Lord; but my labours have generally been spent in vain on persons who
needed so much persuasion to do good. The Spirit of the Lord does not inspire
me to trouble myself any more about men who will do wrong. It is enough
for me to do the will of the Lord my God, even those things I am dictated to do
by my President; and let every other man act as I do, and be perfectly
independent whether to serve God or Mammon. I would not now step one step out
of my way to head a man's course that is determined to go to the Devil; but I
will say, Go into the fire, that you may be burned out. He will be saved when
he comes to himself; but he never will come to himself, until he is burned out
like an old pipe that has become impregnated with filthiness.
The idea
of having places of location is good. The people will gather there as they did
in Kirtland, and in Missouri, and in other places. I consider it to be a
screen. You know, when you carry your grain to the mill, you must take great
pains to get out all the smut and dirt, and run it through a screen, that the
chaff and other useless matter may drop through, before it goes into the smut
machine and hopper. It has also to go through a hurricane, that it may blow off
all the dust and make it clean. Many of us have been through a hurricane and
through earthquakes. A smut machine is a fit representation of an earthquake:
it proves every kernel; and if it is a smut kernel, it bursts it to pieces.
After it goes through the hopper and the grinders, it is separated by the bolt
into flour of two or three kinds, and the bran passes out by itself. Where
there is not a good screen to screen off the kernels of smut and chaff, and
ether obnoxious substances, they will have an effect upon the flour. But do
they destroy the flour? No: they only blacken it a little; and it will not rise
so good when you make a coke of it, because there is no life in that filthy
substance that is mixed with it. The life is in the flour.
Upon the
same principle, a great many Saints are emigrating, and also others that are
not Saints, but thieves, and liars, and adulterers, and fornicators, and
murderers; and they make the good flour, in the eyes of the world to look a
little black. But it does not affect the righteous Saint, the holy man, nor the
holy woman, nor does it affect the servants of the living God, who bear the
Priesthood of the Son of God. I am very much in favour of having in the Lord's
mill a good screen, smut machine, and bolt. We have ground wheat long enough to
know the value of a good screen and smutter; and it is high time these valuable
appendages should be attached to the mill, which will be a decided improvement.
Every portion of the good wheat is good for something, but the smut is good for
nothing: we feed our horses with the bran and fatten our pigs, and the other
part of it is good to feed ourselves and our children.
What are
my feelings continually? They are—I would to God this people would all do right
and walk humbly before their God, and do unto one another as they would wish
others to do unto them, and when men labour for each other, labour for their
brother as they would wish him to labour for them. But I see men who come to
labour for the Lord, who are eye-servants. A man who will be an eye-servant to
his God will be to his brother; and that man who will be an eye-servant to his
brother will be to his God, and he never will work only as you stand and watch
him. I see men work on the public works—one hundred, or perhaps one hundred and
fifty in a gang, and I have watched them work, and not over twenty men out of
the one hundred and fifty will be at work at the same time, while the rest are
standing still. I supposed they had agreed to work by turns, so that they would
not become wearied before night. Is this doing as you would be done by? I know,
gentlemen and ladies, that it is not; and those who do such things will be
brought to an account for them, and for all the works of your lives, whether
they be good or whether they be evil, whether they be much or whether they be
little. You will not receive a reward for anything more than you merit; and
whatever you have done, for it you merit a reward, and that belongs to you; but
no men or women in the celestial world will be rewarded for that which they
have not done.
Do you
suppose the Lord will divide his inheritance to the children of men, unless
they have earned a right and title to it? (I speak with regard to this earth.)
No, no more than I would leave my inheritance to all my children when half of
them had turned away from me and never tried to build up me and my estate. Are
such rebellious children heirs to it? If they are in truth, then you are all
heirs to the estate of the Almighty, whether you have been true to him or
against; him—whether you have striven to build up and increase his kingdom or
pull it down, and the blessings he has promised to the righteous belong to the
wicked as well as to the righteous. I tell you, my family cannot claim any
portion of my estate, unless they have assisted in gathering it, and when they
have assisted in gathering it and in building it up, they are to be rewarded
from that estate according to their merits in building it up and increasing it.
That is the way God will deal with the families of the earth, and with this
people more especially, and they cannot escape from it. If I seek to build up
the kingdom of God, from the time I first came into this Church until I lay
down my body in the grave, still my spirit is as capable in another state to
continue that work as it is in this. I believe I was active before I came here,
in laying the foundation to come here and continue the work in this world. I
have come here and received my body to accomplish that which I could not
accomplish in the spirit; and now I have got to leave this tabernacle to go
again into the spirit world to perform a work I cannot do in the flesh, that I
may be prepared to receive my body again and enter into the celestial world
with the Gods; and if I am faithful, all things are mine, because I have been
faithful in my Father's business. But that man who will sit down in idleness,
and lounge away his precious moments, doing no good to himself, to his
brethren, or to his God, will not be an heir to the inheritance; nor that woman
who will sit in the corner and grunt, grunt, grunt, until she is all grunt
together, and the bumps of grunt stick out in every direction, and she cannot
move her little finger to do one good action to build up God's kingdom, or
assist her husband in doing it. It is just so with a great many men and women
in this Church, and I wish there were less of them.
No man or
woman has taken a proper step—has pursued a course that is according to the
mind and will of God, but what it is for his or her exaltation in his kingdom.
Suppose they have pursued a right course, and suffered a little in doing so,
and then complain about it, will they enter into their exaltation? I tell
you, No. Joseph said they would not, and brother Brigham has said they will
not, and God has said they will not.
When men
or women that have entered into the holy order, and are considered quite unholy
by the world, and a little so by some of the good Saints, sit down and begin to
find fault and murmur about it, they never will attain to that glory they
otherwise would.
Take a
righteous course, brethren, and build up the kingdom of God, and all will be
well with you continually, and all things will work together for your good. I
have not language to explain things any plainer than I do. They are plain
enough to me; and if you understand them as I do, they will do you good, and
build you up, and nourish you, and strengthen you, and give you grace and
patience and humility.
As
brother Brigham says, this people are my pride, and my eyes are continually
awake to their welfare. This people are a good people, and they are the pride
of my heart; and God knows I love to see you do right, and be faithful, and
work, and exert yourselves, and do good, and work righteousness all the day
long, and not impose upon the Church and upon your brethren, and want them to
carry you on their shoulders, and expect them to pity you and coax you and
flatter you. Do you expect that such a person will ever enter into the
celestial kingdom of God and be crowned? No; for if that spirit is in him or
her in the flesh, it will be the same in the spiritual world. If any of my
family will do wrong in the house, they will do it out of the house; that is,
if their spirit will do it in the body, they will do it out of the body. If you
do not curb your spirits and bring them into subjection while they are here in
their house, you will have to curb them after they have left the house, or they
will continue to be refractory. Now, gentlemen and ladies, that is as plain as
I can make it to you; and if you do not come to it, it is your own fault and
not mine. My prayer is, "O Lord, help me to be faithful, and to continue
faithful, and be submissive like the clay in the hands of the potter, that my
President can do with me as it seemeth him good." When I hear of his going
anywhere on business, I run over to him and say, "You expected me, did you
not?" Why should I wait to be called upon, when I am chosen to nourish and
cherish and strengthen him, and to go and come, run, walk, sit, stand,
talk, or keep silent, when he tells me? What is a wife good for to me that will
not do the same, and then much more, if it is required? What is the Priesthood
good for to those who hold the keys of life and salvation to the world, if they
are not submissive in the same manner, and more so. This is true, brethren and
sisters; and you have got to do it, the whole of you, or else be burned out,
and then become servants to the faithful, who have been perfectly passive in
the hands of the Almighty, and are crowned in his kingdom.
He says,
"The sheep hear my voice, and will follow me, and a stranger they will not
follow." You must learn submission, every soul of you, and then teach it
to your children. If disobedient children were under the training of some good
man and woman that would in their own example teach them and discipline them by
good precept, they would become good Saints. I wish parents to take that course
and train their children in the way they should go, and when they become old,
they will not depart from it. Are you waiting for the First Presidency and the
Twelve to train them for you? It is a hard case for us to manage our own; but
we shall not come under condemnation, if we do our best towards them. You will
come under condemnation, if you do not train your children to flee from all
iniquity, and then there will be none for ours to cling to. You justify
yourselves in many things, because you see others take that course. Because our
children run into iniquity, you are not justified, if you do not train yours. I
am speaking upon the principle of discipline.
The night
the plates were given to Joseph Smith from their bed in the summit of the hill
Cumorah, I saw, in the firmament above my head, hosts of men in platoons of
twelve; and I saw them march until they reached the western horizon, as far as
I could see them. After looking upon them for hours with my natural eyes, I
never observed a variation of a heir's breadth in their step, or the least
disorder or confusion in their ranks I think of this sight, and then look at
this people: they do not compare in this respect with things in heaven. We are
praying continually that things may be on the earth as they are in heaven. When
there was a rebellion in heaven, they cast out the rebellious. I may not remain
in this earthly house to see the day when the rebellious will all be cast out
on earth as they were in heaven; but I shall obtain an organized glorious body
and see the day when, if there is an evil in Israel, it will be cast out, the
same as it was cast out of heaven. I shall see that day, by the help of God;
and my prayer is, by day and by night, "Father, help me to keep thy
commandments and magnify my calling and my Priesthood, which will exalt me, and
bring me into thy presence, O Lord." That is what the Priesthood is
committed to us for. If we magnify our calling and fill our office, God will
magnify us and bring us into his presence. If you believe this, brethren, why
do you not live for it? I suppose a great many do, and a great many do not; and
those who do not are the persons we are preaching to.
Having
made these few remarks, I pray God to bless you, that his peace may be with
you, and help you to be faithful and train up your children to be righteous,
and as soon as they are old enough, do as brother Brigham and myself have done,
send them to the nations of the earth. When my son William returns, I want to
have another one ready to send; and when he returns, another; and when he
returns, another; and when he returns, I want a dozen there. My children I
raise to the Lord, and they shall be devoted to his service, or they cannot
prosper. May God grant they may, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Choir chanted, "We praise thee, O God."
Benediction by Elder P. P. Pratt.
[6 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Two p.m.
Singing. Prayer by Elder O. Hyde.
The conference was addressed during the afternoon by Elders O. Hyde, George A. Smith, and President Young.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 4:46, 04/27/54 p2; JD 6:334, MS 16:577]
DISCOURSE
April 6th, 1854, 2 p.m.
Elder
Orson Hyde addressed the congregation assembled in the Tabernacle, at G. S. L.
City, as follows: -
As it is
now the season of the year for the sowing of seed, some of the parables of our
Saviour seemed to be particularly impressed upon my mind, and I thought of
reading the 13th chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew.
[Elder
Hyde read the chapter.]
While
listening to the remarks in the former part of the day, which cannot be
bettered, this parable of the sower that went forth to sow, occurred to me; and
as I have been requested to make some remarks this afternoon, that scripture
had a particular bearing upon my mind in connection with what has been said.
So far as
I know my own feelings and heart, it is to speak the truth clearly to the
understandings of all my brethren, that I may do them good and speak according
to the mind and will of our Father in heaven, that you may be edified and strengthened.
That I may subserve this purpose, I desire an interest in your prayers, that I
may speak, what little time I may occupy, according to the mind and will of God
our heavenly Father.
As I have
remarked in the outset, you know there is a time, which is now, for the farmers
to be engaged in seeding their land, almost universally throughout this
Territory; but they do not anticipate reaping at present. The time of reaping
and gathering into barns is yet in advance. The seed has to be sown, after the
soil has been prepared to receive it; and then it has to be tended and watered
in all its various stages, according to its requirements; and by-and-by comes
the harvest. First it is cut down, then gathered and bound into bundles, then
put into small shocks; and then the wagon or cart comes along and takes the
sheaves and carries them to the thrashing-floor, and there it is thrashed.
By this
time the labourer begins to partake of the fruits of his labour; but before
this, all his toil apparently has brought no return, only the satisfaction of
seeing his crop coming to maturity and being prepared for the sickle. But now
he begins to receive something in return for his toil.
There is
a time, brethren and sisters, when the harvest of the world must be gathered;
for you recollect, among the wonderful visions John saw on the Isle of Patmos,
he says—"And I looked, and behold a white cloud; and upon the cloud one
sat like the Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a
sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud
voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the time
is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." It
appears there is not only to be a gathering of the wheat, but of the tares
also, and that they are to be separated.
When was
the time of sowing? I do not speak now in relation to the wheat we grow, but in
relation to the word of life that was sown in the hearts of the children of
men. It is said, the Son of Man is he that sowed the good seed. It appears,
then, that in the days of our Saviour was the time of seeding: it was the time
of sowing the word of life and dispensing it among the children of men.
Sometimes the Saviour, in view of the immediate results of that word in a
limited sense, says to his disciples, "Say not ye, There are yet four
months, and then cometh the harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes,
and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest." At the
same time, the general harvest of the world was not then. The time he referred
to was the time for gathering in the Saints, the fruits of their labours; but
as the field was white already to harvest, it signified that the world was in a
proper state to receive the word of life, and the labourors were few; and he
says—"Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth
labourors into his harvest."
When we
take a more extensive view of the subject, we find that the grand harvest is
reserved until the last—until the winding up scene; for it is said, "The
harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels," by whose
agency this reaping dispensation was committed to the children of men.
Some one
may say, "If this work of the last days be true, why did not the Saviour
come himself to communicate this intelligence to the world?" Because to
the angels was committed the power of reaping the earth, and it was committed
to none else. And after the mighty champions that hold the keys of this
dispensation came and brought the intelligence that the time of harvest was
now—that the time of the end was drawing nigh,—when this proclamation was made,
and the announcement saluted the ears of the children of men, what was to be
done next? Behold, the gathering of the Saints begins. That very moment a man
or woman embraces the Gospel in these latter times, and they begin to see and
understand by the Spirit of truth, the first thing they think of is, "We
must go and see the Prophet of God and learn the ways of the Lord from his
lips. What is it that causes this desire in the hearts of the people? It is the
spirit of gathering together; for wherever we went, when first this Gospel was
sent to the nations, and proclaimed the glad tidings, the first thing those who
were awakened by our preaching would say was, "We want to go to
head-quarters, to run together." These were the feelings of the people
common in the circle of my acquaintance and experience.
In early
times there was a spirit that was adapted to the work then. Now, if you were to
set me to labouring, to building, and sowing seed upon a farm, and the spirit
of preaching the Gospel was with me, I should not have the spirit of labouring
upon the farm, for I should have the spirit of preaching the Gospel; and in
doing so, I am in my element; my work and the spirit I possess correspond, and
each serves to strengthen and advance me in the field of my labours. This is
the Spirit of the Saviour that was poured out upon the people; and if it had
not been for the spirit of running together that came upon them, we might have
gone and preached the Gospel and told the people to repent, and have baptized
them for the remission of sins, and at the same time they would not have
received with our proclamation the spirit of gathering. But they received it,
and the Spirit bore witness with our words that the gathering dispensations had
actually begun.
In the
days of the Saviour, there were some who, as soon as they heard the word, as
soon as it was sown, received it, perhaps by the wayside; hut they did not
understand it. Now, I have preached to congregations, and I presume others
have, where people under the sound of my voice have received the word the same
way; and the spirit has borne such witness to them that their hearts have been
actually melted under the influence and power of that preaching; yet say they,
with tears in their eyes, "We do not understand: we acknowledge there is a
power in it, but at the same time we do not understand it; we do not see why
these things are so. Were not our fathers and mothers, who have gone before us,
right? We acknowledge there is a power with you; but we do not understand why there
should be such a variation from the old path."
These
receive seed by the wayside, and the Devil comes and tempts them and persuades
them they do not understand or know anything about it. They feel its power, and
he catches the word away and throws mists of darkness before their eyes. These
are they that receive the seed by the wayside.
Then,
again, the seed falls upon stony places, where there is not much earth. You
know, where the ground is stony, it attracts the heat quicker than where there
are no stones: it draws the warmth of the sun more; and what little soil there
is dries up quicker than where there is soil to retain more moisture; and the
seed that falls upon such ground germinates quicker and shows itself quicker.
But there was no chance for the root to take deep hold; and when the sun arose
and began to pour its strengthening rays upon it, it withered and died, because
it had no root in good soil.
This
class of hearers will correspond very well with another saying concerning
certain characters that received the truth, and did not receive the love of it
in order to have it take effect. We are not only to receive the truth, but also
the love of it. And where the love of it is planted, it must flourish—it must
succeed and produce a plentiful crop. These are they that receive the seed on
stony places. They apparently receive the word as soon as it is proclaimed to
them; and before the principles of have a chance to take rest in their hearts,
it springs up and grows, and prospers for a time, but withers in the day of
adversity.
The
circumstances of some of the people of this Territory leaving for California
brought this parable of the sower to my mind. For instance, one distinguished
man in the south urges, for an excuse for going to California, the late trouble
this people have had with the Indians, or rather in consequence of the rigid
measures it was necessary to enter into for protection. He felt himself imposed
upon and his rights infringed upon, and therefore he would not stay. He thought
the brethren had done him wrong; consequently, he would go away.
Now, as
near as I can learn, many have, under the regulations required for those times,
felt their feelings to be pinched. Some of them have stood under it like good
soldiers, and others have flown the track and will not endure it any longer.
They think that better measures could have been instituted.
I am
fully of the opinion that the wisest measures have been adopted to enforce upon
the people, while the fact is, the operations that are being entered into for
defence and protection have been our safeguard. The red men have seen it and
marked the progress and design of our works, and they have said to themselves,
"It is impossible for us to stand against such operations; therefore we
will heave to, for it is, of no use to offer I further aggression.
Here we
see the happy result of the measures entered into so far; and we trust, as
there is now a prospect of peace, that the work of preparation will be carried
on with tenfold more vigour, that all the works may be fully accomplished that
are designed.
Be it
remembered that the time of peace is the time to prepare for self-defence
against a foe; and perhaps by performing the works now going on, they have been
the very means in the hands of God by which our enemies have been disheartened,
and their progress in wickedness has been checked.
Has not
the measure of bringing together all kinds, both of wheat and tares, been best
for the people? It has. The tares must be gathered as well as the wheat, for it
is the time of the harvest and of separation. Perhaps the measures that have
been introduced have served as a screen or a fanning-mill to cause the tares to
fly away. There may be some wheat among them when they go; but it seems to me
that they are shrunken kernels. Shrunken wheat may grow by putting it in good
soil, and it may not: however, it is necessary that this work of division go
on. Not only was the work of gathering to take place by the angels to whom it
was committed, but the work of separating the tares from the wheat was
committed to the angels also. What! to good angels? I did not say that; though
it must be acceded that they hold out very powerful inducements for certain
individuals to follow them and take their counsel, &c, I say, perhaps the
very works that have been carried on here in the Territory—the rigid measures
for the defence and protection of the people, may be one cause why these
persons are dissatisfied. It is no doubt the principle, and God may have
designed it for that very purpose—to, draw the line of distinction, and let it
be seen who it was that would abide this counsel and who would not. Those who
would not would of course be subject to every evil influence—to be guided by
any spirit not of God.
Allowing
there are some shrunken kernels of wheat gone out from here, I tell you they
are gone, in my opinion, where they will find a moist soil, and will get
swelled out to a reasonable size, and perhaps in a way they do not look for.
And as I said in a discourse not long ago, it is perhaps necessary that these
persons should leave the Saints and go to the world, and try to build up the
world and themselves. Why is it necessary? Because here they cannot receive
that chastisement and scourging they merit, and they must go somewhere else to
receive it, and let some other power have the honour of bringing the scourge
upon them they actually merit, rather than the Saints of latter days.
Now,
then, "the Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shalt gather
out of his kingdom all things that do offend, and those who do iniquity, and
shall cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of
teeth." Perhaps when they get under the scourge that awaits them abroad,
they may begin to feel the chastening hand of God; and repent and humble
themselves, and cry mightily to the God of Israel to have mercy upon them.
It is all
working just right. Our enemies, whether white or red, can only go so far; none
can get beyond the control of the Almighty. They may take the wings of the
morning and fly to the uttermost parts of the earth, and he is there; or if
they make their bed in hell, behold he is there. They cannot get from under his
jurisdiction, unless they go beyond the bounds of time and space. All things
are confined in space, and are under the jurisdiction and control of the
Almighty; and if he cannot find them in one place, he will in another.
They are
like children who have been under the teachings of a kind father all the day
long, who taught them the principles of righteousness, integrity, and truth;
but they would not listen, like his good children, to his teachings, but they
are rebellious, and will not learn their lessons and be prompted to their duty
by the voice of kindness, nor be moved to do right by the affection of a kind
father and mother, but they must tear themselves away and thrust themselves
beyond the teachings of their parents.
Follow
such children through their lives, and what will they come to? You will perhaps
find them in a dungeon—in the dark cell of a prison, loaded with chains, if not
condemned to a greater penalty there. Perhaps they may then follow after their
God, like the prodigal son, that could not be trained in his father's house.
His wild ambition led him to grasp at things that were unlawful for him.
"Give me," said he, "my portion of the inheritance, and let me
go." After he left his father's house, he was reduced to a state of
wretchedness and poverty, and would gladly have fed with the swine. He began to
feel not only the lashes of an unsatisfied appetite, but also of a guilty
conscience. Said he, "How many hired servants of my father have bread
enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my
father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before
thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired
servants."
You
remember it was said in the former part of the day that some persons would be
servants. On the father seeing the returning prodigal afar off, all the
feelings of a kind parent were awakened. "Come, my son, as you have
returned, I will not subject you to be a servant like these are that serve in
my house: but you are my son. Bring hither the best robe and put it upon him; put
shoes upon his feet, and a ring on his hand." And they began to be merry.
Do you
not see that the prodigal son learned a good lesson in the school of adversity,
which he could not learn in his father's house. The spirit of rebellion could
not be made to bow to mild and affectionate means; but it yielded under the
hammer of adversity. His spirit was made to bend to his father's will by that
means; and, bending home, he came to his father's house.
These
characters, then, receive the seed in stony ground, and have not root in
themselves. They feel themselves troubled and oppressed and wronged in the time
of danger and tribulation; and they say, "We will go: we are displeased;
therefore we will go far away and try our fortune in the world once more. We
tried it once before we embraced "Mormonism." We thought we were
satisfied to cast in our lot with the people of God; but we have become
dissatisfied and offended, and we will go and try our fortune in the world
again."
They go
and try it. They may get hold of the riches of this world, and they may not;
but I will tell you one thing—they will not get hold of all the truth of God in
their course; they will not get hold of that which satisfies the immortal mind;
and while their pockets are lined with gold, their spirits will be troubled and
in distress and misery. If ever once the spark of truth has lighted up the
understanding and left an impression there, it is not to be erased in a moment,
but it lives; and when it is dishonoured, it is an arrow in the mind, which
will torment them day and night. Go where they will they cannot get out of the
world—out of the jurisdiction of the Almighty, at least.
A great
many are now afraid that the gold of California will all be gone before they
get any of it. Suppose they get it all—suppose they actually rob the mines of
every farthing's worth of value, what are they going to do with it? Can they
place it beyond the jurisdiction of the Almighty, or put it somewhere where he
cannot find it, and use it in a way that he cannot control it? I tell you they
may dig and dig, and get all the gold they possibly can, and put it in this
bank, or in that; but God will control it all by-and-by, and give it to whom he
will; and I will tell you to whom he wilt give it. Says the Apostle to the
Corinthians, "All things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas,
or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are
yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's."
Now, it
is not to him that willeth, or to him that runneth, (they run to California,)
but it is God that showeth mercy. He is the character that holds all these
things; and where his mercy leans, there is where he will bestow his treasure.
Says he, "All things are mine, and I can give them to whom I will. His
rebellious children are like some other rebellious children who try to rob
their father and take his money from his place of deposit. They say, "We
are your children, and we have a right to this money;" and they break open
their father's desk, because they are his sons, and think it no particular
crime to get a little of the old man's cash to enjoy themselves with.
So it is
with all those that are running to California to steal a little of the Lord's
treasure; whereas, if they had remained loyal to their post, and continued to
do their duty and build up the kingdom of God, by-and-by he would have given
them all they could receive and properly apply. For to one he gave five
talents, to another two, &c.; and so he will give to every man according to
his ability by-and-by. It will be so even with regard to the riches of this
world. The more quickly a man applies that which is committed to him, the more
he will have, and the larger and greater and more extensive will be his riches.
Let him abide in his calling and in the piece where God has placed him to build
up his kingdom, and in the final end how will it come out? The Lord gathered
the people to where they are gathered by his word; and we may say, to all human
appearance, the greatest difficulty is to supply ourselves with the necessary
comforts of life; but the battle has been fought, and the victory gained.
Fruitful fields are opening all around and extending in every direction.
Why not,
then, remain here and wait till the Lord shall shower upon us blessings that
will answer the furthest extent of our desires? If we quit the post of our
duty, and run to get blessings before they are ours—before we have a right to
them, it wilt have the same effect upon us as stolen apples have upon boys that
steal them before they are half ripe:—it will set our teeth on edge. If not
now, it will be by-and-by.
What is
the better way? To remember the counsels given to us in the former part of the
day by President Young. Said he, "You who are going to California, pay
your debts, and do not steal anything to take with you." And I would say
to those who stay behind, as it is represented the thieves will not all go
away, Be very careful when you steal, for it is on interest from the time you
steal it; for, remember, you do not get beyond the jurisdiction of the
Almighty; and he will make you pay the uttermost farthing. There is no
inducement here for anybody to do wrong, but every inducement to do right and
keep the commandments of God.
Not only
has the dispensation for the gathering of the Saints come, but the wicked also
will be gathered. You know it is said, in the last days there shall be
"wars and rumours of wars, and earthquakes in divers places; and again,
"When these things begin to come to pass," "lift up your
heads" and rejoice, "for your redemption draweth nigh." Again,
"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." How
often we hear it said by many who profess to be Saints, "This thing and
that thing are wrong." Perhaps certain men have lost their property: it is
mysteriously missing. "Really," say they, "we feel offended
because such things are practised, and we will not stay among such a people
where such things are." This is the natural feeling of those who give way to
this spirit of complaining, and they centre all the blame at head-quarters—on
the men who are proclaiming against such practices night and day, both verbally
and in their daily example.
It is as
the Saviour said—"The love of many shall wax cold," and there shall
be "wars and rumours of wars. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in
the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with
perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear,
and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the
powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Now, if
you want to see the gathering of the ungodly, look at the combined armies of
the world assembling for bloody conflict. Look at the meteors in the heavens:
they cannot he silent; they mast speak the language they are designed to speak
in the last days. The nations are perplexed, in distress, wretchedness, and
misery. They are clothed in mourning, for the demon of war is let loose, blood
is flowing, and the Saints are gathering to the valleys of the mountains to be
taught and instructed in the ways of the Almighty.
Let those
who go from this retreat of the Saints beware that the demon of war be not
stirred up to make their abode more unpropitious in the place they are going
to. Beware that a cloud does not burst with all its fury upon the western
shores. Congress must anticipate something of this kind, or why did they send
the highest order of military talents to the western borders? They see it and
understand it. We are about in the centre, and all around is commotion. I
believe Joseph Smith once said, the next movement we made, we should be brought
into the midst of the thrashing-floor; and while they are being thrashed all
around, we need not be surprised if we get thrashed a little among the rest.
There
will be a mighty thrashing; there will be a thrashing in the valleys, on the
borders, and all around among the nations of the earth. It is the time of
harvest. You know, as bread is generally scarce at the harvest time, the flails
begin to best upon the thrashing-floor. This is thrashing upon a small scale,
before the mighty engines or machines begin to bear. When they begin to work,
there will be a wonderful dust and smoke and noise and commotion all around. I tell
you to remain here till you are sent away.
I want to
say a word about people staying here and there as they please. True, it is a
free country, and every man may go where he pleases, speaking after the manner
of the world. The President of the Church does not control anybody contrary to
their own will. Still, if a man is properly trained, and is in possession of
the right spirit; he only wants to hear the voice of the good shepherd, and he
will follow it; but a stranger he will not follow.
Brethren
and sisters, we can go here or there as we please; yet in another sense we are
not at liberty so to do, but to go where the voice of truth directs, if we
abide in the kingdom of God. If a man come to me and say; "I want to go to
Green River and settle there; shall I go?" my answer would be, "I
cannot control you, if you are determined to go: it is a free country. But my
feelings are, if you are not satisfied here, you will not be satisfied there;
and if you want counsel upon the matter, go and get it from the proper
source." If a man goes there, I want him to go by proper counsel. I will
not hinder him, if he is not counselled; but, at the same time, I would not
look upon him as I would upon the man who is counselled to go there. And if
there was any important trust to be placed upon any man, I should place it upon
him that was in the line of his duty; and I could do it in confidence.
In the
midst of counsel there is safety. If a man is counselled to go to Green River,
Iron County, to San Pete, or to anywhere else, let him go. Let no man seek to
free himself from the yoke, or indulge any uneasiness while it is upon him; for
when he becomes accustomed to it, it will not gall his neck.
I will
tell you, furthermore, what our views are in relation to the circumstances that
surround us. I believe that if every person will faithfully abide the counsel
given to him while passing through these circumstances, all the evil intended
us will result in our greatest good, or it will be turned away, and we shall
enjoy ourselves under ,the smiles of Heaven.
What
turned away the wrath of our enemies? It was the Spirit of God that checked
them, when they saw the preparations that were being made. The servants of God
were moved upon to do certain things, and they have done them. And although
there has been some difference of feeling with regard to the preparations for
defence through the Territory, yet, so far as I know, and I am proud to know
it, all difference of opinion is done away; and when the brethren strike hands
together in this union, I tell you the efforts of the enemy are palsied in a
moment: they have no power against us, because our union prevails with God, and
he fights our battles. Who can withstand Him? He has caused our enemies to be
troubled by day and by night. Their dreams have tormented them, until they are
dispirited and disarmed of their strength. Your union and fidelity have done
it, through the blessings of God which have been upon you.
Now,
there was some seed that fell upon good ground, .and it brought forth, some
thirty, some sixty, and some an hundredfold. I will tell you what I am doing in
my garden, in order to remove the stony ground: I go to work and pick out the
cobble stones. So if we find stony places, pick out the stones, and clear the
vineyard of them, that all the seed of the word that is sown from this stand.
and falls upon your ears may sink-down, not in stony hearts, but in hearts of
flesh,—that it may fall upon good ground and bring forth, some thirty, some
sixty, and some an hundredfold.
With
regard to the great field that is opened, for instance in Nebraska, Ohio, and
California, it is so big, I fear I shall get lost in it, if I enter it on this
occasion. I will therefore leave it for somebody else to explore at the
present. It is glorious to me, and it is all right. Let the truth go to the
ends of the earth, and let God overrule every movement of this Church for the
good of his kingdom.
It is the
desire of my heart—I say, let the little stone cut out of the mountain without
hands roll and fill the whole earth, and let God be glorified, and his Saints
exalted; which may he grant, for Christ's sake. Amen.
[George A. Smith]
[DNW 4:49, 05/11/54, p 1; MS 16:561]
DISCOURSE
By Elder George A. Smith.
TABERNACLE, April 6, 2 P.M.
It is a
matter of great pleasure to me, brethren and sisters, to again rise to speak in
your presence at a General Conference.
I am
somewhat oppressed with a cold, which renders an attempt to speak, on my part,
a matter of some difficulty.
I have
been very much delighted at the remarks of Presidents Young, Kimball, and Hyde,
who have already addressed you to-day. I felt disposed, however, to make a few
remarks in relation to the oppression br. Hyde spoke of, of some individuals
who in consequence of stringent measures during the Indian war, had left, and
gone to California; who complained of the measures being so strict and even
oppressive, and have felt themselves so pinched, they had to leave.
I am not
extensively acquainted with Indian history; but from the knowledge I have had
of the Indian character, and the nature of the wars which have been carried on
with them by the whites since the first settlement of America, and the
difficulties that have had to be encountered wherever the Indians have been
opposed to the settlement of the country, and attempted to destroy its
inhabitants; - I say, from this knowledge I am not ashamed or afraid to say,
that such a thing as oppression, or stringent measures, have never been adopted
in this Territory. And we challenge any history, or any man acquainted with the
place, to show one measure that has been adopted, that was in any way
oppressive or stringent.
It is
true the Indians commenced, and without any reason whatever, to destroy the
inhabitants and plunder their property. Were they mean, degraded, helpless
Indians? No, they were not; but they were the men that had kept the
provinces of California, Chihuahua and New Mexico, in continual alarm for the
last 20 years. For the last generations they have been led by Chiefs whose heads
have been sought for in exchange for a thousand horses, in vain. Armed with the
best arms the United States could furnish, procured from hundreds and thousands
of emigrants passing thro' the country, who poured out their arms and
ammunition to the Indians, and supplied them in abundance to destroy the
whites.
Were the
Indians few? No; the mountains were alive with them; and for hundreds of
miles their number was unknown.
Look back
if you please to the early settlements of America, when the most destructive
weapon the Indians had, was the bow and arrow, and white men amply supplied
with fire-arms. In the colony of Massachusets, that contained forty thousand
people, not withstanding all the policy and skill of the whites, six hundred of
them were killed by the Indians in one single season.
Has it
been so here? It has not. Not a single white person save Kiel, has fallen
during this entire Indian trouble, only when they were going directly contrary
to, in direct opposition to, and in open defiance of the instructions,
counsels, and directions, given for their preservation. Were these regulations,
instructions and counsels stringent? No; but they were protective in
their charter, and rendered all safe who adhered to them; on the other hand, by
violating them, men have been cut to pieces, their heads peeled, and their
hearts torn out.
But says
one, I would like to hear of more recent disturbances: would it not have been
better policy, instead of causing farmers to move into forts, and herd their
cattle with armed guards, to raise armies and follow the Indians into the
mountains and exterminate them?
As a
specimen of that kind of policy, remember the Florida war, to say nothing of
numerous others, - where a few hundred Indians were all there were to contend
against; and instead of a mountain country where hundreds of Indians can hide
themselves and be perfectly secure on a square mile; it was a level country,
which offered greater advantages to the whites against their red foes. -
The
stringent measures adopted in that war, in attempting to exterminate the
Indians, protracted the war for several years, cost twenty millions of dollars,
also the lives of thousands of troops, besides ruining forever the health of
thousands more.
After
having had hundreds of families murdered, and property almost without end
plundered and destroyed; and after hiring large tribes of Indians from the
Missouri river to go and assist them in the war, they finally resorted to the
very honorable expedient of buying a pack of blood hounds to hunt them out of
the country. They were kept for years in this desperate situation, with rumors
of families being murdered here and there, constantly saluting their ears.
Were
these measures oppressive? Think for yourselves. How did the affair at last
close? Congress voted money, and treaties were made with the Indians, and a
great many were bought out, that they could not seek out with blood-hounds.
Were the Indians conquered? Were they all killed off? Look at the Indian called
General Bowlegs - he went to New York, and in passing thro' Peel's Museum of
Portraits, he came to the portraits of military characters of the United
States, says he, "thee is General Scott, and there is General Tayler; I
licked both of those Generals in the Florida war." That is the way the
Indians felt after all; and there seemed to be more of them at the close of the
war than at the beginning of it.
Now come
home here. What has been done? The settlements have been requested to save all
their property, and all their cattle; to gather in their grain, and move into
enclosures, and render themselves safe by temporary fortifications; to keep
their cattle and their grain out of the hands of the Indians, so that they
could not steal it. - That is all the oppression there has been.
And what
has been the result of this policy? - Not a single person has been injured that
did not violate those instructions - not a man since the first one was killed.
Has all this been oppressive? No. How has this policy affected the Indians? -
They have come in perfectly hungry, saying, "for God's sake give us
something to eat." Had an opposite policy been adopted, they would no doubt
have continued their depredations. But our measures have so been carried out,
that the Utah Indians are humbled in their feelings, and feel themselves worse
whipped, than any that I have ever read of.
Had we
followed the bloody schemes of some, to butcher them by wholesale, and the
orders of our worthy President to gather into forts had been unnoticed -
hundreds of men, women and children would have fallen victims to the red man's
rage; and after we had slashed away for ten years, there might have been more
Indian warriors to contend against than when we first commenced.
The men
that have left for California, and complain of stringent measures, etc., went, because
their hearts were corrupt, and they did not love the gospel of Jesus
Christ. They went because they were not willing to listen to good and wholesome
advice, and to the principles of exaltation and salvation.
In no
history that I have ever read, have I found measures adopted in any Indian
country, to preserve the inhabitants, and property, and reduce the red men,
more mild, and less stringent.
In
consequence of the State of my lungs, excuse me if I make no further remarks at
this time, tho' this is a subject that is worthy of investigation.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 4:49, 05/11/54 p1; JD 6:327; MS 16:563; CD 2:771]
DISCOURSE
By President Brigham Young.
TABERNACLE, April 6, P.M.
As the
subject has been broached concerning the Indians, I will take the liberty to
make a few remarks, and with all due deference and respect to my brethren, and
especially to brother George A., who has last spoken to you. I am under the
necessity, to satisfy my own feelings, to deviate from his remarks a little. I
will not say, however, that I shall deviate from his real feelings, though I
may from what is conveyed in his remarks.
I wish to
say to this congregation and to the inhabitants of the Territory of Utah, in
connection with the travellers that are passing through, If the whites in their
character and position with the intelligence and knowledge of the world and of
mankind which they have, had been as kind to the Indians as they have been to
the whites from the beginning, there never would have been a single difficulty
to this day. I wanted to make that assertion, for it is verily true.
If the
inhabitants of this Territory, my brethren, had never condescended to reduce
themselves to the practices of the Indians, (as few of them have,) to their
low, degraded condition, and in some cases even lower, there never would have
been any trouble between us and our red neighbours.
This is
the key to the whole of it. Young men, middle aged, and boys have been in the
habit of mingling with the Indians of going to their camp and trading with them
a little; and they have tried to cheat them. They have sat down in their
wickeups and talked with them in the most ludicrous manner: they have gambled
with them and run horses with them, and then have taken a game of field-cuff
with them. If they had treated them as Indians and as their degraded conditions
demanded, it would have manifested their superiority, and a foundation for
difficulties would not have been laid.
Brother
George says he knows what I have said is true. He did not explain his real
feelings on this matter.
Allow me
to say a word in behalf of Walker. I tell this congregation and the world that
"Indian Walker," as he is called, has not been at the foundation of
the difficulties we have had. He has had nothing to do with them. I told you so
last summer, and I tell it to you now. I know it from that which is within me.
Has he done no wrong? I did not say he had done no wrong. He has been angry,
and felt at times that he would like to destroy this people; but I do know that
he has been held by a superior power. At the very commencement of the fuss, he
was not in favour of killing the whites.
When Kiel
was killed, the Indians were still in the kanyon; and when the whites followed
them, they could have killed every man; but Walker said, "No—they shall
not be killed." Arapeen took his San Pete squaw and his favourite horse,
and killed them, and said, "If God is satisfied, I am."
Who are
the guilty Indians? A few had men, who thirst for blood, who do not have the
Spirit of the Lord, but love to steal Indian children and kill one another,—who
love to steal from each other and kill anybody or everybody. A few of them we
know. But I tell you, Walker has not been the cause of the Indian war. But the
Lord will work out the salvation of his people, if they do as they are told. I
tell the brethren who live out from this city that the Indians are friendly and
wish to make treaties.
Now is
the time to build forts and pastures for cattle by ditching and walls. Let the
community arise and build large pastures. I am far more afraid of white men
stealing our cattle than I am that the Indians will. Go to, now; and do not
scatter, but gather.
When men
are oppressed, it is in their own hearts and feelings: it is not because
oppression comes upon them from any other quarter, that they are dissatisfied.
They are not satisfied with themselves—that is the trouble. They may go to the
States, to California, or anywhere else, and they will not be satisfied; but
they will always be dissatisfied, until they can leave themselves behind. But
as long as they must take themselves with them, they will never be without the
cause of their dissatisfaction.
They
ought to have left self behind them when they started to come here, and have
come with a view to build up the kingdom of God. All those who have come to
these valleys with such feelings are satisfied. They have always been
satisfied, and always will remain satisfied so long as they retain that good
intention and do not again bring back sell
I want to
say a few words on Indian character. When one tribe of Indians are at war with
another, if a few sally out and kill a warrior of the opposite party, that
tribe will watch their opportunity, and perhaps go and kill men, women, and
children of the other tribe. They do not care whom they kill, if they can kill
any of the tribe. This has been taught them from age to age. The inhabitants of
the United States have treated the Indians in like manner. If but one person or
only a few were guilty of committing a depredation upon a white settlement,
they have chastised the whole tribe for the crime, and would perhaps kill those
who would fight and die for them.
But no
mercy can be shown the poor Indians. No. " We will kill the whole of you,
if we can," instead of hunting out those who have committed the
depredation, and chastising them according to their deserts. We must shun this
practice, and teach them that the man who has committed the depredation is the
man that must pay the penalty, and not the whole tribe. It is our duty to teach
them good morals and the principles of the Gospel of Christ. We are their
saviours.
As I have
done all the time, I tell you again to-day, I will not consent to your killing
one Indian for the sin of another. If any of them commit a depredation, tell
the tribe to which they belong that they may deliver up the man or men to be
tried according to law, and you will make friends of the whole tribe. They have
men among them they would be glad to have despatched. For instance, there is a
man at Utah called Squash-head: it is said he has made his boast of taking
father Leman's child and killing it. We know the other Indians wish he was
dead: they do not like to kill him, for fear of their own lives. They would
like to have that man tried and hung up for the murder of that child.
We must
pursue a different course with the Indians than we have pursued heretofore; and
when we do the best we can and all we can, the Lord [p.329] will do the rest of
it, if the people will do as they are told. You have not been counselled to
follow them into the mountains, for there are not soldiers enough here to
contend with them there and kill one hundred of them. Though we could raise
twelve thousand men, and should send them into the mountains, and let them
undertake to follow the Indians on foot, where their horses could not find
footing, the Indians would escape from them, in spite of their efforts, and
steal all their horses into the bargain, and laugh them to scorn. If we wished
to destroy them, the only way would be to set dead-falls and traps.
They came
pretty nigh starving to death last winter; and they now see, if they are driven
from these valleys in winter, they must perish; therefore they now want to make
good peace. Treat them kindly, and treat them as Indians, and not as your
equals.
I have
fed fifty Indians almost day by day for months together. I always give them
something, but I never forget to treat them like Indians; and they are always
mannerly and kind, and look upon me as their superior. Never let them come into
your houses, as the whites did in Utah [County]. There they would let them
lounge upon their beds, until finally they would quarrel and become angry, if
the women would not let them lounge upon their beds. Great, big, athletic
fellows would want to go into the wickeups of the "Mormons," and
lounge upon their beds, and sit on their tables and on their chairs, and make
as free as though they belonged to the family. When their familiarities became
oppressive to the whites, and they desired them to leave their houses, it made
them angry, and I knew it would. This is the true cause of the Indian
difficulties in Utah.
I say to
the brethren who live in the country, Treat the Indians kindly; and now is the
time to finish your your forts, and make them doubly strong; and then go to
with all your might and prepare places to keep your cattle, that neither white
nor red man can, possibly steal them from you. If you want to know how strong
to build your forts and your cattle yards, I will answer you as I did the
brethren when we left Nauvoo. They wanted to know what kind of lariets they
must provide, and how securely they must tie their animals. I said, "Tie
them so that the Devil cannot get them." Secure yourselves, then, so
that you can lie down and sleep in peace and be comfortable. Now is the time
for us to make efforts to build places of safety.
Our
meeting has continued about as long as we wished it. The brethren will sing,
and we will adjourn till to-morrow morning at ten o'clock.
Appointment was given out for the high priests to meet in the Tabernacle in the evening, and adjourned until to-morrow, at 10 a.m.
[6 Apr, 6 pm
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Six p.m.
Meeting opened by singing, "Come all ye sons of Zion." Prayer by Elder Thomas Kingson, followed by the congregation singing, "Come let us anew."
The congregation was addressed during the evening by Elders J. M. Grant, Thomas Kingson, Wilford Woodruff. B. L. Clapp, and Reynolds Cahoon. "Redeemer of Israel," was sung.
Benediction by Elder A. P. Rockwood.
[7 Apr, 10 am*]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Second Day, April 7.
Conference was called to order by President Kimball.
Prayer by Elder Benson. Choir sang, "Oh, sift, sift away," composed by Elder W. W. Phelps.
The conference then proceeded to take up the business before them.
President Brigham Young was presented as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in all the world, and as prophet, priest, and revelator, and was unanimously sustained.
President Young then nominated Heber C. Kimball to continue as his first councillor. Carried unanimously - He also nominated Jedediah M. Grant for his second councillor, in the place of Bro. Willard Richards deceased, which was also unanimously carried.
[Brigham Young]
[Brigham Young Addresses 2, 07 Apr 1854]
President
Young said he had asked the Twelve to nominate a man to fill the vacancy of Dr.
Richards in his counsel, but they would not--they told me to choose the man. I
now ask the conference to nominate a man. (they would not)
Well it
is my right to do it--so I choose Jedediah M. Grant to be my second counselor
in the place of Willard Richards (deceased). A vote of 3,000 right hands were
raised to sanction the selection. ...
Father John Smith was sustained as presiding patriarch in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Orson Hyde was presented and sustained as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, were sustained as members of that quorum.
David Pettigrew was sustained as the President of the High Priests' Quorum, and Reynolds Cahoon, and George B. Wallace, as his counsellors.
Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, and Benjamin L. Clapp, were sustained as Presidents of the Seventies.
John Nebeker was sustained as President of the Elder's Quorum; also James H. smith and Aaron Sceva his counsellors.
Edward Hunter was sustained as the Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Lewis Wight was sustained as President of the Teachers' Quorum, also Adam Spiers and Reuben Perkins his counsellors.
Brigham Young was sustained as the Trustee in trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Edward Hunter as his assistant trustee.
Daniel H. Wells was sustained as the Superintendent of Public Works; and Truman O. Angel as the Architect for the Church.
Brigham Young was sustained as the President of the Perpetual Emigrating fund to gather the poor; and H. C. Kimball, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, F. D. Richards and Daniel McIntosh, were sustained as his assistants and agents for said fund.
David Fulmer was sustained as the President of this Stake of Zion; also Thomas Rhoades and P. H. Young his counsellors.
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phineas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Nathaniel H. Felt, and Seth M Blair, were sustained as Members of the High Council.
President Young then nominated George A. Smith to be the Church Historian and General Church Recorder, and was unanimously sustained.
The following persons were then appointed and unanimously voted to go on missions, viz.:
To England: Franklin D. Richards (to preside), James A. Little, George D. Grant, Jos. A. Young, Wm. Kimball, William Young (son of Lorenzo), Edmund Ellesworth, Joseph C. Kingsbury, Henry Lunt, William G. Walker, Robert W. Wolcott, Benjamin Waldron, Cyrus H. Wheelock.
To the United States: Benjamin L. Clapp, S. M. Blair, Oscar Tyler, and John Banks. Milo Andrus to stay in St. Louis to preside there, under the direction of Erastus Snow, one of the Twelve.
To the Pacific Isles: Orson Whitney, John Young (son of Lorenzo), Washington B. Rodgers, Simpson M. Molen, George Spiers, Joseph Smith (son of Hyrum), Silas S. Smith (son of Silas), Silas Smith (son of Asahel), Sextus Johnson, John T. Caine.
To Ireland: James Ferguson.
To British North America: George P. Waugh.
President Young presented a ream of strong brown paper, also a sample of pasteboard, made in Great Salt Lake City; and called upon the bishops to gather up all the rags in their wards for the manufactory.
Choir sung a hymn. Benediction by president Young.
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Two p.m.
Singing. Prayer by Elder P. P. Pratt. Singing.
Elder Thomas Bullock read the report of the Treasurer of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company, also the report of the Tithing Office.
[ Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 2:774]
I have a few words to say on the reports you
have just heard. As to the Perpetual Immigrating Funds, if our brethren will be
faithful when they arrive here to refund what has been expended for them, as
quick as possible, or as soon as convenient, this fund is constituted so as to
increase continually; it is as good as money on interest at thirty-three and a
third percent, and instead of its running out it will eternally increase if men
will be faithful and honest.
In the
report you find many thousands of dollars reported that has not been donated to
the fund; this increase is in consequence of the proper management of property.
In buying wagons and teams we have managed it so as to save the fund any loss,
but by exchanging and disposing of the property when it has arrived here we
have on the whole gained.
Touching
the Church report: if it could be explained to your understanding so that you
could see it in a business light, it is plain the Church is doing just as well
with their funds as the Perpetual Immigrating Fund Company is with theirs. It
is on the increase; and by a proper management of property it will still
increase more and more. This report shows an increase of sixty four thousand
dollars within the last two years, to increase which the Church has never paid
one days work or one dime of money in the shape of tithing. But this increase
is in consequence of properly applying property, as the old adage has it:
"It is not much of a trick to make a shirt but it is considerable of a
trick to make a shift," so this increase is by making shifts instead of
shirts. I have heretofore told the Conference if I was not a Prophet I mean to
prove myself profitable to this people, the Lord being my helper.
With
regard to this earthly substance, which it is necessary for us to handle, for
we must eat and drink and we want houses to live in, carriages to ride in,
besides numerous other comforts and means to make the earth like the Garden of
Eden, this is one branch of our business. To build up Zion is to build up
cities, to cultivate the earth and beautify it, and prepare ourselves for the
society of God and angels, this brings into requisition every particle of man's
ability. He ought not for one moment to cease to acknowledge God in all things
— He should be in all our thoughts. We should worship Him with an undivided
heart and affection, and when we do this, we shall handle the things of this
world so as not to abuse them, but we shall know what they are for and apply
them to the use for which they were intended in the creation. If we build up
Zion, ourselves, or the Kingdom of God on earth, we shall improve upon every
talent, upon the means committed to us, and upon every moment of time the Lord
permits us to live.
There is
no doubt upon my mind but what many of the people are in a mystery with regard
to tithing; some think they pay a great deal of tithing, and are at a loss what
is done with it. You have heard a true statement of facts in the report as they
were taken from the books at the Tithing Of rice. Let me ask you a question,
can any of you who have brought the least thing into that of lice for tithing
complain of its not being credited to you on the books? Can any man say that he
has worked half a day and not found it credited to his account? If there are
such instances, it's because they have not reported themselves; there are many
who will work when anything particular is required to be done and ask no
credit, but if credit is required for anything paid in or for labor done, go to
the books and see if you can find the first 25 cents that has not been credited
to those who wished it.
It is
true we are doing a great deal, and expending a large amount of means in public
works, but who have we oppressed in paying for all the buildings and
improvements we have made? Do the brethren feel as spirited and interested in
paying their tithing as they do in working for their own individual selves? Do
they work as faithful a days' work when they are paying tithing as they would
expect a man to work for them? The report we have heard gives 11,000 dollars as
the cost of excavating the temple foundation, are there not many men who would
take that job and do it for one fourth of the amount. So if there is any blame
alleged as to the cost of that work, it must rest upon you for not more
faithfully discharging your duty: every dollar you pay into the Tithing Office
is put to usury, not one dollar of it is squandered. Not a six pence of it is
laid out for naught, and we are all the time able to show that we handle and
pay out 20 dollars every time you pay in one. This increase is caused by
properly appropriating the property. If any of you are still dissatisfied, you
are at liberty to go and question the clerks and the men that handle this
property and that do as they are told, get them to open up the subject to you
for they can show you how every dollar of it has been expended.
Inasmuch
as the people are satisfied with the dealings and the doings of their
President, I have thought to propose a closer system of business than we have
yet had in practice. I would like to propose something to this Conference that
if it could be received and lived up to would unite this people more than
anything they have yet practiced in their lives, there is no act of their lives
[which] would tend to unite them more perfectly into one than the system I wish
to propose to the Conference. First of all I should present myself as the first
person to enter into it, but I will not venture to do so before this
Conference, unless those who are acquainted with me and have been for many
years, are convinced and do know, that Brigham and I with the help of the Lord
are independent of the Tithing Office and this Church so far as getting our
living [is] concerned and have been for 20 and odd years, that we have preached
the gospel, maintained a large family and made thousands of dollars worth of
property by our own economy and the help of the Lord. If the people are
convinced that Brigham and I can maintain ourselves and our family and then
feed the hungry and clothe the naked among our poor brethren, I am ready to
propose a closer system of business, but if we have not done this, we shall not
present ourselves as a member of the Firm.
Though we
made a great deal of money before we came into this Church, we never was prospered
in it, but from the time we were baptized to this day, we have never put our
hands to anything that God has not prospered. We have labored at nights to
support our family, have made property and increased it by changing it, but
where is there a man in Israel, or not in Israel that can say we have ever
wronged him out of one farthing. If there be such a person and he present
himself to us, we will restore to him an hundred fold. After we gathered with
the people of God, Joseph said to the Elders, "Never put forth your hands
again to build up a Gentile city"—[since then] my hand has never been
stretched forth to take up a tool for that purpose. What I have done has been
for the building up of this place. Joseph told me to build up the Saints and
the first 5 years I lived with them, it was in as hard a place as ever a man
lived in, but I scraped together thousands of dollars by the help of the
Almighty and the labor of mine own hands and I at the same time travelled and
preached for I never saw the day, wherein I refused to go on a mission or that
I was not ready to go. If this Conference is convinced that I am able to
maintain myself and do a great deal more, I am ready to enter into a closer
system of business and for a commencement I propose myself a member of the
association and shall call upon all the Saints who are able to maintain
themselves and do something more, to form the Firm, and those who are not able
to take care of themselves and are not willing to work, we shall not receive as
members; I shall deed every particle of my property to the Church, so that I
shall not own anything separate and apart from the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and I want every man to do the same who can maintain
themselves and do something more, and by this means we will make the Church
almighty rich. If the Conference is satisfied that I can do all I say, I offer
my name to stand first on the list as a member of the Firm dedicating myself,
my wives, my children and all I possess to the Kingdom of God.
Now this
will perhaps try somebody or other, I will tell you who it will try—those who
do not wish to work and live by borrowing bread for breakfast and dinner,
etc.—it will try them severely, but we do not want them in the Firm. I am
perfectly willing to take the poor in, but if I stand as a member in this Firm
my voice will be heard in it, and I shall dictate the future life of the poor
in that capacity in husbanding their physical and mental powers for their good
and the good of the Firm. I will put them and all the Lord has given me out to
usury; a great many people do not want to put themselves to usury, and others
do not know how, but I can tell them how. I can take the poorest class of this
community that have neither house nor home, horse, ox, nor cow, nor vessels to
cook their victuals in, and put them in a position so that in 5 years they will
be as independently rich as to the comforts of this life as any man in this
Territory with the blessings of the Lord. For all I have the Lord has given to
me, and I feel happy for the privilege of giving it back to Him to dispose of
it as seemeth Him good.
If I
should get up such a Firm as this, I wonder if there are men here who would be
afraid that Brigham would want to be the President of it and want some of their
property. I have so much property now that I do not know what to do with it.
There is nothing more troublesome to me than to have property, and be under the
necessity of hiring men around me to help me to take care of it, and see them
serve with a slack hand, and waste my substance; the Lord gave it to me to see
what I would do with it, and I never expect to see the time that I shall
possess enough to warrant me in wasting one kernel of grain, so no man need be
afraid that I shall want their property. If I could get a company of men that
would be true to me, I could set all creation to work and make them as rich as
they want to be.
I wish
now to say a few words upon tithing. Brethren and Sisters; you that feel
oppressed in paying tithing, I beg of you to pay no more, if we should get up
this Firm we shall have plenty of property to build our contemplated Temple, we
shall have all we want and more than we know what to do with; at present we do
not owe a single red cent but what we are able to count out of our pockets and
pay up and have plenty of money left, and when that is done we know how to get
more without going to California for it.
Some of
the brethren think they pay a great deal of tithing. I am inclined to find a
little fault with you, though you do very well. I wish to address myself to the
Bishops of about 19 wards belonging to this city. Some three or four weeks ago
you called out your wards to pay their labor tithing. Now let me ask you what
you thought we had for you to do, that would advance this Kingdom one farthing
worth at that season of the year. I know you did not see a single days work
that you could do to advance your own interests one particle, and you hit upon
this as the most proper time to work for the Lord, and the men turned out in a
perfect wish. There were hundreds of them piled up together. Brother Cahoon had
them three deep and I have sat and looked and seen more than 100 men standing
still to give a few others a chance to work. Now brethren this is the way you
pay your tithing. We however took a turn upon you. I went to the City Council
and took the job of making a canal for the water of the City Creek that you
might do something to advantage this community. But as soon as you could put
your plows into your garden, then when we want your labor and the labor of your
teams, can we get them? No. You will be at work for yourselves, this is the way
you pay so much tithing and in a way that it will not advance the cause of God,
unless we take in turns on you and make your labor profitable.
Look at
the tithing store here. Some three or four years ago, there was not room to
contain the produce that was brought in and we had to make cellars so that we
could shovel them full of wheat. The upper rooms were full, the cellars were
full, and the barn was filled—we had about 7,000 bushels of wheat on hand at
that time. There was a complaint then among the people, they said: "Oh,
wheat is good for nothing." I told the brethren they would see the time
they would want it. What has been the situation of our store this last year and
the year before now? The people have got knowledge enough to see that wheat
would not spoil to lay over a year, and that there will be a sure market for it
in one or two years. Our store is empty; I will venture to say that we have not
received one bushel to 50 that has been raised in this Territory this season.
If money was very plentiful I expect we should never see another bushel of
wheat at the Tithing Office, for the community would want to pay their tithing
in money. Some few bring their wheat, those who can see how things are, others
wear spectacles with glasses that correspond to the inner man—they can see no
further than what pertains to their own interest. Brethren if you want to be
rich in the things of this world and in the things of eternity, if you want to
increase and to spread abroad, strive to build up the Kingdom of God or you
will sink—you will decrease. I wish I had the power to impress upon the minds
of this community the necessity of paying their honest tithing regardless of
self, and their families, their farms, their carriages, their horses, of their
own greedy eyes, and of their lustful heart. If they would do this we should
have enough to gather the poor from the nations of the earth and pour into the
Perpetual Emigrating Fund scores of thousands of dollars every year, and have
enough for home consumption left. But you must think for yourselves, pray for
yourselves, and have faith for yourselves, and all you do to secure Eternal
Life, you have got to do it for yourselves. I cannot do it for you, nor you for
me, but if you will pay your tithing as you ought to pay it, and give your
labor when we want it and trust in God for the result, after paying attention
to the calls made upon you for building up the Kingdom of God and also to the
increase of your labor on your farms and at your homes, you will get rich much
quicker than you will by pursuing an opposite course. If this community really
wants to become wealthy, there is a way for you to do it, but you cannot do it
in and of yourselves, you are not capable so long as you have not the capital
stock on hand to commence with. A great many have not the ability to lay a
foundation to get the capital stock, but let this community be organized in a
family capacity, and let the father of the family dictate to every member of
his household and be obeyed strictly by them, they could accumulate all they
could wish or ask for. This people never will be rich as a people until they
take that course but there will always be those who need to be administered to,
both those who are healthy and well and those who are feeble and weak and
unable to help themselves. But organize this Church in a family capacity and
let them cultivate the Earth, enter into merchandising, stock raising, and
everything else that tends to increase, and this community will become as rich
as Caesar's. They could gather around them everything they wanted and it would
not be more than ten years, before they could manufacture everything in their
midst which is now exported from the States, and retain the gold and silver in
this Territory instead of giving it to merchants to carry away, but on the
other hand we could fill the Territory with gold and silver with our own
exports and obtain for ourselves everything that the heart of man can wish for.
This is true besides a great deal more.
I now
propose that every man and female that are capable of sustaining themselves and
a little more, deed every particle of property they possess to the Church, and
then let the Bishop give to every man that which he wants, and do what he
pleases with the rest. And let the Bishop act like a Bishop.
The following persons were voted to go on missions: -
To the Pacific Isles: Henry P. Richards, Smith Thurstin, Edward partridge, Ward Pack.
To the United States: George W. Hickerson, Wm. W. Rust.
To Canada: James C. Sly, Amos Gustin.
To England: Samuel Powell, Richard E. Wadington, Wm. Benjamin Hodgetts.
President Young gave out an appointment for the Seventies to meet in general conference tomorrow evening, in the Tabernacle.
Choir sang a hymn. Benediction by Patriarch Isaac Morley.
[8 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
April 8, Ten a.m.
Called to order by President Kimball.
Singing. Prayer by Lorenzo Snow. Singing.
President Young spoke on the subject of consecration and tithing, and his remarks will be published hereafter.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, 2:777-779]
I embrace
the present opportunity of occupying a short time this morning.
It is
supposed by those who profess Christianity—who believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ, and in his sayings, that his people or his brethren must become one.
This is acknowledged by all who profess to believe the New Testament and follow
its precepts.
The mode
of becoming one is a question upon which the opinions of the people have varied
very much. Christians do not agree upon this point any more than those who do
not profess Christianity; they are all at a loss as to how this desired
object—this very essential part of Christianity, this union that is so
desirable among all classes of people, is to be brought about. Though
professing Christians are ignorant of this, yet they all agree in declaring
they must become one.
This is
an item I wish to be distinctly understood by this congregation. There is but
one method for the Saints of God to become one; and this method, if pursued
faithfully by all classes of people, will produce a corresponding oneness among
them also. The principle is eternal and if adhered to by any people, will
produce its legitimate affect. There is a great variety of feeling touching
this matter, and as I have not time to take up this matter item by item, and
notice every particular, I will lay down the system as briefly and as quickly
as possible.
This is a
difficult matter for people to understand. Do you know the reason? Suppose I
should set forth certain principles before this congregation, when they
disperse and retire to their homes, the High Priests, the Elders and the
sisters will talk over what they have heard from the stand, and you can
scarcely find two of them that will agree on the matter. Is this variation,
this apparent difference in their understanding, or in their manner of
explanation? The most of it is in their manner of communicating their ideas to
each other. If there should be any who did not understand [the] principles that
are set forth by the light of the Holy Ghost in the speaker, it is because the
Spirit of the Holy Ghost is not in them to light up their hearts to under
stand, to quicken their minds to readily comprehend the simplicity of the truth
presented. In all principles that pertain to Life and Salvation—in all
principles of Truth, whether they are of this world or the next, for a correct
understanding of them, it is necessary that the minds of men and women, should
be in a proper state, or they cannot be quick to comprehend what they hear. Let
all men be quick to hear; and quick to understand; but slow to speak, and slow
to judge. If people generally would pursue this course greater union would
prevail than at present exists.
Without
introducing a thousand items of argument to prove a simple fact, I want to lay
before you this morning in plainness what is upon my mind relating to this
matter. You may commence at the First Presidency of this Church, and pass on
through the ranks of the High Priests, Seventies, and Elders, embracing all
other officers and members of the Kingdom of God, and it is impossible to make
them one, in the sense the Christian world anticipates becoming one, in time
nor in all eternity. I will tell you the reason. We have to do with this world;
you are in the world, and our bodies are of the Earth, earthy. All our acts,
our whole life, all our doings, and everything that pertains to human beings is
of this world; it is the stage upon which we must all play a part, both
Christian and Pagan. Every person therefore has a disposition to gather around
him the things that pertain to this world. Every man gathers for himself, and
not for his neighbor. But when people come to the Sacrament Table, and kneel
before the Lord and offer up their petition before Him, there they appear to be
one; but who in the world can give them the knowledge whether they are one in
spirit or not? They think they are when they are engaged in the worship of God.
Every
person can judge whether they are one in spirit or not if they will look at the
diversified faiths, feelings, and principles that exist among that portion of
mankind called Christians. Considering these differences that are so prevalent
among them, it is not hard to see that they are not one in any one respect
whatever. The reason is simply this. We are in this world, and mortal like everything
around us. The Lord has given us a tabernacle that is composed of these
elements, that is made of the Earth in which we live, and which we use in
administering to our natural wants, as well as to our artificial wants. He has
given man power, and has made him supreme, the King, the Governor, Controller,
and God of the Earthy Now if men cannot be one pertaining to natural ideas
—pertaining to things which the natural understanding . . . can grasp, how can
they be one in those things they do not understand, even the things of God—the
things of eternity which can only be understood by the spirit of revelation? If
every man and woman were endowed by the spirit of revelation, so as to be in
open vision every day of their lives, they might become one in spirit before
the throne of God. This is not given to man, but there is a spirit given to man
to profit with all—besides [the] diversities of gifts, and operations of the
spirit that is given to every man; and Jesus Christ is the light that lighteth
every man that cometh into the world; but [the spirit] is given here a little
and there a little etc. To suppose that the inhabitants of the Earth in any
Christian body of people are going to be in open vision from year to year
throughout their lifetime, to make them one in their faith, views, feelings,
understanding, judgment and one in all that they know pertaining to Eternity in
this life is a mistake, for it never will be given to any people until the veil
is taken from the nations of the Earthy If you cannot be one in little trifling
matters that pertain to this world, how can you be one in those greater
matters. You never can be; and you may write it as revelation, that this
people, nor any other, never will see the time that they can be one in the Lord
until they are first one in their temporal operations upon the Earth to build
up the Kingdom of God, and do it perfectly independent of selfish feelings.
This is the warfare in which we are engaged, and until we gain the victory, and
perfectly subdue that feeling of selfishness in our hearts, and the Kingdom of
God become[s] all in all to us, we shall have to fight with it. The Latter-day
Saints will never be prepared to enter into Zion, or into the Celestial Kingdom
of our Father and God until they attend to the first thing required of them
after they have received the omission of sins, enter into His kingdom, and
espouse His cause, which is preparatory to Endless Lives, namely for them to
become of one heart, and of one mind in things that pertain to this life, in
things that are before them every day, in business transactions, in the
avocations of life, and in all things that are naturally understood. If you
have not got the spirit of revelation enough to see the thing with these few
remarks or hints, it is plain to you that we are far from being of one heart,
and of one mind. You will see how far the Latter- day Saints are from being
perfect, from enjoying the privileges and blessings the Lord has in store for
them. They cannot enjoy the faith of the Ancients, and be endowed with the
power from on high [which] they desire, until they are of one heart, and of one
mind. I am ashamed to acknowledge it, though it is a fact, we are not of one
heart, and of one mind. If we were, we could not know it until we commence to
learn the first lessons God has set before [us]; we cannot understand the
greater things of God until we are of one heart, and of one mind pertaining to
the temporal pursuits of life; pertaining to the building up of the temporal
Kingdom of our temporal God, (I was going to say) but I will say, pertaining to
the building up of the Kingdom of God on earth. If we cannot understand how to
count our fingers, how can we count stars? If we cannot understand the things
of a natural life, how can we understand the things of a spiritual life? It is
impossible. Before the people are prepared to enter into the kingdom of glory
they are anticipating, they must learn the first lesson that is calculated to
send them there, and prepare them for that station of honor; they must practice
upon what I proposed yesterday to the Conference as one of the first lessons to
be studied by the Saints. We have tried to bring about the same thing several
times since the first existence of this Church. In its first organization and when
the first gathering of the Saints took place; when the first revelations were
given, the people made an effort to introduce the principle I laid before you
yesterday; if I recollect rightly the revelation given upon that matter at that
time amounts to the same. If I am mistaken in that, I have told you what the
revelation is that is in me concerning it, so that I hope the High Priests and
Elders will not be confused and dark in their understanding upon it. If they
are, it will prove to me they do not understand the things of God; or they do
not know their mother tongue which they have spoken from their youth up, nor
know one thing from another, an ox from a sheep, or a sheep from a serpent. If
you do not understand me, I am convinced you know nothing about the things of
God. Were I to step into a meeting house and hear you preach the principle
under the influence of a wild and extravagant enthusiasm, it would be proof
positive to me, to angels, and to God, that you are still babes in the
knowledge of true principles and need to be taught like babes.
Choir sang, "The Hallelujah Chorus."
Benediction.
[8 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Two p.m.
Called to order by O. Hyde.
Singing. Prayer by Elder Woodruff. Singing.
The Tabernacle not being large enough to accommodate those present, President Young invited all to the north side of the building, where seats had been prepared for about 7,000, and the seats and alleys were soon filled.
The choir sang a piece called "Truth."
[Elder P. P. Pratt]
Elder P. P. Pratt addressed the congregation.
The following persons were appointed and voted to go on missions. -
Parley P. Pratt, to San Jose, to establish a gathering place for the saints.
Eli Belt, Wm. Clough, M. Devalsen Merrick, Joseph A. Peck, John West, William King, to the Pacific Islands.
James M. Barlow, James McGaw, Franklin Woolley, Haden W. Church, William Trost, Charles Bassett, Wm. Martindale, Amos Neff, Albert Crandell, to the United States.
Choir sang, "Redeemer of Israel."
Benediction.
[8 Apr, 6 pm]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Six p.m.
The Seventies met in the Tabernacle.
Congregation sang, "How firm a foundation," &c. Prayer by President Joseph Young.
Presidents B. L. Clapp, Zera Pulsipher, Joseph Young, I. W. Hancock, and Counsellor J. M. Grant, followed each other with appropriate instructions and remarks.
Singing. Benediction.
[9 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
April 9, Ten a.m.
Congregation met in the open air, north of the Tabernacle.
Singing. Prayer by Elder Hyde. Singing.
[
Elder Lorenzo Snow spoke on the subject of life and salvation.
President Kimball presented the following names for missions.
John Tune, Wm. C. Dunbar, Thomas Latey, to England.
John Murdock, a Patriarch to go to Iron County.
Elder Hyde spoke upon the instructions given, and the doctrine of consecration.
Choir sang the chorus, "Judge me, O Lord."
Benediction by John Taylor.
[9 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:42, 4/13/54 p2]
Two p.m.
Singing, Prayer by W. Woodruff, Singing, Sacrament.
George W. Rich was appointed on a mission to California.
On motion, Jesse Thompson Hartley was cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
[Brigham Young]
[Brigham Young Addresses vol 2, 9 April 1854]
President
Young said if that Jessee J. Hartley that I voted for yesterday to go on a
mission, is the Lawyer that came from Oregon last fall--I rescind my vote, for
that man is a vagrant, a thief, and a robber. He ought to be baptized in Salt
Lake with stones tied to him and hold him under 24 hours to wash away the one
hundredth part of his sins. He ought to be sent to hell across lots on a
mission to preach to the damned. If that Hartley appointed on a mission is not
this one that I speak of, this will not hurt him, but if he is the man, what I
have said is right! If the man is here he may come to the stand and speak for
himself.
[He went
and spoke very boldly: I am not the man Hartley. I am not the man the Governor
spoke of. I have studied law, been admitted to the bar, I have practiced 5 years
in California. That Hartley that Governor Young spoke of was hung in
California. He was a bad man--many have mistook me for him. The reports about
me are false.]
[J. C.
Little said the charges against Hartley are true and just and can be proven.]
[O. Hyde
said a lawyer can't cram everything down us--he can't make us believe after a
man has been hung in California he can be walking about and pleading innocence.
Neither do we believe that because a man was hung in California there are no
more villains.]
B. Young
said, if J. J. Hartley was ever baptized, I motion that he be now cut off from
the church. Seconded and carried unanimously. B. Young continued, I ask of you
all to be Saints, serve the Lord with an undivided heart; watch all people that
come in our midst. Bishops, know how every man in your wards gets his living;
see if any lives without work.
Be
industrious, be saving. Sisters, make every yard of cloth go as far as you can;
work every way you can to save a dollar for your husbands. See that there is
nothing wasted, not even a pin. I said yesterday, all that want to do as the
Lord wants them to with their property, that is let the treasure be where you
want your hearts to be, now have the chance. We might tell the benefits of this
order, which is the true order of the Kingdom. This is the most effectual means
of securing the treasures of earth and heaven. It will be uniting our means in
one great firm. It will not decrease the property, but put it in a way to
increase a hundred fold. Every man that joins the company will be a partner, he
will have charge of his share, as ever. It will take in this lot and that lot,
this man's farm and that man's farm, and all the country. And then if a man
comes in the city that we don't want here we can turn him off our premises
according to law, as you would if you had a man living in your house that you
did not want there, you could warn him to leave. I ask no one to enter into
this order unless they choose it with all their heart. All you that are
faithful to keep all the commandments of God will see the time that you will
have a million times more than all this church now has.
Counselor J. M. Grant appointed all the bishops, elders, priests, and all the male members of the church, who live in Great Salt Lake City, to be policemen to preserve the inhabitants in peace, safety, and virtue.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 2:780-781]
We are
about to bring this conference to a close. I never enjoyed one better than
this. A sweet loving kind spirit has been manifest all the time. I shall pray
that we may really be one in all things to build up the kingdom of God if you
can't be one in temporal things you can't be one in the things of heaven. Let
us commence to prepare more faithfully by our own selves to conquer ourselves
and advance the kingdom of God on the earth. You will marvel at your selves in
not becoming one in the first place. Let your minds expand and understand the
things we shall enter into a perfect system to build up the kingdom of God. I
do not ask any man or woman to accede to it, if you do not wish to enter into
it we will not cut you off from the church, if you love the world follow your
own greedy eyes. The Lord Almighty is round about and governs and manages the
affairs of this people in all the world. We do not ask you to be saints unless
you want to be. The hearts of the children of men will expand before the Lord
and many of you will contract like a hot iron that has water put on it. I want
you to do just as you please I pray you to serve the Lord with an undivided
heart. If it is carried out right not to years will pass away before all of
this Great Salt Lake City will belong to the Firm.
Twenty-two
years ago I told the people if they would let us alone we would revolutionize
the world, if they persecute it will be done quicker. I asked the Lord to give
me grace according to my day and the quicker through the better.
I wish
the bishops had eyes like an eagle and not let a man be [-] in your ward whom
you do not know. The man off the world has not finished his education until he
is the practiced rogue. The world will say the Mormons are taking a course to
prevent getting houses to rent. The wrath of man God will make to praise him
but if we do not do right I have no promises of good for them. The time will
come at a faithful man will preside over a million times more than the church
of Jesus Christ is now worth. Nineteen years last February the Twelve were
chosen and organized. Thomas B. Marsh said he would not be ridiculed and walked
under foot by Joseph or any other man. I said that Joseph corrects us in public
for our good, if he had been faithful he would have been here. I am rejoicing
in plenty, he is weltering in poverty. Every faithful man will have all the
influence he can know what to make sure of.
I want
you sisters to keep your house is neat and clean. Be industrious and save every
pin. Keep your eyes on you children and not on your husband. Make everything go
as far as you can. See what you can save yourselves and your husbands. Every
woman go to and see whether you can save the pieces. See that your boys are not
running in the streets. You will be cursed for it, if you don't. It is the
mother and housekeeper to see to it. I want my family to profit by it, my children
remind me or they catch it. I depend on their mothers to teach them, the curse
will not be on me. Leave off every idle practice. Cease to do evil and to all
you know to be good and we will prosper. Get in the habit of going to meeting
and bind you to the brethren and seal you up to the Son of God.
I say God
bless this people and all the honesty in heart among the gentiles and I bless
you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sang a hymn. Benediction by President Young.
Further remarks of President Brigham Young and others who spoke during the conference will be found in future numbers of the News.
27-28 June 1854,
Special Conference, Tabernacle.
[Deseret News Weekly 4:62, 7/6/54 p2; MS 16:630]
[DNW 4:62, 7/6/54 p2]
Conference Minutes.
[27 Jun, 10 am]
Tabernacle, June 27, 1854
10 am.
Conference called to order by Prest. J. M. Grant. Singing. Prayer by E. T. Benson. Singing.
Prest. Young preached upon being an Apostle of Joseph Smith.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 2:807-809]
It is
going to be uncomfortable on account of the heat. We want as many as fifty
pails of water constantly going today. Bishops and companies I wish you to
attend to this duty. I wish at each door a man to furnish water from the creek
and pass in to the congregation.
The
object of this adjournment conference from the sixth of April is more
especially in consequence of bringing to our remembrance what the Lord has done
for us in the last days and has commenced his work for the redeemer of Israel.
By speaking from the heavens himself and sending his angels and messengers and
His Son to communicate the system of salvation. It is ten years this day at
twenty minutes past five p.m. that Joseph Smith was killed because the Lord and
angels have actually spoken with him. I do not know how I could revealed his
will [and] dictate himself or sent some off His Apostles or angels. In the
midst of the Christians in the holy land of Christendom it is a crime for the
Lord to speak to any man, it was considered treason for the Lord to speak to a
man on the earth, and for this the Prophet Joseph suffered and died. The US
District Court for the state of Missouri passed the judgment in the presence of
lawyers, etc., that if Joseph Smith did believe the prophecy of Daniel, there
was testimony enough. Ten years this evening he was killed for his treasonable
actions and we are here to transact business and to bring things that have
passed to our remembrance and try to wake up our feelings.
If it is
true that Joseph was a treasoner and if you and I are his disciples, you and I
are treasoners against every government that is not ordained of God. Are we the
disciples of a treasoner, not only man who was considered unworthy and it is on
the greatest hypocrites, deceivers, apostates and opposed to every government
upon the earth. And for he transgress the law of the land and was taken and
slain, what think ye? Do you know the history of the Savior that they crucified
him for his wickedness and hatred for the government in the earth. Look at the
prophets and good man they have never driven to the mountains or whipped but
for their wickedness. If he was a impostor or deceiver they could have been
very clear of killing him. All would have gave as the greatest infidel. Every
lady is ready to invite him to a glove, they are more looked up to than the Son
of God ever was until he comes to take them and rule triumphantly. Your
persecutor persecutes you for your wickedness. The mob not to kill the worst
man on earth. If you are disciples of Jesus Christ you are the disciples of
Joseph Smith. You are hated for your meanness and wickedness by those who
persecute you. Is there any mystery in this. The government of God and the
government of men never can become friends. Are is truth, the other is false,
are is light and the other is dark, and are his Christ. The others as the Baal.
They never can see eye to eye.
Let the
Christian world fellowship you and bid you welcome and when they bid you
welcome, know ye that ye are apostates and the Lord has nothing to do with you
in the church of Jesus Christ. Had you rather be with Joseph, the disciples of
the Lord Jesus or be friends with the world. I testify I see a disciple of
Joseph Smith when the Lord revealed himself to establish the kingdom in the
last days. I am Joseph's Apostle. It dazes some of the elders, I am his
disciple, wont that prove that I am deluded, that the Latter-day Saints are
deceived. Jesus had his apostles all the time with him. He promised to give a
profit and apostles to testify of him. I am an eyewitness that Brother Joseph
Smith was of the professed to be and a great deal more. He was a true prophet
of the [-] and he brought forth the Book of Mormon, translated it, gave us
revelations in this book the Doctrine and Covenants, they are true and
faithful, he was faithful to this people to teach them the way of life and
salvation, and commit the keys of the kingdom to this people that they might
gather in and brought forth the doctrine and taught now. He died for his
testimony and the people he sacrificed his feelings and went to the slaughter
like a lamb. I saw where the balls pierced him. I am a witness to this and
therefore I am an apostle of Joseph. I was not in the flesh when Peter, James
and John were, they could not testify what I did but they saw what I would do.
I can testify of what I have seen. I know by the manifestations of the Holy
Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph was a prophet by revelation. I
was slept as him, kissed him, heard him, handle him. I can testify this by
every sensation I have. I cannot testify so by Jesus.
Joseph
had his mind open, and testify that Jesus lived but did not handle him, they
saw him in a vision of eternity and testified as far as revelation, he was
crucified and still lives but he could not testify as I can. There is not a
poor [-]. We say I was an apostle of Jesus Christ any further than the spirit,
but I am an Apostle of Joseph Smith under him and he called me and chose me as
one of his Apostles and now I testify, he lived as good as any man on the
earth, no man ever comprehended his mission more than Joseph Smith Jr. Suppose
I had seen Joseph when he got his revelation, if I had not had the Light of
Christ within me that told me that I pled for revelations for myself. It is
unnatural to reject the truth and receive the light. Whoever follows the spirit
will finally burn them up and send them to their native element. It is natural
for you to eat to live, if you eat arsenic or [-] it will be unnatural and you soon
go to the grave. And the spirit is just fed in the same manner, that is
unnatural to say truth is a lie and a lie is a truth.
Joseph
was true, Jesus was true, there is an eternity if you did not know this they
would die like the brute beast, lies our prison? And will so serve the spirit
when you see an apostle, unless God is willing to give you his Spirit. It is
impossible for you to understand. When I ask I see and that helps my natural
understanding, and I do know Joseph Smith was a true man of God, Apostle of
Jesus Christ and he did live. And I testify of Joseph. Recollect don't marvel
that you are considered a good people when a man becomes a Latter-day Saint he
becomes a poor miserable creature. Although they may have been honored for
scores of years and they always knew he was a bad man or a bad woman, they were
they used to think he was a sound mind but he has now become a Mormon, this
proves he was a demon?. There is not a Christian society in the Union. The
Church of England, Presbyterian Church or the Methodist, ask them all if it
will do to have a president who is off the Church of England and all but their
own society will reject them. They believe he would be selfish. They do not
have a Shaker and a Dunker but they would have the meanest man on earth who did
not believe in angels, heaven or hell or anything else, they dare not trust a
brother Christian of any other denomination.
The
government on [-] on earth is in opposition to every principle of law and rule,
all the governments are so corrupted that the two come in collision. The
government of heaven is in contact where falsehood. Brethren, gather in all
that is good useful and to promote happiness and all things are opposed to the
government of God. Then don't marvel, if they believe the Bible to be true and
Joseph was true, they knew it would sap the foundation of the government. The
government of the United States was dictated and carried out by the hand of the
Almighty, but they do not now on our what their fathers obtained, they do not
honor their father's blood. If they believe the Bible they have no need to say
others them on the earth, if they take the pattern in the Bible and live? Makes
men treasoners, when Joseph was bless this or the others and would say why is
your eye so evil, the Mormon elders preach righteousness and practice it, we
wish to drive wickedness from the earth and that makes a people jealous. We are
not through yet Jesus has not come to take [-] in His kingdom, and that could
level a king and the beggar and all the human family. Everything, president,
Monarch and great man off the earth should feel humble and not fall better. I
say shame on the man who feels better than those who have but little. It brings
them under greater obligation to the Almighty. If I should ask the world why
your eyes are so full of evil? Because the Mormon elders preach righteousness
they could not find any law in the Constitution or law of the state, they said
we must have him out of the way and must kill him. For they were afraid his
word would become law and the people could not hide their integrity. We must
kill him or we will be used up or made to live on jealous principles and that
is why we must kill him, and has too much intellect, he winds up the great
astronomer, how is it that they know? So much, they were afraid they would have
to become subject, of old Williams the Campbellite preacher, and the long nosed
Sharp were so full of darkness and their mantle of superstition was so dark
they could not see any good thing in him. The seats [of] Pilate and Herod like
others let us go to hell this Joe Smith.
He
organized the church in 1830 and lived fourteen years to try and sanctify this
people. He was not so sober and long faced others should die and some thought
he was too cheerful. Yet he said if I was as pure and as holy as you want me to
be I could not live. Where you cannot see that? I want to be one with you. He
did not want to live so fast as to be taken away from us. Shortly after the
organization of the church Joseph prophesied we would yet go to the Rocky
Mountains if he could have had his own material feelings, He would have stayed
with this people and led them in the flesh into the wilderness. The Lord said
he had done enough and took him away, you could not find one man in a hundred
who was sanctified enough to lead him fifty, their temporal acts proved it. He
tried all the time to get the people of one heart and mind. If all hell is not
opposed to sue. I would be afraid of apostatizing very fast. I feel to fight
Mr. Devil every way you have a mind to. Live by the sword or by prayer. They
made a good deal of progress, men have grown in grace and in the knowledge of
the faith, but the result of the death of the Prophet, it was a sustained
send?. They thought they had planted a little mustard seed, it would not spring
up. Whereas it was but a little one to it is now [-] become, and strong nation.
The [-] of Joseph Smith was hardly human but now is gone to the four quarters
of the earth. And now his apostles are going north south return to our own
shores, it is all [-], and they are traveling and publishing the name of Joseph
to the ends of the earth and it is more by more by? The kings of the earth. Yes
it is grown, his mighty [-], it has reached to the heavens and the [-] are
sheltering millions under the gospel banner. These remarks are but very few to
what I have but I realize my health is not sufficient to talk. I did more
killing than all the elders last conference, this may do us or me good, but I
want others now to rise up and tell what they know.
We may
send some elders to go a preaching. We want a Patriarch for the church. I want
to give liberty to others. Really? It is ten years since Joseph was here, can
you [-] it and behold is going forth, can [-] see them, and of him in leading
us.
The
Priesthood is a pure system of government which governs the world and a small
portion has come down to earth. It is the constitutional laws and pure system
by which men are to be governed. May God bless you, Amen.
Choir sung, "Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah."
[27 Jun, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:62, 7/6/54 p2]
2 P.M.
Conference called to order by Prest. Young. - Singing. Prayer by O. Hyde. Singing.
Elder John Taylor reviewed the scenes and transactions pertaining to the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage jail, when under the pledged faith of Governor Ford of Illinois, that they should be protected.
A Hymn composed by Bernard Snow, was sung.
Benediction by E. T. Benson.
——
[28 Jun, 10 am]
[DNW 4:62, 7/6/54 p2]
June 28 - 10 A.M.
Opened with singing. Prayer. Singing.
Prest. Kimball bore testimony of Joseph Smith's being a Prophet of God.
The following persons were appointed to go on missions. viz:
Elder John Taylor to the City of New York, and Nathaniel H. Felt, Alexander Robbins, Jeter Clinton, Martin H. Peck, and Abel Lamb, to accompany him.
Elder John Young to the States. Lemon Brunson to Michigan. Preston Thomas and Enoch B. Tripp, to Texas. Edwin Whiting to Ohio. - James Craig to Ireland.
John Smith, the oldest son of Hyrum Smith, was voted to be ordained the Patriarch over the whole Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Prest. J. M. Grant bore his testimony of Joseph, and of his acquaintance with Hyrum's son John.
The Programme for the 4th of July was read by Thos. Bullock. Chanting by the Choir. Benediction by J. M. Grant.
[28 Jun, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:62, 7/6/54 p2]
2 P.M.
Opened with singing. Prayer. Singing.
Prest. J. M. Grant and Elder Lorenzo Snow bore testimony of Joseph's being a Prophet, and spoke on that subject.
[Jedediah M. Grant]
[DNW 4:104, 9/28/54 p2; JD 6:253]
REMARKS
By
President J. M. Grant, Tabernacle, June 28, 1854.
I am
pleased that this Conference convened upon the 27th, for it is a date written
indelibly upon our memories.
We have
been blessed in hearing the testimonies which have been borne by Presidents
Young and Kimball, and Elder Taylor. I think the majority of this congregation,
tho' they might not be able to bear as strong a testimony as those who have
spoken, can bear testimony that the Lord our God, by the inspiration of the
Holy Ghost, has revealed to them that Joseph Smith, while he lived, was a
Prophet of God, inspired by the revelations of he Almighty to unfold the
eternal truths of heaven to a perishing world.
I believe
that the feelings of this people respond to the testimony that has been borne
to-day, and if we should wait here for all this people to express their
feelings in relation to their confidence in Joseph Smith as a messenger of
heaven, and in the Revelations of God thro' him, we should have to wait many
years.
There are
some things we know by seeing, and other things we know by hearing, tasting,
smelling &c.; but the light of the Eternal spirit that brought us out of
darkness into the Church of God is the great abiding testimony of this people.
Indeed
men have apostatized after they have seen and heard Joseph, after they have
seen angels, after they have seen the sick healed, and after they have spoken
in tongues and prophesied, and had the interpretation of tongues. You will
recollect long since I gave you my advice in relation to the proper time a man
ought to apostatize. My advice was that he should never apostatize in a dark
and cloudy day; never when he felt bad; never because he felt hard towards his
brother or brethren in the church; but when he apostatizes he should wait for a
clear day, when everything around him is prospering, and then, before he
apostatizes he should ask counsel.
In
relation to men's apostatizing, I recollect in the upper room of the Temple in
Kirtland, Ohio, when we were assembled there, a very noted man by the name of
Sylvester Smith bore testimony of what he had seen of the Prophet of God, of
angels, and &c. He said he wanted to bear testimony, and continued to say,
"I have spoken by what you call the Holy Ghost; the eyes of my
understanding have been touched, and I have seen convoy after convoy of angels;
I have laid hands on the lame, and they have leaped like an hart; I have spoken
with tongues and had the interpretation thereof; I have seen the sick healed
time after time; - but let me tell you, every thing I have seen, and every
thing you have seen is the height of idiotism." This was Sylvester Smith,
after he apostatized.
This was
the testimony of an apostate; which is conclusive proof to me that a man may
see the hosts of heaven, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof, and
gaze on the glory of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, and unless he
retains the spirit of God, he will apostatize. - Therefore my advice to the
Saints has been, and is, and whenever I give you good advice in the future, it
will be the same, that you propose in your hearts never to depart from God, or
from his people, only when you are filled with the Holy Ghost, and then when
you do it, ask counsel of his servants.
I felt
glad when Br. Brigham nominated John Smith, the son of Hyrum, to be our
Patriarch. - I have been acquainted with is father personally. I have lived
with him for years, and I know the spirit that is in his son: and I know the
Lord God has promised to bless his children; and that his spirit will rest upon
his son, to unfold and teach the eternal truths of heaven to bless the people
of God.
I would
rather have a young man to fill this office, than an old man who is filled with
the leaven of sectarianism. Give me a man who was raised by a Mormon father,
and a Mormon mother, and raised up in the faith from his childhood; that is the
man I want to bless me, and the people of God.
George Windows was voted to take a mission to England.
Prest. Young requested the Bishops to furnish lumber &c., to build a bowery, so as to accommodate ten or twelve thousand persons, comfortably.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 2:810]
You have
heard much of the life of Joseph Smith. The opening into of his life has been
presented to you. Bro. Taylor has been in prison. I did not take the track I
expected. I never want any person to relate those severe trials. I do not wish
to call to mind. I want those things kept by those who know them. I do not want
to hear them until the time comes when they should be fresh in my mind. Those
circumstances are very painful to my mind. After Joseph's death we stopped
running two magistrates. Bro. Joseph to my knowledge has hauled through 45 law
suits and I was with him 30. After his death I took my breast pin, and what it
all the time in Nauvoo, and told them to [-] out of my way with writs. I will
not transgress the laws and if they come with false writs I swear by the Gods,
the Eternal, to kill that man if I can. We'll take my revolver and my bosom pin
to be my lawyers. Joseph lived and died a better man than I ever professed to
be. They called him a prophet and may yes, until he had to take that name. I
had only one desire and that that was to do what I was wanted to do. I have not
asked any person to ever speak to my praise, if the Lord will give me influence
to lead this people to salvation I care not every elder should honor their
priesthood and will have of the influence and power of will [to] know how to
use [-]. We may spend day after day. It would not oppress the people to be here
but if there is another day I will not be able to come tomorrow. I think it
prudent to bring this conference to a close. There are thousands of elders who
would like to come in the stand and talk to or three hours.
Chanting by the Choir, "Judge me O Lord and I will give thanks unto thee."
Benediction by Prest. Young.
THOMAS
BULLOCK,
Clerk of Conference
Geo. D. Watt, Reporter.
6-8 Oct 1854, General
Conference, Tabernacle, G. S. L. City.
[Deseret News Weekly 4:112, 10/12/54 p2; MS 17:58]
[6 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
MINUTES
Of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, held in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, commencing
Friday, October 6, 1854, at ten a.m.
President Brigham Young presiding.
In the Stand - Presidents B. Young, H. C. Kimball, J. M. Grant.
Of the Twelve Apostles: O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, L. Snow, W. Woodruff, O. Pratt, E. T. Benson.
Seventies: Joseph Young, L. W. Hancock, Z. Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, H. Herriman.
High Priests Quorum: David Pettigrew.
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter.
Presidency of the Stake: D. Fullmer, T. Rhoads, P. H. Young.
Clerk of the Conference: Thomas Bullock.
Reporter: George D. Watt.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by Phineas H. Young. Singing
The congregation was addressed by Elders P. H. Young, E. T. Benson, Orson Hyde, and President Brigham Young.
[Ezra T. Benson]
[DNW 4:116, 10/19/54, p 2]
DISCOURSE
By
Ezra T. Benson, Tabernacle, Oct. 6th,
1854.
BELOVED
BRETHREN AND SISTERS: -
I deem it
a great privilege this morning to stand before you, to occupy a few moments,
and express my feelings in that way and manner I may be dictated by the Holy
Spirit.
I feel
pretty comfortable; I am just as comfortable as I know how to be; and I would
be more so, I suppose, if I had more experience, more knowledge, and had
cultivated more of the Holy Spirit.
I have
listened with much pleasure and satisfaction to the remarks of br. Phineas this
morning; the exhortation is good and palatable to me, and what I prize above
all things, whether in life or death, at home or abroad. It is for us as a
people to live as we are commanded; even to live by every word that proceedeth
from the mouth of God.
It has
nota been my lot for these last few months to preach to congregations of the
Saints concerning the great and glorious cause of God on the earth, but
according to my instructions, I have been on the plains, where the souls of men
and women are tried to the center. My soul has been tried, so much so that I
have not had time even to shave off my beard, since I have been gone.
I have
been out on the plains, and I believe I have done the best I could. I started
with that intention when I left home with the counsels and blessings of my
brethren; I have tried to do the best I could for myself, and for my brethren.
I do not say but what I may have erred in many points. I concluded however, I
would take my religion, priesthood, and authority along with me, believing I
should have use for it before I returned! and I found it so. I had use for all
the priesthood, judgment, and wisdom I was in possession of, and had received
from my heavenly Father, and from the counsel and instructions of my brethren;
and I have arrived home again as safe and as sound as I went away. And I feel
to rejoice before you this morning.
I am
again in the house of my friends; for if they are not here, I know not where to
find them on the face of this earth. And I pray continually by night and by
day, that the blessings of God may still continue to abide with this people,
and that the kingdom of God may roll forth in great power, and that the time
may speedily come when the knowledge of God shall cover the earth, as the waters
do the mighty deep; when wickedness and abomination shall cease from amongst
this people and they become a righteous people from one end of the kingdom of
God to the other, when all animosity, malice, and backbiting shall cease; and
the power of God rest upon every individual. I expect to live to see that time.
We have
to encounter many things on this earth that are not altogether pleasing to
human nature; and we may expect to be required to do man things contrary to our
own private feelings; but what is this compared to the things of the Holy
Spirit and the goodness of God, which he is pouring upon his people? Where is
there any real satisfaction, happiness, glory, and peace outside the kingdom of
God? They are not to be found on earth; many have sought for them, and have
never obtained them until they embraced the fulness of the everlasting gospel.
Here we find them - here we find the true oracles of God; we find men here who
have borne the heat and burden of the day; who have been faithful and true from
the commencement of the kingdom; whose hearts have never quivered or knees
trembled in danger, whether in mobs, poverty, adversity, imprisonment, death,
or whatever situation they have been placed in, for the sake of the kingdom of
God. Under all circumstances they have always been faithful and true.
Well
then, shall we be tired this morning while listening to their words and
counsels? No; their words are peace to our souls; they are like a stream of
living water upon thirsty ground. We are not, at all times, in possession of
wisdom enough to appreciate these blessings. This is one thing which is
necessary for us to cultivate continually, if we have not already received it,
that by our own faith and diligence, and by the light of the Holy Spirit, we may
increase knowledge and wisdom, so as to always appreciate the blessings
conferred upon us from day to day. It is time we made a commencement.
I am
going on to tell my experience, how I have fared upon the plains, and what I
have had to encounter; but as to what I have had to encounter, it is all
nothing. How we have lived, part of the time on nothing but bread and water,
and half eaten up with mosquitoes. I called them the inhabitants of Nebraska;
but it is all in the work of the Lord, so that it is all right. Br. Brigham
calls them the squatters of Nebraska; there are plenty of them; they are
innumerable: and as the kingdom of God increases, I can see their influence
also; for the traders on the road told me they never saw them so thick upon the
lands of Nebraska.
It is
expected that as the kingdom of God increases in knowledge, wisdom, power, and
righteousness, that the devils will increase - if they come in the shape of the
mosquitoes, or in whatever shape, we expect they will increase. If we do not increase
also, we shall be overcome by them. This is certain; if we stand still, and do
not live so before God as to increase in our faith and righteousness before
him, we shall be trodden under foot by them. It is for us to keep the
commandments of God, so as to keep our heads above water, and see our way out
of every difficulty, and overcome, and withstand every temptation we are called
to pass thro'.
To pass
over the plains is a matter that is particularly annoying to my feeling. The
last time I passed over the plains, I felt as though I never wanted to cross
them again; and I felt so when I was sent out last July by the Presidency. If I
had spoken my own feelings, I should have said, send me anywhere else, and may
God help the companies; but I said, I will go, and will not complain, murmur,
or find fault with my appointment, but I will go because God requires it. By
thus humbling myself, and feeling willing to go, and craving the spirit of God
to rest upon me; I found I could enjoy myself, and my religion upon the plains,
among the inhabitants of Nebraska. - I found God was there; his Holy Spirit was
there, and the light of revelation was there; and all I had to do was to speak,
and the thing was accomplished - to say the word and it was done; and all the power
the devil could rally against me was in vain.
When I
found that thunders and lightning would not do to bring about my purposes, I
then began to try the small wedges, and kept tapping a little to-day, and a
little to-morrow, and so kept working at it until the work was accomplished;
and I feel to rejoice, and give all the glory to God my heavenly Father; none
of it belongs to me.
The work
of God is rolling on, and let us be engage in it; let us persevere; let us be
faithful, and try how to know that God is our friend - that the servants of God
are our friends, and that this people are our friends. What can we desire more?
It is one of the greatest blessings and consolations that can be conferred upon
any man upon the face of the earth. That consoles me. - If I did not have that
consolation and assurance, what could I accomplish? What could I do in the
great work of the last days, if I did not know I had found favor in the eyes of
God and his servants - if I did not know they backed up my doings? I should
wither and die; and be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine. It is consoling to our souls to know we are brethren, and in the
priesthood of the living God, if we abide by our covenants.
While
upon the plains, I have seen the Deseret News from time to time, containing
some first rate discourses by the First Presidency, the Twelve, and others; it
is first rate; it is good and cheering to read them. Can we abide the teachings
contained in those sermons, and stand the purification of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints. It has been proclaimed from this stand, that the
time is approaching when the Church of God will be sanctified. How is it with
us to-day? Are we ready to be sanctified before God?
I tell
you God can see us. There is nothing he does not know. It is out of date in
these times for a man to hide himself - to get out of the sight of God - to do
something that he will not see and know. [Voice in the stand, "to do this
he must go into empty space") Yes, but we do not believe there is any
empty space; it is all filled up with particles of matter so refined that we
cannot see them. If our eyes were opened to see the spiritual world, no doubt e
should see that this room is filled with the spirits of just men made perfect.
Who
knows? Some of these spiritual agencies or spirit knockers, give us to
understand that Br. Joseph's and Br. Hyrum's spirit is about, and they profess
to call up any spirit they please. We believe just as much of this as we
please. We believe when these things are for the people of God they will come
thro' the proper channel of the Holy Priesthood; and if the spirits of just men
made perfect have got anything to reveal, they will reveal it thro' the channel
God has ordained; that we may not be imposed upon by Tom, Dick, Harry, and the
devil. No. I am going to sail in the old Mormon boat, that has carried me thro'
safe to the present time. Br. Brigham told us in the Temple in Nauvoo, we had
to sail in Snug Harbor; and we have got a boat that will sail there. The old
Mormon boat has been kicked, and knocked about, and still she sits true and
stately upon the water with a sound bottom; and she sails when it is necessary,
and when it is necessary she rides at anchor; and we can take in sail or let it
out according to the urgency of the cause, and to suit the necessities of the
passengers aboard.
I feel
hoarse this morning, in consequence of hallowing to the men to yoke up in the
mornings, but I feel like hallooing as loud as I can, Glory to God and the
Lamb; Hallelujah to the Latter Day Saints, and our heavenly Father. I feel so
on the plains, and wherever I am. When I cultivate the Good Spirit of God it is
peace to my soul, and I hardly know how to express my feelings to you this
morning.
I desired
with all my heart to get in to the Conference. Everybody said I should not be
able. - I told them I would talk to the Lord about it, for I wanted to be in
the circle of my friends that I have proved from the beginning; and I will be
there, and not kill the cattle neither. They said, "O, you will kill all
the cattle and play destruction on the train, &c.
Br.
Brigham pronounced, if we would go and do right when we started to conduct the
Church train in, we should have good weather. It has been fulfilled. We are
here, and the Church train is here; notwithstanding the devil got into the
cattle, and half of them ran away. Neither are the goods deposited at Fort
Laramie, as it was expected they would be. The goods are all here except what
were consumed on the way, and what have gone to meet expenses. It is not
necessary for me to tell how it could have been bettered. I do not know how it
could, as far as I am concerned. I must have more wisdom and power to better
it; I felt that God was by my side, and good friends were round about me, and I
had no desire to do anything I would not be willing for God to scan, who was
with me by his power, and wisdom. I felt willing he should walk with me as far
as my acts were concerned, even as he walked with Enoch of old. I feel
determined to magnify my covenants with God, an strive every time I am sent
out, to do better and better, and more of it; until we can control the
elements, and cast out devils, and do many mighty works in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and see this kingdom redeemed.
It is the
business of the elders of Israel to see this gospel preached in all nations of
the earth, until Israel's redeemed, and take a course to build up and not tear
down. There is a great deal more honor in building up than there is in tearing
down. We are the servants of God, and I must say I am ashamed of some of them -
especially those boys the Bishops sent out. They sent out some good men, but
the rest were tag and bobtail. We had to threaten to knock their teeth down
their throats, before they would do right. - They would play cards, and do
wrong, unless a clenched fist was held continually before them.- The boys that
came out from England and Wales, and from other countries, stood back in
amazement at them. What is the matter? Wickedness as righteousness are
increasing in these mountains. How do I know it? I know it because I form part
of a quorum with those who are trying to build up this kingdom. I know that
they not only try, but actually do the things I tell you. Captain Brown, I do not
mean you: you have done the thing which is right, and lots of others. What did
the captains of companies say when I went to them for cattle? I said to them
"the Church train stands on the plains - what have you to say about
it?" "I don't know; we have got just as much as we can do; if you
take away one yoke of cattle, or a yoke of cows, we cannot possibly roll."
I said, "brother, that is not the right spirit; if you do not know where
the cattle are to come from, I will show you; drive your cattle past here: I
want to teach you to look thro' the same magnifying glass that I do, and when
you see by the same Spirit I do, you will then see where the cattle are to come
from." "I want to do all things right," he said, "but I do
not see where there is a yoke to come from." "Well, " said I,
"there's a yoke; take out that middle yoke of your own; and take out these
wheel cattle from another wagon," &c.
This was
the way we had to do with those who were not willing to spare any of their
cattle; or the train would have been at Independence Rock this day, whereas it
is here; and I feel to bless the brethren, and I feel to bless Br. Brigham, and
the First Presidency. We know who they are. They are men who are toiling by day
and by night to build up the work of God on earth; they fulfil the scripture,
and the wise man says, "whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved, but he
that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once." How can a man walk
uprightly before God, and see he necessity of his brother on the plains, or
anywhere else, and will not put forth his hand to help him, but shut up the
bowels of his compassion in the day of his trial? But from such men as these my
brethren, who have opened their hearts and stretched forth their hands to
assist the needy, and way-worn traveler, God will withhold no good thing. Is
not this worth living for?
How much
better I now enjoy my meals at home, since I have been away. I have not yet
eaten a full meal since I have been at home. You know, just coming off the
plains, I have to curtail my appetite a little, and use wisdom and judgment. My
food tastes good to me all the time; it is good when I begin to eat, and it is
good when I leave off. It is jut the same as when you are at a good meeting.
It is our
privilege in this way all the time, to live, to enjoy our food, to enjoy our
families, to enjoy the society of the Saints, and every situation we are called
to act in. This is my religion, and out of it I am not happy; but when I am
moving in that sphere I am at home; when I am on the plains; when I am
preaching the gospel, and when I am in the society of the Saints. If we all
feel so, the first thing you know we shall be in the celestial kingdom of God.
The last
three months to me is like a dream - and I hardly know I am at home yet, but I
feel this morning I am in the society of the Saints. - We are prone to wander,
as the sparks to fly upward; and we have been aliens and strangers to the
commonwealth of Israel, but we are now controlled and governed according to the
order of God's House. If we govern ourselves in accordance with this, all will
be right and the Lord will do his own work.
He moves
in the midst of the nations, and we can see the unwise measures of the nations.
God has said he will confound the wise, and bring them to nought. It is
something like this, - "because I have got a big gun and a few soldiers at
my command, I can go down here and slay a whole nation of Lamanites; all I want
is a flask of 'O be joyful' in my pocket, and I will show you how it is
done."
The
Mormons should not work upon that principle, but they should say, "if the
Lord will." - This is the way they did anciently, and how it should be in
modern times. A man cannot accomplish much outside of this principle. If we do
not do what God requires of us according to his method, God will show us our
weakness. If we have a son that is a faithful, obedient, and good boy, we are
willing to grant him anything that will do him good; so it is with God. I have
no doubt God will give us all we desire; all we can hope for, and all we can
appreciate, and that is necessary for our comfort and for the comfort of our
friends.
I did not
rise to preach to you, but to talk a little of my experience. I have a long
experience; and if I were to tell it as the Methodists, and Baptists do, I
should consume too much of your time, I have therefore told a long experience
in a brief manner. I will give way, but I wanted to let you know that I feel
first rate; and harbor no animosity against any person; and if any person has
anything against me, they must just come to me and I will make reconciliation;
but if they will not come to me, they must carry it. We do not expect all at
once to be perfect, but we expect to come here and live in these valleys of the
mountains, and do about right.
I have
often met the Californists on the road, but did not expect to have much
conversation with them. However, once we met some, and they said, "Are you
from Salt Lake, friends?" I said "yes." "Are you
Mormons?" "Yes, we would not be anything else for a dollar."
"You are a singular set of men out there, if all be true we hear."
"Of course, that is what we calculate to be." "We hear some
strange reports about you." "We are glad of it; what do you
hear?" "That you steal, and have more wives than one."
"Indeed, would you please tell us some news; have you anything to say
about yourselves, you poor dupes; can you say one mean thing you are not guilty
of; we know you from a to wizard; I have lived among you. Why don't you try to
establish your own characters, and then talk about the Mormons? You are more
willing to give credence to a false report than a good one; you have only heard
one side of the question: you are going thro' Salt Lake City, try and learn the
other side of it; go to the Tabernacle; read the newspaper, and hear the
counsels of the Presidents there, and don't judge until you have heard both
sides of the story, and don't be fools by judging a matter before you have
hears.
It is too
much the case among this people, right here to-day. I will palm it on to you,
ye elders, and Latter Day Saints; you often judge a man or a woman by hearing
one side of the question only. My experience has taught me different. Would I
believe a false report about my brethren and sisters in this place, when I am
abroad in the world? No. but I would say I have been with them; and you tell me
this or that against their character, and undertake to make me believe it, and
you are barking up the wrong tree.
Would I
throw down my testimony and experience as a thing that is good for nothing, to
believe some tattler, and mischief-maker, that has no station or character in
the kingdom of God, and does not want his brethren and sisters to have any
either? No.
I stand
here before God and my brethren to give an account of my actions when it is
called for, both as it regards my spiritual and temporal career in this world;
and I am ready to be judged by them any day, any hour, or any moment; and if I
am in the wrong. I will restore four fold, if it is necessary; or if an humble
confession in the congregation of the saints is wanted, I am just the boy, and
am on hand to do it, if there is no other way to give satisfaction to those
whom I may have injured. As long as I feel so, I feel good, and feel to rejoice
all the day long.
May God
bless you: Amen.
——
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 4:116, 10/19/54, p 2]
REMARKS
Of
Orson Hyde, Tabernacle, Oct. 6, 1854.
I arise,
brethren and sisters, to make a few remarks, not expecting to detain you long.
Br.
Benson has returned from his mission and been successful. We are all glad to
see him safely in our midst once more. The task he has had to perform has been
a hazardous one; one that required all the skill, judgment, wisdom,
perseverance, and patience that a man can possess, or obtain.
It seems
he has accomplished that he went to do, and the trains are mostly in; there are
some two or three exceptions; they will be in soon. - It is a matter of great
gratification to me, and to all the saints, and a matter for which we all feel
grateful to God, or at least should do, that the weather has been so temperate,
and has continued so mild, seemingly for the very purpose of favoring our [~6
words unreadable] favor from the hand of God; I so regard it.
There is
one thing however, that I wish to say a word upon; which is this; concerning
our brethren that went out to meet the trains. :Now all br. Benson has said is
unquestionably true, and correct. We have some pretty rough boys. - Well, there
is one redeeming trait in their character, and I wanted to mention it; and that
is, they actually did volunteer, as bad as they are, to go and carry food to
the hungry; and I say, God bless them; they did volunteer to do this, as rough,
and as sinful, and as wicked as they are, and they were perhaps the only ones
that would do it. And it shall be said unto them at the great day, "When I
was an hungered, ye gave me meat; when I was thirsty, ye gave me drink; when I
was in distress and trouble, ye visited me; and your hand brought to me
relief."
It does
not say anything there whether they did or did not play cards a little. I do
not however, mention this to justify any of these improprieties; no, I
repudiate them, and am very sorry that these boys condescended to such thins;
but while we acknowledge all their sins and their follies, and their vanities,
let us not overlook the one redeeming trait; and it rises high above all the
rest; they went and carried food to the hungry; and I say God bless them.
Now,
brethren, be encouraged by these remarks - and be improved by br. Benson's,
which are just and true. Leave the one course, and cleave to the other, and God
will make you mighty and powerful rulers in his kingdom, and instrumental in
building it up; which may he grant for Christ's sake; Amen.
——
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 4:123, 11/02/54, p[?]; JD 2:49]
It is
rather late in the morning to offer a lengthy discourse upon any particular
subject; but I will give a text for others.
Unless we
continue our Conference after the first day of the week, we shall not have
time to instruct the people as fully as we should like to; but we will endeavor
to do what we feel to be our duty in this matter.
I more particularly wish those who have lately
come into this place, to consider the teachings that may be given upon the
text. The greater part of who halve come, across the plains this season, will
no doubt attend this Conference; though, perhaps, a few of them may be
necessarily absent, and a few have gone to other settlements.
I will
comprise the text in a few words, though not exactly as it reads in the Bible,
and will put it in the form of a question. My brethren, you who have been
helped to this place by the Perpetual Emigration Fund—Will you do to your
brethren as you would have, or wish, them to do by you in like circumstances?
Can you
call to mind the time, when you have seen others emigrating to America—being
helped away from poverty and distress? Can you recollect the days and weeks
when at work, when walking abroad, and when at meetings, that your hearts have
been full, and lifted to the Lord, in earnest supplication, to incline the
hearts of your brethren in Zion to put forth their hands, and help you away
from that country where hundreds and thousands are turned out of employment, in
consequence of their embracing the Gospel—thus depriving them of labor, and
consequently the necessary food for themselves and families?
Can you
who have arrived here this fall, or who arrived one, two, and three years
ago, think how you felt when you heard that a company was established, and
means were being provided, to help the poor to this place? If you can, call to
mind now the feelings you had then, and ask yourselves if you are willing to do
to your brethren who are now in that country, as you wished to be done unto by
those who emigrated before you; or whether you will do as many have done after
they have arrived here.
Many
brought here in former years by the Perpetual Emigrating Fund have wanted the
highest wages for their labor, when they could not do half the amount of work
that a man can do who has been here a few years. They have wanted to make
themselves rich, or at least very comfortable, before they could think of
paying their passage here. They must have a good house, and a fine garden; and
by the time they have got that, they think they really need a farm.
They will
say to themselves, "I must raise grain, for it is becoming dear, and there
will be a high-priced market opened here for it by and bye; grain is going to
be in good demand, and I must have a farm; I must get poles to fence it; I must
have my oxen; and I shall not pay what I owe the Perpetual Emigrating Fund yet.
I want, at least, time to fence my farm, and I want so many cows that I can have
a carriage to ride to my farm to see how my servants are getting on; and I must
have horses," &c., &c.
With a
very few exceptions, no man has put forth his hand to pay the debts he owes the
P. E. Fund.
I now ask
you if you are willing to do what you have wanted others to do by you ? Let the
first thing you attend to be to pay the debt you owe the Fund. Do you say,
"Well, shall we not get us a house?" No; live in your tents, or go
into the woods, and bring down bushes and make bough houses as the Indians do,
and say you will be satisfied with that until you have paid the debt you owe
the poor. You do not owe it to me, nor to these my brethren; we have plenty. We
have houses; we have enough to sustain ourselves. You do not owe it to any
individual here, but you owe it to the poor who wish to come here; the debt is
due to them alone. If you refuse to do this, would you not shut up the bowels
of your compassion against the poor?
Be
careful, brethren, that your eyes follow not after the riches of this world, to
lust after them; I say be careful, that you do not want a carriage, and
them another, and so on, before paying your debt to the Fund. And if you are
not careful, you will never be satisfied with earthly possessions, worlds
without end.
I would
like about six discourses preached upon this text, each about six hours long,
if we had time, to see if we could remove the scales from the eyes of the
people, and stir them up to faithfulness in keeping their covenants, and doing
to others as they would have others do to them..
If any of
the brethren are disposed, they can go into mathematical demonstrations on this
subject; and can show to the congregation what the Fund would probably be
another year, if all were faithful in paying back what they have received from
it. If I were to guess, without entering into an examination of the books, I
should judge that we would have between one and two hundred thousand
dollars, with which to bring the poor to this place next season.
The
Perpetual Emigrating Fund is a business transaction that increases; it is bound
to increase, if men and women will be faithful to pay what they owe. The
question may be asked, "Do you want the people to pay when they are
suffering?" There is no such thing as suffering here. Is there a man,
woman or child in this territory who cannot get what is necessary for them to
eat without being forced to the necessity of stealing it? Is there a house in
this city, or territory, that will refuse a hungry person a meal of
victuals, when he has not been here long enough to earn his food? Every person
acquainted with the circumstances and disposition of the people here will say.
"No, there is not a family that would not impart to their brethren and
sisters, to the passing stranger, and even to an enemy, to feed
them."
Again,
how many invalids can you find here, or people who cannot do enough to maintain
themselves? Very few.
Four years
ago we commenced to lay our plans to sustain the poor, and take care of those
who could not take care of themselves. We provided sixteen houses on one farm
which we purchased, and had men selected to take care of those who could not
sustain themselves; but there has not been a man or woman, a widowed lady or an
orphan child who was old enough to speak for himself, that has been willing to
occupy one of these houses, go to a farm, or live in a house that we purchased
for them.. They say, "We do not want to live there, for it was purchased
for the poor." We have never found a family that would acknowledge
themselves so destitute as to live in a house we bought for the accommodation
of the poor. "But," say they, "if you will purchase a house for
us close to the Tabernacle, we will live in it."
For the
last four years, we have fed, on an average, six hundred people, who come to
the Tithing Office, and who never give us a dime for it: and yet they will not
acknowledge themselves poor. There are also hundreds of persons in this
city, and in other cities in the territory, who require the Bishops to help
them, when at the same time they are able to drive a pretty good team, and
occupy as good a house as I live in, and are able to have a good garden, and
quite a farm. Yet they will go to the Bishops, and say, "Will you let me
have a yoke of oxen?" or, "I wish, Bishop, you would let me have
those horses; I do not know when I can pay you for them; I am poor;" or,
"Will you let me have that carriage that has been put in on tithing? I do
not know when I shall pay you for it; I have raised considerable wheat, but I
want to get a quantity of clothing with that for my family this year; let me
have the carriage anyhow, and I do not want you to ask me for the pay, or say anything
about it." Still we cannot find one family to acknowledge they are
sustained by the Church, and c own the name of being poor—who cannot sustain
themselves. We have the proof on hand for this.
There is
much said in the Bible with regard to the rich. In one place it is said,
"It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven;" but
"blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit," &c. Can you
understand what the Lord means by these sayings, and others, by His Prophets
and Apostles, touching the poor? He means simply this, "Those who
have the good things of this world, and will put them to use in building up the
kingdom of God on earth; will feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and do good
with them; they are my people, saith the Lord."
But let me
tell you, poor men, or poor women, who have nothing, and covet that which is
not their own, are just as wicked in their hearts, as the miserly man who
hoards up his gold and silver, and will not put it out to use. I wish the poor
to understand, and act as they would wish others to act towards them in like
circumstances.
Let the
brethren and sisters who have come in this season, as quick as the Lord puts
anything in their possession, first pay the debts they owe the poor in foreign
countries. They do not owe it here; it is merely paid into the treasury here,
from which it is appropriated to bring the poor Saints of other countries to
this place. You owe it to people that cannot help themselves; to those who may
travel hundreds of miles, and apply to every mechanic's shop or factory for
employment, to get a penny to buy a loaf of bread, and to no avail.
The
Americans do not understand this; they have seen hard times it is true, but
they never saw people as poor as they are in Europe. In the eastern countries
of America, there are thousands who have hard fare, but they can get food in a
way the poor of the old countries cannot. You who have come from there, know
what it is; it has been before your eyeball your lifetime.
If the
poor there are found asking for a meat of victuals, or soliciting the least
help in the streets as vagrants, they are reported to the police; and what is
next? They are taken and put into the house of correction, and made to work on
the tread-mill, and there, by their own weight, made to turn machinery
constructed to grind sand and other substances." In these circumstances
thousands of them die yearly. It is against the law in that country for them to
be found begging, and in some places, if they are found begging a third time;
they are put in the stocks.
As many
of you may not know what the stocks are, I will try to describe them. You will
see, by the side of the most public thoroughfares, or in the public
market-places, two posts sunk firmly in the ground; from post to post there is
a thick block of Wood let into them and pinned fast; there is also another
block above the first one, that is made to slide down upon it, where it can be
made fast; there is a half circle made in each block, which, when they come
together, form a round hole. In this hole the vagrant is made fast by the neck.
The upper block is raised, he is made to put his neck between, it is then slid
down, and made fast; and there they leave him, where he is obliged to stay as
long as the officer is disposed to keep him.
Do you
see any such things in any part of America? The brethren and sisters who have
come from the old country will tell you that they have seen hundreds and
thousands of men, women, and children, passing through the streets in
that country, bowed down with hunger, and their faces pale as death,
leaning perhaps upon a little stick they use for a walking cane, and passing
slowly along to see if any person would give them something without asking for
it.
Are any
of our brethren there, in that situation? Yes; there are hundreds of them
to-day who have not a morsel of food to put into their stomachs to
sustain nature. Are any of them dying with want there? Yes; scores of them will
die there before next March, for want of something to eat. Suppose they were
here, they would only need to glean in your fields to obtain bread enough, and
dig over your gardens again to get the potatoes you have left in the ground,
which they would be glad to eat. You may as well abuse your own flesh,
as to refuse to put forth your hands to assist the brethren who are thus
situated in the old countries.
This text
I want preached upon in this Conference, and how many more will be preached
upon I do not know. I want the brethren who have come here this season,
to do their duty.
Little occurrences
may be told with regard to the gathering of the Saints. For instance, men or
women put in a few pounds to bring them to these and the Perpetual Emigrating
Fund pays the rest. When they get on the plains, the wagons break down.
They begin to weigh up, and find a few hundred pounds over weight; they destroy
their large boxes, or leave them on the plains; and in the operation find silks
and satins that would twice pay their passage. After they arrive here, boxes of
English goods are taken away from the camping ground, which have been smuggled
here in the Fund train.
Woe to
those who profess to be Saints and are not honest. Only be honest with
yourselves, and you will be honest to the brethren. I want the brethren
preached to upon this subject, and if they do not remember the instructions
given; the sin will be at their doors, and not at ours.
It is not
for men to rise in this stand and tell what will be in the Millennium, and what
will be after the Millennium. That which pertains to every day life and action,
is what pertains to us; that the Saints here may know how to order their course
before each other, and before the Lord; that they may he justified, and have
the Spirit of the Lord with them continually. This is our Gospel, it is our
salvation. You need to be instructed with regard to these items of every day
duty one towards another; and when you know how to be a Saint to-day, you are
in a fair way to know how to be a Saint to-morrow. And if you can continue to
be a Saint today, you can through the week, and through the year, and you can
fill up your whole life in performing the duty and labor of a Saint.
This is
our religion, and the Gospel of salvation, and is the salvation held out in the
discourses we have been blessed with this morning; and I wish you to treasure
them up, and profit by them.
I now
request the Presidents of every Branch, and the Bishops and their Counsellors
throughout Utah, to hunt up those who are indebted to the Perpetual Emigrating
Fund, and as fast as possible, collect their dues in available means, and
forward the same to my office, even should you have to plan for them, or set
them to work, that the Fund may increase, and the poor be delivered from
oppression.
And I
pray the Lord to bless our efforts for the accomplishment of this and every
other good work, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sung a hymn.
Elder Hyde gave out an appointment for a lecture this evening on our marriage relations, and for the bishops to meet in general conference to-morrow evening, and pronounced the benediction.
——
[6 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Two p.m.
Choir chanted a piece of sacred music and sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder G. A. Smith. Singing.
Elders G. A. Smith, T. D. Brown, and President H. C. Kimball addressed the congregation.
[George A. Smith]
[DNW 4:120, 10/26/54 p2; JD 7:59]
remarks
By George A. Smith, Tabernacle, Oct. 6, 1854, p.m.
I can
say, in connection with brethren who have addressed you in the former part of
the day, that it is with the greatest pleasure I arise at the present
Conference to cast in my mite, and offer a few reflections upon the things of
the kingdom as they are rolling before us.
Our
beloved President, at the close of the forenoon service, gave us a text he
wished to have considered.
It has
been my lot to be somewhat conversant with the Saints who dwell in the Valleys
of the Mountains, or especially those who reside south of this city. My
acquaintance with them has been very great for the last five years. There is no
doubt but that a feeling of carelessness and indifference has been manifested
by many in these valleys in relation to bequeathing their debts to the
Perpetual Emigrating Fund for the assistance they have received. It is not only
an indifference which has been felt towards the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, but
also to individuals who have expended their means to help their friends,
neighbours, or brethren to this valley. They have frequently been treated with
indifference and neglect, and I may say almost with cruelty, by some persons
who have thus been helped. They are unwilling, until they can be very
comfortable themselves, to assist those who have helped them. I have had my
feelings hurt by instances of this kind which have been laid before me.
Now,
then, if I understand the text, it amounts to about this—namely, our Saviour's
golden rule—" Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do you even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." Or,
to use this expression of the Saviour's, in connection with that of our
President, which would be, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so to them, under like circumstances; for this is the
law of the Prophets."
There is
no object on the face of the earth more to be desired, than to bring the poor
and honest Saints from the condition in which they are placed in the Old World,
and set them down here in the midst of these mountains, where, by their own
industry, economy, and prudence, they can provide for their wants and for the
wants of their children. The difficulties which surround the Saints in the Old
World are increasing. The great wars are involving the principal nations of the
earth at this time in very serious expenses, which are taking from the
labouring masses millions and millions of dollars to supply the fighting hosts
with weapons of death, and engines for the destruction of their enemies and the
prosecution of their ambitious designs. While the Allied Powers are thus
engaged, they are consuming the very source upon which the millions of the poor
and needy are depending for their bread—for their existence.
If,
during the time of peace that has prevailed in Europe for the last ten years,
it was necessary to help the poor and the needy away, it becomes tenfold more so
under the present circumstances, when the nations are involving themselves in
very expensive and disastrous wars.
It may be
supposed that I am a little partial to some particular parries that are
connected in this war. I am referring more particularly to the Allied Powers;
but really I feel very little interest in the matter, any further than wherever
Britain carries her sway the Gospel can fellow in her liberal wake. To be sure,
when a boy, my playmates used to say, "Two upon one is one too many;"
and consequently, if there is any sympathy, it would be in favour of Russia, as
they are the weaker party, and are likely to have the worst of it. Then, as far
as the contest is concerned, there may be a very great feeling of indifference
in the minds of many whether Turkey is actually devoured by the Russian bear,
or carved up by the lion of the west of Europe. The event is precisely the
same, let it turn which way it may, as far as it affects us in our emigration
movements: it serves to stop the channel of trade, and consequently affects the
interests of the labouring classes of Great Britain, and a great proportion of
the members of our Church are of this class.
I would
say to those who are in arrears to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, who know
themselves to be such—If you have got houses, lands, cows, sheep, farms, or
property of any description, come forward like honest men and settle up to the
uttermost farthing, and begin again to amass property; and if you have been
owing to this institution for one year; or from the first of its operations,
give a liberal interest for the capital you have held, and which could not be
used or increased by the operations of the Fund. That would be my advice upon
this subject; and then, if you are able to subscribe enough in addition to
bring one or two families, do that also. My advice to those who have just
arrived is that they fall not in the rear, as it has been this day complained
of; but let them make it their first business to square off with the Fund that
brought them here—to furnish this means as soon as it is in their power, to
bring somebody else out from distant countries; and then you can take a fresh
start in this mountain world. Even if you are a little behind when you have
done this, scramble until you catch up again; for the facilities are a thousand
to one in these valleys to what they were seven years ago.
When the
Pioneers came here, it looked a hard chance. There was not a single house to
rent; and as to their being any prospect of having any, it looked very slim.
But there have been slight changes since, and a very great change in relation
to breadstuff. We have bread m abundance now; but then the only prospect of
supply we had was millions of black crickets. The change has been effected, and
persons who land here with nothing but their hands, their bone and sinew, if
they are indebted to the Fund or to persons for bringing them, they can soon
pay these debts; and not only that, but they can soon establish themselves
comfortably, and be prepared to help others.
I have
noticed, in the course of my travels, an occasional individual, which, I
presume, had lost by some of those who have not been willing to pay up. Be that
as it may, I have come across individuals who would lurk among the Saints.
"Why," say they, "what can be the matter? Something is
dreadfully wrong: this is not ancient 'Mormonism'—this is not the old religion
we used to have years ago in the days of Joseph: something is entirely wrong. I
do not see things as I used to; I do not understand them." And they
finally begin to complain, and find fault, and murmur; and so it goes on from
one time to another, until they wonder if they could not get a better location
in California. I have heard men murmur when they were surrounded with plenty,
with peace, and the blessings of heaven. What is the cause of this? The cause
is in themselves. Do you who have crossed the Plains this season expect to find
the inhabitants of these valleys perfect? I think, from all accounts, you were
ill prepared to associate with them, if you had found them perfect: there would
have been room, at least, for a doubt whether you could have been admitted at
all. The great fault lies in individuals not doing right themselves, but
undertaking to make others do right, or to find fault with others for not doing
right.
It is
some time since I read the New Testament; but I believe, if I recollect
rightly, there is a passage, somewhere in the Gospel according to St. Mark,
which says, "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed in the
ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and
grow up he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself;
first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when
the fruit is brought forth immediately, he putteth in the sickle, because the
harvest is come." Well, I met a man that in the days of Joseph Smith used
to be a very great man, in his own eyes at least,—very spirited in the
Church—tremendously so: and he tells me that things are going wrong.
"Why," says he, "things are not now as they used to be." We
will admit it: things are entirely different to what they were twenty years
ago. Did any of you ever raise Indian corn in your lives? If so, you remember, when
it is six inches high, it is very beautiful to the eye; it looks green and
lovely; and it will grow very rapidly, if you will only keep the weeds out of
it: it will grow so rapidly that you can almost see it growing from day to day,
and it is a pleasure to cultivate it. Suppose a man should go into a corn-field
when the corn is six, eight, or ten inches high, who had not been raised in a
country where it was cultivated, but in some corner of the earth where it did
not grow, and he had never seen such a plant before, and let him employ himself
a few days in hoeing it and admiring its beauty,—suppose by some means he
becomes perfectly blind for two or three months, and then goes into the field
after he has received his sight, he now beholds corn seven, eight, and ten feet
high; with large ears upon it,—he would exclaim, "What is this? Who has
destroyed the beautiful plants that were here two months ago? What has become
of them?" He is told it is the same corn. "Oh, it cannot be, for the
corn is little stuff, and only grows eight or ten inches high, and very unlike
this awkward stuff."
This
compares well with some of our "Mormons," who are a little afflicted
with the grunts: they do not know that the work of the Lord has been spreading
rapidly, and growing stronger, and become more formidable than it was twenty
years ago. There has been considerable advance since we used to gather around
Joseph and Hyrum, in Kirtland, to keep the mob from killing them.
I
remember on a certain occasion the brethren were called together to prepare to
defend Joseph against the mob, who were coming to destroy him, if possible.
Brother Cahoon was appointed captain of one of the largest companies, and it
had ten men in it: it was the biggest company we could raise but one, and that
contained fourteen men. Brother Cahoon gave us some advice: he advised us, if
the mob came, and we were obliged to fire, to shoot at their legs. But, should
they advance upon us now, we would shoot higher than that: so, if anybody will
look at it candidly, they will see that we have grown and improved considerably
in our ideas. To shoot at the legs of a mob is now altogether behind the times
in "Mormonism." After brother Cahoon had advised us, brother Brigham
rose and said that if the mob tackled him, he would shoot at their hearts; and
some of the company nearly apostatized. We must remember that we are in the
advance; for the Lord has said, in these days, he has commenced to do a great
work, and called upon his servants to lay the foundation of it. The foundation
being laid, then the work has to be done. In order to be participators in this,
we must be honest with ourselves, with our brethren, and with the poor among
the Lord's people. If we are, the blessings of God will flow upon us, and our
knowledge will increase, and all the light and intelligence that we desire from
God will be poured out upon us, and our means will increase, and our substance
will be blessed unto us. But if we adopt the other principle, although men do
it from covetousness, it is the identical way to become poor. The Prophet said,
The liberal deviseth liberal things, and by his liberality he shall stand. This
is the truth: it has been so among all generations, and with this people from
the beginning.
It was
customary, before we entered this Church, to hear a great deal of text
preaching. The learned ministers would select a text or passage of Scripture,
measure it by a theological rule, divide it into heads, and then preach from
it, preaching about everything in the world but the thing in the text.
After they had gone through this kind of maneuvering long enough, they would
then appeal to the congregation to know if they had not preached to them the
doctrine laid down in the text. Well, if I have preached from the text, excuse
me.
I will
close my remarks with the old-fashioned appeal; and if I have not preached the
doctrines contained in the text, let me advise my friends to give heed to those
doctrines anyhow.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 4:116, 10/19/54 p2; JD 7:39]
REMARKS
By
Heber C. Kimball, Tabernacle, Oct. 6,
1854, p.m.
We have
heard a very beautiful relation from Elder T. D. Brown, of the mission at the
South. It seems that everything we undertake in righteousness prospers, and the
Devil and his agents cannot help themselves, if we are faithful.
The
Zion's ship that was spoken of to-day, which runs in Snag harbour, has
prospered from the first day it was launched, and every man and woman who stick
firmly to that ship will prosper from this time henceforth and for over. That I
know, for I have been on board that ship, and am now sailing upon it.
The first
time I went to England, I was on board of Zion's ship, and Joseph came to me
while I was sailing, and put into my hand a rod; and I presume, if I have
dreamed once of being aboard of that ship, I have dreamed it a hundred times. I
have been in it in the midst of dangers and in the most dangerous places. I
have seen trees and stumps, mountains and rocks, and everything else that could
he placed in her course thrown before her to stop her in her course; but she
can sail through a mountain or on dry land as well as upon the water. I have
this in dreams; and I will say to the brethren, Just so long as you keep aboard
of that ship you will prosper. I do not care whether it is in the midst of the
Lamanites or among the Jews—whether it is in Italy or in Denmark, in Europe or
in America, we will prosper, and I know it. That is my testimony.
As
brother George A. Smith was saying, there are some who want to enjoy ancient
"Mormonism,"—that is, as "Mormonism" used to be when it was
a small sapling. But it is now becoming a lofty tree, and its branches are
beginning to shoot forth all over the nations of the earth; ancient
"Mormonism" has grown to such a degree. Many have been in the
background, and have left the tree, and it has grown to that extent, they do
not know it. That is the trouble with them: they don't know what
"Mormonism" is. But this is "Mormonism," and this is the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and President Young is the true
and legal administrator and delegate sent from God, and we are his brethren,
and he is on board of Zion's ship, and he is the captain; and if we will stick
to it, we shall never run foul of the rocks; and whoever he tells to take hold
of the helm, he will tell them in what direction to steer; and she is such a
good sailor, and so true to the helm, she will run right between or over all
snags.
Do you
believe it, you old "Mormons?" ["Yes."] Well, then, why
don't you grow with the tree, and with the branches thereof? Brother Brown
would grow faster living on bread and water, and water and bread, with a little
milk. Gentlemen, if you don't look out, the ship will get out of reach, and the
tree will grow out of your knowledge, so that you will forget what manner of a tree
it was; because, as the tree grows, it changes in size and appearance, just the
same as a child as it grows to manhood; and if you had not been with him all
the time, you would not know him, although he were your own son.
The text
that President Young gave us hears upon my mind considerably, and it is a thing
we ought to take into consideration; not me alone, but every man and woman that
belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; not only those who
are indebted to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, but all ought to throw in their
mites and enlarge this Fund. The means can be paid in here, and the poor can be
brought out from the nations. Hundreds have come on this year on the strength
of this Fund. It is the duty of those who have been brought out by it to go and
work forthwith for means to pay their indebtedness. It does not belong to you,
but it belongs to those who have made the Fund: it belongs to that Company, and
to every individual, if they have not placed in it any more than a picayune or
a halfpenny.
Look at
the poor in old England. I have heard that some have feelings against me,
because I have spoken of the poverty of the people in that country. I know more
about its poverty than the natives of the country do. Those who come from there
don't know as well about it as we do. In the last letter that came from my son
William, he wrote that "I feel to weep and mourn and lament, when I behold
the poverty of the people: they are starving to death, and there are scores and
hundreds of my brethren in the poor-houses of the country: the husband is put
in one poor-house, the wife in another, and the children in another."
That is
the case with our brethren there; and while you are here in the midst of
luxuries—while you are enjoying these blessings of the Lord can you see your
own brethren afflicted? It is not only so in England, but in Ireland, in
Scotland, in Denmark, and in Sweden, and in all the nations of the earth. Do
they enjoy what we enjoy? No. Although there are some who want to return to
their native country, to enjoy their own habits and customs, yet there is no
rational man or woman who wants to return.
Brethren,
did you ever reflect upon these things, and try to find out what you could do?
Supposing there were not any more Saints than what are in this room to-day, if
we were to put forth our hand as one man, what could we accomplish? There are
people enough in this congregation to accomplish more than the whole Church
has, if they would only believe and act upon the instructions given them.
Solomon says, The liberal man deviseth liberal things, and by his liberality
shall he live. I have proved the truth of this saying to my fullest
satisfaction and to my astonishment, time and time again. When I have been poor
and penniless, and could not raise five dollars, I have gone to work, by the
counsel of my President, and built me a good house, and furnished it; and says
brother Brigham, "You shall build that house, and yea shall have your
fit-out." I did it according to his word, and it was clear of debt, and I
had a good fit-out.
I have
done the same here upon the same principle; and said the President,
"Brother Kimball, take one lead of rock, and a load of sand, and a load of
clay, and say to the masons and joiners, Go a-head; for I never built a house
yet, but I was better off when I had done it than when I began." And
brethren and sisters, that is the reason I keep on building. [Voice; in the
stand: "You will get poor if you stop."] Therefore I go a-head. Many
will sit down and count the costs—how much it will cost to put a potato in the
ground, and then how much it will take to raise a hill around it; and they find
out the expense is so great, they will never plant a potato nor make a hill,
and they never will accomplish anything. Do you know that is true?
Let us go
to work now and enlarge this Fund, and let us do it at this Conference; and let
those who are indebted to it go to work immediately and pay up. We shall
probably hold this meeting for a time, and your hearts shall be enlarged; and
if you could only go home while they are enlarged, and all the puckering
strings loosened, and back the thing right up, the Perpetual Fund would be
rich. I know that men and women have consciences that want to screw this way,
and twist that way, and every way under God's heavens, before they can come to
the right thing, If you want to grow and thrive, and want to have the Spirit of
the Lord, and the Holy Ghost to be with you, and have dreams and visions, and
gold and silver, and herds and flocks, wives and children, and every other good
thing, go a-head in every duty, and never falter one moment, and tell the Devil
to kiss your foot.
The Devil
is on the puckering line, and he will pucker every Saint and every man there is
upon the earth, so that they would let their fellow-beings lie down in a furrow
of the field and starve to death; and these are you brethren and sisters, if
you only but knew it, just as much as your brethren and sisters are according
to what you call the flesh. This is the feeling of many—"Well, if I could
only get dad, and mammy, and grand-dad, and uncle John, and aunt Nancy, and
Sally here, I would not care a damn for all the rest." Who cares about
having only Nancy and Sally? Let us have Susan and Polly and Timothy and Andrew
out, too. What do you say? [Voice in the stand: "Let us bring them all
out."] Yes, let us bring them all out. The wars, distress, and confusion
among the nations are increasing the value of provisions. It was just as much
as you could do to live, when you were there.
What do
you say, brethren and sisters? I do not want you to say anything, unless you go
a-head and do what you say. Shall we go a-head and enlarge these funds, and pay
up our debts? [Voice in the stand: "Aye."] Well, all who are in
favour of paying up your debts to the Fund, to the Church, and everybody else,
I want you to signify it by raising your right hands, and then say,
"Aye." [" Aye."] And when you come tomorrow, bring along
your pennies, and let us keep gathering and enlarging the pile, and keep
enlarging it, and gather the Saints together from the four quarters of the
earth. We are the persons to do that business; and when we have accomplished
our part as servants in the flesh, God will send angels he has had in reserve
to accomplish what we cannot accomplish. But he will make us buckle up to the
work; and if we should happen to lie down and sleep before we have done all we
might do here, he will tell us to awake and go about our business, and
accomplish that we might have done while we were in the flesh. You have got to
do it, as sure as the sun ever rose and set; you may wait as long as you have a
mind to before you begin.
My
feelings are for us all to concentrate our energies with the head of this
Church, and put the wheel in operation, that, when another year comes, we may
see a hundred times more come out by the Perpetual Emigrating Fund than we have
ever seen.
I believe
I have stuck to the text pretty well. May God bless you, and help you to be
faithful and fulfil your covenants, from this time henceforth and for ever.
Amen.
Chanting by the choir.
Benediction by Elder Hyde
——
[6 Oct, 6 pm]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Six p.m.
Singing. Prayer by Elder O. Pratt. Singing.
Elder Hyde spoke on 'marriage relations,' followed by President Brigham Young with remarks on the first eight verses of the 3rd chapter of Timothy.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 4:115, 10/19/54 p1; JD 2:75]
LECTURE
By
Elder Orson Hyde, Tabernacle, Oct. 6,
1854, 6 p.m.
BELOVED
FRIENDS, AND BRETHREN:—
It
appears to have fallen to my lot to be your speaker at this time, and to call
your attention to a subject that was proposed in the former part of the day.
At the
time I gave out the appointment for this evening's meeting, my eye was fixed
upon another person to deliver the lecture. I shall try to do the subject as
good justice as my abilities, aided by the faith of the Saints and the Spirit
of God, may enable me to do, I desire not only your candid and undivided attention,
but I trust I shall also have your prayers, that the Lord may inspire me with
those arguments and reasons that are well pleasing in His sight, that I may
acquit myself before Him, if it may not be my good fortune to acquit myself so
amply before you as my heart would desire.
While reflecting upon the subject of this
evening's lecture, those words occurred to my mind, which our Savior spake to
the Jews, who considered themselves righteous, and looked upon others with
distrust and disdain—in short, who looked upon others as sinners; to reprove
them, he said, "Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God
knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination
in the sight of God."
I do not
know that I shall confine myself to this text particularly. Although I have
repeated these words for the text, yet the text is not a guide at all times for
the servant of God. It is the letter that killeth, we read, but; it is the
Spirit that giveth life. The Spirit of the Almighty is the agent by which His
servants should ever be led.
The words
contained in this Bible are merely a history of what is gone by; it was never
given to guide the servant of God in the course he should pursue, any more than
the words and commandments of God, given to a generation under one set of
circumstances, would serve for another generation under another set of
circumstances. There must be something to suggest or to draw forth the command
to answer the circumstance under which we are placed at the time.
It is so
with the servants of God. There is a Spirit that is ever ready, and points out,
under varied and conflicting circumstances, the very course which the servants
of God should pursue. The Bible is not a sufficient guide; it is only the
history of the people who lived 1800 years ago. The history of our Church in
this day, presents the scenes and transactions of this people—the revelations
and words of God to them; but if an individual living an hundred, or eighteen
hundred, years hence, under different circumstances, were to adopt the history
of this people for his guide in all things, he would not find it sufficient to
answer the circumstances surrounding him.
Hence, it
is the letter that killeth, and the Spirit giveth life. In the light of that
celestial agent I ever hope to walk. I hope that it may be not only my helm and
guide, but yours also, through all the labyrinths and windings of this mortal
life, until we attain a standing upon ground celestial.
I have
heard it remarked sometimes, by individuals who were not identified or
connected with our Church, that if they could only be convinced that polygamy
was true, they would become "Mormons" at once.
Do you
believe the Bible? "Certainly I do," says the inquirer. Did father
Abraham and the ancient Patriarchs live in this relation, and practise this
doctrine? You say they did. Then if what they practised is true, .you are bound
to become a "Mormon," upon your own hypothesis and reasons. But,
gentlemen, if I knew that that was the all-convincing argument, and if that was
the principal doctrine that alone influenced you to become a
"Mormon," I should at once say, let me never baptize such a person,
let me never be the agent to bring such a person into the Church and kingdom of
God.
God
despises every character who would enter His Church for no other purpose than
to criminally indulge his natural propensities. Then, gentlemen, do not indulge
the expectation, if you should be convinced by the arguments. I may adduce in
favor of the doctrine of polygamy, as it is called, that that will prove a
sufficient groundwork for your faith. But where is the ground upon which to
base your faith? Where shall you go to find out "Mormonism" from the
foundation to the top-stone, from the root to the uttermost branch in the tree?
Begin at the beginning. If men wish to accomplish any work, they must Begin at
the beginning of that work, not in the middle of it, or at the end. I must
begin at the beginning, and if I know that the first stone is laid upon a
permanent foundation, I can then with safety add another to that already laid;
but if I cannot lay the first stone upon ground that is solid—if I cannot lay
it upon a rock, I may despair of ever rearing a fabric or superstructure that
will resist the rain and winds that may be hurled against it by the power of
nature. We must begin at the beginning, and not content ourselves by grasping
at that which may be beautiful in illustration and enlist our attention, and
begin to build upon it as a foundation. In such a case we may have branches,
but we do not bear the root.
I know
that this doctrine is made the subject of a great deal of ridicule. I know that
the world at large who profess to be pious, or, if not pious, morally upright,
look upon it as a damning sin, as a stain upon the bright escutcheon of their
country, here in the very heart of the United States territory, surrounded by
tall mountains; they consider it a dark spot in the country's history. Many of
the great politicians of the day view it in this point of light. Religionists
are still more scrupulous—they regard it as a heinous and damning sin.
I always
consider it my duty, under proper circumstances, to give a reason of the hope
that is in me, with meekness and fear; and if I have imbibed a principle, and
am unable to defend it upon the principles of truth, justice, equity, and true
philosophy, I should consider I was walking in the dark.
Whenever
truth is manifested by revelation to the servants of God, it never comes
without a reason for it. When the light of revelation bursts upon the mind, it
not only unfolds one principle, but many. For instance, to illustrate this
idea, suppose this room were in total darkness, and we were seated as we now
are, if a brilliant light were introduced in the midst of the room, it would
enable us to see not only one person, but the whole multitude.
So it is
with the light of revelation. When it bursts into the human mind, it not only
reveals one principle, but casts a halo of light upon all connected with it. An
individual thus favored, walks in the light of Jehovah's countenance. I have a
desire that in this light we may walk; and he whose eye is single, says the
Savior, his whole body shall be full of light, and there is no darkness in him,
nor occasion of stumbling.
What is
the condition of the world at large, both religious and political, who regard
us as being in the depths of sin, iniquity, and transgression? What are their
customs? Go, if you please, to the large cities of every nation and clime. I
have visited many of them in the four quarters of the earth, and in the islands
of the sea. I have had some little experience in relation to these things, so
far as common observation could give it to me, and I pretty well understand the
manner of life of the world at large.
A man, for
instance, who has the most riches, the, man who can command the most wealth, I
do not not say this is the case with all, but it is the case with the
majority—they not only have their wives and families with whom they publicly
live and associate, but they also have in secret places their mistresses, whom
they maintain not honorably, but under a cloak as it were. When by their
illegitimate connexions they are likely to increase their race, what means do
they resort to, to save their credit, to keep their honor unsullied in the eyes
of the multitude, to cover up their iniquity, hide their crimes, and smother
their shame? A skilful practitioner is employed to destroy the embryo
offspring. This is murder.
Nor is
this the only means used to hide their shame, and save themselves from
reproach. They may be successful in hiding their iniquity from the eye of man,
but they cannot hide it from the eye of the Omnipotent Jehovah. Is there not a
day coming when these acts will be searched out, and proclaimed abroad, and
that, too, by a mind that penetrates the secret thoughts and intents of the
hearts of the children of men? "What! is there indeed such a day
approaching?" Yes. It may be hid for a little season from the view of the
wicked, but it is steadily approaching, and will come as a thief in the night;
and those very persons, both male and female, who often throw out their
anathemas against the "Mormons," against their course, and manner of
life, will be overwhelmed with it.
Then how
will apply the words of our text—"Ye are they that justify yourselves
before men, but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is well pleasing in the
sight of men, is an abomination to God." What is well pleasing in the eyes
of worldly men—men devoid of principle, and destitute of the righteousness of
God? It is pleasing to them to hide and smother up anything that would tend to
cast reproach and infamy upon their name. The blackness of their character they
seek to conceal from the public gaze, and appear good Christians, and honorable
men in society, men of principle, virtue, and integrity. If they can hide their
shame, no matter what the expense or suffering caused in destroying the embryo
coming into being. They care not to risk the life of her who would become a
mother. All this is well pleasing in the eyes of unprincipled men, and that
their iniquity should not come to light.
But that
that is well pleasing in the sight of men, is an abomination in the sight of
God. I will venture to say, that you may go into the most populous cities of
the world, and you will find a considerable part of those who give tone to
Christianity as it is in the world, standing in these miserable relations,
under cover, and in secret. These things are true, and it is enough to pain the
heart of the philanthropist, and wound the feelings of any man who is the
friend of suffering humanity, to read their history, and observe their course.
I would not follow them in all their filthy windings, were I able. Had I the
discerning eye of an angel, or of a God, I would not wish to follow them up,
and disclose to you the corruptions that are practised in the world, and all
under the cloak of popularity, shrouded by high standing, and worldly
authority; and thus they are protected in their unlawful relations.
I am not
disposed to charge home upon the lawgivers of our country things of this kind;
I will not presume to do it; yet at the same time, if I can credit their own
statements in relation to the acts of one another touching these matters, it is
enough to make the nations blush and hide their heads in shame, from such
miserable, MISERABLE, corrupt proceedings.
But we do
not wish to sustain our own position upon the corruptions of others—our own
position, as it is in the mind and revelations of God. God forbid that our
faith should be founded upon the corruptions of the world. Our faith is founded
upon the purity of the word of life, and there let it be grounded.
Well,
now, friends and brethren, will you listen to me for a short time, and let me
conduct you as far as I shall be able this evening, through the volume of
inspiration that is universally acknowledged by all Christendom to be the word
of God, the truth of heaven? Will you listen to some of the sayings contained
in that book? And then say whether we possess the same spirit now that inspired
the breasts of the ancients, whose history is penned upon these pages. Judge
for yourselves whether it be so or not.
In the
first place, then, we will look unto Abraham our father, and to Sarah who bore
us, for if we are Christ's, then we are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to
the promise. Let any story be told of my father whereby dishonor is laid to his
charge, or let any reproach be cast upon my mother, and if the feelings of the
loyalty of a son towards his parents dwell in my bosom I will resist all such
reproach. No matter how sinful they might have been, their sins must not be
portrayed before me. I look then unto Abraham as nay father, and unto Sarah as
my mother who bore me. How was it, then, with Abraham? He is said to be the
father of the faithful, and the great head of the Church in the days of the
Patriarchs, and the head of those who have been adopted into the covenant of
Jehovah through the blood of His only begotten; for if we are Christ's then we
are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. If, by the virtue of
the Savior's blood, our sins are washed away, we are the children of Abraham;
we hail him as our father, and Sarah as our mother; he is the father of the
faithful, he is the father of many nations. How was it with Abraham? Did he
please God, walk before Him uprightly, and obtain this testimony that he
pleased God, and obtain promises that no other man has obtained since the days
of Abraham, the Son of God excepted? Jehovah promised that in him and in his
seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed, as a pattern of piety, and
as the great head of the Church. Because of his faithfulness in keeping the
commandments of Jehovah on earth, he drew from on high this great promise. Who
has lived since that time who has been thus blessed? I will venture to say not
one. Then if we are his children, will we not do the works of faithful Abraham?
So said the Savior, who ever spoke the truth, who ever declared the mind and
will of his Father in heaven. Are we Abraham's seed, or are we bastards and not
sons? That is the question.
Let us
see what Abraham's works were. Abraham obtained promises. What promise have you
obtained? What promise has the Christian world obtained ? "Why," says
one, "the Bible is all full of promises made to the people of God long
ago." But what have the promises to the people of God long ago to do with
us? Have we obtained promises to ourselves? There is the point. If our fathers
obtained promises that they should be fed, and were fed, their eating and
drinking does not satisfy my appetite. It satisfied them, but that has nothing
to do with me, I want the same kind of substantial food myself. If Abraham
obtained promises, I want to obtain promises also. "What! A man that has
more than one wife obtain promises from God?" I tell you there were but
few in olden times who ever did obtain promises from God, that had not more
than one wife, if the Bible be true. There was David, and there was Solomon;
there were the whole line of the kings of Israel. Says one, "That Old
Bible was for the Jews, and has nothing to do with us; that is the Old
Testament; and having more wives was according to their law, and according to
their custom, but it does not apply to us; the Savior of the world is our great
pattern, he is our great lawgiver."
And how
is it with him? Let us inquire. Did the Savior of the world consider it to be
his duty to fulfil all righteousness? You, answer, yes. Even the simple
ordinance of baptism he would not pass by, for the Lord commanded it, and
therefore it was righteousness to obey what the Lord had commanded, and he
would fulfil all righteousness. Upon this hypothesis! will go back to the
beginning, and notice the commandment that was given to our first parents in
the garden of Eden. The Lord said unto them, "Multiply and
replenish the earth." I will digress here for a moment from the thread of
the subject, and bring an idea that may perhaps have a bearing upon it.
The
earth, you remember, was void and empty, until our first parents began at the
garden of Eden. What does the term replenish mean? This word is derived from
the Latin; "re" and "plenus;" "re" denotes
repetition, iteration; and "plenus" signifies full, complete; then
the meaning of the word replenish is, to refill, recomplete. If I were to go
into a merchant's store, and find he had got a new stock of goods, I should
say—"You have replenished your stock, that is, filled up your
establishment, for it looks as it did before." "Now go
forth," says the Lord, "and replenish the earth; for it was covered
with gloomy clouds of darkness, excluded from the light of heaven, and darkness
brooded. upon the face of the deep. The world was peopled before the days of
Adam, as much so as it was before the days of Noah. It was said that Noah
became the father of a new world, but it was the same old world still, and will
continue to be, though it may pass through many changes.
When God
said, Go forth and replenish the earth; it was to replenish the inhabitants of
the human species, and make it as it was before. Our first parents, then, were
commanded to multiply and replenish the earth; and if the Savior found it his
duty to be baptized to fulfil all righteousness, a command of far less
importance than that of multiplying his race, (if indeed there is any
difference in the commandments of Jehovah, for they are all important, and all
essential,) would he not find it his duty to join in with the rest of the
faithful ones in replenishing the earth? "Mr. Hyde, do you really wish to
imply that the immaculate Savior begat children? It is a blasphemous assertion
against the purity of the Savior's life, to say the least of it. The holy
aspirations that ever ascended from him to his Father would never allow him to
have any such fleshly and carnal connexions, never, no never." This is the
general idea; but the Savior never thought it beneath him to obey the mandate
of his Father; he never thought this stooping beneath his dignity; he never
despised what God had made; for they are bone of his bone, and flesh of his
flesh; kindred spirits, that once basked in rays of immortality and eternal
life. When he found them clothed upon and surrounded with the weaknesses of
mortal flesh, would he despise them? No. It is this, I have seen men who became
poor and miserable all at once, and then those who were their friends in the
days of their prosperity turn from them, and scarcely deign to bestow them a
look, it being too humiliating to associate with them in their poverty. But it
was not so with the Savior; he associated with them in other spheres, and when
they came here descending below all things, he did not despise to associate
with these same kindred spirits. "Then you really mean to hold to the doctrine
that the Savior of the world was married; do you mean to be understood so? And
if so, do you mean to be understood that he had more than one wife?"
The
Christian world by their prejudices have driven us away from the Old Bible, so
we must now appeal to the New Testament, for that seems to suit the prejudice
of the people though to me it is all alike, both the Old and New Testaments;
for the scribe that is well instructed, brings out of his treasury things both
new and old. This is my treasury, or rather, it is one of my treasuries, and
what I cannot find there, I trust will come down from on high, and lodge in my
heart. The gift of God is also my treasury, even the Holy Spirit.
Now
suppose I should set out myself, and travel through the cities of the nation as
a celebrated reformer, preaching revelations and sentiments as lofty as the
skies, and rolling out ideas strange and new, to which the multitude were
entirely unaccustomed; and wherever I went, suppose I had with me three or four
women—one combing my head, another washing my feet, and another shedding tears
upon them, and wiping them with the hair of her head. Suppose I should lean
upon them, and they upon me, would it not appear monstrous in the eyes of the
world? Would they ride me into Jerusalem upon our ass's colt, and cast branches
of the palm tree beneath my feet, shouting, "Hosannah, blessed is he that
cometh in the name of the Lord, hosannah in the highest?" I guess they
would give me a coat of tar and feathers, and ride me on a rail; and it is my
opinion they would serve the Savior the same, did he go about now as he did
eighteen hundred years ago.
There is
an old prophecy of Isaiah, which I cannot stop to read, but you will find it in
the 53rd chapter of his prophecies; read the whole of the chapter. This
particular prophecy speaks of Christ all the way through. It is there said,
"When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his
seed." What constitutes the soul? The spirit and body of man united; for
you know it is said in one place that so many souls were slain in the night by
the angel of God. The immortal part was not slain, but a disunion of the mortal
and immortal parts took place. When they shall make his soul an offering for
sin, he shall see his seed. If he has no seed, how could he see them? When they
make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, and prolong his days,
and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." By and bye the
Prophet goes on to say, "And who shall declare his generation,"
for his life is taken from the earth. If he had no generation, who could
declare it. I told you there was an agent who would bring out every subject in
bold relief, which is the Holy Ghost, who searcheth all things, even the deep
things of God, and until that celestial agent should fire some man's heart to
declare his generation, it could never be made known. Who shall declare it? He
could not, for he was cut off from the earth. I have noticed the prophecy of
Isaiah, that portion of it which was fulfilled in the person of the Savior, for
the Lord divided him a portion with the great, "and he shall divide the
spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he
was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors." Upon him was laid the iniquity of us
all; he was numbered with thieves,' and in his expiring moments he said,
"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." "He was
oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as
a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he
openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who
shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgression of my people was he stricken." Now if one portion of
this prophecy has been fulfilled, the other portion has, or will be.
How was
it with Mary and Martha, and other women that followed him? In old times, and
it is common in this day, the women, even as Sarah, called their husbands Lord;
the word Lord is tantamount to husband in some languages, master, lord,
husband, are about synonymous. In England we frequently hear the wife say,
"Where is my master?" She does not mean a tyrant, but as Sarah called
her husband Lord, she designates hers by the word master. When Mary of old came
to the sepulchre on the first day of the week, instead of finding Jesus she saw
two angels in white, "And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest
thou? She said unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord," or
husband, "and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus
said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was
Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She,
supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him
hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith
unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to
say, Master." Is there not here manifested the affections of a wife. These
words speak the kindred ties and sympathies that are common to that relation of
husband and wife. Where will you find a family so nearly allied by the ties of
common religion? "Well," you say, "that appears rather
plausible, but I want a little more evidence, I want you to find where it says
the Savior was actually married."
Have you
ever read your Bibles? I must confess I have not read it for some time, but
looked more to Him who rules on high, and to those who hold the words of life
in the inspiration of the Holy Ghost; I look to them more frequently than to
it. I have once memorized the Bible, and when any one quoted one verse, I could
quote the next. I have memorized it in English, German, and Hebrew, still I do
not profess to be very familiar with it now, yet the sentiments and spirit of
it are in my heart, and will be as long as I live, and still remain when I am
gone to another sphere. When does it say the Savior was married? I believe I
will read it for your accommodation, or you might not believe my words were I
to say that there is indeed such a Scripture.
We will
turn over to the account of the marriage in Cans of Galilee, and the mother of
Jesus was there. Yes, and somebody else too. You will and it in the and chapter
of John's Gospel; remember it and read it when you go home. "And the third
day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they
wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him They have no wine. Jesus saith
unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His
mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there
were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of
the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill
the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith
unto them Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast, And they bare
it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and
knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the
governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him"—that is,
the ruler of the feast saith unto the bridegroom, "Every man at the
beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that
which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now."
Gentlemen,
that is as plain as the translators, or different councils over this Scripture,
dare allow it to go to the world, but the thing is there; it is told; Jesus was
the bridegroom at the marriage of Cana of Galilee, and he told them what to do.
Now there
was actually a marriage; and if Jesus was not the bridegroom on that occasion,
please tell who was. If any man can show this, and prove that it was not the Savior
of the world, then I will acknowledge I am in error. We say it was Jesus Christ
who was married, to be brought into the relation whereby he could see his seed,
before he was crucified. "Has he indeed passed by the nature of angels,
and taken upon himself the seed of Abraham, to die without leaving a seed to
bear his name on the earth?" No. But when the secret is fully out, the
seed of the blessed shall be gathered in, in the last days; and he who has not
the blood of Abraham flowing in his veins, who has not one particle of the
Savior's in him, I am afraid is a stereotyped Gentile, who will be left out and
not be gathered in the last days; for I tell you it is the chosen of God, the
seed of the blessed, that shall be gathered. I do not despise to be called a
son of Abraham, if he had a dozen wives; or to be called a brother, a son, a
child of the Savior, if he had Mary, and Martha, and several others, as wives;
and though he did cast seven devils out of one of them, it is all the same to
me.
Well,
then, he shall see his seed, and who shall declare his generation, for he was
cut off from the earth? I shall say here, that before the Savior died, he
looked upon his own natural children, as we look upon ours; he saw his seed,
and immediately afterwards he was cut off from the earth; but who shall declare
his generation? They had no father to hold them in honorable remembrance; they
passed into the shades of obscurity, never to be exposed to mortal eye as the
seed of the blessed one. For no doubt had they been exposed to the eye of the
world, those infants might have share the same fate as the children in
Jerusalem in the days of Herod, when all the children were ordered to be slain
under such an age, with the hopes of slaying the infant Savior. They might have
suffered by the hand of the assassin, as the sons of many kings have done who
were heirs apparent to the thrones of their fathers.
History
is replete with circumstances of neck-or-nothing politicians dyeing their hands
in the blood of those who stood in their way to the throne or to power.
That seed
has had its influence upon the chosen of God in the last days. The same spirit
inspires them that inspires their father, who bled and died upon the cross
after the manner of the flesh.
"Well,
but," says one, "there was certainly an injunction laid upon
the Bishops in New Testament times, that they should have but one wife. This is
brought up as a great argument against the position the Latter-day Saints have
taken. In olden times they might have passed through the same
circumstances as some of the Latter-day Saints had to in Illinois. What would
it have done for us, if they had known that many of us had more than one wife
when we lived in Illinois? They would have broken us up, doubtless, worse than
they did. They may break us up, and rout us from place to another, but by and
bye we shall come to a point where we shall have all the women, and they will
have none. You may think I am joking about this, but I can bring you the truth
of God to demonstrate it to you I have not advanced anything I have not got an
abundance of backing for. There is more truth than poetry in this as sure as
you live.
The
Bishops anciently, in their office and callings, had a great deal to do with
temporal matters—serving tables, attending to the poor, &c. And inasmuch as
so much trust was reposed in them of a temporal character, they were required
to have a fair reputation, and must not stand in any relation that would in the
least prejudice their reputation with the world of mankind.
In
certain countries, plurality of wives is legal. Christendom think they are
about everybody, and the "rest of mankind" are few and far between. I
have travelled among nations and countries where this doctrine was tolerated by
law, and I will venture to say, if we ware to take a walk through the world
to-night and find out those who are in favor of, or against, this doctrine, the
majority would be in its favor. Could the whole world be assembled here before
me, and a vote taken upon this subject, they would give us the right of
conscience in this matter.
Has not
the Mahomedan a right to be in favor of it? Did not God make him? And is not
his right as dear to him as ours? Why should we set ourselves up as a little
family of nations in Christendom, and say to the rest of the great family of
the world, "You shall not do so and so, and you shall do this or
that?" Why should we be restricted in this matter, while the great
majority of the world decide in its favor?
Take this
question up upon political principles, and what do the majority of the world
say about it? They establish our right. Then take it upon the principles of
natural philosophy, and the truth of our position is made still more apparent.
Had I language to portray to the most delicate ear the principles of our
existence, and the laws of our nature, the most stubborn sceptic would be
obliged to yield to the power of truth. I might take up the subject in this
point of light, but I will forbear, I will spare you. If I had a congregation
of men, I would not spare them one whit.
The
Bishop is to be the husband of one wife. And as for old Paul, everybody says he
lived and died a bachelor; but he said all things were lawful for him, and that
he had power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other Apostles, and as
the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas. Paul did not make known all things, for
all things were not lawful to tell. He said himself, he knew a man that was
caught up to the third heavens, and heard things unlawful to utter. If he did
not take a wife, and multiply, and replenish the earth, he did not fulfil the
first great fundamental law of nature.
There are
many living now who are bachelors. I do not complain of the very old men, for
they cannot help themselves at all times, but I am going to complain of the old
bachelors; and I tell you what it is, if you do not step forward and marry, and
try to carry on the great work of Jehovah, it will be left for a better man to
do than you. [Voice in the stand "There is but one old bachelor in
the Territory, and he has gone to the States."] O! I beg your pardon;
President Young says he does not know of but one old bachelor in all the
Territory of Utah, and he has gone to the States; therefore I have nothing more
to say on this particular point. Look abroad, upon the world at large, and how
many are there who are too niggardly to take a wife, and support her and her
offspring honorably, and rear up a family that will reflect honor upon them in
their old age! No—they cannot afford to do this, but they go where they can
gratify their fleshly desires, leaving the consequences altogether with the
confiding females whom they dishonor, and who in that state despair of ever
being reinstated in society with a good character, give themselves to
prostitution, and in rottenness go down to a premature grave with ten thousand
curses on the heads of their deceivers.
Do you
suppose these things are going to escape the all-seeing eye of the Great
Jehovah? And. will He not visit the guilty sensualist with a dreadful punishment?
He will. Why not in honorable wedlock raise Up offspring to glorify God? Why
this niggardly disposition? No wonder the Lord Almighty sends the pestilence to
lay them waste, and reduce nations and cities to ruins.
Brethren
and sisters, it is for us to have the light of truth shining in our eyes, and
honor that truth in all our intercourse with one another.
The
Bishop shall have but one wife. If you were in a country where only one wife is
allowed by law, then you would be obliged to have but one. What shall I say? A
Bishop in England, where he knew polygamy to be contrary to law, must have but
one wife; if you want another, and the law will not allow it, you must go where
it is allowed by law. It was the case with the Bishops in olden times. We must
submit to the laws of man until he shall reign whose right it is to reign.
This is
the cord that shall revolutionize the whole world, and it will make the United
States tremble from the very head to the foot; it is like leaven hid in three
measures of meal until the whole is leavened. There is such a tide of
irresistible arguments that, like the grand Mississippi, it bears on its bold
current everything that dares to oppose its course.
Says one,
"Why is it that men in your society may have more than one wife? What is
the policy of it?" The men of God who hold the priesthood of heaven, and
imbibe the light of the Holy Ghost, have the privilege and right. Now let me
illustrate one thing, and let me bring it home to you. There may be some under
the sound of my voice that the case will fit. Some man will perhaps marry a
wife of his youth. She dies—he loved her as he loves himself, and her memory
ever lingers about his heart. He marries another, and she dies, and he loved
her equally as well. He marries a third, and so on, and he loved them all. By
and bye he dies, and he dies with devoted affection and love to them all.
Now in
the resurrection, which of those wives will he claim? There is no difference in
his love to any of them, and they have all perhaps borne children to him. He
loves the children of one mother as well as the children of another. What say
you? Which shall he have in the resurrection? Why, let him have the whole of
them. To whom are they nearer allied?
There is
a case opposite to this, where a woman married a husband, and he died, and so
on, until she was married to seven husbands, and then she died. The question
was asked the Savior, "Whose wife will she be in the resurrection!"
for they all had her. The Savior gave a curious answer. Says he, "In the
resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the
angels of God." Now tell me how the angels are in heaven, and then we
shall have the secret.
It is said, "In the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters
shall prophesy, and your old men shall see visions, and your men shall dream
dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days
of my Spirit; and they shall prophecy." You are praying every day,
"Thy kingdom come, and thy will be done on earth as it is in
heaven." You never can know how it is done in heaven, unless you can see
it by vision; or the kingdom, when it does come, unless it is revealed to you
by the spirit of prophecy, or in dreams and visions; then you know it.
This is
the benefit of dreams and visions, although this power is lightly spoken of,
and repudiated in the Christian world. The revelation of the Almighty from God
to a man who holds the Priesthood, and is enlightened by the Holy Ghost, whom
God designs to make a ruler and a governor in His eternal kingdom is, that he
may have many wives, that when he goes yonder to another sphere he may still
continue to perpetuate his species, and of the increase of his kingdom and government
there shall be no end, says Daniel. How does the kingdom of God increase, but
by the increase of its subjects? Everything increases, everything multiplies.
As brother Benson said this morning, even the musquitoes of Nebraska increase
and multiply. If they do, why not high orders of the creation have a better
right? These musquitoes and insects are the result of a fallen world, but by
and bye there will be nothing to hurt or destroy in all God's holy mountain.
These men
of God who are married here by the authority of heaven are sealed on earth and
in heaven. The good old book says, that which is sealed on earth is sealed in
heaven; and whosoever sins ye remit on earth shall be remitted in heaven, and
whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. That Priesthood that has
not this power is no better than a rope of sand. The true Priesthood alone
possesses it. The Priesthood that has not this power is a meek Priesthood, and
not the Priesthood of the Almighty. Little did the world know when they treated
the Savior as they did, that he held their destiny in his hands; the world knew
him not; he came to his own and they received him not; but the time will come
that they will know him, and the power of his Priesthood.
When the
servants of God and their wives go to heaven there is an eternal union, and
they will multiply and replenish the world to which they are going.
It is not
every man in the United States that can be the president, or that can be a
governor, or a judge, but all are within the pale of the government of the
United States, though they do not all bear rule; many are called, and few are
chosen. But in yonder world those who bear the Priesthood, and by their faith
and obedience obtain the sanction of the Almighty, they are sealed on earth and
in heaven, and will be exalted to rule and govern for ever; while those who
would not listen to the holy commandments, and died without having a wife
sealed to them, are angels; they are lower spirits, and servants to them
that rule. Therefore, this family of old, which the Savior spoke of, saying,
"In the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage,"
are not Gods, but angels, who neither marry nor are given in marriage, while
the men that magnify their callings are they that bear rule, and hold dominion,
and receive their crown, and are one with the Savior, as he is one with the
Father. Hence, he that is faithful over a few things shall he made ruler over
many things.
I have a
few words more to say, and a great deal more can be said; for I have only just
dipped into the subject a little. I want to say a few things more, and perhaps
this is the most fitting occasion on which they could be said. You never see a
"Mormon" man who bears the Priesthood, unless it is some characters
that only bear it in form, who are devoid of principle, who have transgressed,
and have escaped being dealt with—I say you never see a true-hearted
"Mormon" man running after a lewd woman; but there are women among the
Latter-day Saints who are loose in their conduct, notwithstanding they have
embraced the Gospel. We only wish to apply this where it belongs; do not any of
you have your feelings hurt, for God knows I would hold the virtuous and good
as sacred as I would my own life. At the same time I am bound to speak in
plainness, and I feel that the Spirit is on me now, I am warmed with it, and it
presses me to speak on this subject, and to speak it out. There are families in
this town that have bowed externally to the yoke of Christ, but they are as
corrupt as hell, and I can point where they are, in what direction they dwell.
When I approach their habitations, I feel that they are an abomination in my
sight. "Have you any tangible evidence of this?" Yes, I have, and
more than I want, which I shall keep to myself, but the day will come when it
will all come out. Do you see "Mormon" men running there? No.
Wherever you find a house among the Latter-day Saints where no
"Mormon" men go, you may know it is not all sound in Denmark. I will
tell you whom you see there in particular—men who fear not God nor regard man.
What have I got to say concerning women that will come into the Church and
kingdom of God, and bring dishonor upon themselves, and endeavour to bring it
upon the whole Church, by cohabiting with those cursed scape-races who are
passing through here to California, who make their boast of what they did in
Great Salt Lake City? I know their secret talk in their chambers, for the
Spirit of God searcheth all things. It may not be with me to the same extent
all the time, but sometimes the whole vision of my mind is lit up, and I see
and understand it all.
I am
going to say something upon those who dishonor the Church and kingdom of God in
this way. I will tell you what shall happen to those men and women who commit
lewdness, and go and boast of it, and laugh in the face of heaven. The day
shall come when their flesh shall rot upon their bones, and as they are walking
it shall drop, and become a nauseous stink upon the highway. Now go and boast
that you can get all you want for a dress pattern, or a yard of ribbon; go and
boast of it, and the Lord Almighty shall curse you all the day long. [Voice in
the stand, "Amen."] And when you step, chunks of your flesh shall
drop off your bones, and; stink enough to sicken a dog.
I speak
this to both men and women that practise this iniquity in the midst of this
people; and if you do not refrain from such intercourse, this prediction shall
begin to take effect, and by this you shall know whether I have spoken in the
name of the Lord, or in the name of Orson Hyde. For such abominable
practices to come in our midst under the robes of sanctity, because
there are liberal, holy, and righteous principles practised by the Saints, I
say, curse their habitation and their persons; and if this is your mind, let
all Israel say amen. [The whole of the congregation at the top of their
voices said, "Amen!"] And let these contemptible wretches feel the
"Mormon" spirit, not by "Mormon" hands, but by the power of
God on high.
I feel
charged with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, and it burns in my heart
like a flame, and this is the testimony I bear. If I do mingle in the streets
with the crowd to engage in business as any other man, I am not always asleep, and
insensible to what is passing around me. I do not profess to know a great deal,
but some things I do know, and some things I do not know.
I have
endeavored to illustrate this subject for the benefit of the honest inquirer, I
have only just touched it, endeavoring to throw out a few hints for your
consideration, that you may know we are not without some reason for our faith
and practice touching the subject of polygamy. I wish you to mind the
admonition I have given. I have given it to you in faith; I have given it to
you regardless of consequences, for I ask no odds of any body, except of my
Father in heaven, and of my brethren whose hearts I know to be pure; and I want
to be identified with them in time and in all eternity, and with my sisters
too; and wish to be exalted with them, and they with me, where the Saints may
join hands after passing through much tribulation, and gaining crowns, to
rejoice together for ever and ever.
I feel as
though I had borne a faithful testimony, and I now say, in the presence of God
and angels, that I have given the guilty persons warning, and my garments are
clean from your blood. Take warning, and never do a thing that will throw
dishonor upon the Saints of the Most High.
May God add His blessing, and preserve us to His heavenly kingdom, which may He grant. Amen.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 4:120, 10/26/54 p2; JD 2:88]
REMARKS
By President Brigham Young after Elder Orson Hyde had
Lectured on the Marriage Relations, Oct. 6, 1854.
I do not
wish to eradicate any items from the lecture Elder Hyde has given us this
evening, but simply to give you my views, in a few words, on the portion
touching Bishops and Deacons.
In Paul's
first epistle to Timothy, third chapter, he writes as follows—
"This
is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good
work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,
sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to
wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not
covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall
he take care of the Church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good
report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of
the devil: Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to
much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a
pure conscience. And let these also first be preyed; then let them use the
office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave,
not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands
of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."
I have
read this that your minds may be refreshed, and that you may know how it does
read.
Instead
of my believing for a moment that Paul wished to signify to Timothy that he
must select a man to fill the office of a Bishop that would have but one wife,
I believe directly the reverse; but his advice to Timothy amounts simply to
this—It would not be wise for you to ordain a man to the office of a Bishop
unless he has a wife; you must not ordain a single or unmarried
man to that calling.
If you
will read this chapter carefully, you will learn the qualifications necessary
for Deacons and Bishops, and also for their wives.
I will
simply give my views with regard to this matter, and then leave it.
I have no
testimony from the Bible, neither have I from any history that I have any
knowledge of, that a man was ever prohibited in the Church in the days of Paul
from taking more than one wife. If any historian has knowledge to the contrary,
let him make it known at a suitable time; but if such was the case it has not
come to my knowledge.
I will
now give you my reasons why it is necessary that a Bishop should have a wife,
not but that he may have more than one wife. In the first place he is (or
should be) like a father to his ward, or to the people over whom he presides,
and a good portion of his time is occupied among them. Still he does not wish
to be bound up, or flooded with cares of this world, so but that he can
officiate in his office, and magnify it to acceptance.
The
office of a Bishop is in his ward; and when he finds a man who is doing a good
business as a farmer or a tradesman, and who has plenty around him, and is
faithfully paying his tithing, he has no business there only to receive the
tithing that man has to pay for the benefit of the kingdom of God; his business
is more particularly in the houses of widows orphans, and he is called to
administer to them in righteousness, like a father.
Paul,
knowing by observation and his own experience the temptations that were
continually thrown before the Elders, gave instructions paramount to
this—Before you ordain a person to be a Bishop, to take the charge of a Branch
in any one district or place, see that he has a wife to begin with; he
did not say, "but one wife ;" it does not read so; but he must
have one to begin with, in order that he may not be continually drawn
into temptation while he is in the line of his duty, visiting the houses of
widows and orphans, the poor, the afflicted, and the sick in his ward. He is to
converse with families, sometimes upon family matters, and care for them, but
if he has no wife, he is not so capable of taking care of a family as he
otherwise would be, and perhaps he is not capable of taking care of himself.
Now select a young man who has preserved himself in purity and holiness, one
who has carried himself circumspectly before the people, and before God: it
would not do to ordain him to the office of a Bishop, for he may be drawn into
temptation, and he lacks experience in family matters; but take a man who has
one wife at least, a man of experience, like thousands of our Elders, men of
strength of mind, who have determination in them to preserve themselves pure
under all circumstances, at all times, and in all places in their wards. Now,
Timothy, select such a man to be a Bishop.
A Bishop
in his calling and duty is with the Church all the time; he is not called to
travel abroad to preach, but is at home; he is not abroad in the world, but is
with the Saints.
When you
have got your Bishop, he needs assistants, and he ordains Counsellors, Priests,
Teachers, and Deacons, and calls them to help him; and he wishes men of his own
heart and hand to do this. Says he, "I dare not even call a man to be a
Deacon, to assist me in my calling, unless he has a family." It is not the
business of an ignorant young man, of no experience in family matters, to
inquire into the circumstances of families, and know the wants of every person.
Some may want medicine and nourishment, and to be looked after, and it is not
the business of boys to do this; but select a man who has got a family to be a
Deacon, whose wife can go with him, and assist him in administering to the
needy in the ward.
These are
simply my views in a few words on this subject, and always have been since I
have reflected upon the doctrine that the fathers teach us in the Holy
Scriptures. I will venture to say the view I take of the matter is not to be
disputed or disproved by Scripture or reason.
I have no
reasonable grounds upon which to say it was not the custom in ancient times for
a man to have more than one wife, but every reason to believe that it was the
custom among the Jews, from the days of Abraham to the days of the Apostles,
for they were lineal descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all of whom
taught and practised the doctrine of plurality of wives, and were revered by
the whole Jewish nation, and it is but natural that they should have respected
[p.90] and followed their teachings and example.
So much I
wished to say to my brethren and sisters. We have had a splendid address from
brother Hyde, for which I am grateful. I feel in my heart to bless the people
all the time, and can say amen to brother Hyde's last remarks. I know just as
much about those matters as I want to know, and if I do not know more, it is
because there is no more of it in the city. It is a hard matter for a man to
hide himself from me in this Territory; the birds of the air, they say, carry
news, and if they do not, I have plenty of sources for information.
I say to
the congregation, treasure up in your hearts what you have heard to-night, and
at other times. You will hear more with regard to the doctrine, that is, our
"Marriage Relations." Elder Hyde says he has only just dipped into
it, but, if it will not be displeasing to him, I will say he has not dipped
into it yet; he has only run round the edge of the field. He has done so
beautifully, and it will have its desired effect. But the whole subject of the
marriage relation is not in my reach, nor in any other man's reach on this
earth. It is without beginning of days or end of years; it is a hard matter to
reach. We can tell some things with regard to it; it lays the foundation for
worlds, for angels, and for the Gods; for intelligent beings to be crowned with
glory, immortality, and eternal lives. In fact, it is the thread which runs
from the beginning to the end of the holy Gospel of salvation—of the Gospel of
the Son of God; it is from eternity to eternity. When the vision of the mind is
opened, you can see a great portion of it, but you see it comparatively as a
speaker sees the faces of a congregation. To took at, and talk to, each
individual separately, and thinking to become fully acquainted with them, only
to spend five minutes with each would consume too much time, it could not
easily be done. So it is with the visions of eternity; we can see and
understand, but it is difficult to tell. May God bless you. Amen.
Singing. Benediction by President Brigham Young.
——
[7 Oct, 10 am*]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Saturday, Oct 7, Ten a.m.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by Elder James Brown. Singing.
Elder James Brown gave a brief account of his mission, after which
President Brigham Young took up the business of the conference, and asked the congregation if they were satisfied with him as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, if so, to signify it by raising their right hands, which was done unanimously.
He then presented Heber C. Kimball as his first counsellor, and Jedediah M. Grant as his second counsellor;
Orson Hyde as president of the quorum of the twelve apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, as members of said quorum;
John Smith, eldest son of Hyrum, as presiding patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints;
David Pettigrew, as president of the high priests' quorum, and Reynolds Cahoon and G. B. Wallace as his counsellors;
Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, and Benjamin L. Clapp, as presidents of the seventies, and they were all unanimously sustained.
He then nominated Horace S. Eldredge to take the place of Jedediah M. Grant, as one of the seven presidents of the seventies, which was unanimously voted.
He then presented John Nebeker as president of the elders' quorum, and James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva as his counsellors;
Edward Hunter as presiding bishop of the church;
Lewis Wight as president of the priests' quorum, and George Dockstader and Wm. Whiting as his counsellors;
McGee Harris as president of the teachers' quorum, and Adam Spiers and Reuben Perkins as his counsellors;
Brigham Young as trustee in trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints;
Daniel H. Wells, as superintendent of public works, and Truman O. Angell as architect for the church; and they were all unanimously sustained.
He then presented Brigham Young as president of the perpetual emigrating fund to gather the poor, and H. C. Kimball, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, A Lyman;, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, F. D. Richards, and Daniel McIntosh, as his assistants and agents for said fund, and asked if any of the brethren knew of any objection to the men just named; if so, to signify it; no objection being manifested, they were unanimously sustained.
He then presented David Fullmer as the president of this stake of Zion, and Thos. Rhoades and P. H. Young as his counsellors;
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phinehas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Elderidge, Jno. Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow as members of the high council, and they were all unanimously sustained.
He then nominated Daniel Carn and Ira Ames to be members of the high council in place of Nathaniel H. Felt and Seth M. Blair, who are absent on missions, which was voted unanimously.
He then presented George A. Smith as the church historian and general church recorder, who was unanimously sustained.
He then called for a negative vote, saying, if any of you have any objection to any man I have now named, signify it by raising the left hand, and then ;you can have the privilege of speaking, and making known your objections.
No left hands were raised.
Voting for the authorities was followed by instructions from President Brigham Young, and Elder Daniel Carn's account of his misison.
Chanting by the choir.
Benediction by President Grant.
——
[7 Oct 2 pm]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Two p.m.
Singing by the choir, Prayer by President Fullmer. Singing.
Elder Orson Pratt and President Grant addressed the congregation.
[Orson Pratt]
[DNW 4:119, 10/26/54 p1; JD 2:54]
DISCOURSE
By
Elder Orson Pratt, Tabernacle, October 7,
1854.
We will
bring up the subject upon which others have spoken, and that which more
immediately concerns us, viz.: the Perpetual Emigrating Fund. What is it? For
what was it established? What are your duties in regard to this Fund, and in
relation to your fellow-beings, your brethren and sisters, and their families
that are scattered abroad in the midst of those wretched, wicked, and
abominable governments?
We have
already been informed, and taught from this stand, by those who are filled with
the Holy Ghost, by those who are filled with the inspiration of the Almighty,
setting forth the necessity and importance of being awake in regard to the
condition of the Saints that are scattered abroad. We are apt to forget the
things we ought to do, though they are told to us in plainness. We think in our
hearts—"Well, we will go and do as we have been told; it looks beautiful
and very consistent; it seems to be the very law by which we should be
governed; and when we go from this Conference, we will make all the necessary
arrangements to fulfil and comply with this law, and hearken to the counsels
and instructions that have been given;" but straightway, as you go out of
the Tabernacle, and get out of the voice of the servants of God, the devil
.comes along, and begins to whisper in your ears, and tells you to be a little
selfish, saying, "Look out more for yourselves, for your wives, and for
your children; they may go hungry, they may want food, and houses, and ten
thousand other things, and unless you put forth your hands, and exert your
energies to provide for them, they may be brought into great suffering; and
again, perhaps there may be some great trials a-head of the Saints, there may
be pinching times; it would be well for you to look out a little, and be
prepared against these times of trial," &c. And thus the good word
that is sown in your hearts by the Holy Spirit begins to be caught away, one
principle after another, until finally selfishness has full control over your
movements, and it is the last thing you think of to do unto others as you would
have others do unto you under the same circumstances.
The Lord
is going to gather His Saints, and we are already gathered, a great host of us,
into this territory; but let me tell you this is hardly a beginning; many
nations are yet to be gathered unto the name of the Lord of Hosts, unto Mount
Zion, where they can be taught in the ways of the Lord, and be instructed to
walk in His paths, and understand the principles of true government, and their
duties towards one another, and towards the God whom they profess to worship
and serve. Nations, not a few, are to be gathered, and to go up for that
purpose.
This is
just laying the foundation; it is a little nucleus, and a few thousands are
gathering to it year after year; but the work that is now commenced will
increase, and continue to increase; like the stone that was hewn out of the
mountain; In the first place, the stone taken out of the mountain is much
smaller than the mountain, but finally it increases to that magnitude that it
begins to be a great mountain, not merely to fill one small territory, but as
Daniel said, "it became a great mountain and filled the whole earth."
Very well,
then, the Saints are to be gathered, and they are to come not only by
thousands, but tens of thousands, scores of thousands, and hundreds of
thousands are to be assembled from among the nations. How is this to be brought
about? Through the servants of the living God. This is what the Lord
told us before one Saint was gathered. In a revelation, given in the presence
of six Elders, in Sept, 1830, the Lord says, "Ye are called to bring to
pass the gathering of mine elect, for mine elect hear my voice and harden not
their hearts, wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father, that
they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this
land."
That is
the decree that has gone forth; it is ordained in the heavens, and it will come
to pass. As the Saints have already been gathered here unto this territory,
even so will it continue to be fulfilled until the last of the elect of God are
assembled from the four corners of the earth.
The
servants of God are the ones that are called to bring to pass this work,
says the revelation. In obedience to this declaration, and in fulfilment of
this prophecy, the Holy Ghost wrought upon the heart of our President, to
establish a fund—a Perpetual Emigrating Fund, to bring about this great work;
he laid the foundation of it; he proposed it to the people, and explained the
nature of it—how it was to be used, how it was to be controlled, and how it
should be made lasting and. perpetual in its nature, to accomplish the design
of the Almighty in gathering His elect from the four winds of heaven. Shall we,
then, as Saints of the Most High, come here and sit down in our fine
habitations, and upon our farms and inheritances, and let this great work of
the last days come to naught through ours carelessness and indifference? No,
brethren; let it not be recorded in the archives of the eternal world that we
will thus do, when our brethren have stretched out their hands to help us to
this place. Let not the news fly to eternal worlds that we are not willing to
do to our brethren scattered abroad, as they have been willing to do to us,
when we were in a scattered condition.
I do not
know what more can be said, than what other speakers have already said upon
this subject. Our President said he would be glad to have some six discourses,
each six hours long, preached to the people upon the subject of doing their
duty unto others in regard to this Fund. And I have no doubt he included every
other duty between man and man, so far as it could be done in that short period
of time, for thirty-six hours would not begin to be time enough for a man to
tell the people all their duties. Many people think that all the duties of man
are recorded in the Bible; that idea is held by many of the sectarian world;
they think this book contains all the duties in regard to the relationships
between man and man, and that it is a sufficient rule of faith and practice,
and enough to govern them in all their dealings with each other, and in their
duties towards their God.
Let me
tell you, if any one man's duties (if he lived to be an old man) were clearly
written, and foretold before he was born, it would take a larger volume than
the Bible to contain them all; and when we consider the thousands and millions
of human beings that are on the earth now, and the millions that have dropped
into their graves in ages past, it is absurd to suppose that one such volume
could point out all their duties, even if they all could have been foretold by
the spirit of prophecy.
For
instance, the duties of to-day, if written, would require something like one
page; and as every day's duties would be different the one from the other, it
would require three hundred and sixty-five pages in one year, which in seventy
years would amount to upwards of twenty-five thousand pages, which would have
to be recorded to point out the duties of one individual towards his
fellow-man. Think not, then, that six discourses each, only six hours long,
could make known to you the whole of your duties towards each other through
life.
This is
reason why the Lord has appointed a living Priesthood on the earth; why He has
sent down the Holy Ghost from heaven, why it enters the heart of man, and
inspires him with knowledge and information concerning his own duties, and the
duties of others also, that he may impart to them, week after week, and from
one meeting to another, in public and in private, before large assemblies and
in the family circle, every principle and duty that is necessary to be
known; that his family, his wives and his children, and the Church of God at
large may be taught by the Holy Ghost—the Comforter that guides into all truth;
it is that power that instructs men in regard to all their duties.
Then let
not the immigrants—the Saints that have come into this territory in former
years, as well as those who have come here the present year, be asleep upon
this subject, but awake from a deep sleep. You know what the parable says, on
the subject of the kingdom of God in the last days, comparing it to ten
virgins, that took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. They did
not stay abroad among the nations. "Then," says Jesus,
"the kingdom of heaven shall be likened unto ten virgins." Not the
kingdom he built up in his own day, and in the days of his Apostles, who were
with him in the flesh; but "then;" having reference to what
was previously spoken in the foregoing verses, concerning his second coming in
the clouds of heaven in power and great glory. Then shall the kingdom of heaven
be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth from among
the nations; some took oil in their lamps, and some did not, but let their
lamps go out, only having barely lighted up their wicks a little, which
contained no oil to feed the flame; and they all slumbered and slept; but by
and bye, about midnight, when they were all in a sound slumber, a cry is heard,
"Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him." That waked them
all up.
Now it
would be much better for us to wake up before the midnight cry is Sounded in
our ears. We gathered here and brought lamps with us, have we got oil in them?
Are we doing the things God requires at our hands? Are we doing unto others
that we would have others do to us under the same circumstances? If you want to
know just precisely your duties towards your fellow-man, always ask yourselves
this question—"If I were placed in that man's or in that woman's
condition, how should I desire that they should do unto me me?" And
whatsoever you would have men do to you, do you even the same to them. We can
always tell what we should do by changing circumstances and places; by placing
ourselves in other's circumstances, we can see what we would wish them to do to
us under those circumstances, and thus find out what we should do for
those in that condition.
What does
the Lord intend to do? He is introducing a new dispensation, yet it is the
Gospel dispensation, the same as all other dispensations; the Gospel is
included in this new dispensation, The Lord intends to do a great many things,
in this dispensation He never did in former ones; and a great many things that
were in former ones will eventually be done away in this new one. What is to be
done away? A great many things Jesus taught on the Mount will actually
have to be done away in this new dispensation. A great many things were
given to meet the circumstances of the people, that when they all become
righteous many of those laws and regulations that were given to them in an
imperfect state will vanish away; they will be of no use; they are like
the platform erected around an edifice, which serves a good purpose for the
time being, but when the edifice is completed, the platform is taken away.
We are
told a great deal about the poor in former dispensations; how to deal with
them, and the laws that were given to regulate mankind in dealing their alms to
them. Will this always be the case? No, but the time will come when there will
be no poor. The object of this last dispensation is to make the people one as
the Father and the Son are one, or as the Book of Doctrine and Covenants says,
to make them "equal in earthly things, that they may be made equal in
heavenly things."
To bring
about this object, and do away with poverty, and make all the people rich, the
Lord has introduced laws, and rulers, and governors, to teach us our duty while
poverty reigns in the world. If you think it hard to pay back a just and honest
debt to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, what will you think when the pure laws
of God are introduced, and you are required by His law to pay over every
farthing you have in the world! not only to pay your just and honest dues to
the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, but to pay everything in your possession. If you
cannot deal justly in relation to these small accounts, how is it to be
expected you will perform the pure law of God—the law of consecration? I tell
you, we have got to begin .and attend faithfully to these small things. But when
we are first born into His kingdom we cannot run alone; we are not able to
prance, and trot, and caper about; He has therefore ordained certain helps, and
governments, and laws to govern us while we are in the creeping state, and
trying to advance into a more perfect order of things. This Perpetual
Emigrating Fund is one of those helps, ordained to assist us in our imperfect
and weak state: by and bye, when the full law Of God comes in force, these
helps can then be dispensed with. When that will be, I do not know, but I have
an idea that it will not be until we get back to Jackson County, for the Lord
has told us, in one revelation, in substance as follows—"Let these laws I
have given concerning my people in Jackson County be fulfilled after the redemption
of Zion."
The Lord
is beginning to redeem Zion. You must not suppose, because you are away here in
Utah, that you are out of the reach of the Lord's working for the redemption of
Zion; for He has been working, ever since we were scattered from that land, to
bring it about, and we are becoming more and more of one heart and mind, more
and more willing to hearken to counsel. You see among this people a very
different spirit manifested, from what was manifested some ten, fifteen, and
twenty years ago. How ready and willing they generally are to receive the
instructions and counsel of those God has ordained to teach them.
We can
see how the Lord has prospered us as a people since we came to this territory,
and how everything has worked for our good through obeying the counsel of those
God has appointed for our consolation, happiness, and benefit, both temporally
and spiritually. All this has a tendency to the redemption of Zion; it is all
making to that great point. Whenever the properties of this Church shall be
consecrated to it, and the Saints receive their stewardship, it will all be
tending to bring about that which is so often spoken of in ancient and modern
revelations.
The
Perpetual Emigrating Fund is one of the helps that is introduced to lead us previous
to our getting into that more perfect state; and when we get into that, it will
all be Perpetual Fund, or any other kind of funds we please to name, for the
property will all be consecrated unto the Lord, with a deed and covenant that
cannot be broken; then the servants of God can take the whole of the property
and use it according to the mind and will of God, and it will be all Perpetual
Fund, and all tithing funds, and all public building funds; for it will be just
the kind of funds the Lord shall direct to accomplish whatever is designed in
His wise purposes through His servants.
Let us
step forward, and build up this Fund; and take hold of simple things, if we
ever expect to receive the greater ones. We had excellent preaching this
forenoon, as to practical duties; this has been my manner of preaching when
abroad upon the earth, except on my last mission; on that, I was sent to preach
the doctrine of plurality of wives. In all my preaching on other missions, I
have endeavored to be just as practical as possible among the people, showing
them their every-day duties. I have published many pamphlets and works, and in
the most of them, I have published: the simple, plain, easy principles
of the Gospel. It is true, in answering some queries that have been put forth
by the world, I have been obliged to deviate, in some of my publications, from
the plain and simple course I have generally pursued in my works.
For
instance, the world read in the revelations we have received, that there are
more Gods than one. This is something that does not immediately concern us; but
yet opposers get up and contend against us, and prejudice the minds of
congregations against the people of God, because they profess to believe, not
only in a plurality of wives, but also in a plurality of Gods; it is necessary
to show them the reasons for our belief—the whys and the wherefores; and this I
endeavored to do in some of my last publications; not because I had more light
upon this subject than many others, but I endeavored to do it for the benefit
of the people—to show them wherein we believe in the plurality of Gods, and yet
acknowledge only one God. I believe both of these principles with all my heart.
I believe there is one only wise God, and I believe there is an immense number of
Gods: The people know we believe these doctrines, and they publish against us
on this ground; and if we should not take up any arguments to explain the
matter, it would only serve to rivet down their prejudices on their hearts;
Notwithstanding this, it was always more delightful to me in all my preachings
abroad, and in any publications I have sent forth, to dwell upon faith,
repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost,
by the laying on of hands, and upon the plain, simple, every-day duties of the
Saints, showing them what to do in order to obtain eternal life in the kingdom
of God.
So far as
I have ever preschool abroad in the world, and published, one thing is certain,
I have not published anything but what I verily believed to be true, however
much, I may have been mistaken, and I have generally endeavored to show the
people, from the written word of God, as well as reason, wherein it was true.
This has been my general course. I may have erred in some principles; I do not
profess to be wise, or to have more understanding than many others. I am not
called with the same calling as those who preside over all the Church. I may
not have as great a degree of the spirit of revelation; but I have always
tried, in my teachings, and in my proclamations, and publications, where I
could not get light by the Spirit of the Lord (or did not get light; I will not
say could not, for I believe it is the privilege of all Elders, authorities,
and members of the Church of God to get light by the Spirit of the Lord), but
where I did not get light by the Spirit of the Lord, I have generally been
careful to back up all the doctrines and principles I set forth by reason, or
by, Thus edith the Lord, in some revelation either ancient or modem. Previous
to declaring a doctrine, I have always inquired in my own mind, "Can this
doctrine be proved by revelation given, or by reason, or can it not?" If I
found it could be proved, I set forth the doctrine; but if I found there was no
evidence to substantiate it, I laid it aside; in all this, however, I may have
erred, for to err is human.
I feel
thankful to God this day that I stand in the midst of a great and good people,
that are willing to practise the principles of eternal truth and righteousness;
and those mysteries about the plurality of Gods, and the plurality of worlds
also are good in their places; God has revealed them, and they are intended for
our good and instruction, or He never would have revealed them,
But to go
back to the words of our text; that is the thing, that most, concerns us at
present. It should be laid before the minds of the people and instilled into
their hearts week after week; they should be taught and instructed in such a
way and manner that these mysteries, when we get the true light upon them, may
do us good. When the Lord sees fit to pour out wisdom and knowledges, and
mysteries, and understanding from the heavens, may we, by practical works,
faith, and diligence in doing our duties one towards another, and towards our
God, be able to receive them, and have them do us good. The time will come when
the Lord will reveal all these things; everything in the heavens, on the earth,
and under the earth; and everything pertaining to the soul of man will be
proclaimed by the sounding of trumpets in the ears of all living.
I will
adopt the old saying—"I feel first-rate." It does me good to get back
into Utah Territory, after having been gone two years, to behold the faces of
the Saints again, and rejoice in their midst, and to bear my weak and humble
testimony of the truth of this great and glorious work. It is now over
twenty-four years since I was baptized into this Church; it was twenty-four
years on the 19th of last month since I was baptized, and became a member of
this Church. I have seen it rise to its present greatness from a very few
individuals that composed the whole Church in 1830. There were then, perhaps,
not fifty Latter-day Saints in the whole world; and every year brings to pass
the fulfilment of the sayings, and predictions; and revelations of Joseph, the
Prophet.
The work
is rolling on as rapidly as the wheels of time will permit. I well recollect a
revelation given upwards of twenty-three years ago. What did the Lord say when
we were only a little handful? Said He, "It is necessary that my Elders
should go forth into all the regions round about, and preach my Gospel, and
many shall be converted; and ye shalt have power to organize yourselves
according to the laws of man." This was spoken before we began to gather.
What was the use of organizing ourselves according to the laws of man?
"That you may break every band where with the enemy, seeketh to destroy,
and that you may keep my laws." Has not this been fulfilled? Look at the
time that prophecy was given, away back nearly twenty-four years ago. Has it
come to pass? Are we not organized according to the laws of man? Are not many
converted just as the revelation predicted? And are we not in a position, by
being organized here in Utah territory according to the laws of man, to break
the bands of the enemy, that they may not destroy us as a people? If mobs
undertake to afflict us here, they will find it very difficult, because we are
organized according to the laws of man. If they use any exertion or any
influence to bring about the destruction of this people, we are organized
according to the laws of man, and can fight them with their own weapons.
Not only
was this for the purpose of our being secure from the hands of our enemies,
but, "that ye may be able to keep my laws." That was another reason
the Lord gave in the same revelation. Are there not some laws of God that we
could keep if we were scattered over the other states and territories,
unorganized according to the laws of man? Yes. There are laws of the greatest
moment, that have a bearing upon the present and future destiny of this people;
that have a bearing upon their eternal glory, exaltation, and everlasting
happiness. These laws never could have been kept had we not been organized
according to the laws of man. The Lord has fulfilled this revelation thus far;
how much more complete this organization may become hereafter, I know not,
neither do I care.
It was
not the invention of man, nor the power and wisdom of man, that organized this
kingdom, but the God we worship and serve, who made the heavens and the earth.
He made this kingdom and organized it, and established it; it is all His, and
He holds it in His own hands; and the same great Being rules and governs the
wicked; He controls them, and He will fulfil every word that has been given
through the mouths of His servants, as He tells us in the preface of the Book
of Doctrine and Covenants —These commandments and prophecies shall be
fulfilled; though the heavens and the earth shall pass away, not one jot or tittle
of the commandments of that book shall pass away.
Everything
will roll round, roll round, roll round in its times and seasons until this
kingdom shall spread forth, and the dominion and the greatness of it will cover
the whole face of the earth, and there will not be a dog to move his tongue
from the Rocky Mountains to the uttermost parts of the earth, but all be in
subjection to the kingdom of Christ; all must become subject to her laws; .and
the great nations of the earth—mighty nations not a few, ere long will come up
to Zion to seek wisdom and knowledge from the counsellors in Zion. They will
read her laws, and say, "Our laws are as nothing, our wisdom as
foolishness, our words like the tow that is exposed to the devouring flame; we
are broken asunder, torn into fragments, and ready to crush under our own
weight; but your laws, government, and officers are all good, righteous, just,
and true; surely the God of Israel is in your midst. Come, let us go up to
Zion, let us hear from the wise legislators of Zion, and let us hear the laws
proclaimed therein; let us learn of the wisdom that dwells in the servants of
the Most High." And they will come up with their armies, and their mighty
men, and their judges, and their rulers, and kings will come to the brightness
of her rising; and the Gentiles will come like a flowing stream, and the gates
of Zion will be open day and night, and never be shut, to admit the forces that
will come rushing in from all nations, to learn the wisdom, knowledge,
and instruction that are poured out from the heavens upon the servants of the
Most High.
If we are
looking forward to such a glorious time—to such a happy period, let us endeavor
to prepare ourselves, and awake from our slumber, and do the duties required at
our hands. Pay up your debts, pay them up to the Perpetual Emigrating Fund; let
the means be sent back immediately, that those who are starving to death, and
are ground down with tyranny, may enjoy the same privileges as you. Remember
them, and God will remember you. But if you turn your back upon these
principles, and will not seek to do unto others as you would have them do to
you; if you will not listen to the instructions of our Prophet, and to the
instructions of others who have spoken on this stand, you will wither away like
a dried reed, and you will bear no authority, and that you. have will be taken
from you, and you will be left poor and miserable, and become the offscouring
of the earth, under the curse of the Almighty for your disobedience.
[Jedediah M. Grant]
[DNW 4:136, 11/23/1854 p2; JD 2:71]
REMARKS
By
President J. M. Grant, Tabernacle, Oct. 7, 1854.
This
afternoon I have very little disposition to detain you long. My health is such,
I would prefer hearing others rather than speak myself.
We have
received much good instruction, and I feel that our spirits are refreshed, and
cheered up. We have been edified during the Conference.
I like
the remarks of Elder Orson Pratt this afternoon. I hope they will be listened
to and obeyed.
I regret
very much that our immigration this season are so few; though I rejoice on the
other hand that the Elders abroad, and the general instructions of the Church,
have been able to gather so many. We believe we have brethren here from
different settlements, and lots of persons in this city, who are on hand to
take into their employment three or four times as many people as have come in
this season from the nations of the earth.
The first
year we were located in the Valley we wanted a few teams sent out to
help the emigration, and we had to use considerable exertion to get those few
teams; but this year, all the servants of the Lord had to do was to make a call
upon the people, through their Bishops, and all the teams we wanted were
forthcoming, with flour and all necessary food, to send forth to help in our
emigration.
I have
seen the time, in Kirtland, Ohio, the first gathering place I went to, when you
could have crowded the whole congregation into one room sixteen feet by
eighteen; and these comprised all the Saints that were there. If we had sent up
to Jackson County, and brought them all down, and had a house like this, there
would have been just a little belt of people in front of the stand, and
reaching part way up towards the opposite side of the room.
In the
mountains, though it is difficult to gather the people here, though they come
from the nations, and have the Atlantic to cross, and have to come from the
different parts of the United States, we have got together a considerable body
of people. However, there are as yet but few, comparatively. We are looked upon
as feeble in the world, of but small height; but it is a very easy thing to
bring in an emigration of four or five thousand; and we can bring wagons from
different settlements, and the people who have come in are swallowed right up,
as it were, so that in three or four weeks we cannot tell what has become of
our immigration. They can come by thousands, and be dispersed throughout the
Territory among the Saints, and find comfortable homes, and it is scarcely
known and felt.
As to the
Perpetual Emigrating Fund, to make it perpetual, you must replenish it,
and not take from it—that would make it a short, lived things If you are aided
by that Fund, throw the aid you have received back into the treasury, that it
may be full, that we may be able to send for others. I have heard the President
speaking that he designed to call upon individuals who are pretty well off
here, who have friends in England, Scotland, Wales, Denmark, Germany, Italy,
and I don't know where, to operate with the Fund, and become a stay and a staff
to it, and associate with it. For instance, here is such a man as father
Russell, that has given his thousands; perhaps he knows of some family there he
would like to bring here. He can send through the P. E. Fund for that family;
and they shall be brought on this condition—that they labor for him, and assist
him until they pay for their being brought here.
In Yankee
land they make the boys pay for their bringing up; so they can pay for their
bringing here, if I have spent the money for them. Some of you who want a
gardener, or a farmer, launch out your gold, your cattle, your horses, your
food, and your raiment, and deposit the means, and we will rend over, and get
the family, and that family will aid and assist you in your financial
operations, and pay up the debt. I reckon that six or eight thousand in Utah
could act upon this principle.
You who
have been brought in here, labor, and throw back into the great purse what you
have received, that we may bring double the number another year.
Our
brethren in Potawatomie County, four or five years ago, had a notion that they
were going to get up a machine that would bring fifteen thousand at a lead.
The idea
of becoming a State in two or three years, when we have only got four or five
thousand of an emigration! I do not wonder that the Latter-day Saints believe
in the plurality of wives. Launch out your means to help us to bring the poor;
if you do not, we will raise up the mountain boys ourselves. This piecemeal
business of gathering Saints! we want it upon the wholesale principle. That's
the doctrine. I tell you, a few more boys breaking the ernst of nations, like
brother Carn, after a while, by driving their little wedges, will bring them
over by nations.
A great
many people who come here, when they do not find everything right handy—plenty
of food, houses, and all other conveniences, are discouraged, and lose their
energies. If you want to know something about the "Mormon" grit,
remember what brother Carn said this morning; if he is whipped, he don't stay
whipped. You cannot discourage a real "Mormon." It is necessary to
raise up a certain stripe in the Valley, of the real "Mormon" grit,
that those who come over here, and who have the whines and the grunts, may have
the "Mormon" leaven among them to leaven the whole lump.
I do not
know but the President will be calling for volunteers to operate with the Fund
to bring more families here.
There are
one or two more little items I wanted to speak about.
I have
had one or two cases reported to me. For instance, some of our brethren who
cross the plains, when they get here, are a little peevish, snappish, vexed,
and quarrelsome. When the wind blowed the other day, a man got the servant gift
to hold the tent-pole, to keep it from failing, but she not being strong
enough, down went the tent. The man then made a scourge out of a rope, and
began to beat the girl, and beat her most unmercifully. I do not know whether
that man is converted or not; but it makes me think of an old Baptist preacher
in Virginia. He came and preached in a certain place; the next time he came
round, a drunken man came staggering up to him and said, "Brother Jones,
when you was last in our settlement, you converted my soul."
"Well," said brother Jones, "I should think I did, for I do not
believe the Lord had anything to do with it." I am rather inclined to
think it is possible that the girl whipper is yet unconverted. We like men here
to learn how to treat their families, their cattle, and their homes, &c.
I am
entirely of a lively disposition; I know not how to be low-spirited; I never
knew what it was to be lonesome in my life. Some talk about being lonesome when
they are alone; I know nothing about it. I never misuse a beast, and I am not
inclined to misuse people; but when they are right mean, I like to work them up
with my tongue once in a while. But the idea of people going to work to
beat, and kick, and pound their cattle, horses, children, and everything around
them, is nonsense. Good-natured feelings and good-natured conduct are worth a
thousand of the opposite character. Do right, be kind and gentle. You have come
in the midst of the people of God; you have come to unite with us
in serving the mighty God of Jacob, and endeavor to do right.
When
brethren start to come here, they are anxious, to be in this place, but many
of them, when they get here, see no charms in Zion. You can learn their spirits
directly, for they are known by their associates. We have some High Priests,
&c., who have been among us for years, and others who have come in lately,
who like to associate with our enemies, those who have a sneering and malicious
spirit. Talk about such persons having the "Mormon" spirit in them,
and the light of the Holy Ghost, and yet love the world and the things
of the world, and the spirit of the world, and the glory of the world, and the
wickedness of the world! Some people can associate with those who laugh at the
institutions of heaven, at the principles of eternity, and laugh to scorn the
ministry of the people of God; they like to converse with them, and they love
to be in their society; they love to have them around them. I would rather dig
thistle roots and sego roots to live upon, and eat boiled hides; and drink the
broth from them, than to take such enemies into my house, and board them; and
rather than rent my house to such persons to live in, I would burn it up if
they had lived in it, and have a new one. That is my grit. The filthy old
building should never hold my family. I wish all the "Mormons" felt
as I do, there would be a flame in Zion, and a fire in Jerusalem. I say, if all
the "Mormons" felt as I do about those who laugh at our distresses, and
when calamities come upon us, wag their heads and say, "Ha, ha! so would
we have it," they would think there was a furnace in Zion, and a flame in
Jerusalem.
I want
"Mormons" to feel like "Mormons," to feel like Saints. I
want a man of God to feel fired up with the Holy Ghost, and not place his
affections upon the world, and the things of the world; but love your God, and
your brethren that are poor and in distress, and who love God. Those
high-minded hypocrites, who bow and scape to get your dimes, let them go to
where they belong, they and their dimes; that is the way I feel about them. I
like to see the Saints of God fired up to help the poor, and bring them in here
to strengthen the reins of Israel. I like to see them exert themselves to send
forth the Gospel, and bring from the nations those who are humble, contrite,
pure, and holy, and who are uncontaminated by the vices of the world. Go into
the circles of high life, if you please; I know about the high and the low in
the United States. Talk about high life! about converting many of that class
and bringing them here! What will you bring? Those who believe the truth with
difficulty. But the poor and needy, who are looked upon as the dross and
offscouring of all things, are the best of all creation, and we want the best,
the purest, and those that are the most holy, brought to Zion. But the breath
of that person who rejects my God is like the upas tree to me—it is poisonous;
I do not like it. I admit that I occasionally find some who have not been baptized,
in whom there is a stripe of honor and good-will which I like; but I speak
generally of those who knowingly persecute the people of God, who reject the
truth; I do not love them. I am like the old Indian, "Though I will
forgive and forget, I always remember." It is bred in my bones; I was
raised up in the "Mormon" Church from my childhood; it is sweet to
me, sweeter than the honey or the honeycomb; it is life and breath to me; it is
eternal life, and I love it.
I do not
like the person who sneers at "Mormonism," and I do not like those
who associate with such; they are no brothers, no sisters, nor friends to me. I
fellowship those who love the institutions of God—who love the servants of God,
and the truth of God and the principles of righteousness. But that class that
sneer at the principles of the Gospel, and the institutions of the kingdom of
God, who like to associate with the wicked and ungodly, are not my brothers,
they are not my sisters, nor friends, nor the fiends of God. But the person who
seeks to convert the sinner, and bring him to the truth; I like that
disposition. What I am at is this—not that I feel any different towards those
out of the Church than the rest of you; there are a great many of the brethren
and sisters who are poor devils. All Gentiles, in their eyes, are so good, so
kind, so loving, so gentle, and so full of sympathy, that they cannot tell that
there is any difference between them and the Latter-day Saints. Give me the man
and the woman that can tell the difference between the devil and a Saint. Says
one, "Most all of us can." I tell you, you cannot. I see people on my
right and on my left who can dwell and associate with the ungodly, drink into
their spirit, and fall into the same condemnation as they do. Take a man who is
pure, he sees the corruption of the ungodly. I do not like it; it has no spirit
of Zion in it.
New-comers,
you will find men called Saints who are "land-sharks of Utah." We
have all kinds of men here, and we expect to have them; and if some of you who
have been brought here by the Fund this year, are no better than many of those
who were brought last season, you will whine; but for God's sake, when you feel
like whining, bite your tongue; and if you do not like to do that, use brother
H. Kimball's remedy—chew a piece of India rubber, and keep chewing it until you
get the grunt out of you.
I do not
wish to detain you. May the God of heaven bless you, and bless the Saints in
every land and nation, that Israel may be gathered, and the Saints saved, which
may God grant. Amen.
Chanting by the choir.
Benediction by President Joseph Young.
——
[7 Oct, 6 pm]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Six p.m.
Prayer by Bishop Woolley.
President Brigham Young instructed the bishops and their counsellors, and the elders of Israel, followed by Bishop Hunter, Elder Hyde, President Grant and Bishop Woolley.
——
[8 Oct, 7 am]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Sunday, Oct. 8, Seven a.m.
The Seventies met to consult upon finishing the hall, for the benefit of the quorums, and to hear the report of President Joseph Young.
——
[8 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Ten a.m.
Tabernacle crowded. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Lorenzo Snow. Chanting by the choir.
Elder Hyde spoke inside the Tabernacle, followed by Elder W. W. Phelps; and at the same time a much larger congregation assembled at the north end of the building, were addressed by Elder G. A. Smith and Bishop Woolley.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 4:127, 11/9/54 p2; JD 2:61]
DISCOURSE
By Orson Hyde, October 8th, 1854.
I am
called upon this morning, beloved brethren and sisters, to make a few remarks;
and speak unto you concerning the way and manner of gathering the people of
God. In the first place, to show unto you that there is no religion with which
we are acquainted, except that of the Latter-day Saints, that can, in its
exercise and in its operations, bring to pass the fulfilment of the predictions
of the Prophets. All the types and figures presented to our Lord and Saviour to
illustrate truths, weighty and important, straw that in the last days there is
to be a gathering together of the people. They will be gathered by the peculiar
attraction that will prevail at the time when they are not weighed down with
mortal tabernacles, but released from this cumbrous clay, their immortal
spirits will be gathered around the throne of God, there to receive a welcome
into the everlasting glory prepared for the righteous; or to hear the dreadful
sentence—Depart, ye cursed, into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and
wailing, and gnashing of teeth!
But, my
friends, there is to be a gathering of the people here on earth. The
husbandman, when he sows his seed in the soil, watches it, and cultivates it
with care; he does not wait to reap his harvest in some other region, but he
reaps it on the ground where he sowed his seed, and there he realizes the
benefits and returns of his labor; not in some other country, but here
The
Saviour says, the kingdom of heaven is like a fish net that is cast into the
sea, which took of every kind, both good and bad, and by and bye they brought
the net to the shore, and gathered the good into vessels, and cast
the bad away. So shall it be in the last days, in the end, when the gathering
dispensation shall be introduced, and the Gospel net be drawn to shore; not in
some foreign clime or mountain, beyond the bounds of time and space; but
on the shore that skirts the margin of the water, as testified by
this figure; so on earth, the gathering of the people will be.
We are
also told the manner in which they shall come. They shall come upon swift
beasts—upon dromedaries and camels; and the ships of Tarshish shall bear them
home, and a highway shall be cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.
That highway is not an immaterial one, that leads to mansions in the sky, but
it is a highway that has to be cast up on earth; and it may be that the very
railroads that are being cast up are one means by which this operation of the
gathering will be greatly facilitated. This may be the subject which the
Prophet had his eye upon when he said, The lion's whelps have not trod there,
and the vulture's eye hath not seen it. At that time it was not cast up; but
was reserved to be cast up in the last days. The lion's whelp had never trodden
there; but, by and bye, it might when it was cast up.
The old
Prophet had his eye upon the increased speed of ships; but our translators have
made him to say that swift messengers shall be sent to the nations afar off in
vessels of bulrushes. What do we understand by vessels of bulrushes? Do we ever
see such vessels, or hear tell of such, except the cradle that was made for
Moses to float in on the Nile? Have we ever read of men, swift messengers going
in vessels of bulrushes?
It is nonsense; such a vessel could not
withstand the buffetings of the winds and the waves, nor ride in safety through
the elements contending with each other, as it were, for empire; or as if the
winds and waves were both armed with eager vengeance, to see which should first
grasp the little speck struggling for life upon the surface of the boiling
element. Who believes anything of this sort? The idea is inconsistent. But when
we come to look at it in another point of view it is not so inconsistent and
obscure. Brother Carn who is present knows how the German Bible reads. I
believe it calls them Pipe ships. The bulrush is hollow, resembling a pipe, and
the old Prophet had nothing else to represent his idea by, but the bulrush;
though he saw ships in which hollow tubes and pipes were running in every
direction, and he was at a loss for the name "Steamship" to apply to
them. Now, says he, swift messengers shall be sent in Pipe ships, looking at
the time when steam should be used as a propelling power. What is this steam
power for? Is it merely for the accommodation of mankind? Or has God made this
an important agent to perform His work—to facilitate His purposes in the last
days? The matter is unquestionably the design of the Great Creator; not only
so, but there is another thing in connection with this—the Saviour says, in
speaking of his coming, it shall be like the light of the morning, or like
lightning that shineth from one end of heaven to the other, even so shall the
coming of the Son of Man be. What do we behold being constructed on earth to
bring about the designs of heaven? We behold the electric wire running from one
country to another, and already it is in contemplation to carry it across the
Atlantic, to bring all nations in immediate communication. Does this look like
the lightning that spreads from east to west? Even so shall the coming of the
Son of Man be! The electric telegraph takes it from eastern climes to western.
It is so quick that a speech made in Washington city at twelve o'clock is
delivered in St. Louis at half past eleven the same day. Electricity flys with
so much greater velocity than the earth, that it is half an hour before
the times between Washington and St. Louis; even so shall the coming of the Son
of Man be; or in other words, in the last days intelligence shall fly with such
rapidity, so quick shall it be in the day of his coming. We conclude that we
are approximating very near that time. We are getting, as it were, in the
neighborhood of it. Now, says he, watch! when you see the fig tree and all the
trees beginning to bud, and put forth their leaves, know that summer is nigh:
and when you begin to see these things come to pass, lift up your heads and
rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.
I may
have begun at the wrong end of my discourse, but if I have, I will got
at the other end of it before I have done; so that you shall have all the parts
of it, if the Lord will give me strength through your prayers; you shall have
the sum and substance of what I was required to make known to you, but I must
have my own way of telling it.
The
gathering of the Saints together is to take place. "But," says one,
"we do not believe that the gathering the people will take place in the
last days literally; we do not believe that angels will minister any
more to us." The old-fashioned religion is, "We have got that heaven
was pleased to give, and that can be proven by the good Old Bible. Let
the angels stay in glory, and we will stay on our farms, and go to church from
one year to another, and follow up the same routine over and over again until
we go down to our graves, and that is the end of our service in the
flesh." Do you not see that all of the Christian world reject the
administration of angels, the Latter Day Saints excepted, and some few others
that believe in these things?
There are
many in the last days, who believe in Spirit Rapping, and in such kind of
angels that have no mouth to speak. The angels that visited the servants of God
had mouths, and they spoke! Suppose you were to ask me a question, and I have
intelligence and a mouth to communicate but, instead of speaking to you, I set
the table to jumping, or kick over the chairs and the bureaus, &c. What
would you know about it? You would know the devil was to pay; you would know
there was a total absence of good feeling and intelligence, Man was created in
the image of God, and the holy angels that surround His throne, the flaming
messengers to bear His will to man, are in His image and likeness. Even the
servants of God in the days of old, when they saw one of those celestial
spirits, began to bow down and worship him, as though he were the God who
created the heavens and the earth; but they were commanded to worship God.
There he was, standing in the image of his Maker, and the Prophet mistook him
for the Lord. These angels are in the likeness and image of God, and men are
also in His image. I believe, if God gave me a message to deliver to the
people, and I did not deliver it in the legitimate way, He would close my mouth
because I would not give it in the way he gave it to me. Spirit Rappers, below
par!
"What
is the matter?" "There has some dreadful thing taken place."
"What is it?" "We cannot tell you any thing about it,
only there is a wonderful ado—a wonderful thing has happened in the land of
Ham." I tell you, those who reject the truth borne to them by the servants
of God, who speak to them in plainness, will be acquainted with muttering
spirits that know nothing for their good: for, "for this cause God shall
send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might
be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
When people reject the truth they become the plaything of wild delusive spirits,
and are tossed to and fro by them like a bubble on the wave. True messengers of
God do not come in this way; but says the world—"Angels came in olden
times, but do not come now to earth any more; they have gone to heaven, and
there is nothing more for them to do here." I can speak to the servant of
a king when I cannot speak to the king himself. I could approach the lower
orders of his subjects when I might not approach the higher circle. If men
reject the administration of angels, and will not believe in their existence,
nor regard their words, I do not know how they will ever obtain access to the
king. If they will not acknowledge his ministers, I do not know how they are
going to speak to the king himself.
Have
angels anything to do with what will take place in the last days? He makes His
angels ministering spirits, and they are sent forth to minister for them who
shall be heirs of Salvation. The Lord is everywhere present by His ministering
angels, just like any other ruler, monarch or king, who has ministers
everywhere throughout His dominions; and God's ministers are everywhere; He has
servants tabernacled in flesh on earth, and they are going through the land in
every direction, and God is present everywhere with them; and He knows
everything. How? When His angels and ministers tell Him of it, like any other
ruler. I have been at some of the prayer circles and meetings in the sectarian
world, and heard their pious minister say, "Come, sinner, bow to the yoke
of Christ; behold the guardian angel standing waiting to be the honored agent
to carry the news to heaven, that one more soul is converted." If God
knows it already, what is the use of angels to carry the intelligence? God
knows everything through His agents, or servants, and that is the way He is
everywhere present. But if you were to see Him in propria persona, you
would see a person like yourself. How was it with Stephen? Was God scattered to
the four winds everywhere? If He was in particles smaller than any mathematical
calculation could define, you could not see Him. But Stephen, "being full
of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God,
and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold! I see the
heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God." If
God was without body, parts, and passions, how could Stephen know whether He
stood on the right hand, or the left, or whether He stood upon either side?
However
we will pass this by for the present. Angels will have a part in the work of
the last days. What are they to do? Says the Saviour—"The kingdom
of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while
man slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his
way." He let them grow together until the time of harvest; then He
"will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and
bind them in bundles and burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
The field is the world. Who are the reapers? The angels are the reapers; and
still, angels, you say, are coming to earth no more. This won't do, for the
reapers are the angels, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, and the
tares are the children of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them
is the devil. In another place it is said, "And he shall send his angels
with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from
the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." And yet the present
Christian world say that angels have no more to do; of course, then, they do
not look for any thing of this kind; their faith does not embrace the sayings
of the Savior and His Apostles, touching the winding up scene: and without
faith, it is impossible to please God; consequently they cannot share in the
blessings of the gathering dispensation of the last days, their unbelief
excludes them.
It is
said that God helps them that help themselves. I have been showing you what
will be done for His elect in the last days; but will He do it for them who
will do nothing for themselves? I say no; God helps those who help themselves.
I recollect when I was in Potawatomie I was determined to raise a crop if I
could. I commenced and plowed up the land, and went into the woods when it was
hot enough in the summer season almost to unsolder a skellet, and hauled out my
rails, and fenced and sowed the land; when snow came, there was a fleece of
wheat over the land like wool on a sheep's back. President Young saw it, and he
said it pleased him; and he said, "I know that God helps those who help
themselves." We may sit down and persuade ourselves that it is God's will
we should do nothing for ourselves, and we may go to beggary; but if we help
ourselves, and bestow the labor for nature to bring forth, we shall have an
abundance, and God will be faithful in blessing our labors.
We are
looking for these things to transpire in the last days, to bring about the
gathering of the Saints preparatory to the coming of the Son of Man. We can see
the electric wires extending through the earth; and ships are constructed to
bear forth swiftly the messengers of salvation, to bring home the Saints under
the indulgent hand of our heavenly Father. What does He require us to do? Says
He, "I commit to you, my servants, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the
authority of the Priesthood, light and intelligence, and knowledge to make you
acquainted with all these things; now I want to see if you will put forth a
helping hand, knowing, as you do, your Master's will, and understanding His
whole plan of operation, and work according to the ability I have given you; I
will put you to the test." What is to be done? "Go forth and preach
the Gospel among the nations, and baptize them in my name for the remission of
sins, and confirm them by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy
Ghost, and teach them to gather; for it is the gathering dispensation, and if
they have not means to gather, it is for you to advance means to bring
them." "Now," says the Almighty, "I want to try you and
prove you, and see if you will act in small things that you may render
yourselves worthy of being blessed with the means which I will prepare, and
which I have ordained. I want to see if you are worthy." What have we done
here for the purpose of carrying into effect this desirable object? We have
commenced to gather the people, and we have also commenced to raise a Fund by
which the poor Saints are to be gathered; and this is based upon principles
that are applicable to us in the days of our childhood; but we suppose, when
the Almighty begins to put forth His own hand to accomplish His own work, and
sustain the operations of His servants on this small scale, which we shall know
it is small when we see the mighty engine of God at work, for when we were
children we spake as children, and understood as children, and thought as
children; but when we become men, we shall put away childish things. We now
have to do with small things, that we may advance from one point to another. What
are the small things? Here is a Perpetual Emigrating Fund, for instance, for
the purpose of gathering the Saints of God. How is this Fund raised? It is
raised by voluntary contributions from every one who is able to help and who
has a heart and a spirit to engage in the work of God in the last days. It is
raised by the hard earnings of the brethren and sisters. It is the
little mites, and large mites, little sums and big sums, all thrown together
into one purse.
Now go
and take this, ye swift messengers, you faithful agents, in vessels of
bulrushes, pipe-ships, or, in other words, steam-ships, and be messengers of
glad tidings to the poor, and wretched, and oppressed, and meek of the earth.
It is an honor to be a messenger, bearing to them the means of taking them out
of their poverty, wretchedness, and oppression. He says to them, "I have
come to bring you to the family of God; to rescue you from the land of your
oppression and poverty, and put you in a position where you may be blessed
temporally and spiritually." Is not he who hears these tidings
blessed? "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that
bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of
good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth."
This messenger goes and brings them to his place by the means that is put into
his hands.
Now I
know some, when they are brought here by this agency, think they have got to
their desired haven. They. say, "Now I am secure in a haven of peace, I am
among the people of God, and this is all I care for. Now I will make myself as
happy as I can, and I will forget my fellows that I have left in bondage; I
will not remember them who are oppressed beneath the galling yoke, I am free,
let them take care of themselves." That is the feeling that pervades the
breast of many after they are borne here by means that were produced by other
hands than their own; and say they—"If we can manage any way to postpone
the payment of this debt we owe to the institution that brought us here, until
we can gather around us the comforts of life, then peradventure we will pay our
obligation." But let me here observe, when it is in the power to pay a
debt, or do a good deed, the longer we postpone it, the greater will be the
detraction from the merits of that act; now is the accepted time, now is the
day of salvation, when the hungry, the poor, wretched, and oppressed call for
redemption. While the power of redeeming them is in our hands, and we will not
extend it to them, how can we expect God to hear our prayers to roll on
His great work for the final redemption of the scattered remnants of His
people. And let me here say, I very much doubt whether God will hear the
prayers of any man that owes a just debt, and has means to pay it, but refuses
to do it: or withholds a blessing from his fellow when it is in his power to
extend it. What is his prayer? "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our
debtors," or in other words—"Do towards us, as we do towards
others;" if we withhold benefits due to others, how can God bestow
blessings upon us that are not our due, but are the acts of His mercy and
kindness? When we have Shared the benefit of any charitable bequest, more
especially when we hold a portion of it in our own hands, that ought to be
benefiting others, how can we expect God, or any other philanthropist, to
extend to us blessings?
What is
the duty of the Saints who have come here by the aid and benefit of the
Perpetual Emigrating Fund? It is their duty to pay back the debt they owe immediately.
"But," says one, "we cannot pay, we have no means." Very
well, we will not oppress you; but you can give your note, and you can file
your obligation with the agent, or such authorities of the Fund that it
concerns, that they may have some voucher to act upon, or that they can
tell at least where the funds are—in whose hands they are lodged; but do not go
to the east and to the west, to the north and to the south, from the
city, without making it a matter of record in some shape; and when God puts the
means in your hands, by your own perseverance and economy, pay it over and
liquidate the debt, and these means are sent again to relieve some one
else; and the same means that brought you, may perhaps bring out a thousand
persons, if they are faithful and active in restoring it to the channel
of its usefulness. For instance, I take half a dollar, and it is a debt I owe;
I pay it, and that man owes it to another; and by the time it has passed round
it has paid a hundred debts, and relieved a hundred wants; whereas, if I keep
it in my pocket, I prevent it from being circulated, and doing so much good. Do
I get any credit by doing so? I have the satisfaction of saying I am not out of
money while at the same time, I have the disgrace, before God and every
intelligent being, which is my due.
Well,
then, this money that has been appropriated to bring the Saints here, let it be
refunded with all speed, let it be a matter of conscience. If you should see
your neighbor suspended from a tower, and hanging by a brittle cord, and by any
little struggle he might break the cord, and be dashed in pieces, whatever you
might be engaged in, you would leave it and run to his rescue, and try your
utmost to save the man who is ready to plunge into this vortex, a gulf beneath
his feet. Look, then, at your brethren in a similar position; and perhaps if
they were struggling to gain life, they would be plunged into wretchedness
forever. This is a debt, a sacred obligation which you owe, not only to the
authorities of this Church and kingdom, but you owe it to your brethren whose
cries and prayers are ascending up to God; and if you withhold that which
belongs: to them—that which they should enjoy, their prayers will recoil on
your heads, not in blessings, but in curses.
We all say
here, that we are blessed; we say our labor and toil have been blessed; I am
sure of it. Can we work out our salvation? Can we witness to God and angels and
to our brethren, that we are willing to put forth our hands and contribute to
swell the sum total of this Perpetual Emigrating Fund, according to the ability
God has given us? Are we willing to put forth our hand and aid in rolling forth
this work, by collecting the people together from wretchedness and want? What
shall we gain by doing this? We shall gain numbers that will look up to us as
their friends and benefactors, and hail us as their saviors. It is said, that
"Saviors shall come up on Mount Zion to judge the Mount of Esau;
and the kingdom shall be the Lord's." Some men think the way they are going
to be saviors is to get as many wives as they can, and save them; now, they may
slip up on that, if that is their view, and their feelings: extend no further.
I will tell you what a savior is; if I see a family who are starving for want
of bread; and are thirsting and fainting for water, and an individual should
give them bread and water, he has saved them; that is the kind of savior I
would give the most for, under some circumstances that I have been placed in,
and I would prize that savior more precious than gold. If I were in danger of
falling from a precipice, or from a building, as I have said before, and had no
means of saving myself, if some kind friend would come along, and put forth his
hand and help to save me, he is my savior; so if a man rescues me from a
galling yoke of oppression, under which I must faint and die, he is my savior.
Saviors shall come upon Mount Zion, and they shall judge the Mount of Esau.
This is the kind of savior that will judge the ungodly, and give them their
due. "What! are you going to judge the ungodly?" Yes, judge the Mount
of Esau. You know the Lord has said, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I
hated."' Where is the Mount of Esau? It is the world at large, the
Wickedness of which God hates. Then saviors shall come upon Mount Zion and
judge the Mount of Esau. And says Paul, know ye not, brethren, that the Saints
shall judge the world?
We will
hand out our money, for that is almighty in the eyes of this world. God has put
this means in our hands, and it is for us to advance it to this good purpose
according to our ability, and so we shall become saviors to rescue the
oppressed from every land; and when we have gone to the extent of our power,
and done all we can, will there be any more efficient operations entered into
to effect the purposes of God? There will; He will say—"Now, my servants,
you have done all you can, I will stretch out my own arm!" Says one,
"I really wish I knew how soon it will be when the angels are sent from
heaven to gather up the elect at the winding up scene?" I can tell you how
soon it will be.
Have you
got the word of the Lord upon this subject?" I do not claim that I have,
but when I tell you, you will say it is true; and if it is true, it is just as
good as the word of the Lord, and as any other revelation already given, When
will it be that the angels are sent to gather in the remnant? It will be just
at the time when the Saints have done all that is in their power to do, and can
do no more, and have been worn out in the service of their God: then the Lord
will send the armies of heaven to aid them. He has had an army under His
training from the beginning, and when He gives the word of command they will
collect the balance of the Saints from the four winds; and not only so, but
they will open the graves, and raise the Saints from the dead. An angel showed
a little example of this at the time the Saviour ascended from the tomb. He
rolled the stone from the door of the sepulchre, and the keepers fell as dead
men, and the Son of God arose. There is the work of an angel, of one who was
reserved for this purpose, and there are convoys of angels who are schooled and
trained to this work, and they can open a grave much quicker than an Irishman
can with a spade. At the presence of one of these angels, the earth trembles,
and throws out its dead. The angels will do this, but not until we have done
our best. I have frequently said to my son, "Yea take this bag and carry
it to a certain place." "I cannot, father." "Well, take hold
of it and try." He takes hold of it, and it is a pretty good lift for him,
and he begins to labor and lift with all his might; at the moment he begins to
try, the father's hand helps him to balance the lead. It is just so in this
work. "Now," says the Lord, "I have tried you, and you have done
as I have told you, and my hand is ever ready to help you. If I were hungry, I
would not ask you for food; if I were naked, I would not ask you for
clothing." I do not know how many spirits of the condemned are at work
making white robes for the just and pure; I do not know how much they are
spinning, and how many white robes they are making, for the Saints and the
redeemed; but they have to work out all their indebtedness in prison; and if
God is hungry or naked, He will not call upon you; for He has millions of
resources in another quarter. He can get along without us doing the work, but
He gives us a privilege of doing it if we will; and if we will, He will bless
us; and if we will not, He don't care.
There are
some men in this kingdom who have an idea it cannot roll on without
them—"I must be there I am of so much consequence and importance, that if
I should happen to set up my will in opposition to any measure, the wheels
would be retarded in their onward course." "But," says the Lord,
"if you do not wish to serve me, go your own way; I have plenty at my
command, and when you are out of the way I will let you see that my
kingdom will roll on faster without you than with you; still, if you desire to
take a part among the multitude of my servants in rolling it on, I will
make you an honored instrument in doing so."
I think I
have spoken about as long as is necessary. Brother Kimball wished me to speak
upon this subject. Brother Young will be in soon, and probably there are other
matters to be attended to. I might continue to address you, but I esteem it
unnecessary. I believe I have fulfilled the charge laid upon me—to show the
necessity of putting forth our own hands to pave the way for the exhibition of
the great power of the Almighty in accomplishing His purposes on the earth. I
wish to say a word or two more, and then I am done. It is the desire of my
heart that we may all live, before God, and before one another, in the way and
manner that shall reflect honor upon the cause of the Latter Day Saints—upon
"Mormonism," as it is termed. They may publish their squibs in the
newspapers, and tell all about our wickedness and corruptions, but if we only
live to reflect honor on the cause of God, it matters little what our enemies
say.
In a
communication from an editor to me, he quotes from the 17th chapter of
Jeremiah, where it says, "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and
maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be
like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall
inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not
inhabited." "Now," says he, "how exactly is this fulfilled
in the followers of Joe Smith, that have gone to Utah Territory; there they are
in a salt and barren land, and they do not know when good comes." In my
communication, I have told him he is mistaken: for we have no more salt here
than is necessary; but the quotation made me think of Long Island, for the
early settlers were surrounded with salt, and it must allude to Long Island;
and if it would not suit there he might apply it to the early settlers of
Syracuse: it is all in that country.
But to
turn the scale: where shall be the habitation of the righteous? The old Prophet
says, "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that
despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of
bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes
from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the
munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure."
Where is the people who have got more rocks than we have? Do we have bread, and
plenty of it? Yes! We have had fine crops of wheat since the cricket and
grasshopper war was over, and our waters are sure, for here we have them
flowing down every street, in the midst of summer; and they are not salt waters
either, but they are fresh and good. How applicable are these sayings of the
Prophet to the Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake Valley. Their habitation is the
"munitions of rocks," and they ask no odds of the world, but they are
subject to God, who has redeemed this Basin, and put salt enough in it to save
us. It is not a dry and barren ground, for we can make it rain when we please,
and they cannot in Long Island. The Bible says, "Have salt in
yourselves;" we have it here, and if there comes along a villain who is
worthy of it, we can salt him up in Salt Lake too. [Laughter.]
There is
another thing I want to say. We should live before God and one another so as to
reflect honor upon the cause we have espoused, and never let Satan gain an
advantage over it, but like the true American soldier, let us keep our colors
unfolded, and flying free, in the hour of battle; and let us all the time be
right side up with care in the eyes of everybody. If you light a candle and set
it on a table, everybody in the house can see; so let your good works shine
before men on earth and angels in heaven.
I spoke
in relation to some things on Friday evening, about which I merely wish to say
the sentiments I advanced, with regard to certain doings here, are unalterable
in my heart; I care not whether it is Gentile or "Mormon" that
defiles the land in which we dwell. Judgment begins at the House of God, and
the "Mormon" will be the first to feel the chastening of the
Almighty, because we looked for better things of him: he has light and
knowledge, and knows better than to be guilty of such acts. If we always think
of God, and maintain our integrity to Him, to ourselves, and towards our
neighbors, the unvirtuous and wicked cannot find access into our society. If
the gate of the citadel of virtue is never opened to our enemy, he may strive
in vain. He cannot find access unless the way is voluntarily opened, and he
invited and encouraged. Let every man and woman be on their guard, and situate
themselves so that strangers and bogus "Mormons" can neither rob you
of your virtue nor of your money or goods, that they cannot do a wrong that
will bring a stain upon the fair name of the Saints, or damn themselves
forever. I say, then, let the standard of our integrity and virtue be erect,
and let it never lean to the right hand or to the left.
I have no
blessings upon them that will do these things, even as I have said, whether
they be Jew or Gentile, bond or free; but the men or women that observe the
common laws of propriety, and walk uprightly, I do not care whether they be
black or white, if they mind their own business, I say, God bless them, and
guide them in the way of life everlasting. But the villain who seeks to lay the
axe at the root of truth, and to bring dishonor upon the Saint, I say, curses
be upon that individual, let him die the death of the ungodly. I do not wish
anybody to apply this to themselves unless they are worthy of it; and if I am
met in the streets and assailed with having spoken rashly, I say, you are the
man, the saddle fits you; but those who are not guilty, but are secure in the
possession of their virtue and good intentions, may the blessings of the Lord
be upon you for ever. Amen.
Upon proposition from President Brigham Young, the congregation adjourned to meet in the afternoon at the north end of the Tabernacle, where seats had been prepared.
Choir chanted, "We praise thee, O God."
Benediction by Elder Woodruff.
——
[8 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 4:112, 10/12/54 p2]
Two p.m.
An immense congregation were comfortably seated in the open air.
Singing. Prayer by Elder G. A. Smith. Elder O. Pratt read the 68th Psalm, which the choir chanted.
It being the recurring time for administering the sacrament, Bishop L. D. Young asked a blessing upon the bread, and Bishop Isaac Hill asked a blessing upon the water. While the emblems were being passed, President Brigham Young delivered a highly interesting discourse, which held the vast audience as it were spellbound.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, 2:845-855]
I propose to speak upon a subject that does not immediately
concern your or my welfare.
I expect in my remarks I shall allude to things that you
search after as being absolutely necessary for your salvation in the Kingdom of
God. It is true, if you are faithful and diligent, they are things that will be
fully made known to you in due time—at the proper time, according to the will
of the Lord. But as many among us are preaching, lecturing, contemplating upon
and conversing about things away beyond our reach sometimes, I wish to gratify
myself by gratifying the people.
In the first place, I wish to say to all men and women who
believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—in the Holy Bible, and in the revelations that
have been given at sundry times from the days of Adam to the present, I request
that I may have your faith and prayers united with mine that whatever the Lord
is pleased to give to the Latter-day Saints through your humble servant this
afternoon, he may give it, and that he does not wish to give, he may retain,
and keep from you. I make this request of the Saints for this reason: I know by
my experience, by the visions of eternity, that God reveals things to
individuals that do not belong to the Church at large at present, or that do
not yet belong to the masses. That I know.
It is natural for the people to desire that which is not
beneficial to them. It is so in temporal things, and it is so in things that
are spiritual. That I know.
Again, the Lord blesses his people with temporal things in
abundance, and wishes to bless them with knowledge and understanding that is
not for the world of mankind who do not believe in him. That I also know.
I may say things this afternoon that do not belong to the
world. What if I do? I know the Lord is able to close up every person's mind
who have eyes but see not, hearts but do not understand; so I may say what I please
with regard to the Kingdom of God on the earth, for there is a veil over the
wicked that they cannot understand the things which are for their peace.
Jesus said at one time, "It is not meet to take the
children's bread and give it to the dogs." [Matthew 15:26; Mark 7:27] This
saying applies to all the dispensations that have been brought forth to the
children of men from the days of Adam until now.
I wish the congregation to understand in connection with my
sayings thus far, that the Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father, in
Jesus Christ his son, in the Holy Ghost, God's minister, and in the Celestial
Law, or, in other words, the ordinances of the House of God, which, if obeyed,
are calculated to save intelligent beings, exalt them, and bring them back into
the presence of their God.
I will tell you what I believe still further than this,
though I do not pretend to say that the items of doctrine and ideas I shall
advance are necessary for the people to know, or that they should give
themselves any trouble about them whatever. I believe in the eternities of
worlds, saints, angels, kingdoms, and Gods in eternity without beginning. I
believe the Gods never had a beginning, neither the formation of matter, and it
is without end; it will endure in one eternal round, swimming in space,
basking, living, and moving in the midst of eternity. All the creations are in
the midst of eternity, and that is one eternity, so they move in one eternal
round. Consequently, when you hear philosophers argue the point how the first
God came, how intelligence came, how worlds came, and how angels came, they are
talking about that which is beyond their conception about that which never was,
and never will be, worlds without end. It manifests their folly. It shows they
know nothing of such matters, and if they do know some things they have a right
to know, there are things they have no right to know. This applies to all
classes of mankind.
These are my views with regard to the Gods and eternities.
Do you wish I should particularize? Then can you, by any process of reasoning
or argument, tell whether it was an apple that bore the first seed of an apple,
or an apple seed that made the first apple? Or, whether it was the seed of a
squash that made the first squash, or a squash that bore the first squash seed?
Such abstruse questions belong to the philosophy of the world. In reality there
never was and never will be a time when there was not both the apple and the
apple seed.
You must be patient with me, as I am not well enough to
preach to such a large congregation in the open air, and labor on words without
cessation; you must allow me to take my own time. I will proceed a little
further with my preliminaries before I commence my subject.
Inasmuch as I have taken the ground that there never was a
beginning, nor end, I wish to say further: There is an eternity of elements,
and an eternity of space, and there is no space without a kingdom; neither is
there any kingdom without a space. <Doctrine and Covenants 88:37> Were the
best mathematician to multiply figures from the time he first commenced to
learn at five or ten years of age until he is one hundred years old, or until
he has exhausted the capacity of figures known to man, he can then tell no more
about the number of the creations of God, in comparison, than a mere child who
knows nothing whatever of figures. There is no beginning, no end; there is no
bound, no time when the elements will cease to be organized into bodies, with
all the variety you have a faint specimen of on this earth.
There are philosophers who believe that this earth upon
which we stand has been in existence for millions of ages. I wish to advance a
few items that will open the minds of these philosophers, that they may be like
well instructed scribes who treasure up in their hearts the mysteries of the
Kingdom of God, the principles of eternity, those who wish to be taught eternal
principles, and become true philosophers. Their minds can reach forth into the
unlimited fields of eternity and still discover no end to the boundless
expanse, and to its fullness.
There is no necessity of creating a world like this and
keeping it in one unalterable state or condition for the express purpose of
bringing intelligent beings upon it, while there is an eternity of matter yet
to be organized. And when we have lived as long as the best mathematicians
among you can figure by millions, billions, trillions etc. and exhausted all
your wisdom and knowledge and figures, you are then in the midst of eternity
where you began. A true philosopher wishes to grow and increase continually. He
wishes his mind to expand and reach forth until he can think as God thinks, as
angels think, and behold things as God beholds them.
You recollect I told you in the commencement, I should talk
about things that did not particularly concern you and me, but the people want
to hear something in advance of their present knowledge; they want to find out
if there is anything more for us to learn. When you have lived through
eternities to come, learning continually, you may then inquire, "Brother
Brigham, is there anything more for me to learn?" My reply to such an
inquiry would be, "Yes, there is an eternity of knowledge yet to
learn."
Search after wisdom, get knowledge and understanding, and forget
it not. And be not like the fool whose eyes are on the ends of the earth, or
like the misers who are around us here. They are so craving, and anxious after
property that if they saw a picayune on the wall opposite to me there, they
would run over forty dollars to secure that picayune. Their eyes are on earthly
riches to the neglect of riches that are more enduring. There are a great many
persons who are so anxious to learn about eternity, Gods, angels, heavens and
hells, that they neglect to learn the first lessons preparatory
to learning the things they are reaching after. They will
come short of them.
I wish to speak a few words about the Bible as I have
hinted at it. The ordinances of the Kingdom of God on the earth are the same to
the children of Adam from the commencement to the end of his posterity
pertaining to the carnal state on this earth, and the winding up scene of this
mortality. With regard to the Bible, we frequently say we believe the Bible,
but circumstances alter cases, for what is now required of the people may not
be required of a people that may live a hundred years hence. But I wish you to
understand with regard to the ordinances of God's House, to save the people in
the Celestial Kingdom of our God, there is no change from the days of Adam to
the present time, neither will there be until the last of his posterity is
gathered into the Kingdom of God.
Those who are not acquainted with our doctrine are
astonished, and say, "That is strong indeed. We thought no such thing as
preaching faith, repentance and baptism was practiced in ancient, or old
testament times." I can tell you that no man from the days of Adam, no
woman from the days of Eve to this day, who has lived, or who is now living
upon the earth will go into the kingdom of their Father and God, to be crowned
with Jesus Christ, without passing the same ordinances of the House of God you
and I have obeyed. I wish you distinctly to understand that. There are many
duties and callings spoken of in the scriptures, and there are many not
written; those for instance which are handed out to you by your president as
circumstances require; those imposed by the president of the Church of God, or
by the president of any portion of it, are duties as necessary to be observed
as though they were written in the Bible. But these requirements, duties,
callings etc. change with the circumstances that surround the people of God.
But when you speak of the system of salvation to bring back the children of
Adam and Eve into the presence of our Father and God, it is the same in all
ages, among all people, and under all circumstances, worlds without end. Amen.
I think these preliminaries will satisfy me, and I feel
prepared to take my text: it is the words of Jesus Christ, but where they are
in the Bible I cannot tell you now, for I have not taken pains to look at them.
I have had so much to do, that I have not read the Bible for many years. I used
to be a bible student; I used to read and study it, but did not understand the
spirit and meaning of it. I knew well enough how it read. I have read the Book
of Mormon, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants and other revelations of God
which he has given to his people in latter times. I look at them and contrast
the spirit and power of them with my faithfulness. My clerks know how much time
I have to read. It is difficult for me to snatch time enough even to eat my
breakfast and supper, to say nothing of reading. I tell you my text is in the
Bible, and reads as follows: "And this is life eternal, that they might know
thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." [John
27:3]
I will now put another text with this, and then after, a
few remarks. It is one of the sayings of the Apostle Paul: "For though
there be that are called gods, whether in heaven, or in earth (as there be gods
many and lords many) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are
all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things,
and we by him." [I Corinthians 8:5-6] This God is the father of our Lord
Jesus Christ and the father of our spirits. I feel inclined here to make a
little scripture. (Were I under the necessity of making scripture extensively I
should get Brother Heber C. Kimball to make it, and then I would quote it. I
have seen him do this when any of the Elders have been pressed by their
opponents and were a little at a loss. He would make a scripture for them to
suit the case that never was in the Bible, though none the less true, and make
their opponents swallow it as the words of an apostle or one of the prophets.
The Elder would then say, "Please turn to that scripture gentlemen, and
read it for yourselves." No, they could not turn to it, but they
recollected it like the devil for fear of being caught.) I will venture to make
a little: This God is the God and father of our lord Jesus Christ precisely as
he is our father, varying from mortality to immortality, from corruptible to
incorruptible, and that is all the difference. He is the God and father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, both body and spirit; and he is the father of our spirits,
and the father of our flesh in the beginning. You will not dispute the words of
the Apostle that he is actually the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the father of our spirits. You may add these words to it or let it alone,
it is all the same to me: that he is not only the father of our spirits, but
also of our flesh, he being the founder of that natural machinery through which
we have all obtained our bodies.
Do you wish me to simplify it? Could you have a father
without having a grandfather? or a grandfather without having a
great-grandfather? I never heard of but one circumstance that varied from this
rule, and that was a son of the Emerald Isle who said he was born of one of his
aunts. Does this unlock to your understandings how the Lord Almighty is our
natural father? he set the great machine to working. If you cannot see this
truth now, you will if you are faithful and patient.
I will now quote another scripture: "And hath made of
one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and
hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their
habitation." [Acts 17:26] From these words we understand that God has made
of one blood all the inhabitants that are upon the earth, that have been, and
all that will be in the future will be of the same blood as those that have
been. Do you believe that scripture? I do, with all my heart. I believe we are
all of one flesh, blood and bones. We are made of the same matter—the same
elements. We have sprung from one mother earth. Matter was brought together
from the vast eternity of it that exists, and this tiny sphere upon which we
stand was organized. Then comes the world of mankind, the beasts, fishes,
fowls, and every living thing to dwell upon the earth after its kind; and
vegetation of every kind to support the animal life upon it until the
organization of this world was perfected in all its variety, being brought from
the eternity of matter and prepared for intelligent beings to dwell upon,
wherein to prepare themselves to dwell eternally in the presence of their
Father and God. Those who keep this, their second estate, and do honor to their
being, and answer the design of their creation, shall be exalted to inhabit the
earth, and live upon it when it shall be celestial and brought back into the
presence of God, there to dwell for ever and ever.
Before I proceed any further I will ask a question, and I
would like you men and women of intelligence to understand and watch well, to
see if I keep the thread of truth—whether I preach to you according to the law
and the testimony, according to the words of the prophets, of Jesus Christ and
his apostles and according to the words of angels. Mark ye well my sayings, and
see if you can pick any flaw in them, if you think you can do so. When you come
to the proper place to be corrected you may then receive instructions that will
do you good. The question I wish to ask is simply this—and I put it to all the
Elders of Israel and to all the men and women of intelligence in Israel which
pertain to the kingdom of God on earth, and if the whole world were before me I
would ask them the same question: Can any man or set of men officiate in
dispensing the laws and administering the ordinances of the world legally,
without first obeying those lass and submitting to those ordinances themselves?
Do you understand me? If a foreigner wishes to become a citizen of the United
States he must first become subject to this government. Must you not first acknowledge
and obey the laws of this government? certainly you must. Then apply this to
the Kingdom of God on earth and ask yourselves if any man has the power, the
influence, the right, the authority to go forth and preach this gospel and
baptize for the remission of sins unless he himself has, in the first place,
been baptized, ordained and legally called to that office. What would the
Elders of Israel, and every other sensible man, say to this? They would all
decide at once with me that no man can lawfully officiate in any office in the
Kingdom of God, or in the governments of men, he has not been called to and the
authority of which has not been bestowed upon him. I am not going to talk a
thousand things to you, but I wish to tell you a few, and desire you to
understand them and connect them together.
There are a few more questions I would like to ask, for the
simple reason of bringing the minds of the people to bear upon certain items of
principle and the philosophy of the Kingdom of God on earth, that they may know
how heavenly things are; but I will pass on and notice some of the texts I have
quoted. Before I proceed, however, I will put one more question—at the same
time I wish you to ear in mind the one I have just asked; do not forget that no
man has authority to officiate in the ordinances of heavenly or earthly
governments only so far as he has obeyed them himself. Now, to know the only
wise God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent will put the man, woman,
congregation or nation in possession of eternal life. Are the hearts of the
Latter-day Saints prepared to have eternal life given to them in mass and say
there shall be no more apostasy, but bring them all up that they may know and
understand the gods, eternities, creations, heavens, hells, kingdoms, thrones,
principalities and powers? It cannot be done. The sheep and goats are together;
the wheat and the tares are growing together; the good and the bad are mixed
and they must so remain until the time when Jesus Christ will say, "Gather
my sheep into my fold, gather my wheat into my garner and let the tares and
chaff and stubble be burned." This is not yet.
Now if you believe what you have heard me say, you will
believe there are lords many and gods many; and you will believe that unto us,
the inhabitants of this earth there is but one God with whom we have to do; and
according to the tenor of the Bible, we believe there are many, very many, who
have entered into power, glory, might and dominion, and are gathering around
them thrones, and have power to organize elements and make worlds, and bring
into existence intelligent beings in all their variety who, if they are
faithful and obedient to their calling and creation, will in their turn be
exalted in eternal kingdoms of the gods. Do you believe that? You and I have
only one God to whom we are accountable, so we will let the rest alone and
search after the one we have to do with; let us seek diligently after him, the
very being who commenced this creation.
(Asked blessing on the bread)
We will now make our inquiries with regard to our position
with the God with whom we have to do. You will please recollect all ye elders
in Israel, for I want you to be instructed by my remarks that you may not fall
into errors, that you have tested the question in your own minds with regard to
the rights of officiating in ordinances. Now I wish to ask you if you have any
conception or idea as to the creation of the world. "O yes," you
reply, "a great many of us have a tolerable idea of it, but still, there
are mysteries we do not understand. There are some things in the Bible about
the creation that seem to be dark. We have learned some things in this kingdom
we do not understand, and that do not correspond with the reading of the
Bible."
Let me open the eyes of your understanding. There has never
been a time when the creations of worlds commenced. They are from eternity to
eternity in their creations and redemption. After they are organized they
experience the good and the evil, the light and the dark, the bitter and the
sweet as you and I do. There never was a time when there were not worlds in
existence as this world is, and they pass through similar changes in abiding
their creation preparatory to exaltation. Worlds have always been in progress,
and eternally will be.
Every
world has had an Adam and an Eve, named so simply because the first man is
always called Adam and the first woman, Eve. And the oldest son has always had
the privilege of being ordained, appointed and called to be the heir of the
family if he does not rebel against the Father, and he is the Savior of the
family. Every world that has been created has been created upon the same
principle. They may vary in their varieties, yet the eternity is one: it is one
eternal round. These are things that scarcely belong to the best of this
congregation. There are items of doctrine and principles in the bosom of
eternity that the best of the Latter-day Saints are unworthy to receive. If the
visions of their minds were opened to look unto the vast creations and gaze
upon the power and glory and goodness and exaltation of the gods they would
exclaim: "Woe is me, I am undone. I am of unclean lips." <See
Isaiah 6:5> But we will look at it a little. Do any of you know anything
about the creation of this world? "O yes, we understand a good deal about
it from the account given in the Bible." So you read in the Bible of there
being three persons in one God; many religionists in the world believe in a
three-in-one God, however, I do not wish to spend time to deliberate upon the
notions adopted by the sectarians—the world is full of them. There are lords
many and gods many according to the Bible; it does not contradict the doctrine,
neither can you find a single passage that does away with that idea.
But let us turn our attention to the God with whom we have
to do. I tell you simply, he is our father, the God ;and father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and the father of our spirits. Can that be possible? Yes, it is
possible. He is the father of all the spirits of the human family. All things
are first made spiritual and brought forth into his kingdom. The spirits of all
the human family were begotten by one father. Now be watchful, for if I have
time, and feel able, I shall communicate something in connection with this you
are not expecting. Yes, every son and daughter of Adam according to the flesh
can claim one parentage. The Heathen and the Christian, the Jew and the
Gentile, the high and the low, the king and the beggar, the black and the
white. All who have sprung from Adam and Eve have one father. "Then you
make it out we are brethren and sisters." Certainly, for the whole human
family are made of one blood, of the same material. They are all begotten and
brought forth by one parentage, and from one generation to another they are of
one flesh and blood and of one kindred. The God and father of our Lord Jesus
Christ is the father of our spirits.
I began at the end and shall probably finish at the
beginning of my discourse, but it is no matter which end a man begins at for
the first shall be the last and the last first, which proves it is one eternal
round—it is one eternity. Elohim looked round upon the eternity of matter, and
said to his associates and those whom he was pleased to call upon at that time
for his counselors, with regard to the elements, worlds, planets, kingdoms and
thrones; said he, "Yahovah Michael, see that eternal matter on all sides,
this way and that way? We have already created worlds upon worlds, shall we
create another world? Yes. Go and organize the elements yonder in
space."—not empty space, for there is no such thing. Once in a while
earthquakes and the extensive destruction of combustible matter by fire will
come nigh making empty space for perhaps the millionth part of a second.—"Yehovah
Michael, go and create a world. Make it, organize it, form it and then put upon
it every thing in all the variety that you have seen, that you have been in the
habit of being associated with in other worlds; of beasts, birds, fowls, fish, and
every insect and creeping thing." And finally, "The whole eternity of
element is full of life, bring it together and make of it living
creatures." Yahovah Michael goes and does as he is told.
What I am now going to tell you will no doubt astonish the
whole of you. When Yahovah Michael had organized the world and brought from
another kingdom the beasts, fish, fowl and insects, and every tree and plant
with which we are acquainted, and thousands that we never saw; when he had
filled the earth with animal and vegetable life, Michael, or Adam, goes down to
the new made world and there he stays. Do you suppose he went there alone?
Moses made the Bible to say his wife was taken out of his side—was made of one
of his ribs. I do not know anything to the contrary of my ribs being equal on
both sides. The Lord knows if I had lost a rib for each wife I have I should
have had none left long ago. Some try to say how many wives the Governor of
Utah has got, but if they can tell they can tell more than I can, for I do not
know how many I have. I have not counted them up for many years. I did not know
how many I had before I left the United States, I had so many. I heard that I
had ninety. Why bless your souls, ninety is not a beginning. You might ask me
if I have ever seen them all. I answer, No; I see a few of them I pick up
myself, here. I have lots and scores I have never seen nor shall not until the
morning of the resurrection.
Now about the rib. As for the Lord taking a rib out of
Adam's side to make a woman of, he took one out of my side just as much.
"But Brother Brigham, would you make it appear that Moses did not tell the
truth?" No, not a particle more than I would that your mother did not tell
the truth when she told you that little Billy came from a hollow toadstool. I
would not accuse your mother of lying any more than I would Moses. The people
in the days of Moses wanted to know things that were not for them, the same as
your children do when they want to know where their little brother came from.
And he answered them according to their folly, the same as you did your
children.
Now some will be ready to say, "We always heard these
Mormons did not believe the Bible." I believe all the truth that is there,
and that is enough for me and for you to believe.
"Then the Lord did not make Adam out of the dust of
the earth?" Yes he did, but I have not got to that part of my discourse
yet. Adam was made of the dust of the earth. "Was he made of the dust of
this earth?" No, but of the dust of the earth whereon he was born in the
flesh, that is the way he was made. He was made of dust. "Did the Lord put
into him his spirit?" Yes, as the Lord put into you your spirit. He was
begotten of a father and brought forth as you and I were, and so are all
intelligent beings brought forth from eternity to eternity. Man was not made
the same as you make an adobe to put in a wall. Moses said Adam was made of the
dust of the ground, but he did not say of what ground. I say he was not made of
the dust of the ground of this earth, but he was made of the dust of the earth
where he lived, where he honored his calling, believed in his savior or elder
brother, and by his faithfulness was redeemed and got a glorious resurrection.
All creatures that dwell upon this earth are made of the
elements that compose it, which are organized to see if they will abide their
creation, and be counted worthy to receive a resurrection. "What, every
flesh?" Yes, every flesh, for all flesh pertaining to this world is made
of the dust of this earth. It is all made from the same material according to
the will and pleasure of him who dictates all things. Our bodies are composed
of the same material that composes this earth: They are composed of the water,
air and solid earth, either of which will resolve back to their native
fountain. "How many elements are there?" I do not know, any more than
you. They have never all been classified by science, though scientific
gentlemen have tried to do it.
I tell you more: Adam is the father of our spirits. He
lived upon an earth, he did abide his creation and did honor to his calling and
priesthood and obeyed his master or lord, and probably many of his wives did
the same, and they lived and died upon an earth and then were resurrected again
to immortality and eternal life. "Did he resurrect himself?" you
inquire. I want to throw out a few hints upon the resurrection as it seems to
come within the circuit of my ideas, whether it ought to come within the
circuit of my remarks or not. I believe we have already acknowledged the truth
established that no person can officiate in any office he has not been subject
to himself, and been legally appointed to fill; that no person in this kingdom
can officiate in any ordinance he himself has not obeyed. Consequently, no being
who has not been resurrected possesses the keys of the power of resurrection.
That you have been told often. Adam, therefore, was resurrected by some one who
had been resurrected.
I will go a little further with this lest some of you will
be querying, doubting and philosophizing this away. It is true Jesus said,
"I lay down my life that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me,
but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to
take it again." (John 10:17-18) I do not doubt the power of Christ, but
did he prove that in his resurrection? No. But it is proved that an angel came
and rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulcher and did resurrect the
body of the Son of God. "What angel was this?" It is not for me to say.
I do not know him. If I ever did know him it is so long since, I have entirely
forgotten who it was. That Jesus had power to lay down his life and power to
take it up again I do not dispute. Neither do I dispute but what an angel came
that was sent by the father of our Lord Jesus Christ to roll away the stone from the sepulcher and
resurrect the Son of God. Suffice it to say that he was some character who had
himself been resurrected.
"Is there any further proof with regard to this sacred
order of the Kingdom of God on the earth?" O yes, you can find it in all
the scriptures, for instance, when the Savior appeared to Paul of Tarsus, on
the road. In answer to the question, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
(Acts 9:6) he was told to go into the city of Damascus and it should be told
him there what to do. In the mean time Ananias was sent to him, who baptized
and ordained him. Jesus would not do this because he had servants on earth
whose special duty it was to administer these ordinances. Again, the angel that
appeared to Cornelius would not officiate in the ordinances of the Gospel, but
told him to send men to Joppa to the house of one Simon the Tanner and call for
one Peter etc., <See Acts 10> whose duty it was to do it; he being called
and ordained to that power. Many more instances of this kind might be quoted,
but the above will suffice to illustrate the principle.
Now, many inquiries will be made about the Savior, such as:
Who is he? Is he the father of Adam? Is he the God of Adam? When Christ has
finished his labor and presented it to his father, then he, Adam, will receive
a fullness. That is all easily understood by me. He cannot receive a fullness
of the kingdoms he has organized until they are completed. If he sends his
servants off to the right and to the left to perform a certain labor, his
kingdom is not complete until his ministers have accomplished every thing to
make his kingdom complete, and returned home again. Many inquire, "Who is this
Savior?" I will tell you what I think about it.
As we say, "I reckon," and as the Yankees say,
"I guess;" but I will tell you what I reckon. I reckon that Father
Adam was a resurrected being with his wives and posterity, and in the Celestial
Kingdom they were crowned with glory, immortality and eternal lives, with
thrones, principalities and powers, and it was said to him, "It is your
right to organize the elements, and to your creations and posterity there shall
be no end, but you shall add kingdom to kingdom and throne to throne, and still
behold the vast eternity of unorganized matter." Adam, then, was a
resurrected being. And I reckon our spirits and the spirits of all the human
family were begotten by Adam and born of Eve. "How are we going to know
this?" I reckon it. And I reckon that Adam came into the Garden of Eden
and did actually eat of the fruit that he, himself, planted. And I reckon there
was a previous understanding and the whole plan was previously calculated,
before the Garden of Eden was made, that he would reduce his posterity to sin,
misery, darkness, wickedness, wretchedness and to the power of the devil, that
they might be prepared for an exaltation, for without this they could not
receive one.
I reckon that all things were first made spiritual
preparatory to the natural organization. "What was the use of all this?
Could not spirits be happy?" Yes, as far as they could. These Indians that
roam upon the plains and upon the mountains are comparatively happy in their
degraded condition because they do not know the comforts of civilized life.
They can lay upon the ground, pull up sage brush to form a temporary shield
against the cold, and get plenty of lizards and crickets to eat, and they are
happy. We would want a comfortable house to live in and something comfortable
to eat; something that is suited to our nature, ability, taste and appetite. We
would not be happy and satisfied short of that, so our spirits are as happy as
they know how to be. Were you now to live without a house you could not be
happy, neither could the spirit be happy without a tabernacle which is the
house of the spirit. When the spirit enters the body it is pure and good, and
if the body would be subject to the spirit it would always be taught to do the
will of the Father in heaven. But the spirit is interwoven with the flesh and
blood; it is subjected to the body, consequently Satan has power over both. I
reckon the Father has been through all this.
Do you recollect what I told the brethren who came across
the plains this season when they were perplexed by their oxen and were calling
upon God to give you grace to perform the labor which lay before you? He could
not sympathize with you or know the nature of your trials if he had not passed
through the same himself. He knew just as much about crossing the plains and
the trials connected with it as any of us.
The inquiry will arise among those who are strenuous and
tenacious for the account given by Moses as to Adam. "Did not Adam
die?" Yes, he died. "Does not the Bible say he died?" I do not
know nor care, but I think it would be hard to find where he died, or where
Moses died, (Reporter's note. Gen. 5 ch. 5 v. And all the days that Adam lived
were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died. Deut. 34 ch. 5-6 v. Moses the
servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of
the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against
Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulcher to this day.) though I have no
doubt Moses died, and Adam also; just as you and I have to die and be laid away
in the bowels of mother earth. That, however, Moses did not see fit to tell us.
Adam planted the Garden of Eden, and he, with his wife Eve,
partook of the fruit of this earth until their systems were charged with the
nature of earth, and then they could beget bodies for their spiritual children.
If the spirit does not enter into the embryo man that is forming in the womb of
the woman the result will be a false conception; a living intelligent being
cannot be produced. Adam and Eve begot the first mortal bodies on this earth,
and from that commencement every spirit that was begotten in eternity for this
earth will enter bodies thus prepared for them here, until the winding up
scene, and that will not be until the last of these spirits enters an earthly
tabernacle.
Then, I reckon that the children of Adam and Eve married
each other. This is speaking to the point. I believe in sisters marrying
brothers and brothers having their sisters for wives. Why? Because we cannot do
otherwise; there are no others for me to marry but my sisters. "But you do
not pretend to say you would marry your father and mother's daughter?" If
I did not I would marry another of my sisters that lives over in another
garden. The material of which they are organized is just the same. There is no
difference between sisters, and so are our bodies; and the opposite idea to
this has resulted from the ignorant and foolish traditions of the nations of
the earth. They have corrupted themselves with each other, and I want them to
understand that they have corrupted their own flesh, blood and bones, for they
are of the same flesh, blood and bones as all the family of the earth.
I am approaching the subject of our marriage relations
Brother Hyde lectured upon, but I shall not have time or strength to say much
about this. But, I reckon that Father Adam and Mother Eve had the children of
the human family prepared to come here and take bodies; and when they come to
take bodies they enter in to the bodies prepared for them; and that body gets
an exaltation with the spirit when they are prepared to be crowned in Father's
kingdom. "What, into Adam's Kingdom?" Yes.
As to my talking what I want to say at this time I shall
not do it. I am exhausting myself. I have to speak loud, and it is hard labor.
I tell you, when you see your father in the heavens you
will see Adam: when you see your mother that bore your spirit you will see
Mother Eve; and when you see yourselves there you have gained your exaltation,
you have honored your calling here on the earth, your body has returned to its
mother earth, and somebody has broken the chains of death that bound you and
given you a resurrection.
How are you going to get your resurrection? You will get it
by the president of the resurrection pertaining to this generation, and that is
Joseph Smith Jun. Hear it all ye ends of the earth: If ever you enter in to the
Kingdom of God it is because Joseph Smith let you go there. This will apply to
Jews and Gentiles, to the bond and free, to friends and foes. no man or woman
in this generation will get a resurrection and be crowned without Joseph Smith
says so. The man who was martyred in Carthage jail, state of Illinois, holds
the keys of life and death to this generation. He is the president of the
resurrection in this dispensation and he will be the first to rise from the
dead. When he has passed through it then I reckon the keys of the resurrection
will be committed to him. Then he will call up his apostles. You know I told
you last conference I was an apostle of Joseph Smith. And if faithful enough I
expect Joseph will resurrect the apostles. And when they have passed through
the change and received their blessings I expect he will commit to them the
keys of the resurrection and they will go on resurrecting the saints, every man
in his own order.
I want to say a little more about marriage relations so
that you may understand what my views are. When you get your resurrection you
are not yet exalted, but by and by the Lord Jesus Christ, our elder Brother,
the Savior of the world, the heir of the family, when he has put down Satan and
destroyed death, then he will say, "Come, let us go home into the presence
of the Father." What will become of the world then? it will be baptized
with fire. It has been baptized with water, and it will then be cleansed by
fire and become like a sea of glass, and be made celestial. And Jesus Christ,
our elder brother, will take the whole earth with all the saints and go with
them to the Father, even to Adam, and you will continue to receive more and
more intelligence, glory, exaltation and power.
I want to tell you a thing with regard to parents, wives,
brothers and sisters, etc. The time will come when it will be told where this
man and that woman shall be placed. The real blood of Joseph will be selected
out from among the tribes of Israel and every man and woman will be put in
their places and stand in their order where the Lord designs them to be. When
you get back into the presence of God, and the Lord should say, "Who have
you brought with you?" Your reply would be, "My wife and
children." But in reality you have only with you your brothers and
sisters. The Father would say, "These are my children" When you meet
your Father in Heaven you will know him and realize that you have lived with
him, and rested in his bosom for ages gone past, and he will hail you as his
sons and daughters, and embrace you, and you will embrace Him, and
"Hallelujah, thank God I have come to Father again, I have got back
home" will resound through the heavens. There are ten thousand things
connected with these ideas. You will see the human family of every shade of
color between black and white. I could stand here and tell you what I reckon
but it would take an age for me to tell you all there is about it.
We have all come from one father even Adam, both the black
and the white, the grizzled and the gray; the noble, and the ignoble; and the
time will come, when they will all come back again into His presence. When they
have behaved themselves, and proved faithful to their calling, and to their God
the curse will be removed, from every class, and nation of men that desires to
work the work of God. This [has] been told you, that saviours would come upon
Mount Zion, and Save the Mount of Esau." What does gentile signify?
Disobedience. What does Israel signify? Obedience. What is the name of the
first man? Adam, which signifies first man, and Eve signifies first woman. And
when Michael the Archangel shall sound his trump and the Ancient of Days shall
come, all things that we have once been familiar with will come back again to
our memory.
In our marriage relations here we are marrying our brothers,
and our sisters. As to a man having more wives than one, this is startling
indeed to the traditions of the people. With regard to it being the law of the
Lord for a man to have only one wife or for a man to have no wife, it is no
such thing. All that, rests on the traditions of the people and in the doings
of legislative bodies; that is all there is about wives in the world, as to the
having many or none. It is corruption for men to deny the truth, for men to
work iniquity, to defile themselves and to betray the innocent.
If there are any of my friends who do not belong to the
church here, I want to tell you one thing. I will take all the sin there is
before God and angels in men having one wife, two wives, ten, or fifty wives,
that will use them well, upon my own shoulders, if they will acknowledge them,
support them, raise children by them and bring them up as well as they know
how. I say I will take all the sins there is in this, of the whole of the
Latter-day Saints, and place them with one sin of you poor devils who when you
were young men courted that poor innocent girl and made her believe you would
marry her, then got her in the family way and left her to the wide world. You
poor curses. This one sin of yours will weigh down all the sins of the
Latter-day Saints together and go down about enough for you to be damned in the
bottomless pit, while the elders of Israel will be exalted among the Gods.
There are scores and hundreds and thousands of these poor girls upon the
streets of the cities of the United States. "Why Governor, did you ever
see any of them?" Yes, lots of them, in that neighborhood and in the other
neighborhoods. I have found respectable families where a young mechanic, a
merchant, a lawyer or farmer or some other poor miserable wretch, fit for
nothing but the fire of hell, would insinuate themselves into the family, court
the daughter, win her affections, desire her, and then forsake her and then
boast of your achievements and rejoice over your success. But weep and howl for
the miseries that shall come upon you, you poor damned wretches. I want to cut
their damned throats, and I will if I catch any of them doing it here. I should
hold myself guilty before God and angels if I did not sweep the earth of such
low wretches. I will not ask the Lord to do a dirty trick I would not do
myself. Let them prowl around my daughter and I will slay them, yes, as fast as
I can come to them. What more will I do? When I find a young woman caught in
this snare, I will take her to my house and say, "You shall have a home
with me and my family."
I only know these iniquities by observation. I was never of
such sins. The wickedest day I ever saw I would not betray an innocent female,
but instead of prostituting them I would tell them how to do right and teach
them the way of life and salvation, and see them safe in the Kingdom of God if
they would obey my counsel. But you will take a poor, helpless, innocent
creature, and lead the unsuspecting victim nigh to the altar of marriage and
then ruin the innocent lamb. You poor cursed gentiles; go and weep and howl. In
New York alone there are over eighteen hundred prostitutes licensed in that
city, to corrupt themselves for hell. And I want to tell every man that is
going to hell that it is full of such creatures; so full that their elbows
stick out of the windows.
Instead of creating such an awful state of society as this
presents, we take to ourselves wives, acknowledge them, raise their children,
school them and try to teach them the way of salvation. Let me tell you what
they should do in the city of New York, that righteous city, and to other
cities where there are thousands of licensed houses of ill fame besides
thousands of private ones that are not licensed, but go under different
appellations: They should set fire to every poor filthy debaucher and collect
the illegitimate children, as they are called, that are running in the streets,
and wash them and school them and teach them righteousness and not suffer them
to mingle with those that mingle unlawfully together. Also take the women and
wash them clean and put them to work at spinning, weaving and at other useful
employment in the country. As they now exist they want to die. They have lost
their character and nothing appears in the future for them but a life of
wretchedness of the lowest grade. There are thousands of these poor women who
would bless the first person who would kill them. They do not wish to kill
themselves, but live they must, and disguise their real feelings. Let the world
cleanse themselves before they talk about Utah. And when they get sanctified
and become purer than we are they may come and give us a few upon purity. It is
a subject I did not wish to name, but in my remarks I seemed to run on to it
and could not well avoid it.
I wish you to understand well the position I have taken and
the nature of the remarks I have made. Profit by them, both saints and sinners.
You have had things laid before you that do not belong to the world, nor to men
and women who calculate to apostatize. They belong to the wise; to those who
are serving God with all their hearts. Now let me say to the wicked in heart:
You cannot remember a word of this discourse unless you remember it in the
Lord. I might reveal all there is in eternity, and those who have not their
hearts on righteousness would know nothing about it, nor be in the least
instructed.
I commenced with Father Adam in his resurrected state,
noticed our spiritual state, then our temporal or mortal state and traveled
until I got back to Father Adam again. After considering all this, what have
you seen that makes it appear we are not brethren and sisters? Does it appear
that we are not because we are commanded to multiply and replenish the earth?
Do you think when you run into grandchildren and great- grandchildren etc.,
that by and by there will be no connection? They are just as much connected in
spirit and body, in flesh, blood and bone, as your children are that you bear
off your own body.
This is something pertaining to our marriage relation. The
whole world will think, "What an awful thing it is." What an awful
thing it would be if the Mormons should just say we believe in marrying
brothers and sisters. Well we shall be under the necessity of doing it because
we cannot find anybody else to marry. The whole world are at the same thing,
and will be as long as man exists upon the earth.
I feel as though I had said enough. I have talked long
enough for my own good, and we shall bring our conference to a close.
If there
is anything to be done, I would bless you all so that you would be saved if I
had the power. I have the power to bless all the faithful and I do bless you in
the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Elder Lyman Curtis was appointed, and voted to go on a mission in connection with Elder Rufus Allen, and to be under the direction of Elder Parley P. Pratt.
On motion of Elder Hyde, it was unanimously voted that all members of this church who go out on the roads to trade, or who go to California, or any other place outside of this Territory, without being sent, or counseled to do so, be cut off from the Church.
On motion, conference adjourned to meet in the Tabernacle, at ten a.m. on the 6th of April 1855.
The choir sung, 'The spirit of God like a fire is burning.'
Benediction by President H. C. Kimball.
——
The sermons, exhortations, and remarks delivered during the conference will appear in the News as fast as the reporter is able to furnish them.
6-8 Apr 1855, General
Conference, Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly 5:36-, 4/11/55 p4; MS 17:513]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
MINUTES
Of the General conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, convened in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, commencing
Friday, April 6, 1855, at 10 a.m.
President Brigham Young presiding.
In the stand, Presidents B. Young, H. C. Kimball, J. M. Grant.
Of the Twelve Apostles: O. Hyde, O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, C. C. Rich, L. Snow.
Seventies: Joseph Young, Z. Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, H. Herriman, L. Hancock, H. S. Eldredge.
High Priests' Quorum: David Pettigrew.
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter.
Presidency of the Stake: David Fullmer, Thomas Rhoads, P. H. Young.
Clerk of the Conference: Thomas Bullock.
Reporters: George D. Wattt, John V. Long.
Conference called to order by Elder Hyde. Tabernacle crowded.
Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Ezra T. Benson. Choir chanted, HOsanna in the highest."
[President Brigham Young]
President BRIGHAM YOUNG said that twenty-five years ago to-day, the Prophet Joseph Smith organized this Church with six members, reviewed the rise, building up, and marvelous increase of the Church, and gave much useful instruction, all of which will be found in the full report.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 5:50, 4/25/55 p2; JD 2:248]
DISCOURSE
By President Brigham Young, Tabernacle, April 6, 1855.
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
——
Twenty-five
years ago to-day this Church was organized with six members. More had been
baptized by brother Joseph, but he having received a revelation to organize the
Church, and only six members being present, they were all that were then
incorporated. Many of the faithful brethren and sisters, who embraced the
Gospel of salvation in the early days of the history of this work, have no
doubt often looked over the ground this Church has traversed, and have been
enabled to discern the invisible hand of the Lord in the preservation of this
people in the various scenes they have passed through.
Many
times, to all human appearance, there was no temporal salvation for the Saints.
Again, those who were not faithful, beholding things as the natural man beholds
them, have left the Church; yes, scores of them, hundreds of them, thousands of
them, both male and female. They looked at this kingdom, and, considering its
progress upon seemingly natural principles, discovered it was best for them to
leave it, and if possible save their lives. Those who have been faithful can witness
this day, that those who have sought to save their lives have lost them, while
those who have sought diligently to build up the kingdom of God, who have clung
to the commandments of the Lord, who have not counted their lives dear to them,
have saved their lives.
It is
marvelous, it is marvelously strange, and truly it is a marvelous work and a
wonder, to those destitute of the revelations of Jesus Christ, when they
reflect upon the history of this people, in their travels and progress; and it
has been a wonder to all who have been acquainted with it.
Those who
were acquainted with the rise of this Church, with the lives and acts of the
few who then believed the Gospel, and with the lives and acts of many who
surrounded them, discovered then that the powers of darkness, the powers of the
enemies of all righteousness, were leveled against the few who believed in the
Book of Mormon, and who believed that Joseph Smith was a Prophet. Whether they
were six in number, or six times six, or whether there was but one, it made no
difference. Just as soon as the Book of Mormon was declared to the people, or
to a neighborhood, and proclaimed to be the history of the aborigines of our
country, and to contain the will of God to the people formerly, and that the
Lord Jesus appeared to the inhabitants of this continent and revealed to them
the Gospel; that the kingdom of God was built up here; that the Lamanites were
a remnant of the house of Israel; and that the set time had come for the Lord
to favor Zion and gather Israel; at that very time, on that very day, the
powers of darkness were arrayed against the Prophet, against the Book of
Mormon, and those who believed it to be what it purported to be.
Has this
spirit of persecution ceased? No, not in the least, but it has steadily
increased. I was somewhat acquainted with the coming forth of the Book of
Mormon, not only through what I read in the newspapers, but I also heard a
great many stories and reports which were circulated as quick as the Book of
Mormon was printed, and began to be scattered abroad. Then the spirit of
persecution, the spirit of death, the spirit of destruction immediately seemed
to enter the hearts of the pious priests more particularly than any other
portion of the people; they could not bear it. Among those who professed great
faith and great piety, and believed in the blessings of sanctification, and
professedly believed in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of the Holy
Ghost, and that it was the privilege of Christians to enjoy the gifts and
graces of the Spirit now, as well as in ancient times, as quick as the Book of
Mormon was introduced into conversation, a spirit would rise in them causing
them to wish to destroy that book and every person who believed in it. They
would say, "It is from hell, it is from the bottomless pit, it is of the
devil; and those who believe in it ought to go to hell; it is a pity that such
a delusion should be permitted to rise in our Christian country." Such
expressions came from the mouths of religious priests, froth the mouths of
leading characters in society, from those who professed to hold the keys of
salvation, and to teach the people the way of life. Has this spirit ceased? No,
it has not, but it has constantly increased. And to my certain knowledge,
through the visions of the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, I did know, I did
see, I did understand, before I went into the waters of baptism, that this
spirit of persecution would increase. As the kingdom of God increased upon the
earth, so would the power of the enemy increase in like manner, to keep pace
with it; and there never would be a time, except for a short period, that this
people would have rest, until Israel was fully gathered, was redeemed and built
up, and the Lord had drawn the dividing line between the righteous and the
wicked.
This
Church has lived twenty-five years and is is not dead yet, although a great
many of its members have gone behind the vail. Those who were first baptized
into the Church have almost entirely left this stage of action. I presume there
is not a single person in this congregation who embraced the Book of Mormon in
the fall of 1829, or in the fore part of the year 1830. The Prophet, his
father, and his brothers, except one, are gone behind the vail. I suppose that
Martin Harris and Joseph's mother are living, but Oliver Cowdery has gone to
his long home, and most of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon have died; and I
know of but very few in these valleys who embraced the faith of the Gospel in
the early days of the rise of this Church. When I call to mind the multitudes
with whom I have been acquainted in this kingdom, and reflect how few there are
who have stood firm, and how many have apostatized, I often at first think it
is strange, but again, it is no marvel, realizing as I do that every person who
lives in this Church must be faithful. They cannot run by sight, but must
actually exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to enjoy the light of
the Holy Ghost. When they neglect this, the spirit of the world takes
possession of them, and they become cold and fruitless, and pine away into
darkness and spiritual death, and finally leave us. Will this continue? Yes.
Perhaps
there are many who are astonished to see people apostatize, but it really is no
marvel, it is no astonishment at all. If you wish to know the reason why they
apostatize, it is because they neglect their duty, lose the Spirit of the Lord,
and the spirit of the holy Gospel that they received when they first embraced
it. Many receive the Gospel because they know it is true; they are convinced in
their judgment that it is true; strong argument overpowers them, and they are
rationally compelled to admit the Gospel to be true upon fair reasoning. They
yield to it, and obey its first principles, but never seek to be enlightened by
the power of the Holy Ghost; such ones frequently step out of the way.
Say they,
"Mormonism is true, but I am not going to stand it; I am not going to
abide this severe temporal loss; I am not going to stay here and have my rights
trampled upon; I am not going to be checked in my career; I do not wish to be
trammeled in my doings, but I want my liberty perfectly; still I believe it to
be true with. all my heart."
Well,
right upon these statements, if such men only believe "Mormonism" to
be true, and that too no stronger than they do, they are not so far ahead in
this particular as the devils in hell, for they both believe and know that the
Gospel is true. They believe and know that Jesus is the Christ; they believe in
the Old and New Testament, and in the Book of Mormon, and know that they are
true. They know when a true Prophet comes forth upon the earth; if they did not
they would not raise up persecution against him. Not only believing, but
knowing that the Gospel is true, they are arrayed in opposition to the truth,
and lay every plan and scheme, that it is possible for devils to invent, to
overthrow the kingdom of God on earth, that they may retain possession of the
world still longer.
Will
there still be apostacy? Yes, brethren and sisters, you may expect that people
will come into the Church, and then apostatize. You may expect that some people
will run well for a season, and then fall out by the way. For example, take the
parable of the sower that went out to sow, "and when he sowed, some seeds
fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon
stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up,
because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were
scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among
thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good
ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundred fold, some sixty fold, some
thirty fold."
When the
seed falls into good ground it takes root, and brings forth fruit; such
individuals will be faithful to the end. The seed that falls by the way side,
for want of root cannot endure the scorching sun of persecution. Those who are
represented by the seed among thorns cannot endure because of the cares of the
world and the pride of life. The influence and power of the world, and of the
adversary, surrounding such individuals, they are by and by turned away, and
cease to be Saints, cease to serve the Lord, and turn every one to his own way.
Is this strange to you? Yes, for a moment, you say it is very strange. What did
you embrace "Mormonism" for? Some have embraced it for the truth's
sake; some love the Gospel because it is the Gospel—because it is based upon
true principles, and because it is the only system of doctrine revealed to the
children of men, that is built upon a sure foundation. They love truth because
it is truth, because it is light, and there is no darkness in it; and they fear
not to come to the light that their deeds may be reproved, for they wish to get
rid of their evil deeds. They love virtue because it is a holy principle by
which the angels live; they love all the Gospel principles because they are
connected with eternity, and are the foundation of eternal lives, and will
exalt the faithful to happiness and felicity, to kingdoms of glory, power, and
immortality, and to all the knowledge and happiness that can be enjoyed by the
intelligent beings who inherit eternity.
It is not
for me to say how many embrace the Gospel for the sake of the loaves and
fishes; but I really think, from their conduct, that many have embraced the
Gospel to see if they cannot make gain of it; to see if there is any temporal
advantage in it. Let this kingdom or this people prosper, let them be free from
persecution at this day, let our friends, our relatives, our former neighbors
speak well of us and tell the truth with regard to our temporal prosperity, as they
would of other people, and what would be the result? Thousands would
professedly embrace the Gospel for the advantages to be derived therefrom, to
get a good name, and to obtain the riches which are of this world, and to be
perfectly free from restraint. Let this kingdom prosper in a manner that all
men will speak well of it, and let there be no trials, no threatenings, none to
say, "You shall be killed, you shall be destroyed," but let all say
"Peace shall be with you, we will bless you, we will neighbor with you,
and hail you as our friends and brethren;" under such a state of things,
thousands would professedly embrace the Gospel for the sake of living in peace,
and to obtain the riches of this world; thousands would professedly embrace the
Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants for political advantages,
for a great name, and to obtain what they are seeking after continually. What
is that? To be spoken well of by everybody, to obtain power and great influence
among men. Were I to give my own private opinion concerning the matter, I
cannot say that a great many have come into this Church solely for the worldly
advantages which they would derive therefrom. On the other hand, do all people
join this Church with a pure intention? A great many embrace the Gospel to be
free from the iron hand of oppression; under which they are labouring
continually, from year to year, in servile chains, toiling to get a morsel of
bread to subsist upon. They are ground down and afflicted; their wages are cut down
to the last penny they can live upon, when they know that they must labor or
die.
Thousands
are in this pitiable condition, and would embrace anything, I do not care what
under the heavens was preached to them. You may go and preach the doctrines of
Universalism, of Infidelity, or of any other belief in the world, you may boil
them down and get their very essence, and with it tell those who are oppressed
and borne down by the rich and the great, "You shall be delivered from
your factories, you shall make your escape from your shops of toil; we are
preaching this to the poor; now embrace our system and our doctrine, and you
shall be delivered from this iron hand of oppression. We will take you to a
land of plenty, to a land of freedom, where you can enjoy your rights and be
blessed, and have the privilege of obtaining, with comparative ease like other
men, all the comforts of this life." What is their reply? "O, we will
embrace your religion, if you will only take us away from these toils and this
starvation." Many embrace the Gospel, actuated by no other motive than to
have the privilege of being removed from their oppressed condition to where
they will not suffer. They will embrace any doctrine under the heavens, if you
will only 'take them from their present condition.
Are there
any with us who act upon the same principle? O yes, you may, once in a while,
see one who is acting upon that principle. Let persecution be heaped upon this
people as it has been heretofore, even let the persecutors threaten, at the
great distance from us that they are now, and those who have embraced the
Gospel with motives that are not in every sense pure, will say, "I am
for embracing something else to get rid of persecution; I am for leaving these
Latter-day Saints, lest affliction, trouble, and persecution come upon me and I
be killed, or be made to suffer in the flesh. I am going to leave for
California, or for the United States, or I am going to do something; I want to
do that which will free me from all earthly suffering and trouble." Do
these considerations touch one who has embraced the Gospel because of its
principles? No. Those who feel like forsaking the religion of Jesus Christ for
such considerations, embraced it at first to better their temporal position in
life, and for nothing else. This has always been the case with many, and when
persecution has come, men and women have said, "I cannot bear it, I
thought I was going to have happiness, and to enjoy life; I really supposed
that my sorrows were all ended."
A great many
have embraced the Gospel, believing that their sorrows would come to an end, at
a certain period in this Church and kingdom, on the earth, and that too,
speedily. I am a witness to this in my own experience and feelings. When I
yielded obedience to the commandments of the Lord, the brethren were preparing
to gather to a place that was called Zion, in Jackson County, on the western
borders of the State of Missouri. I then actually had faith and the spirit of
Zion to such a degree, that I supposed that if we got to Zion our worldly
sorrows and afflictions would cease. I had not however a disposition to go
there myself, for I wanted to go to the world and proclaim the word of the Lord
that was revealed to me, and on that account I never had the privilege of
settling in that county. The spirit of Zion which I then possessed is the
spirit that inhabits the heavens and fills them, it is in and round about all
heavenly beings.
When that
spirit is imparted to individuals they realize it as it is in its purity, and
are not mindful, at all times, that they are still embodied in a tabernacle of
clay that is subject to the power of the devil, and that is liable to be
afflicted at any moment, and to have severe trials, and be opposed and
persecuted as long as they are in the flesh. But when the spirit that fills
eternity is breathed into a person everything else is dispersed in a moment,
and he sees Zion as it is in its purity, he then enjoys the spirit of Zion.
A great
many people imbibed the same idea which I did in the beginning, and really
believed that in Jackson County all the earthly sorrows, afflictions,
disappointments, and weaknesses pertaining to the flesh would be at an end, and
that every one would be sanctified before the Lord, and all would be peace and joy
from morning until evening, and from year to year, until the Savior should
come.
The
brethren who went then found themselves mistaken, in a very short time. Those
who went there, and those who were acquainted with their going and corning,
found the world, the flesh, and the devil there, just as much as any where
else, unless they had faith to turn every spirit of the world out of doers,
that is, out of their hearts. They found the same tempter, the same covetous
feelings, and the same allurements there, as in other places.
When our
Elders go out to preach the Gospel, they tell the people to gather to Zion.
Where is it? It is at the City of the Great Salt Lake in the Valleys of the
Mountains, in the settlements of Utah Territory—there is Zion now. But you
perceive when you come here the same covetous feelings imbibed in the hearts of
many, as in other places, the same tempter is here, and there are plenty of
allurements; and unless the people live before the Lord in the obedience of His
commandments, they cannot have Zion within them. They must carry it with them,
if they expect to live in it, to enjoy it, and increase in it. If they do not
do this, they are as much destitute of Zion here as they are in other places.
Some inquire, "Why cannot we serve God in other countries as well as
here?" You can just as well in England, in France, in Germany, in Italy,
on the Islands of the Sea, in the United States, in California, or anywhere
else, as you can here. "Well, then, let us go," say they. But hold
on, you can serve Him just as well anywhere else, when it is your duty to be
there. If it is not your duty to be anywhere else, if you would serve him
acceptably, it must be where He calls you. To what part of the earth is the
Lord now calling His Saints? He has opened up their way far into the interior
of North America, they are widely removed from all surrounding civilization.
If you
will examine the map you will find that we are located in an isolated portion
of what? Of Zion. And what is Zion? In one sense Zion is the pure in heart. But
is there a land that ever will be called Zion? Yes, brethren. What land is it?
It is the land that the Lord gave to Jacob, who bequeathed it to his son
Joseph, and his posterity, and they inhabit it, and that land is North and
South America. That is Zion as to land, as to Territory, and location. The
children of Zion have not yet much in their possession, but their territory is
North and South America to begin with. As to the spirit of Zion, it is in the
hearts of the Saints, of those who love and serve the Lord with all their
might, mind, and strength. We have opened up the way, and come here, and what
will you see? Just as much weakness and trouble as in any other place, if if
you have a mind to make it—which you will if you do wickedly, and perform that
which is derogatory to the principles of righteousness. We can make the
Territory of Utah one of greatest sinks of iniquity upon the face of the whole
earth, and exceed the abominations of the ancient Sodomites, if we are so disposed.
The first
founders of this Territory, those who dug their way through the mountains, cut
the sage brush, killed the snakes, made the roads, built bridges and houses,
opened farms, laid out and built cities where no white man ever thought that civilized
people could subsist, unless they brought provisions from a distant country,
can now assemble together surrounded with the comforts and many of the luxuries
of this life. No white man who ever passed through this country believed that a
settlement could he made in these mountains, and prosper in cultivating the
earth. The Lord has brought us here, and what have we brought? Most certainly
ourselves, and after we get here some want to go away, and say that the place
is not holy enough for them, that they will not endure it, but will withdraw
from this society, until we are pure enough, and then they will come back
again. Such persons are like those who stayed in Jackson County, they are too
pure and holy for themselves. But if they stay, they stay with themselves, and
if they go, they take themselves with them, and that is their great difficulty.
If they could leave themselves behind, we might succeed in cleansing them from
sin; but no, they go and have to take themselves with them.
The
Saints who first came into these valleys necessarily brought their tabernacles
with them, but we endeavored not to bring any selfishness with us, any
erroneous prepossessed notions, any feelings, laws, rules, or acts pertaining
to ourselves, except such as the Lord should dictate day by day.
Suppose
that every person who comes into these valleys should come with a determination
to be led by the Lord, from day to day; suppose they should say, "I will
serve my God and keep .His commandments; I will not set a stake here, or there,
or anywhere else; I will not say that I will rise up to-morrow, and go to this
city, or to that town, to exchange and trade to get gain, only as the Lord will
say, and this will I do from this time, henceforth and forever;" and then
let each one faithfully maintain such a determination, and we could truly say
that we have the Territory of Zion, and the spirit, light, glory, and power
thereof, and that the God of Zion dwells with this people.
But if we
bring our old traditions with us, our prepossessed feelings and notions of
this, that, and the other; and set our stakes, build our habitations, and
locate our position in accordance therewith, and say, "I will do so and
so, this is the path I will pursue, and I am determined to walk in it, regardless
of everything else," then we may expect to be overthrown, and the spirit
of the holy Gospel will depart from us. Then you would soon learn that there
was no temporal, no natural prospect for this people to escape from utter
destruction; and you would rise up and say, "I am off to California to
save my life." But those who try to save their lives by their skill and
craftiness, will lose them, both temporally and spiritually.
A great
many say, "I believe the Gospel," but continue to act wickedly, to do
that which they know to be wrong. I wish you to fully understand that merely
believing the Gospel, that Jesus is the Christ, in the Old and New Testaments,
that Joseph Smith was a Prophet sent of God, and that the Book of Mormon is
true, does not prepare you to become angels of light, sons and daughters of
God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to a divine inheritance. Nor does mere
belief entitle you to the possession of the crowns and thrones that you are
anticipating. No, such preparation can be made, and such objects attained only
by doing the work required of us by our Father in heaven, by obeying Him in all
things, letting our will, dispositions, and feelings fall to our feet, to rise
no more, from this time henceforth, and actually operating upon the principle
that we will do the will of our Father in heaven, no matter what comes upon us.
Then, if you are going to be killed by your enemies, or destroyed by the
adversary, you can say, "Kill away, destroy away."
True, the
enemy of all righteousness, Lucifer, the son of the morning, the devil, is in
possession of the world, and of heady all that is in it, and says, "I am
determined to destroy every man, woman, and child that will not yield to my
kingdom, obey my mandates, and renounce the Lord Jesus Christ." But my
determination is, not to renounce the Lord Jesus Christ and his commandments,
but to keep his commandments faithfully, and let this people pursue the same
course, and wait until the final issue, and see who will come off victorious in
the great contest.
At
present the enemies of all righteousness have the lead, and say, "Now you
poor Mormons, are you not afraid that we can muster our thousands, and destroy
every one of you?" "Go to hell," say I, "and be
damned; for you will go there, and you are damned already." I can prove
from the Scriptures that they are in hell, though sanctimonious persons
consider it wicked to make such remarks. I also say, "Stay in the
hell you are in, if you choose, or go to another if you can."
Are the
people going to fear? If fear is in the hearts of any of you, it is because you
do not pray often enough; or when you do pray you are not sufficiently humble
before the Lord. You do not plead with Him until your will is swallowed up in
His. If every one of the Latter-day Saints lied up to their privileges, they
would not fear the world, and all that they can no, any more than they fear
that the cranes, that fly croaking three quarters of a mile above them, will
drop their eggs upon them to dash their brains out. You might as well fear that
event, as to fear all the forces of hell, if the people were sanctified before
the Lord, and would do His will every day.
Are these
ideas strange to you? Read and learn how the Lord protected the children of
Israel in former days, even during their wickedness, and rebellion against Him.
Whenever
a good man would say, "Cease your wickedness, turn from your idols, and
seek to the Lord," and they hearkened to his counsel, then the Lord would
fight their battles, and kill their enemies by scores and hundreds of
thousands. And on one occasion the angel of the Lord slew one hundred and
eighty-five thousand of those who came against His people to destroy them,
"and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all
dead corpses." So reads the Bible. The Lord fought their their battles.
Again,
Elisha's servant saw that there was more for them than all who were against
them; he saw that the sides of the mountains were covered with "chariots
of fire."
When the
Lord commands those invisible beings, shall I say, those who have had their
resurrection? yes, millions and millions more than the inhabitants of this
earth, they can fight your battles.
Now,
since one angel could fight their battles in former times, and overcome the
enemies of the people of God, whom shall we fear? Shall we fear those who can
kill the body, and then have no more that they can do? No, but we will fear Him
who is able not only to destroy the body but has power to cast both soul and
body into hell fire.
There is
an item of doctrine that I will now present just as it occurs to me. You are
aware that many think that the devil has rule and power over both body and
spirit. Now, I want to tell you that he does not hold any power over man, only
so far as the body overcomes the spirit that is in a man, through yielding to
the spirit of evil. The spirit that the Lord puts into a tabernacle of flesh,
is under the dictation of the Lord Almighty; but the spirit and body are united
in order that the spirit may have a tabernacle, and be exalted; and the spirit
is influenced by the body, and the body by the spirit.
In the
first place the spirit is pure, and under the special control and influence of
the Lord, but the body is of the earth, and is subject to the power of the
devil, and is under the mighty influence of that fallen nature that is of the
earth. If the spirit yields to the body, the devil then has power to overcome
both the body and spirit of that man, and he loses both.
Recollect,
brethren and sisters, every one of you, that when evil is suggested to you,
when it arises in your hearts, it is through the temporal organization. When
you are tempted, buffetted, and step out of the way inadvertently; when you are
overtaken in a fault, or commit an overt act un-thinkingly; when you are full
of evil passion, and wish to yield to it, then stop and let the spirit, which
God has put into your tabernacles, take the lead. If you do that, I will
promise that you will overcome all evil, and obtain eternal lives. But many,
very many, let the spirit yield to the body, and are overcome and destroyed.
The
influence of the enemy has power over all such. Those who overcome every
passion, and every evil, will be sanctified, and be prepared to enjoy eternity
with the blessed. If you have never thought of this before, try to realize it
now. Let it rest upon your minds, and see if you can discover in yourselves the
operations of the spirit and the body, which constitute the man. Continually
and righteously watch the spirit that the Lord has put in you, and I will
promise you to be led into righteousness, holiness, peace, and good order.
But let
the body rise up with its passions, with the fallen nature pertaining to it,
and let the spirit yield to it, your destruction is sure. On the other hand,
let the spirit take the lead, and bring the body and its passions into
subjection, and you are safe.
It is
instructive to reflect upon the, acts of men, to observe what prompts them to
action, and to see how liable they are to get out of the way, how weak they are,
how short-coming, how failing in their spirits to do the will of the Lord, and
how fearful they are. Afraid of what? Do you reflect and realize that your fear
is all pertaining to your bodies, that it not pertaining to your spirits? Let
me tell you, when the spirit is once separated from the body, it is one of the
most beautiful and delightful objects that you could contemplate, and there is
nothing that can give a pure spirit so much joy as to have the privilege of
being separated from the body and of going back to its Father in heaven, to
await the morning of the resurrection.
Remember
this when you are afflicted with fear and trembling, and are exclaiming,
"Oh what shall we do?" Do you recollect what has been said
here? I recollect that when I chastised certain individuals who were really not
worth any body's notice, the cry of some was, "O, dear! we are all going
to be destroyed, where shall I go to save my life, to the north, south, east or
west?" That fear arose from the organization of the tabernacle, and not
from the spirit within it.
The fear
and trembling, the misgivings and wavering arise from the anxiety we have to
know how to save ourselves pertaining to the flesh. That weakness is not
exhibited in the spirit.
I am
afflicted with it just as you are, but what do my judgment, the revelations of
Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, and the spirit of the Gospel teach me? That my
tabernacle is of comparatively small value, although it is a pretty fair one,
and one that I am willing to take in the morning of the resurrection. The Lord
gave it to me, and I am thankful for it. When it is the will of my Father that
my spirit should return to Him, what do I care about the mouldering tabernacle,
so that the spirit is unlocked, and set free from its prison-house of clay? It
can go to the Father who gave it, until the body is resurrected, when the
spirit will again be reunited with the tabernacle, to be exalted to thrones,
kingdoms, principalities, and powers, and spread abroad, and to the increase
there shall be no end.
Fears
arise from the weaknesses of the flesh, over which the devil has power. We
should care, comparatively, but little about it; let it crumble, let it fall,
and go back to its mother earth, and be reserved to the morning of the
resurrection. I shall have this body again, then what need we care how quickly
our bodies dissolve? All I care for it, in my spirit, in my judgment, and in my
moments of reflection and revelation, is merely that I wish it to endure here
to fight the tabernacles which devils dwell in, until the last one is driven
from the earth. Then let my tabernacle stay here and contend with the fallen
nature that it is heir to, and let my spirit rise triumphant over it, until
every passion, feeling, and appetite is brought in subjection to the will of
God. Let me stay here until I have accomplished this, and have done the work I
was designed for in this my probation, then my spirit will be free from mobs
and strife, and I can soar far above those who have power over them, even death,
hell, and the grave.
I say to
the Latter-day Saints, who are coming here by thousands and thousands, and who
are coming into the Church by tens of thousands, begin to think, especially
some of you first Elders, and ask yourselves how many you can bring to mind of
those who are now in good faith in the Church, in proportion to the number that
you have known to have come into it, and you will find that there are only a
very few.
If you
should hunt up many of those who have been baptized for some time, but have not
yet gathered, and ask them if they believe that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet
of God, and that the Book of Mormon is true, several of them will reply,
"O yes." "Then why don't you gather with the
Saints?" "O, I don't know; I am poor now; but I would very
much like to gather with them." At the same time, I know that their
feelings are, "If I go there I shall be persecuted, but if I live
here I shall have peace with my neighbors, so long as I let religious matters
alone, and here I can live without persecution, until my tabernacle is ready to
return to the earth." What makes them have that fear of trials and
persecutions? It is on account of their tabernacles. The spirit is not afraid.
If it was free of the encumbrances of the tabernacle, no such fear would be
manifested; and while we are in the flesh the Gospel is calculated to deliver
those who live by its principles from all those fears.
I
recollect many times when brother Joseph, reflecting upon how many would come
into the Kingdom of God and go out again, would say, "Brethren, I have not
apostatized yet, and don't feel like doing so." Many of you, no doubt, can
call to mind his words. Joseph had to pray all the time, exercise faith, live
his religion, and magnify his calling, to obtain the manifestations of the
Lord, and to keep him steadfast in the faith.
Do you
not know others who had manifestations almost equal to those Joseph had, but
who have gone by the board? Martin Harris declared, before God and angels, that
he had seen angels. Did he apostatize? Yes, though he says that the Book of
Mormon is true. Oliver Cowdery also left the Church, though he never denied the
Book of Mormon, not even in the wickedest days he ever saw and came back into
the Church before he died. A gentleman in Michigan said to him, when he was
pleading law, "Mr. Cowdery, I see your name attached to this book; if you
believe it to be true, why are you in Michigan?" The gentleman read over
the names of the witnesses, and said, "Mr. Cowdery, do you believe this
book?" "No, sir," replied Oliver Cowdery. "That is very
well, but your name is attached to it, and you say here that you saw an angel,
and the plates from which this book is said to be translated, and now you say
that you do not believe it. Which time was you right?" Mr. Cowdery
replied, "There is my name attached to that book, and what I have
there said that I saw, I know that I saw, and belief has nothing to do with it,
for knowledge has swallowed up the belief that I had in the work, since I know
it is true." He gave this testimony when he was pleading law in Michigan.
After he had left the Church he still believed "Mormonism;" and so it
is with hundreds and thousands of others, and yet they do not live it.
If the
Saints in the midst of these mountains would live their religion according to
the best of their knowledge, according to what they see, feel, and hear,
there is no power that could move them out of their place.
A great
many of the new comers have been in the Church but a short time, but you may
take the Saints as a body, from those who have been in the Kingdom twenty, and
twenty-two years, to those who have embraced it but a few years past, and,
according to my feelings and faith, and I will call upon every man and woman,
who has got the Holy Ghost, to say whether I am right, faith and good works are
rapidly increasing among this people. You know whether I tell the truth, or
not. If they have not increased, for heaven's sake, for God's sake, for your
own soul's sake, for Zion's sake, for Jerusalem's sake, and for the sake of
scattered Israel, let them increase from this time henceforth. Let
"Mormonism," the faith of the Gospel, which is "Mormonism,"
continue to increase, and cease all your evil deeds, and return to the Lord,
and be honest and true. I tell you that a man cannot believe
"Mormonism" as I do, and be a bad man.
You will
find in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and in the other
revelations of God, that there is a clear distinction made between the sinner
and the ungodly. A person to be ungodly must have known godliness, and must
have a knowledge of what the Lord requires concerning him. There are many in
the midst of this people who believe the Gospel with all their hearts, but yet
do wickedly; this makes them ungodly. Do wickedly no more, but follow good
works, and cherish faith and benevolence one to another.
Choir chanted a psalm. Benediction by President J. M. Grant.
[6 Apr, 2 pm*]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
Singing. Prayer by C. C. Rich, Singing.
President KIMBALL took up the business of the Conference, and presented Brigham Young as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, who was unanimously sustained as were also Heber C. Kimball as his first, and Jedediah M. Grant as his second Counselor.
The following persons were also unanimously sustained:
Orson Hyde as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, as members of said quorum.
John Smith (eldest son of Hyrum) as Presiding Patriarch.
David Pettigrew as President of the High Priests' Quorum, also Reynolds Cahoon and George B. Wallace his counsellors.
Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and H. S. Eldredge, as Presiding Presidents over all the Seventies.
John Nebeker as President of the Elders' Quorum, also James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his counselors.
Edward Hunter as Presiding Bishop of the Church.
Lewis Wight as President of the Priests' Quorum, also George Duckstader and William Whiting his counselors.
Oswald Barlow as President of the Deacons' Quorum, also Alexander Herring and John Carpenter his counselors.
Brigham Young as Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Daniel H. Wells as Superintendent of Public Works.
Truman O. Angell as Architect for the Church.
Brigham Young as President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, to gather the poor; also H. C. Kimball, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, A. Lyman, c. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, F. D. Richards, and Daniel McIntosh, as his assistants, and agents for said fund.
David Fullmer as President of this Stake of Zion, also Thomas Rhoads and P. H. Young his counselors.
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phinehas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Daniel Garn, and Ira Amos, as members of the High Council.
And George A. Smith, as the Historian and General Church Recorder.
Not one negative vote was given, thus demonstrating a union which the world cannot realize.
The Conference then voted that John Lowry be dropped from his office, as bishop of Manti, in San Pete County; and that Warren Snow be ordained bishop of Manti.
Also voted that Noah W. Bartholomew be dropped from the office f bishop of Fillmore, in Millard County.
President B. YOUNG then spoke on placing young men in responsible stations; those who are not filled with traditions, superstitions, or cast iron creeds.
Conference voted that Isaac Higbee be dropped as President of the Stake of Provo, in Utah County; and that James C. Snow fill that office.
Conference voted that Asahel Perry (who has been ordained a Patriarch), be relieved from the duties of president of the branch at Springville, and that Aaron Johnson be the president of said branch at Springville.
Fifty three persons were voted to take missions.
President GRANT said that active and energetic men, those who will do their duty, and magnify their priesthood, are the men who are generally wanted to fill offices, go on missions, &c.
Elder HYDE related a portion of his experience down the river Danube, where he went as a harbinger to Jerusalem.
Fifteen more young me were voted to go on missions.
Singing by the choir. Benediction by Elder Hyde.
[7 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
The Tabernacle not being large enough to accommodate the thousands of Saints present, the Conference convened in the skeleton for a new Bowery, at the north end of the Tabernacle, which will seat about 12,000 persons.
Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Lorenzo Snow. Choir chanted, "We praise thee, O God."
President B. YOUNG gave notice that a report of the affairs of the Trustee in Trust would be the next business of the day, and it was read by Elder Thomas Bullock; and, on motion, conference voted that the report be accepted.
[President Kimball]
President KIMBALL made a few remarks on the report, and rejoiced in our present situation.
Conference voted to drop William Davis from the bishopric of Box Elder, and that Elder Eli Harvey Pierce be ordained bishop in his place.
[President B. Young]
President B. YOUNG spoke on the Tithing report; the action and duties of Bishops; the building of the Temple; and on Consecration, and said if the Bishops will not do their duty, we will drop every one of them and put others in their places.
Elder BULLOCK read the report of the Treasurer of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, also a Circular to the Presidents and Bishops of the several wards, signed by President B. Young, which were accepted. He also read the following Preamble and Constitution of the Deseret Theological Institute: -
PREAMBLE AND CONSTITUTION OF THE DESERET THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE.
Having in view the promotion of knowledge, and the extension of those principles of light and truth which we have received through the instrumentality of the holy Priesthood; and believing that the science of Theology embraces a knowledge of all intelligence, whether in heaven or on the earth, moral, scientific, literary, or religious; and being desirous of receiving and imparting such light, wisdom, and principles as have, or may come to our understanding, for the benefit of society, and the building up of the kingdom of our Lord upon the earth: Therefore, resolved, that we form a society by the name of "The Deseret Theological Institute," which shall have one president, three vice-presidents, twelve directors, two corresponding, and one home secretaries, and one treasurer, whose term of office shall be one year, and until their successors are elected. In the first instance, they shall be elected by the congregation of the Saints in general conference assembled, and thereafter by the members of said society.
Resolved, that the presidency and directors have authority to direct, manage, and control all matters pertaining to said institute, as they shall be led by the Holy Ghost.
——
The following persons were unanimously voted to fill the several offices in the Institute: -
PRESIDENT.
Brigham Young.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
Heber C. Kimball, Jedediah M. Grant, George A. Smith.
DIRECTORS.
|
Orson Hyde, |
Joseph Young, |
|
Orson Pratt, |
Horace B.
Eldredge, |
|
Wilford
Woodruff, |
James W.
Cummings, |
|
Ezra T. Benson, |
Samuel W.
Richards |
|
Charles C.
Rich, |
William Hyde, |
|
Lorenzo Snow |
Jesse C. Little |
TWO CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES.
Daniel H. Wells Robert Lang Campbell.
HOME SECRETARY.
Thomas Bullock.
TREASURER.
Hiram B. Clawson.
President B. YOUNG said that a few
years ago, the Seventies started a Hall of Science, but they had not yet seen
the time to build it; but we have now the privilege of forming a society to
occupy it when it is built; it will be nothing more than a school-house, an
academy, a seminary to teach the brethren all that is good, and then try to get
more.
Choir chanted a psalm. Benediction
by Elder Geo. A. Smith.
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
Singing. Prayer by Elder P. H. Young. Singing.
A report of the lumber that has been brought for the building of the Bowery was then read by the Clerk, and Elder HYDE spoke on the subject.
[Elder O. Pratt]
Elder O. PRATT referred to the progress of the work during twenty-five years, and to its present prosperous position; spoke on the subject of consecrating property to the Church, and of proclaiming the gospel.
[Orson Pratt]
[DNW 5:58, 5/2/55 p2; JD 2:259]
REMARKS
By Orson Pratt, Saturday, April 7, 1855
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
——
With
great pleasure I arise before this large congregation assembled here in the
capacity of a General Conference. I feel great joy in having the privilege
which is now granted to me to stand before you. What I may say, I do not know,
but I trust in that God whom we all serve, that He will pour out upon us the
Spirit of truth—the Comforter—that shall enable us to say those things which
shall do you the most good.
I do not
know that I shall be enabled to make the outskirts of this large assembly hear
me, but I will speak as loud as I conveniently can.
I truly
feel to rejoice, when reflecting upon the greatness of the work in which we are
engaged; I rejoice with that joy which I am incapable of finding language to
express. The Lord has truly accomplished great things during the twenty-five
years that this Church has had an existence upon the earth—things that no man,
unless he were filled with a very great measure of the Spirit of God, could
have anticipated in the early rise of this Church. Nothing but the hand of an
Almighty Being could have brought about a work of the magnitude which we behold
before our eyes. It is the hand of the Almighty; it is the power which He has
ordained, and the agencies that He has employed, which have performed that
which we behold before us.
I have
not only read the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
but I have grown up, as it were, in their midst. It will be twenty-five years
next September since I was baptized into this Church. At that time I am not
aware that there were fifty persons who had been baptized into the Church. How
many of those persons still live, and are in the faith, I know not; but I
believe, from the testimony of our President, which was given before us in the
tabernacle yesterday, that if we were to search through the lengths and
breadths of our Territory, and among all the various Branches scattered abroad,
there are but a very few individuals indeed, of those who embraced the work in
the early rise of this Church, that are still living and strong in the faith.
Many of them are gone to the tomb; their bodies slumber while their spirits are
mingling with the just, waiting the sound of the trump to call them forth to
glory, immortality, and eternal lives. How soon we shall follow and lay down
these mortal tabernacles, we know not; neither do I, as an individual, care, if
I can be prepared in all things, if I can be ready for that day, to stand in my
lot and station, and receive the reward that is promised to those who endure in
faith to the end; it matters not to me whether the time shall be longer or
shorter; and I presume there are thousands now before me who feel on this
subject in the same manner that I do; they care but a very little about this
mortal tabernacle; they are looking for a building not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens; they are looking for mansions that are prepared in the presence
of God their Father; they are looking for immortality and eternal lives.
But we
have no promise, unless we endure in faith unto the end; whether we live few or
many years upon the earth, we must endure through all the trials, tribulations,
difficulties, and persecutions which the Lord sees fit in His infinite wisdom
to cause us, as individuals, or as a people, to wade through; we must endure
them, and hold steadfast to the faith, if we would inherit the crowns of
eternal lives that are promised to the faithful.
In
speaking of this, I will qualify my language by saying, that the Saint who has
been sealed unto eternal life and falls into transgression and does not repent,
but dies in his sin, will be afflicted and tormented after he leaves this vale
of tears until the day of redemption; but having been sealed with the spirit of
promise through the ordinances of the house of God, those things which have
been sealed upon his head will be realized by him in the morning of the
resurrection. But it is my desire and my constant prayer that I may so live,
that When I depart from this life—when I lay down this mortal body, (if I am
called upon to lay it down before the coming of our Lord,) I may enter into the
paradise of rest, and not only conquer Satan, and have power over him here, but
have power over him and all his hosts hereafter. These are my feelings, these
are my desires, and this is my prayer.
What am I
willing to do to accomplish this? I will tell you what I feel willing to do. I
am willing to do everything the Lord requires at my hands, so far as I
understand His will concerning me. What is property? what is gold? what is
silver? what are houses and inheritances, or any of the riches of this world,
compared with the riches of eternal life? Have I anything that I have obtained
by my own wisdom, or by my own exertions, independent of the hand and
providences of the Almighty? No, I have not. The earth is the Lord's, and the
fulness thereof is His. I am in His hands, and all that I have is in His hands;
and if the servants of God require it, if God desires all that I have, it is on
hand, at any moment. These are my feelings; and should not these be the
feelings of all the Latter-day Saints? (Voice, "Yes.")
We heard
the testimony of our President from this stand this forenoon, concerning
himself, and that which God has been pleased to put within his possession. God has
been with him, and His hand has been over him for good, and He has blessed him
in all things that he has set his hand to do, even as He blessed Joseph when he
was sent down into Egypt. He has accumulated by the providence of the Almighty
much of this World's goods; God has given it to him. You heard him express
himself before you, that he had made arrangements to consecrate all that he has
unto the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If, then, our President—a
man of great possessions, with houses and lands, inheritances, cattle, and with
an abundance, is willing to consecrate the whole of it for the building up of
the cause of God, should not we be willing to follow in his footsteps? Yes,
verily.
As I have
said in days that are past, the time will come, (and how soon we know not,) but
it will come, when this people will become of one heart and of one mind in
temporal things, as well as in spiritual: they will as individuals be
identified with the Church, and all they possess, whether it be gold, or
silver, or jewelry, or cattle, or flocks, or herds, or lands, or houses, or
wives, or children, it matters not what they possess, it will all go as it
shall please the Lord, according to His counsel, and His direction for the
building up of this kingdom.
But you
know that property is the Gentiles' God; it is sought after more eagerly than
any other thing by the Gentile nations; it is worshiped by them, and their
hearts are set on their treasures; and their treasures are of the earth and of
an earthy nature; and it will take a long time for the Saints to get rid of
their old idols—their idolatrous notions and traditions. The Gentile God has
great influence even over the Saints; consequently it will take years to
eradicate covetousness from our hearts; as our President has told us that the
law relating to a full consecration of our property would perhaps be One of the
last laws that would be fulfilled before the coming of Christ. Much patience
and forbearance will need to be exercised before the Saints will get completely
rid of their old traditions, Gentile notions, and whims about property, so as
to come to that perfect law required of them in the revelations of Jesus
Christ. But the day will come when there will be no poor in Zion, but the Lord
will make them equal in earthly things, that they may be equal in heavenly
things; that is, according to His notions of equality, and not according to our
narrow, contracted views of the same.
Having
said this much with regard to property, I wish now to say a few words in regard
to one of the most glorious events which has taken place for a long time. It is
in regard to sending the Gospel to the house of Israel. O how this ought to
rejoice the hearts of the Saints! The Lord told us, in the early rise of this
Church, something about the day that is now upon us, and we understood it in a
measure; but now the period—the glorious period, has arrived, when we can see
the thing fulfilling before our eyes. If you will read the revelations given in
1883, you will find in them a promise made, when the time should arrive for
this Gospel to be sent to the house of Israel. If you will read another
revelation given on the 7th day of March, 1831, you will there learn also
concerning the fulfilment of the times of the Gentiles.
I wish to
say a few words upon two subjects; first, the times of the Gentiles being come
in; and second, their times being fulfilled, and the sending of the Gospel to
the house of Israel.
In a
revelation, given in March, 1831, (twenty-four years ago,) to the Prophet
Joseph, concerning what Jesus said to the Apostles at Jerusalem, in regard to
the last days, and the day of their redemption, etc., Jesus said to his
Apostles, when that day shall come, and the light shall begin to break forth
among them that sit in darkness, when the fulness of my Gospel shall begin to
break forth, that is the period when "the time of the Gentiles shall come
in." Mark the expression; when the light shall begin to break forth, then
at that period the time of the Gentiles shall have come in, and in that
generation "the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled."
Here
then, we perceive the two distinctions, when the light begins to break forth;
that is, when the Book of Mormon is translated, when the Church is organized,
these events bring in the time of the Gentiles, and in the generation that the
light breaks forth the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled. We are also
told in the same revelation that the Jews who were to be scattered from old
Jerusalem, should remain scattered, until the times of the Gentiles should be
fulfilled; consequently, this is the reason why the Jews have not gathered
since the rise of this Church. If they were gathered together—if they had
assembled at old Jerusalem, it would have contradicted the prophecies and
revelations God has given on this subject. They are to remain scattered, said
the Lord, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, and their times are to
be fulfilled in the generation that their time comes in, or when the light of
the fulness of the Gospel begins to break forth.
Another
revelation upon this subject says, that after the times of the Gentiles are
fulfilled, the servants of God should be sent forth to Israel. What shall then
take place? Behold, "then cometh the day of my power."
"Then," when the servants of God turn from the Gentile nations, and
shall go forth by commandment of the Almighty, being sent by His Church, the
voice of His people, and the Holy Spirit, unto the nations of Israel,
"then cometh the day of my power," saith the Lord. What kind of
power? He goes on to tell us, that it should come to pass, that the tribes and
nations of Joseph should hear the Gospel in their own tongue, and in their own
language, through those who are sent forth and ordained unto this power through
the gift of the Holy Ghost shed forth upon them, for the revelations of Jesus
Christ.
Now the
Lord does not accomplish all things in twenty-four years, but He takes His own
time to bring to pass the great work He is performing on the earth. Twenty-five
years have passed away, and the voice of the Spirit in the servants of God now
is,"Go forth to the house of Israel; for lo, the Gentiles count themselves
unworthy of eternal life, go to the house of Israel, to the seed of Jacob, call
upon them, hunt them out from the holes, the rocks, and from the dens of the
earth; gather them together, that the covenants and promises made to their
fathers my be realized and fulfilled." Israel are upon all the face of the
earth. Some think that these American Indians are Israel, and we think that
they are too; but they are only one part or portion of the twelve tribes;
indeed, they are only a very small portion of the tribes of Joseph, the most of
them being the descendants of Manasseh. But Israel dwell upon the islands of
the sea, and in the countries and nations of Europe, in the various kingdoms
and empires of Asia; some are scattered through Africa, and wherever you go you
find the promised seed—the descendants of Jacob. And if we had the voice of a
trumpet and could make our speech heard unto the ends of the earth, we would
say to all the nations of our globe—to all peoples, kindreds, and tongues,
"Hear ye, when the Lord sends forth a proclamation to Israel that are in
your midst; for then shall be fulfilled that which is written, that all nations
shall see the salvation of God, for His arm shall be made bare in the eyes of
all people; it shall be made bare in power, in signs, in wonders, and in mighty
miracles, to bring about His purposes unto the house of Israel."
Who,
then, does not feel honored that has been appointed to such a mission by the
servants of God daring this Conference. Do the missionaries, do the Elders
count this a light thing? They should have no such feelings as these; great
things result from small beginnings, and the Lord delights to work among the
children of men in this way, bringing about great results from small things,
that is, from things that are apparently small. This was the case in regard to
the organization of this Church with six members only.
Twenty-five
years ago yesterday, we were organized into a Church capacity, to whom the Lord
gave revelations through the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator who was in our midst,
concerning the things that are now about to take place. From, six members it
has multiplied, and multiplied, until at the present time, there is scarcely a
nation under the whole heavens, but what has heard the voices of the servants
of the living God. This is something glorious; it is something that is
calculated to give joy to the hearts of the Saints of the Most High. What can
be more pleasing than to see the prophecies both of ancient and modern times
fulfilling constantly before our eyes.
"But,"
inquire the people, "do you believe that the times of the Gentiles are
fulfilled yet?" No; they are not fulfilled yet. Hundreds and thousands,
and tens of thousands of the Gentiles among the various nations of the earth
will yet bow to the fulness of the Gospel; and they will come, and the gates of
Zion will not be shut day nor night, that the forces of the Gentiles may flow
unto her. The Lord will continue to work among both Israel and Gentiles, and
His power will increase, the more we send the Gospel among Israel; the more the
servants of God seek for the seed of Jacob, the more will the powers of heaven
be displayed for the redemption of that people. They are the promised seed; God
has not forgotten the prayers of their fathers; Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob prayed
for their posterity, and they had faith for them and in them all the nations of
the earth are to be blessed. And those that how down and worship the works of
their own hands will forsake their idols when the day of the Lord's power shall
be made manifest in and through the chosen seed. Then will be fulfilled that
which was written by the Prophet Ezekiel, that the Lord will gather them with a
mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out: and He
will assemble them in the wilderness, and there will He plead with them face to
face, like as He plead with their fathers in the wilderness of the land of
Egypt; thus saith the Lord, by the mouth of Ezekiel. He will plead with them by
His power; He will plead with them by His angels; and He will plead with them
by the revelation of His own face.
And this
makes me think of the prophecy delivered by the Prophet Joseph, concerning the
Elders in this Church. They were very anxious, in the early rise of the Church,
to have the angels of God come from heaven to administer to them, and to have
the face of the Lord unvailed in their midst, when they were unprepared for it.
By sectarianism and the traditions handed down to us by our fathers, we were
not prepared to abide the presence of those holy beings who dwell in the
celestial worlds. Joseph, knowing this by the Spirit of truth, arose and said
to the Elders, that when the time came that they should go forth unto the house
of Israel, when that day should arrive, and their hearts were sufficiently purified
before the Lord, then the Lord should appear unto them, that is, in His own
time, in His own way, and after His own order, and in His own place. Now this
will shortly be fulfilled. Let these missionaries go forth and endure troubles
like good and faithful Elders; let them bear all afflictions and trials.
patiently; let them not be faint-hearted when they go hungry and thirsty; and
when they suffer cold, and when they are in deep distress and sore
difficulties; for be assured that the time is not far distant when God will
fulfil these promises that He made by the mouth of His servant Joseph the
Prophet; and the face of the Lord will be unvailed.
How
pleasant—how glorious it would be, if we had proved ourselves in all things; if
we had become pure in heart, with no unbelief, no evil, no abominations, but
our hearts perfectly pure before God; if we could behold His smiling face, and
look upon Him, and hear the words of His mouth, pronouncing blessings upon our
heads. Would not this be worth sacrificing all things for? Yes; how
pleasing—how glorious it would be, could we see those three old Nephites whose
prayers have ascended up, for something like 1800 years, in behalf of the
children of men in the last days, and have them return to their old native
land, and find the kingdom of God prepared and pure to receive them, and could
we hear their teachings, and their voices lifted up in our midst.
Should
not this be cheering to our hearts. Yes. Is there anything too great for us to
suffer or endure, or any sacrifice too great for us to make to be prepared to
receive blessings of this description? No. Then let us wake up, and be assured
that just as soon as we prepare ourselves for these blessings, so soon they
will be upon our heads. Do you suppose that these three Nephites have any
knowledge of what is going on in this land? They know all about it; they are
filled with the spirit of prophecy. Why do they not come into our midst?
Because the time has not come. Why do they not lift up their voices in the
midst of our congregations? Because there is a work for us to do preparatory to
their reception, and when that is accomplished, they will accomplish their
work, unto whomsoever they desire to minister. If they shall pray to the
Father, says the Book of Mormon, in the name of Jesus, they can show themselves
unto whatsoever person or people they choose. The very reason they do not come
amongst us is, because we have a work to do preparatory to their coming; and
just as soon as that is accomplished they are on hand, and also many other good
old worthy ancients that would rejoice our hearts could we behold their
countenances, and hear them recite over the scenes they have passed through,
and the history of past events, as well as prophecy of the events to come. How
great and how precious are the promises of the Lord, contained in ancient
revelation! how great and precious are the promises He is still making almost
every week from the stand, by the mouth of the President whom He has appointed
over all this Church! How earnestly has He plead with us as a people! Can we
not bear witness? Would not the walls of this Tabernacle, if they could speak,
bear witness how faithfully we have been warned, week after week, month after
month, and year after year, to cease from all evil, to purify our hearts, to do
the things that are required at our hands, and not merely say, "Yes, we
will go and do it," but go and do it? It is the study of the servants of
God, by day and by night, how to sanctify this people before God —how to lead
them according to the law of righteousness, until they hate wickedness and
abomination; and when the servants of God see evil rising in our midst they are
filled with the spirit of justice, the Spirit of the Almighty fills their souls
with indignation against all wicked works, and abominations, and dishonesty,
and corruption that may enter these peaceful Valleys. Let us then give heed to
the warning voice; let us not count these things as a mere song—as a trifling
anecdote to amuse our ears, but let us endeavor to do the things that are
required at our hands.
If we
have property, let us tithe that property; if we have the privilege of
consecrating all we have, and it is required, let us do it freely, and
voluntarily, and that will be pleasing in the sight of God, trusting in Him who
holds the heavens and the earth in His own hands, who holds the creations of
eternity in His own hands, and sways His sceptre over kingdoms and worlds
without number, and controls them according to His own will and pleasure. Has
He not told us, in the early rise of this Church, if we would do His will, and
seek the riches that is the will of the Father to bestow upon us, we should be
the richest of all people; for the riches of eternity should be given to us,
and it must needs be, saith the Lord, that the riches of the earth are mine to
give. They are all His; how easily He could turn all the riches of the earth
into our hands, if we were only prepared to receive them and use them according
to His will. But He knows the time to hasten them, and He knows the secret
intents of our hearts as a people; He knows whether we are prepared to use the
riches of the earth to build up His kingdom or not, and He will withhold them,
until the time shall fully come for Him to bless us according to the promise He
has made —until we shall be prepared to receive them; we shall have riches then
in great plenty. Gold will be so plentiful that we may find no use for it only
to make culinary and other utensils; we may use some of it for paving our
streets, and for whatsoever is necessary; we can use the gold and silver which
we have not toiled for in the gold mines of California and Australia, to
collect for ourselves; we shall have that which others have labored for, but
were unworthy because of wickedness to enjoy.
We have
heard the Elders of the Church give us some idea how this may be brought about.
How easy it is for the Lord to stay the rains of heaven, as He did last season
in the United States, and shut up the windows on high, that they should not
pour out their refreshing showers on the earth, and cause the grain to wither
away, and the earth to become barren and desolate, and to reduce the people to
starvation; how easy it is for Him to cause these Valleys to be far more
abundantly fruitful than heretofore, and to yield their strength in great
profusion to the inhabitants of this Territory, and to make their granaries
flow with plenty, so that they should hardly have room to contain it. Do you
not think this would be tempting to the starving nations, and would they not
give gold and silver, and riches, and all things that are now considered choice
and valuable by them for that which would appease their appetites? Yes; the
Lord can accomplish all this; the rains are in His hands; all things are in His
hands to control just as we can control our bodily members; consequently the
Lord is a very handy workman, and can bring about His purposes with scarcely
any efforts on His part; all He has to do is to speak the word, and it is done.
Let us
then, prepare ourselves for whatever shall take place—to be very rich or very
poor; it matters not, if we are doing the will of God, whether we have an
abundance, or are like the Indians of our Valleys, with scarcely anything to
subsist upon from day to day. But if we do the will of God in all things we
shall not be left in poverty and distress. Why? Because the Lord has made a
decree upon this subject, you can read it in the Book of Covenants. He says,
"Inasmuch as my people will hearken unto me, from this very hour, and do the
things I command them, the kingdoms of this world shall not prevail against
them." And again, "Zion shall flourish upon the mountains and
upon the hills." That was said before we came to these Valleys, to inhabit
this mountainous district; we were living on those low, broad, flat prairies of
the west when He gave us this promise, that Zion should flourish upon the
mountains and hills, and that His people should blossom as the rose. This
promise was made upwards of twenty years ago, and you can bear me witness
whether it is fulfilled or not.
Has not
Zion prospered on the mountains, and flourished on the hills? Yes, verily.
Never were this people in as healthy a condition, or in as good circumstances
as you see them at this day; and we shall flourish more abundantly; and as
brother Kimball said to us this forenoon, our riches will be multiplied over
five hundred fold if we do the will of God, and not labor for that which
perisheth, to heap up riches, but try to keep the commandments of God, and
labor for the truths sake, because we love the truth, because we love honesty,
and righteousness, and goodness; this should be the motive power that should
prompt our actions—that should inspire us to do the will of God, because we
love that which is good. Then we will be happy; we will be happy whether we are
poor, and passing through tribulation pertaining to the body or not, we will be
cheerful and happy.
I do
greatly rejoice; and when I reflect upon the scenes before me, and upon what He
will do, so far as He has revealed it in the revelations, and so far as the
Spirit of truth opens the visions of our minds to contemplate these things; I
say, when I reflect upon these things, I do not know where to find language to
express my feelings—to express the joy and gratitude of my heart for these
glorious benefits and gifts bestowed upon the people of God in these last days!
O how happy I feel that I have the privilege of being among this people. Nearly
twenty-five years, as I have stated, have rolled over my head since I had the
privilege of going into the waters of baptism, and being immersed for the
remission of my sins; I am still one with this people, and in your midst; and I
rejoice—my soul is glad, and I feel to cry, Hosannah to God and the Lamb, who
has been so kind and so merciful to me.
May the
God of heaven bless you all, and His spirit be poured out upon you, that your
hearts may be enlightened; and may He continually multiply the blessings of
heaven and earth upon you, is the prayer of your humble servant in the name of
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sixty-nine persons were voted to go on missions.
The missionaries were notified to meet the Presidency at the Seventies' Council Hall to-morrow at early candle light.
Choir sung, "Come all ye sons of Zion, who have received the Priesthood."
Benediction by Elder Lorenzo D. Young.
[7 Apr, 7 pm]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
7 p.m.
The Presidency of the Seventies met in their Council Hall.
Singing. Prayer by Elder Zerah Pulsipher.
President JOSEPH YOUNG explained the objects of the meeting.
On motion, the vote of the Seventies of the 15th Ward, which cut off Robert Plunket of the 7th quorum, for apostacy, was sanctioned.
Samuel Stratton Thornton was dropped from the presidency of the 20th quorum, he having apostatized.
[President J. Young]
President J. YOUNG showed that when the body of Seventies cut a man from the quorums, that man must have previously cut himself off by transgression; they only sever the nominal tie, after he himself has severed the spiritual tie; and exhorted the Seventies to be pliable in the hands of their superiors.
Dismissed with benediction.
[8 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
Singing. Prayer by Elder Geo. A. Smith. Chanting.
Conference voted that Lewis Bronson, son of Seymour Bronson be ordained Bishop of Fillmore.
[Elder George A. Smith]
Elder GEORGE A. SMITH alluded to our meeting house being too small, (although it holds 12,000), but it fulfils the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Has defended the Book of Mormon since he was 12 years old; spoke on the prejudices and traditions of the people; in favor of the Word of Wisdom, and on union and prayer; and bore testimony of this being the work of God.
[George A. Smith]
[DNW 5:123, 6/27/55 p3; JD 2:360]
DISCOURSE
By Elder George A. Smith in the Bowery on the North side of the Tabernacle,
April 8, 1855.
As I
arise I am cautioned by President Kimball to be careful that my hair does not
blow off; I shall exercise as much care and caution as possible on the subject;
but if it should actually come off, I have very few friends here to-day in this
numerous audience but what know very well how my head looks perfectly bare, and
consequently I should not feel as though I was subject to any particular
disgrace, while I can enjoy the comfort of sitting in the congregation without
having my head tied up in a handkerchief, or suffering with a cold.
I feel a
little sorry this morning that our meeting house is so small; really it seems
too bad that we have not a little more room, but it fulfils very clearly the
early predictions of the first President of the Church, (Joseph Smith,) that we
may build as many houses as we would, and we should never get one big enough to
hold the Saints; and I presume, before this immense Bowery is absolutely
enclosed, and comfortably seated, that we shall find it too small to
accommodate those who wish to attend here on the Sabbath day, or on any
important occasion.
In rising
to speak to so vast an assembly, I am reminded of the old rupture of my lungs,
which was made while preaching in the streets of London to scattered
assemblies, to persons in the courts, in the squares, in the windows of
buildings four and five stories high, and on different sides of the streets, in
the midst of a foggy, smoky, damp atmosphere. It is a rupture which caused my
lungs to bleed, and which has been a constant caution and effectual check to my
course in life, requiring me to keep within a certain limit, with, however,
this condition, that, live or die, or whatsoever might be in the road, the
Gospel of Jesus Christ I would preach, and the testimony of the fulness
of the Gospel of the Lord to the Saints in the last days I would bear, wherever
and whenever I had the opportunity, backed with a faith in me that I would have
power and health to do this; at the same time any kind of exercise, that would
heat my blood for one half hour, would produce considerable bleeding from the
lungs, and yet by the aid of your faith I undertake to address this immense
audience, with full confidence that I shall succeed so that a great portion
will hear me, and by the stillness of the balance I may be enabled to make them
all hear me, though it requires a great effort for even a man with sound lungs
to make ten thousand persons hear him speak distinctly.
I have
been a member of this Church from my childhood: I commenced to advocate the
Book of Mormon when only thirteen years of age. The second day after I got hold
of it I read it nearly through. News flew round the neighborhood that the
"golden bible" had come, and a large company of neighbors came in to
see the book; they commenced to examine and find fault with it, and I to answer
their objections, as I thought they looked so unreasonable; although I had not
made my mind up on the subject, yet I tried to remove their c objections; the
result was, the whole company went away confounded, leaving me surprised that
they could not raise any stronger objections against it; and from that day to
this I have not let any proper occasion slip that presented to me an
opportunity of defending the mission of Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon,
to the very best of my ability. It may be said of me that I never knew anything
else but "Mormonism," yet I have found that some of the traditions of
my early education (as I was piously educated at the Sunday school in the
doctrine and principles of Presbyterianism)—some of these principles which I
received in my youth have clung to me so closely that I have had to stop at
times and reflect whether I had learned that from the proper source, or whether
it was part of my old catechism, which I must confess I have forgotten.
I
introduce these remarks as a preface to my discourse, because I have been
pleased by the remarks of the First Presidency, especially by those of
President Brigham Young, on the subject of the appointment of Bishops; he
wishes to appoint those who have grown up in the Church, who have not lived a
great portion of their days under the influence of sectarian traditions of
their fathers, and been subject to the slavish notions of cast-iron creeds,
that when they entered into this Church, they were so bound in them, they never
could be unbound, and that even now in performing the duties of their callings
they do not learn enough of the things of God to in every instance discriminate
between the two. I had discovered in a number of instances that appointments of
this kind to different offices did not work well; and that when men who are not
very old when they come into the Church, all they have learned is the truth,
and are not under the necessity of unlearning what they might have learned in
twenty, forty, or fifty years, of old tenets, creeds, doctrines, and nonsense,
but have taken a start from the right foundation, and what they did learn have
learned it right.
I thought
I would take the liberty of addressing the younger brethren, as a great portion
of this congregation are what might be termed in the States, Young America, if
you please, or among us, "Young Mormons," those who have been raised
in the midst of persecutions, and the instructions the Saints have enjoyed.
President Young, in the course of his remarks, introduces the subject of the
divisions that exist in New York politics; for instance, it is customary in the
political circles of New York, and has extended from that capital throughout
the Union, to denominate men that have become somewhat superannuated in their
veins, or have got the old-fashioned slow motion about them, "old
fogies." For instance, there are but few of us but what can remember when
railroads were first introduced into the United States. It is not difficult for
old men to remember when the first steam boat was built, or when the first
telegraph wire was put in operation; and it is properly denominated the
"fast age." Men who have got the old principles of locomotion—that
cannot accommodate their feelings to the great improvements of the fast
age—that have got their education on the slow track, and are determined to
follow it, it would be better for them to stand aside, and clear the track for
the telegraph speed of the present generation just rising up on their heels.
I was
pleased with the resolution, as far as it was necessary to apply it; but there
are a great many men of the most mature age, who were at a mature age when they
received this Gospel, that never had imbibed scarcely any sectarian prejudices;
and those that they had got, when they discovered they were of little use, they
have east them behind the lighthouse, and let them go with the waves. There are
others who have stood in the stream of light until every single particle of the
old imperfections and old prejudices that could possibly have adhered to them,
have been carried away; the light of the Spirit has showered upon them so
brilliantly that all of us who were younger when we entered the work, were
instructed, taught, and made acquainted with the things of God, through the
wisdom and light which God has given them.
Mankind
is capable of a great many extravagances; we very well remember the time when a
very zealous man named Hawley, arraigned Joseph Smith before Bishop's counsel
in Kirtland, and charged him with having forfeited his office as a Prophet of
God, because he had not prohibited the aged sisters from wearing caps. I
attended the Council, which was held very late, and the man there advocated
that he was cut off from the Church, for God had cut him off from the Church,
as well as from his Apostleship, because he had suffered the men to wear little
cushions on the shoulders of their coat sleeves. It being then fashionable to
wear a little cotton on the shoulders, and in consequence of some of the
brethren wearing such coats, the Prophet of God was cut off from the Church by
this man, and persecuted as an impostor, and another was placed in his stead.
That man
was possessed of such wisdom as man could reasonably manifest, yet he was so
perfectly full of folly and of his own traditions and notions he had fancied
over in his own head, that seemingly it was impossible for him to understand
anything better; he was blinded, and lifted his hand against the Prophet of
God. Instances of this kind have been continually accumulating, and it is one
of the most perfect illustrations of the sayings of the Prophet, that He would
sift His people as with a sieve. It has been a constant sifting from the time
we entered the Church up to the present; some would compel it, while in others
none of the old prejudices have predominated; and so it has continued until
twenty-five years have passed away, and until a great number of persons have
risen up who have not the prejudices of their fathers to contend with, and if
they will humble themselves with all their might, knowledge, and intelligence,
power will grow in them, and they will approximate nearer to the things of God,
to get more light, more knowledge, more intelligence, more faith, and more
power to spread forth the work of God, and to roll forth the kingdom their fathers
have been able to obtain.
It is an
old proverb, that as the old birds crow the young ones learn. There are a great
many habits, a great many customs which our fathers have imbibed, and which
their children have been induced more or less to practise, which are decidedly
in opposition to the true principles of life and prosperity; now for us who are
young, we are full of life and vigor, to think, because our fathers or mothers
indulged in a good cup of tea, or cup of coffee, and a hundred other different;
luxuries which are at variance with the Word of Wisdom, that we must follow the
same track, pursue the same course, and not only ourselves become slaves to the
same habits, but transmit them to our posterity, and continue them, that we may
preserve the old Gentile customs which have been established under a system of
tactics that have been introduced by medical men, to injure the health of the
community and to make for themselves a growing business! I do not believe in
the constant use of tobacco and hot drinks, although they have been for a long
time steadily recommended by men in the medical profession as beneficial to
health; I believe that learned doctors do know, when they are doing so, they
are introducing a system of things to make men sick throughout their lives,
weaken the human race, and make business for medical practitioners. If men wish
to grow up in these mountains, free from disease, and from the power of the
destroyer, and become strong and powerful like tigers—like giants in Israel,
let them observe the principles laid down in the words of wisdom, let them
observe them when they are children, let them grow up breathing a pure
atmosphere, drinking pure water, and partaking of the wholesome vegetation,
observing the words of wisdom, and they will grow up mighty men; one of them
will be worth five dozen of those who are steeped and boiled by hot drinks, and
tanned in tobacco juice.
While I
address you, brethren, upon this subject, I speak more from observation of the
conduct of others than from my own experience; I have observed considerable
upon this matter; I know that indulging in habits of this kind, however simple
they may seem, they lead in the end to great evil, and I know from experience
that our tastes are in a great measure artificial. Now when a
"Mormon" Elder comes up to me, and wants to get a little counsel, and
his breath smells as though he had swallowed a still-house, it is all I can
possibly do to remain near enough to him to hear his story; he necessarily
wishes to come up close to me, as such men are sure to have a secret they wish
to whisper, and their breath is so offensive, I am fended to retire. When I am
called upon to give counsel to a man who is indulging in these intemperate
practices, I feel at a loss to know whether my counsel is going to do him good
or harm, or whether he will pay any attention to it after he gets it.
I know
that many men have persisted in the use of these stimulating articles until
they cannot do without them, or they think they cannot. Perhaps sometimes when
they have been reduced by sickness or fatigue, they have then been under the
necessity of taking some of these things as a medicine to revive sinking nature,
and this was probably when they first began to practise the use of them, and
laid the foundation for a short life. They now wish me to prolong their days,
like the old toper who had undermined his constitution, and who was about to
die in consequence of drinking a quart of brandy a day; he sent for the doctor;
he, being anxious to preserve the life of his patient, dared not stop the use
of brandy entirely, nor yet suffer the inebriate to persist in his usual
course, ordered his patient three glasses of French brandy with loaf sugar per
day, upon which the old toper shrugged his shoulders and said, "Doctor,
aint it bad to take ?" In introducing the use of things
injurious to our health, when we commence it, it is not so pleasant; perhaps in
a fit of sickness, prostrated by the ague, cut down by disease, we will indulge
in these kinds of habits, until by and bye a taste is formed for them, and we
feel that we really must have our tea or our coffee; a glass of liquor does us
good occasionally. How often does "occasionally" come? "O, once
in a while." How often is that? "Why, every now and then." And
it gets so, by and bye, if a man has addicted himself to it and don't have it,
he feels quite lonely, he feels lost, as though there was something wrong about
him, and he becomes such a perfect slave to it, he cannot exercise his talents
or his ingenuity. I have seen distinguished members of the bar with whom it was
absolutely necessary they should take a drink of spirits in the middle of a
plea, to brighten their ideas; the result is, it will bring a man to a
premature grave.
I say to
Young America, brethren and sisters, if we have imbibed such habits, let us lay
them off; let us suffer our fathers and mothers to drink the tea and the
coffee, and chew all the tobacco they want, and as long as we can get it for
them, because they have imbibed this practice years ago, and now to deprive
them of these things altogether might endanger their lives; but when it comes
to us, who have not been believers in the doctrine, let us take these things as
we would calomel, opium, arsenic, lobelia, corrosive sublimate, or any other
drugs which are so much valued among physicians. Now if a man really felt as if
he were dying, and was anxious to hurry himself away, a dose of strychnine
might assist him. Now anything that a man takes that stimulates his nerves
above their proper mode of action when he is in health, his system will fall in
the same proportion below a healthy action, and it will require a little more
the next time to stimulate it to the same height, and so on, until the system
refuses to be stimulated, and the person will suddenly fall into the grave. So
much, then, will answer for my remarks upon this subject.
I
believe, brethren, many of us have accustomed ourselves to using articles
prohibited in the Word of Wisdom, which prohibition is desired for the benefit
of the Saints in Zion, and in all the world; we frequently use them merely out
of compliment. For instance, I call in a brother's house, the lady of the house
knows I am an Apostle, and she wishes to treat me with marked respect,
and she supposes I am entirely unmindful of the precepts contained in the Word
of Wisdom, makes me a cup of tea or coffee; well, I think it is a pity to throw
it away, after it has spoiled half a gallon of the best American creek water,
and I drink it to save it. This is not only the case with me, but with other
young men also, (for I can call myself a young man with a perfect grace now,
for I have as fine a head of hair as any of you); a great many of us take these
stimulating drinks for the sake of fashion. If I should happen to come across
those who know how to use "the good crater," they will invite me to
partake with them; if I refuse, they will then begin to urge; but the best
policy to be observed in cases of this kind is to do as we have a mind to; if
we do not want "the intoxicating drink," let them take it all; and if
we do, we will take it without urging, and bear the responsibility ourselves.
This is the best policy I would wish to be governed by, though I have had to
say, once or twice in my life," Gentlemen, I do not wish to be
urged." If a man refuses to drink with those who indulge in the use of
strong drinks, it is customary to consider it a want of friendship. Let us be
our own masters, and not believe we must be chained down to these foolish and
hurtful traditions.
It has
happened to be my lot to visit a good many of the Branches; a great portion of
the time that I have been in this Church, I have spent in travelling. Last year,
in performing the duties of historian, when I found that constant application
to these duties became severe on my health, I would go out in the neighboring
settlements and preach to the people, and stir them up to diligence and
obedience; in this way I have had a good opportunity to observe the feelings
and sentiments of the people, which operate upon the hearts of the Saints in
the different settlements of these valleys.
The view
that I wish to take on this subject is, that there is in many of the settlements
a want of union. For instance, they will get together in a meeting; and
conclude that they will have a certain man for a President, or for a Bishop,
they will all agree to it, then some few individuals will go back into a corner
and say, "Well, brother, don't you think that such a man would have made a
great deal the best President?" And whenever the President steps forward
to introduce a measure, the next thing he would come across would be, two or
three of the brethren will kindly say to one another, "I, for one, don't
like that measure." You understand the simple lever power, the most simple
of all mechanical principles; you know that I can take a lever, and by getting
a first-rate good purchase, I can hold as much as twenty men can yell; the result
is, if I cannot have it my way, I might by that means prevent the President
from having it his way. I am more intimate with the City of Provo; its
population I do not now exactly recollect, but it is probably about three
thousand five hundred; its locality is one of the best in the mountains, from
the fact that the position is in the midst of a heavy amount of water power,
which can be easily applied to machinery to the best possible advantage; it is
also surrounded with the best farming land, with an abundant means of
irrigation by the application of a very little labor, and the facilities for
timber are a great deal more convenient than in other places, referring
especially to this Territory. Provo is also the County Seat of Utah County,
gathering to its centre a great amount of county business, at any rate such a
portion of it as pertains to keeping of records, which makes it a kind of
general place of resort for men from every part of the county, who wish to do
business of this kind.
I give
you this description to show you that they have every facility to make it one
of the handsomest and most wealthy cities, according to the number of its
inhabitants; they have a rich soil as well as an abundance of water and mill
privileges; and yet, for want of union in the feelings of that community, the
place has been a great portion of the time at a kind of drag, the progress of
the place has been slow; for when any measure would be presented, a few
individuals would use their influence to check the wheel. The fact is, if they
were not disposed to roll the lead over, they could clog the wheels and hinder
in a great measure its progress.
That has
been the difficulty which has existed in that place, and in other places, and
it has had the effect of retarding the progress of the place in wealth, in
prosperity, in public buildings, schools, roads, bridges, and other
improvements, in private interests, and in farming facilities. To any man who
has an idea of what men can accomplish, this arrangement is positively obnoxious;
it seems as a clear illustration of the necessity of Saints being united. There
is a city in Utah County, by the name of Springville; in consequence of a
little division which has arisen there occasionally, they have been prevented,
for several years, from building anything like a reasonable amount of school
houses, compared with the number of its inhabitants; there are individuals
there who have been all the time blocking the wheels, and by that means they
hinder the onward progress of the whole community in their labor of public
improvements.
Now,
brethren, almost all the difficulties that have been brought on the Saints from
the beginning, were in the first place in consequence of this kind of division.
There is nothing we ought to guard against so much, on the face of the earth,
as against division of this kind, or any other kind. It is an old adage that
"union is strength," and a very true one. An old Scythian king, who
had many sons, on his death bed called them around him, and some of them suggested
to him the propriety of his dividing his dominions among all his sons. He took
a bundle of arrows, and gave them to his sons, saying, "Break that bundle
of arrows." They passed the arrows round and all tried to break them, as
the old man lay upon his death bed, and they could not. He then said, "Now
untie them, and then break them;" which was easily done. He then said to
his sons, "If you are all united as one man, you can never be overpowered
or destroyed, but if you divide you will be easily conquered." We can now
behold the result in the Russian Empire. This principle applies to the Saints,
and to every principle of division that sticks out in any Branch of the Church
hang together, and love, and faithfully carry out the measures of those who
preside, for they know the best what measures to adopt.
The
principle of division aims directly at the foundation of the Church.
"But," say some, "I am nobody, and if I stick out I cannot do
much hurt anyhow." You can do a little, you can do all the hurt you are
able to do; and the little influence you have, if it counts in any way, it
should count in favor of the common cause, and not against it; if it counts in
its favor, it counts twice. My exertions would count for what they are worth;
not only this, but if I was operating against the cause, it would take one of
equal capacity of myself to balance against me.
The time
is coming when one shall chase a thousand, and two shall put ten thousand to
flight. When will that be? When Israel is united. If all this people were
absolutely united with all their hearts to pull upon one grand thread, upon one
grand cord, they would have power and dominion over the whole earth; all the
men and devils in hell, on the earth, or anywhere else could not make a successful
opposition against us. The chief point we have got to maintain is the point of
union; that is all that is necessary to be done to secure all we anticipate.
That is what we have been schooled for in the school-house of trouble and
affliction.
It is
hard to make the Saints united, and we have to be sifted and sifted until we
are perfectly united, that every man in the kingdom will be united as one man,
and then no power can break our ranks. Talk about the power of men, only let
the Saints be united, and their power vanishes away; it becomes weakness. But
how is it? How is it in families? How many men are there that can take their
families, and gather round the family altar, and all of them bow before the
Lord without a jar of feeling, with one perfect unity, every one willing to
submit with the most perfect submission to the will of the Lord, as clay in the
hands of the potter? How many families, I say, are there in Israel where this
union exists in this style, in all its purity and power? How many men would be
permitted to rear a family altar of this kind even in his own house? How many
wards can we find in all Israel that could unite so that they would not find a
single word of fault with each other, or grumble at the Bishop? The only way we
can ever obtain this point is to look at our own faults and not at our
neighbors', and listen to the counsel of those men whom God sets to counsel us;
correct the errors in ourselves, and dwell on our own faults.
I
recollect once in Iron County one of the brethren got irritated at me, and
threatened to report my conduct to the First President; I wanted to know what I
had done, and he went on and gave a whole list of my sins for six months past,
he seemed to be as wall acquainted with them as though he had counted them over
every day after his prayers, as the Catholic counts his beads. One sin was, I
had threatened to beat a teamster if he did not stop abusing his oxen, and a
great many more such like. After he had read all my sins over at once, the list
rather shocked me, but I suspected, instead of counting his own faults, and
keeping a record of them, he had been at work to keep a record of mine; instead
of living to correct his own faults, he was trying to correct my errors.
When he
got through, I said if he reported me to the Presidency, they would correct my
faults, and that would do me good. I was ready to make all due acknowledgment,
and was prepared to receive reproof with a thankful heart, whenever it was
necessary, for all my faults; at the same time I really did feel as though he
had dwelt more upon my faults than his own; he subsequently acknowledged that
was the fact, and I consequently escaped being brought before the Presidency. I
always did feel, when I saw a man abusing his oxen, who could not defend
themselves, to lay the whip about his back, and I have once or twice come very
near trying the operation. I believe every man in Israel is responsible as to
how he uses his cattle; I can speak with perfect safety on this subject, for I
am not possessed of cattle so as to have any person criticize me; a great
proportion of animals that are used among men on the California and Oregon
roads are abused in a shameful manner, and thousands have been killed with the
Missouri whip; I never believed it was right, and when I had the control of
moving a camp, I used a little extra exertion to prevent it.
Now,
brethren, I want every one of you to let these principles sink deep in your
hearts, that we may cultivate a principle of union, and look first at
ourselves, reckon first with ourselves, and dwell upon our own faults, instead
of dwelling upon the faults of others. We have to know for ourselves, and every
wrong another person may do, it is no excuse for me: and I tell you that every
man who raises his hand in the Branches, among the wards, or wherever he may
be, to injure and destroy the counsel and instructions given to them, and
operate in opposition to those instructions, will fall into a snare; and I do
absolutely know, that if the Saints in the settlements, especially in the
South, had listened to the counsel of the Presidency in the foundation of those
settlements, instead of the Church property ranging at a value of seven or
eight hundred thousand dollars, it might have increased to as many millions
just as well, if the brethren had listened with one spirit to the counsels and
instructions given them from the head which God has appointed to lead and
direct us.
But no,
some of us thought they had a better plan, and there were as many plans as men,
and never found out their mistake till the Indian war set in. We have got
along, by the mercy of God, and by His blessings, as well as we have, learning
by the things which we suffer, and we all ought to continually thank Him for
it, and not our own wisdom. With these remarks I will close by bearing my
testimony that this is the work of God, and these men are His servants, and God
has placed in His Church a Prophet, Priest, and President, who is just as good
and as wise a man as we are capable of keeping in our society; if he was any
better than he is, God would have to take him, or we would have to improve with
the rapidity of lightning to keep up with him. Joseph Smith was a true Prophet,
and that which he has conferred upon this people is a true Priesthood, and if you
listen to the instructions and be led by the keys of this kingdom, you are in
the path to an eternal exaltation, and we shall overcome every power that would
seek to prevail against us. Let as be as one, and we can never be broken. May
God preserve us in the light and law of Christ, that we may be redeemed. Amen.
[Elder Ezra T. Benson]
Elder EZRA T. BENSON bore testimony to the truth of the remarks made during this Conference, and preached on the Word of Wisdom.
——
[Ezra T. Benson]
[DNW 5:187, 8/22/55 p3; JD 2:357]
REMARKS
ON THE WORD OF WISDOM
By Elder EZRA T. BENSON, in the Bowery, Sunday morning, April 8, 1855
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG]
I feel to
rejoice this morning in the remarks that I have heard, and I feel to bear
testimony to the same, and also to all the instructions given during this
Conference.
I feel
that it is good to be here, and I can say that I have tried to appreciate the
blessings we enjoy in common with my brethren. It is indeed a privilege to rise
before an assembly of Saints in the Valleys of the Mountains, before those that
are now so comfortably and favorably located in this place; and while brother
George A. Smith was speaking upon the "Word of Wisdom," there was a
dream occurred to my mind that I heard related by one of the brethren a short
time ago. He said there was a proclamation issued by the President of the
Church of Jesus Christ, for the Elders of Israel to collect those together who
had kept the commandments of God, for there was a work that the Lord had for
them to perform. The people came together very slowly and reluctantly; once in
a while a few would come along, but a leader off was wanted, and perhaps an
Elder would be seen coming up, but it seemed to be slow work collecting the
people together. After a while there was another proclamation issued for the
people to come together in masses, those that were true, and that were known to
be trying to keep the commandments of God, and they then came up by thousands,
by tens of thousands, and by hundreds of thousands. I felt that it was so this
morning, that those that had been speaking had touched the right subject, and
it was very good; and I felt that there would be very few in this vast
congregation, (if they were called out,) who had kept the "Word of
Wisdom;" if all such were called for, I am persuaded that there would be
very few that would come forth, but if the word were, "Come forth,
all ye Latter-day Saints that are trying to keep the Word of Wisdom," I
feel that there would be many that would come forth, and I believe I would be
among that number that would be found trying to keep the Word of Wisdom.
When we
first heard the revelation upon the Word of Wisdom many of us thought it
consisted merely in our drinking tea and coffee, but it is not only using tea
and coffee and our tobacco and whisky, but it is every other evil which is
calculated to contaminate this people. The Word of Wisdom implies to cease from
adultery, to cease from all manner of excesses, and from all kinds of wickedness
and abomination that are common amongst this generation—it is, strictly
speaking, keeping the commandments of God, and living by every word that
proceedeth from His mouth.
This is
the way that I understand the Word of Wisdom, consequently we have to keep all
the commandments, if I understand the matter correctly, in connexion with this
Word of Wisdom, in order to obtain the blessings, for unless we do keep the
commandments of God, and not offend in any one point, we have not a full claim
upon the blessings promised in connexion with this portion of the word of the
Lord.
The Lord
says, in reference to these things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, that they
are not good for the body! I know that my brethren and sisters feel as I
do, they have a desire to keep the Word of Wisdom, and know it is the wish of
the Presidency that the Elders of Israel should preach upon the Word of Wisdom,
and establish it in the minds of the people, and suffer not themselves from
desire to be overcome by the habits of those among whom they travel to preach
the Gospel, but be an example in all things.
I can say
one thing which I am very thankful for, I never partook of an evil in my life
because my brethren did, but I have always tried to act and live upon my own
agency. If I have sinned, it has been through my own ignorance; if I go astray,
it is because my mind and my nature are human.
I have
ever felt determined to take a course to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord, and when
He has left me to myself, and I have been tempted, I have always trusted in the
Lord and endeavored to obey Him, and not to give way to the tempter; and I want
this feeling to sink deep into the hearts of every man and woman calling
themselves Latter-day Saints. And when I hear a word dropped by any one that
will tend to thwart the design of God's holy word, why then I feel most
indignant.
I wish to
see men observe and teach the Word of Wisdom in their families, for to see men
throw a bad influence upon the word of the Lord, I was going to say such a
spirit is a stink in the nostrils of all righteous men.
Many of
the Saints excuse themselves for chewing tobacco because others use it, but let
us examine ourselves this morning, and see if such a course will be justifiable
before our heavenly Father.
Where is the
man that excuses himself on this account? I ask him—is it righteousness for him
to excuse himself in order to free himself from blame? If it is not, let him
repent, cease his excusations, and turn unto the Lord his God, and work
righteousness all the days of his life, that he may be saved in the kingdom of
heaven.
You know
it as an old Methodist doctrine, that every tub has to stand upon its own
bottom, and we will find that it is so before we get through; yet we will find,
brethren and sisters, that it is for every man and woman to take a course to
save themselves individually, obey counsel, observe all the revelations of
Jesus Christ that shall be given to us as a people in this present age, whether
by the dreams of the night, the visions of the day, or the revelations of God's
Holy Spirit, and to follow after righteousness, pursue the course marked out
for the people of God, and then all will be well with us in this life, and also
in that which is to come.
I feel to
rejoice, and I thank my heavenly Father that we have escaped thus far the
contaminating influences of the Gentiles, and I always do rejoice that our
lives are prolonged won the earth. I never attended a Conference in my life but
I felt thankful to God that I had fellowship and a standing in the midst of
this mighty people, and that I had some confidence before them and also the God
whom we serve.
We are
indeed a blessed people, prosperity attends us as a community, the wicked and
even the very devils are prophesying the prosperity of this people, to say
nothing about the predictions of the Latter-day Saints themselves. The great
and influential amongst the nations are all the time speaking of the success
and prosperity that attend this people, and their telling this is what stirs up
the devil.
We are
going to build a temple, we are now laying the foundation, and when it is
completed we expect to receive our blessings, and do you think the devil knows
this? Yes, he knows all about it, and he stirs up the wicked, and why does he
do this? To hinder the people of God from obtaining the blessings they desire.
(It then began to rain, and brother Benson remarked,) Well, I can stand the
rain if you can. Brethren and sisters, we are neither sugar nor salt, although
we are a little of both. Give us your attention for a few moments, and we will
dismiss till two o'clock.
May the
Lord bless you, that your hearts may be comforted, and that you may listen to
all the instructions that you have heard during this Conference; this is my
determination. May God bless you through Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
Choir sung "Redeemer of Israel." Benediction by Prest. Grant.
[8 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 5:36, 4/11/55 p4]
2 p. m.
All who could find room convened in the Tabernacle, on account of the lowering appearance of the weather.
Called to order by Prest. Brigham Young. Choir sung a
HYMN.
——
BY BERNARD SNOW
——
AIR - "God save the King."
Our God, we raise to thee
Thanks for thy blessings free,
We here enjoy;
In this far western land,
A true and chosen band,
Led hither by thy hand,
Would sing for joy.
Bless thou our prophet dear;
May health and comfort cheer
His noble heart;
His words with fire impress
on souls that thou wilt bless
But free impart.
So shall thy kingdom spread,
As by thy prophets said,
From sea to sea.
As one united whole
Truth burn in every soul,
While hast'ning to the goal
We long to see.
O may thy saints be one
Like Father and the Son,
Nor disagree;
United heart and hand,
So may they ever stand,
A firm and valiant band
Eternally.
Prayer by elder P. H. Young. Singing.
[Elder P. H. Young]
Elder P. H. YOUNG exhorted the saints to constant prayer and diligence, and asked a blessing upon the bread.
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder LORENZO SNOW compared the present day with 25 years ago, and alluded to the time when the elders were traveling without food or shelter to proclaim the gospel to nations afar off, and asked a blessing on the water.
[Elder Woodruff]
Elder WOODRUFF said, that the more conferences we have, the more they improve in interest; It was music to his ears to hear testimony of the truth; referred to the dedication of the Temple in Nauvoo, and to the wars and distress among the nations.
[Elder C. C. Rich]
Elder C. C. RICH said: for the past 23 years I have known of a surety that this work was true, and that this Church is led by the hand of God; spoke on the union of the people, and living to receive the blessings; if we do the best we know, we shall do first rate.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. YOUNG adjourned the Conference to the 6th of October next, remarking that if we were to continue a whole week, but a few of the elders could have the privilege of bearing their testimony; he that imparts truth as fast as he receives it, will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. The first mission to Joseph, who was a pure Ephraimite, was to gather Israel; instructed the saints how to live and avoid disease, and strenuously advised them to observe the Words of Wisdom; and to cease using Tea, Coffee, Tobacco, spirits, and all such articles, and raise their children healthy; this people have got to do it. He then blessed the saints.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 5:68, 5/9/55 p4; JD 2:266]
DISCOURSE
By Prest. Brigham Young, Tabernacle, April
8, 1855
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
It is
nearly time to draw our meeting to a close, and I think we had better adjourn
our Conference to the sixth of next October, as the business now
necessary to be done is accomplished; and I find that we are very much crowded
in this Tabernacle, and on this account the congregation is rather
uncomfortable.
There has
been much said, though for one I can say that we have not preached to the
assembled thousands one fourth part as much as we could have wished. But we
have been privileged to meet from distant points, and see each other, and hear,
learn, and receive spiritual strength.
A few of
the brethren have spoken, but there has not been a lengthy discourse delivered
since we have been together; and if we were to continue in Conference a whole week,
we could give opportunity to but comparatively few of the Elders who would like
to speak, even though we allotted only fifteen, twenty, thirty, forty, or
forty-five minutes to each speaker.
I realize
that the hearts of many are full, and they would like to rise up and testify,
and say that they believe the Book of Mormon, and that Joseph Smith was a
Prophet, just as well as the few who have spoken. You are aware that you have
this privilege in your several Wards, and any of the Elders of Israel who wish
to bear their testimony to the truth of the Gospel, and have not had the
privilege in this Conference, can go to the Ward meetings and rise up and bear
testimony of the truth, and exhort the brethren. And if you have a word of
counsel, or a word of doctrine, give it to the people, and do not be backward,
but improve every opportunity that is presented for you to expand your minds.
A man who
wishes to receive light and knowledge, to increase in the faith of the Holy
Gospel, and to grow in the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ,
will find that when he imparts knowledge to others he will also grow and
increase. Be not miserly in your feelings, but get knowledge and understanding
by freely imparting it to others, and be not like a man who selfishly hoards
his gold; for that man will not thus increase upon the amount, but will become
contracted in his views and feelings. So the man who will not impart freely of
the knowledge he has received, will become so contracted in his mind that he
cannot receive truth when it is presented to him. Wherever you see an
opportunity to do good, do it, for that is the way to increase and grow in the
knowledge of the truth.
I expect
the brethren who have been selected to go and preach the Gospel will meet this
evening in the Seventies' Hall, and the Twelve will meet with them, and the
missionaries will there receive some instructions. I will give them one item of
instruction now. I wish each man, who does not feel willing to seek unto the
Lord his God, with all his heart, for preparation to magnify his mission and
calling, but declines in his feelings to walk up to his duty in spirit, and is
not anxious to cleave to righteousness and forsake iniquity, to keep away from
the Hall this evening; or, if such a one comes there, let him ask us at once to
be excused, and we will excuse him. We do not wish a man to enter on a mission,
unless his soul is in it. Some of the brethren will say—"I do not know
whether my feelings are upon my mission, or not, but I will do the best I
can." That is all we ask of you. I have known some of the Elders, when
they thought they would be called out to preach, keep away from meeting lest
they should be called upon, for they feel their littleness, their nothingness,
their inability to rise up and preach to the people. They do not feel that they
are anybody, and why should they expose their weaknesses? I have noticed one
thing in regard to this—quite as many of these men become giants in the cause
of truth, as there is of any other class; for when they get away they begin to
lean on the Lord, and to seek unto Him, and feeling their weaknesses, they ask
Him to give them wisdom to speak to the people as occasion may require. Others
can rise up here and preach a flaming discourse, insomuch that you would think
they were going to tear down the nations; but when they go out into the world
they often accomplish but little.
You used
to hear brother Joseph tell about this people being crowded into the little end
of the horn, and if they kept straight ahead they were sure to come out at the
big end. It is so with some Elders who go on missions; while many who go into
the big end of the horn, and are so full of fancied intelligence, preaching,
counsel, knowledge, and power, when they go out into the world, either have to
turn around and come back, or be crowded out at the little end of the horn.
On the
other hand I do not wish any of the brethren to be discouraged, for if you feel
that you cannot say a single word, no matter, if you will only be faithful to
your God and to your religion, and be humble, and cleave unto righteousness,
and forsake iniquity and sin, the Lord will guide you and give you words in due
season.
Recollect
that we are now calling upon the Elders to go and gather up Israel; this is the
mission that is given to us. It was the first mission given to the Elders in
the days of Joseph. The set time is come for God to gather Israel, and for His
work to commence upon the face of the whole earth, and the Elders who have
arisen in this Church and Kingdom are actually of Israel. Take the Elders who
are now in this house, and you can scarcely find one out of a hundred but what
is Of the house of Israel. It has been remarked that the Gentiles have been cut
off, and I doubt whether another Gentile ever comes into this Church.
Will we
go to the Gentile nations to preach the Gospel? Yes, and gather out the
Israelites, wherever they are mixed among the nations of the earth. What part
or portion of them? The same part or portion that redeemed the house of Jacob,
and saved them from perishing with famine in Egypt. When Jacob blessed the two
sons of Joseph, "guiding his hands wittingly," he placed his right
hand upon Ephraim, "and he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my
fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto
this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads," etc.
Joseph was about to remove the old man's hands, and bringing his right hand
upon the head of the oldest boy, saying—"Not so, my father; for this is
the first born; put thy right hand upon his head. And his father refused, and
said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also
shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his
seed shall become a multitude of nations." Ephraim has become mixed with
all the nations of the earth, and it is Ephraim that is gathering together.
It is
Ephraim that I have been searching for all the days of my preaching, and that
is the blood which ran in my veins when I embraced the Gospel. If there are any
of the other tribes of Israel mixed with the Gentiles we are also searching for
them. Though the Gentiles are cut off, do not suppose that we are not going to
preach the Gospel among the Gentile nations, for they are mingled with the
house of Israel, and when we send to the nations we do not seek for the
Gentiles, because they are disobedient and rebellious. We want the blood of
Jacob, and that of his father Isaac and Abraham, which runs in the veins of the
people. There is a particle of it here, and another there, blessing the nations
as predicted.
Take a
family of ten children, for instance, and you may find nine of them purely of
the Gentile stock, and one son or one daughter in that family who is purely of
the blood of Ephraim. It was in the veins of the father or mother, and was
reproduced in the son or daughter, while all the rest of the family are
Gentiles. You may think that is singular, but it is true. It is the house of
Israel we are after, and we care not whether they come from the east, the west,
the north, or the south; from China, Russia, England, California, North or
South America, or some other locality; and it is the very lad on whom father
Jacob laid his hands, that will save the house of Israel. The Book of Mormon
came to Ephraim, for Joseph Smith was a pure Ephraimite, and the Book of Mormon
was revealed to him, and while he lived he made it his business to search for
those who believed the Gospel.
Again, if
a pure Gentile firmly believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and yields obedience
to it, in such a case I will give you the words of the Prophet
Joseph—"When the Lord pours out the Holy Ghost upon that individual he
will have spasms, and you would think that he was going into fits."
Joseph
said that the Gentile blood was actually cleansed out of their veins, and the
blood of Jacob made to circulate in them; and the revolution and change in the
system were so great that it caused the beholder to think they were going into
fits.
If any of
the Gentiles will believe, we will lay our hands upon them that they may
receive the Holy Ghost, and the Lord will make them of the house of Israel.
They will be broken off from the wild olive tree, and be grafted into the good
and tame olive tree, and will partake of its sap and fatness. If you take a bud
and inoculate it into another tree it ceases to receive nourishment from its
original stock; it must, however, receive nourishment, or it will die. Where
must it receive its nourishment from? From the tree into which it has been
introduced; it is supported by it, and becomes incorporated with it.
It is so
with the House of Israel and the Gentile nations; if the Gentiles are grafted
into the good olive tree they will partake of its root and fatness.
You
understand who we are; we are of the House of Israel, of the royal seed, of the
royal blood.
There are
many subjects upon which I wish to speak, but there is not time now, though in
regard to teachings pertaining to our temporal organization, I will take the
liberty of saying a few words. Do not some of you have to send for doctors to
draw your teeth, and lie night after night with a bag of hot ashes, or hot
salt, on your faces, and say, "O dear, what a tooth ache I have got?"
When your children wake up in the night, crying on account of a pain in their
heads, do not some of you go to the doctors, to see what they can do for the
little sufferers? Some of your children are afflicted with humors in the head,
and blotches upon the body, and other ailments; and some of you have pains in
various parts of your bodies.
The
fathers and mothers have laid the foundation for many of these diseases, from
generation to generation, until the people are reduced to their present
condition. True, some live to from fifty to ninety years of age, but it is an
unusual circumstance to see a man an hundred years old, or a woman ninety. The
people have laid the foundation of short life through their diet, their rest,
their labor, and their doing this, that, and the other in a wrong manner, with
improper motives, and at improper times. I would be glad to instruct the people
on these points, if they would hearken to me. I would be glad to tell mothers
how to lay the foundation of health in their children, that they may be
delivered from the diseases with which I am afflicted, and have been from my
youth up.
Suppose I
happen to say "Come, wife, let us have a good dinner today;" what
does she get? Pork and beef boiled, stewed, roasted, and fried, potatoes,
onions, cabbage, and turnips, custard, eggs, pies of all kinds, cheese, and
sweet-meats. Now grant that I and my wife sit down and overload our stomachs,
until we feel the deleterious effects of it from the crowns of our heads to the
soles of our feet the whole system is disturbed in its operations, and is ready
to receive and impart disease. A child begotten under such a condition of the
systems of its parents, is liable to be horn with a tabernacle subject to a
life of pain and distress.
Will all
the women hearken to this plain statement? No, you might as well talk to the
wild geese that fly over us.
Again, a
little hot tea, coffee, or sling, is generally given to a babe as soon as it
comes into the world, to quiet the nerves, and make it sleep better; and I have
seen my own wives almost whip their little ones to make them drink liquor. When
I happen to see them, I say, "Stop that, that is something you may very
well dispense with; do not put a drop of liquor into that child's mouth."
Some
mothers, when bearing children, long for tea and coffee, or for brandy and
other strong drinks, and if they give way to that influence the next time they
will want more, and the next still more, and thus lay the foundation for
drunkenness in their, offspring. An appetite is engendered, bred, and horn in
the child, and it is a miracle if it does not grow up a confirmed drunkard.
Now will
you, my sisters who are before me, hearken to good, sound common sense and
reason? Will you commence now, and lay the foundation for a healthy posterity?
Will you say, "I am determined not to desire this thing, or that, which
will be injurious, but I will pray, and ask my Father in heaven for grace according
to my day, that I may not desire that which will lay the foundation of ruin to
my offspring, and to my posterity for generations?" Or will you say,
"Cannot I have a little tea, or a little whisky?"
The
satisfying of these desires lays the foundation of sickness, disease, and short
life. But if any one really desires a particular kind of food, or drink, and
feels as though she could not do without it, let it be obtained, if possible;
though it is far better to have faith to overcome such desires.
It is for
us to stop the tide of physical degeneracy—to lay the foundation for a return
to the position from which the human family has fallen. We have that privilege,
by keeping ourselves pure. If we take the right course, our children will live
longer than we shall, and their children will surpass their fathers, and have
longer life, and so on, till they obtain to the age of those who lived in the
early period of the world. The Prophet, speaking of the Saints in the last
days, said, "For as the days of a tree are the days of my people,
and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." Still, in the
present short period of life some say that "this is a miserable
world, I do not care how soon I get through." Well go and destroy
yourselves, if you choose, you have all the opportunity that you can desire;
there is plenty of arsenic, calomel, and other means, within your reach. But I
would not give a cent for such persons; I do not delight in such characters,
and I do not believe that the Lord delights in people who wish to die before
they have accomplished the work that He designed for them to do. For a person
to be willing to die is but a small part of the duties pertaining to the Gospel
of salvation and the Gift of eternal life. We ought to prepare ourselves to
live in the flesh, and overcome every sin, to live to the glory of God, to
build up His kingdom, and to bring forth righteousness, salvation, and
deliverance to the house of Israel, until the devil and his associates are
driven from the earth, and he and his clan are bound and thrust down to hell,
and a seal put upon them. Latter-day Saints who live merely to get ready to die
are not worth much; rather get ready to live, and be prepared to live to the
glory of your Father in heaven, and to do the work He has given you to do. That
is our duty, and then we shall be ready to receive our blessings.
I do not
wish to occupy any more time now, but if we had the time, as we shall have, and
a house to hold all who wish to assemble, I am ready to come here every day,
for I have nothing to do but to do good. At this time some may say, "My
wheat is not all sown." That does not affect my feelings. I will tell you
an item of my experience with regard to raising grain. The last year we staid
in Nauvoo, I planted from ten to twelve acres of corn, and I never saw one day,
from the time it was planted until it was harvested, in which to spend an hour
amongst it. My teams were wanted at the Temple, and, said I, "Let the corn
go." If they had the teams ready to attend to the corn, the word was,
"Go to the Temple," and I do not suppose there was a greater
crop of corn raised in all Hancock County. I said to the brethren who plowed
and planted the land, "Paul plants and Apollos waters, and if God does not
give the increase I can do without it."
I have
given the sisters a few words of advice, and wish the brethren to pay
particular attention to what brother George A. Smith said this forenoon. If the
"old fogies" take a little tobacco, a little whisky, or a little tea
and coffee, we wish you boys to let it alone, and let those have it who have
long been accustomed to its use. It is far better for these my brethren, who
are young and healthy, to avoid every injurious habit. There are a great many
boys here who are in the habit of chewing tobacco, they should stop it, and
take no more, they are better without it. Some may turn round and say,
"Father, do you think so?" Yes, let the old folks have it, but you
young, smart gentlemen, let it alone.
I bless
you all, and feel to pray for you, and desire you to pray for me; and I believe
that you do, as fervently as I could ask.
We have
had a good Conference, though it has been a short one to me, and perhaps we may
have a long meeting some of these days, and enjoy ourselves to the full extent
of our understandings and patience.
Choir sung "Come let us anew." Benediction by Prest. Kimball.
THOMAS
BULLOCK,
Clerk of Conference.
[Those instructions given during the conference, which it may be deemed advisable to print, will appear in the 'News' as fast as the reporters can prepare them. - Ed.
——
List of names of those who have been unanimously voted to go on missions, by the Conference of April 6, 7, &8, 1855:
Alger John Kay
John
Alred James Sandford Kempton
Jerome
Ames Ira jun. Knapp
Albert
Appleby Carllos Lamb
Brigham
Barmard. Ezra Lamb
Edwin
Batchelder William Lamb
Horace
Bean George Leavitt
Nathaniel
Bean James Lish
Everett
Belknap Gilbert Loveland
Chester
Billings Alfred Mangum
James
Boyd George Maxwell
William
Bringhurst William Mead
Orlando F.
Brown James 3rd Metcalf
Levi G.
Brown James M. Merkley
Christopher
Brown Robert McEwan
John
Browning John Wesley Mikesell
John H.
Brundage William L. Milam
Joseph
Bull Joseph Miles
Ira
Bullock Isaac Miles
Orson
Burch William Miles
William
Burgess William Miller
Henry W.
Burston William Miriam
Amasa
Butterfield Thomas Mitchell
Wm. jun.
Call Anson Moore
Stephen
Candland David Muir,
Wm. S.
Cannon George Q. Munjar
Thomas
Carter Sidney Nebeker
George
Clark Israel Nebeker
Peter
Clark John of Provo Nesliln
Robert F.
Clouth Benjamin Nixon
Wm.
Clowes Joseph Norton
John W.
Cole Moroni Pace
Byron
Collett Sylvanus Parry
Joseph
Cook Washington N. Perkins
Christopher C.
Covert William S. Perkins
Jesse N.
Crossland Benjamin Perkins
Reuben W.
Cummings Franklin Perry
Stephen
Curtis David Pettit
Ethan
Cuthbert Edward Petty
Robert C.
Davis Daniel Phelps
James
Davis James Pulsipher
John
Dolten Charles W. Randall
Alfred
Dolten George Rawlins
Joseph S.
Draper Moses Richards
John A.
Durphy Francillo Ricks
Thomas E.
Dustin Seth Ritchie
William
Empy Nelson Roberts
Benjamin M.
Evans David Scott
John
Fairchild Alma Shepherd
Isaac
Follitt Wm. A. Smith
John L.
Foss Ezra Smith
Thomas S.
Foster William Smoot
Wm. C. A.
Freeman Wm. Snedaker
John F.
Gallaher John Snyder
George G.
Gibson Robert Steele
John
Grant George R. Stephens
David
Green Austin Sterritt
Wm. W.
Haight Hector C. Streeper
Wm. H.
Hale Aroet Taylor
Pleasant Green
Hamlin William Terry
Joshua
Hampton Benjamin Turner
John W.
Hancock George Vance
William
Harvey John Van
Etan Elisha W.
Hill George W. Wakeley
John N.
Holden Wm. Warde
Elijah B.
Hollingshead Joseph Watts
Baldwin
Hultz Benjamin R. Welshman
Arthur P.
Hunt James Wiseman White
Ephraim
Huntington Allen Whitney
Joshua
Huntington Lot Wilkie
Matthew F.
Huntington Oliver Williams
Clinton
Hutchings Shepherd Wilson
Thomas
Ivie James Wood
Charles
Ivie John Wood
Warren
James Richard Wood
Lyman S.
James Thomas H. Woods
Lyman L.
Jones William P. Zindall
Abraham
——
STASTICAL
By compiling the late report from the several Bishops, I find there are now in this Territory,
First
Presidency . . . 3
Apostles 7
Seventies 2086
High Priests 715
Elders 994
Priests 514
Teachers 471
Deacons 227
besides the usual ration of persons not yet ordained to the ministry.
Missionaries now sent, (and already in the field,) from Utah Terittory to different portions of the earth 331
During the last six months there
have
been born in Utah Territory 965
" " died " " " 268
" " baptized " " 478
" " excommunicated " 86
THOMAS
BULLOCK.
Clerk.
6-8 Oct 1855, General Conference, Bowery, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly 5:244, 10/10/55 p4; MS 18:65]
[6 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
MINUTES
OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, convened
in the Bowery adjoining the north end of the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City,
commencing Saturday, Oct. 6, 1855 at 10 a.m.
President B. Young presiding.
On the stand, Presidents B. Young, H. C. Kimball, J. M. Grant.
Of the Twelve Apostles: P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, L. Snow, E. Snow.
Seventies: Joseph Young, H. Herriman, Z. Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood.
High Priests' Quorum: David Pettegrew.
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter.
Presidency of the Stake: David Fullmer, T. Rhoads, P. H. Young.
Clerk of the Conference: Thomas Bullock.
Reporter: G. D. Watt.
CAlled to order by Prest. B. Young.
Choir sung, "The morning breaks, the shadows flee."
Prayer by prest. B. Young, as follows:
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
Thou God
who dwells in eternity, even our God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and the Father of our spirits, it is thee whom we desire to worship and
to whom we look, for we feel ourselves under obligations to thee and owe to
thee our being upon this thine earth.
We look
to thee this morning in the name of thy son Jesus Christ, whom thou hast given
to be a ransom for our sins and for the sin of the whole world, and through
whose name and atonement we expect life everlasting.
As thou
hast redeemed the earth and all things thereupon, we thy creatures, who are
endowed with intelligence, desire to worship thee in spirit and in truth,
praying thee our Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the light of thy
Spirit to know how to worship thee, to know how to build up thy kingdom, to
know how to approach thee acceptably and in a manner that shall be acceptably
and in a manner that shall be acceptable to all holy beings. It is our God whom
we worship, and we are assembled this morning in thy name to transact business
pertaining to the building up of thy kingdom on the earth.
We feel
thankful unto thee, our Father, that thou hast revealed thy will in this our
day, that thou hast spoken from the heavens and bestowed the holy priesthood
upon men, and again opened up the way of life and salvation, and that we are
the happy partakers thereof.
Help us
to appreciate the blessings that we enjoy. We have the privilege of assembling
here to worship thee, with none to molest or make us afraid; thou hast removed
us to these mountains. Help us to realize that our blessings are far above
those of many of our fellows; while millions are sitting in darkness, in the
regions and shadow of death, suffering for food, suffering through the
oppression of kings and rulers, bowed down in their iron fetters, having not
the liberty of speaking or acting, or scarcely of thinking, for themselves,
help us to realize the blessing of having our birth and education in more
genial climes and among more hospitable people, where the laws and government
under which we were born have tolerated us in freedom of thought and speech;
and on this happy soil, even America, where thou hast brought forth the fulness
of the Gospel and the eternal priesthood of thy Son, where thou hast-guaranteed
to all the right to worship thee according to the dictates of their
consciences.
We thank
thee that we now enjoy that privilege. Help us to realize and appreciate these
things.
While we
look unto thee, our Father, and contemplate our circumstances and contrast them
with the circumstances of the inhabitants of other climes, we can say that we
approach thee with shame facedness when we look at thy saints and those who
profess to know thee, and at the same time behold that the little, frivolous,
trifling affairs pertaining to this probation cause thy people to sin.
O Lord,
we feel to beg and plead with thee to have mercy upon our weaknesses--be
compassionate unto us.
And as we
have assembled this morning for the purpose of transacting business in the
capacity of a general conference, we do pray thee in the name of the Lord Jesus
that thy Spirit may influence each heart, that we may be enabled to worship
thee in spirit and in truth, to forsake all our sins and vanities, and to leave
off those things that mar our peace and grieve the Holy Spirit of the Lord
Jesus, for we desire to be thy faithful children.
We pray
thee that each heart may be suitably affected by the light of eternal truth,
that we may understand thy will concerning us, that we may have a disposition
to do thy will, to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, to love our
neighbors, especially thy Saints, as ourselves, to cleave unto righteousness
and to hate iniquity, and to do good even to our enemies.-We pray that the
influences of thy Spirit may attend us through our conference, that the heavens
may be propitious over our heads and that the veil of darkness, even thick
darkness, that covers the nations of the earth may be taken from us, that we may
see and know things as they are, and understand the mind and will of the Lord
concerning us, that we may understand thy ways and thy goings forth among the
inhabitants of the earth, that we may read the destiny of man, and the future
destiny pertaining to us thy people, and to thy kingdom, and know and
understand things past, present, and to come.
O Lord,
we ask thee to let thy Spirit so rest upon us that each one who has assembled
here to worship thee may have their spiritual strength renewed, that each one
who shall speak before this people may be filled with the power of God, that
the Holy Ghost may inspire each heart to speak, to hear, to sing, to pray, to
write, and to do those things pertaining to the business transactions of thy
kingdom acceptably unto thee, that thy kingdom may advance upon the earth, Zion
be redeemed, and thine Israel be gathered, that we may be prepared for the
coming of the Son of man, be the happy partakers of thy grace from day to day
and be counted worthy to be numbered with the sanctified, who shall enjoy the
presence of the Lord Jesus with delight and be caught up to meet him in the
air.
Father in
heaven, we ask for thy blessings upon those of thy Saints, not now assembled
here, who inhabit these mountains. Wilt thou comfort their hearts, inspire
them, encircle them in the arms of thy love and mercy, and hedge them about by
thy power; and be thou a munition of rocks round about us, towering between us
and our enemies, that they may have no power over us.
Inasmuch
as the wicked mingle with thy people here, we pray that thy spirit may teach
them the right way and convince them of the truth of the everlasting Gospel,
though it is despised by men in high places and set at naught by the nations;
and though thy people and thy doctrine are held in derision, let those who are
honest in heart have the light of thy Spirit, that they may be influenced to
acknowledge that thou art God, and be inclined to seek after thy righteousness,
that they may know and understand for themselves the influences that are of God
and the influences not of God.
We pray
thee our Father in Heaven, to bless all thy missionaries in the midst of these
mountains, on this continent, on the islands of the sea, and upon other
continents. May thy angels be with them, may they go before them and be around
about them, that they may be preserved from the power of the enemy and be
inspired from on high by the power of the Holy Ghost, that they may have power
to do good and bring souls to the knowledge of the truth, and build up thy
kingdom and aid in preparing the way for the coming of the Son of man. We ask
for thy blessing upon all those who believe in their testimony.
We
realize, our Father, that the earth is thine and the fulness thereof, that the
gold and the silver are thine, and the wheat and the fine flour are thine, that
the cattle upon a thousand hills are thine, and that it is for thee to give and
for thy people to receive. We ask thee that thou wouldst so give that thy
people may be gathered together from the islands of the sea and from distant
lands.
Let thy
Spirit rest upon thy Saints, that the rich may feel that liberality and that
charity towards the poor which they should, and that the poor may feel a
heartfelt gratitude to the rich who bestow means upon them, insomuch that they
will render each and every man that which is due, and not be covetous, neither
be filled with idolatry; and may both poor and rich concentrate their efforts
and means to the building up of thy kingdom, to the gathering of thine Israel
in the latter days, to the redemption of Zion, the re-establishment of
Jerusalem and the bringing forth salvation to the inhabitants of the whole
earth.
We ask
thee our Father, to inspire us all to be of one heart and one mind, that our
affections, faith and efforts may all be united and engaged in building up thy
kingdom and in the establishment thereof on the face of the earth. Wilt thou
bless and heal up the sick among thy people, and comfort their hearts. We would
remember before thee those who are now upon the plains journeying to this
place, and ask thee to bring them safely to us; may the elements be favorable
and propitious to them, and permit them to come to us without suffering, and
let their hearts be inspired. Inasmuch as they suffer toil and labor, to
assemble with thy saints, may they have thy Holy Spirit with them, and may
thine angels be round about them. Bless and preserve their teams and all they
have with them.
We pray
thee, O Lord, to regard the interests of thy kingdom among the nations of the
earth; hasten the gathering of Israel and the redemption of Zion; and may the
remnants of the Lamanites feel the power of thy Spirit, that they may cease
their wickedness and be divested of their bloodthirsty disposition, and receive
hearts of flesh that they may see and understand the ways of the Lord. We
dedicate ourselves unto thee, our wives and our children, our houses and our
lands, our flocks and our herds, with all that thou hast committed to our
charge. We dedicate this conference to thee, and pray for wisdom to transact
the business that should be done, and that all things that are not right, and
that are contrary to thy counsel and will may be taken from our minds. May all
hearts be concentrated in that which will please thee and advance thy kingdom,
and cause and make the hearts of thy Saints to rejoice exceedingly that they
live to be saints in the latter-days.
Hear us,
O Lord, and answer these our supplications. Be with us through our future life,
guide us to thy praise and prepare us for thy kingdom and glory, and with the
sanctified, bring us to thyself in thy kingdom. These, with all needful favors
and blessings we ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. [Reported by G. D.
Watt]
Choir sung a hymn.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young addressed the congregation on the subject of faith, the Holy Spirit, the dealings of the Lord with this people, &c.,
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 5:266, 10/31/55 p2; JD 3:43.]
As we
have assembled in the capacity of a Conference to attend to business, we should
earnestly seek to enjoy the spirit of our calling. We are called to be Saints,
and if we have the spirit of Saints we shall have the spirit of our calling,
otherwise we certainly do not enjoy the privileges that the Lord designs we
should. The Lord is ready and willing to give His Spirit to those who are
honest before Him, and who seek earnestly to enjoy it.
If
Saints, assembled to worship the Lord and transact business pertaining to His
kingdom, should not have the aid of His Spirit they would be likely to commit
errors, it would be strange indeed if they did not, and to do that which they
ought not, even in business transactions; they would fall short of
accomplishing their own wishes, and of course far short of fulfilling the
designs of heaven. We see many led astray, because they have not retained the
spirit of Christ to guide them.
When any
of this people, who believe the Gospel, forsake the duty which they owe to God
and His cause, they are at once surrounded by an influence which causes them to
imbibe a dislike to Saints and to the conduct of Saints; they receive a false
spirit, and then the Saints cannot do right in their eyes, the ministers of God
cannot preach right nor act right, and soon they wish to leave the society of
the Saints, and that too, as they suppose, with a sanctified heart and life.
They wish to withdraw from this, as they believe, wicked people, fancying all
to be wicked but themselves, and wish to separate themselves until the people
are as holy as they flatter themselves that they are, when they calculate to
return again. Others will lose the spirit of their calling, and realize that
they have lost it; they are wicked, and know it, and will have more confidence
in others than in themselves. But the self-righteous will go away and wait
until we as a people are sanctified and able to endure their presence, and
think that then they will, perhaps, gather among us again.
People
are liable in many ways to be led astray by the power of the adversary, for
they do not fully understand that it is a hard matter for them to always
distinguish the things of God from the things of the devil. There is but one
way by which they can know the difference, and that is by the light of the
spirit of revelation, even the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without this we
are all liable to be led astray and forsake our brethren, forsake our covenants
and the Church and kingdom of God on earth.
Should
the whole people neglect their duty and come short in performing the things
required at their hands, lose the light of the Spirit of the Lord, the light of
the spirit of revelation, they would not know the voice of the Good Shepherd
from the voice of a stranger, they would not know the difference between a
false teacher and a true one, for there are many spirits gone out into the
world, and the false spirits are giving revelations as well as the Spirit of
the Lord. This we are acquainted with; we know that there are many delusive
spirits, and unless the Latter-day Saints live to their privileges, and enjoy
the spirit of the holy Gospel, they cannot discern between those who serve God
and those who serve Him not. Consequently, it becomes us, as Saints, to cleave
to the Lord with all our hearts, and seek unto Him until we do enjoy the light
of His Spirit, that we may discern between the righteous and the wicked, and
understand the difference between false spirits and true. Then, when we see a
presentation, we shall know whence it is, and understand whether it be of the
Lord, or whether it is not of Him; but if the people are not endowed with the
Holy Ghost they cannot tell, therefore it becomes us to have the Spirit of the
Lord, not only in preaching and praying, but to enable us to reflect and judge,
for the Saints are to judge in these matters. They are to judge not only men,
they are to be judges not only in the capacity of a Conference to decide what
shall be done, what course shall be pursued to further the kingdom of God, what
business shall be transacted, and how it shall be transacted, and so on, but
they will actually judge angels.
We sit
here as judges, and suppose that business which would prove injurious to this
people should now be presented for them to decide upon, or suppose that the
leaders of this people had forsaken the Lord and should introduce, through
selfishness, that which would militate against the kingdom of God on the earth,
that which would in the issue actually destroy this people, how are you going
to detect the wrong and know it from the right? You cannot do it, unless you
have the Spirit of the Lord. Do the people enjoy that Spirit? Yes, many of them
do. Do they enjoy it in as great a degree as it is their privilege? A few of
them do, still I think that the people in general might enjoy more of the Holy
Spirit, more of the nature and essence of the Deity, than they do. I know that
they have their trials, I know they have the world to grapple with, and are
tempted, and I know what they have to war against.
But let
us ask ourselves individually whether we fight this warfare to such a degree
that we do overcome in every instance? In every contest do we come off
victorious? Here we have to do with our passions; here is fallen nature, that
we can never get rid of until we lie down in the grave, it is sown in the flesh
and will remain there, but it is our privilege to overcome that, and bring it
under subjection in our reflections, in our meditations, and in all the labor
that we perform, though we may be tried, tempted, and buffeted by Satan. It is
our privilege to have power to rule, govern, and bring under subjection even
our momentary passions; yes, it is our privilege so to live and overcome them
that we never would have a temptation to think evil, or at least would never
speak before we took time to think, but all would be in subjection to the law
of Christ. Do we live up to this privilege?
People
may ask, are we not good Saints? Yes, I can say that this people are a good
people, and they wish to be Saints, and many of them strive to be Saints, and
many of them are Saints. I realize the weaknesses of men; I am not ignorant of
my own weaknesses, and this is where I learn every body else, their
dispositions and the operations of the spirit upon the inhabitants of the
earth; to learn mankind is learn myself.
This is a
good people, they are a righteous people; yet there are some who are filled
with folly, there are some who are inclined to do wickedly and seem to love
wickedness; there are some who are filled with idolatry, and it seems as though
it were impossible for them to overcome the spirit of the world, to keep from
loving it and from cleaving to it and to the things of the world. I will appeal
to the people as judges—are you capable of judging in matters pertaining to the
kingdom of God on earth, unless you have the Spirit of truth within you?
Some may
say, "Brethren, you who lead the Church, we have all confidence in you, we
are not in the least afraid but what everything will go right under your
superintendence; all the business matters will be transacted right; and if
brother Brigham is satisfied with it, I am." I do not wish any Latter-day
Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless
the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of revelation, makes them
satisfied. I wish them to know for themselves and understand for themselves,
for this would strengthen the faith that is within them. Suppose that the
people were heedless, that they manifested no concern with regard to the things
of the kingdom of God, but threw the whole burden upon the leaders of the
people, saying, "If the brethren who take charge of matters are satisfied,
we are," this is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord.
Every man
and woman in this kingdom ought to be satisfied what we do, but they never
should be satisfied without asking the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ,
whether what we do is right. When you are inspired by the Holy Ghost you can
understandingly say, that you are satisfied; and that is the only power that
should cause you to exclaim that you are satisfied, for without that you do not
know whether you should be satisfied or not. You may say that you are satisfied
and believe that all is right, and your confidence may be almost unbounded in
the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ, but if you asked God, in the
name of Jesus, and received knowledge for yourself, through the Holy Spirit,
would it not; strengthen your faith? It would. A little faith will perform
little works; that is good logic. Jesus says, "If ye have faith as a grain
of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
A grain
of mustard seed is very small; nevertheless if you had faith as a grain of
mustard seed, and should say unto this mountain, "Remove hence to yonder
place, it would be done; or to that sycamore tree, "Be thou planted in the
sea;" or to the sick, "Be ye healed;" or to the devils, "Be
ye cast out; it would be done."
Suppose
that I had faith like a grain of mustard seed, and could do the things which
Christ has said are possible to be done through that faith, and that another
man on the continent of Asia had the same faith, we could not accomplish much
because but two would have all the power of Satan to combat. Do you suppose
that Jesus Christ healed every person that was sick, or that all the devils
were cast out in the country where he sojourned? I do not. Working miracles,
healing the sick, raising the dead, and the like, were almost as rare in his
day as in this our day. Once in a while the people would have faith in his
power, and what is called a miracle would be performed, but the sick, the
blind, the deaf and dumb, the crazy, and those possessed with different kinds
of devils were around him, and only now and then could his faith have power to
take effect, on account of the want of faith in the individuals.
Many
suppose that in the days of the Savior no person was sick, in the vicinity of
his labors, but what was healed; this is a mistake, for it was only
occasionally that a case of healing a sick person or casting out a devil
occurred. But again, suppose that two-thirds of the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and the regions round about had actually possessed like faith in the Savior
that a few did, then it is very probable that all the sick would have been healed
and the devils cast out, for there would have been a predominance of a good
power over the evil influences.
Let two
persons be on the continent of America, having faith like a grain of mustard
seed, and let one of them be situated on the Atlantic and the other on the
Pacific coast, and most of the sick would remain sick around them, the dying
would die, and those possessed of devils would continue to be tormented, though
once in a while a sick person might be healed, or a blind person be made to
see. Now let each one of those individuals have another person of like
faith added to him, and they will do as much again work; then let there be four
persons in the east and four in the west, all possessing faith like a grain of
mustard seed, and there will be four times as much done as when there was but
one in each place; and thus go on increasing their number in this ratio
until, by and bye, all the Latter-day Saints have faith like a grain of mustard
seed, and where would there be place for devils? Not in these mountains, for
they would all be cast out. Do you not perceive that that would be a great help
to us?
If I had
power of myself to heal the sick, which I do not profess to have, or to cast
out devils, which power I have not got, though if the Lord sees fit to cast
them out through my command it is all right—still if I had that power, and
there was no other person to help me, the people would do as they do now, they
would hunt me almost to death, saying," Won't you lay hands on this sick
person? Won't you go to my house over yonder?" and so on. I am sent for
continually, though I only go occasionally, because it is the privilege of
every father, who is an Elder in Israel, to have faith to heal his family, just
as much so as it is my privilege to have faith to heal my family; and if he
does not do it he is not living up to his privilege. It is just as reasonable
for him to ask me to cut his wood and maintain his family, for if he had faith
himself he would save me the trouble of leaving other duties to attend to his
request.
Let this
faith be distributed and it makes all things easy, but put one or two dozen men
to hauling a wagon containing a hundred tons' weight, and the labor is very
heavy, whereas if the whole of the Latter-day Saints would put their shoulder
to the lead it would be moved easily. It is with the mental powers as it is
with the physical, and that is why I wish you to consider the matter, and why I
lay those things before you. Let the Latter-day Saints have faith and works,
and let them forsake their covetousness and cleave unto righteousness.
I have
given you a short discourse upon faith and practical religion, and now I say to
the Elders of Israel, to the Bishops of the different wards, and to the
Presidents of the different Branches, if there is any business you wish to
bring before this Conference, pertaining to fellowship and the conduct of
individuals, you can have the privilege. We were accustomed, some years ago, to
attend to such business before our General Conference, and it is our privilege
to do so again, if we choose, or if there is any occasion.
In all
High Councils, in Bishops' Courts, and in all other departments for transacting
our business, the Church and kingdom of God, with the Lord Almighty at the
head, will cause every man to exhibit the feelings of his heart, for you
recollect it is is written that in the last days the Lord will reveal the
secrets of the hearts of the Children of men.
Does not
the Gospel do that? It does; it causes men and women to reveal that which would
have slept in their dispositions until they dropped into their graves. The plan
by which the Lord leads this people makes them reveal their thoughts and
intents, and brings out every trait of disposition lurking in their
organizations. Is this right? It is. How are you going to correct a man's
faults, by hiding them and never speaking of them, by covering up every fault
you see in your brother, or by saying," O, do not say a word about his
faults, we know that he lies, but it will not do to say a word about it, for it
would be awful to reveal such a fact to the people?" That is the policy of
the world and of the devil, but is it the way that the Lord will do with the
people in the latter-days? It is not.
This is a
matter that seems to be but little understood by some of the Latter-day Saints,
it may be understood by a portion of them, but others do not understand it.
Every fault that a person has will be made manifest, that it may be corrected
by the Gospel of salvation, by the laws of the Holy Priesthood.
Suppose
that a man lies, and you dare not tell of it; "Very well," says the
man, "I am secure, I can lie as much as I please." He is inclined to
lie, and if we dare not chastise him about it he takes shelter under that
pavilion, cloaks himself with the charity of his brethren, and continues to
lie. By and bye he will steal a little, and perhaps one or two of his brethren
know about it, but they say, "We must cover up this fault with the cloak
of charity." He continues to lie and to steal, and we continue to hide his
faults; where will it lead that person to? Where will he end his career?
Nowhere but in hell.
What
shall we do with such men? Shall we reveal their faults? Yes, whenever we deem
it right and proper. I know it is hard to receive chastisement, for no
chastisement is joyous, but grievous at the time it is given; but if a person
will receive chastisement and pray for the Holy Spirit to rest upon him, that
he may have the Spirit of truth in his heart, and cleave to that which is
pleasing to the Lord, the Lord will give him grace to bear the chastisement,
and he will submit to and receive it, knowing that it is for his good. He will
endure it patiently, and, by and bye, he will get over it, and see that he has
been chastised for his faults, and will banish the evil, and the chastisement
will yield to him the peaceable fruits of righteousness, because he exercises
himself profitably therein.
In this
way chastisement is a benefit to any person. Grant that I have a fault, and
wish it concealed, would I not be likely to hide it? And if the Lord would not
reveal it I might cling to it, if I had not the spirit of revelation to discern
my fault and its consequences. Without the influence of the Spirit of the Lord,
I am just as liable to live and abide in false principles, false notions, and
unrighteous actions as true ones. It is so with you.
If your
faults are not made known to you, how can you refrain from them and overcome
them? You cannot. But if your faults are made manifest, you have the privilege
of forsaking them and cleaving unto that which is good. The design of the
Gospel is to reveal the secrets of the hearts of the children of men.
When men
intimate to me, whether in public or in private, that their faults must not be
spoken of, I do not know how worldly-minded men feel in similar cases, but like
Elijah, when he mocked the priests of Baal, I feel to laugh and make derision
of such men.
Do you
suppose that I will thus far bow down to any man in this Territory, or on the
earth? Do you suppose that I will suffer myself to be so muzzled that I cannot
reveal the faults of the people when wisdom dictates me to do it?
I fear
not the wicked half so much as I would a mosquito in my bed room at night, for he
would keep me from sleeping, but for the unrighteous, those who will act the
villain and conduct themselves worse than the devil, to insinuate that I have
not the privilege of speaking of their faults makes me feel like laughing at
their folly. I will speak of men's faults when and where I please, and what are
you going to do about it?
Do you
know that that very principle caused the death of all the Prophets, from the
days of Adam until now? Let a Prophet arise upon the earth, and never reveal
the evils of men, and do you suppose that the wicked would desire to kill him?
No, for he would cease to be a Prophet of the Lord, and they would invite him
to their feasts, and hail him as a friend and brother. Why? Because it would be
impossible for him to be anything but one of them. It is impossible for a
Prophet of Christ to live in an adulterous generation without speaking of the
wickedness of the people, without revealing their faults and their failings,
and there is nothing short of death that will stay him from it. for a Prophet
of God will do as he pleases.
I have
been preached to, pleaded with, and. written to, to be careful how I speak
about men's faults, more so than ever Joseph Smith was in his life time; every
week or two I receive a letter of instruction, warning me to be careful of this
or that man's character. Did you ever have the Spirit of the Lord, so that you
have felt full of joy, and like jumping up and shouting hallelujah? I feel in
that way when such epistles come to me; I feel like saying, "I ask no odds
of you, nor of all your clan this side of hell."
I have
wise brethren around me who will sometimes say, "Don't speak so and
so, be very careful, now do be cautious;" and I have been written to from
the east; I have package after package of letters, yes, a wheelbarrow lead of
them, saying, "O, brother Brigham, I would beseech and pray and plead with
you, if I only dare, to be careful how you speak. Would not this or that course
be better than for you to get up in the stand, and tell the Gentiles what they
are? Would it not be better to keep this to yourself?"
Do you
know how I feel when I get such communications? I will tell you, I feel just
like rubbing their noses with them. If I am not to have the privilege of
speaking of Saint and sinner when I please, tie up my mouth and let me go to
the grave, for my work would be done.
It was
for this that they killed Joseph and Hyrum, it is for this that they wish to
kill me and my brethren; we know their iniquity, and we will tell of it when
the Spirit dictates, or talk about this, that, or the other person and conduct
at the proper time.
There are
people in our midst who grunt at this course, and at the same time have evils
that I think are hardly worth notice, for I do not think that such persons will
be good for anything even should they happen to get into the kingdom of heaven,
though I suppose they are good in their place if we can find out where it is,
but as yet I am ignorant of it; I presume that the Lord knows where it is, but
I do not. I wish to say to the Elders of Israel, to all people, I shall tell
you of your iniquity and talk about you just as I please, and when you feel
like killing me for so doing, as some of the people did who called themselves
brethren in the days of Joseph Smith, look out for yourselves, for false
brethren were the cause of Joseph's death, and I am not a very righteous man. I
have told the Latter-day Saints from the beginning that I do not profess much
righteousness, but I profess to know the will of God concerning you, and I have
boldness enough to tell it to you, fearless of your wrath, and I expect that it
is on this account that the Lord has, called me to occupy the place I do; I
feel as independent as an angel.
Some of
you have been brought before the High Council, charged with this fault and with
that, and you say it is too much for you, that you cannot bear it. But you have
got to bear it, and if you will not, make up your minds to go to hell at once
and have done with it. if you wish to be Saints you ,must have your evils taken
away and your iniquities exposed, this must be done if you remain in the
kingdom of God. If you do wrong, and it is made manifest before the High
Council, don't grunt about it, nor whine about your loving, precious character,
but consider that you have none; that is the best way to get along with it.
Myriads have scandalized me since I have been in this Church, and I have been
asked, "Brother Brigham, are you going to bear this? Do you not know that
such and such persons are scandalizing your character?" Said I, "I do
not know that I have any character, I have never stopped to inquire whether I
have one or not." It is for me to pursue a course that will build up the
kingdom of God on the earth, and you may take my character to be what you
please, I care not what you do with it, so you but keep your hands off from me.
If you
are brought before the High Council, or before a Bishop's court, and it is
proven before either of those tribunals that you are covetous, don't fly in a
passion and become so excited that you are ready to burst. I may see fit to
expose some men who have not paid their tithing; now if you are going to get
nervous about it and are afraid of bursting, let me know, and we will slip an
egg shell over you and your precious characters. What precious characters some
of you had in Wales, in England, in Scotland, and perhaps in Ireland.
Do not be
scared if it is proven against some, before the Bishop's court, that you did
steal the poles from your neighbor's garden fence. If you did, it would be far
better for you to get right up and own it, for you have in reality lost your
character before God, angels, and men, and then refrain from such evils and try
to establish a good character. It would, be better for you to do that, than to
become angry when your faults are made manifest. If it is proven before the
High Council that you did steal a beef creature, don't get angry, but rise up
and acknowledge that you did steal it.
If it is
proven that you have been to some person's wood pile and stolen wood, don't be
frightened, for if you will steal, it must be made manifest. Some one may say,
"Why I did not; think Saints were guilty of such deeds!" Nor I
either. Such crimes are committed by people who gather with the Saints, to try
them, to afflict and annoy them, and drive them to their duty. Do you not
suppose that it is necessary to have devils mixed up with us, to make Saints of
us? We are as yet obliged to have devils in our community, we could not build
up the kingdom without them. Many of you know that you cannot get your
endowment without the devil's being present; indeed we cannot make rapid
progress without the devils. I know that it frightens the righteous sectarian
world to think that we have so many devils with us, so many poor, miserable
curses. Bless your souls, we could not prosper in the kingdom of God without
them. We must have those amongst us who will steal our fence poles, who will go
and steal hay from their neighbor's hay stack, or go into his corn field to
steal corn, and leave the fence down; nearly every ax that is dropped in the
kanyon must be picked up by them, and the scores of lost watches, gold rings,
breast pins, &c., must get into their hands, though they will not wear them
in your sight. It is essentially necessary to have such characters here.
After we
had given the brethren such a scouring two or three months ago, about returning
lost property when found, one or two men brought in two or three rusty nails of
no value, which they had picked up; this was tantamount to saying to brother
Sprague, "If we had found your purse, or if we had found Brigham's
purse, we would see you, in hell before we would return it." We wish to
impress upon you the necessity of your bringing the ax you find, the hay fork,
or any other lost property which you find, to the person who is appointed to
take charge of such property, that the owners may again possess it. But if you
should pick up a piece of rotten wood, and bring it to brother Brigham, or Dr.
Sprague, with a show of honesty, and in derision of the counsel you have
received, it would be like saying, "If we could find or steal your
purses, you should never see them again. We are poor, miserable devils, and
mean to live here by stealing from the Saints, and you cannot help yourselves."
Live here
then, you poor, miserable curses, until the time of retribution, when your
heads will have to be severed from your bodies. Just let the Lord Almighty say,
"Lay judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet," and the
time of thieves is short in this community. What do you suppose they would say
in old Massachusetts, should they hear that the Latter-day Saints had received
a revelation or commandment to lay "judgment to the line and righteousness
to the plummet?" What would they say in old Connecticut? They would raise
a universal howl of, "How wicked those Mormons are; they are killing the
evil doers who are among them; why I hear that they kill the wicked away up
yonder in Utah." They do not kill anybody down there, do they?
As for
the inhabitants of the earth, who know anything about the "Mormons,"
having power to utter worse epithets against us than they do, they have to get
more knowledge in order to do it; and as for those enemies who have been in our
midst, feeling any worse than they do, they have first to know more; they are
as full of bad feeling now as they can hold without bursting. What do I care
for the wrath of man? No more than I do for the chickens that run in my
dooryard. I am here to teach the ways of the Lord, and lead men to life
everlasting, but if they have not a mind to go there, I wish them to keep out
of my path.
I want
the Elders of Israel to understand that if they are exposed in their stealing,
lying, deceiving, wickedness, and covetousness, which is idolatry, they must
not fly in a passion about it, for we calculate to expose you, from time to
time, as we please, when we can get time to notice you.
During
this Conference, I do not want to think where the "Mormons" have
been, and how they have been treated, but I want to think of matters that will
make my heart light, like the roe on the mountains—to reflect that the Lord
Almighty has given me my birth on the land where He raised up a Prophet, and
revealed the everlasting Gospel through him, and that I had the privilege of
hearing it—of knowing and understanding it—of embracing and enjoying it. I feel
like shouting hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph
Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys
and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth and sustain it. These keys
are committed to this people, and we have power to continue the work that
Joseph commenced, until everything is prepared for the coming of the Son of
Man. This is the business of the Latter-day Saints, and it is all the business
we have on hand. When we come to worldly affairs, as they are called, they can
be done in stormy weather, if we attend to the kingdom of God in fair weather.
May God
bless you. Amen.
[Prest Kimball]
and was followed by Prest. Kimball, who spoke upon the principle of the saints' living their religion, or the ordinances would be of no benefit to them.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 5:274, 11/07/55 p2; JD 3:123]
REMARKS
BY PRESIDENT HEBER C. KIMBALL, DIRECTLY AFTER THE SERMON BY
PRESIDENT B. YOUNG, PRINTED IN NO. 34: BOWERY, OCT. 6, 1855.
[REPORTED BY GEO. D.
WATT.]
I do not
wish to detain the congregation long, still I do not think that those who have
the spirit of a Saint are tired and wish the meeting to come to a close. Every
word I have heard to-day is salvation and the very quintessence of
righteousness, and I assure you that I have enjoyed myself more under what I
have heard to-day, than I ever did in the best party that I ever attended.
True, I have enjoyed myself extremely well when I have been with my brethren in
the dance, but, gentlemen and ladies, what we have heard to-day is salvation
and eternal lives to us, if we will listen to and obey it.
I am
thankful that the time has come when brother Brigham is disposed to lift the
veil and expose the iniquities of men, if they are not willing to expose them
themselves. I know they were exposed in the days of Joseph, and brother
Brigham, myself, and many others were with him and stood by him to the day of
his death, and do still. When their iniquities were exposed, men whom we
thought much of, and those whom we thought nothing of, turned away from the
faith. They were poor, miserable, rotten-hearted creatures; we knew that, and
knew it when we were in England, and when we came home; and because we would
not pamper and flatter those poor, miserable devils, they became our enemies
and the enemies of Joseph.
Joseph
would many times ostensibly hold men up to see whether this people would
worship them, to see whether they had discernment enough to know the difference
between a righteous man and a wicked one, and if we preferred the society of a
blackleg, or of a whoremaster, or of any other abominable character, he was perfectly
willing that we should have the opportunity to prove ourselves.
Now we
are here in the mountains and am I not glad? Yes, I am glad, and I rejoice
exceedingly, and if I am concealing wickedness or iniquity, I say, let it be
exposed, that others by seeing it may repent and forsake their sins. Men will
often tell what they will do—that they are willing to lay down their lives for
the sake of this Gospel and for their brethren, but the thing is to come and do
it, while at the same time they are not willing to pay their tithing, nor do
anything else that is required of them. He is no Saint who will not fulfil the
requirements of heaven.
Brother
Brigham is a servant to this people, and he serves you and waits upon you by
night and by day, and his associates are willing to do whatever they are called
upon. He is your servant, and I am your servant, but if you do not treat your
servants well while in this time, I am afraid that when they come to what is
called eternity, you will not have the privilege of troubling them much.
Therefore, listen with hearing ears and understanding hearts; walk up like men
to do what God requires at your hands, and be willing to come to the light that
your sins may be revealed; and if your sins are revealed and you repent of them,
there are men who can tell you what road to take and what atonement to make,
that you may be set in the road which leads to life, and if you will not be
corrected you will be damned as sure as the sun will again set.
What is
called "Mormonism" is the delight of my heart; this people are the
pride of my heart, and I wish that every one would do right, keep the
commandments of the Lord, and listen to those correct principles that are
taught them from time to time. Some will come with great zeal and anxiety,
saying, "I want my endowments; I want my washings and anointings; I want
my blessings; I wish to be sealed up to eternal lives; I wish to have my wife
sealed and my children sealed to me;" in short, "I desire this and I
wish that." What good would all this do you, if you do not live up to your
profession and practise your religion? Not as much good as for me to take a bag
of sand and baptize it, lay hands upon it for the gift of the Holy Ghost, wash
it and anoint, and then seal it up to eternal lives, for the sand will be
saved, having filled the measure of its creation, but you will not, except
through faith and obedience. Those little pebbles and particles of sand gather
themselves together and are engaged, as with one heart and mind, to accomplish
a purpose in nature. Do they not keep the mighty ocean in its place by one
united exertion? And if we were fully united we could resist and overcome every
evil principle there is on earth or in hell.
Let us
all listen with care and attention to the counsels that are given and that have
been given unto us today, for they are more precious and delicious to me than
the sweetest thing I ever tasted in this life. Shall we sit down and not rebuke
sin?
If you
oppose any of the works of God you will cultivate a spirit of apostacy. If you
oppose what is called the "spiritual wife doctrine," the Patriarchal
Order, which is of God, that course will corrode you with a spirit of apostacy,
and you will go overboard; still a great many do so, and strive to justify themselves
in it, but they are not justified of God. When you take that course you put a
knife to brother Brigham's breast, and to the breasts of his associates; and
more or less so when you oppose anything which God has instituted for His glory
and the exaltation of man. I do not like such conduct myself, and I am opposed
to such characters; I do not ask any favors of them, and I have often said that
I never want one of them to darken my door. I am against them and God is
against them, and I am for sustaining His cause, the cause of my Father who
dwells in the heavens; the cause of His Son, and the cause that brother Joseph
has been the means of bringing forth by the revelations of Jesus Christ. We
sustained Joseph in this cause in his day, and we sustain the same cause now,
and we will sustain it for ever, and that is our desire and prayer from this
time henceforth, God helping of us.
The
principle of plurality of wives never will be done away although some sisters
have had revelations that, when this time passes away and they go through the
veil, every woman will have a husband to herself. I wish more of our young men
would take to themselves wives of the daughters of Zion, and not wait for us
old men to take them all; go ahead upon the right principle, young gentlemen,
and God bless you for ever and ever, and make you fruitful, that we may fill
the mountains and then the earth with righteous inhabitants. That is my prayer,
and that is my blessing upon. all the Saints and upon your posterity after you,
for ever. Amen.
The choir chanted, "Behold a king shall reign in righteousness." - Isaiah.
Benediction by Prest. Joseph Young.
[6 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
2 p.m.
Called to order by Prest. Kimball.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by Prest. Grant. Singing.
[Elder nathaniel V. Jones]
Elder Nathaniel V. Jones, returned missionary, late from the presidency of the Hindostan and Burman empire mission, related his travels in those lands, and stated that the elders of the church of Jesus Christ had traveled from the Himalaya mountains to near the southern limits of the Peninsula, and said that a Mr. Wilson, Episcopalian bishop of Calcutta, wrote to the clergy in all the military cantonments to forbid the 'Mormon' elders preaching there, and the clergy faithfully obeyed the bishop.
[Elder John Young]
Elder John Young bore testimony to the truth of the gospel, and spoke upon good works, agency and revelation.
[Prest. J. M. Grant]
Prest. J. M. Grant briefly discussed the text: "every man shall be rewarded according to his works."
[Jedediah M. Grant]
[DNW 5:274, 11/07/55 p2; JD 3:125]
REMARKS
BY PREST. J. M. GRANT, BOWERY, OCT. 6, 1855.
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
I am
pleased with the general spirit manifested through the servants of the Lord who
have spoken to us to-day. I was pleased, during the forenoon, with the freedom
that seemed to pervade the mind of our President and the mind of Elder Kimball.
I am pleased with the freedom of our Patriarch, Elder John Young, this
afternoon, and I believe the doctrine which he has advanced to be correct; it
is substantially this, all persons shall be judged according to their works. I
am aware the old maxim was that men would be judged according to the death they
might die, but the Latter-day Saints believe that men will be judged by the
life they live, and not by the death they die. We believe that a man will be
rewarded according to his works, for it is not written that he shall be
rewarded according to his ordination, or the special situation or place in
which he may be called to act in the Church of God; but it is written, and that
law, I believe, has never been revoked by high heaven, or by any of its legates
to earth; hence it stands immutable, that all men shall be rewarded according
to their works.
This is
the doctrine that our Patriarch has been laboring to impress upon your minds
this afternoon. I think it is very wholesome; I am satisfied with it; it is
sweet to my taste; it is good that all men in the different dispensations of
the Almighty, each in his situation, calling, capacity, and sphere of action,
are to be, and of right should be, rewarded according to his works. We do not
wish to reverse this law in relation to our enemies, we only wish them to be
rewarded according to their works; we do not desire to warp the law in the
least.
I am
aware that many suppose that we entertain some unchristian feelings to those
out of the Church, but this is a mistake; we only wish that persons who have
shed the blood of our Apostles may be rewarded just according to their works.
And we expect that, sooner or later, they will have meted out to them that
reward which the Almighty actually knows that they deserve. When speaking of
governors, rulers, kings, emperors, judges, and officers of nations and states,
would we wish to reverse the general law that every person shall be rewarded
according to their works? No. It would not do to have some men die as soon as
many might desire, for they would not meet their proportionate reward on the
earth.
I like to
meditate upon this doctrine, I like to see its practical workings, rewarding
every man according to his works; and I expect that the day will come when all
Latter-day Saints will be perfectly satisfied with it.
I am
fully aware that many people have been bred and raised in poorpussyism all
their days, both in America and in Europe, and when they hear doctrines and
principles taught by men who speak as freedom permits them, and as freemen have
a right to speak, those who are clothed with the garments of poor-pussyism get
the grunts; well, grunt on until you grunt it all out. The Latter-day Saints
who enjoy the light of the Lord, that power which loves the intelligence of
heaven and imparts it to the faithful, thank the Lord that we expect that our
elder brother, Jesus Christ, will give unto us according to our works. We
expect that he will be rewarded according to his works, and that his associates
will be rewarded according to theirs, and if our works are not good we ask for
no good reward.
It is not
according to the nation a man sprung from, nor according to the parentage or
line of descent he came through, that he is to be rewarded; it is not so
written. But it is written in the book of God emanating from, high heaven, from
the courts above, that kings, emperors, rulers, and all men on the earth, high
and low, shall be rewarded according to their works. Do the people of God
understand this? Do all the Saints, in their individual capacities, understand
this? The doctrine is applicable to the nations and states. Is it not
applicable to all people? It is.
"Why,"
says one, "bless my soul, you do not say that it is applicable to females,
do you?" Yes I do. "Oh, dear, what will the FIRST wife do in that
case?" Why, bless your poor soul, she will be rewarded according to her
works. That is the doctrine, and, thank God, there is no other way. You cannot
alter it; you cannot revoke this eternal law. If a man has fifty wives and the
fiftieth is the best, does the most good, she will get the greatest reward, in
spite of all the grunting on the part of the first one.
In the
Church of God, if a Teacher, a Priest, or Deacon, has the best works, if his
labours are the most, if his acts are the most righteous in magnifying his
calling to the utmost, he is better off than any man in the Church who does not
magnify his calling. Is this doctrine applicable to ordained men in the Church?
Yes, to every man of God, whether he be a Priest, Teacher, Member, Elder, or
Apostle; each person will be rewarded according to his works. Is it applicable
in families? Yes. "Oh," says one, "That makes me feel
bad; my poor wife, my dear loving wife, the wife of my youth and the companion
of my toils, what will she think of this? Bless me, I tremble for her." If
her works are better, if her righteousness exceeds that of the rest of your
wives, if she has more philanthropy, greater charity, and deserves more than
they, she will get more. But if her works are not equal to those of some of the
balance, she will still be rewarded according to her works.
I like
the doctrine; I can swallow it without greasing my mouth. It is a first-rate
doctrine, and is a goodly part of the real faith, virtue, root and marrow of
"Mormonism." Yes, it is applicable in families, thank God, and in the
Church of God, in quorums, in councils, and in every other organized body; it
applies to the world which we inhabit, and to every thing that is in heaven.
I know
that there are hundreds of thousands of men out of this Church, and do we like
them? Yes. When we talk against men out of the Church do we mean to be
understood as speaking against good men—men who wish to do right? No; but we
mean the poor devils and the devil's poor, that's the idea.
To
righteous and honorable men who have true integrity, in them we say, "God
bless you," for that is the way we feel towards all such the wide
world over. God bless the righteous, whether they are in the Church or out of
it. And God bless the righteous Saints in the Church, and in all the families
of God's people. I am backing up what brother John has been speaking. I want
the Saints to do right and be blessed, which may God grant, in the name of
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sung the anthem, "Hosannah in the highest."
Benediction by Elder E. T. Benson.
In the evening the seventies met in their Council hall and the high priests in the Social hall.
——
[7 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
Oct. 7, 1855, 10 a.m.
Called to order by Prest. B. Young.
Singing by the choir, Prayer by Prest. Kimball.
Choir sung, "O my Father thou that dwellest."
[Elder Parley P. Pratt]
Elder Parley P. Pratt addressed the assembly on a part of the 21st chapter of Luke, and stated that what prophecies had been fulfilled were literally fulfilled, and the remaining predictions will be in like manner fulfilled.
[Parley P. Pratt]
[DNW 5:316-317, 12/12/55 p4-5, JD 3:127]
DISCOURSE
BY PARLEY P. PRATT: BOWERY, OCT. 7, 1855.
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
We wish
the entire attention of the congregation; the assembly being so vast, it will
almost be impossible for the speaker to be heard unless there is great order
and strict attention. We wish no disturbance on the outskirts of the assembly,
as we wish all to hear.
I will
read for the edification of the assembly, a portion of the 2lst chap. of Luke,
contained in what is called King James' translation of the New
Testament, from the 5th to the 36th verse.
I will
remind those who hear me this day of one fact which can be clearly demonstrated
to the mind of every careful reader of the Scriptures, and which fact is a
guarantee, as it were, to the rational mind, for the manner of the fulfilment
of that which is future; it is this, that the prophecies contained in the Holy
Bible, spoken by Moses and the Prophets, Jesus and the Apostles, have been
fulfilled literally and naturally, so far as they have been fulfilled at all.
Not in the sense, however, that modern blindness and priestcraft have tried to
throw over them, but in a plain and common sense, as plain as if a man
were to rise here and tell that the wall around this Temple Block would be
overthrown, and not one stone left upon another, and then tell the circumstances
that would transpire before it, and in connection with it, and after it, and
then it afterwards be fulfilled and recorded in history; so plain, so clear, so
full, and so exact have the predictions of the Prophets of God, and the
Apostles of God, and of the Son. of God been fulfilled, except such portions as
remain to be fulfilled.
Keep that
one fact in view, and then search the prophecies, and trace them out; search
history for their fulfilment, and give diligent heed to the things that are
written, for these are the commandments not only of the ancient Apostles and
Prophets, but of the Apostles and Prophets of the last days.
Jesus
himself, while he travelled upon the earth in his mortal tabernacle read the
Scriptures to the people, "he opened the book and taught;" his manner
was to do it in the synagogue every Sabbath day—he exhorted them to search into
the things that were written.
And after
he had risen from the dead, and received all power in heaven and on earth, he
referred his disciples to that which was written.
On a
certain occasion he said, "O fools and slow of heart to believe that which
the Prophets have written."
When he
appeared to the Nephites, in his risen body, as you will find it written in the
Book of Mormon, he took pains to refer them to the written prophecies of Isaiah
and many others, and quoted many of them, and exhorted the people to search the
things contained in the prophecies of Isaiah diligently, bearing testimony of
their literal fulfilment; and said he, "A commandment I give unto you that
ye search these things diligently, "for they have been fulfilled, and will
be fulfilled according to that which is written, not in some other way.
Not only
are we included in these general exhortations and commandments of the ancients,
and of Jesus Christ himself, but the same commandments have been renewed to us
by our great Prophet and founder, Joseph Smith, and by our Prophets and
Apostles that still live.
How often
have they told us to treasure up the words of God, those things that are
written for our profit and learning, and to search diligently and treasure up
in our hearts continually words of wisdom from the best books.
Says the
word of God through Joseph Smith to this people, search the Scriptures,
treasure them up in your hearts, put them in a good store-house—the store-house
of your memory; then the Holy Spirit will be at liberty when you are called up
to teach others to select from that well-stored treasure things new and old.
It is not
to study up what you shall say particularly, but to treasure up truth in your
hearts, to have them well filled with it, kept well stored, and then give free
liberty to the Spirit of God to operate upon you, to collect out of that
treasure that portion which will be best suited to the wants and condition of
men who do not treasure up the words of life.
If the
Holy Spirit should come upon a man of that description to select out of that
store-house, he would find it empty, and he would have the trouble of putting
it there, or it would not be there; hence he would be barren and unfruitful.
Search
the Scriptures, ye Saints of the Most High; among all your cares, and all your
duties, search the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, of the Book of
Mormon, and the revelations of God that have been written for our profit and
learning.
And to
the young people among us, a generation brought up amid the hurry, toil, and
cares of a new country, I say do not neglect to treasure up in your hearts the
history, and the prophecies, and their fulfilment, and the promises, and hopes
shadowed forth therein, and the doctrines, and principles, and examples left on
record.
You may
say you have not time; take those portions of time you would otherwise devote
to something less useful. We all have time to do it. I have been as hard
working in my day as any other man, perhaps, and I always had time to do it,
and always have done it, and it was by the light that shone in a dark place, diligently
and prayerfully searched out, and the Holy Spirit that shone upon the
understanding, through the prayer of faith, and through diligent search, that
caused me to see, and understand, and lay hold on certain things that came in
fulfilment of these prophecies.
If any
one asks how I came to be a Latter-day Saint, or what some people would call a
"Mormon," a follower of Joseph Smith, the modern Prophet, I answer,
it was because I had given heed to the sentiments of truth from my early
youth, carefully and prayerfully searching and believing them; it was because
the Holy Spirit rested upon me, and opened my understanding to the same through
the prayer of faith, and diligent search. It was because that the Holy Spirit
gave me clearly to understand that this modern Prophet, and the fulness of the
Gospel restored by him, had come in fulfilment of certain promises made by the
ancient Prophets and Apostles; that is the reason why I really embraced the
fulness of the Gospel which the world calls "Mormonism."
Let us
review the things we have read, and make a few remarks upon them.
Some of
the disciples, feeling proud of their great temple, or national house of God,
and feeling to rejoice in its workmanship, beauty, grandeur, and probably
flattering themselves it would endure for ever as the great centre of the
Jewish worship for all nations, they called the attention of Jesus to it,
saying, "Master, see what manner of stones and buildings are here."
"Why," said Jesus, "the days will come when there will not be left
one of these stones on the top of another."
Does that
need spiritualising? Does it need some learned man from a college to tell you
what that means, and give you the spiritual sense of it? It had but one sense,
and that a child could understand.
"The
days will come when there will not be one of those beautiful stones left upon
another, that shall not be thrown down." In the Indian phraseology they
inquired how many moons first, or in other words, "Master, when shall
these things be, and what sign will there be when these things transpire?"
Jesus begins to tell them some of the things that would immediately happen in
their day.
The first
thing he calls their attention to, among the things that had been transpiring,
was, that a great many deceivers should come and profess to be Christ, saying,
"I am Christ, but do not go after them, take care and not be deceived by
them."
The
reason of this was that the Jews were looking for a Messiah, and for a
deliverance from the Roman yoke, and for their national independence to be
restored to them; and for their city, and temple, and nation, to be the seat of
government for all nations, a universal theocracy.
They were
looking for this, and they had rejected the true Messiah, and were about to
kill him, and were looking for another to fulfil what all men were in the
expectation of; for the old Prophets had told them that such a day would come,
in relation to that nation, and their city Jerusalem, and the temple; that the
throne of God would be there; that the tabernacle of God would be there; that
there would be one king and one Lord, and his name one; that all the nations of
the earth would come up to worship—the nations they were acquainted with in
that country.
They had
reason to look for that day, because the old Prophets had foretold it, and John
the Baptist came along as a special Prophet, and nearly all that people had
received him as a Prophet, professedly, though in reality, some of them
received him, and he told them some of those things were about to be fulfilled.
He had
told them about their king, about the Lamb of God, about the Messiah, and that
they must repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins, and make his
paths strait.
With this
double assurance, first the testimony of their old Prophets, and secondly the
renewed testimony of a new Prophet, to immediately prepare for the fulfilment
of some of the old prophecies; with this double assurance they were looking for
somebody to do something, and that pretty largely too; and as they had rejected
the true king—the true Messiah, of course they would be looking for
somebody, that ambitious spirits would enter, and they would rise up and tell
the people, "I am he you look for; set me up, and I will deliver
you from the Roman yoke, I will break your fetters, and bring about the
restoration of your national independence."
"Don't
you be deceived," says Jesus, "for many of those who would not
hearken to me will come, saying, 'I am Christ,' but do not go after them."
These very things happened in those days, for which you may read history.
"When
you hear of wars and commotion, be not terrified, for these things must first
come to pass, but the end is not yet; nation shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom"—which had been a common thing, and was
then—"great earthquakes, and famine, and pestilence, and great sights from
heaven."
Go and
read Josephus, and read about these things being fulfilled in that same age.
"But
before all these things shall take place, they shall lay their hands upon
you."
Some
people have been in the habit of trying to apply every scripture to every body
in every age; they had need to give heed to the exhortation of Paul to Timothy,
"Show thyself a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth, giving to every one their portion, "not everything that
is written for every body in every age.
Jesus was
talking to Peter, James, and John, and to the rest of his immediate
followers."They will lay their hands on you, Peter, on you,
James, and on you, John, and also upon others, and they will
persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, and you
shall be brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake."And of which,
I need not observe, was literally fulfilled in that age, the New Testament
itself bearing record of it in part; "this shall turn to you for a
testimony." That is as much as to say, when this happens to you that I
have foretold, it will be a witness and a testimony—it will be another proof;
therefore, instead of mourning about it, and feeling down-hearted, understand
that I have before told you it must be. And when you are brought before rulers
for my name's sake, do not study up a speech beforehand to speak in
self-defence, for I will give you a mouth, and wisdom which all your
adversaries will not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Read the
New Testament—the history of Peter and the Twelve, of Stephen and of Paul, and
see if they had not a mouth and wisdom that confounded their enemies when they
were afterwards summoned before the different authorities, and kings, and
magistrates, in fulfilment of this promise.
"Ye
shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and
friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." This was
fulfilled in the circumstances of James, the brother of the Lord, whom they
killed with the sword, according to the New Testament. It was fulfilled in the
case of Peter, in the case of the stoning of Stephen to death; it was fulfilled
literally in many instances in that age.
"And
he shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." Nations were not singing
the name of Jesus then as they are now by tradition, but the bare mention of
his name gave a shock to the wicked, to kings and rulers.
Go to
Illinois and Missouri, and mention Joseph Smith to the mob that tried to
butcher and kill him and drive the Saints; go where they reside, and say,
Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and it would not cause a greater shock, greater rage
and hate, more bitter feelings than it would in those days to mention the name
of that crucified Nazarene; "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's
sake," that is, because you will be running from place to place,
making use of my name—making mention of what nearly everybody considers the
name of an impostor and deceiver.
"That
deceiver said he would rise again from the dead on the third day,"
said some of those pious Jews after they had killed him, applying the same
terms they now apply to the modern martyrs.
To go
about and preach his name then was not that pleasant thing it is now in
Christendom; I assure you, it was a cross, and nothing but the Spirit of truth,
inspired in the heart of man, would give him boldness enough to do it.
"But there shall not a hair of your head perish; in your patience, possess
ye your souls."
Now,
then, comes the thing the Apostles asked about, after he had told them the
preliminary leading to it; filling up the interstices of time, he gets at
length to the destruction of that temple—to the throwing down of those
beautiful stones. "When ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies,
then know the desolation thereof is nigh." Does that need any
spiritualizing?
Go and
read Josephus, read the history of the Roman army under Titus, the Roman
general, who came up and laid siege against that city and surrounded it with
the Roman legions; and then read the history of the war. It took place at the
time when almost the whole nation had poured into that devoted city, just as
you have poured into Salt Lake City, only we are a mere handful compared with
that great nation; they had come into one of the great Conferences that
happened about once a year; it was during the time that tens of thousands and
hundreds of thousands that come into Jerusalem, from all the surrounding
country, that they were laid siege to by the Roman army.
The city
was blockaded—none could escape. Besides this there were several factions
within the city; Jews were at war with Jews under different leaders. This made
a desolating war within, while the enemy was encamped without; and besides all
this, famine overtook them, and pestilence caused by want; and by being crowded
and shut up in the city, and by the dead bodies with no place to bury them.
Hence
with sword, famine, pestilence, &c., Jerusalem began to be desolated.
"Now when you see this, understand that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are
in the midst of it depart out, and let not them that are in the countries enter
therein."
Some of
our Sectarian friends tell us that Jesus Christ did not preach a gathering; he
only preached the Gospel, and then let the people live right where they had a
mind to. But here is a positive revelation from the Son of God, to those that
would give heed to his warning voice, to actually remove to the mountains in
order to escape the war, the troubles, and pestilence that awaited the Jews and
Jerusalem.
Now if we
had all the history of those times; if we only had what the Apostles have
written, in full, instead of a little of it, we should have the particular
place where they did go, and where they lived, you would have an account of the
organization of a gathered people taking care of themselves, while war
desolated the nation. We have not got this part of ancient history, but we will
have it, for there is nothing secret but what will be revealed—hid but what
will be brought to light.
When God
sees fit we will have the record of the fulfilment of this gathering; of every
man, woman, and child, that heeded the warning of the blessed Jesus. About
seventy years after the birth of Christ, which was about the date that the
Roman army compassed Jerusalem, I warrant you they left Judea and Jerusalem,
and gathered into the mountains to take care of themselves. This is the very
period of Christian history I would very much like to read—how they conducted
themselves when they were gathered together, and how they maintained themselves
when their nation and temple were crumbling to the dust.
"Let
them which are in the midst of it depart out, and let not them that are in the
country enter thereinto." We are given to understand that there was a little
time after the Roman army had laid siege to Jerusalem, in consequence of a
certain movement of that army, that gave a chance to the people in the city
that were wide awake, to gather. If they would give heed to the warning voice
of Jesus, or to the words of his Apostles, not to come down from the house top,
or stop to get their bed, but run with all their might, they could escape. A
little moment of relaxation, an advantageous position of the army, made escape
possible to those who would not stop to take their clothes out of the house,
their bed, or anything else, but flee at once.
"For
these be the days of vengeance." Vengeance on what? On the people
of the Jews and on all the people of Jerusalem that had rejected the Gospel,
that had rejected and killed the true Messiah, and persecuted and killed the
Apostles, and his disciples.
"These
be the days of vengeance." What for? That all things that were written may
he fulfilled, not spiritualized, nor transformed, nor done away, but absolutely
fulfilled.
What did
he mean by that saying? Go and read Moses; I shall not trouble myself to give
chapter and verse; go and read Moses and the Prophets and see if they do not
predict the horrors of war to that age, and desolation, even to the eating of
their own children for mere want, because of the pressure of the famine;
"even the tender and delicate women," says Moses, "who would not
venture to put the soles of their feet on the ground for tenderness and
delicacy, should eat their own children in the siege and the straitness whereby
your enemies shall distress you in all your gates, if you will not hearken to
my words." He also predicted that the Lord God would raise up a Prophet
like unto him, and the people should hear him in all things whatsoever he should
say unto them, and every soul that would not hear him, should be cut off from
among the people.
What do
our enemies complain of us about? For believing we must hearken to the Prophet
of the Lord which we profess to have among us—Joseph Smith, and Brigham Young,
or whoever it may be. "They believe," say our enemies, "that
they must hearken to their Prophet in all things whatsoever he shall say unto
them." Just as though it was a new thing; that is what they are mad at us
about; it is the main point that is found fault with from California to Maine,
and throughout Europe, by editors and priests.
Everywhere
the word is, "what is the matter with the Mormons in Utah? They hold to
that abominable principle of hearkening to all things the Prophet of God says
to them." O dear, what hurt does that do? It gives them power—they will
all vote one way.
We are
not the only people that are troubled with that doctrine, and this is not the
only, age that has had that kind of trouble to contend with.
Moses had
laid it gown, that they should not only give heed to his word, and if they did
not they should be destroyed, and have to eat their own children while their
enemies besieged them, but that they should give heed also to another Prophet
that should arise, and that too in all things whatsoever he should say unto
them; and if they did not, they should be cut off from among the people.
But that
part of "Mormonism" is very ancient, and applied to Moses, and to
Christ, and to every Prophet that has ever been sent to lead the people.
"These
be the days of vengeance, that all things that are written may be
fulfilled." I have quoted a little of what has been written.
"But
woe unto them that are with child and to those that give suck in those
days." What kind of a woe is this? "Eternal hell," says one.
That is not the meaning; but the language signifies that it will be hard on
those who are in that situation in those days; they will have trouble because
they will not be in circumstances to flee from their enemies; it will be very
inconvenient indeed for them to escape; therefore sorrow to them; it will be
hard on them; they are to be pitied.
I used to
think, when I was a boy, that every time the Scriptures said woe, it meant
eternal hell. I did not understand very much of the Scriptures then; in this
instance Christ was simply speaking of the trouble and inconvenience it would
be to those who had little children.
I have
often thought how much more merciful God is to the Latter-day Saints, in
telling them not to go in haste nor by flight, without stopping to get their
coat, their garment, or their bed; he has not told them to escape empty-handed;
I feel thankful for this mercy.
On the
other hand, I have thought that we have had some burdens to bear, over and
above what they had, which makes the thing about even.
"For
there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this
people." That is, in the land of Judea, upon the Jews, and in that city.
"And
they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and they shall be led away captive
among all nations, and Jerusalem"—what will become of it finally?—"shall
be trodden down of the gentiles, until"—that is a big word, and
means much in the position it occupies here—"UNTIL"—on that word is
suspended that nation's fate, and the fate of all the neighboring
nations—"Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times
of the Gentiles be fulfilled."
I tell
you there is meaning in these words, contained in that single line. O ye
nations of the earth, if I had the voice of an angel's trump, that I could be
heard to earth's remotest bounds, by kings, rulers, captains, generals, armies,
and nations, I would wish to read that one line in their ears, and tell them
the things that are summed up in it.
"Jerusalem
shall be trodden down of the gentiles until the times of the gentiles be
fulfilled." What is meant by it? One thing we know certain, we have no
need to conjecture, that is, that all these things happened literally. The
Roman army on the outside, and the three factions on the inside of the city of
Jerusalem, and the famine, and the pestilence helping it on, performed their
work until finally it came to an end by the city being taken by the Romans, the
temple set on fire, and burned, and the whole city desolated, and brought under
Gentile rule, namely, Roman rule. And it is said, in the history written by
Josephus, that one million and a half of Jews perished in that siege, that is,
in that one city, in putting an end to a national polity; a national corrupted
form of government, a national priesthood, a national house of worship.
One
million and a half perished! They fell by the edge of the sword, by pestilence,
and by famine, and the remnants of the Jews were carried captive among all
nations. To remain how long? As I have said, we know this prophecy has been
literally fulfilled, for we see them scattered among all nations to this day.
I have
seen them in San Francisco, in Chili, in Scotland, in England, and in every
part of the United States, and Canada; and wherever my brethren, the Elders of
this Church, have been; I can assure them of one thing, if they have looked
about them they have seen a Jew or Jews. Wherever there is a nation to be
found, or a people of commerce, ships, camels, or any other means of
conveyance, there will be found Jews; that we know.
But about
one stone of the temple at Jerusalem not being left one upon another—the fire
itself would not do this—but history has informed us that the Jews concealed
their treasures under the stones of the temple, and the Roman army went to
work, and tumbled them about, and did not leave one stone upon another, and
finally they were removed.
In
fulfilment of another scripture, they took a plough and ploughed the temple
site—so completely was the scripture fulfilled.
Had I
time I would quote the chapter and verse of this plowing, and the history which
refers to it.
Now then
this last line I have read has been fulfilling until now; that is certain. The
Jews are among all nations, in captivity—without being organized and
nationalized; without being restored; without having returned to the God of
their fathers; to His matchless power; to the administration of His Holy
Spirit; to the enjoyment of heavenly communication, through Holy Prophets, by
the revelations of God; to the administration of angels; to the enjoyment of
the religion of their fathers, and to the power of God to defend them, and
deliver them from their enemies.
They have
been 1800 years without these blessings. This is a fact foretold in this
chapter, and literally fulfilled before the eyes of all men. All the nations
know it that know anything about the Bible or about history.
Now there
was a time allotted for the Gentile powers to reign, for their corruptions to
bear rule, and during the time here designated as the times of the Gentiles,
the times of their polity, of their nationality, their religion, and to prove
them and to see what they would do with the power committed unto them—the times
spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, in which the fourth monarchy, namely, the Roman,
and all those divisions, and subdivisions that should grow out of it in modern
times, the times when these divided powers should bear rule.
There is
just as much a time for these to have their day and prove themselves, and bring
forth the fruits of their rule, and a time for them to come to an end, as ever
there was a time for Jerusalem to rule or for the Jewish polity to come to an
end. Now when that time arrives, ye nations look out, for there is a prophecy
gone forth about you; it is in these words, and recorded in the Old Testament:
"Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet
will I not make a full end of you," speaking of Israel.
Now, when
the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled there will be an uprooting of their
governments and institutions, and of their civil, political, and religious
polity. There will be a shaking of nations, a downfall of empires, an upturning
of thrones and dominions, as Daniel has foretold, and the kingdom and power,
and rule on the earth will return to another people, and exist under another
polity, as Daniel has further foretold. But let me read it here, let Jesus
speak in his own words, or the writer for him. Now understand that we have got
down to the present time, that is sure with this prophecy, no man can mistake
it. Jerusalem has been overthrown, and not one stone of that magnificent temple
has been left upon another. A great portion of that nation fell by the edge of
the sword, and the residue went captive among all nations, and their city has
been trodden under foot of the Gentiles, and will be until their times are
fulfilled, that is, until they have had their reign out. Then what will happen?
We will read; "And there shall be signs in the sun." Has
anybody seen them?—not away back among those other things; there were signs in
the air then; Josephus tells you about it, and this book tells you about it, as
I have been reading to-day in this chapter, about the signs which happened as a
forerunner of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Jews as a nation. Now after
the Jews have remained among the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are
fulfilled, as a forerunner of this latter overturn "there shall be
signs in the sun and in the moon." Have any of you seen them during the
last 30 years? I have. "And in the stars." Have you seen any
signs in the stars? Think back for the last 30 years. "And upon
the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring,
men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which
are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And
THEN"—not some other time. Are there any Millerites here who have been
setting a time for the Son of Man to come? "Then shall they see the Son of
Man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory." Not you, my disciples,
whom I told a little while ago should be delivered up to the synagogues, and to
prisons, and be beheaded, and suffer many things; not you whom I have warned to
take heed lest you are deceived by false Christs that shall come to you; and
when you should hear of wars and commotions to be not terrified, &c.; but
Jesus Christ now directs his attention to another age; this does not refer to
you my followers, you will be dead, and in paradise when these things that I
now refer to shall take place. But THEY. Who? The people who shall live when
the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled—when their reign is about to come to an
end, the generation that will be alive when Jerusalem and the Jews are about to
be restored, and the full end of all Gentile polity is about to usher in.
"Then shall they see," those that shall live in those days. And what
shall they see? "The Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great
glory."
That is
the proud sight that is to be seen in connection with the end of the Gentile
rule, or the breaking up of the Gentile nations, when their times are
completed; when Jerusalem is to be rebuilt, to be no more trodden down nor
governed by them, when the Jews are to be restored; and when there are signs in
the sun, and in the moon and in the stars, and upon the earth men's hearts
failing them for fear and for looking after the things that are coming, then
shall they see, not the crucified Jesus hanging upon the ignominious cross,
mocked by the wicked Jews, not persecuted by a Herod, clothed in all the pomp
and pride of Gentile authority, not a Roman army to overthrow and succeed the
Jewish polity, but they shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud clothed with
great power and great glory.
[CONCLUDED IN NEXT NUMBER]
[DNW 5:322, 12/19/55 p2;
DISCOURSE
BY PARLEY P. PRATT; BOWERY, OCT. 7, 1855
——
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
——
[Concluded from last number.]
Do ye
believe this, ye young people, ye boys and girls? Do ye believe this? All the
prophetic sayings contained in this chapter have been fulfilled, down to this
day. Do you believe that portion of it which is yet in the future, ye people of
New York, of San Francisco, of China, of London, of France? Do the Gentile
nations believe this? You see the Jew among you, and the Gentile bearing rule;
do you believe that this is a true prophecy? You ought to believe it, for it is
right before your eyes in its fulfilment, and if you do, do you expect to see
the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory? That
is a sight some of you will see; you have only to live until the time comes,
and you will see it.
Whether
there has been signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and upon the earth distress
of nations and perplexity, men's hearts failing them for fear, in the last few
years, I will leave each one to draw his own conclusion. If this has not
already been sufficiently fulfilled, one thing is certain, it is being
fulfilled, and when it is sufficiently completed the Son of Man will be seen in
heaven with power and great glory, as sure as you ever saw a Jew, that is, it
is a fact. "And when these things begin to come to pass," for that is
an important point, "then look up, and lift up your heads, for your
redemption draweth nigh." Does it not appear a little strange that Peter,
and James, and John, and the Jewish nation have to wait until then for their
redemption, and the dead and the living, as well as the Latter-day Saints? They
have to wait until then, whether in this world or in the other, for the
redemption of their bodies, unless they died before Christ, and rose from the
dead when he did, and the Jews must wait until then for the redemption of their
nation and national polity, and for their triumph over their enemies, and for
the putting down of all other power, and for the establishment of the reign
righteousness on the earth, the redemption of their friends, and vengeance on
all those who have shed the innocent blood whether of Latter-day Saints or
Former-day Saints. This is the day of their redemption, be in what world they
may, they are preparing for it. "Lift up your heads, for your redemption
draweth nigh." When? Not when Jerusalem is compassed with armies, not when
they (the Jews) are destroyed by the edge of the sword, not while wandering
among the nations of the earth from age to age, not while the Gentile powers
bear rule, but when the sun, moon, and stars shall put forth their signs, the
heavens shake, and mews hearts failing them for fear, looking for the things
that are coming upon the earth—then is the time to begin and look up, to lift
up your heads and rejoice, ye spirits that are waiting for redemption,
whether ye are in this world or in the other, straighten your backs in your
hard toil, and look up, for your redemption draweth nigh.
"And
he spake to them a parable: Behold the fig trees and all the trees." We
have not any fig trees here, but they had there."And all the trees, "
embraces trees we have here. "When they now shoot forth, ye see and know
of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand." You do not need a
Prophet to come along and prophesy that summer is nigh at hand, for even the
children may know it." So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to
pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."
O ye
Millerites, ye made a great mistake; you thought the first thing was the coming
of the Lord in power and great glory; you were going to have him come immediately,
without any kingdom to come to, without a forerunner in the shape of a Prophet,
but just by men guessing, and predicting, and remarking, and commenting on the
prophecies; but so far as the coming of the Lord being the first thing you
knew, you will "begin to see these things come to pass, and then know that
the kingdom of God is nigh at hand" and we have to be born again or we
cannot see it.
People
hear of "Joe Smith," as he is called, of the Book of Mormon,
of angels coming from heaven again; of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; of
modern Prophets and Apostles, and martyrs, and they think, "what under
heaven does all this mean, we have no reason to look for anything of the sort,
but we expect the Lord here every minute." They have no idea of a modem
Prophet; of angels visiting the earth in the latter times; of modern
inspiration; of a modern Church that will hearken to the voice of a Prophet in
all things that be shall say unto them; it is all new to them, they are
astonished, and say, "what does it mean, I wonder what is this Mormonism
coming to?"
The Lord
will never come until he has organized his kingdom on the earth, and prepared
his people by sending a messenger to prepare the way before him; that messenger
has come, and the man that delivered it has been slain, namely, Joseph Smith,
and by the instrumentality of that messenger, here sit the Apostles and
Prophets, ordained to hold the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
If the
people had read the Scriptures they would have been looking for all this, if
they had not listened to a set of blind guides, who have hired out for money to
tell them the Scriptures mean something else.
When you
see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Says one, "for my part I believe the kingdom of God was set up 1800 years
ago, and is not going to be set up again; he is not going to have it set up
twice, or I do not know what you are going to do with the Scriptures, you had
better burn them up as a thing of no account, because John the Baptist, Jesus
Christ, the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventies all agreed in their former
testimonies that the kingdom of God was then nigh at hand, it must therefore
have been immediately set up, or they were all false witnesses; and if it was
immediately setup, as an event following their predictions, namely, on the day
of Pentecost, when the power of God was shed forth, and the Apostles that held
the keys of it organized it upon the earth; if that event did really follow
what John the Baptist, Jesus, and his Apostles had predicted, then of course it
was set up in those days."
We say
there will be another time when it will be at hand; how do we prove it. By the
words of Jesus himself in our text, for he did not only state that the kingdom
was then at hand when he first began to preach, but he also said it would be at
hand when we should see these modern signs here referred to. What did he say
should come? False Christs, and the Apostles were to be betrayed, and hated of
all nations, and some would be put to death; He told them they should be
brought before kings and rulers; that the Roman army should compass Jerusalem,
and there should not be left one stone upon another of their temple, and the
Jews should go captive among all nations; that they should remain there for a
certain time during which the Gentile power should rule; that after all this
there should be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and upon the earth distress
of nations, and perplexity, men's hearts failing them for fear; when these thing
come to pass, then know that the kingdom of God is at hand.
What does
this make out? That there were two distinct times, or ages, varying in
circumstances, in which the kingdom of God would be introduced to the
inhabitants of the earth; the one should immediately follow John the Baptist,
and Jesus, and Peter, who held the keys of it, and the other should be looked
for and ushered in, in connection with these modern signs; in short Jesus and
Peter held the keys of the one, and his brother Joseph Smith, and his Apostles
hold the keys of the other.
Now I
think you can understand both predictions; one by John the Baptist, and all the
holy Prophets, and by Jesus and his Apostles, and the other was predicted by
Jesus Christ and all the Holy Prophets since the world began, and both of them
fulfilled right here before your eyes this day. The one in the events recorded
in the New Testament, the other in the history of Joseph Smith, and what
follows.
I have
already been lengthy; having got at the main review, I will close by reviewing
one more sentence. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be
accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to
stand before the Son of Man."
Now I
know the habit of praying always in Christendom, that is certain portions of
them, they pray in their families and in secret, and have prayer meetings;they
pray for this, that, and the other, and say the Lord's prayer and a great many
prayers, but the question is do they pray always? He did not tell them to pray
the Lord's prayer always, particularly, neither did he tell not to; but this
one prayer he did tell them to pray always, and causes it to be written; do WE
fulfil it, and do they; it is not to pray always nor to watch always, but it is
to pray this particular prayer always—that we may be accounted worthy to escape
all these things that shall come to pass and stand before the Son of Man.
Whatever
else they might pray in all the varying circumstances of their lives, all
right, but this one thing they would be sure to need, to be accounted worthy to
escape all those things Christ foretold, and stand before him.
And why
should they pray this always? Because it is not only the living generation that
had to meet it, and had need to be prepared, but it was a chain of prophecy
that would be gradually fulfilling from that time until he comes, and whether
they passed through the vail or remained in the flesh, one thing was certain,
they would all have to meet some part of it; if they lived in Jerusalem they would
have some part of it to meet; or if they were scattered among all nations they
would have some part of it to meet; and if they live until there should be
signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations, they
would have some part of it to meet; therefore whether they lived in modern or
in former times, behind the vail or on this side of it; it was necessary to
pray always to be accounted worthy to escape all these things and stand before
the Son of Man.
This
would have cautioned the drunkard a little, and the miser a little, the man who
is engaged head, heart, and hand to accumulate all the riches of the world and
heap them up to himself, and not use them to build up the kingdom of God; it
would have told him not to have his heart overcharged with the cares of this
earth, or with surfeiting and drunkenness, if these words do not say so
exactly, another writer does, who writes on the same subject.
Take care
how you get drunk, how you are a glutton, how you are wholly swallowed up in
the cares of this world, in accumulating riches, and take care to pray that you
may escape all these things, and stand before the Son of Man.
It would
not do for me to talk always, but I want to tell you how to prepare; and I
trust my brother Orson, or some one who will follow me in the course of the
day, will enter upon that subject more fully, and illustrate the Gospel; the
remission of sins; the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the ordinances pertaining
thereto, as well as a good, moral, prayerful life, all of which would open up
an extensive field for reflection, had we time to enter upon it.
If we had
time, and it was expedient we could show you that in order to restore the
kingdom of God, and prepare the way for the coming of the Son of Man, the
Gospel would have to be restored in its fulness, baptism, and repentance for
the remission of sins preached, and a messenger like John the Baptist sent of
old to prepare the way; but we will leave the subject unfinished.
I expect
to go where Jesus did and tell the spirits in prison the good news that their
redemption draweth nigh, and the good news of the Gospel, my mouth never can be
shut on that subject, in heaven, earth, or hell, if I am at liberty to tell it,
and the Holy Spirit given to me to direct.
I leave
the subject praying God to bless you all, and all those that watch and pray
always to be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are coming to
pass, and stand before the Son of Man. Amen.
Choir sung, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain."
Benediction by Elder Geo. A. Smith.
[7 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
2 p.m.
Called to order by Prest. Kimball.
Choir sung, "come, come ye saints, no toil or labor fear."
Prayer by Elder Lorenzo Snow. Singing.
[Elder Orson Pratt]
Elder Orson Pratt addressed the immense congregation on the divine authenticity of this latter day work, the inspiration of Joseph Smith, and the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon. During Elder Pratt's discourse, a blessing was asked on the bread by Bishop Edward Hunter, and on the water by Bishop L. D. Young.
Choir sung, "Judge me O Lord."
Benediction by Prest. Grant.
——
[8 Oct, 9 am*]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
Oct. 8, 1855, 9 a.m.
Called to order by Prest. B. Young.
Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Woodruff.
Choir chanted a Psalm.
[Elder Elam Laddington]
Elder Elam Laddington, late from the Siamese mission, narrated the prominent incidents in his journeyings.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young remarked that he had been highly pleased with br. Luddington's narration, and that all the brethren who have returned have manifested the spirit of the gospel, a fact comforting to the saints, and more joyful to them than all the gold of India. He then took up the business of the Conference, when the authorities were severally called and unanimously sustained as follows; -
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator; Heber c. Kimball, first counselor, Prophet Seer, and Revelator; Jedediah M. Grant, second counselor.
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles c. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, members of said quorum.
John Smith (eldest son of Hyrum), Presiding Patriarch.
David Pettegrew, President of the High Priests' Quorum, Reynolds Cahoon and George B. Wallace his counselors.
Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and H. S. Eldredge, Presiding Presidents over all the Seventies.
John Nebeker, President of the Elders' Quorum, James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his counselors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop of the whole Church.
Lewis Wight, President of the Priests' Quorum, George Dockstader and William Whiting his counselors.
McGee Harris, President of the Teachers' Quorum, Adam Spiers and David Bowman his counselors.
Alexander Herron, President of the Deacons' Quorum, John S. Carpenter and Frederick A. Mitchell his counselors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public works.
Truman O. Angel, architect for the Church.
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor: H. C. Kimball, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, F. D. Richards and Daniel McIntosh, is assistants, and agents for said fund.
David Fullmer, President of this Stake of Zion, Thomas Rhoads and P. H. Young his counselors.
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phinehas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, David Carn, ;and Ira Ames, members of the High Council.
George A. Smith, the Historian and General Church Recorder.
Not one negative vote was given.
[The President]
The President then spoke at some length upon the chastenings of the Lord, the principles that should govern those who have grain to sell, &c., and said, as we have now been together, 3 1-2 hours we will adjourn for one hour.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4; JD 3:115]
DISCOURSE
BY PREST. BRIGHAM YOUNG, BOWERY AT NORTH END OF THE
TABERNACLE, OCT. 8, 1855.
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT]
There are
many things I wish to say before this Conference comes to a close, but I labour
under the same difficulty as did one of the speakers yesterday, for I would
like to touch upon So many subjects that I am at a loss to know where to begin.
And when this
Conference is over, I presume that I shall think of many things omitted, which
it would have pleased me to talk about. When a great number of people are
together it affords an excellent opportunity for teaching them the principles
of practical religion.
Our
Conference has been well attended; there has been the greatest number of Saints
assembled that I have ever seen at one time, and they will out number any
meeting that the Latter-day Saints have had on this continent, or on any other.
I doubt not but this is the largest congregation of Saints that has ever been
assembled at one time and place On the face of the whole earth, since the days
of the Jews in Jerusalem, or of the Nephites on this continent while they were
in their glory and strength.
When all
the male members of Israel were obliged to go up to Jerusalem twice a year to
worship, pay tribute, &c., probably their congregations were larger than
the one to day, but no other denomination in all Christendom assembles so many
people, at one meeting, as we now have in this Conference.
I can
here teach a great many at once their duty to their God, to themselves, to
their families, and to their neighbours, if you could spare the time to listen.
As I have
observed to my brethren, and as I will now observe to you, neither in China,
Siam, nor in any other country in Asia, nor in any part of Europe and Africa,
nor in any other place on God's earth, is there a people who how need preaching
to more than do the Latter-day Saints in this Territory, and that too by
faithful Elders, faithful ministers of the Gospel, messengers of life and
salvation.
The
inhabitants of this Territory have been taught the ways of life, they have been
taught the principles of the Everlasting Gospel and have received them; they have
forsaken their former homes, the countries in which they were born, their
friends and family connexions, for the Gospel's sake; they are here in the
midst of these mountains, and many of them will be damned, unless they awake
out of their sleep, unless they refrain from their evil ways. Many are stupid,
careless, and unconcerned, their eyes are like the fool's eye, to the ends of
the earth, searching for this, that, and the other, they have become greedy,
are slow to fulfil their duty, are off their watch, neglect their prayers,
forget their covenants and forsake their God, and the devil has power over
them.
It is of
necessity then that we appoint missionaries for this Territory, to preach to
them the word of God which is quick and powerful. Some people say that they
believe the Gospel who never live it, they did not embrace it for the love of
it, but because they knew its truth. They will not give up their carnal,
selfish, devilish dispositions and traits of character, and if you undertake to
choke them off from these dispositions you will have to choke them to death
before they will let them go; they will hang on to their evil feelings and evil
deeds with greater tenacity than does the terrier dog to his prey, or
antagonist; it is almost impossible to separate them from evil.
As for
making Saints of those characters, we have no such anticipation; we wish to
make Saints of those who sincerely desire to be Saints, who are willing to
sacrifice their carnal, sinful, devilish feelings, to forsake them altogether,
and to strive to become Saints and to establish the principles of honesty
within them; we expect that such persons will be Saints, and we feel like doing
all that we can to aid them in a righteous course.
As I
observed at the commencement of our Conference, people must be chastened; we
believe in this principle. We receive as correct doctrine what is said to have
been written by one of the ancient Apostles, (why I make this peculiar remark
is because this congregation heard brother O. Pratt scan the validity of the
Bible, and I thought by the time he got through, that you would scarcely think
a Bible worth picking up and carrying home, should you find one in the streets)
viz.; For the Lord loveth whom he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he
receiveth, and if you are not chastened you are "bastards, and not
sons."
I am
quite inclined to believe this, and I do not care how many hands it has passed
through. I will remark that brother Orson has clearly shown how the Bible has
come into our hands, in order to convince the people of the necessity of
positive proof for the validity of the Book of Mormon, the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants, and that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God, and to prove that
our testimony, witnesses, evidence and knowledge of these facts are ten
thousand times more than can be produced in favor of the Bible, unless a man
has the power of God to testify to it, for there can be no proof in its favor
short of revelation.
This we
have known all the time, we have understood it from the beginning. That made us
very anxious, in the days of Joseph, to get the new translation; but the Bible
is good enough just as it is, it will answer my purpose, and it used to answer
it very well when I was preaching in the world.
When
brother Luddington was telling about the elephant walking through the cane, it
made me think of our Elders going through the world, in past days, with the
proclamation of the Gospel. They could take a host of priests, in fair
argument, and pull them up by the roots and throw them aside, as easy as that
elephant did the cane.
The Bible
is good enough as it is, to point out the way we should walk, and to teach us
how to come to the Lord of whom we can receive for ourselves.
It is
good for this people to be chastened, and we may expect it, and I delight in
the feelings and spirit just manifested by brother Luddington in his remarks,
there was no crying, no whining upon his mission: if they expelled him from one
house he went; to another without crying or whining about it.
All that
we have received as chastisement is from the hand of the Lord, and I do not
consider that it has been necessary to shed one tear about it. It always takes
something besides chastisement, or afflictions heaped upon us by our enemies,
to bring tears from me. I can cry for joy, I can cry on beholding my friends
after being separated from them.
The soft,
loving, still, small voice of the Spirit will bring tears to my eyes, but all
the sufferings that could be brought upon me by the malice of the wicked, and
all that could be said or done against me by them, I think will not bring many
tears from my eyes.
They
might torture my body until it would cry, but all that we have hitherto met
with, in the shape of affliction, I have received as from the hand of the Lord,
and I think the chastisement has been light.
Let us
reform, that we may be chastened no more; let us try to profit by the blessing
we receive, instead of being made to profit by the tidings we suffer, for
afflictions we shall be obliged to receive, if we do not profit by our
blessings.
If we are
chastened a little, do not worry about it. We think we are chastened, this
season, in the failing of our crops, but I receive this as one of the greatest
blessings that could be bestowed upon us.
I have
felt like weeping, since I have been in this Territory, on beholding the
ungrateful feelings of many of this people, their ingratitude towards their
God, and at seeing them trample grain under their feet as a thing of naught.
Now I
think what we have received this season is but a small portion of what we will
receive, if we do not take care of the things the Lord bestows upon us, and be
thankful for them. I look upon it as a prelude, forerunner, or testifier, that
afflictions will come upon us, unless we humble ourselves before our God.
This,
however, is but a very slight affliction. We have plenty here, no person is
going to starve, or suffer, if there is an equal distribution of the
necessaries of life which are in the country.
There are
practices among this people which have injured my feelings. I see some men so
greedy after the things of the world, that they will take their grain from the
mouths of innocent, helpless women and children who are suffering for food, and
sell it to gentile merchants to speculate upon. I have learned, since this
Conference commenced, a circumstance that took place a year ago; it may appear
trifling to some, but to me it is grievous. Some of the brethren from San Pete
and Fillmore came here last year, when they had plenty of wheat, and sold their
flour to C. A. & E. H. Perry, for three, four, and four and a half dollars
per hundred weight, and that firm sold all they could to the poor women and
children, and made them pay a very high price. Those brethren afterwards
learned that I bought nearly the whole of it for four dollars a hundred, and
that I paid in cattle at a good, liberal price, and some have felt grieved
about it. Why are they grieved? Because they had not the means to buy it
themselves to speculate upon.
They have
not raised any wheat this year, and now they are whining after me, "Will
you let us have a little tithing wheat?" They ask what I have to say
to them; I have this to say to every man in this congregation and throughout
this Territory, and from this time henceforth, know my feelings, if you will
sell grain to the Gentiles, or to your enemies, for the sake of their money
when it is needed to be distributed among this people, I wish you would take
your property and leave this Territory, for you are not worthy of belonging to
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you are unworthy a citizenship
in the kingdom of God. If those who are going to sell their grain to
speculators this year will rise up and tell us who they are, I will hold up my
hands for them to be forthwith severed from this Church, to be delivered over
to the buffetings of Satan.
Some who
are unacquainted with me may say, "Brother Brigham, don't you
speculate?" Yes, I am the greatest speculator in the world, and one of the
greatest misers, for I am seeking after eternal riches. "But, don't you
speculate on your flour? You have fine mills." Ask those who recollect to
a a few years ago, when wheat was tramped under foot by man and beast. I then
had a hired man who said he wanted to get a little money; I told him that I did
not want to sell flour to the Gentiles in order to get it. He replied, "If
you are willing, I would like to sell them a little, for they are from my
country." He did so, to the value of ninety-three dollars. I do not think
that besides that amount, I have ever received fifty-cents in cash for flour
sold from my mills, though I have had emigrants come, in a scarce time, and
offer me fifty and seventy-five dollars for a hundred pounds. I said to them,
you may plead until you are as gray as a rat, and you will not get flour from
me for your money, but if you will stay and help us through harvest, and go to
work like good men, we will pay you the same as we pay our brethren, and then
you may go to California, or any where you please; but as to your getting one
pound of flour from my bin for money, you cannot do it, and they never have so
far as I recollect. It all goes to feed those men and women who work; those are
the ones who eat my flour.
If I cannot
get rich only upon the principle of oppressing my brethren, and depriving them
of the comforts of life, I say, may God grant that I may never have another
farthing upon earth. I do not want it upon such terms, and if I ever should, I
hope the Lord will keep it from me.
I told
you the other day what makes me rich, it is the labor of those whom I feed and
clothe; still I do not feel that I have a dollar in the world that is my own,
it is the Lord's and he has made me a steward over it; and if I can know where
the Lord is pleased to have it appropriated, there it shall go. The
covetousness of some of this people has grieved me, and it has caused my spirit
to weep and mourn to observe their greediness, their cheating and lying, their
scheming in every possible way to wring a picayune out of this man, or that
woman. I can put my finger upon owners of little shops in this city, who will
lie to you for half an hour on a stretch, who will, if you send a child to
their shops to buy a yard of ribbon that is worth ten cents, charge the child
fifteen or twenty cents for it, but if I go to purchase the same article I can
have it for ten cents. I know what goods are worth, but let an ignorant person
go to those places and they will cheat him. I can put my hands upon traders now
before me, who are guilty of such conduct.
It
grieves me to see men who have believed the Gospel, forsaken the land of their
nativity for the sake of life and salvation, endured all they have m coming
here, and then, for a paltry sum of money, sacrifice their salvation. Such men
cannot be saved in the celestial kingdom of God; they may receive their
endowments, but they will do them no good; they may read over their Patriarchal
blessings every day, but they will do them no good. No man or woman can receive
life everlasting, only upon the principle of strict obedience to the
requirements of the celestial law of heaven; no man can inherit such a blessing
upon unholy principles.
Men must
be honest, they must live faithfully before their God, and honor their calling
and being on the earth. You ask if that is possible? Yes; the doctrine which we
have embraced takes away the stony hearts.
We are
naturally prone to wander from that which is good, and to receive every species
of iniquity; we must get rid of this disposition, and the Gospel of salvation
is expressly for the purpose of changing it, that we may receive the principles
which prevail in heaven and are loved by the angels. It is possible for a man
who loves the world to overcome that love, to get knowledge and understanding
until he sees things as they really are, then he will not love the world but
will see it as it is; he will see that it is in the hands of a Superior Being.
Man
cannot control the heavens; he cannot control the earth, nor the elements; he
can fertilize and prepare the ground for the reception of seed; he can plant,
water, till, and reap from the ground the fruit of his toil, but, until his
mind is opened by the Spirit of God, he cannot see that it is by a superior
power that corn, wheat, and every kind of vegetation spring into life, and
ripen for the sustenance of man and beast. Is it possible for him to arrive at
this knowledge? It is, and that is what we have brought the doctrine of life
and salvation to you for, that you may exchange your low, narrow, contracted,
selfish dispositions for the ennobling Spirit of the Lord for the Spirit of the
Gospel, which gives joy and peace. If you enjoy that, your food will be sweet
to you, your sleep will be refreshing, and your days will pass away in
usefulness.
On the
contrary, those who are covetous and greedy, anxious to grasp the whole world,
are all the time uneasy, and, are constantly laying their plans and contriving
how to obtain this, that, and the other. Their minds are continually on the
stretch to solve "How can I obtain this farm, or that house and lot? How
can I manage to get such and such teams? I want to get my lumber and adobes to
build me a house, how can I manage and not pay much for them? I will deceive
every man who comes nigh me; I will make him believe that my property is worth
more than it is; I will sell ribbons for double their value, and I will ask
forty cents a dozen for glass buttons that are worth only twenty, and in this
way I will build a house for eighteen hundred dollars that will be worth four
thousand."
Their
minds are so intent on cheating their brethren that they cannot sleep soundly,
their nerves twitch and they have the jerks in their sleep, thinking, "How
shall I manage with this man to-morrow? I want enough out of him to get my
adobes." And they lie and think, and think, and contrive, and plan, and
the devil helps them all the time to manage to cheat the Saints. If such men
should get a few bushels of wheat, would they let the Saints have it? No, they
would sell it to our enemies and feed them, and let the Saints starve.
Again, it
is known to all that a great many of the poor are as bad as those who have
property; they are all the time in a sweat to know how to get their living
without procuring it honestly. They are just as covetous and craving in their
feelings as are the rich who hoard up their means and keep it from the honest
poor; they are all the time scheming to get along without labor. There are many
who live in this city without labor; I have neighbors near me that I do not
believe get one cord of wood in the year, only as they steal it, and you have
neighbors near you who steal your wood. If you want to keep your wood from the
hands of these pilferers, you will have to put it in your houses, and if you
want to keep your chickens, you will have to lock them up. I have often told
you that we have all kinds of fish in the Gospel net; we have all kinds of
poor, but after all the Lord's poor out number the poor devils.
A few
sinners mixed in a community make the whole appear dishonest and odious to the
honest portion of the human family, because they have not the power to
properly discriminate between them. I have to labor under the same disadvantage
that you do, and if I know any of the infernal scoundrels I dare not tell of
them, or point them out, unless I have a mind to. There are a great many guilty
persons whom I wish to say nothing about; they are liars and thieves, and I
know it; but I do not wish to expose their names, in hopes that they will
repent and refrain from their bad practices.
A likely
man is a likely man, and a good man is a good man, whether in this Church or
out of it; and a poor, miserable, sinful creature who gathers as a Saint, is
worse than one who gathers as a Gentile, A person who is a thief, a liar, and a
murderer in his heart, but professes to be a Saint, is more odious in the sight
of God, angels and good men, than a person who comes out and openly declares
that he is our enemy. I know how to take such a man, but a devil with a Saint's
cloak on is one of the meanest characters you can imagine. I say, blessings on
the head of a wicked Gentile who is my avowed enemy, far sooner than upon an
enemy cloaked with a Saint's profession.
There is
one more difficulty in the minds of this community with regard to Saints and
sinners, and that is in relation to the channel of our public trade. In the
days of Joseph, men would come to me, men who are now in this Church, and some
of whom are in this congregation, and say, "Brother Brigham, what do you
think? I went down to brother Joseph's store, and I wanted to get a gallon of
molasses, eight yards of calico, a little crockery, &c., and I could not
have the articles without paying the money down. Do you think that is
right?" I always had but one feeling with regard to such matters, since I
have been a Latter-day Saint. My reply to such questions was, should he not be
paid for his goods as well as anybody else? But the reply is, "I can go to
the store of an enemy, of a man who does not profess to be a Saint, much less a
Prophet, and he will trust me, though I hate to go there and run into
debt."
So he
goes with his money to the enemy's store and buys a dress pattern, a piece of
factory, some tea, a set of cups and saucers, a dozen knives and forks, boots
and shoes for his wives and children, and then turns round and says, "God
bless you," and "well done." But of Joseph's store it was, "God
Almighty curse you, because you would not allow me to carry off your goods
without pay for them."
Hundreds
of instances of this kind I have witnessed in this kingdom, and it is a great
fault with many of this people. That is the reason why men who are not in the
Church prosper and fatten on the wealth of this people, and the reason why I do
not bring goods in sufficient quantities to supply this market. There is not a
trader in this community who is paid better than are the Gentile merchants. I
could bring plenty of goods into this city and Territory every year, were it
not for this fact. I am going to keep this subject before the minds of the
Latter-day Saints and pursue it, until such a practice is driven from their
midst. Good men, who would give away their shoes and go barefoot, if they saw
anybody else going barefoot, were tried because brother Joseph would not trust
them.
Brother
Woolley was also a mercantile target for our shots in Nauvoo; I say
"our," because I class myself with the Saints. The pious brethren,
who were professedly so good, and loving sisters who went to brother Joseph's
store, and could not get trusted, would go to the Gentiles and get trusted and
pay them, and think that they had a right to neglect paying Joseph, because he
was a Prophet, I presume.
This
community would do just so here, if I had a store of goods. They would come to
my store and say, "Brother Brigham, I am poor and needy, my wife is feeble
and needs a little tea and sugar, and a little medicine; I also want some
crockery and a little clothing, can't you fill the bill?" Yes, if you will
pay me for it. "Of course, I will pay you for all I get." How?
"O, never question me about that, am I not good for five or ten dollar's
worth?" Yes, but when are you good, and how? You are good to that Gentile
store where you have run into debt, for you will sell your last cow, pawn the
dress pattern you got there for your wife, and the ,tea cups and saucers, to
pay the money to that store keeper; but if you trade ten dollars or fifty
dollars on credit at brother Joseph's or brother Brigham's store, what next?
There is no more about it, that is the end of it.
I have
known persons that would have cursed brother Joseph to the lowest hell hundreds
of times, because he would not trust out everything he had on the face of the
earth, and let the people squander it to the four winds. When he had let many
of the brethren and sisters have goods on trust, he could not meet his
liabilities, and then they would turn round and say, "What is the matter
brother Joseph, why don't you pay your debts?" "It is quite a
curiosity that you don't pay your debts; you must be a bad financier; you don't
know how to handle the things of this world." At the same time the coats,
pants, dresses, boots and shoes that they and their families were wearing came
out of Joseph's store, and were not paid for when they were cursing him
for not paying his debts.
But that
is nothing, "O," say they, "it is all in
the family. Why, yes, brother Joseph, I will pay you just as quick as I
can." The proof of this is with you, ye rich and poor Saints. I will ask
the men who have helped the poor to this place from different countries, when
they get a house, a horse, an ox, or a cow, and have accumulated the things of
this world, do they often express themselves able to pay you? You will all say
"no." I will hardly make one exception in this congregation, or in
this kingdom. There is a sister from Wales, the wife of brother Dan Jones, who
has expended thousands of pounds to help the poor to this place, and they have
cursed her all the day long, and she has now to labor hard for the support of
herself and children.
Can we
refer to other instances of this kind? We can. That is the great fault among
this people, and I wished to lay it before them that they may learn the truth,
and their duty to each other. Let the Latter-day Saints be as punctual in
paying the merchant who belongs to the Church of God, as they are in paying a
miserable scoundrel, who would take all their money and then turn round and cut
their throats, or ask a mob to do it, but thank God such characters are very
scarce here. But no, a great many of this people will sustain their enemies,
will feed, and clothe them, and trade off their wheat and cattle to them, and
foster them in their wickedness, while those very persons would cut the threats
of the Saints, if they could get along as welt without trading with them. And
at the same time that which they owe to their brethren in this kingdom who have
helped them here, and who have blessed them all the time, never comes due, and
they, perhaps, never think of it any more.
Have you
the proof of all this before your eyes? You have. I have hundreds and thousands
of dollars owing to me by this community and contracted upon a fair business
principle. People will say, "O, brother Brigham, won't you let me have a
team? I must have a horse; won't you let me have this wagon? I very much need a
cow; won't you help me in my building? And won't you do this? And I wish you
would do that; and could you not do the other?" And the pay never comes.
But you will go to a Gentile and run into debt, and sell your last cow to pay
that wicked man. You may say, "O, that is only in our business
transactions." Is not the upbuilding of the kingdom of God on earth a
temporal labor all the time? It will be built up by physical force and means,
by manual labor more than by any particular mental effort of the mind. Suppose
that one Elder was left alone among the inhabitants of the earth, and that he
should begin, with all the power of his mind, to imagine himself in England,
Scotland, France, Germany, Denmark', Sweden, or anywhere else and still sit in
one place, saying, "now I am laboring in the kingdom of God it is a
spiritual labor." What real good would he accomplish? Not any.
You know
the old theory is that the kingdom of God, and all pertaining to it, is
spiritual and not temporal; that is the traditional notion of our brother
Christians. But a person may merely think until he goes down to the grave, and
he will never be the means of saving one soul, not even his own, unless he adds
physical labor to his thinking. He must think, and pray, and preach, and toil
and labor with mind and body, in order to build up Zion in the last days. You
cannot build your house, nor gather up your substance and come to this place
from different nations by mere thinking, it also requires physical labor. If we
attend to the things of the kingdom of God, and nothing else in good weather,
we can do everything else, that is necessary to be done, in rainy and bad
weather.
If we
talk to you and you sit and hear, that involves labor, and everything connected
with building up Zion requires actual, severe labor. It is nonsense to talk
about building up any kingdom except by labor; it requires the labor of every
part of our organization, whether it be mental, physical, or spiritual, and
that is the only way to build up the kingdom of God. Hence, what I have been
laying before you is directly pertaining to the building up of that kingdom.
Will the
people still take a course to feed strangers, and let their brethren starve?
They will not. I say to every man who has wheat, set the poor to building your
houses, to making fences, opening farms, or doing something, and hand out your
grain to them. And if those who wish to speculate in grain, in consequence of
the scarcity through drought and the ravages of the grasshoppers, come and
offer you money for your grain, do not sell a bushel for five, ten, or twenty
dollars, but tell them, "no, our wheat is to feed the poor Saints, and no
one else." If you do not do this, I am watching you. Do you know that I
have my threads strung all through the Territory, that I may know what
individuals do? If you do not pursue a righteous course, we will separate you
from the Church. Is that all? No, if necessary we will take your grain from
your bin and distribute it among the poor and needy, and they shall be fed and
supplied with work, and you shall receive what your grain is worth.
There is
plenty for all who are now in the Territory, and for all that will come in this
fall. Talk about starving to death! How do you suppose you could? You could not
enter a house in these mountains, where there is one potato left, and tell them
that you were perishing for food, but what the inmates of that house would
divide with you; I say, not one, whether belonging to Jew or Gentile, Saint or
sinner. This is speaking to the praise of those who have the grain.
I do not
believe that there is a grain owner in this Territory who does not feel just as
liberal as, he need to; at least, I know of no one but what wishes to do right.
One man, who had a fine crop of grain, came to this city, and was offered three
dollars a bushel for it; he said, "shall I take that? or what shall
I do with it?" I replied, let us have it in the Tithing Store, and we will
distribute it to the poor.
Flour is
six dollars per hundred in that store. What was it last year? Six dollars. You
cannot starve to death, because those who have got the grain are willing to
divide with you. If you should happen to get hungry you could run to your
neighbors for a pumpkin or a squash, and they would even jump out of bed to
serve you, in case you chanced to call upon them late in the night. There is no
law in this country against begging, therefore, if need be, we can beg from one
another, and from Him who gave it all, so we cannot starve to death.
Go
without eating two or three days! Bless your souls, I know not what it is to go
without food since I have been a "Mormon." I could travel over
the earth without purse or scrip, and not be obliged to go hungry. Before I
knew "Mormonism" I was acquainted with straitened circumstances, but
it has clothed and fed me, and blessed me all the day long.
We have
now held our meeting for three hours and a half, and after singing we will
dismiss for one hour.
Choir sung the anthem, "Saints and Angels."
Benediction by Prest. B. Young.
[8 Oct, 2 p.m.]
[DNW 5:244, 10/10/55 p4]
2 p.m.
Called to order by Elder E. Snow.
Singing by the Choir
Prayer by Elder Erastus Snow. Singing.
[Prest. Grant]
Prest. Grant, spoke a short time on the practical duties of Bishops and Teachers, the Big Cottonwood Canal, and expressed an anxiety for the time to arrive when he could preach the funeral sermon of all the drones.
Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow, Joseph Young Zera Pulsipher, Henry Herriman, Joseph Hovey, Joseph L. Heywood, Jacob F. Hutchinson, Horace S. Eldredge, George B. Wallace, Joseph W. Johnson, Thomas D. Brown, John Lyon, Jacob Gates, and William Snow (who answered to their names), and Richard Cook, Gilbert Clements, Levi Richards, Aaron P. Farr, Wm. Gibson, Thomas Grover, Joseph Bates Noble, George Woodward, Dominicus Carter, and Daniel D. Hunt, were united and unanimously voted to go on missions to the Saints in Utah Territory.
Lorenzo Snow, Ezra T. Benson, and Phineas H. Young, were unanimously voted to go on a mission to Europe next spring.
James Townsend was unanimously voted to go on a mission to Carson Valley.
[Prest. Kimball]
Prest. Kimball made a few remarks on the subject of the canal, marriage, &c.
[Pest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young followed, on the same subjects, and then called a vote of all who were in favor of completing the Big cottonwood Canal, ready for the boats, between this and the first of May, and by the number of uplifted hands, all seemed willing to prosecute that work vigorously.
The President then continued on the subject of the P. E. Fund business, home trade, &c., and said, we will not adjourn this conference to the 6th day of April next at 10 a.m., at this place.
Prest. Kimball gave notice that in the morning he would commence giving endowments to persons from Iron, Filmore, San Pete, and Weber counties.
Benediction by Prest. B. Young.
——
In the evening the Bishops, Priests, Teachers, Deacons, and their counselors met in the Tabernacle, and were instructed in matters pertaining to their duties by Prests. B. Young and Grant, and by Bishop Ed. Hunter.
THOMAS
BULLOCK,
Clerk of Conference.
Sermons, discourses, and remarks will appear in the 'News' as rapidly as the Reporter can write them out and room be made for them. - [Ed.
6-8 Apr 1856, General
Conference, Bowery, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly 6:40, 4/9/56 p8, MS 18:423]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
MINUTES
OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, convened
in the Bowery adjoining the north end of the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City,
and commencing Sunday, April 6, 1856, at 10 a.m.
President Brigham Young presiding.
On the stand, Presidents B. Young, H. C. Kimball, J. M. Grant.
Of the Twelve Apostles: P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, W. Woodruff, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, A. Lyman, L. Snow, E. Snow.
Seventies: Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, H. S. Eldredge.
High Priest's Quorum: David Pettegrew.
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter.
Patriarch: Isaac Morley.
Presidency of the Stake: David Fullmer, Thomas Rhoads, P. H. Young.
Clerk of conference: Thomas Bullock.
Reporters: Geo. D. Watt, John V. Long.
Choir sung a hymn.
Called to order by Prest. Kimball, who requested the congregation to close up, keep order, and be as quiet as possible, that all may hear. Our religion comprehends every thing on the earth, therefore let us be Saints, for to us this is the very gate to heaven.
A hymn was ready by the clerk; sung by the choir.
Prayer by Prest. J. M. Grant.
Singing by the choir.
Prest. B. Young exhorted the saints to keep profound silence, and told the doorkeepers to stop driving away those children who come early in order to get a seat in which to hear and worship comfortably.
[Elder George A. Smith]
Elder George A. Smith addressed the congregation, saying it is enough to try the lungs of a giant to speak to this immense congregation. Alluded to the church on the 6th of April, 1830, when it was organized with six members, and now those few have increased to a great and mighty people. Referred to the first cause which produced the exterminating order of Governor Boggs in Missouri. Exhorted the people to make good fences, to save forage, and provide comfortable shelter for cattle in winter, and spoke upon other matters of policy. Compared the blessings of health we enjoy with the sickness in Illinois and Missouri.
[George A. Smith]
[DNW 6:44, 4/16/56 p4; JD 3:280]
DISCOURSE
BY GEORGE A. SMITH, BOWERY, APRIL 6, 1856.
——
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
____
It
certainly is enough to try the nerves of the strongest man and the lungs of a
giant, to rise and address such an immense assemblage as is here this morning,
especially with the reflection that they are expecting to listen to and be
edified with what I may be able to say.
When I
reflect that yesterday I saw the Saints coming in from the south, and some of
them on foot, both men and women, bringing their children some fifty miles in
their arms, as many did, to get here and attend this Conference, and consider
that such labor is to be requited by the instruction and intelligence which
they will receive, and then undertake to address an assembly under these
circumstances, I feel the necessity for the faith of the Saints to be exercised
in my behalf, to enable me to speak for the instruction and edification of so
vast an assemblage.
When I
was about twenty-one years old I went on a mission, in company with Elder Don
C. Smith, the youngest brother of the Prophet Joseph, through the States of
Kentucky and Tennessee. When he rose to preach he wished to see a pretty good
sized assembly, and to talk at least a couple of hours; when it was my turn to
speak, some thirty minutes, perhaps, was as much time as I would wish to
occupy. We occasionally had a small assembly, then Don would say, "Come,
George A., you are good at preaching a picayune sermon; suppose you try this
time."
It would
seem to-day as though a picayune sermon would not answer the purpose, if the
size of the congregation is the scale in which the discourse should be weighed.
It is
said, in one of the parables, that "the kingdom of heaven is like unto
leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, until the whole
was leavened."
In 1830,
on the 6th day of April, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was
organized with only six members. Joseph, in one of his letters in relation to
Alexander Campbell, in December 1835, said that "the three measures of
meal might be compared to the three witnesses who were called upon to testify
of the Book of Mormon, and who selected and ordained twelve Apostles to go
forth and be special witnesses to all the world."
Whether
the application was really intended to be laid down as a rule I will not say,
but it is very evident that when Joseph Smith laid the foundation of this
kingdom he commenced depositing the leaven of truth, and that that leaven has
continued to increase up to 1556, when an assemblage of the Saints, who are here
as representatives of this people, is crowded out of such a spacious building
as the Tabernacle, and obliged to assemble in this large Bowery, also densely
filled.
It shows
that the leaven is operating, and I may say gives fair and conclusive ground upon
which to expect that the whole lump will eventually be leavened.
The
condition of our Territory, the nature of our soil, the peculiarities of our
climate, appear as if designed expressly by the Almighty for the fulfilment of
this prophesy, and the up-building of the kingdom of heaven in the last days.
It
matters not what corner of the earth men come from, unless they possess the
spirit of the leaven of truth they will remain but a short time in these
mountains before they begin to consider it the wrong place, for the leaven is
working, they cannot quite endure the climate and the peculiarities of the
country, or something of the kind, and off they go.
On
account of our altitude we are most advantageously situated for the drainage of
the filth, scum, and corruption, when it accumulates to a certain extent, for
it flows off in different directions, thus leaving the people of the kingdom
remaining as it were alone.
Could any
one have supposed that, when the proclamation of the Gospel was commenced twenty-six
years ago, the people who would receive that testimony would be knocking for
admittance into the national confederacy as an independent State?
Had it
then been predicted, prophesied, or proclaimed to the world, that such would be
the case, the very strangeness of the matter, the difficulty of the task, the
unheard of idea, would have been so great an apparent absurdity that men, who
would have believed it, would have been considered greater fools than those
were deemed who received the testimony of the Prophet concerning the
ministry of angels.
We stand
here to-day a great and mighty people, the servants of the Most High God, and
almost every single circumstance, which has occurred from that time to this,
has had a tendency to condense us together, to unite us more and more, and to
place us in circumstances and situations to spread forth the curtains of Zion,
to enlarge her habitations, to lengthen her cords and strengthen her Stakes,
and to make the place of the feet of the Saints glorious.
Such, then,
is the present aspect of affairs. Much has been done, and much now remains for
us to do. The great work has only just commenced. When we entered into this
Church we began our education, and it frequently happens that two or three
years, and perhaps more, have to be spent in unlearning what we had learned
amiss.
The human
mind is wonderfully susceptible and tenacious of traditions, and whatever may
have been our traditions, it is an extremely difficult task for us, as human
beings, to dispense with our traditions at once. They will hang about us, we
will retain them, more or less, hence it often happens that, when you baptize a
sectarian preacher into this Church, and a great many of them have been so
baptized, in a little time his foolish traditions will become so apparent as to
make him despise himself.
For this
cause scores of thorn have turned away and joined the mob to destroy the
Saints, rather than be stripped of their traditions, which they had so long
hugged to their bosoms, and considered of so much value.
A portion
of the persecutions which followed this people in their early history have been
influenced, to a considerable extent, by the corruptions of those who professed
to be in the midst of the Saints, who had been baptized and lived with the
Saints, but finally, when their corrupt practices and traditions were about to
be exposed, would turn away and join the enemies of this people, and seek their
destruction with greater malice, seemingly, than those who had never joined us.
We ought
to make profitable lessons for ourselves from observations of the past. I know,
brethren, that we have our traditions on a great many subjects. Take a man, for
instance, who has been a lawyer, or a magistrate, in the States, or in England,
one who has read Blackstone, Kent, and a few other law books, and undertake to
explain to him a simple mode of administering justice, one that can be plainly
understood by all the people, and I do not care how much education or
"Mormonism" he has, the very moment the simplicity of administering
justice is laid before him it comes in contact with his traditions, and he will
quibble about the meaning and placing of words, the mode of spelling, or the
tail of a comma, and continue so to do, perhaps, during his whole life, without
ever learning that matters brought before us ought to be dealt with according
to the nature of the case and the circumstances, without going back a thousand
years for precedents to govern us.
Take a
man who has been educated a sectarian minister, he has certain grave ideas
imprinted on his mind, he must pray in a certain form, and perhaps use a
certain tone of voice when he offers up his prayer, and however much he may
believe the Gospel of the last days, he will constantly be at a loss to know
whether he is governed in some things by the principles of truth, or whether in
reality he is not following some of the whims or traditions of his early
education.
You may
apply the same rule in farming. Take a man from the Western States, place him
on some of our farming lands and tell him, "Here are twenty acres of land,
and it is all you can properly farm, unless you have more help than yourself.
Now fence and cultivate it, and you can make an abundant living." He would
be apt to say, "You must be mad; bless you, I need 160 acres, I can
cultivate that much at least. I have always done so, and I will not have
anything to do with such a little patch."
I have
seen many engage in farming here, and have known them to work four or five
years without having the first acre secured by a good fence, and without
cultivating the ground in a manner suited to the soil and climate. Why?
Traditions interfere, they have been traditionated to run over a great quantity
of ground, and to not half cultivate it, until farms are almost entirely
exhausted.
Incorrect
traditions, though long followed, have to be surrendered, and we have to build
up Zion. The plan of Zion contemplates that the earth, the gardens, and fields
of Zion, be beautiful and cultivated in the best possible manner. Our
traditions have got to yield to that plan, circumstances will bring us to that
point, and eventually we shall be under the necessity of learning and adopting
the plan of beautifying and cultivating every foot of the soil of Zion in the
best possible manner.
When the
Saints become instructed, when this people become united as they should be,
when they learn things as they should learn them, they will not be subject to
the constant and unpleasant annoyances to which they have been subject.
Many
think there is no necessity Of doing anything more than to throw a little seed
in the ground and plough it under, that then they are sure of a crop. They
often farm without fences, sow their seed without properly preparing the land
and attending to it, and then trust in God for the balance.
Others
think it irreligious to speak upon temporal subjects on the Sabbath day, that
it is a violation of the day to talk concerning our business transactions on
the Sabbath.
If I
understand the order of building up the kingdom, it is a spiritual work, on
every occasion, to give proper instructions necessary for the good of the
kingdom. Very small matters lead sometimes to great results.
There are
many here, as religious as this congregation looks, who have not got a good
fence around their farms, yet they will kneel down in the morning, perhaps, to
offer a prayer. By the time they have got one knee fairly to the floor,
peradventure somebody thunders away at the door and eries out, "Neighbor,
there are twenty head of cattle in your wheat; they have been there all night,
and are there now."
The man
of no fence is roused up, and instead of praying he is apt to think, "Damn
it," and to, start off to get the cattle out and put them into the stray
pen.
Perhaps
another neighbor has not been quite as wide awake in the morning, and had
prepared no place in which to secure his cattle: he is about ready to say his
prayers when his ears are saluted with, "Neighbor, all your cattle are in
the stray pen, and $100 damage is to pay."
Thus you
must see that some temporal arrangements are necessary, to enable men to enjoy
that quiet which would be desirable in attempting to worship our Heavenly
Father.
You may
think that these small matters amount to but little, but sometimes it happens
that out of a small matter grows something exceedingly great. For instance,
while the Saints were living in Far West, there were two sisters wishing to
make cheese and, neither of them possessing the requisite number of cows, they
agreed to exchange milk.
The wife
of Thomas B. Marsh, who was then President of the Twelve Apostles, and sister
Harris concluded they would exchange milk, in order to make a little larger
cheese than they otherwise could. To be sure to have justice done, it was
agreed that they should not save the strippings, but that the milk and
strippings should all go together. Small matters to talk about here, to be
sure, two women's exchanging milk to make cheese.
Mrs.
Harris, it appeared, was faithful to the agreement and carried to Mrs. Marsh
the milk and strippings, but Mrs. Marsh, wishing to make some extra good
cheese, saved a pint of strippings from each cow and sent Mrs. Harris the milk
without the strippings.
Finally
it leaked out that Mrs. Marsh had saved strippings, and it became a matter to
be settled by the Teachers. They began to examine the matter, and it was proved
that Mrs. Marsh had saved the strippings, and consequently had wronged Mrs.
Harris out of that amount.
An appeal
was taken from the Teacher to the Bishop, and a regular Church trial was had.
President Marsh did not consider that the Bishop had done him and his lady
justice, for they decided that the strippings were wrongfully saved, and that
the woman had violated her covenant.
Marsh
immediately took an appeal to the High Council, who investigated the question
with much patience, and I assure you they were a grave body. Marsh being
extremely anxious to maintain the character of his wife, as he was the
President of the Twelve Apostles, and a great man in Israel, made a desperate
defence, but the High Council finally confirmed the Bishop's decision.
Marsh,
not being satisfied, took an appeal to the First Presidency of the
Church, and Joseph and his Counsellors had to sit upon the case, and they
approved the decision of the High Council.
This
little affair, you will observe, kicked up a considerable breeze, and Thomas B.
Marsh then declared that he would sustain the character of his wife, even if he
had to go to hell for it.
The then
President of the Twelve Apostles, the man who should have been the first to do
justice and cause reparation to be made for wrong, committed by any member of
his family, took that position, and what next? He went before a magistrate and
swore that the "Mormons" were hostile towards the State of Missouri.
That
affidavit brought from the government of Missouri an exterminating order, which
drove some 15,000 Saints from their homes and habitations, and some thousands
perished through suffering the exposure consequent on this state of affairs.
Do you
understand what trouble was consequent to the dispute about a pint of
strippings? Do you understand that the want of fences around gardens, fields,
and yards, in town and country, allowing cattle to get into mischief and into
the stray pen, may end in some serious result? That the corroding influence of
such circumstances may be brought to bear upon us, in such a way that we may
lose the Spirit of the Almighty and become hostile to the people? And if we
should not bring about as mighty results as the pint of strippings, yet we
might bring entire destruction to ourselves. If you wish to enjoy your religion
and the Spirit of the Almighty, you must make your calculations to avoid
annoyances, as much as possible. When brother Brigham was anxious to have men
take ten acres of land each and fence it, many thought that he was behind the
times. The result is, from the time I came into the Valleys, in 1849, to the
present, I never have been to the big field south of this City, or around or
through it when it was fenced, and if any other man has seen it fenced, he has
seen it at some time when I did not. The reason of this is, and has been,
either we undertake to accomplish more than we can do, or neglect to do our
duty in many respects.
In
travelling through the other settlements you find similar difficulties. I do
know that there has been more quarrelling, fault finding, and complaining,
throughout the settlements south of this County, in consequence of bad fences,
in consequence of men neglecting to fence their fields and secure their crops,
than from almost any other source of annoyance.
People
have undertaken to fence far more land than they have ever tried to cultivate
as it should be.
Brother
Kimball requested me to preach on matters of policy, and I have come to the
conclusion that the best policy is to undertake to cultivate a little land, and
to fence and cultivate it as it should be, and to only keep as many Cattle as
we can take care of, and keep from destroying our neighbors crops. In that way
I believe we will be able to avoid a good many annoyances, and to adopt a great
deal better policy than we now have in those respects. In the City of Provo,
there has been more grain destroyed, every year since I first went there, than
has been saved, and the main cause has been the want of proper fences.
In the
commencement of new settlements, we have generally committed an error in
undertaking to fence too large a field. When we first established the
settlement of Parowan, in Iron County, the brethren got together in a general
council, and took into consideration the propriety of fencing a field. I
recommended that they should fence 640 acres with a heavy, substantial fence,
and cultivate it like a garden; and when that was done, then they might
increase their possessions. There was not half a dozen men, out of the hundreds
who were there, who came with me, who agreed with me. I was told that I was no
farmer, though they would admit that I had a little experience in preaching.
It was
urged that my advice, if adopted, would be equivalent to ruining the
settlement, consequently, to avoid a general murmuring throughout the camp, it
was concluded to fence in 6,000 acres.
We have
worked at that job from that day to this, and have not yet had an acre of land
securely fenced. They have now come to the conclusion to adopt the identical
plan suggested at first, and to fence in a section of land to begin with.
There has
been a constant complaint about selling the land for fencing, quarrelling here
and there about cattle doing mischief, and they have become thoroughly
converted to the doctrine I recommended. Experience had to teach them the
lesson, though it was not so much experience with me, for my father taught me
that a man could not raise a crop with any certainty unless he first fenced his
land, and it was considered one of the most ridiculous things a man could be
guilty of, in a new country, to plant a crop and let the cattle destroy it for
want of a fence. Some settlements have made tolerably good fences, but as a
general thing the poles are stretched too long for their size, the points sag
down, and should a cow or an ox happen to pass by such an apology for a fence,
and understand that it was designed to keep out animals, they would be
insulted, and, were it not against the law to fight a duel, you might expect
such cow or ox to give you a challenge for such gross insult. The inhabitants
of this County, perhaps, know better how their fences look than I do. I am
going to advise my brethren, the farmers, if they have more land than they can
fence, to sell, rent, or throw it out to the commons, and secure one acre at
least, and from that to ten, or as much as they can actually enclose as it
should be, and then cultivate it in good style. Do not haul off the straw to
burn, but save it all, and all the manure you can produce. In this way Zion can
be made to blossom as a rose, and the beauty of Zion will begin to shine forth
like the morning, and if the brethren have not learned by experience that this
is the course to pursue, by that time they will learn it. I presume a great
many have become satisfied that it would be better to avoid many of these
annoyances.
There has
been some grumbling, in many of the settlements, that the Indians destroy the
crops, that they go through the fences and let their horses into the fields. It
has been in my way, frequently, to look at these fields, and, as a general
thing, there was no fence there, or, if a fence at all, not such an one as
would induce any person to go round it. The leaving of bars, the throwing down
of fences have been as often through the carelessness and neglect of white men
as of Indians.
On one
occasion last season, I heard a tremendous complaint brought up in meeting,
that the Indians had done great damage by throwing their fences down and
turning their horses into the fields, but before the meeting was dismissed it
was made apparent that the Indians only traveled the path made by the white
man, and were actually more careful than many white men, for they had been seen
to take down the fence and put it up again, when white men would take it down
and leave it so, or break it by driving over. I recommend, as a system of
economy, that we commence from the year 1856 to avoid these errors, these
blunders, that we may escape the results flowing from them.
There is
another thing that I think by this time has become understood throughout the
Territory, and that is, that we live in a cold northern latitude, at a high
altitude, and that we are liable to have very cold winters. There have been
several severe winters already. In the winter of 1849-50, many of the animals
belonging to the United States' troops perished in Cache Valley. Many have
supposed that our cattle were going to live without being fed; that they would
run on the range and fat all the winter, as in Central America; this
supposition must have been this winter pretty fully exploded. A system of true
policy and domestic economy would indicate, then, that we must collect and
preserve feed for our animals, and prepare barns and stables to shelter those
necessary to be kept for immediate use.
At last
Spring's Conference, the brethren came in their carriages by hundreds and
thousands; I now see numbers of the same persons footing it to this Conference
with sore feet, walking 50 or 100 miles. What has become of their horses? They
are so poor they cannot get up alone, or are out on the range, as there was
nothing to feed them with. Let us take a valuable lesson from this
circumstance, and make suitable provision for our stock.
So many
coming to this Conference on foot, called to mind some of the history of my
early days. I have traveled same thirty thousand miles on foot, and a great
portion of that distance with a valise on my back, without purse or scrip, to
preach the Gospel, and I understand something about sore fact. But I must say,
when I saw brother Graves and his wife walking fifty miles to attend
Conference, and carrying a child, that I thought they were indeed anxious to
hear instructions. Says sister Graves, "I came all the way here from England
to hear brother Brigham, I have not yet had a chance, and I am now determined
to hear him." I will prophesy that the time will come when they, through
faith and perseverance, will come to Conference in their carriage.
Good
domestic policy requires us to be careful in providing such comforts and
necessaries as we can produce within ourselves. If we let our sheep perish our
clothing will be scanty, or we shall be forced into the stores to support
distant producers. If we let our cattle die we shall not only lack beef, but
our home made leather will be missing. In short, the difficulties and wrongs
which may grow out of such carelessness are numerous. It should by all means be
our policy to produce every article, which we can, within ourselves.
These
sentiments are strictly within the scope of my religion, and those comforts and
conveniences, which we are constantly in need from day to day, are necessary to
enable us to perform the duties God requires at our hands. One of those duties
is, to take a course that will enable us to enjoy the blessings and comforts of
life, that we may preserve our health and strength to labor for the upbuilding
and spread of the kingdom of God.
Much is
said in the world, and considerable excitement raised on the subject of
"women's rights." Complaint is made that the rights of women are
taken away, that they have not the privilege of working out doors like men,
have not a chance of voting at elections, of holding commissions in the army
and navy, or of being elected to honorable offices in government. Whether
"women's rights conventions" will terminate as did the lady's
rebellion in Hungary, in almost universal war, is not now for me to say. But I
will say to our "Mormon" sisters that they have the best prospect of
having their rights, of enjoying the privilege of a healthful share of our out
door labor, of cultivating the gardens and of aiding in the management of
business, of any women at present on the earth, for every Conference calls for
a considerable number of missionaries, who are sent forth to preach the Gospel,
and to perform other duties in relation to the upbuildlug of the kingdom in the
last days. This operation leaves many wives and daughters at home, frequently
not under the most favorable pecuniary circumstances, and the result is that it
calls into requisition their economy, brings out their energies, educates them
in matters of business, and, I think, enables them to exercise, as long as they
probably may wish to, those avocations and duties which custom has assigned to
men, but which are so earnestly sought for by the "women's rights
conventions."
If any of
our ladies are really anxious for the privilege of cultivating the earth and
producing the necessaries of life, they most certainly have a fair field to
labor in; and if any lack this privilege, and will let that fact be known,
their husbands can be advantageously sent forth to preach the Gospel.
The
various policies now agitating the world, indicate the crazy state of its
society, all split up into parties; and law, and agitation appear to be the
general order of the day. Our women, who feel proud to exert their talent in
sustaining and administering to the wants of those around them, while their
husbands are abroad gathering the Saints or preaching the fullness of the
Gospel, merit a constant prayer that the Lord will guide, direct and counsel
them, and enable them to fulfil the duties of their several callings, to the
end that their husbands may feel at ease while abroad fulfilling their duties,
that the anxiety which would naturally rest upon their minds, in relation to
affairs at home, may be entirely removed, that they may devote their whole
faith and energy in the spread of the Gospel among the different nations
whither they may be called to travel.
Many of us
have, formerly, been very anxious to be made partakers of the privilege of
civilizing the Indians, but now we have become exceedingly annoyed with the
loose conduct of some few of them, and may have felt a blood-thirsty
disposition towards them. The Lord has placed us in a position through which we
are brought in contact with them, and requires us to use all reasonable
exertion to reclaim the fallen remnants of Israel. We are not to be discouraged
if we have to labor much to reclaim them, and should not thirst for their
blood, nor suffer ourselves to be led into a feeling to shed their blood. but
should cultivate a strong desire to ameliorate their condition, in every
instance where it is possible so to do. Reflect how long the Lord has borne
with us and our many follies, and learn to labor long and patiently with the
children of the forests, that we may, peradventure bring them, or their
children, to the knowledge of their fathers, for it is written that the
remnants of them shall be saved. After the remnants of Israel shall be gathered
in, not many generations shall pass away before they shall become a white and
delightsome people. Then we may, perhaps, look back with regret at our present
impatience, and at the disposition of some to destroy that race. God created
them, and wickedness and corruption have degraded them to their present
condition, but according to the education they have had, the code of morals
they have learned, they are more moral and virtuous than many of the white men
in the world.
It is
said that men will be judged according to their works, based upon the knowledge
they have been privileged to possess. Now, I believe that many of the Indians
residing in these mountains have done better, according to their opportunities
and knowledge, than have some of us. We have had far superior advantages, and
of course better conduct and a more perfect walk ought to be expected from us.
I have frequently observed the feelings of our brethren towards the Indians,
and it takes but very little to rouse in some a disposition to kill and destroy
them. Of all the policies that is the worst, for it is much easier, cheaper,
and in every way better to feed than to fight them. Aside from that view, in
one case you are not guilty of shedding blood, but in the other you bring their
blood upon your heads, provided it is not shed justifiably. Occasions may
occur, perhaps, when it is necessary to fight them, but they might be far more
rare if the brethren would always strictly fulfil their duties.
The
history of the settlement of most if not all new States has been fraught,
chequered, blooded, with the perpetration of cruelties to the Indians. These
should learn us a profitable and valuable lesson, and all the brethren should
cultivate a disposition to conciliate under all circumstances, and to avoid, so
far as possible, every cause of offence between us and these scattered remnants
of Jacob. I have always endeavoured to exercise a pacific policy, and still
believe it to be the best. The past has proven that a few Indians can conceal
themselves in the mountains, and keep a settlement in a state of constant alarm
for years. And how has it been even in a level country? The Florida war cost
the government of the United States thousands of lives, some twenty millions of
dollars, and lasted many years, and after all they purchased a peace, when they
could not otherwise reach Sam Jones and his party. Billy Bowlegs, when passing
through the gallery of portraits in New York City, recoginzed the likenesses of
Generals Scott and Taylor, and said, "I licked both those generals in the
Florida war."
Peace had
to be bought and presents made, which could have been much easier done at the
beginning, and thus have avoided the difficulties and consequent expense and
loss of life. I hope our brethren will always be courteous, and take a course
to avoid the occurrence of any difficulty in this Territory.
I will
return to the subjects of home products. We are so situated that we cannot
profitably transport our grain to a market outside our borders, nor in case of
scarcity easily bring grain here; for these reasons prudence would dictate us
to make timely and suitable provisions for storing all surplus, that in case of
famine, or great scarcity, we might have a supply of bread.
The
Emperor of China has a policy for the preservation of the people of his empire,
something like this: he receives one-fifth of all the grain produced, and
stores it up against a day of scarcity. That country is so well provided with
canals, that in case grain is cut off in any portion of the empire, breadstuff
can be easily furnished to the people. And even in case of a general famine,
the immense population could be sustained, for some years, from the Imperial
stores which have accumulated.
We as
well as others, should learn to store our provisions when there is plenty, that
we may be prepared against a time of need. The First Presidency, from time to
time, since we came here, have taught that it was necessary for us to provide
against the day of famine and great trouble, and that it was not only necessary
for us to provide for ourselves, but also for the thousands and millions who
are flocking to these mountains, for shelter from the calamities that are fast
falling upon the world. A goodly sham of the human race are now in extreme
destitution, and those who are not in very straightened circumstances manifest
great wrath towards each other, and war and cruelty are the consequent results.
Millions and millions, of funds are diverted from the industrial channels and invested
in the operations of war, leaving multitudes of people in a state of utmost
destitution.
The grain
ports of Russia have been closed for a long time, the war question continues to
grow still more complete, and as the perplexity increases, multitudes more are
deprived of necessary food. These derangements are constantly increasing, and
will increase; and the time is not far distant when millions of people will fly
to these Valleys as the only peaceful, plentiful place of refuge. Then it
becomes the Saints to store up food for themselves, and for the hosts who will
come here for sustenance and protection, for as the Lord lives they will flow
here by thousands and millions, and seek bread and protection at the hands of
this people.
I lately
asked one of the brethren why he had not built a house; said he, "I
thought we might be driven away from here, and I should lost my labour."
You can understand what I think about being driven, for I calculate that the
Lord has got His children into the mountains where He can handle them at His
pleasure, and He is perfectly willing that we should stay here and will not
suffer our enemies to drive us, unless we rebel against Him, and I do not
presume that we shall do that. We are so nicely situated that when a man gets uneasy,
or feels like leaving, he can travel over the rim of the Basin and disappear in
the far off regions of gold and plenty, where the comforts of life abound, and
that is all he cares about.
When a
man apostatizes from this Church, rejects the authorities of the Priesthood and
rebels against the principles of the Gospel, he cares no more for anything
spiritual, or what pertains to pure religion, than the wild bull of the plains.
All he cares about is to satisfy his appetites, gratify his lusts and be filled
with the good things of the earth. I have heard numbers of such persons say,
"From this day on I care nothing about religion: it is only for
myself, my family, and the things we can get, that I care about." When a
man begins to think that brother Brigham is stringent in his measures, and to
feel that there is not room enough, that he cannot get enough land, the next
thing is he will be seen drank in San Bernardino, or somewhere else, although
he did not go there with the intent to get drunk, but that is the natural
result of losing the spirit of the Almighty. It actually does seem that the
Lord has placed us in the most complete position for getting rid of all such
characters, and occasional seasons of scarcity, occasional dry years,
occasional visits of grasshoppers, and an occasional severe winter, produce
constant annoyance in the minds of those who wish to get into a paradise in a
hurry. If those who are disposed to complain will but reflect a little, they
will understand that we are actually situated in the best country in the world.
Do any of
you recollect when you used to have the ague THIRTEEN months in the year? Do
you recollect of ever calling upon an Elder to lay hands on the sick, and of
his beginning to shake while he was attending to the ordinances? Can you not
recollect that at times, in Nauvoo, there would not be a house without two or
three sick persons in it a great portion of the year? And when a heavy person
died there, do you not remember that it was as much as we could do to get enough
men round the coffin to lift it, because we all were so used up with the ague,
and were so very sickly? Is it so now? are nine out of ten of the brethren sick
here? Do you go to your houses and find a couple shaking on one bed, another in
a fever, and a child on the floor unable to get up, and perhaps not one in the
family able to get another a drink of water? You can remember such scenes in
our former locations, but you are now in a country where these things are
comparatively unknown. Do you recollect the time, when in the midst of agues,
that the only nourishment many could give the sick was a coarse corn dodger?
Corn was often not worth more than twelve cents a bushel, but you could not
always get out to carry it to mill; and when you could, you often found the
mill so constructed that it would grind two kernels into one, and such was the
nourishment for the sick.
Every
night the sickly season was talked of, and that sickly season lasted all that
part of the year in which we wanted to be at work raising bread. And when you
went to meeting, and looked round upon the congregation, you saw an assemblage
of pale countenances; and often saw numbers of them starting off before the
close of the meeting, because they were unable to stay any longer, and looking
as though they would fall down and never be able to rise again. But I now
challenge the world to produce a healthier looking congregation than this.
I have
heard some say that they were bothered to get provisions, but if there is a
fatter, heartier looking congregation in the world I do not know where it is,
and challenge the world to produce one. Some have been asking me what I was
going to say, at Washington, about our present scarcity, and I gave them to
understand that I should tell them that I was about the only person in the
Territory but what had plenty to eat, and that the people had thought best to
send me away, for fear I would get too lean. The health which has been enjoyed
by this people, since they have been in the mountains, exceeds all bounds of
previous belief. Through exposure in crossing the Plains, and during our
persecutions, has resulted a great portion of the small amount of disease that
has appeared among the community. Notwithstanding all these circumstances—the
health and the manifold blessings conferred upon us—some have been
discontented. I have known men come here so poor that they had to beg the first
meal of victuals, and by working three or four years become independently rich,
but still they alleged that the country was so hard that they could not live in
it, and that they must leave because they had to pay so many taxes, and because
so many difficulties surrounded them. I have seen those same men laying on the
banks of the Mississippi shaking with the ague, and begging me to administer to
their wants, and I suppose they think they will be pretty happy if they can
only get back there again. These facts display the weakness of human nature,
indicate that our feelings are liable to fluctuate, that our memories are often
short and our dispositions uneasy.
These
tabernacles must be dissolved, but it is our duty to exercise our talents to
the best advantage, and to perform the most good in our power, that we may
rightly fulfil the end of our creation, benefit our fellow men, and be prepared
for the next state of existence. Let us then be careful not to defile ourselves
or corrupt our way before the Lord, not to have our integrity tarnished, but
live in humility and in righteousness all our days.
Of all
men upon the face of the earth, we are the most favoured; we have the fulness
of the everlasting Gospel, the keys of revelation and exaltation, the privilege
of making our own rules and regulations, and are not opposed by anybody. No
king, prince, potentate, or dominion, has rightful authority to crush and
oppress us. We breathe the free air, we have the best looking men and
handsomest women, and if they envy us our position, well they may, for they are
a poor, narrow-minded, pinch-backed race of men, who chain themselves down to
the law of monogamy, and live all their days under the dominion of one wife.
They ought to be ashamed of such conduct, and the still fouler channel which
flows from their practices; and it is not to be wondered at that they should
envy those who so much better understand the social relations.
I have
offered these remarks, on the subject of policy, in rather a rambling manner,
something like the parson, who was told that he did not speak to his text,
"Very well," says he, "scattering shots hit the most
birds." May the Lord bless us all, and prepare us to enter His kingdom.
Amen.
Names of 177 persons, called to go on missions, were read.
Prest. Kimball notified those whose names were read to come to the Tabernacle at 5 o'clock this evening, that they may receive their blessings and make arrangements for starting.
Choir sung, "O my Father, thou that dwellest."
Benediction by Elder W. Woodruff.
[6 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
April 6, 2 p.m.
Called to order by Prest. Kimball.
A hymn, by Bernard Snow, was read; sung by the choir.
Prayer by Prest. Joseph Young.
Choir sung a hymn.
[Elder Orson Pratt]
Elder Orson Pratt asked a blessing on the sacramental emblems, and preached to the assembled thousands.
[Orson Pratt]
[DNW 6:50, 4/23/56 p2; JD 3:299]
DISCOURSE
CONTRASTING THE DISADVANTAGES UNDER WHICH NOAH LABORED WITH
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS, ETC., BY ELDER ORSON PRATT, BOWERY, P.
M. OF APRIL 6, 1856.
——
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG.]
——
I feel
very grateful to my heavenly Father and to His servants, that I have the
privilege of rising this afternoon for the purpose of speaking a short time to
the assembly that is before me. Whether I may be able to make those in the
outskirts of this vast congregation hear my views, so as to distinguish and
understand what I may say, will be better known after I get through.
When I
seldom speak before a public congregation, I find that my voice in some small
degree fails me, but as I begin to exercise my lungs, and preach some 5, 6, or
8 times a week, I find my voice sufficiently strong, to make a very large
congregation hear. It is certainly a source of great joy to me, to see such a
vast assemblage of people called Latter-day Saints. There are, perhaps, as many
assembled on this occasion, as ever have been assembled, at any one time, since
the organization of this Church. Look back upon the history of the past, since
the rise of the Church of Christ, and contemplate the various scenerios through
which we have been called to pass; it is rejoicing to the mind of the humble
servant of God, to think that the Lord has sustained us by His merciful hand,
by His outstretched arm and by His kind providence, and has bestowed upon us so
great and choice blessings.
How very
different we must feel from many who held the Priesthood in ancient times; for
instance, in the days of Noah; how very different we must feel compared with
what that Patriarch felt. When he looked upon the small assembly of believers
converted through his instrumentality and that of his sons, his soul must have
been sorrowful, because of the world. (Elder Pratt here blessed the sacramental
bread.) How very different, as I was observing, those holding the Priesthood
under the present dispensation, must feel compared with those who held the
Priesthood in ancient times. If Noah had not been nerved up by the Spirit of
the living God, and armed with power from on high, he must have been
discouraged under the difficulties that surrounded him. Called upon to publish
repentance to the generation in which he lived, in connection with his sons;
called upon to proclaim the downfall and destruction of all the nations of the
earth, if they would not listen to his heavenly message; called upon to put
works with his faith, and prepare an ark of safety for the salvation of those
who would listen to his voice, he labored and toiled for a long period; and
beholding the hearts of the generation to whom he preached, perfectly sealed up
against the truth of heaven, he no doubt sorrowed over their wickedness and
abominations; and unless he had been sustained by an Almighty power, he must
have been overcome by the discouragements and difficulties which he had to
encounter; but the great God, who accomplishes His purposes by few or by many
as seemeth Him good, sustained him, strengthened him, gave unto him power from
on high, and inspired him to perform the work assigned to him, and to save
himself with his own household.
How very
different is the case with us at the present period. Although in one respect,
we have reason to mourn and lament, when we see hundreds of millions of the
inhabitants of the earth, rushing down into the vortex of ruin in their
wickedness. When we behold this, it is calculated to give sorrow to the heart.
In another respect, it is the same as it was in the days of Noah; but a few,
comparatively speaking, among the hundreds of millions who now dwell upon the
earth, have their hearts open to hear and receive the truths of heaven.
"As
it was in the days of Noah, so shall it also be in the days of the coming of
the Son of Man." There are but a few who heed the warning voice of the
Latter-day Saints, but yet, that few are calculated to uphold and sustain each
other in the midst of the wickedness with which they are surrounded. The
more there are united with one heart and one mind, the more can be accomplished
in the name of the Lord. There are some things that cannot be performed,
although we had the power of working great and mighty miracles; indeed, the
great God Himself who has power to control the heavens over our heads, and the
earth upon which we stand has not the power to do that which would be naturally
impossible, or in opposition to the great, necessary, and fundamental truths of
nature, which are eternally unalterable, and cannot be otherwise than they are;
for instance, He has not power to be personally present among all the nations
of the earth at the same instant of time; consequently, He needs agents to assist
Him in carrying out His purposes and His works, where He cannot be present
Himself personally. So it is in regard to those who have faith in God; though
they may be able to say to yonder mountain, be thou cast down and become a
level plain, and it should obey them; though they might have power to say to
the Salt Lake be thou dried up and it should obey them; one thing they could
not have power to accomplish, and that is, for each to be on a mission
at the same instant of time in Europe, Asia, Australia, in the Pacific Islands,
and among the various tribes of Lamanites that are scattered over this vast
continent.
These are
the things that each one alone could not do; hence the more there are
engaged of the Saints of the living God, having the same faith, bound together
by the same great principles of righteousness, being of one heart and of one
mind, the greater will be the works which can be accomplished in the earth;
because such a people can spread forth on the right hand and on the left, and
can proclaim to millions and millions of people, the glorious tidings of
salvation at the same instant of time; while one man alone, though he have
power to work mighty miracles, could only proclaim them to a few. In this
respect, then, we are blest and we rejoice. Again, we rejoice, in another
respect; the Lord our God has clothed His servants with power to bring the
honest in heart together from the various nations and kingdoms of the earth, so
that their strength might be collected in one, in order that their union and
power might be greater, for the accomplishment of that which could not be
accomplished in a scattered condition. In this respect, then, we are favored,
as well as being favored with the privilege of spreading out our missionaries
to the four quarters of the globe.
But it
may be asked, "What can be accomplished by a concentration of Saints, in
one Territory, that could not be accomplished by them while scattered. here and
there?"I will answer you. If we were scattered forth, only among the
people of the United States, instead of over the nations and kingdoms of the
earth, we could not organize ourselves, so as to be governed by our own laws;
but by a concentration of the Saints from the distant nations of the earth into
one Territory their numbers give them power which they never could gain in a
scattered condition. By their numbers, they can appeal with faith and
confidence, and with a degree of assurance to the parent government of the
United States, and say, "Give us a free and independent State."
Without sufficient numbers, it would be useless to ask for admission. Hence, in
the concentration of numbers, we are blest, as well as having power to preach
to millions in all parts of the earth at the same time.
In what
respect would it be a favor and a privilege for the inhabitants of this
Territory, composed mostly of Latter-day Saints, to be organized into a free
and independent State of this great republic? Among the many privileges
resulting from a State government, I will mention one, namely, we should then
have the privilege, according to the great principles contained in the
Constitution of our country, of electing our own officers. The people would
have the privilege of selecting those whom they desired, instead of being ruled
over by those whom they desired not. Would not this be a favor? It certainly
would.
We should
have the Constitutional privileges, as a free, sovereign, and independent
State, which are enjoyed by all other States of this Union: in other words, we
should more fully be made partakers of the blessings which our Lord promised to
us, more than twenty-five years ago, which I will repeat from the Doctrine and
Covenants, sec. 62, paragraph 2;—
"It
shall come to pass that they (my servants) shall go forth into the regions
round about, and preach repentance unto the people; and many shall be
converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize yourselves according
to the laws of man; that your enemies may not have power over you, that you may
be preserved in all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws, that every
band may be broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people." In
other words, that you may not be tyrannized over by unrighteous governors,
judges, and officers, that you have no voice in electing or appointing who may,
according to their own will, trample upon your rights as American citizens.
The
prophecy which I have quoted has been fulfilled in part, indeed it has been
fulfilled to a very great extent. True, we are not a free and independent
State; but we are organized according to the laws of man; we have the privilege
of making laws, not for one little village, or to govern one little city, or
only a few miles square, but we have already the privilege of making laws, the
influence of which extend over many villages, cities, valleys, settlements, and
counties.
All this
has come to pass in fulfilment of the prediction, uttered more than a quarter
of a century ago, when the Church was not a year old, and very few in numbers.
Have we not reason to rejoice in the high and inestimable blessing, already
received in fulfilment of the word of the Lord, especially when compared with
the few privileges enjoyed by all the other nations of the earth?
Where can
you find a people or nation, that scarcely begin to have the liberty and
privileges which the Latter-day Saints enjoy here in these mountains? They
cannot be found. What wretchedness, tyranny, oppression, and every other evil
that can be named, are already falling upon the nations of the earth!
Pestilence, plague, the want of confidence in officers, rulers, governors,
kings, and emperors, is every where manifest; and, in fact, there is, at the
present time, scarcely any confidence between man and man; business men have
lost confidence in their neighbors with whom they transact business; and why?
Because of fraud and bankruptcy. In a moment, when all is supposed to be
favorable, when it is believed that debtors are handling their millions, a
sudden rumor breaks upon the unhappy creditor, like the roaring thunder of
heaven, proclaiming that their debtors have become bankrupt. Confidence is
gone, it has taken the wings of the morning and flown away from the nations,
and found a resting-place within these peaceful vales.
Will
confidence again be restored, while the wicked rule? No; it will grow weaker
and weaker. Officers will not have confidence in one another; the people will
not have confidence in their rulers; and rulers will not halve confidence in
the people. Why? Because rulers have oppressed the people; they have trampled
upon their rights; they have governed with partiality and injustice;
consequently, they know that the people, if they had the power, would
revolutionize their governments and overthrow their power; therefore, they have
no confidence in the people, and the people have no confidence in them, neither
in one another.
Merchants
and the great men of the earth have but little confidence in each other; hence,
their business transactions are continually being broken up. Many become
bankrupt with millions in their pockets, which is calculated to destroy
confidence.
What is
to be done? I will tell you what will be done. The day is near, even at our
doors, when the wise and thoughtful among the great men, rich men, and heavy
capitalists, will look to these mountains and to the inhabitants of these
peaceful vales for safety, not only for themselves, but for their abundance of
riches. They will come, bringing their riches with them, to secure their own
safety, for there will be no safety but among the people of God; and they will
say, "Behold they are united, they are strong, they are at peace, they can
be depended upon, they are not bankrupts, they will not cheat their creditors
while they have millions in their pockets. We will go up there, and we will
deposit our riches in their midst for security, and there also we will dwell,
for there is no safety abroad for us."
Latter-day
Saints, do you think, when you hear me relating these things, that I am in
earnest and mean what I say, as a reality; or do you think that it is merely a
wild fancy that passes through the imagination, like a dream of the night?
Do you
suppose that these things are mere chimeras of the brain, or like castles in
the air that vanish away with the bidding? No; you know them to be facts,
predicted years ago.
I am
declaring to you realities, as they do and will exist, and as they will come to
pass, as sure as the Lord God lives, and rules, and reigns in the heavens.
Where can the people look for confidence and safety, if not in the kingdom of
God which is built up in the last days, and which, according to the Prophets,
shall never be thrown down, and never perish?
Do you
suppose that the nations of the earth are always to be in ignorance in regard
to the greatness, dignity, power, and majesty of the kingdom of our God? No,
brethren, no; God has decreed that He will exert the very powers of heaven in
this last dispensation, to give His Saints power, dominion, and rule in the
earth.
If all
our ancient fathers who died in faith, holding the power of the Priesthood and
the blessings of the celestial kingdom, are to be engaged, as the powers of
heaven, to bring about and accomplish the purposes of the Lord in the last
days, in the establishment of this kingdom, we may be sure that their united
faith, together with the faith of the Saints here upon the earth, will bring to
pass and accomplish that which could not be brought to pass in any former
dispensation; for faith is a powerful principle—it comes by hearing, it
increases by union, and it is made stronger by numbers.
Where
there are two or three who go to lay hands upon the sick, they, if faithful,
generally have more confidence before God than if they were to administer
singly; they prevail more before the Lord; and hence, the commandment is, that
two or three lay hands upon the sick and pray over them, that they may be
healed. We are instructed to send for two or three Elders, because it is
supposed that two or three will accomplish more than one can by officiating
singly.
Again, we
are told that where two or three are assembled to worship the Lord in the right
and proper way, they have claim to greater blessings than the man that bows
down to worship by himself; and why is this? It is because, if united and pure
in heart, their faith is greater. What mighty faith and greatness of power will
be in exercise when all the ancient fathers, Enoch and all the inhabitants of
his City, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph who was sold into Egypt, Moses, and
all the ancient and modern men of God upon both the eastern and western
hemispheres, are met together with one aim and with one object in view, to
bring about and accomplish the great purposes of the latter days? Something
will have to move when so great an amount of faith is united before God. No
wonder, then, that the Lord has said that He has put forth His hand to exert
the powers of heaven to roll forth this kingdom in the latter day! No wonder,
then, that the Lord, through His servants, has predicted that the glory of Zion
should become greater and greater, until the nations of the earth should fear
and tremble because of her. No wonder, then, that there should be power enough
centered among the Latter-day Saints to excite the distant nations of the earth,
and cause many of them to come from afar to worship in His house upon the tops
of the mountains!
The faith
of the ancients was exercised to bring about this event—the ushering in of the
latter-day work. They not only exercised faith to accomplish and bring about
the purposes that pertained to their own day; they not only exercised faith to
preach glad tidings of salvation to the generation in which they lived, but
their faith reached down to the latter-day, as the day of rest. Through a long
period of darkness of many generations which were to intervene between their
day and the latter time, they saw that day of redemption when they should reign
most gloriously on mount Zion with immortal bodies.
They felt
interested, then, in the sceneries that were to come to pass in the latter
days; they felt interested in the glories that were to open upon the world,
when their children should be made partakers of all that their fathers desired
to accomplish and bring to pass in their own day, that which they sought for
and found not, because of wickedness.
If we had
to depend upon our own faith alone, to bring about this latter-day work, it
would be rather discouraging. The powers of darkness are so strong that our
weak human natures might be overcome were it not for other powers that have
great influence to aid and assist us. There are evil influences that are ever
ready to throw iniquity in our path, and unless we were assisted by beings more
powerful than we are, we should most certainly fail to accomplish the work
assigned to us.
Consider
all these things, Latter-day Saints, and be filled with joy and give thanks to
that Being who has thus gathered and established you here in these peaceful
Valleys. You say, "It is a rugged country, that it is difficult here to procure
a livelihood;" but let me say, that many of you have not been here long
enough to try it.
Let me
say to this congregation, that there are resources yet undeveloped in this
Territory—resources that are able to make you the richest of all people upon the
face of the earth, if you only unite yourselves with one heart and one hand to
carry out the purposes and plans that are devised by the Presidency of this
Church. Let them plan, let them devise and lay out before this people the great
work that has to be performed in this Territory. I do not mean that they shall
tell you where you shall go out and plant a hill of potatoes, or when you shall
pick up a basket of chips, but I am speaking of your greater duties—the
important purposes and measures devised and planned by the Presidency of this
Church for the general good of this people.
If you
will be strict to carry out those plans and measures, and constantly hearken to
all counsel from the proper source, you will become the richest of all people
upon this earth. Why? Is it because this country is so much better than any
other? No; but because the people are better calculated to develop the riches
of the country than any other people upon the earth; and even, if the resources
were not half so great, the people here, if they abide counsel, can unitedly
turn everything to the best advantage, and thus far surpass other countries of
much greater facilities in other respects. [Blessed the sacramental cup.]
Who are
there under the sound of my voice that doubt the divine authenticity of the
great work in which they have enlisted? Who are there that doubt the divine
authenticity of the Priesthood organized in this Church and kingdom? Are there
any that doubt the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon? You that have
searched into the history of this Church; you that have read the sacred, pure,
and heavenly principles contained in the Book of Mormon, and in the Book of
Doctrine and Covenants; you that have heard the sacred principles proclaimed
from Sabbath to Sabbath by the mouths of the servants of God, holding the
authority of heaven, the living Priesthood in your midst—you that have seen the
power of the Almighty working with an invisible hand among the nations of the
earth, but very visible to you in bringing about His purposes, establishing you
as a free people, organizing you according to the laws of the land, breaking
off your yokes and enabling you to worship God according to the great
revelations and commandments that He has given; you, that have been so highly
blessed, ought never to doubt.
What
Latter-day Saint with all these things before him can be justified in doubting
the divine authenticity of this work? No one can. I will tell you what makes
people doubt; it is when they fall into wickedness; when the devil begins to
enshroud their minds with a veil of darkness; when the devil presents to their
eyes the great microscope that he has had in existence ever since the fall of
man; when he magnifies the faults of their neighbors, and enlarges the
weaknesses and imperfections of those holding the Priesthood, then they
exclaim, "Oh; this cannot be the latter-day work, it is not the work of
the Lord the Priesthood must be in transgression, they are all
wrong"—(President B. Young: that is the devil's looking glass.)
Such is
the devil's looking glass or microscope that is calculated to magnify
everybody's faults but the individual's looking in it: and when he wishes him
to see his own, he turns the glass the other way, so that his own faults can
scarcely be seen. You know that when you look though the big end of a
telescope, or when you look into a convex mirror you see objects diminished,
and it is just so, when the devil presents your own faults and your own
imperfections. It is then, Latter-day Saints, that you doubt; it is then that
you feel miserable, and it is then that you are almost ready to apostatize and
deny the faith.
But when
you can get the Lord's microscope and look into your own conduct instead of the
conduct of others, and see your own imperfections and your own faults and can
have a realizing sense of your own follies, of your own unworthiness before
God, and begin to humble yourselves and repent and turn away from sin, then
your doubts are gone; they have fled; they trouble you no more; you have an
abiding witness in your own hearts, a greater witness than prophecy and its
fulfilment, greater than the printed word, greater than the testimony of the
servants of God. You have the testimony that assures you every moment that this
is the work of God; you feel it; think it in every thought; your whole souls
are swallowed up in the work in which you are engaged; you feel that there is
nothing that you own or possess, nothing upon the face of the whole earth to be
compared with the greatness of the value of the principles which dwell within
your own bosoms.
I am
speaking to men and women who know by their own experience that these things
are true; every one of you can bear testimony of them, who have ever tasted the
good Spirit of the Lord, and that have felt its influences upon your hearts.
You very
well know, that when you enjoy this good Spirit, you have no trouble, let what
will take place, it is no trouble to you, so far as you are concerned. You feel
resigned; you are in the hands of that Being who placed you here upon the
earth; you feel strong in the midst of weakness; you feel that God is your
help, and that He will succor you; you know that He lives and that He loves and
cherishes you, and that He has a good feeling towards you, like that which dwells
in the bosom of a tender parent towards his own child; you know that the
Almighty God has this tender feeling towards you, when you do right; and
therefore, you have no trouble.
If you go
hungry, you are not troubled; if called to sacrifice your own lives, you will
not be troubled, but you would say, "Father, I have done thy will; if my
work is finished let me come into thy presence; let me behold thy face in
peace; let me dwell in the society of the sanctified; let me go where my works
shall be continued, where I can accomplish more good, and do more for thy
cause."
These are
the feelings of a righteous man and of a righteous woman.
Perhaps
this will be the last opportunity that I shall have as an individual of meeting
in a general conference with you for—I was going to say, for a long period of
time, but I will say, for the short period of two or three years. I know not
how long it may be, before I shall have the privilege of meeting again with the
Saints in these Valleys of the mountains, whether I ever shall, I do not know
of a certainty, but I feel that I shall again behold the faces of the Saints in
Utah; I feel that I shall again lift up my voice upon the mountains and in
these Valleys and bear testimony of the great and important truths which we
have received; I feel that I shall again meet with you to rejoice in the flesh,
in this mortal tabernacle. (President: Prophesy!) I could almost prophesy that
I shall, but when it comes to prophesying about myself, I feel a little
delicate in doing so; but if the Lord will, I wish to live upon the earth to do
much good.
I have
been in the Church almost twenty-six years, lacking about four months, and I
have endeavored to do some little good; but really when I look back upon the
twenty-six years of my life, or nearly that, which I have spent in this Church,
when I look back upon my feeble labors, and my feeble endeavors, they seem to
have been very small.
And
although I have travelled much, and preached much, and written much, and tried
to do some little good, yet after all, when I compare that which I have done,
with that which it seems to me I ought to have done, in days gone by, I feel very
weak, and am anxious that I may not be taken from the earth, until I have done
more.
I feel
willing to perform any mission, whenever the First Presidency of this Church
require it of me. If they say go to China, East Indies, Australia, Europe,
England, or wherever it may be upon the face of the whole earth, I hold myself
in readiness.
These
have been my feelings from the commencement; I do not know that I have ever
backed out from any mission that was given to me; but have always rejoiced in
every mission up to this time.
I believe
that two years ago this day a mission was appointed me while I was yet in
Washington to return here, and then go back to Cincinnati to assist brother
Spencer and others in establishing a stake of Zion in that country; and I came
home with that expectation, to return again the following spring; I had no
other idea, when I came home, nor until the word came from the Presidency,
saying, brother Pratt you need not go to Cincinnati.
That
released me from that mission, but I felt just as willing to go upon that as I
do to go on the one that is now before me; I rejoice in all those missions, and
I wish I could do more good when I go upon a mission.
I am
sometimes troubled lest I may not be able to retain a sufficiency of the Spirit
of the Lord and the power of the Priesthood, to accomplish the work required of
me acceptably before God. I believe that I am troubled about that more than
anything else, and especially when there is a mission which places a great
weight of responsibility upon me, where it is expected that my brethren will
require a great deal at my hands. But inasmuch as you have lifted your hands to
sustain me, in connexion with my brethren that have been appointed to various
nations, I feel to say before you, brethren and sisters, with uplifted hands,
God being my helper, that I will endeavor with humility and untiring obedience
to the commandments of God, to do some little good; I will try to carry out the
counsels and instructions of the First Presidency of this Church, as they shall
give them from time to time.
And
inasmuch as I feel to bear this humble testimony, not in my own strength, not
in my own name, but in the name of the Lord, I feel also to crave your
assistance and your prayers and supplications that the Spirit of the Lord may
be poured out upon brother Benson, and upon the other brethren who are
appointed as missionaries, and upon your humble servant, that we may perform a
good work—a work that shall be acceptable to you, to the Presidency of this
Church, and to God, and return heavily laden with sheaves, which is my earnest
prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Names of 70 persons, selected to go on missions, were read.
Choir sung an anthem.
Benediction by Lorenzo Snow.
[6 Apr, 5 pm]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
5 p.m.
115 missionaries received their blessings under the hands of Elders P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, W. Woodruff, L. Snow and E. Snow.
[7 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
April 7, 9 a.m.
Showery. Meeting in the Tabernacle.
Called to order by Prest. Kimball.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Elder W. Woodruff.
Choir sung, "Come all ye saints who dwell on earth."
[Elder Parley P. Pratt]
Elder Parley P. Pratt addressed the congregation; alluded to the spirit of prophecy manifested yesterday; referred to the time when he first saw the Book of Mormon and received the priesthood, and contrasted that period with some of the results at this time, the eleventh hour of the last dispensation.
[Parley P. Pratt]
[DNW 6:91, 5/28/56 p3; JD 3:307]
ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS
CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS,
ITS OBJECT WITH THAT OF THE FORMER DAY SAINTS, &C.,
BY ELDER PARLEY P. PRATT, TABERNACLE, MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 7, 856.
——
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG.]
——
My
brethren, sisters, and friends, I have rejoiced in the return of this
anniversary of the rise of the Church, and to see so many of those that we have
reason to believe love the truth, assembled in general conference; in beholding
and seeing the faces of so many as were assembled on yesterday, and as are here
to-day; to feel the spirit, behold the unanimity, and the good feeling that
appear to exist, and the dispatch with which we are enabled to transact business;
and in reviewing the past, looking at the present, and contemplating the
future, my heart has been cheered.
I have
been highly edified and interested, and have had reason to rejoice in looking
at the Saints gathered in from the north and from the south, from the east and
from the west, who have met to rejoice and reflect upon the things of
God. I have rejoiced while listening to the edifying discourses which have been
delivered: I have not heard anything more useful and more to the point for a
long time than the discourse on yesterday in the forenoon; it was practical and
instructive in all its points, just the advice and counsel that are needed at
the present time; nor have I been less edified and instructed in the remarks
made, as I conceive in the spirit of prophecy, in a great measure, that flowed
from my brother yesterday in the afternoon, a parting discourse as we may call
it, as he expects soon to depart to a foreign land on the other side of
the ocean.
I have
also been led to reflect much in contemplating that this is the twenty-six year
since the restoration of the Church of God, visibly as an organization upon the
earth. Twenty-six years have rolled away in the experience of this
Church, and it naturally leads the mind to contemplate upon the past, and past
events will rise in review, the memory will fall back upon them and whether we
look at the past, the present, or the future, the mind cannot but view it, if
it is constituted like mine, or influenced by the same spirit that mine is
influenced by, with pleasure and delight.
Twenty-six
years ago, the coming summer, mine eyes glanced over the Book of Mormon,
and I afterward heard the voice of the servant of the Lord and enjoyed the
smiles and the blessings of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, and
received under their hands and those of Oliver Cowdery the Priesthood, or a
portion of it, and the keys and power of the same, they having received it by
the ministering of angels, to be carried through to all the people of the
earth; and at that time all the people of this Church upon the face of the
earth, could have been assembled in the vestry of this Tabernacle without being
much crowded.
The joy
which filled my bosom in reading that sacred record, waking up our minds and
giving us the knowledge of the past dealings of God with the inhabitants of
this vast western hemisphere, and of a nation of people as ancient as that of
Abraham or of the Jaredites, and giving us a knowledge also of a branch of
scattered Israel led away from the land of their fathers 600 years before
Christ, and the glorious fact, the most important of all others in the book,
that the risen Jesus in his glorified immortal flesh and bones set his feet
upon this western hemisphere and ministered publicly to thousands and thousands
of the Nephites, blessed them, revealed to them his Gospel in its fulness, and
was glorified in their presence, and thousands of them had the privilege of
bowing at his feet, of bathing his feet with their tears and of kissing them,
and of handling him and seeing and beholding the wounds that were pierced in
his side and his hands and feet, and of hearing the words of salvation and the
commandments of God from his own mouth, and then from day to day they had the
privilege of assembling in general conference and hearing his prophesyings, and
his remarks on the prophecies of the Prophets referring to himself and to
others, prophecies also concerning this our day, and the coming forth of this
work to us, and the visions that should appear and be given at the opening up
of this dispensation; all these things received in faith in my heart, and by
the spirit of knowledge and of light and of understanding, and of hope and joy,
and charity filled my heart in a way that I never can express to any being; to
have the same joy understood, it must be experienced.
Nor have
I been disappointed in my hopes since I embraced this Gospel. After twenty-six
years of progress—progressive fulfilment of the things spoken by that Redeemer
to the Nephites, and the things written by his commandment and brought forth
unto us, I not only believe but I realize and know by the Spirit of the Lord as
well as a man knows anything that he sees and hears, and better too, for a man
might be deceived in seeing or in hearing, but I know these things by that
light that reflects on the understanding, and in which there is no mistake, nor
deception; by that I knew that the work was true and that Joseph Smith, the
finder, translator, and the restorer of the Priesthood upon the earth, was a
Prophet and an Apostle of Jesus Christ—a restorer, raised up according to that
which is written, to bring back and commit unto the person appointed, those
covenants, those keys, those ordinances, that Gospel and plan of salvation
which were had in old times, but which had been suspended and lost from the
enjoyment of the people; I say, that he was such, I had a knowledge and an
understanding.
He was
only about twenty-four or twenty-five years old when I first met him, and I
became intimately acquainted with him and his brothers, and with his father's
house, and I remained so, as far as I was not separated by foreign missions,
until his death; and did I not know, and do I not know and bear testimony that
he lived and that he died an Apostle and Prophet of Jesus Christ? And from the
day of his death, or long before that until the present, I have been intimately
acquainted and associated with the Apostles of this Church and kingdom under
all circumstances, whether in sickness or in health, whether in the midst of
life or in death, whether in prosperity or adversity; whether abounding or
suffering want; whether by sea or land; whether in the midst of peace or of
mobs and oppression. And do I not know that President Young and his counsellors
and the other Apostles associated with him in this Church, hold the keys of
salvation? That they hold that authority which administers life and salvation
to the obedient and the humble, and which to reject is condemnation, wherever
it exists, to every soul of man upon the earth? Yes I do know it, and I do this
day bear testimony of it, and of that glorious Gospel in its fulness which was
restored to the earth twenty-six years ago, that filled my heart with joy and
charity and love for my fellow men, and with a desire to do good, and to impart
the truth as it is revealed.
Has it
become dim and waxed cold in my heart, or departed from it? I say unto you no!
But if it be possible for a man to rejoice more than I rejoiced twenty-six
years ago, I say if it he possible, then I rejoice more to-day than I did on
yesterday and more than I did twenty-six years ago—and why? Because my heart is
larger; it was full then; it is full now, and although outwardly and according
to the flesh, and in the world I may be in tribulation and sorrow, and care, and
labor, and anxiety, yet in Jesus Christ there is peace, in the fulness of the
Gospel there is joy, in the Spirit of God there is gladness; and whether we
look to the past we rejoice with thanksgiving, and whether we look to the
present our hearts seem to grow larger, and whether we look to the future there
is hope and a fulness of joy, and we increase in understanding—and why? Because
the Spirit that is in us sheds forth in abundance in our souls joy and
satisfaction, and the Gospel inspires us with a degree of knowledge and light,
and certainty in regard to what we are about, in regard to the work we are
engaged in and the prospects that lie before us.
We know
for what we labor, all though in the flesh, subject to mortality and its
weaknesses; we may be partially asleep, or in other words we may know in part,
comprehend in part, prophesy in part, and hope in part, not seeing and
realizing the fulness, nor the thousandth part of the fulness that will be
consummated in the progress of this work. But after we see enough of it to
serve us for the time being, and we enter into it with sufficient comprehension
to rejoice with a heart full of joy and of satisfaction, it inspires us to act
with all our heart, might, mind and strength.
I have
often been reminded by the faithful laborers in this Church, the Presidency and
others, of the parable in the Book of Mormon that these latter-day laborers
should be called to prune the vineyard of the Lord. It says that "Their
numbers were few, but they did go to labor with their might," and it says,
"The Lord labored with them."
Well, do
they not do so? Do not the old Prophets and ApostLes help us? Have we not their
aid and their influence in our favor? Zones and many other Prophets are helping
us. Lehi and all the Prophets understood the principle of union and
concentration that would be necessary in the last days. And Nephi in bringing
up this prophesy which was uttered by the Prophet Zones and putting it in his
book, shows that he considered it of importance to the people of God, and it is
written there that we might see and understand how it was that the great work
of the last days was to be fulfilled.
Is it not
being fulfilled every whit? Have not the eleventh hour laborers been called?
Are not their numbers few? And have they not labored with all their might, many
of them? We won't say all, because there are many called but few chosen, but
those chosen men that have been faithful, have not denied the faith, nor
departed from the labors assigned them, nor forsaken the cause, but have held
on and held out all the day long; and many more laborers of more recent date,
have they not labored with all their might, temporally, and spiritually? Verily
I say unto you, yea, and the Lord has labored with them; and if you want the
proof look around here! What else but the power of these laborers and the
powers of the Almighty God with them could have led these thousands and tens of
thousands of Latter-day Saints over seas, deserts, through the mountains,
overcoming every obstacle and then have sustained them in these Valleys? Did
not the Almighty labor with them when He clothed them and fed them? Was not His
eye over them in providing circumstances through which they might be fed and
clothed, and have the necessary comforts of life? When He caused them to
flourish in the midst of a desert country? When He inspired the Gentiles to
pass through here with all kinds of tools, clothing, shoes, seeds, with cattle
and horses, flour, bacon, powder and lead, from the frontiers of the United
States, and throw them down at the feet of this people cheaper than they could
buy them where the articles were produced?
Did not
the Lord labor with His servants and with this people? Yes, He did. And when
they had made the track where neither wagon nor horse tracks had been seen for
hundreds of years and for hundreds of miles of the journey, and made the
bridges and crossed the streams, they had not more than made a commencement on
their journey when five hundred men were called for by the United States to go
to the seat of the Mexican war; and these men took California and made it
secure to the government of the United States.
When
these men were discharged from government service, two thousand miles from
their friends and without means to return, did not He guide them to bring forth
the treasures of the earth, to bring forth the shining dust, and turn the world
upside down? And did He not cause persons from all parts of the earth to follow
in their wake, with their implements, their provisions, and their various kinds
of tools, from the United States to this country, and when they came here they
found themselves too heavily laden, their animals worn out; but they were bound
to press onward, and hence they stripped for the race and harnessed for the
battle, to see who would reach the gold mines first.
Well,
suppose a man had stood up and prophesied before the Battalion went to
California, or when we were first driven out from Illinois, that we should ever
be prospered, clothed and fed until we could come here into these mountains and
raise food for our own sustenance, who would have believed it?
And
suppose a man had prophesied thus—"The Gentiles will follow you like a
flowing stream by scores, and hundreds, and thousands, and they will bring
their flour and bacon, their sugar and dry goods, their tools and implements of
husbandry, their iron, and everything that is of use and pour them out at your
feet, so that your every want will be supplied, and the treasures of the earth
will open under your feet, and the treasures of the ancient mountains shall be
opened unto you, and the clouds shall drop down their rains. "Suppose that
all this had been prophesied; also that Great Salt Lake City would become the
great central seat of government for this country, and that the Gentiles would
come like a mighty flowing stream, and that we should after all our
difficulties be sustained, who would have believed it? Why some one would have
said, this is wild enthusiasm; it is too good to be true.
Well,
this people came, sustained themselves on the journey, and arrived in this
desert country, plowed up the parched earth and put in their seeds, after
bringing them more than a thousand miles, besides what they had to bring to
sustain themselves on their journey, and they have lived until now on what they
could raise in these deserts. Who ever heard such things? And yet the very
moment that we are tried, some of us are complaining, and you will find that
our stores are not overflowing with plenty, and the insects eat our grain, nearly
everything is destroyed by the grasshoppers and drought, and we are then
brought to ourselves.
For these
trying times some will begin to say in their hearts that the Lord has forsaken
us, and the Lord has forgotten us, but He will show that He hath not. Can a
mother forget her suckling child? Say, mothers, can you forget your infant
children? Peradventure you may, but it is not likely; yet though a mother may
forget her child when it cries with hunger, yet the Lord says He will not
forget Zion. He may show that He is displeased with the acts of some He may
hide His face from them in His justice, yet in His loving kindness He will
chastise them, but He will make a way for their escape. Brethren, will His
friends ever forsake Him? Or will He ever forsake them? No, never.
To
sinners He has never made any promise, but that they shall be rewarded
according to their works; but to the Saints that keep the commandments and
abide in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to them that do believe and know His
will, He has made these; but those who have known Him and in the day of
tribulation forsaken His laws will be beaten with many stripes. To all those
who stand firm and steadfast when the love of many shall wax cold because of
the famine and pestilence, and great trials with which the Saints of God are to
be tried before the judgments pass from the house of God to the wicked, to all
such He has made precious promises, and they will be fulfilled; and the
promises concerning things to the house of Israel as well as to thee Saints of
the Most High will surely be fulfilled, for those promises hold good to the
other side of the vail; for although the remnants of Israel are not yet in the
Church, although not in the covenant, yet they are beloved for their father's
sake, and the promises have claim on them because of the promises made to their
fathers; and though these their children do not understand it, and though they
are in a state of ignorance, not knowing the Lord, ignorant in relation to the
promises obtained by the obedience of their fathers, yet the promises extend to
them as well as to us Latter-day Saints.
Do you
suppose these promises will be fulfilled? I know they will. I knew they would
twenty-six years ago this summer; I knew it then, I have testified to it ever
since; I know it now, and though heaven and earth. should pass away, yet not
one jot nor one tittle of the promises of God concerning the Latter-day Saints,
concerning Zion, concerning Jerusalem, concerning the Jews, concerning the
Lamanites, concerning the remnants of Joseph, concerning the seed of Lehi, or
concerning the ten tribes of Israel, or any of the branches thereof—not one
will fail, but they all will be fulfilled in their time and in their season.
The work
has rolled on progressively up to the present time; not one jot or tittle has
rolled out of its place, but it has moved on harmoniously, and it will continue
to progress, and all the promises will be fulfilled.
In order
to aid in their fulfilment, the Latter-day Saints, the faithful, those who hold
the keys of this ministry, must fill their storehouses with grain, their
treasures with the comforts of life, their cellars with vegetables and all
kinds of food, which can be preserved, and this will be done in the own due
time of the Lord.
Whatever
straits, whatever poverty, and however long they may last, yet the Lord will
smile upon us and we shall again have plentiful harvests; and however much
there may appear to be in the world at the present, yet in the own due time of
the Lord they will need bread and provision, and the necessaries of life, and
if faithful to the counsel given, we shall be able to succor the poor, and have
means to help the laborers and the mechanics, and to supply the wants of the
needy.
We shall
be able to call into requisition the skill of the able mechanics, to have the
benefit of machinery, and we shall have all the skill, and all the power, and
all the wisdom, and all the treasures, and all the means necessary to build up
Zion, gather the people, redeem Israel, fulfil the promises, and build the holy
temples and cities of our God; redeem and bring about the restoration of the
living, and administer for the dead, and do all things necessary to accomplish
the purposes of God whereunto we are called.
Who will
live to see it? We will live to see a great deal of it before we die, but in
one sense of the word, we all will live to see it, for we will never die, but
we shall part with our bodies, and beyond the vail, we shall then be no less
interested in this great and glorious work.
I know
some people are apt to think, while the Latter-day Saints are a small people,
and considering what we sift out, and what go to California and the States, and
with one thing or another, that we do not increase very fast, and that we
cannot accomplish all these things that were predicted.
Well, I
do not expect that the Latter-day Saints will accomplish the work; I never
thought they would. I will tell you my opinion, no, my knowledge, and my
testimony; call it opinion if you please. The Latter-day Saints never expect to
do it all themselves, but they expect reinforcements of the former-day Saints,
and that the two will carry it all out.
You know
the prophecy of Daniel about the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom under
the whole heavens being given to the Saints of the Most High God to possess it
forever and forever; you have read it and no doubt understand it.
Well, a
mock court under the administration of Austin A. King, since governor of
Missouri, while Joseph Smith and others were taken by a mob and were made
subject to this inquisition, and to a mock trial, and while undergoing this
mock trial the question was put to a witness, "Do these people, these
'Mormons' believe in this verse in the Prophet Daniel?" and at the same
time quoting it. "Yes," said the witness. "Put that down,"
said the judge, "it is a strong point for treason." "But,"
says one of the lawyers in defence, "Judge, you had better put the Bible
down for treason."
That was
a very suitable reply; but mind you the text does not say that the Latter-day
Saints would possess the kingdom, but it says that the Saints of the Most High,
and of course that includes the Latter-day as well as all the former-day Saints
from Adam down to the end of time.
Well,
then, when the former-day Saints reinforce the Latter-day Saints, and all the
powers of heaven are in the midst of Zion, and all the people from Adam and
from Jesus Christ, and from the least and last Latter-day Saint all combine
their faith and their works, and their powers, and their gifts, I would leave
it to any intelligent person in Christendom whether or no they will be able to
do this.
I say
they will; I know it; but to say that the Latter-day Saints ever undertook it
is not correct, for they never undertook any such thing. It is, as I told them
in California, in public debates and everywhere throughout the State where I
had an opportunity of speaking to them, and while they were threatening the
sword because they could not get the governor out of the chair. I told them to
their faces that they need not worry themselves about the Latter-day Saints
undertaking that job, for they never would, and they never would be strong
enough; but the Saints of the Most High had undertaken it, and I told them that
these would reinforce the Latter-day Saints, and then they will all combine
together, and they will do it, for it has to be done, and it will be
accomplished; and this is what we are here for to-day; it is for what we are assembled
at this conference, and we never had but that one object in view, neither have
we now, whether we come together to sing, pray, prophesy or bless, to saw wood
or to chop it in the kanyon; if we are Saints we never had but this one object
in view.
Just so
with the former day Saints, they never had any thing in view, in heaven or on
earth, but this one object in relation to the earth and the inhabitants
thereof, and that was to rule and reign on the earth and over it, and over the
elements, and over the people, and over all kings and all presidents, and all
governors, and all rulers, and all powers that exist upon this planet, and
finally over death, and hell, and the devil, and all his hosts, and the last
enemy that will be conquered on this earth is death; so it is written.
Well,
that is the object, brethren, is it not, of our coming together into these
mountains? This is the object, and we have armed forces enough to do it, and
they will be brought to bear, and our part of the business is to get ourselves
ready. The powers of the heavens will not co-operate with unholy powers
directly, and fully, and immediately; of course we as a people are not yet
holy, we have not yet gained that fulness of the Gospel and of righteousness,
but hardness of heart and blindness of mind do prevent us from rending the
vail, and it doth cause us still to measurably remain in that state of
blindness spoken of by the Prophet.
We have
not yet learned all things as they are, and to entirely overcome iniquity, and
because of this the powers of heaven, although ready, cannot fully commune with
us, for we are not ready. For this cause your President labors, and for this
cause his counsellors preach here, and lift up their voices from day to day,
and from time to time, and for this cause the Apostles labor and toil amongst
you; it is to get a modern people, a latter-day people, a latter-day kingdom or
Church ready, united, sanctified, enlightened, made holy, and prepared for the
glorious union, and immediate presence and co-operation of those who have gone
before us; for the conquest of the earth, the elements, and all the powers
connected therewith, to put down iniquity, to put down Satan, to put down sin,
to put down corruption, darkness, and error, and misrule, that the cause of
light and truth, and the principles of virtue and rectitude may prevail, and
the reign of peace and righteousness be ushered in.
This is
the object, and now, is it not worthy of our attention and of our suffering a
little? Why, the Almighty God will chasten His people from time to time,
because He loves them, and He will purge out the sinners from among them, and
some will repent and become righteous, and a great many who promise themselves
that they are going to repent and become first rate Saints, but do not begin,
need not flatter themselves, for they never will do so in that manner.
When you
see men that are not ready to repent, to bring forth fruits meet for
repentance, but say, I want to indulge in sin a little longer, and then I am
going to turn round and be a first rate good Saint, I will tell you they are
deceiving themselves, for they will not do it, for every time they think of
doing it they will love sin as much as they did before, and they will continue
to love sin, and why? Because, when He (the Lord) spoke they would not hear;
when He sent His servants they would not listen, and they would none of His
reproof, and because of this He will laugh at their calamities and mock when
their fear cometh, and when they call He will not hear, and when they seek Him
earnestly they will not find Him.
A man
cannot be righteous of his own will and without the Spirit of the Lord; there
is no assurance for men, they cannot have the Spirit unless they determine to
walk in the light as fast as they see it. Those who promise to repent, but want
to indulge in sin a little longer, do not repent, and their hearts are not fit
for the kingdom of God.
That man
is on the right track who always loved the truth, and lived up to it, as far as
he could, with all his exertions, and walked in the light thereof every day,
and every time he saw a little more truth obeyed it, and if he did anything at
all it was his purpose continually to avoid error and walk in the truth. If he
failed at any time it was his weakness, his error of judgment, his mistake, his
temptation; it was not because he did not want to do right, or to put it off
purposely and choose sin: but it was through his weakness and temptation.
I tell
you there is a poor prospect of a man that makes no progress; there is a more
promising prospect of a man that has no light, yet lives in the practical
duties of his religion, that man or that woman must be happy. Why, bless your
souls, there is hope with such a man, and though he may err in judgment and
make mistakes, and though he may trespass, and though he may sin many sins that
are not unto death, make many mistakes through weakness, and have to be borne
with a long time, yet I tell you there is hope of such a man, because if he
lives he learns to see his duties, and if he stumbles and falls down, what of
all that?—he will get up again and start on his journey, and when he starts the
next time he will start well.
Brethren,
don't seek to discourage or crush such a man; it will not do to destroy a man
because he makes one or two blunders; it will never do to cry for spilt
milk, but try again; and if you cannot overcome at first, try again, and keep
trying until you overcome.
But when
a man is not trying, but loves to live in sin, but still says every day,
"I am going to be a good 'Mormon,'" I have but little hope of such a
man, and I generally say to him, you will not do it, for the Lord will not give
you His Spirit when you please to get ready to repent.
But the
honest man says, "I have been brought to see the truth, and I will do the
best I know, though I have a thousand traditions, and though I make a thousand
mistakes, and my brethren have to bear with me, yet I will do the best I can,
and will be willing to try again; and if I find myself weak and unable to progress
and overcome, I will pray that the good Spirit and the strength of the Lord may
help me." When a man talks in this way, there is hope in his case; I don't
care how such traditions have been entwined around him, or how many blunders he
may make; I say there is hope in those who seek diligently to learn their
duties, and endeavor to live up to them; and this makes me have hope for this
people and for myself.
But when
a man is careless and indifferent to the blessings of providence, and keeps
putting off his repentance, and is continually looking after the things of this
life, the Lord don't want such a man; he has no use for him, and damnation
awaits such a man, and he will have to wait patiently for the return of the
good Spirit to again lead him to repentance. Such a man won't prosper, for a
man that will fix his own business first, and then serve God, he is not worthy
of Him. He has no business with his own business, his business is to serve God,
he has no other business; as I said, whether preaching or whatever place he may
be in, he should have but one object in view—the kingdom of God. In whatever
part of the earth he may be located, whether among the Saints or in the very
midst of wickedness, and where the power of the devil holds sway, it is his duty
to preach righteousness faithfully before the people.
Well,
brethren, I bear testimony that Joseph Smith and the witnesses to the Book of
Mormon were, and, so far as they held out faithful, are men of God, holding the
keys of the dispensation of the fulness of times which is calculated to lead
the people out from the iniquity and abominations of this lower world; and that
their successors, the Apostles, your President and his Counsellors, received
the keys under the hands of the Prophet Joseph. They are the Apostles of Joseph
Smith, and holding the keys of a dispensation which will never come to an end,
for although all other institutions on the earth come to an end, this will
stand for ever.
They are
faithful and they labor diligently, and I bear them record that they labor with
all diligence, and God is with them, and their counsels will lead to
exaltation, and to celestial glory and eternal life, and those that are with
them bear a portion of the same keys; they are men that have been faithful and
true, many of them have been proved to be such through a long series of years,
and they would lay down their lives for the cause; and they, I say, hold a
portion of the keys of this kingdom, which they received under the hands of
Joseph the Prophet and others of the Apostles, and they will bear those keys
and this ministry triumphant to the nations, and while they live they will live
for this purpose; whether the flesh lives or not, they will never cease in
this world, nor in the spirit world, nor in the resurrected world; whatever
their circumstances may be, they never will cease to labor until they
accomplish that which they have undertaken; they will labor for this worthy
object.
I am not
speaking of the eternities, but they will labor for this earth and every
creature therein until the conquest is achieved, and death swallowed up
in victory; for the powers and keys of endless life, without beginning of days
or end of years, have undertaken the great work of the redemption of this
earth; they have not and will not pass to others until they have redeemed this
little world. Christ offered himself a sacrifice for this earth, for men, for
the animals, for fishes, and the creeping things. Christ died for the earth and
for the elements; Christ died for all mankind upon its face. Christ died, his
blood was spilt, the Priesthood was given, and the labor will continue with the
Priesthood from generation to generation, until the kingdom will finally be
given to the Saints to possess for ever and ever. He died to accomplish the
salvation of all except the sons of perdition, and they have had all these
blessings applied to them, and have partaken of them, known them, and then
turned enemies to them, and there is not anything greater that you can do for
them, and they perish, for after the blood of Christ has been shed and they
despised it, nothing more can be done for them than already has been, for they
have rejected the means of salvation.
If salt
won't save me, what else will? If salt loses its saltness, what will salt the
earth? All this was undertaken, and it will be carried through until every son
and daughter of Adam have an opportunity of participating in its benefits.
Then here
is my heart, and here is my hand to every good Saint in this world, in the
world of spirits, in the resurrected world, and in all the worlds connected
with this warfare and this work—here is my heart and hand! Depend upon it, if I
am counted worthy, I will be somewhere about, whether I stay here or go there,
whether I stay in the flesh or go into the spirit world, or whether in the
resurrected world, depend upon it, while my name is Parley P. Pratt, I will be
somewhere about, and while I am, I will have that one object in view, and if I
go into heaven, I shall think of nothing else until this is done, nor act with
any other view, and I want to be counted worthy, and I mean to try to be, and
trust in God for the rest. God bless you all. Amen.
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder Lorenzo Snow spoke upon the close times we are passing through, and exhorted the saints to be faithful and exercise wisdom.
Elder Thomas Bullock read the "Act incorporating the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society;" also the by-laws of said Socity.
Elders John Hyde and John B. Brown were voted to take missions to the Sandwich Isles, and James F. Cleary to Jew Jersey.
Henry Moon was voted to be bishop of the 1st ward in G. S. L. City.
Jacob Wellar was voted to be bishop of the 3rd ward.
Leonard W. Hardy, " " 12th "
Frederick Kesler, " " 16th "
Alonzo H. Raleigh " " 19th "
CAlled for persos who are willing to turn in property to help the P. E. Fund.
Choir sung, "Oh Lord, thy people bless," &c.
Benediction by J. M. Grant.
[7 Apr, 2 pm*]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
2 p.m.
The band played "Hail Columbia," and a march by Strauss.
Congregation called to order by Prest. Grant.
Choir sung, "Bring forth the royal diadem."
Prayer by Elder W. Woodruff.
Choir sun;g, Praise the Lord, all ye nations."
[Elder Woodruff]
Elder Woodruff treated upon the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society.
In accordance with a resolution passed by the Convention, the Constitution of the State of Deseret was read by Thomas Bullock, and presented by Prest. Grant, for approval or disapproval by the people, when it was unanimously adopted by the vast host of electors present.
The Memorial asking for the admission of Utah into the Union was read by Elder bullock, and on presentation by Prest. Grant was unanimously adopted.
Prest. Grant presented Geo. A. Smith and John Taylor, Delegates elected by the Convention, and their election was unanimously confirmed by the people.
Prest. Grant then presented the authorities of the Church as follows: -
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator; Heber C. Kimball, first counselor, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator; Jedediah M. Grant, second counselor, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, members of said quorum.
John Smith (eldest Son of Hyrum), Presiding Patriarch.
John Young, President of the High Priests' Quorum
Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, and H. S. Eldredge, Presiding Presidents over all the seventies.
John Nebeker, President of the Elders' Quorum, James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his counselors.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop of the whole Church.
Lewis Wight, President of the Priests' Quorum, George Dockstader and William Whiting his counselors.
McGee Harris, President of the Teacher's Quorum, Adam Spiers and David Bowman his counselors.
Alexander Herron, President of the Deacons' Quorum, John S. Carpenter and Frederic A. Mitchell his counselors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works.
Truman O. Angel, Architect for the Church.
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor: He. C. Kimball, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G. A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, William Crosby, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, F. D. Richards, and Daniel McIntosh, his assistants, and agents for said fund.
David Fullmer, President of this Stake of Zion, Thomas Rhoads and P. H. Young his counselors.
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phinehas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Daniel Carn, and Ira Ames, members of the High Council.
George A. Smith, the Historian and General Church Recorder.
Not one negative vote was given.
Eight persons were voted to go on misisons.
[President Grant]
President Grant then related what is doing in England towards removing 10,000 persons from that country this season, and called on the people to aid the P. E. F. Company by all the means in their power, so that the company may increase their sphere of usefulness.
[President Kimball]
President Kimball spoke concerning the missionaries sent out at this conference, and exhorted the people to store their grain, for the time would come when people from the nations and States will come here to buy grain from us. No man, said he, has language with which to portray the troubles that are coming upon the world, and I know it is so.
Singing by the choir.
Elder W. Willes sung, "Deseret the home of the free."
Choir sung, "O my Father thou that dwellest."
Benediction by Elder Willes.
[7 Apr, 5 pm]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
5 p.m.
President Kimball said some of the missionaries may not have had their endowments, but opportunity will be given for their receiving them.
The Apostles met in the Tabernacle, and blessed and set apart 83 persons to their misisons.
[7 Apr, 6 pm]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
6 p.m.
The High Priests met in the Council House.
The Seventies held their quarterly conference in their Council Hall.
[8 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 6:40, 4/9/56 p8]
Tuesday, 8, 9 a.m.
Called to order by Prest. Kimball.
Singing by the Choir.
Prayer by Patriarch Isaac Morley.
Singing by the Choir.
[Elder Ezra T. Benson]
Elder Ezra T. Benson addressed the congregation.
Singing by the Choir.
[Elder Orson Pratt]
Elder Orson Pratt spoke a short time upon the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon.
[Elder Patrick Lynch]
Elder Patrick Lynch gave an interesting account of some of his experiences while preaching in Ireland.
Singing by the Choir.
Conference adjourned to meet in the Tabernacle on the 6th of October next, at 10 a.m.
Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.
THOMAS
BULLOCK,
Clerk of Conference.
The Conference was numerously attended, and the customary harmony characterized its action. The list of the names of those appointed on missions was not presented in time for this number. - [Ed.
[5]-6-7 Oct 1856,
General Conference, Bowery, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly, 6:256, 10/15/56 p8; MS 19:113]
[Note: Sunday October 5th was a pre-conference day on which a number of discourses were delivered.]
[Conference Minutes begin on October 6th.]
[5 Oct, 10 am]
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 6:252, 10/15/56 p4; JD 4:112]
REMARKS
By President Brigham Young, Bowery, Oct. 5, 1856.
_____
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
_____
I wish
the most strict attention of the entire congregation, for if there is walking
and talking within and around this bowery, a great many will not be able to
hear. And I request those who wish to talk and whisper, to remove so far that
they will not disturb the congregation today, nor during the Conference, as the
assembly, undoubtedly, will be very large.
If we
could possibly build a bowery, or a tabernacle, that would bring the people so
near to us that we would not have to speak so loud, we should certainly do it:
but this we cannot do, for by the time that we could build a tabernacle for
seating fifteen thousand persons nearer the speaker than are the outskirts of
this congregation, the people would have so increased, that we should just be
as far from our object as now.
I shall
require the people to be perfectly still, while they are here and we are trying
to speak to them. Let there be no talking, whispering, nor shuffling of feet.
It would be beneficial for mothers who have small children here that will cry,
to leave, the bowery, if they cannot keep their children still. I make this
suggestion, in consequence of what has passed.
I will
say, in regard to the sisters who bring children here to make a noise, they
have never yet sufficiently thought, nor sufficiently considered their own
place in this world, nor the place of others, to know that there is any other
person living on the earth but themselves; and they think, when they hear
people tall, that it is a noise through a dark veil. I cannot say much for the
education, based on good feeling, that such persons have. Were I to describe it
in a plain way, I should say that they are people of no breeding, that they
were never bred but came up; that is about as good a character as I can afford
to give to any mother that will keep a squalling child in a meeting. I have
never said to the congregation, look and see who they are, for you may
distinguish by your ears, without looking, the mothers that have had good
teaching and been brought up in a civilized society.
So it is
with some men; and to the disgrace of some of our police, I will state that in
Conference times, and when we have unusually large assemblies, they will
converse right in the congregation, and just on the outside, disturbing the
meeting. I would that we had a police that understood good breeding. If the
police want to know how to manage to keep order, notwithstanding I have
frequently told them, I will now tell them again. Instead of shouting
"silence," go and touch the unruly person.
Were I a
policeman I would follow a practice of my father's; it used to be a word and a
blow, with him, but the blow came first. I should act upon that plan, when
persons are holding caucus meetings in or about our congregations; and if they
would not desist, I would rap them hard enough for them to take the hint
without my speaking.
I make
these remarks, because I wish the brethren who will speak to you to-day, the
Elders who have lately returned, to be heard. Those who speak in large
assemblies understand that they often have to raise their voices as though they
were giving commands to a large army, but we expect our Elders will speak as
they have been in the habit of doing. If they can raise their voices above the
crying of children and the talking and whispering of the people, so that all
can hear, it will be well; but this we cannot expect.
To-morrow
our semi-annual Conference commences, and I notice that many have come in from
a distance. We shall have large congregations during the Conference, and we wish
perfect order maintained.
I will
now give this people the subject and the text for the Elders who may speak
to-day and during the Conference, it is this, on the 5th day of October, 1856,
many of our brethren and sisters are on the Plains with hand-carts, and
probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be
brought here, we must send assistance to them. The text will be—to get them
here! I want the brethren who may speak to understand that their text is the
people on the Plains, and the subject matter for this community is to send for
them and bring them in before the winter sets in.
That is
my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess, it is to
save the people. We must bring them in from the Plains, and when we get them
here, we will try to keep the same spirit that we have had, and teach them the
way of life and salvation; tell them how they can be saved, and how they can
save their friends. This is the salvation I am now seeking for, to save our
brethren that would be apt to perish, or suffer extremely, if we do not send
them assistance.
I shall
call upon the Bishops this day, I shall not wait until to-morrow, nor until
next day, for sixty good mule teams and twelve or fifteen wagons. I do not want
to send oxen, I want good horses and mules. They are in this Territory, and we
must have them; also twelve tons of flour and forty good teamsters, besides
those that drive the teams. This is dividing my text into heads; first, forty
good young men who know how to drive teams, to take charge of the teams that
are now managed by men, women, and children who know nothing about driving
them; second, sixty or sixty-five good spans of mules, or horses, with harness,
whipple-trees, neck-yokes, stretchers, lead chains, &c.; and, thirdly,
twenty-four thousand pounds of flour, which we have on hand.
I will
repeat the division; forty extra teamsters is number one; sixty spans of mules
or horses is part of number two; twelve tons of flour, and wagons to take it,
is number three: and, fourthly, I will allow the brethren to tell something
about their missions, by way of exhortation to wind up with.
I will
tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never
save one soul of you in the celestial kingdom of our God, unless you carry out
just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now
on the Plains, and attend strictly to those things which we call temporal, or
temporal duties, otherwise your faith will be in vain; the preaching you have
heard will be in vain to you, and you will sink to hell, unless you attend to
the things we tell you. Any man or woman can reason this out in their own
minds, without trouble. The Gospel has been already preached to those brethren
and sisters now on the Plains; they have believed and obeyed it, and are
willing to do anything for salvation; they are doing all they can do, and the
Lord has done all that is required of Him to do, and has given us power to bring
them in from the Plains, and teach them the further things of the kingdom of
God, and prepare them to enter into the celestial kingdom of their Father.
First and foremost is to secure our own salvation and do right pertaining to
ourselves, and then extend the hand of right to save others.
I have
given you my text and the subject, and shall give way to the brethren, and
request close attention, and that there be no noise; for I realize that men who
go forth to preach are in the habit of speaking to small congregations, in
small halls, where all can hear without much elevation of the voice. This
cannot be done here, for we have to shout, and exercise our lungs to the
utmost, to make so many people hear.
I am
satisfied that the prayer by brother Spencer was not heard by one-third of the
congregation this morning; a little moving of the feet, a little whispering,
the noise occasioned by mothers' trying to keep their children still, a little
noise of this kind and a little of that, all tend to break the sound of the
speaker's voice, and the people cannot catch his words, and of course are not
edified. May the Lord bless us all. Amen.
[Franklin D. Richards]
[DNW 6:252, 10/15/56, p4; JD 4:114]
DISCOURSE
By Elder Franklin D. Richards, Bowery, Sunday Morning, Oct.
5, 1856.
_____
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
_____
My
brethren and sisters in the Lord, I rejoice exceedingly in being permitted to
go to the nations of the earth to engage in the discharge of duties laid upon
me, and in geting back in safety to your midst. To see how you have increased
in numbers, and how you have extended abroad, truly indicates that the work of
the Lord is onward here, and it is onward too in the old countries, where the
Gospel has been preached with success.
I cannot
take the time now to rehearse the varied circumstances and incidents of my
mission, for the main thing before us now is to help in the brethren who are on
the Plains. The subject of immigration by hand-carts is one that will do to
talk about; I have learned that by experience in the little I have had to do
with them; it will also do to pray about, and it does a great deal better to
lay hold of and work at, and we find it to work admirably.
We have
not had much preaching to do to the people in the old countries, to get them
started out with hand-carts. There were fifteen or twenty thousand waiting for
the next year to roll around, that they may be brought out by the arrangements
of the P. E. F. company. Those who had any objections to this mode of traveling
we wanted to wait, and see if the experiment would work well.
The
subject is popular in those countries, and the hardest part of my talking was
to find the means to bring out the many that were urgently teasing me to let
them come. When the first hand-cart company came in it was a soul stirring
time; banners were flying, bands of music played, and the citizens turned out
almost en masse to greet them. But they will yet come with hand-carts by
thousands, and when they get here, they will be most likely to enjoy
"Mormonism."
This time
we have not been preaching them easy and smooth things, for we had heard of the
hard times you have had in the valleys, and we have invited them to come and
share with you; and we have given them to understand that in coming here they
came to work out their salvation.
The
Saints that are now on the Plains, about one thousand with hand-carts, feel
that it is late in the season, and they expect to get cold fingers and toes,
But they have this faith and confidence towards God, that He will overrule the
storms that may come in the season thereof and turn them away, that their path
may be, freed from suffering more than they can bear.
They have
confidence to believe that this will be an open fall; and I tell you, brethren
and sisters, that every time we got to talking about the hand-carts in England,
and on the way, we could not talk long without prophesying about them. On
shipboard, at the points of outfit, and on the Plains, every time we spoke we
felt to prophesy good concerning them. We started off the rear company from
Florence about the first of September, and the Gentiles came around with their
sympathy, and their nonsense, trying to decoy away the sisters, telling them
that it was too late in the season, that the journey would be too much for their
constitutions, and if they would wait until next year, themselves would be
going to California, and would take them along more comfortably.
When we
had a meeting at Florence, we called upon the Saints to express their faith to
the people, and requested to know of them, even if they knew that they should
be swallowed up in storms, whether they would stop or turn back. They voted,
with loud acclamations, that they would go on. Such confidence and joyful
performance else arduous labors to accomplish their gathering wilt bring the
choice blessings of God upon them.
I would
like to say a word to the sisters here, for they have a tremendous influence
sometimes. Let me say to some of those that came out in the earlier years of
our settlement in these valleys, you thought the journey quite long enough, and
that if it had been a week, a fortnight, or a month longer, you did not know
how you could have endured it. Many of you came in wagons, bringing the
comforts of life with you in abundance.
Sisters,
think of those fatiguing times, and stir up your good men in behalf of those
who are footing it, and pulling hand-carts thirteen hundred miles, instead of
riding one thousand as you did. The aged, the infirm and bowed down, and those
who have been lame from their birth, are coming along upon their crutches; and
they think it is a good job if they can walk the most of the way through the
day, and avoid riding all they can.
Indeed
persons of nearly all ages and conditions are coming. There are also delicate
ladies, these who have been brought up tenderly from their youth, and used to
going to school and teaching school, playing music, &c.; but when they
received the Gospel they had to bid good bye to fathers, and mothers, and were
turned out of doors; that taught them the first principles of gathering up to
Zion. And the idea that there was a place here that could be truly called home,
inspired them to go along, to the astonishment of their friends, and kindred,
and that of the Gentiles on the way.
When I
think of the devilish doings of those abroad, I feel wroth in my soul to see
what the Saints have to put up with. The wicked found, after trying their best,
that they could not coax away even the most tender and delicate from their toil
of drawing their hand-carts, from fifteen to twenty miles a day. The Saints are
happy to perform this labor, and make the welkin ring at night, when their
day's toil is over, with their songs of praise and rejoicings. I could but
think of the way Israel walked in olden times, when the Lord rained down manna
for bread, and they were not allowed to keep any till to-morrow, and in that
wilderness required of them to build a gorgeous tabernacle and carry it on
their shoulders.
I have
thought that the gathering of the honest in heart in these latter times is much
like that good old mode; and it must be good, because it is in the Bible. The
Gentiles found that they could not turn away the good and the faithful, who are
back in the bills pulling their hand-carts.
Many of
those now back are poor, and had not enough to get away from their homes with,
and now they have scarcely a change of clothing. If they can have some slices
sent out to them, and a few blankets to make them comfortable at night, and
flour enough, with what beef they have along, to make thorn a good meal in the
morning, they will make those hand-carts work powerfully. But if they are
tender fooled through going shoeless, and when they lay down at night, if they
lay cold, it will tend to retard their progress very much, however, good their
faith and resolution may be.
I realize
in talking to you, and applying to you for help to aid those brethren and
sisters, that it is as just, and worthy a cause as can he espoused. I pray you,
as you regard those on the Plains, as you wish them to come and share with you
the words of life and the ordinances of the House of the Lord, and as you
desire Zion to be strengthened, and righteousness to to take the place of
wickedness on the earth, to arise up and bring those Saints in, for it is late
in the season, and ten to one they will have snow storms to encounter; though
the Lord will not let them suffer any more than they have grace to bear. It is
our highest privilege to do all we can to ameliorate the sufferings of those
brethren that are thus trying to work out their emigration.
President
Young wrote to me a year ago, stating that if I got his letter I should have
joy in carrying out his plans; I testify here that I never entered into any
measures that, filled up my soul with joy, faith, and energy so much as this
plan for gathering of the honest poor. It was late when I began the work, but
we could not get at it any sooner. We have wrought with our might, and brother
Daniel Spencer has been a pillar of strength upon which the hopes of thousands
have rested securely. I rejoice exceedingly with him in the excellent feelings
that Iris own conscience and bosom inspires him with when he remembers his
labors.
Brother Wheelock
has been like an angel among the churches in the old countries and they have
been strengthened in the work we are called to do. We did not stop to enquire
whether the plan was a feasible one or not, that was none of our business; and
when the word said hand carts, we understood it so.
Brothers
Van Cott, Grant, Kimball, Webb, and others have labored with all their mights
this season. I assure you it has been by some hard thinking, hard working, and
doing the best we could unitedly that we have accomplished what we have. But
our souls cannot be satisfied nor rest, until we feel assured that the brethren
and sisters now on the Plains are brought forward, and made as comfortable as
the circumstances of the case will admit of.
Before
leaving England, on the 26th of July, I had the pleasure of welcoming brothers
Pratt and Benson to that interesting and important field of labor. We had a
joyful Conference at Birmingham, and a Council of the general authorities of
the Church in those countries. Those brethren expressed themselves very
satisfactorily and cheeringly, as to the condition in which they received the
work at our hands; they spoke with great energy and power. The fire of the Lord
was felt through that Conference, and will be felt in all the Conferences
through the Pastors and Presidents who were with us, counseling on the
condition of the work of the Lord in the European missions. The cause of truth
is progressing there as well as here.
It gives
me great joy, on returning, to see what an advancement there is in the
increased out-pouring of the Spirit of God upon this people. Those that stay
here continually cannot so abundantly realize and appreciate this, as those can
who go out into the world for a season and return again.
I feel
thankful for the privilege of being with you to try to partake of that Spirit,
and improve with you in the work of reformation. I realize every time I go out
from you, that the works of darkness are more consolidated and powerful against
the cause of God on the earth, hence the Saints need increasing strength and
power. I feel joyful to come back here, and feel the spirit and influences that
are here.
The
brethren that abide here year after year, do not know the power that is in them
by the workings of the Holy Ghost, and the exercise of the holy Priesthood; but
when they get out in the field of battle, where they have to contend against
the adversaries of truth, then they can realize the strength of the Lord upon
them, they can realize that He is with them, and makes their labors successful.
It is, I
believe, as comforting a thought as the human soul can enjoy, to realize the
worth of home, while abroad in the world. When you were first called to receive
the Gospel, many of you were at once alienated from your homes and nearest
kindred, and have never found a place where you could feel at home, until you
found it among the Saints. This is the only home for the righteous on the
earth, and blessed is that Saint who can appreciate it, and enter into the
righteousness and power of it, and enjoy its benefits in their true light and
spirit.
I felt
to-day that I could love to sit and drink in the Spirit's gracious influences.
I could feel, while on my way in from the Weber, that there was a spirit here
watching over the people, such as is not to be found anywhere else on the face
of the earth. It is nourishing and cherishing to the servants of God, and the
whole Church in these mountains. How thankful we ought to be. The Lord has
brought His Zion here to strengthen her; to admonish, reprove, build up, and
prepare His Saints for the events that are coming. And I pray the Lord to give
us hearing ears and understanding hearts, that we may always have ready hearts
to do His will.
In ten
years past, last July, I have been sent to England on three missions; and out
of that ten years I have been absent from home something over seven. I have
made a good many acquaintances and friends in the old countries; I have labored
with joy in my field of labor, and God has blessed me. My heart has been, made
glad, and I have been enabled to bless others.
During
the last two years, we have sent out eight thousand Saints; and nearly double
that number have been added to the Church by baptism in that country. I fear
that I have almost become a stranger in Israel; there are but few that I am
acquainted with here, and it helps me to appreciate the privilege of getting
home, and of seeing brother Brigham and Heber, and Jedediah, and the Saints in
Zion.
The
Elders that go out to labor in the world, are from time to time called upon to
measure themselves, and they have labors and duties laid upon them that no man
can perform, except in the name of his God. And it behoves every man and woman
to strengthen themselves in the name of their God continually, to have their
armor on, and keep it bright, as the President said to us last night; I do not
intend to lay it off.
I thank
God for the strength He has given me among the nations; I praise His name for
these good brethren that were with me. I never labored with a company of
brethren with more joy, satisfaction, and good cheer; I mean these brethren who
went with me, Joseph A. Young, William H. Kimball, George D. Grant, and others.
They have been like the deer on the mountains to carry the expresses of the
Saints, and to render any and all kinds of help in hard times. They are men for
whom the Lord has much regard; and though their words might not come forth in
the same smooth shape as those of some men, yet they hit as hard when they were
called upon to chastize the wicked; and they also comforted those that needed
comfort.
They took
hold with me, shoulder-to-shoulder. I do not wish to take much credit to
myself, for what I have done has been accomplished in the name of the Lord; my
brethren out of the Office and in the Office helping me to their utmost. I
wonder and am astonished, when I think of what the Lord has brought His people
through in the last days. What would have put another people under ground, they
have surmounted by the influence and power of the Eternal.
Already
we are a great people, there is hardly room for us, yet we are but; as a drop
of the bucket to the great work before us which has yet to be done; and the
more there is accomplished the more we see there is to do, and doubtless it
will keep on so, worlds without end.
I want to
grow up with the Church: it fills my heart with praise, and melts me into
contrition, when I think I am called upon to engage in such a work. I wish to
employ all my energies and influence, everything I can control in its
interests. I ask the Lord to lend me the blessings and comforts of this life
for the time being, and to inspire me to use them to His glory, whether it be a
family, or earthly substance.
It is one
thing for a man to learn to live away from home, and to preach the Gospel and
magnify his calling there, and it is another thing for a man to learn to live
at home, and magnify his calling here. I want to obtain grace, that I may
magnify my calling at home and away from home, and I desire the continuation of
your confidence, love and faith, that I may live and wisely improve upon that
which is not my own; that in the end I may receive the true riches.
Concerning
the hand-cart companies this year, it is an experiment. We cannot yet tell you
exactly what it costs to come through in that way; but we know that it is going
to cost those on the other side of the mountains cold feet, and a great deal of
affliction and sorrow, unless we help them. The word to-day is, mules, wagons,
flour, shoes, and clothing. I entreat you, as you value yourselves, and the
interests of this people, do to those brethren and sisters that are out on the
Plains as you wish to be done by.
Many of
you have been permitted to live at home to enjoy the comforts of life, and you
have accumulated to yourselves wagons and teams, and now is a time for you to
do good with them. I feel to thank the Lord my God; my heart is full of
thanksgiving and praise to Him, for blessings be stowed upon me and upon His
people, while I have been gone. When we were crossing the Plains, men, women,
and children were destroyed, but the Lord has preserved us, and permitted us to
arrive in time to attend Conference.
May He
ever help us to appreciate His goodness unto us, and thereby we be led to do
good unto others so long as we dwell on the earth, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 6:274, 11/5/56 p2; JD 4:119]
REMARKS
By President Heber C. Kimball, Tabernacle, Oct. 5, 1856
_____
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
_____
There is
a little matter of business I wish to lay before this congregation this
morning, and I do not know of anything that will test the people only to lay
before them their duty, which gives them a chance to step forward and act
therein.
We have
not as yet any durable location; we are merely probationers in this present
state, and we shall always be so, until we obtain a permanent exaltation, by
following in the footsteps of our God. He is our Father and our God, and His
Son Jesus Christ is our Savior, and the Holy Ghost is to be our comforter, and
will comfort all those who will prepare their tabernacles as fit temples for
him to dwell in.
When the
Holy Ghost dwells in us it will enable us to discern between right and wrong,
will show us things to come, and bring things to our remembrance, and will make
every one of this people prophets and prophetesses of God.
We have
acknowledged brother Brigham to be our leader, and he holds the keys of the
kingdom of heaven here on the earth. Whether people believe it or not, he is
God's representative in the flesh, and is the mouth-piece of God unto us.
Brother
Joseph Smith many a time said to brother Brigham and myself and to others, that
he was a representative of God to us, to teach and direct us and reprove the
wrong doers. He has past behind the veil, but there never will a person in this
dispensation enter into the celestial glory without his approbation.
Brother
Brigham is brother Joseph's rightful successor, and he has his Counselors, and
together they are an earthly pattern of the divine order of government. Those
men are God's agents, His servants, and are witnesses of your covenants, which
you will have to fulfil. And what you do not fulfil in this year you will have to
do in the next; and what are not then fulfilled will have to be in some future
time.
Some
people think that, because they have passed through a great many troubles, have
been to the nations to preach the Gospel, and have been robbed and plucked up
several times, that will make an atonement for their sins. What you have passed
through has nothing to do with atonement for sins. If you have sinned you have
got to make an atonement for that sin, and the trials you have passed through
in doing your duty are not the atonement. Trials are to test you, to prove
whether you will do those things that are right. Some try to make out that
their trials will answer as an atonement, but I tell you that they will not. If
you commit sin there must be an atonement to satisfy the demands of justice,
and then mercy claims you and saves you. But, as brother Grant has said, many
of our old men think, because they were in the Church in the first beginning,
that they can now lay upon their oars, that is, that they can sit down in the
ship and not use the oars any more. But God requires every man and woman to be
faithful; and if they have sinned, they have got to make an atonement for that
sin, and your trials do not make that atonement.
God says
that we shall be tried in all things, even as was Abraham of old. He was called
upon to offer up, his son, and was found willing to offer him up, but, as the
sin was not sufficient to require the shedding of his son's blood, a lamb was
provided, and its blood atoned for the sin that Abraham's son was to be offered
up for, and saved the son.
If you
are ever saved, you have got to take a course to draw near to the throne of
God; and how can you draw near to the throne of God, except you draw near to
those men who are placed as His representatives in the flesh? The same
principles, the same order, the same Priesthood, the same gifts, and the same
powers are instituted, established and organized in our day as they were in the
days of Jesus, and all the reason that people do not see it is because of their
traditions; the veil of darkness is over their minds, and they cannot see it.
With all
the instructions that are given to you by brother Brigham, brother Heber, and
brother Jedediah, many of you will go home and find fault with them; and you
will have your contentions and your animosities, when you should take a course
to sustain their words, for you cannot sustain them without sustaining their
words, nor can you serve God and slight their counsels. If you expect the favor
of God, favor His servants and sustain them. This is plain doctrine, and you
will find it so, and I am not ashamed to teach it to you.
When
brother Brigham points out a course, it is for this people to rise up and go to
and carry out His purposes with their might; and until that is done this
kingdom never will prosper as it should, worlds without end.
Now I
will come to the business, and tell you what is wanted. Our brethren and
sisters are on the Plains with their hand-carts, and there is snow on the
ground, and many are bare-footed, and destitute of comfortable clothing, and we
want some men and teams to fix up this day, and be ready to start for them
to-morrow. We want horse and mule teams, if they can be had; but if they
cannot, we want ox teams.
We do not
wish you to take out loads, though it will be well to put in a couple or'
hundred pounds or so of forage, grain, &c., to two span of mules or horses,
or to two yoke of cattle, with a light wagon, and go speedily and take those
people into your wagons and bring them here, doing as you would wish to be done
by in the same circumstances.
Would not
all of you, if you were out on the Plains, say that if you were the good people
in the valleys you would go out and help them in? Would you not all feel so?
But you are not there, and you do not fully realize their feelings.
Now
manifest your faith by your works. You will not, probably, have to go any
further than Fort Bridger before you meet some of them, and you can go and
return in a week, or may be in two weeks, and may be in twenty days.
"O,
dear," says one, "I have not got up my winter's wood." Well, you
will not get it up by staying here, but if you will help in those on the Plains
and do all other things that you are required to do, God will give us a summer
all winter; and if you do not do so, He will give us winter all summer.
Our God
can change the seasons and drive away the storms, the tempest and the snows, to
favor this people, if they will do right; and if you wish to be favored of God,
favor us and this people; favor your brethren, and do as you are told.
Brother
Dan Jones has been talking to you about the clay in the hands of the potter. If
you get hold of a lump of clay that is snappish and wilful, and not willing
that you should twist it into any shape or form, what is the use of working it?
You throw it back into the mill and let it be ground again, and then take it
out and make of it a vessel unto honor.
Perhaps
some do not really believe that when a man is thrown back into the mill, or
goes into the spirit world, that he ever will be redeemed, but he will, if he
has not sinned against the Holy Ghost. He will be ground and worked up until he
becomes passive, and then God, through His servants, will redeem him, and make
him a vessel unto honor.
A great
many will go to hell, and the very men that are preaching to you now will visit
you and offer you salvation, after you have laid there, perhaps, thousands of
years, for you must stay in the mill until you are passive and obedient.
Jeremiah,
at the command of God, went to the potter's house where the potter was molding
the clay, and when he went to turn it on the wheel it was refractory and
rebellious; and he worked at it and sweat over it, but after all it was
rebellious, and fell down on the wheel.
What did
he do then? He cut it off from the wheel and threw it back into the mill, and
after he had ground it awhile, he took it out and made of it a vessel unto
honor; so of the same lump he made a vessel unto dishonor, and one unto honor.
Did the
potter make it dishonorable? No, the vessel made itself unto dishonor; and the
next time it; was pliable and passive, and the potter made of it a vessel unto
honor, because it was honorable and submissive.
I wished
to make these few remarks, because they touch upon things that are on my mind
all the time. And if you wish to be Saints, for God's sake be Saints, and if
you wish to be devils, be devils, and get out of this place; and let those that
will be Saints, be Saints; and let them commune together and carry out the
purpose of God.
I would
rather have three hundred men and women that are perfectly amenable to the
authorities of this Church, than a numerous people that are rebellious; and I
could do more to bring about the purposes of God, and do it ten times quicker,
with a few faithful persons, than with hosts of the wicked.
You know
this, every one of you. I can accomplish more work with one man that is
amenable to me, and will do as I tell him, than I can with twenty who are
disobedient; so I can with one woman. I had rather have one woman that is
humble, than twenty that are not; and she is more honor and glory, and
happiness and heaven to a man, than twenty disobedient ones.
You that
hare but one wife know this pretty well but we who have scores, know it better;
we are further advanced in the experience of this life.
Now,
brethren, what do you say? This is the word of the Lord to us, that we rise up
and gather up our teams and start forthwith, not with loads, except feed; take
hay and deposit it in different places, so that you can have some when you come
back, and bring in those brethren and sisters, and you will have a pleasant
time, and God and His angels will go with you, and you will be prospered,
upheld, and sustained.
That man
that drops down his head under his wife's arm, and says, "I guess they
don't see me;" and that wife that says, "O, my husband, I cannot
spare you, I cannot sleep alone, for when night comes I shall get cold ;"
O, the poor little things.
I say
that those who will take counsel and prepare themselves to go, back on this
mission shall be blest; and if a man has but one yoke of cattle, let him put
that on with those of some other person.
I now
want every man that will actually go and help, and not say he will go, and not
go, to rise up.
[One
hundred and fourteen teams were volunteered, and reported ready to start
forthwith.]
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 6:256, 10/15/56 p8]
REMARKS
By President Brigham Young, Bowery, forenoon of Oct. 5th,
1865.
_____
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT.]
_____
I feel
disposed to be as speedy as possible in our operations with regard to helping
our brethren who are now on the plains, consequently I shall call upon the
people forthwith for the help that is needed. I want them to give in their
names this morning. If they are ready to start on their journey tomorrow
morning, and not say, "I will go next week, or in ten days, or in a
fortnight hence," for I wish you to start tomorrow morning.
I want
the sisters to have the privilege of fetching in blankets, skirts, stockings,
shoes, &c., for the men, women and children that are in those handcart
companies. Great credit is due to the sisters of this community, for they are
much more ready to respond than the brethren; this I have proven. You recollect
when I called upon you to donate for the Indians; at that time the sisters
donated until I told them to cease, otherwise I do not know but that they would
have brought all they had.
Now there
are people of your own nation, country and color, who need your assistance, and
I will give you the privilege of bringing blankets, hoods, winter bonnets,
stockings, skirts, garments, and almost any description of clothing.
Our
brethren and sisters could not bring much with them on the plains, even if they
had had it. Some have left their clothing with the wagons, having hired their
baggage hauled. Now, sisters, when you go home, prepare forthwith and bring in
your offerings, and we will make this Tabernacle a place of deposit for them.
The
prophet spoke of tithes and offerings brought into the store-house of the Lord,
and we will make the donations of clothing an offering, also the sending out
our teams, furnishing flour, etc., to help the brethren in, and not call it
tithing.
I request
the elders of Israel who have been on missions abroad, also those that are now
on missions, to keep the Spirit of their missions, if they have it; do not lay
off your gospel armor. Laboring abroad is but a small portion of the good an
elder can do. If you have an interest for strangers and foreigners, those whom
you have never seen, why should you not have a greater interest for your
friends and neighbors, for your own families? I said to my son Joseph, this
morning, mingle not with those that you associated with previous to going on
your mission, unless they will follow you instead of your following them. I say
to my young brethren, to brs. William H. Kimball, George D. Grant, my son
Joseph and others, never associate with the rude and rattle-brained, unless
they will follow you instead of your following them.
Our
elders have got to take a stand to never follow the crowd, but to walk in the
footsteps of their Redeemer, and say to their former companions, "If you
wish to associate with me you are at liberty to do so upon righteous
principles, but I will not follow you."
Take that
stand, brethren, and keep your armor bright, for your spiritual labors are
wanted in this city and Territory more than they are in England. You can do
more good here than in England; and you want an increase of that faith that you
have possessed and needed while on your missions; you need it to increase day
by day. Then it will be here as Br. Franklin remarked when he said, "After
we have been gone two, three, or more years, when we return to our brethren we
can perceive an increase, whereas if we were to stay with them all the time we
cannot so readily perceive it."
If you
stay here you know but little about the increase of wickedness among the
wicked, of the sin and iniquity that are in the world. But go and spend a year
or two in the world, then come back here and spend a year or two and go again
among the wicked, and you can see an increase of wickedness among them. So it
is with the Saints; and the Saints are going one way while the wicked are going
another.
It is the
labor of the elders in Israel to gather out the righteous and gather up every
holy principle; and the faithful will be gathered together and Jesus will reign
over his people, and the devil over his; that will make the dividing line. Do
you not see that we form a dividing line, be gathering the good and letting the
bad remain outside.
It is the
practice of a great many, when they go to preach the gospel and return home to
lay off their armor, saying, "I have performed my duties; my mission is
done; my labors are at an end; I will lay off my armor." In a little while
they neglect praying in their families, forget secret prayers, perhaps tipple a
little, and meet with the friends they used to associate with, and the first they
know they are in the dark.
So it is
with many who come here for the first time. They have performed a great labor;
their duties have been hard upon them, and the feel, "Now we have got to
Zion; all is peace and safety, and we are secure." They lay off their armor,
forget their God and the covenants they have made with him, neglect their
prayers, and by and bye they have the spirit of apostasy.
Let every
man and woman understand that if they enjoy the faith of the gospel, here is
the place for you to enjoy more of it. Did I ever lay down my armor? Did I ever
lay down my watch? No. I appeal to the men of Israel that have known me almost
25 years in this church, did you ever see Br. Brigham when he had not a word
for the wicked and the righteous, a word of counsel for any and all? No, never.
My armor is on, and I keep it bright.
It is
your duty, just as much as it is mine, to labor faithfully. You think that the
First Presidency should take care of the church, and you say, "All is
peace, all is right; we have performed a good mission, and now let us return to
our former practices." If you do, the curse of God shall rest upon you.
This is an expression I seldom use.
The time
is approaching that the Saints must be Saints, or the curse of God will be upon
them and will follow them, and they will find it out. Destruction will be upon
them and they will waste away, and their wives and their children and their
substance, and they will be forgotten. "Mormonism" is not to be
trifled with. You who have on the armor of righteousness, keep it bright and
wear it day and night; never lay it off, not for a moment.
As for
labor, toils and suffering, I tell you that the person that keeps his eye upon
the mark never considers what he passes through, never thinks of it, whether it
be in walking and pulling hand-carts, or traveling on foot, going without food
and shelter, wandering to and fro, to labor for the people. Saints never think
of what they suffer or pass through, it never comes into their minds. I beg of
you, and pray you in Christ's stead, to hearken to what has been said to you,
and keep your armor on. Here is your home where you can be useful; and you that
have been useful here can be more useful. Plead with the Saints, plead with the
people, until we get this community prepared to receive more than they have.
As it was
observed by Br. Spencer, the Lord has blessings for the people; they might have
angels visit, if their lives had been according to their profession; and the
power of the Lord would have defended this people. But no, we must be driven
from land to land; why? Because we do not live our religion; that is the only
reason
If you
ask me whether the time will ever come when you may have the privilege of
laying off your armor, and ceasing that watchful care that we have now to keep;
not before the dividing line is drawn, and all Israel gathered and saved; not
before the wicked are thrust out, and Jesus Christ comes to take charge of the
church on earth. Then He will be seen in the midst of the congregation and will
give counsel; then we can behold his face and talk with him as we do with one
another; then the vail of darkness will be taken from the eyes of the people.
Until then we shall have to keep our armor on, and, figuratively speaking,
fight with sword in hand against our enemies all the time.
There is
not time to lay off our armor; there is not time enough to get drunk, if you
did but know it, from this time henceforth and for ever. And if men do get
drunk they must look out, or the devil will lead them captive at his will.
There is no time for us to lay off our gospel armor to spend an evening in a
dance, if we presume to take to ourselves that time, for such a course will
bring the power of Satan upon us, and the wrath of God will abide on us, if we
go to parties and dance, saying, "I will lay of my armor," in order
to do evil, and abuse yourselves and your cattle. You have not time to spend
one hour in any such way. You must keep your armor on, and stand with sword in
hand, from moment to moment, and fight the devils until we conquer them. Shall
we conquer? Yes, in the name of Israel's God we shall; you may safely rely on
that.
My
feelings are not deceiving me, and the Lord is not deceiving me or this people.
We have to be a righteous people on the earth; we must repent of our
backslidings and wickedness, and live to the glory of God.
You have
no time allotted to you to lay down your armor, until the dividing line is
drawn between the righteous and the wicked, and Jesus personally takes the
reigns of government on this earth. Then you will have no desire to sin, but
will live in the light of the Lord; and that is what the Lord is trying to
bring this people to. Will we walk up and receive the blessings that are for
us? Yes.
I now
want brethren to come forward, for we need 40 good teamsters to help the
brethren on the plains; you may rise up now and give your names.
[6 Oct, 10 am*]
[DNW 6:256, 10/15/56 p8]
MINUTES
OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, CONVENED IN THE BOWERY ADJOINING THE NORTH END OF THE TABERNACLE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, AND COMMENCING MONDAY, OCTOBER 6,1856 AT 10 A.M.
President Brigham Young presiding.
On the stand: -
Presidents Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Jedediah M. Grant:
Of the Twelve Apostles - W. Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow and F. D. Richards:
Seventies - Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, A. P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp and Horace S. Eldredge:
High Priests' Quorum - John Young, President:
Presiding Bishop, Edward Hunter;
Patriarchs - John Young and isaac Morley:
Presidency of the Stake - David Fullmer, President:
Clerk of Conference - Leo Hawkins:
Reporters - Geo. D. Watt and J. V. Long.
Called to order by President D. Fullmer.
Singing by the Choir.
[Pres. Brigham Young]
Pres. Brigham Young stated that the Semi-annual Conference was now open, and that the first business was to forthwith start assistance to those now on the plains. Called upon those who were willing to go, or send teams, to come to the stand and report; saying that if there were not enough teams, teamsters, &c., volunteered, he would close the conference, and, with br. Kimball, start back to help those companies.
Pres. Kimball remarked, It is moved and seconded that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Jedediah M. Grant go back to help the P. E. Fund Emigrants. Unanimously negatived.
Pres. B. Young spoke upon the necessity of a reformation among the Saints.
Pres. Kimball called on the blacksmiths in the congregation to retire; as they were wanted to shoe the horses and repair the wagons of those about to start to assist the brethren on the plains.
He then presented the authorities of the church as follows:
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. Heber C. Kimball, First counselor, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. Jedediah M. Grant, Second counselor, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Chas. C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Fanklin D. Richards, members of said Quorum.
John Smith, (eldest son of Hyrum) Presiding Patriarch.
John Young, President of the High Priests' Quorum.
Joseph Young, Levi W. Hancock, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp and H. S. Eldredge, Presiding Presidents over all the Seventies.
John Nebeker, President of the elders' Quorum; James H. Smith and Aaron Sceva his counselors.
Daniel Spencer, President of this Stake of Zion; David Fullmer and Thomas Rhoads his counselors.
Heman Hyde, Eeleazer Miller, Phinehas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Daniel Carn and Ira Ames, members of the High Council.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop of the whole church; Leonard W. Hardy and Jesse C. Little his counselors.
Lewis Wight, President of the Priests' Quorum; William Whiting and Wm. Smith, his counselors.
McGee Harris, President of the Teachers' Quorum; Adam Spiers and David Bowman his counselors.
Alexander Herron, President of the Deacon's Quorum; John S. Carpenter and Frederic A. Mitchell, his counselors.
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works.
Truman O. Angel, Architect for the Church.
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor; H. C. Kimball, W. Woodruff, O. Hyde, G A. Smith, E. T. Benson, J. M. Grant, D. H. Wells, Edward Hunter, Daniel Spencer, Thomas Bullock, John Brown, Wm. Crosby, A. Lyman, C. C. Rich, Lorenzo D. Young, P. P. Pratt, O. Pratt, F. D. Richards, and Daniel Macintosh, his Assistants, and agents for said fund.
George A. Smith, Historian and General Church Recorder; W. Woodruff, his Assistant.
Not one negative vote was given.
[Prest. Grant]
Prest. Grant spoke upon the necessity of every man's having the Holy Ghost, at all times, and in all places.
Prest. Kimball said, it is proposed to divide the 18th ward by 2nd East Temple street. - Carried unanimously.
Carried unanimously, that John Sharp be Bishop of that ward, and that it be designated the 20th ward.
[Prest. Kimball]
Prest. Kimball addressed the congregation.
Prest Kimball moved that Seth Taft be dropped from his Bishopric. Carried unanimously.
Prest. B. Young made a few remarks.
Singing by the choir.
Benediction by Prest. Joseph Young.
[6 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 6:256, 10/15/56 p8]
Oct 6, 2 P.M.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Elder E. Ellsworth.
Singing by the choir.
[Elder C. H. Wheelock]
Elder C. H. Wheelock expressed his feelings on returning to the valleys of the mountains, and while on his mission.
[Elder James Ferguson]
Elder James Ferguson bore testimony to the truth of Elder Wheelck's remarks in relation to the hand-carts, and appealed to the Saints in behalf of those who are still on the road.
[Elder W. C. Dunbar]
Elder W. C. Dunbar sung a 'Hand-cart song,' and spoke of the joy and happiness that he had experienced, while engaged in traveling and preaching for the last 14 or 15 years, and of the increased wickedness in the world and righteousness in these valleys.
[Elder Edward Bunker]
Elder Edward Bunker sketched the travels of his hand-cart company, and alluded to their having been led by the Lord all the way.
Elder Ellsworth sung, 'Hand-carts rolling.'
[Elder C. G. Webb]
Elder C. G. Webb said he had assisted to make the carts, and believed that they could be made to run one eighth easier, and at the same time be much stronger; spoke of the unfavorable circumstances under which the companies started this year, also of the good influence of the brethren in Iowa City.
Singing by the choir.
Elder Lorenzo Snow requested the returned missionaries to meet elder F. D. Richards on the stand, immediately at the close of the meeting.
Benediction by Lorenzo Snow.
Adjourned to to-morrow at 9 a. m.
[6 Oct, 6 pm]
[DNW 6:256, 10/15/56 p8]
6 P. M.
A large number assembled in the Tabernacle,
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Elder John Banks.
Singing.
[Elder W. Woodruff]
Elder W. Woodruff spoke in relation to the hand-cart companies, and on the necessity of reformation.
[Wilford Woodruff]
[DNW 6:298, 11/26/56 p2; JD 4:94]
REMARKS
By
Elder Wilford Woodruff, Tabernacle, Monday Evening, Oct. 6, 1856.
——
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG.]
——
Brethren and
sisters, I feel to take the liberty of occupying a few moments in expressing
some few of my feelings. I have heard all the brethren that have spoken for
several days past. I have heard them say that it was with great difficulty that
they expressed their feelings, and I did not wonder at this, for any one who
will reflect upon the state of the world and the kingdom of God upon the earth,
and the dealings of God with us, will be filled with feelings and reflections
which they cannot express. No man could listen to what we have heard to-day and
yesterday, and I may say for the past month, without having many feelings in
reference to the condition of the people, Church, and kingdom of God. There is
no man that has been acquainted in this Church and kingdom, that has felt any
responsibility resting upon him, that has any desire in relation to the
gathering of Israel, that has beheld with his eyes for the last week or two,
and that has listened to our brethren, but must have felt that the Spirit of
God has been with them.
I have a
desire to bear my testimony with my brethren, for I feel thankful to God for
His blessings auto us, and unto our brethren who have journeyed on foot to the
valleys. My heart was filled with joy on listening to our returned missionaries
who have told of the dealings of God with them. I have been much edified and
interested in listening to the testimony of our returned missionaries.
When I
first met the train of hand-carts my soul was full, the scene was overwhelming,
our hearts were swollen, as brother Kimball said, till they felt as though they
were as big as a two bushel basket. Was it sorrow that produced this? No, but
joy; and why so? Because it looked as if the very flood gates of deliverance
were opened, and as if we could say to the starving millions, "Come home
to Zion, and improve the opportunity that is now open, and renew your
covenants, reform yourselves in your lives and conduct."
President
Brigham Young has talked about this plan for some time before it came before
the public; he has felt that an improvement and change must take place in
relation to the gathering of the people, as well as a reformation of life of
all those who were gathered.
Whatever
counsel the Presidency of this Church have been led to give unto this people,
it has been dictated by the Spirit and power of God, and our safety and
salvation lies in obeying that counsel and putting it into practice. We should
learn to listen to the operation and manifestation of the Spirit of Truth.
When
President Young launched forth into the wilderness, leading the pioneer camp to
seek a new location and home as a resting place for the Saints, there were many
men that fell as though it was a wild speculation, they thought it was taking a
stand that was dangerous, but were they men of faith? They might well feel so
if they had not the Spirit of God, but all those that were governed and
controlled by the right spirit, felt as he did, and that God was leading him,
and that he would lead the people right; and it is so with the hand-cart
trains.
We should
learn a lesson by this hand-cart operation as we should by every other
operation of the servants of God. I know how it looks to the Saints, but
"Mormonism" to men that have not the Spirit of God is a great mystery
and a strange work indeed, they do not understand the ways or work of God; it
looks to them like leading the people to destruction; but in all cases where
destruction comes in all ages of the world, it is where the counsels of the
Prophets of God are not fully carried out, but where the people deviate in some
measure from their counsel. And this was fully manifest in the days of the
ancient Prophets as well as in our day.
The word
of the Lord and the words of His servants have been proved many times, and that
before our eyes; our leaders were led by the Spirit of God, and I can bear
testimony that our Prophets and leaders have the Spirit of the Lord, and they
are clothed upon with the holy Priesthood of God, and all the powers and keys
thereof, and with the holy anointing, and are fully authorized and qualified to
build up the kingdom of God upon the earth; they are inspired by the very same
spirit that the ancients were; they want to build up the kingdom of God, this
is their object.
When I
saw brother Ellsworth come into this city covered with dust and drawing a hand
cart, I felt that he had gained greater honor than the riches of this world
could bestow, and he looked better to me than he would have done had he been
clothed with the most costly apparel that human ingenuity can produce; he
looked better, I say, to me, than a man adorned with jewels and finery of every
description. The honor any man can obtain by his faithfulness in this cause and
kingdom is worth far more than all the honors and riches of the world.
The
Elders of this Church have been inspired while on their missions abroad among
the nations of the earth; they have had the Spirit of the Lord, and they have
borne it forth among the people, and we can see the spirit by which they have
been governed in their works. I feel thankful that the Lord has heard our
prayers in their behalf, for these men have been remembered; there has not been
a prayer offered up by a man or a woman in Israel who have enjoyed the Spirit
of the Lord, but they have offered their prayers and exercised their faith in
behalf of and in favor of those men; they have prayed for the "hand-cart
company," that they might be strong and be able to perform their duties,
and we have prayed that they might be preserved from cholera, from sickness,
and from the power of the destroyer; and these prayers have ascended up on high
and entered into the ears of the God of Sabaoth, and our brethren have felt the
power of them; they felt, as brother Ellsworth said he felt, viz., that they
had the prayers and faith of their friends in Zion.
Do I look
upon these brethren and sisters that come in with hand-carts with any less
degree of respect than I should if they had come with horses, with dromedaries,
with mules and swift beasts? No, I do not; but I feel that they have
accomplished a good work in thus centring to Zion, in the way the Presidency
have pointed out.
I feel to
rejoice also to see the Spirit and power of God poured out so powerfully upon
the Presidency of the Church and those who have been faithful either at home,
or those who have been on missions abroad.
The
Presidency of the Church are calling upon us as a people to repent and put off
our sins. It is right, it is just that we should awake and reform, for we have
go; to have the same spirit; we have to wake up from the deep sleep and
slumbering condition in which we find ourselves. We must arise to a sense of
our position and to understand the signs of the times, and become acquainted
with what the Lord requires at our hands.
I am
satisfied, and have been for some length of time, that the Lord would open some
way of relief for the poor Saints; it would require all the Saints that are
upon the earth with their means—I was going to say that it would require all
the means in the world to bring the poor in the way they have been gathering.
There must be a change in the way of the gathering, in order to save them from
the calamities and the scourges that are coming upon the wicked nations of the
earth. It would require more gold than all the Saints possess upon the earth,
to gather the Saints unto Zion from all nations in the way they have been gathering,
but now the hand-cart operation has been introduced to this people, it will
bring five here to where one has been brought heretofore.
I rejoice
in all those men who have stood up to their posts as men of God and
defended the words of His servants, and assisted in carrying out their plans
and designs in gathering the people from the nations; they have been inspired
by the power of the great God, and they have carried the words of His servants
into operation with success, and had it not been so, the devil would have
gained a great victory over the Saints; they have conquered, and this has been
the case in every operation that we as a people have taken in hand under the
direction of the servants of God.
The
moment that you take in hand any new operation in the kingdom of God, that
moment you have to renew your warfare, and the Saints will find that wherein
they undertake any new enterprise and are sent to the nations of the earth, the
devil will be up against them. Look how he raged when the Prophet Joseph
commenced preaching upon this continent, and then again when we went from this
country to Europe, it seemed as if all hell was let loose. As soon as brothers
Kimball and Hyde arrived in England, all the devils in Europe, or in England at
any rate, were let loose upon them, and it was precisely the same in London
when the brethren went there; and I will say still further, it has been so in
every place.
I thank
God that those men that, have been appointed to lead these hand-carts have been
filled with the Holy Spirit, and have had courage and faith to carry out the
plan designed by the servants of the Almighty. It is an omen, not only to the
Jews, but to the Gentiles; it shows them that there is a God in Israel whose
power and Priesthood have been commited into the hands of men upon the earth,
and their works cause "the wisdom of the wise to perish, and the
understanding of the prudent to be hid;" and this power and principle is
felt by the great and the mighty among men.
I feel
thankful that the Lord has preserved our brethren the missionaries, and that
they have been permitted to return to our midst, and that we have the privilege
of greeting them, and that we can rejoice together in the goodness and mercy of
God.
I wish to
say a few words to the Elders. I suppose we are all Elders; do you teach your
families the way of life and salvation? Do you teach your wives and children
the counsel of God? We should impress upon the minds of our children the evil
consequences of committing sin or breaking any of the laws of God, they should
be made to understand that by doing wrong they will inherit sorrow and
tribulation which they can easily escape by doing right, and they should learn
this principle by precept without learning sorrow and affliction by experience
from doing wrong.
We as a
people should be humble, be prayerful, be submissive to the powers that be,
that we may receive the promised blessings of our Heavenly Father.
I want
now to say a few words upon the subject of our reformation. The Presidency have
called upon us to reform our ways, to renew our covenants, and to commence to
live the lives of Saints. I take this liberty because I have the the
opportunity of speaking to you. I say then that they have called upon us to put
on the whole armor, to reform our conduct. Men having authority have called
upon us to forsake our wickedness and our follies, and I may here say that the
Presidency have preached to the people in this Territory, not only for the last
month, but for the last year, and I have thought that it was a good deal like
throwing a ball against a rock, it did not penetrate but hounded back, but they
have told us that we were asleep as a people, and we have been told of the
condition that we are in by the Prophets of God, and as brother Grant has said,
we may take the Church as a body with the Priesthood, with but few exceptions,
and we have been asleep. What! should the Apostles of Jesus Christ go to sleep,
men who ought to have their minds upon nothing else but the things of the
kingdom of God? No, they should not, they should not be asleep, but they have
not always felt as they should feel.
You may
take the Twelve, and the Seventies, and High Priests, and all the other
quorums, except the First Presidency, and they have been more or less asleep. I
believe the First Presidency have been awake or they would not have known that
we were asleep, and they now think that it is time for us to awake and arise
from our slumbers, and I feel so too.
I will
tell you how I feel about it; men bearing the Priesthood of God, it is a solemn
truth, and you know it as well as I do, that almost all the male members in
this land bear the holy Priesthood of the Most High, and yet at the same time
we have had more stealing, more lying, more swearing in one year than there
should have been in a thousand: we have had more stealing here in Utah than has
been for our credit, and when you have taken up that you may also take up every
other sin and pile them up together and what is our condition before God? Why,
we have violated our covenants which we made at the waters of baptism. What is
the use then of our saying that we have been righteous, that we have been holy,
when we have actually been in a sound sleep, when we have been so much out of
the way? It is house whatever, and the time of sifting and purifying the Saints
has come, and for one I am willing to put on the garment, and keep it on, until
we burn out all the evil that exists.
Why will
we suffer our hearts to be set upon the things of the world, when they should
be upon the Lord and the building up of His kingdom? And as long as the angels
are ready to write down our actions, and the Spirit of God is taken away from
the nations of the earth, and they are filled with wickedness and abominations
of every kind, and the judgments of God are ready to fall upon the earth, for
"Hell has enlarged herself. and the pomp and glory of the world will
descend lute it." And where should men be awake if not here in Zion?
It is our
duty, brethren, to live in that way and manner before our God, that we will
find no difficulty in administering in any of the ordinances of the kingdom of
God; we should live so that the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost will rest
down upon us; we should humble ourselves before the Lord in our closets, and
live day by day, so that we can know what is right and what is wrong, and when
the Presidency give us any instruction or charge, to live so that we will be
ready to follow their counsel.
I believe
that the majority of the people are ready to wake up; I believe that they
already begin to feel the reformation spirit in them, and it is certainly time,
for there are great events at our door, and I likewise feel that we will have
as much labor upon our hands as we will be able to perform; it is a great and
an important day that we live in, and when we look upon the work of the Lord as
Elders, as High Priests, as Seventies, and, as men should who bear the
Priesthood, we should never be asleep, but be ever ready to do the work of God,
and to build up His kingdom, for the day is now come when we must awake and
become the friends of God; we must not allow anything to stand between us and
our God, or we shall be cut off.
There has
been a great deal among us which has been wrong, and for which we have been
reproved, and will not hand the garments to my neighbor, but I will give every
one their due, and take that portion to myself which belongs to me. It has been
a custom at times when reproofs have been given, and the garment would fit a
man, to hand it to his neighbor, but I know that but few of us will escape.
I know
that I can take the reproof to myself, and I consider that it is one of the
greatest victories for a man to gain, to learn how to control himself. Show me
a man that does control himself and I will show you a safe man; or a man that
has prepared himself by this principle is on the road to salvation. A man that
is prepared to lay all that he hath upon the altar, and his life with it, for
the Gospel's sake and the kingdom of God, is in the right way, but the moment
that we teach a doctrine that we do not practise we show our weakness. The
moment a man or a woman becomes angry they show a great weakness, and so it is
with any of us when we do anything wrong.
I feel,
as President Young said, that our Father in heaven is touched with the feelings
of our infirmities, and when I have looked at the magnitude of the work, and
the nature of our Priesthood, and the authority and responsibility which rests
upon us and upon all the hosts of Israel, I have felt oftentimes to mourn and
weep over the passions and follies to which man is subject in this life.
If men
could see and understand their relationship to God, and the position they
occupy, they would not see one moment of their lives that they would desire to
do a wrong thing, but they would pursue a straightforward course, they would
avoid all kinds of evil words and improper expressions.
What was
intended by the establishment of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Was it for men to
become darkened and sleepy? No, for the moment that we do we come under
condemnation. I stay, then, that we have all been reproved by our brethren. I
speak of the reproofs given because they have been among the things foremost
before our brethren, who have preached to us for some time past.
I feel
that this call of repentance and baptism for the remission of our sins is an
important one, and that we cannot again go to sleep with impunity, and I feel
that inasmuch as we will walk in the light, awake from our slumber, repent of
our sins, we shall receive the blessings of the Gospel of Christ, and all
things that pertain to the kingdom of our God.
These
things that God has given to us through our Prophets, will prove the savor of
life unto life, or of death unto death.
When I
was a boy, there was an old man used to visit at my father's house; his name
was Robert Mason, and I heard teachings from him from the time that I was eight
years old and upwards, and they were teachings that I shall ever remember, and
he taught my father's household many important truths concerning the Church and
kingdom of God, and told them many things in relation to the Prophets and the
things that were coming upon the earth, but his teachings were not received by
but few, they were unpopular with the Christian world, but nearly all that did
receive his teachings have joined the Latter-day Saints. Prophets were not
popular in that day any more than now, and I have often thought of many things
which the old man taught me in the clays of my youth since I received the fulness
of the Gospel and became a member of the Church of Christ.
He said,
"When you read the Bible do you ever think that what you read there is
going to be fulfilled? The teachers of the day," said he,
"spiritualize the Bible, but when you read in the Bible about the dreams,
visions, revelations and predictions of Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, or any other
of the Prophets or Apostles, relative to the gathering of Israel and the
building up of Zion, where they say that Israel shall be gathered upon
litters, swift beasts and dromedaries, you may understand that it means just
what it says, and that it will be fulfilled upon the earth in the last days.
And when you read of men laying hands upon the sick and healing them, and
casting out devils and working miracles in the name of Jesus Christ, it means
what it says." And he further said "The Church of Christ and kingdom
of God is not upon the earth, but it has been taken from the children of men
through unbelief, and because they have taken away from the Gospel some of its
most sacred ordinances, and have instituted in their stead forms and ceremonies
without the power of God, and have turned from the truth unto fables,
but," said he, "it will soon be restored again unto the children of
men upon the earth, with its ancient gifts and powers, for the Scriptures
cannot be fulfilled without it; but I shall not live to see it, but," said
he to me, "you will live to see that day, and you will become a
conspicuous actor in that kingdom, and when you see that day, then that which
the Prophets have spoken will be fulfilled.
And as
brother Van Colt said about his father and grandfathers, that they did not join
any church, it was so with me; I did not join any church, believing that the
Church of Christ in its true organization did not exist upon the earth, but
when the principles of the everlasting Gospel were first proclaimed unto me, I
believed it with all my heart, and was baptized the first sermon I heard, for
the Spirit of God bore testimony to me in power that it was true.
And I
believe that I should never have joined any Church had I not heard some men
preach who had the holy Priesthood. But when I heard the fulness of the Gospel,
I was greatly blessed in receiving it, and was filled with joy unspeakable, and
I have never been sorry, but I have rejoiced all the day long, and when I saw
that train of hand-carts, I thought of the teaching and words of the old
prophet Mason, for he came the nearest to being a true Prophet of God in his
predictions and works of any man I ever saw, until I saw men administering in
the holy Priesthood.
He also
east out devils in the name of Jesus Christ, by the laying on of hands and the
prayer of faith. "But," said he, "I have no right to administer
in the ordinances of the Gospel, neither has any man unless he receives it by
revelation from God out of heaven, as did the ancients. But if my family or
friends are sick, I have the right to lay hands upon them, and pray for them in
the name of Jesus Christ, and if we can get faith to be healed, it is our
privilege; and I will here say that many were healed through his faith and
prayers, and that, too, within my knowledge." And when that first
hand-cart company came into the city, I, indeed, thought of the old prophet,
for if they did not come with litters it was as near as possible to it, and I
now believe that from this time forth hand-carts will be used more than horses,
mules, and oxen.
I thank
God that I have lived to see this day and generation, and I pray God to bless
you and me, that we may do our duty in our families, and among our friends, and
in our neighborhoods, and in every circumstance in which we are placed. I also
feel thankful to see our brethren and sisters coming in, and especially the
missionaries, for they have returned filled with the gifts and powers of the
Holy Ghost; it does my soul good, and I feel to thank God for these things.
When I
came into the Tabernacle, and saw the offerings that were made, I felt satisfied
that there was an improvement; and I will say here that whenever the Prophets
who lead us call upon us, we should be ready and on hand to take hold of that
wheel which he points to and pull, and when we get the spirit of our calling,
and the power of God upon us, the Church and kingdom will grow. As President
Young said, the vail will be rent, and when the armies of Gog and Magog arise,
they will say, let us not go against Israel to battle, for her sons are
terrible, and we cannot stand.
If we as
a people follow the counsel of the Presidency of this Church, repent of our
sins, wake up, do our duty, keep on the armor of righteousness, live our
religion, and are filled with the Holy Ghost, we shall soon see that sinners in
Zion will tremble, and fearfulness will surprise the hypocrite.
I feel to
bless you, brethren and sisters, and pray that we may do our duty in all
things, and ever honor the Priesthood, and at last be crowned in the Church and
kingdom of God; I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Elder John Banks]
Elder John Banks rehearsed some of his experience, while on his mission in the States.
[Elder David Grant]
Elder David Grant made a few remarks.
Br. Willes sung 'This new land of ours.'
[Prest. Grant]
Prest. Grant delivered a brief and powerful sermon on reformation.
Benediction by "Elder Edmund Ellsworth.
_____
[7 Oct, 9 am]
[DNW 6:256, 10/15/56 p8]
Oct. 7, 9 A. M.
Prest. Kimball, counseled the assembly to keep as still and quiet as possible.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by prest. Grant.
Singing by the choir.
[Elder Daniel D. McArthur]
Elder Daniel D. McArthur spoke on the necessity for the Saints to live a prayerful life.
[Elder james McGaw]
Elder James McGaw spoke of the benefits of the hand-cart system of emigration.
[Elder France]
Elder France related incidents of his travels since leaving the valleys, and his experience while on his mission in England.
[Elder David Grant]
Elder David Grant addressed the congregation for a short time.
Prest. Kimball requested the missionaries, who have lately returned, to come to the stand.
Elder W. C. Dunbar sung 'Oh Zion, dear Zion.'
[Elder Spicer W. Crandall]
Elder Spicer W. Crandall spoke of the blessings enjoyed by the hand-cart company under Elder D. D. McArthur, to which he was attached.
Elder W. C. Dunbar sung, 'We are going to dwell in famed Utah.'
[Elder N. H. Felt]
Elder N. H. Felt alluded, in brief, to his mission with Elder Taylor to establish 'The Mormon.'
Elder J. D. T. McAllister sung the 'Cricket song.'
Singing by the choir.
Benediction by Elder D. Spencer.
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 6:256, 10/15/56 p8]
2 P. M.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Patriarch John Young.
Singing by the choir.
[Elder John McDonald]
Elder John McDonald made a few remarks relative to his mission.
[Patriarch John Young]
Patriarch John Young referred to the 1st conference held in this valley 9 years ago today, and contrasted it with the present.
[Elder H. W. Church]
Elder H. W. Church testified to the truth of the work we are engaged in.
[Elder Canute Peterson]
Elder Canute Peterson gave an account of his mission to Norway, and at Prest. Kimball's request, addressed the congregation in Norwegian.
[Elder Wm. Butler]
Elder Wm. Butler related some of his experience, while on his mission to england.
[Elder Boley]
Elder Boley spoke upon his mission in Pennsylvania.
[Elder E. Ellsworth]
Elder E. Ellsworth bore testimony to the truth of the work of the Lord, and that Joseph, Brigham, Heber and Jedediah were Prophets of the Lord.
Br. John Woolley was voted to be Bishop of the 9th ward
Proposed that the missionaries who have just returned go and strengthen their brethren throughout the Territory of Utah. Carried unanimously.
[Prest Kimball]
Prest. Kimball gave a few words of advice to the missionaries.
Prest. B. Young mooved that the conference adjourn to April 6th, 1857, at 10 a. m. at this place.
Prest. Grant called upon the Bishops and all other persons to live their religion.
Prest. B. Young exhorted the people to let the words of br. Grant sink into their hearts and stay there; and blessed the congregation in the name of the Lord.
Elder W. C. Dunbar sung, 'I would be a Mormon.'
The choir sung, 'Awake, put on thy strength, Oh Zion.'
Prest. B. Young closed the conference with prayer.
6-9 Apr 1857, General
Conference, Bowery, Great Salt Lake CIty.
[Deseret News Weekly 7:43-44, 4/15/57 p3, 4]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 7:43, 4/15/57 p3]
Minutes
of the General Conference
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, CONVENED IN THE BOWERY ADJOINING THE NORTH END OF THE TABERNACLE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, AND COMMENCING MONDAY, APRIL 6, 1857, AT 10 A.M.
President Brigham Young presiding.
On the Stand; Presidents Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells;
Of the Twelve Apostles: Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards;
Seventies: Joseph Young, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp and Levi W. Hancock
High Priests: John Young, President;
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter;
Patriarchs: John Smith, John Young, Isaac Morley;
Presidency of the Stake: Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer and Thomas Rhoads;
Clerk of Conference: Leo Hawkins;
Reporters: Geo. D. Watt and John V. Long.
Called to order by President Brigham Young.
The Clerk read the following hymn, which was sung by the choir: -
A HYMN OF THANKFULNESS.
——
BY W. G. MILLS.
——
Mighty God of Zion, hear us,
Fervently our prayers we raise;
Shades of sin and death were near us,
And we walked in folly's ways;
But to spare us
Thou again hast shown us grace.
Day and night thy prophets
seeking
Our eternal interest,
By thy Holy Spirit speaking
Our degraded state express'd;
And awaking
We ourselves and sins detest.
Now we thank thee, precious
pardon
To the sinner thou dost give;
And the heart that will not harden
In his sins, may turn and live;
Gracious Guardian,
Our deep gratitude receive.
Help us by thy Holy Spirit
All our cov'nants to fulfill;
We will live and seek to inherit
All the blessings of thy will,
And inherit
Bliss with thee on Zion's hill.
Prayer by President Heber C. Kimball.
Singing by the choir.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young mentioned the various items that would probably engage the attention of the Conference.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 7:44, 4/15/57, p4; JD 4:302]
REMARKS
By President Brigham Young, at the opening of the
conference, April 6, 1857.
If you
will now give me your attention strictly, I will lay before you some items of
business for the consideration and action of this Conference.
I trust
that we have come here for the purpose of acceptably presenting ourselves
before the Lord, to transact business for the building up of His kingdom in
this our day, with pure hearts and fervent desires to magnify the name of our
God, that we may be useful and have power to establish peace and righteousness
upon the earth.
Our
religion is first and foremost with us, it is of the greatest importance of all
in this generation, for in it is incorporated the acts and doings of the Saints
in the ordinances of the house of God, to promote His kingdom upon the earth,
to sustain ourselves, gather Israel, redeem Zion, build up Jerusalem, and
prepare for the coming of the Son of Man.
The items
of business before this Conference may be considered texts for the Elders who
may speak here to preach upon, though if they wish to exhort the brethren, to
relate a portion of their experience, or tell a dream or a vision, they have
the privilege. But our Conferences are more particularly for the transactions
of business, for the furtherance of the kingdom of God on the earth.
I will
first present the subject of prosecuting our labours and operations for
building the Temple, under our present circumstances and future prospects. We
have deemed it wise and expedient to prepare for bringing the rock for that
building from quite a distance, in boats, which will be much cheaper than
hauling it in wagons, and thus far facilitate the erection of the Temple.
I will
next cite your memories to a mass meeting that was held in the Tabernacle
upwards of a year ago, to take into consideration the propriety and expediency
of establishing an Express and Carrying Company to operate between here and the
States to the east, and California to the west. That Company has now commenced
its business operations. Three companies have already left this city, and the
particular object in view is to establish places where our brethren can stop
and rest, recruit and refresh themselves until they can continue their journey
and arrive in this valley. Our main object is to make settlements and raise
grain at suitable points and convenient distances, where we can prepare resting
places for the Saints. The last season's immigration I think has prompted us
materially to this action. If we had had settlements at Deer Creek, La Bonte,
below Laramie, and on the Sweet Water, where people can raise grain, our last
year's belated immigration might have had habitations, food, and other
conveniences for comfortably tarrying through the winter, and thus saved this
community a vast expense. This Express Company will be laid before this
Conference, so that you will have an understanding of it, that you may act
knowingly, and give your faith, influence, and means to accomplish the object
of its organization.
We are
calling quite a number to go on missions, and are appointing a portion of them
to visit the Canadas. We have a great many Elders labouring throughout Europe,
but more especially in England, and the Canadas are mostly settled by the same
classes of people. True there has formerly been much preaching in that region,
and many churches raised up, especially in Upper or Canada West, but many have
emigrated to the States and are now with us, and I do not know of an Elder in
this Church now labouring in either of the Canadas. We wish to send a company
to labour there, and gather out the honest in heart.
I would
also propose sending missionaries to the States, if we could by accident, or by
foreknowledge, or by revelation, or by any other means, select and spare from
here the right kind of men; in that case we would like to send a good many
there. My reasons are these; there are honest people by thousands, and scores
of thousands in the States, those who have never yet heard the sound of the
Gospel. There are also scores of places where branches have been raised up, but
the inhabitants have so changed that they now hardly know what you mean when
you say "Mormon" or "Mormonism," and when you talk
about the preaching of the everlasting Gospel, it is almost forgotten by the
few that are still remaining in those places. Other people occupy the place of
those who have left, of those who had been preached to, and children have grown
up and taken the place of their parents; others have moved away, and strangers
have moved in. There are honest people there, and if we could get Elders, to
use a western phrase, of "The right stripe," we could gather
multitudes from the United States. For an example, we sent brother John Taylor
to New York with a number of Elders to preach, labour, and assist him. Some of
them tarried in New York with brother Taylor, visited their families,
connections, friends, &c. for a time, and returned. They did not baptize
any; with them, "There was no call for preaching, no place to sow the
seed, or distribute the good word of God; they could not find any who wanted to
hear them preach or who wished to know anything of the Gospel," while at
the same time others who felt for the interest of the kingdom and for the
people, stepped forth, and laboured like men, and found plenty of chances for
preaching.
Brother
Jeter Clinton was one of the last named class. Brother Taylor sent him to
Philadelphia, and when he got there, those who professed "Mormonism"
were dead, dead, dead; they wore withered and twice plucked up by the roots.
Brother Clinton had not been there six months before the the Church numbered a
great many more than when he went there. The old members revived, and they
began to baptize and to have calls from the country, and when he left he could
probably have employed from ten to thirty Elders in his field of labour.
The
secret of the difference is this, he felt for the kingdom, and when he went
into his field of labour he did not say, "O, how lonesome I am, how
I wish I had my family here; I really wish I was back in the valley; my spirits
are cast down; how bad I do feel." When such persons endeavor to preach,
their preaching is as dry as an old, dead, dried up, three years old mullen
stalk; there is no more juice in them than there is in that.
Brother
Alexander Robbins is a man of that description, and although he is naturally a
good kind and feeling man, one that I think much of, yet when he spoke from
this stand at the last fall's Conference, he was as perfectly void of sap or
juice as any one of those dry posts, and I reproved the spirit he seemed to
manifest. He sat quietly down in New York with brother Taylor, until he became
so dried up that he came home disbelieving in God, heaven, hell, angels, and
religion. He has lost every particle of the knowledge and spirit that he
formerly had.
When
brother Clinton and others return, those who have laid aside self and laboured,
asking, "What can we do to win the souls of the children of men?"
they are full of life, full of the good Spirit, full of animation; their
countenances are bright and lively, and when you talk with them or hear them
preach, you can glean and gather truth, life and salvation from their lips,
while others are as lifeless as leached ashes.
If we
could spare some one or two hundred Elders like brother Clinton and others to
go to Canada and the United States, we could gather scores and hundreds of thousands
of good people from those regions. But reflect for a moment upon the difference
in the conduct of our missionaries and the treatment they receive. In Texas
some have been mobbed, and some have had no place to preach in. Brother
Benjamin L. Clapp, who has lately returned from a mission there, could scarcely
find a place to preach in, although others at the same time travelled and
preached there, and many wished to hear them.
For
another instance I will refer to my own Quorum. When we had started the work in
England, brothers Heber, George A. and Woodruff went to London. It cost much
faith, care, money, and diligence to establish the work in that place, and
after they had baptized about thirty persons, they came to Manchester to attend
a Conference. As soon as the Conference was over; brothers Woodruff and George
A. went to London, and brother Kimball and I took a tour through the country,
and held Conferences; and when we arrived in London I preached in the first
meeting we held after our arrival, and how many do you think there were present
to hear me? Thirty had been baptized, but brothers Kimball, Woodruff, and Geo.
A., the man who owned the small room that we had hired, and, I think, two other
persons, comprised the congregation. I preached as well as I could, though it
was pretty hard work to pump when there was no water in the well. Brother
Kimball and I staid there eleven days, and when I left the little meeting house
was crowded to overflowing. What was the reason of this?
I have
spoken against brother Clapp's course in Texas; it sprang from a want of
knowledge. I have also spoken against the course taken by brothers Woodruff and
George A. in London; it proceeded from a want of tact and turn in those
individuals to know how to win the people. When we found them in London,
brother Woodruff was busily engaged in writing his history from morning until
evening; and, if a sister called on him he would say, "How do you do? take
a "chair," and keep on writing and labouring to bring up the history
of the Church and his own.
That was
all right and well, in its place; but, if a sister asked a question, the answer
would be, "Yes;" and if she asked another, "No;" and that
was the sum of the conversation. If a brother came in, it would be the same.
But brother Kimball would say, "Come, my friend, sit down; do not be in a
hurry;" and he would begin and preach the Gospel in a plain, familiar
manner, and make his hearers believe everything he said, and make them testify
to its truth, whether they believed or not, asking them, "Now, ain't that
so?" and they would say, "Yes." And he would make Scripture as
he needed it, out of his own bible, and ask, "Now, ain't that so?"
and the reply would be "Yes." He would say, "Now, you believe
this? You see how plain the Gospel is? Come along now;" and he would lead
them into the waters of baptism. The people would want to come to see him early
in the morning, and stay with him until noon, and from that until night; and he
would put his arm around their necks, and say, "Come, let us go down to
the water."
Thousands
of Elders go upon missions, and conduct themselves like a man by the name of
Glover. He was preaching in Herefordshire, and we sent him to Bristol, about
thirty miles distant, telling him to go there and start the work. He would get
up and preach a splendid discourse. He went to Bristol, and cried,
"Mormonism," or the Gospel, and no person would listen to him.
On the next morning he was back at Ledbury, and said, "I came out of
Bristol, washed my feet against them, and sealed them all up to
damnation." That is the way in which some of our Elders operate.
I know
that when I have travelled with some of the Twelve, and one of them has asked
for breakfast, dinner, supper, or lodging, we have been refused dozens of times.
Now, you may think that I am going to boast a little; I will brag a little of
my own tact and talent. When others would ask, we would often be refused a
morsel of something to eat, and so we would go from house to house; but when I
had the privilege of asking, I never was turned away—no, not a single time.
Would I
go into the house and say to them, "I am a 'Mormon' Elder; will you feed
me?" It was none of their business who I was. But when I asked, "Will
you give me something to eat?" the reply was, invariably,
"Yes." And we would sit, and talk, and sing, and make
ourselves familiar and agreeable; and before our departure, after they had
learned who we were, they would frequently ask, "Will you not stay and
preach for us?" and proffer to gather in the members of their family and
their neighbours; and the feeling would be, "Well, if this is 'Mormonism,'
I will feed all the 'Mormon' Elders that come." Whereas, if I had said,
"I am a 'Mormon' Elder; will you feed me?" the answer would often
have been, "No: out of my house."
Now, if
we could find the "right stripe" that could be spared from important
duties here, we would send a good many Elders to the States.
I will
relate another circumstance, —one concerning an Elder who went on a mission
from Nauvoo; and, if I remember rightly, he went through Indiana. He lives in
this place, and his name is James Carroll. He went into a neighbourhood whore
there was a Baptist Society, which had recently built a meeting house. They had
heard of the "Mormons," but knew nothing of the doctrine. They wished
him to tarry and preach, and the minister invited him into his pulpit. He rose,
and began to preach "Mormonism," as he called it; and about the first
item that he presented to the people was nearly the last event that will take
place on the earth concerning the Church. Instead of preaching the restoration
and first principles of the Gospel, almost the first remark that he made was,
"You have a pretty meeting-house, and good buildings and farms; but do you
know that the 'Mormons' are coming here to possess the whole of them?"
He never
heard Joseph Smith, the Twelve, or any of the Elders that understood the
Gospel, teach any such doctrine, but had probably gathered the idea from
reading the Bible. By the time he had got through with so short a sermon, the
congregation was ready to kick him out of the neighbourhood, and he ought to
have been kicked out of the pulpit at the first dash. This does not
particularly militate against the character of that man; but many of the Elders
do not seem to understand how to gain the attention and feelings of the people,
and lead them in the pathway of truth.
We have
received letters from the East, stating that "There is no place for
preaching there," whereas I really think that there might be hundreds of
Elders selected here, if we could spare them, who could go to the States and
find as good openings for preaching as there are in the world; at least I would
run the risk of it. Had I the choice whether to go to the States and gather
Saints, or to go where the Gospel was preached by the ancient Apostles of the
Lord Jesus Christ, among the children of he people who have formerly had the
Gospel preached to them, I would engage to go to the States and gather one
hundred Saints to one that could be gathered from among the children of those
who heard Peter, Paul, and others of the ancient Apostles preach the Gospel.
Reports
of the business transactions and condition of the Church and Perpetual
Emigrating Fund Company have been prepared, and will be read, so that you can
understand the true situation of our general financial affairs. The P. E. Fund
is founded upon the principle of everlasting increase, and if the people do
right, or even half right, our means will increase.
The means
arising from the sale of stray cattle, that some like so well to claim, all go
towards swelling the amounts at the disposal of the P. E. Fund for gathering
the poor. Still, when strays are driven into the general stray pound, you can
see men come and swear to this ox and that cow; and they will bring two or
three others to testify to an animal they claim; and another man will step up
and say, "That is my animal;" and he will also bring three or four
witnesses to prove it; and pretty soon still another comes and claims the same
animal; and so on until there are, perhaps, four or five persons in the pound,
each one with his witnesses, claiming the same animal, and all willing to swear
on a stack of Bibles, as they hope for salvation, that such a creature is
theirs, when they must know that they never saw it before. Such circumstances
transpire every time that stray cattle are driven in. I want to tell you, so
that you cannot fail to understand it, without you are consummate hypocrites
and scoundrels, let stray cattle alone, unless you actually know them to be
yours.
I could
name a good many individuals in our own community that would steal all the
cattle that we have, if they knew which were the ones that we owned. I thought
that there formation had stopped such proceedings; but as soon as the stray
cattle were driven in, a few miserable sneaks were ready to own them all. Those
animals are sold, and every cent of the means thus raised goes into the P. E.
Fund, and the only ones benefited thereby are the poor Saints in foreign lands.
You must stop intruding upon your neighbours.
If those
who are heads of Quorums strictly attended to their duties, the man that does
not live according to his late covenants, who violates the ordinances and laws
of the house of God, would be severed from his Quorum and cut off from this
Church; and if they will not do this, we will do it from this stand. Men must
quit swearing and taking the name of God in vain; they must refrain from lying,
stealing, cheating, and doing that which they know they ought not to do, or
they must be severed from this Church and kingdom.
I will
now present a subject which will be a text for the brethren to preach upon from
this stand, viz., the necessity of building store houses in which to preserve
our grain. If we have a fruitful season this coming summer, we shall have a
large amount of surplus grain which we cannot carry out of the country to
market: it must tarry here. And if the people do their duty in this matter,
they will continue to lay up grain for themselves and for this community
throughout this Territory, and for fifty or a hundred times as many more, until
they have enough to last them seven years. You can figure at that, and learn
how much grain you ought to lay up. If we have, as I believe we shall, a few
seasons fruitful in grain, the staple article that we can cure and preserve, it
is our indispensable duty to safely store it for a time to come. This will be a
text for some of the brethren.
I will
say to the missionaries going west to the Sandwich Islands, California, and
Oregon, that we expect to start a herd of cattle from here as early as they can
be driven across the mountains; and if they will provide their own clothing,
bedding, and weapons for defence, we will furnish them board and transportation
to California.
I will
now ask the people whether they will do me the favour of giving me one hundred
and twenty-five dollars in money during this Conference. I will let the
brethren and sisters throw in their dollars, or half or quarter dollars, just
as they please, and I want to do what I please with the amount. And if you will
not be satisfied with giving me $125, you can double the sum, and make it $250;
and I wish to do with it as I please. If I have a mind to give it away
immediately, that is nobody's business.
A few of
us contemplate going north this spring. You remember that I told you at the
last fall's Conference that I was going east to help in our immigration, and
you voted I should not go. I did start, and went over the Big Mountain to East
Kanyon creek, but the devil had ears so ready to hear the prayers of the people
and help them, that he made me so sick that I could not go any further. I do
not want any such influence exercised this spring, for I am going with some of
my brethren to take a pleasure ride, see the country, enjoy ourselves, and recruit
our health; and I wish you to pray for us, give us your faith, and be willing
that we should go. I do not want to be stopped, as I was last fall.
Now comes
another item of business. It so happens that this year the election of officers
for this city falls upon to day, as does also the election of the
Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion, which has been ordered by proclamation
by the Governor. Both elections will be held in the Council House, and we want
the brethren to stop there and give in their votes. For the Lieutenant-General,
those from abroad have as good a right to vote here as if they were at home in
Iron County, Davis, Sanpete, or any other part of our Territory. We have
nominated Daniel H. Wells for the office of Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo
Legion, the same person who has held that position since our settlement in
Utah. The polls will be kept open until sundown.
I have
now briefly presented the items which I have noted down. Other matters will
come before this Conference, such as preaching, exhortation, &c., &c. I
will now give way for others. God bless you. Amen.
The Trustee in Trust's report and the report of the Treasurer of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company were read.
Choir sung, "How beautiful upon the mountains."
Benediction by Patriarch Isaac Morley.
[6 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 7:43, 4/15/57 p3]
2 p.m.
The following hymn was read by the Clerk and sung by the choir: -
A HYMN FOR APRIL 6, 1857.
——
BY W. G. MILLS.
——
Swell the strain like heaven's
thunder,
Swift as lightning let it dart;
Let it burst the clouds asunder
Till it reaches every heart,
That the "last hour" dispensation
This eventful day began;
That the door of full salvation
Now is opened unto man!
Lo, the standard of salvation
On the mountain tops is seen,
Where the good from every nation
Round our Prophets may convene;
Truth is pouring from the fountains
Of the Great Eternal source;
Like the streams from yonder mountains
Fertilizing in their course.
See the form of mercy bending
Like an angel from the skies!
See her loving arms extending
That mankind may upward rise!
Hark! her voice the world inviting,
To the hill of Zion come:
Here are truths the soul delighting
In our happy mountain home.
While mankind in ranc'rous
humer
All the ills of war increase,
And your hearts fall with the rumor,
Here you may abide in peace;
All the sons of men who labor
To exalt the human race;
He who will not slay his neighbor,
Must seek Zion's dwelling place.
Through the earth the message
bearing
Zion's chosen priesthood roam,
And the sons of Israel hearing
Will in millions gather home;
That the laws of "Judah's Lion"
We may perfectly obey;
He shall reign supreme in Zion,
We on earth beneath his sway.
Prayer by Prest. Orson Hyde.
Singing by the choir.
[Prest. D. H. Wells]
Prest. D. H. Wells wished those indebted to the Trustee or the P. E. Fund, to liquidate that indebtedness; said we shall probably have to call for further assistance to complete the canal that the stone may be boated to the Temple. Expressed his feelings in relation to the work of God.
[Daniel H. Wells]
[DNW 7:45, 4/15/57 p5; JD 4:308]
REMARKS
By President Daniel H. Wells, April 6, 1857.
——
[REPORTED BY GEO. D. WATT]
——
Brethren
and sisters, I do not know that I shall be able to speak so that all of you can
hear, neither do I feel that what I may say is of the greatest importance. I
have never felt that confidence in addressing the people that perhaps I should;
but I feel to-day, as I always have felt, an interest for the welfare of the
Church and kingdom of God to which I belong, and to devote myself, and all I
possess, or can control, to its progress and building up.
We had in
the forenoon a large amount of business presented to this Conference as texts
for the Elders to preach upon; and having the direction of the operations
connected with the Public Works and building the Temple more immediately under
my particular charge, I was pleased to hear that subject presented among the
texts; for I know that it is the mind of our President, having often heard him
so express himself, that those improvements should progress as fast as
possible; and it will be my endeavour, so long as I am connected therewith, to
devote all the energy I possess to their rolling forth. That is the feeling in
my bosom, and I believe it is the feeling of every Saint to have the labours
upon our Public Works and the Temple forwarded with all possible diligence. In
order to do this, it is necessary for us to be faithful and diligent in our
efforts, that we may have sufficient help to carry forward the work.
From the
reports laid before you in the forenoon, the financial condition of the Church
has been well represented, showing how means have been received and disbursed
during the last two years, and of course the amount and kind remaining on hand.
You
observed from that report a large amount of indebtedness by individuals,—some
$82,000, if I remember correctly. If those who know that they have unsettled
balances against them, and are able to liquidate them with labour and grain
would settle and pay, it would have a material tendency to expedite the
accomplishment of important public designs.
Many of
those debts have accrued against men who had advances made to them when
provisions were scarce, and some of them have removed to other places. There is
an invitation now extended to them to return and day their indebtedness. They
can do so by their labour, or in other ways, and it is very desirable that they
should attend to this duty as soon as possible.
There is
also a great amount due to the P. E. Fund; and it really seems as though
brethren, who have means to liquidate their indebtedness, would scarcely need
an invitation to do so. They have had the benefit of that Company's means; they
have been brought from the old country to this place by that aid; and when they
get here, some appear to feel indifferent with regard to paying their
indebtedness. All know that this is not right, for that should be the first
debt they should pay. They should not wait until they get rich before they pay,
especially when these debts can be paid in labour, stock, grain, cast and
wrought iron, or any and every description of available property at command in
this country. Money, of course, is preferable, for other articles have to be
turned into cash before they can be made available for bringing the people from
foreign lands. In consequence of these facts, the operations of the Fund have
to be measurably suspended for a time; and Church means cannot be used to aid
the immigration this year, as hitherto.
If those
who are indebted to the Fund for aid rendered to them will return the
compliment for assisting their friends, do you not understand that they will
have to make good the expenditure that now stands against them? If you
understand this subject, as I presume you do, you will see the obligations
under which you lie, if you do not respond, when able, and as soon as you can,
to aid others who are equally worthy and desirous of coming to this place.
Remember the situation that you were in when in the old countries, and reflect
upon their anxiety to come, and that it is impossible for many of them to do
so, except through the aid of the P. E. Fund. Hundreds and thousands have been
helped out that would have been still there but for this assistance, and
hundreds and thousands are still there who look to that Fund as their only
hope. You stand indebted for the use of the means you have had: will you refund
them or not? That is the question for you to decide. This is not a day of many
words, but a day for men to go forth in their power, in their might and
strength, and do those things incumbent upon them.
The Big
Cottonwood canal should be finished, to facilitate procuring rock for building
the Temple. Much labour has already been expended upon it, but it requires
still more. The brethren have been very diligent in this matter, but we expect
that we shall have to call upon them for further labour on that work. We are
anxious to have the water let into that canal, to test all weak places, that
they may be strengthened, and the work thoroughly completed; for the water is
needed for irrigation as well as for boating. Will you lend your aid in this
enterprise? Will we complete it this season, that we may boat reek for the
Temple? This will be proved by your acts, as well as by your faith.
Stone-cutters
have been called for, and only a few have as yet reported themselves. Are there
but few in the country? If so, men can soon learn the trade. Will those who are
desirous of obtaining work come forward at once and take hold of this branch of
business, and dress the stone needed for rapidly prosecuting the work on the
Temple?
I thought
I would draw your attention to these few plain facts. And let the brethren who
preach to the people have an eye to these things, to the interest and general
welfare of the kingdom of God, to the rolling forth of the work, to the
building of Temples, that we may be prospered in the things of God.
What is
prosperity? According to my understanding, it is not so much gaining the things
of this world, as it is progressing in the knowledge of God ? What are true
riches? They are not so much the obtaining of the things of this world, as they
are in securing the principles and keys which unlock the treasures of heavenly
wisdom, of the knowledge of God and things that pertain to eternity. These are
the riches we are seeking after this is the progress we wish to make. In order
to accomplish this, it is necessary that we should be faithful in all matters
committed to our trust honest before God, and obedient to the counsels of His
servants. I know that I have ever felt to be so, and I have felt to do
more than to talk. I have ever felt ready to go here or there as I have been
told, and I feel so to-day. It is my meat and drink to do whatever I am told,
according to the best understanding I have. It is upon this principle that I
have been able to do anything I have done. The Lord has enabled me to do it,
because I verily know that I have not strength in and of myself to do what I
have done since I have been in the Church and kingdom.
I have
ever felt to lean upon the Lord for help, and I feel so to-day. I do not know
when I felt weaker, or more like humbling myself before my God and my brethren,
than I do at present. It is necessary that we should humble ourselves, and lean
on the Lord our God, and go in His might and strength, and give His name the
honour and glory, if we would succeed in accomplishing anything for the benefit
of the house of Israel. It is His work; He only wants servants to do it, and He
will not have any but willing servants. He will compel no person to bring forth
his purposes; they must do so of their own free volition; they must esteem it a
privilege, even as it is a most inestimable privilege to have it to do. He
gives this to us to be our work, if we will do it; if not, He will give it to
some one else. He does not expect to run after us, nor to have His servants do
so; it is for us to seek to them and the Lord, that we may know His will
concerning us, and be faithful stewards and honest before Him, and willing
instruments in His hands to do whatever we can to roll forth His cause and
kingdom. To have our duty made manifest to us is all we need; then it is for us
to go here and there, as He shall dictate and require.
These are
my feelings, if I know myself, and have always been; and I feel to rejoice
before the Lord that I have the privilege of being associated with His servants
in the things designed for the rolling forth of His kingdom, and bring to pass
His purposes on the earth. I have felt to renew my covenant and obligations to
walk forth before them according to the best light I have got, and to strive
for more. I think it is necessary for us all to feel thus, and I think we will
do better in that way than in any other, if we wish to have the juice of
"Mormonism" within us, as brother Brigham remarked this morning —if
we wish to be instruments for good in the hands of God.
I feel
more like receiving exhortation than giving it. I feel more like doing than
talking; still I do not wish to withhold any good thing I may be in possession
of. I feel to do what the Lord desires and will help me to do. I care not what
it is; so that it is the word and will of the Lord, I should strive to do it.
I feel to
be submissive in the hands of my brethren, to be moulded as they will. I may at
times be stiff, and do things not pleasing to them, but they have been merciful
and kind to me in these matters, and have been filled with forbearance. I feel
to devote myself to the Lord with all I have and can control, and with all the
Lord shall bless me with; and I ask of Him, as a great favor, to accept of this
my offering and dedication. True, I have not much to offer Him; I wish I had
far more; but what I have has always been consecrated and on the altar. I
understand that to be the principle of salvation, and I want to be clothed with
salvation, that my words may be words of comfort and consolation to the people.
I feel
more like blessing the people of God—like blessing my brethren and those whom I
am associated with. I know that this is a good people, and the Lord delights to
bless them, if they will so live as to admit of it. He withholds His blessings,
many times, for our good. Perhaps some would not make a good use of blessings,
but would turn away and deny the faith; hence I feel that chastisement is also
good. The Lord loveth whom He chasteneth.
May the
Lord bless us through this Conference and through future life, and help us to
do His will and keep His commandments. And if we have had the blessings of the
Holy Ghost poured upon us to any extent, let us keep what we have, and seek for
more. If we have been faithful over a few things, let us try to be faithful in
all committed to our trust, and increase. Let us seek for eternal riches, get
hold of the principles and keys of knowledge which shall unlock the treasures
of heaven to our understandings, that we may be better qualified for the
performance of our duties, that we may go forward in the work of God, and be
faithful children, and seek unto Him, our Father, with full purpose of heart,
and work righteousness all the days of our lives, with perfect hearts and
willing minds.
May the
Lord pour out His blessings upon us, and may we be faithful and diligent in all
things we have to do. May He bless the earth for our sakes, that it may bring
forth for the sustenance of the people in the valleys of these mountains. May
He hasten His work in its time, that we may be useful under all circumstances
in building up the kingdom of God, be united with Him, dwell in peace, unity,
and strength, that the fruits of righteousness may spring forth and increase a
hundredfold. Then we have nothing to fear, for no power on earth can prevail
against this people, if they are united one with another.
Let us
seek this unity of spirit, and put away all quarrelling and dissensions, and
sustain each other.
There are
many more ideas that could be advanced, but I do not believe in long sermons. I
love to hear the brethren speak, and I like to speak myself, to say what I may
have to say, and then stop. I think that is most beneficial, and keeps our
minds more stirred up and lively; I will therefore close with asking God to
bless us all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Prest. H. C. Kimball]
Prest. H. C. Kimball addressed the congregation upon the importance of building the Temple, the blessings to be derived therefrom, &c.; and advised the brethren to build store houses, to store up grain against the famines that are decreed.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 7:52, 04/22/57, p 4; JD 5:18]
DISCOURSE
By President Heber C. Kimball, Bowery, April 6, 1857.
——
REPORTED BY J. V. LONG
——
I do not
know that I can speak so that all of you can hear distinctly. You will have to
be very still, or it will be impossible for me to speak to your edification.
You have heard what brother Wells has said in reference to the Temple, the
canal, &c. The Temple is designed for many purposes, and there are many
things that God will reveal and many blessings that he will confer upon this
people in that building, if they will use due diligence in forwarding its
completion.
Some may
think that the erection of the Temple more particularly devolves upon brother
Brigham, brother Heber, brother Daniel, the Twelve, and a few of the Seventies,
High Priests, and Bishops; and when it is finished they may imagine that they
will receive their blessings therein; but that work is designed to be general. There
must needs be a universal exertion, not only by the leading official members of
this Church, but by every member, male and female; for the Temple is not for us
alone; it is also for our sons, and daughters, and succeeding generations. They
will receive blessings in it, and therefore it concerns them as well as us.
If I
obtain all the blessings of the Priesthood, all the endowments, all the
blessings that God has to confer upon us in this probation, and keep those
things sacred while I live, I am then as pure and holy as it is possible for a
man to be while in the flesh. Then, if my wives are one with me, my children
and their posterity will partake of those blessings which have been placed upon
me. Every blessing conferred upon me tends to benefit my posterity. Those
blessings are for every righteous man; and the blessings that are conferred
upon faithful men and women in their holy anointings and sealings will rest
upon their posterity after them for ever and for ever, through their
faithfulness; and there is no end to it.
It is a
strong additional inducement for you to live your religion, in view of the
benefits that will be continued to your posterity. If you can only bear this in
mind, I think it will serve to keep you steadfast in the line of your duties.
Will our posterity partake of the blessings we will receive in the Temple which
we are building? They will, for ever and for ever. Our blessings are to
continue always. If we live so as to attain to the principles and fulness of
perfection and to secure the promises of eternal lives, then those blessings
will rest upon us and our children.
How long
will it take this people to build the Temple on this Block, supposing that
every man and woman, and every child that has arrived at the years of
accountability, will unitedly strive for its completion? Not very many years.
Were I labouring on that Temple, I would constantly endeavour to work upon it
with an eye single to pushing it forward, and to the blessings I expected to
receive therein. But supposing that you do not all live, will you not be
benefitted by it? Yes, you will.
We are
now attending to matters that will answer every purpose, until that Temple is
completed. Those who go through their endowments now and are sealed up unto
eternal lives, those blessings will stick to them, if they will stick to the
blessings and promises that are made ever unto them, and step forward with one
heart and one mind to do the will of God as made known to them from time to
time from this stand.
Is it
requisite that every member of my family should feel the same interest that I
do in my welfare and posterity? Yes, every woman and child, from the oldest to
the youngest. They should be just like a tree that has many branches to it. The
extremity of the longest limb is dependent upon the tree from which it grows.
We should become one tree, and be like the "tree of life, which bare
twelve manner of fruits," all connected with one stalk. I presume that those
fruits came from grafts, else the tree probably would not have borne so many
kinds.
We must
be grafted into the true vine, and continue to partake of its fatness, and then
we shall go back to our Father and God, who is connected with one who is still
farther back; and this Father is connected with one still further back, and so
on; and just so far as we respect our superiors and try to save our children,
so shall we receive blessings from this time forth and for ever, and shall
become as numerous as the sands upon the sea shore. What is there to hinder us
from obtaining these blessings? Nothing, except it be our own want of
faithfulness; for, by diligence, integrity, and perseverance, we can accomplish
all we desire, and help to move forward the great work of God.
I have
heard a whispering that some who work on the Temple at dressing rock, and in
the machine and blacksmiths' shops, have nothing but bread to eat. It seems as
though this could not be so; for I have seen the public hands packing home
carrots, parsnips, potatoes, &c.; and it is not so very bad while there is
plenty of them; and every man gets a pound of flour a day; and I think there
should not be any grunting. It will not be a month before we shall have
lettuce, radishes, &c.; and there now is plenty of greens; and onions are
plentiful in the Tithing Office; and we shall be very glad to have you come and
get them at your leisure.
I have
just touched upon these things in connection with brother Wells' remarks
concerning the Public Works; for I am one with him, and he is one with me, and
we are one with brother Brigham. We have not set our feet to the race for any
other purpose than to follow him and run through; for he is our leader and will
be our leader, temporally and spiritually, from this time forth. When Joseph
comes again, will brother Brigham be removed? No, never. Brother Joseph is
ahead; brother Brigham is after him; I am after brother Brigham; and you are
after me, are you not? And we will not flinch; and and God will bless and
prosper every man that will help himself; and He will bless, prosper, and
sustain this people; and they will never fall, as a people, though we expect
that many will apostatize, pitch over the dam, and go to wreck.
If we
sin, and do not repent; God will chastise us until we do repent of and forsake
all sin; but He never will scourge us so long as we do right. I have said a
hundred times that we never shall want for bread, meat, and the comforts of
life, worlds without end, if we will only do right. That is my prophecy, and
always was; and it is true. I agree with Daniel, with Joseph, with Brigham,
with Jesus, and the Apostles, and all the holy Prophets; and I have spoken as I
have to arouse your feelings, to waken you up, and comfort your hearts, and
cheer your minds; for I have no other feeling than to do you good.
When the
Big Cottonwood Canal is finished, aside from its being of material benefit in
our operations for building the Temple, it will be of great worth for
irrigating lots in this city, especially in the east part of it; and you will
soon be able to raise enough more than heretofore to pay you for your labour
upon that work—yes, tenfold more. You may think that extravagant, but I say it
is not. Reckon it up yourselves, and see how much more you could raise if you
had plenty of water. You could raise as much corn fodder as would keep your
cows through the winter, and I believe more than you have cows to eat it,
besides the large extra amount of vegetables you could raise.
I will
now make a few remarks in relation to building storehouses,—not particularly in
regard to building, tithing storehouses here; for there are enough at present
to hold all the grain we have; though I believe that by another year this
people will fill our tithing houses until they overflow; for a great many of
them are going to continue to do right and live their religion; and if they do
that, you will see the wheat, the corn, the oats, the barley, and all our stock
and possessions increase. If we increase, it will increase; our wealth will grow
and increase with us, and there will be no end to it. But in order to lay up
grain, you must prepare storehouses. Every man who has a farm needs a
storehouse—one made of rock and lime, that will guard your grain against the
mice, rats, and all other four-legged vermin; also against the two-legged ones.
I have more fears of the two-legged ones than I have of the four-legged ones.
Plan to
build a good storehouse, every man who has a farm, and never cease until you
have accomplished it. And do not forget to pay your tithing before you put the
grain into the storehouse. Lay up enough for seven years, at a calculation for
from five to ten in each family; and then calculate that there will be in your
families from five to ten persons to where you now have one, because you are on
the increase.
It now
takes about one thousand bushels of wheat to bread my family one year, and I
want to lay up six thousand for each year of the seven for which I calculate to
store it up. Reflect upon the probable increase of my family within seven
years; they alone will be almost numerous enough to people a small city. Where
a family now requires only a hundred bushels a year, let the head of that
family lay up a hundred bushels the first year, two hundred the next, and
increase the amount every year in proportion to their probable requirements.
When we
have stored away our grain we are safe, independent of the world, in case of
famine, are we not? Yes, we are; for, in that case, we will have the means for
subsistence in our own hands. When the famines begin upon the earth, we shall
be very apt to feel them first.
If
judgments must need begin at the house of God, and if the righteous scarcely
are saved, how will it be with the wicked? Am I looking for famines? Yes, the
most terrible and severe that have ever come upon the nations of the earth.
These things are right before us, and some of this people are not thinking
anything about them; they do not enter their hearts. Still there is not an Elder
here who has read the revelation which says, Go forth and warn the inhabitants
of this land of the sickness, the death, and disasters that are coming upon
this nation, but what must be satisfied of the truth of what I am saying. You
have done according to the instruction given in that revelation; and now
reflect upon the things that I am declaring in your hearing, and lift up your
voices unitedly as a people to the God of Heaven that He will be merciful unto
us and favour Zion.
Be wise,
listen to counsel, and obey the voice of the head, and you wilt prosper and
never want for bread; but, as the Lord liveth, you will feel it, if you do not
continue in the line of duty. [President Brigham Young: That is true.] Yes, it
is as true as it is that God ever spake to this generation. I consider that
carefully storing our surplus grain against a time of need is of the greatest
importance to this people, in connection with building the Temple. You may
build that Temple, and at the same time neglect those things that I am speaking
of, and you will perish temporally.
Now, go
to, and raise grain; for I feel satisfied that the Lord will give us two,
three, or four years of good times, and will hold the enemies of the upright by
the bit, if we will do right. I will have that "if" in every time;
for, in such case, I tell you that God will hold our enemies, and they cannot
have any power until He has a mind to permit them; and then He will only permit
them for a time, in order to manifest His Almighty power and to qualify and
prepare them for a time to come. I mean just what I say.
I have
talked here year after year, and told you that I was going to work to build a
good storehouse; and I now have a good one, though it is not yet quite
finished. I have five or six hundred bushels of wheat in it, and I am going to
make a tight floor of rock by grouting it with lime and sand, and plaster the
walls on both sides, so that it will be proof against mice and all other kinds
of vermin.
As I have
said, I know that we will see those things of which I have spoken—such famines
as this world never beheld. Yes, we have got to see those scenes; but if we
will keep our vows and covenants, the Lord will hold them off until we can
prepare ourselves; and if you will wake up and do as you are told, you will
escape.
I will
advise every man in every settlement to build a storehouse; and if one cannot
do so alone, let two or three build one between them. Store up and preserve
your grain, and then you will be safe. But if the famine should come upon us in
our present condition, what could we do? If we do not do as we are told in this
thing, the displeasure of the Lord will be upon us, and He will not continue to
bless us as He is now doing.
I know
that He is able to suffer famines to come upon us, and then to rain manna down
from heaven to sustain us. I also know that He could increase our grain in the
granaries and our flour in the bins, and make one small loaf of bread suffice
for many persons, by exerting His creative power. I do not know how He does
that, but I know that He can do it just as easily as He could bring me into
existence upon this earth.
There are
a great many things that we can save and take care of, as well as we can wheat,
barley, and oats. We can dry pumpkins, squashes, currants, apples, peaches,
&c., and save them; we can also save beans, peas, and like articles, and
keep them for seven years. And if you will take the right care of your wheat,
you can save it just as long as you may wish to; but, in the usual mode of
storing it, you have got to stir it, move it, remove it, and turn it over, or
it will spoil. It is just so with this people; they have had to be moved and
removed from place to place, to prevent them from getting into dotage.
I would
not be afraid to promise a man who is sixty years of age, if he will take the
counsel of brother Brigham and his brethren, that he will renew his age. I have
noticed that a man who has but one wife, and is inclined to that doctrine, soon
begins to wither and dry up, while a man who goes into plurality looks fresh,
young, and sprightly. Why is this? Because God loves that man, and because he
honours His work and word. Some of you may not believe this; but I not only
believe it—I also know it. For a man of God to be confined to one woman is small
business; for it is as much as we can do now to keep up under the burdens we
have to carry; and I do not know what we should do if we had only one wife
apiece.
Let us go
to work and cultivate the earth, and go into the fields, and bless the land,
and dedicate and consecrate it to God; and then dedicate the seed, the
implements, and the horses, and oxen. Do you suppose that that will have any
effect? I know that it will. Nearly twenty years ago, I was in a place in
England in which I felt very curious; but I did not know at the time what it
meant. I went through a town called Chadburn, beyond Clithero. Before I went
there, some persons told me that there was no use in my going, and asked me
what I wanted to go to Chadburn for, saying it was the worst place in the
country; for the sectarian priests had preached there faithfully thirty years
without making any impression. Notwithstanding that, I went, and preached once,
and baptized twenty-five persons, where the priests had not been able to do a
thing.
I went
through the streets of that town feeling as I never before felt in, my life. My
hair would rise on my head as I walked through the streets, and I did not then
know what was the matter with me. I pulled off my hat, and felt that I wanted
to pull off my shoes, and I did not know what to think of it.
When I
returned, I mentioned the circumstance to brother Joseph, who said, "Did
you not understand it? That is a place where some of the old Prophets travelled
and dedicated that land, and their blessing fell upon you." Then try it,
and see if it will not leave a blessing for us to dedicate our lands. If you
think that it will not, never bring another bottle of oil and ask us to
dedicate and consecrate it for the benefit of the sick. I know that we can
bless the land, and that through our blessing it will be filled with the Spirit
and power of God; and that, too, in great profusion, especially if we are
filled with that Spirit ourselves. Some may call me enthusiastic; but I am no
more so than the old Prophets were when they had the Spirit of God upon them.
Let us
bless the land we cultivate and the fountains of water, and they will be
blessed, and then men may drink of those waters, and they will fill them with
the Spirit and power of God. Let us bless and dedicate the fountains of life
that are in us, in our wives and children, and in everything else around us.
Can the Spirit of God enter a stone, or one of those posts? Yes; and it can
fill every pore as well as it can every pore in my body. Can it enter into my
pores? Yes, even into my hair; and it can also enter my bones and quicken every
limb, joint, and fibre.
Let us
not dispose of any grain, only what is actually necessary. When it is actually
necessary to part with any grain, let us put it into the right hands. If I have
any to part with, I will put it into the hands of those that will make good use
of it. We have got to become one in our financial matters in the Church and
Kingdom of God. How can you become one tree, with limbs and branches all
pertaining to the selfsame tree, when there is disunion among you?
Then go
to work and build up this kingdom, establish righteousness, and prepare
yourselves for the famines that are coming upon the earth; for I tell you that
they are coming.
Do you
suppose that God would give revelations and tell us to warn the inhabitants of
the earth of things which were coming speedily upon them, if He did not intend
that those things should come? He said that they should feel them, and I know
that they are bound to feel them; for they will not repent. Let us go to work
and prepare for the thousands upon thousands who will come unto us.
Our
Carrying Company is only in its infancy, but it will prepare the way; and the
day will come when people will gather here by hundreds and by thousands,—yea,
fifty thousand in a year; and very many will come trudging along with their
bundles under their arms. I have heard brother Joseph, brother Brigham, and
several other men say that it will be so; and I know it will, because they have
said it. Many of you will venture to say that you believe it; but I know that
it is true, and it will surely come to pass.
Brethren
and sisters, these are some of my feelings; and I hope and pray that those whom
we have warned will go home and warn their neighbours, and tell them to be up
and doing; and then we shall not have to tell you these things again. It is no
time for grunting; it is no time for having the blues; it is no time for
sugar-tits, for dancing, and amusing ourselves. Amusements are stopped for the
present; but when brother Brigham says dance, then dance; but when he says
stop, then stop; and when he says prophesy, then prophesy, but be sure to
prophesy right.
I have
said nothing but what the Spirit has dictated; and all the principles that I have
touched upon are contained in the Bible. If you don't believe it, take that
book and look for yourselves; and then take the Book of Mormon, and see what
the Lord said to the Nephites. He said, "The nation or people that will
not serve me on this land I will cut off from the face of the earth;" and
I know that He will do it. And brother Brigham, the Twelve Apostles, and
Patriarchs John Young and Isaac Morley will all declare that it is true. May
God bless you. Amen.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young spoke on the principles of economy.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 7:52, 04/22/57, p 4; JD 4:312]
DISCOURSE
By President Brigham Young, Bowery, April 6, 1857.
Brother
Heber has made a remark which I will take for a text. He said, "It is
whispered about that some of the brethren labouring on the Public Works are
living on dry bread." I want to preach a short discourse upon this
subject, and I will endeavour to do so to the understanding of those present I
acknowledge that some persons live very poorly, and are very destitute; but
there is not one family out of a thousand in this Territory of those who live
poorly, but what that destitute mode of living is brought upon them by
themselves through their own mismanagement or the want of economy. For this
reason I wish to confine my remarks to the principles of economy necessary in
obtaining a comfortable living.
I have
been a poor boy and a poor man, and my parents were poor. I was poor during my
childhood, and grew up to manhood poor and destitute; and I am acquainted with
the various styles of living, and with the different customs, habits, and
practices of people; and I do know, by my own experience, that there is no
necessity for people being so very poor, if they have judgment, and will rightly
use it.
You may
take the mechanics that are employed upon our Public Works. I am very well
aware that the great majority of them are splendid work-men—that they can make
fine buildings, with all the mason, and carpenter, and joiner work, and the painting
of the very best quality of finish; and yet many of them are in poverty. We
have some of the very best workers in brass, iron, wood, &c., that there
are in the world; yet many of them are poor, suffer from hard living, and have
to live on bread and water.
There is
no necessity for any persons living on bread and water. We have not a man at
work for us but what has had means put into his hands sufficient to support
from five to twenty persons, and many of them could lay up from five hundred to
a thousand dollars a year, if they would use proper economy. I comfortably and
that, too, in a country where supported a family when I was poor, it was more
difficult to do so than it is here,—where it often was almost impossible to
hire to do a day's work,—where a man would have to run and, perhaps, beg, and
plead to be employed to do a days work; and when the labour was performed, it
was frequently worth twice the amount to get the pay, which would generally be
only three or four bits; though sometimes ordinary mechanics would receive five
or six bits, and good mechanics one dollar or one dollar and a quarter a day.
I have
laboured for fifteen dollars a month to support a family, and that, too, in a
place that was as hard again for a person to live in as it is in this city. You
could not have the free use of so much as a quarter of an acre of ground thrown
out to the public for a cow to graze upon. You could not get a stick of wood,
although in a well wooded country, without paying for it. You could not get a pint
of milk, or even of buttermilk, unless you paid the money for it.
I have
worked for nearly all the various grades of wages, and supported a family since
I was quite young. I know how to live, and I have taught my brethren here how
to live, and I know how many of them do live. But you may take a hard-working
man, one earning good wages, and though he carries an abundance into his house,
his wife may sit there and toss it out again. You will find that much depends
upon the economy of women, in regard to the living of the poorer class of the
people—of the labouring class. For instance, let a man buy ten pounds of
fresh meat and carry it home, in the morning the wife will cook up, perhaps,
four or five pounds of that meat for the breakfast of the man, the wife, and a
little child. To begin with, it is often cooked very badly, not properly
seasoned, smoked up, part of it burnt, and the rest raw, so that they cannot
eat much of it; and there is a great platter. full left that cannot be eaten,
and the uncooked portion has probably been neglected until it is spoiled, and
thus nearly the whole is wasted.
Sisters,
if you do not believe this, many of you go home and remember what you cooked
this morning, and see the platters full, and the plates full, and the little
messes standing here and there. By-and-by it is not fit to eat, and it is
finally thrown out of door. Is this true? It is. The reason. I say so is
because I see it with my own eyes. You may wish to know where I see it. Among some
of my neighbours where I visit, among some of my own family, and in many places
where I go.
If a man
is a good husband, and knows how to live, let him teach his wife how to cook
the food he provides, as I have some of my wives, more or less, notwithstanding
I have some excellent cooks; but I do not think that I have one but what I can
teach in the art of cooking some particular varieties of food, for I have at
times been obliged to pay considerable attention to this matter. And when I go
into a house, I can soon know whether the woman is an economical housekeeper or
not; and if I stay a few days, I can tell whether a husband can get rich or
not. If she is determined on her own course, and will waste and spoil the food
entrusted to her, that man will always be poor.
Some
women will set emptyings in the morning, and let them stand until they sour,
and mix up the flour with them, and sweeten it with saleratus, and then knead
it ready for baking; and if sister Somebody comes in, they will sit down and
begin to talk over old times, and the first they know is, the bread is sour:
"Dear me, I forgot all about that bread," and into the oven she puts
it, and builds up a large fire, and again sits down to visiting with her
neighbour, and before she thinks of the loaf, there is a crust burnt on it from
a quarter to half an inch in thickness. So much of the bread is spoiled; there
goes one quarter of the flour; it is wasted, and the bread is sour and
disagreeable to eat; and the husband comes home and looks sour, and is sour, as
well as the bread. He finds fault, and that makes the wife grieve, and there
are feelings and unhappiness and dissatisfaction in the family. The husband may
be a good man, and the wife may be a good woman, and try to please her husband,
and to do as much as the old lady did, who said, "It was impossible
for her to please her husband in baking bread; for if it was half dough, he did
not like it; and if it was half burnt up, he scolded about it."
You may
say that it is hard work to please a man; yes, and woman too. But when a man
does his duty in providing for a family, there can reasonably be but little
complaint on the part of any sensible woman.
A man may
be good and industrious—may be an excellent mechanic, and in many things a
diligent man, as is the ease with a number with whom I am acquainted; yet go to
his house and ask, "Have you a pig in your pen?" "No, I have
nothing to feed a pig with; I cannot keep one." Sit down to his table, and
he has not a mouthful of meat from week's end to week's end, unless he buys a
little. "Have you a cow?" "No, I have nothing to feed a cow; I
cannot hire a pasture; and were I to hire one driven to grass as far as the
herd boys go, she would not give milk enough to pay the herd bill." I have
been in worse places than this, and kept a cow.
I have
taught the brethren how to live upon less than five, three, or even two dollars
a day for the support of a small family; and when men complain that they live
here on bread alone they do not reflect that they do not know how to provide
for themselves. Years pass away, one after another and I see more and more that
there are but very few men and women that are even capable of taking care of
themselves temporally.
You will
see women, if their husbands have got fifty cents, who must buy crackers with
it, or something nice. Johnny, Susan, Betsy, and Billy come along, and want a
cracker, and the first you know is that the crackers are in the hands of the
children who are out-doors playing with them, breaking them up, wasting and
scattering them abroad. I will leave it to you, sisters, if some of you do not
act in this manner. When children crumble up the bread, what do you do with it?
You throw it into the fire. I learned my wife in the first place what the swill
pail was made for, and said to her, do not let one crumb or kernel of anything
be wasted, but put it into the swill pail, and when night came, I had something
to feed the pig with. But often out of door go the pieces of bread and meat; or
if half a gill of corn should be on the floor, it is swept out of doors, or
more frequently into the fire to be wasted.
A great
many men do not know that they can keep a pig; but there is not a family in
this city, where there are two, three, four, or five persons, but what can save
enough from their table, from the waste made by the children, and what must be
swept in the fire and out of door, to make pork sufficient to last them through
the rear, or at least all they should eat. When you know enough to put a pig in
a pen, do so; and when you have all opportunity to buy a bushel of corn, oats,
or bran, get your bins ready and lay it away.
I say to
the mechanics, especially to those who work for me, make your bins in the
mornings and evenings, and do not spend the time we hire you to work for us to
do your chores in. And another thing I will caution you about; do not steal the
nails from the Public Works. Some of you have stolen our nails and lumber to
work into articles for your own use. Do not do this.
We pay
our mechanics from two and a half to five dollars a day, and there is no
necessity in many of them using more than fifty cents or one dollar a day
throughout the year, Why do you not buy a cow? "I have nothing to feed her
with." Yes, you have. In the course of the season, you will find a time
that you can buy a little straw, and stack it up and take a good care of it.
Buy now and then a bushel of bran, or oats, or corn, and lay it by. When you
have done your day's work, take your axe, cut up the straw, throw a little meal
on it, give it to the cow, and sit down and milk her yourself, unless your wife
is a good hand to milk, and can attend to it better and more conveniently than
you can; in that case, let her do the milking, but do not set six or eight
years' old children to stripping the cows.
Purchase
cows, for if we have not already supplied you with cows, we are able and
willing to do so. Most, if not all, have already been furnished with cows. What
did you do with the calves? "We sold them for a trifle." Why did you
not raise them? Do you not know that they would very soon be valuable? No, but
you waste your calves, neglect buying pigs, and live without milk, and many of
the easily procured comforts of life. Is there any necessity for this? No,
there is not, if people will try to use a little economy.
Go round
this city now, and probably you will not see one garden out of twenty, even
where men have lived here four or five years, that has a single fruit tree
growing in it. Have they set out anything? Yes, some cottonwoods; but they
would not set out a peach tree, if you would give it to them. In many lots
there is not a fruit tree, or currant bush, or anything to produce the little
necessaries to make a family comfortable.
If I
lived as I used to, I would have my cow, and she would give milk, and would not
stray off; for I would always have a little handful of food to give her when
she came up at night; I would also feed her a little in the morning, and at
night she would come for more. I would keep my pig in the pen, and have a few
fowls to lay eggs. I would raise my own pork, and in the spring I would not
have to run to the Public Works and say, "I have not anything to
eat."
It is a
shame that men and women do not pay more attention to the principles of economy
in living. They want to have money to go to market and buy everything ready
made. They want to have somebody feed them. I have thought, many times, that
some persons would not be satisfied, unless we baked plum puddings, and roasted
beef for them, and then fed them while they were lounging in big easy chairs;
and still perhaps they would think that they were ill treated, if we did not
chew the meat for them.
I worked
hard when I first gathered with the Saints. I had to walk two miles to my
labour, and the sun seldom, if ever, shone on my work before I had my tools in
my hands and busily engaged; and I rarely laid down my tools so long as I could
see to use them. In the morning I would get up and feed my cow and milk her,
and do the other out-door chores while my wife would be preparing breakfast. My
pig was in the pen, and I would gather a little here and a little there, and a
day would not pass without its having sufficient food. Why do you not think of
these things? Because you will not.
Sisters,
if you cannot properly attend to your bread-making, and manage to not let any
more flour be wasted, tie a string round one of your fingers so tight that it
will hurt you, and every time you think of the string, think of what brother
Brigham tells you. When the emptying are in the flour, think of the string,
also when the bread is put in the oven; and if you are still afraid that you
will forget, tie the string a little tighter. And after your bread is
beautifully baked, do not let a crumb of it be wasted.
When your
husband brings home meat, exercise sufficient judgment to enable you to cook
such portion as will be eaten, which is far better than so much placed upon the
table that a large part of it will be wasted. Then take care of that which
remains uncooked, put a little salt upon it, and put it in a cool place where
it will keep a few days, and you will not be obliged to throw half of it away.
You may
hear some woman here saying, "Husband, can you not go to the store and get
me some ribbon? I want a bonnet and a pair of new shoes. Can you not get me
some lining for a bonnet? I wish you would get me a new dress, I have not had
one for a whole month, and I want to go a visiting; I cannot bear to wear these
old dresses so often. I want a few aprons and a few pairs of stockings."
The man then has to buy the bonnets, the linings, the dress patterns, &c.,
and also to hire them made; and he has to buy aprons, shoes, and stockings, and
even the garters that are worn on the stockings. There is not judgment,
economy, and force enough in some women, to knit their own garters.
Let me
tell you one thing, husbands; determine this year that you will stop buying
these things, and say to your wife, "Here is some wool; knit your own
stockings, or you will not have any: you will have to prepare the cloth for
yourselves and children: I will provide the wool, the wheels, &c.; and if
you will not make the cloth, you may go without." Also raise flax, and
prepare it. for the women to manufacture into summer clothing.
I
remember going into a friend's house, one afternoon, when I was quite young: I
think I was about fifteen; and pretty soon a couple of neighbouring women came
in to visit. They had not been in the house more than twenty minutes before the
woman of the house went and brought out a pillow, and began to rail against her
husband, saying, "He is a dirty, nasty man; he is the filthiest man in the
world; that is the pillow he sleeps on." I thought, you miserable feel,
Why do you not wash that slip? Those women see that the blame rests on you, and
not on your husband. And he continued telling them how nasty, filthy, and lazy
he was. I knew enough about a family, at that early age, to know where the
fault lay. At the same time there was plenty of wool and flax lying in her
chamber, for I saw them; and a wheel and the other implements were on hand, all
of which the husband had toiled for. He had also provided the cows, flour, and
meat in abundance; but because he did not do everything, he was a "nasty,
lazy man." He must feed the hogs, spin the wool, wash the pillowcases and
sheets, and do everything else, or be berncaned by his wife. I said to myself,
I expect I shall be married when I am old enough, and if I get such an animal
as you are, I will put hooks in her nose to lead her in a way you have not thought
of.
I have
seen a great many persons live in the neglect of all the comforts of life,
because they would not take hold and make themselves comfortable. Others do not
know what to do with the comforts of life, when they have them. I have been in
places where people had an abundance, and yet they lived, figuratively
speaking, at death's door, with regard to food.
I
recollect once walking up to a house in Illinois, where a young woman was
sitting just within the door dressed up, I may say, within an inch of her life,
in calico that cost ten or twelve cents a yard in my country; and she was,
according to her ideas, titivated out to the ninety-nines. Fourteen milch cows,
with calves by their sides, were feeding on the prairie. I first asked
her," Can I buy some butter here?" "No, Sir." "Can I
buy a little milk?" "No, sir." I then asked her whether her
father owned those cows; "Yes,
sir." "Do you milk them?" "No, sir; only a little in the
morning to put in the coffee." I wanted to laugh in her face, but politeness
forbad me. There stood fourteen new milch cows, and not a drop of milk in the
house, nor a pound of butter, and everything else was in keeping. An abundance
of good things was around them, and yet they had nothing comfortable and
wholesome.
It is
just so with some people here. Every facility is in the possession of this
people for living in the very best manner, if they would only learn how, and
practise upon that knowledge. How much do you have to pay for your cow's
running on the range, or for the use of a lot? Nothing. How much rent do you
pay for your land? Not any. What hinders you from raising something to feed a
cow? Nothing. Who hinders you from planting your garden with corn, and saving
the suckers and the fodder? Who hinders you from raising carrots, parsnips,
squashes, &c., to feed a cow with through the winter? This you can do on a
little more than a quarter of an acre, but will you do it? No; many of
you will not. Does any one hinder you? No; and yet some of you complain that
you live poorly, and lay the blame upon me and brother Kimball, and brother
Wells, and those men who dictate the Public Works.
We pay
the public hands higher wages than they earn, and if they are obliged to live
on bread alone from day to day, it is for want of economy and proper
management. Am I to blame? No. Will I milk your cows for you? No. Will I buy
butter for you? No; we will give you all that is brought in on tithing, and
when we have done that, you may calculate to do without, or make your own
butter. I know families that milk one cow for eight or ten in the family, and
yet have butter on the table all the time, and occasionally sell a little.
Others have six or eight cows, and seldom have any butter in the house; they do
not take care of what they have.
Instead
of people being poor, we already have too much, unless we take better care of
it. I heard a man who is living in this city—one who has always been well
off—state that he used to keep twelve cows when he first came here, and was
often nearly destitute of milk and butter. After a few years, the number of his
cows was reduced to six, and he said that the six did him more good than the
twelve had done. In two years more, they were reduced to two, and the two cows
have done him much more good than the twelve or the six did, for they could be
and were more properly attended to.
Let me
have the privilege of dictating every chore about my house, and I would soon
put everything right. I do not have that privilege, for I have so many and so
much around me, that I have to depend upon others. During the past six years, I
have seldom kept in my yard less than thirteen cows for the use of my family,
and there has not been one year of that time that we have had much more than
milk enough the year round to put in the tea and coffee. I have directed the
men who feed my cows to take a course to prevent such a variation in the supply
of milk. I have told them to feed the cows thus and so; to give them so much in
the morning, and so much at night, and to allow them as much water as they
would drink. And after all, though perhaps I would not go to the barn as often
as once in the week, I have frequently seen from a peck to a bushel of good
wheat meal shovelled into the yard out of one cow's trough. And when I have
asked what does this mean, "Why, such a brother wanted to go a visiting,
and would not be back for three days, so he put the three days' feed before the
cow at once." Again, I might remark. "This cow looks poor; I have
thousands of feed to give her; what is the matter?" "She eat until
she nearly killed herself, and we have just made out to save her," and
that is all the satisfaction I would get. It is too often a perfect waste and
destruction under my own nose, because I cannot find time to look after my
private affairs.
I have
asked myself, Shall I go and attend to my own business, or let it go? And I
have replica, I will let it go to hell backwards rather than neglect my public
duties. I will not neglect my public duties, if my property all goes to
destruction—if we do not have a drop of milk from this time henceforth and
forever. During the past winter, my large family have had three cows, and they
have done me six times more good than ever the thirteen did. I prevailed upon
one or two of my women to do the milking for the first time, whereas heretofore
I have had to hire Jim, and Jack, and Peter Gimblet to do the milking, and they
would often pound a cow until she would not give down her milk, and would kick
her half to death, and then half milk her, and ruin everything about me. Three
cows now do us more good than fifty would have done four years ago, under the
old plan.
I expect
that all persons who will not try to help and take care of themselves the best
they can, will see the time when they will wish they had done so; yet I would
like to turn away the evil day from them, if I can possibly do it, by correct
teaching and example. All persons that will not try to take care of themselves,
will see a day of sorrow, and will regret the waste of time misspent in this
life.
When I
laboured, I did the milking and feeding most of the time, and fed the pig, and
attended to all the outdoor chores; though, at the same time, if I was absent,
I had a wife after I came into this Church, who was always ready to feed pigs,
milk and feed cows, and work in the garden, or do anything that should be done,
so far as she was able. Wives go into the garden and raise the salad and
numerous other articles within our judgment and strength. Who hindered you from
making a little vinegar last year? People are frequently running round and
asking, "Where can I buy some vinegar?" When I was keeping a house,
if my neighbours had a million hogsheads of vinegar, I had no need to buy a
spoonful of it, for I would make a plenty for my own use, and would have eggs,
butter, and pork, of my own producing, and manage to secure beef, and salt it
away nicely, and we had all the essentials for comfortable diet.
Will the
people continue to live? Many of them will merely manage to stay, just as a
family did in Illinois. During a conference held in their neighbourhood, we
would sit down at the table, in the centre of which was a great big milk-pan
piled full of lean beef, and sour bread to eat with it. After awhile, a plate
of butter would be brought on, quite white, and full of buttermilk; and those
articles comprised our dinner. When Sunday morning came, we had the rarity. In
the mean time, I found out who owned the farm, the sheep, the horses, the cows,
the oxen, the turkeys, the geese, the fowls, and the fine orchards. They were
all owned by Esquire Walker. On Sunday morning, we sat down to the meat and
bread, as usual, and clean butter was on the table that time, if I recollect
rightly; but there was one plate with something upon it that I had not deciphered.
I looked at it carefully, and by and by I concluded that; it faintly resembled
a pie. Sister Walker came along, saying, "Brother Young, there is some
pie; it is peach pie; do eat some." It was made of dough rolled out into a
thin cake, and put on a plate, with a thin streak of poor, refuse, fuzzy
peaches that had been merely halved, and the pits taken out; and then another
thick tough crust put over them. I took a piece, and said to brother Kimball,
What is this? at the same time giving hint a wink. "Why, brother
Young," replied Mrs. Walker, "It is peach pie." I remarked,
Brother Kimball, I never saw the like before in my life;did you?"
"Never." I went into the orchard, where they had been making brandy
out of the best peaches for three or four weeks. Could they be put into a pie?
No; but they must use the little, nasty, withered up ones.
I have
related that circumstance to show you how much they knew about living. That
family had plenty of fowls, cattle, and milk; and if they had known how to
manage their abundance, they could have had every comfort of life served up in
the richest and best style. They could also have made hundreds of pounds of
maple sugar, which is the best of sweetening; for they had a sugar orchard on
the farm. Yet, when I was there, they had a house with five or seven beds in
one room; and when you walked across the floor, the planks would go
clatter-to-bang. And when they wanted to see in the day time, they had to open
the door, or draw up to the fireplace, and benefit by the light that came down
the chimney. I asked Esquire Walker why he did not put a good floor in his
house, and put in windows. He replied, "I have been thinking I would, for
several years. Friend Young, I have a good deal of money and property on hand,
and I think of going to Nauvoo, to invest several thousand dollars." I
state this to show you that many people do not know what to do with what they
have.
You may
see some little girls around the streets here with their mothers' skirts on, or
their sun bonnets, and with their aprons full of dirt. Your husbands buy you
calico, but you do not know what to do with it. It is to be carefully worn
until the last thread is worn out, and then put into the rag bag to make paper
with.
Some men
do not know what to do with their means. You may take the poorest mechanic
here, and one who has nothing but bread to eat, and you may see him paying half
a dollar or a dollar for a meal of victuals at the Globe. You may see the
barber shops crowded with our poor mechanics, who pay from three to five
dollars a quarter for being shaved. I bought a razor, when I began to shave,
that cost thirty-seven and a half cents, and used it for fifteen years. Some
black their boots, so that they will not last more than two or three months. I
keep my boots well oiled, wear them two or three years, and then give them to
the poor.
Nearly
all who grumble about their poor scanty fare, would be rich if they would do as
I do. Take care of your articles of food, of your clothing, of your boots, and
hats, and you will have plenty; and let the women take care of what is taken
into the house. If you do not go to now and prepare for the day of trouble, you
will be sorry, and will lament and mourn.
I now
want to tell you the feelings of several in this community: "I do not want
to build a good house, because I shall have to move away by and bye; our
enemies will come and possess it. I do not want to lay up corn, because our
enemies will come and take it from me." If this people will do as they are
told, will live their religion, walk humbly before their God, and deal justly
with each other, we will make you one promise, in the name of Israel's God,
that you will never be driven from the mountains. And instead of mobs coming
here to break open your granaries, they will come to this people, bringing
their gold, and their silver, and their fine things, and plead with them for
something to eat.
I told
you last Sabbath, that if this people had not stepped forward to help the poor
last fall, you would have seen harder times in 1857 than you did in 1855 and
1856.
Let us
keep in the favour of the Lord, and be his friends, live to our covenants, love
the Lord, and walk uprightly in all our acts and dealings, so that we will not
be afraid to have them scanned by the Lord and His angels, and all good men on
the earth; and we can stand justified. May the Lord bless you. Amen.
Missionaries' names were read.
Choir sung "Blessed be the Lord."
Adjourned till to-morrow at 9 a.m.
Benediction by Lorenzo Snow.
——
[7 Apr, 9 am*]
[DNW 7:43, 4/15/57 p3]
Bowery,
Tuesday morning
April 7, 1857, 9 a.m.
Choir sung, "Bring forth the royal diadem."
Prayer by patriarch John Young.
Singing by the choir.
Elder Joseph L. Heywood related some of the incidents of his experience in California, the East, &c.
Prest. B. Young presented the authorities of the church as follows: -
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer and Revelator; Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator; Danl. H. Wells, Second Counselor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator;
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards, members of said Quorum;
John Smith, (eldest son of Hyrum) Presiding Patriarch;
John Young, President of the High Priests' Quorum;
Joseph Young, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock, Presiding Presidents over all the Seventies;
John Nebeker, President of the Elders' Quorum;
Daniel Spencer, President of this Stake of Zion;
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phineas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Daniel Carn and Ira Ames, Members of the High Council;
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop of the whole church.
Lewis Wight, President of the Priest's Quorum;
McGee Harris, President of the Teachers' Quorum;
Alexander Herron, President of the Deacons' Quorum;
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints;
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works;
Truman O. Angel, Architect for the church;
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor; H. C. Kimball, D. H. Wells and Edward Hunter his assistants, and agents for said fund;
George A. Smith, Historian and General Church Recorder; W. Woodruff, his assistant;
Who were unanimously sustained.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young referred to the civilization of the world, contrasting it with the condition of the Latter Day Saints.
[Prest. D. H. Wells]
Prest. D. H. Wells spoke of the design of the Express and Carrying company, being more particularly to facilitate immigration by establishing temporary settlements, &c.
[Prest. H. C. Kimball]
Prest. H. C. Kimball followed on the same subject.
Names of persons selected to go on missions were read.
Choir sung: "Awake, put on thy strength, oh Zion."
Benediction by Prest. Joseph Young.
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 7:43, 4/15/57 p3]
2 p.m.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Elder W. Woodruff.
Singing by the choir.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young spoke of the Express and Carrying Company.
Congregation sung, "Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation."
[Prest. Orson Hyde]
Prest. Orson Hyde spoke of the folly of persons neglecting to improve their possessions.
[Prest. Young]
Prest. Young made a few remarks.
A number of names of those selected to assist in the Express and Carrying Company were read.
Choir sung, "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."
Adjourned to to-morrow at 9 a.m.
Benediction by Daniel Spencer.
——
[8 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 7:43, 4/15/57 p3]
Wednesday, April 8, 9 a. m.
Singing by the Choir.
Prayer by Elder Benj. L. Clapp.
Singing by the Choir.
[Prest. Orson Hyde]
Pest. Orson Hyde spoke a short time.
[Prest B. Young]
Prest. B. Young adduced as an evidence of the truth of the work, the thankfulness with which Elders received chastisement.
[Elder F. D. Richards]
Elder F. D. Richards alluded to the course he had pursued in relation to last year's immigration.
[Elder W. Woodruff]
Elder W. Woodruff spoke on the right of the leader of this people to dictate in all things.
[Wilford Woodruff]
[DNW 7:76, 5/13/57, p4; JD 4:320]
REMARKS
By Elder Wilford Woodruff, Bowery, April 8, 1857
I will
say to my brethren and sisters that I count it a blessing and a privilege to
occupy a few moments this morning in bearing my testimony and expressing my
feelings to you; and I hope what little I may say may be dictated by the Holy
Spirit, for I have lived long enough in this world to know that I can neither
edify myself nor the children of men without the Holy Spirit.
I have a
few thoughts upon my mind, which I wish to present. Since I have attended this
conference, I have listened attentively to the teachings, counsels, reproof,
corrections, testimonies, and subjects which have been given to us by the
servants of God.
It brings
to mind the days before I heard "Mormonism." I have spent hours, and
days, and nights, among the rocks and in the forest, praying to Almighty God to
enlighten my mind, and lead me in the paths of rectitude and duty, and that he
would let me live to behold a people he could own, who did receive the
revelations of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, the principles and covenants which the
ancients received and enjoyed.
The Lord
revealed to me that I should have this privilege, and I have lived to see the
Kingdom of God set up: it is before me to-day, in this tabernacle, and all the
blessings of the Priesthood, and all the covenants, and all the power necessary
to lead a people into salvation is here to-day.
I want to
say in answer to my feelings, that as I realize the Kingdom of God is here, I
realize also that we have a leader to it. We live in a great and important day
and generation, we live in the midst of the mighty work of God, in a time when
he has stretched out his hand to accomplish that great and mighty work, in
fulfilment of the word of God, written in the volume of revelation which points
to our day.
Any man
who has a particle of the Spirit of God can see that there were great things to
transpire in our day. We are in our alphabet: there are but a few of the works
of Almighty God that have yet been declared in our ears in comparison to that
which is to come. No man is qualified to stand at the head of the house of
Israel, to carry out the great purposes of our God, unless he is inspired by
the Almighty all the time. We have such men at our head. Joseph Smith was of
that class. From his childhood, or from the time the angel rent the vail of
eternity and showed him the record of Ephraim, until the day of his death, he
was led by the hand of God. No man had any business to say unto him, Why dost
thou so? He was a shaft in the hand of the Almighty.
It is not
less so now with President Young, who stands at the head of this people; for he
does point out the way in which this people should walk. Who is going to take
hold of the Ark and steady it for him? No man. President Young has the right to
make use of my name or yours before the people, by way of correction. It is not
our business to call him to an account for it. He has a right to correct,
reprove, and guide us, and he has had to do so all the day long; and he has
been a father to this people continually. I have been acquainted with him, and
travelled with him for many years; and I will say, I have felt many a time to
thank God that he has given to us fathers, as leaders and teachers, who have
been filled with mercy and compassion, and with the words of eternal life.
I have
wondered many a time in my life how I have passed along so smoothly as I have.
I have felt that I have been worthy of correction in a good many things; yet I
desire to pursue a course whereby I may become justified. I have my weaknesses,
errors, and follies, and can see them by the light of the Holy Spirit.
There is
nothing I have ever done in my life that was wrong but what I have been sorry
for. I know President Young is endowed with the power of God, and so do you
know it; and I know he can discover weaknesses in many of us, and he corrects
us for our good. The reproofs of a friend are far better than the kisses
of an enemy.
With
regard to correcting the Twelve, or any body else, I am glad, when we are
corrected, to see the brethren kiss the rod. We have to learn to build up this
kingdom before we are prepared, as polished shafts in the hands of the Lord, to
stand up and magnify our calling as Apostles of Jesus Christ. There is nothing
that President Young brings forth for this people to carry out but we are all
interested in, whether we understand it or not.
Should I,
or any man in the kingdom of God feel for a moment to object to President
Young's handling or controlling gold or wealth for his own benefit, or the
rolling of the kingdom? No, we should not. I wish he had his millions, for he
has clearly manifested before our eyes, from the beginning until now, his
talents and gifts as a financier;and we all know he has been profitable to the
Church and kingdom of God, to Zion, and this whole people. It matters not to me
whether it is in building a Temple, establishing a Carrying Company, or
anything else that is presented for the accomplishment of the purposes of the
Lord and the building up of his kingdom, and the gathering of Israel; we are
equally interested in it, and should go to with our might, and carry out the
work assigned us.
Many
things will be made manifest unto us, and our labours will have to extend
through many channels, ways, and means, before the way is prepared for the
coming of the Son of Man.
I feel
thankful to God that his hand is over us. He has guided, controlled, and
delivered us from the hands of our enemies.
We may thank
the Lord that we have a man among us who has got the Holy Ghost enough to
reprove sin, whether among his wives, or his best friends, or worst enemies.
What would become of this people, were it not so? We would go to hell. No man
can govern his steps, control his life, and correct his errors, if there is not
somebody inspired by the power of God to lead in this matter.
There is
a just cause many times for reproof and correction; and it is a good sign to me
when we are reproved. It shows there are redeeming qualities in this people.
When President Young wants anything of us, I care not what, let us respond to
his request. We have to build up this kingdom by union and faithfully following
those men set to lead us, or else we will be scattered. The blessings of God
will be taken from us, if we take any other course.
The
Presidency, in their remarks here, have referred to the hatred of the wicked
against us. Jesus says, "I have chosen you out of the world; therefore the
world hate you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but
because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hate you."
Look at
the world; they are divided on every point; there is hardly two men or women
united in matters of government or religion. Send an Elder of this Church to
proclaim to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and you will see the devils in
hell united with the priests and people of Christendom to oppose him. They know
they are wicked and weltering in their own corruptions and abominations. But here
comes a man to proclaim to them the word of God. Why do they oppose him?
Because he has the testimony of Jesus Christ, and is sent of God. Do the world
believe we have a false religion, that we are deceivers, and have not the true
faith? No: they are afraid that what we preach is too true; they are afraid of
our union in the Valleys of the Mountains. It has more terror in it to the
kings of the earth than any other subject that has been revealed to man in this
generation. They are afraid God is with this people—that he controls them.
The same
feeling exists among the nations now as anciently, when the Jews said, He
(Jesus) will take away our place and nation, if he is let alone. This should be
a testimony to all the world, when they see the spirit of division increasing
upon almost every subject. They cannot unite upon any subject only in opposing
the Latter day Saints.
I feel to
say to my brethren and sisters, Let us make up our minds to do right, and let
our union increase, and truly follow the men God has set to lead us. There is
where our salvation lies.
Some of
us have been in a measure reproved and corrected. Well, what of it? no doubt we
deserved all we have got and more. We should not boast over each other because
one man is reproved today; you may receive the the rod of chastisement
to-morrow.
Let us
prepare ourselves, so that, in whatsoever we are corrected, we may be passive
in the hands of the servants of God, and thank the Lord; for whom the Lord
loves he chastens, and scourges every son and daughter he receives.
When I
get through, if I can only find myself associated with the Twelve Apostles of
the Latter-day Saints and with this people, I will be satisfied. If I can steer
my way through this life, and have a place with you, it is all I will ask.
I pray
the Lord to bless you and me, and more particularly the Presidency of this
Church, and clothe them with the power of God and with salvation, that their
hearts may be filled with joy, light, and truth. And may this people rise up
and humble themselves before the Lord, and take the counsel that is given to
them, that we may be well educated in the things of God, and be obedient
children in treasuring up their teachings and carrying them out, that we may be
saved in the kingdom of God; which is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
[Elder Benj. L. Clapp and Prest. Daniel Spencer]
Elder Benj. L. Clapp and Prest. Daniel Spencer made a few remarks.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young spoke of the benefit of chastisement, when rightly received and appreciated.
Br. Samuel Barson sung, 'Oh Zion, dear Zion.'
Br. J. D. T. McAllister sung, 'What I live for.'
[Prest. John Young]
Prest. John Young referred to the saying of Jesus, 'My yoke is easy and my burden is light;' testified that Joseph was the greatest prophet that ever lived, except the Son of God.
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder Lorenzo Snow proved that the principle of union and submission to the will of God through our leaders, will give us all the power that is necessary for us to have.
[Prest. H. C. Kimball]
Prest. H. C. Kimball spoke on the principle of union; notified the missionaries to be here on the 22d inst., with their handcarts, provisions and means ready for going directly to their fields of labor.
Stephen Markham was called to make a station on the Sweetwater. More missionaries' names were read.
Choir sung, 'Praise the Lord all ye nations.'
Benediction by Prest. D. H. Wells.
[8 Apr, 2 pm]
[DNW 7:43-44, 4/15/57 p3, 4]
2 p.m.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Reynolds Cahoon.
Singing by the choir.
[Elder Joseph A. Young]
Elder Joseph A. Young spoke on the principle of obedience.
[Elder William H. Kimball]
Elder William H. Kimball exhorted those about to go on missions to rely solely upon the arm of God.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young spoke concerning the evils we see in one another, &c., and in regard to persons' leaving this Territory.
[Prest. Joseph Young]
Prest. Joseph Young spoke of the importance of building the Temple, forwarding the Express and Carrying Company, &c.
[Prest. Orson Hyde]
Prest. Orson Hyde considered that those appointed for the various posts on the route were local preachers of the gospel.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young wished the Saints to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit of God and be guided by them.
[Prest. H. C. Kimball]
Pest. H. C. Kimball suggested the propriety of the Saints, when they come to Conference, bringing their offerings into the Store House of the Lord.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young said, we want 100 more stone cutters, and wished the Bishops to attend to it. Spoke for a short time on tithing. The names of more missionaries were read.
Choir sung, 'Come let us anew, our journey pursue.'
Adjourned till to-morrow at 9. a. m.
Benediction by Bishop E. D. Woolley.
——
[9 Apr, 9 am]
[DNW 7:44, 4/15/57 p4]
Thursday, April 8 [i.e. 9] 9 a.m.
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Elder David Fullmer.
Singing by the choir.
Prest. B. Young said, we now submit the Conference into the hands of the Twelve, for them to dictate it.
[Elder Lorenzo D. Young]
Elder Lorenzo D. Young spoke of the goodness of God to His people.
[Elder Parley P. Pratt jr.]
Elder Parley P. Pratt, jr., bore testimony to the truth of the work of God; expressed his implicit confidence in it and his determination to press onward.
[Elder W. Woodruff]
Elder W. Woodruff spoke upon the principle of obedience and confidence in the authorities of the Church.
[Wilford Woodruff]
[DNW 7:90, 5/27/57 p2; JD 5:82]
REMARKS
On the necessity of adhering to the Priesthood in
preference to science and art. By Elder Wilford Woodruff, Bower, Thursday,
April 9, 1857.
——
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG]
——
It is a
pleasure to me, and I presume it is to all the brethren who have lived in the
midst of this people during the rise and progress of this Church and kingdom,
to see the sons of the Prophets stand before the people as they have this day
and hear their words while bearing testimony of the work of God.
I well
remember the time that our young brethren who have addressed us were called on
their missions, and they, in connection with brother Grant, brother Ellsworth,
and others, met at my house one evening to receive their blessings under the
hands of the Twelve Apostles. When they had received their blessings, they were
called upon to speak their feelings,—most of them, I suppose, for the first
time in their lives. True, they had sat under the teachings of the servants of
God from their infancy. When most of them had expressed their feelings relative
to going on a mission to England, brother Joseph A. Young said, "Brethren,
I will tell you my feelings when I come home." We have heard from him since
he came home. His feelings have been expressed much to our edification. That
remark sounded well to me, and truly it has been very edifying and interesting
to me to hear the speeches which have been made by all the young brethren since
they have returned. The spirit they manifest shows to me that the blessing and
spirit of their fathers are with them; and I realize that the Spirit of the
Most High is in them, and that ere long they will become mighty men in Israel,
and will have to bear off this kingdom and shoulder the care and responsibility
of it, when their fathers are resting in the grave or leaning on their staffs
for very age.
There is
Parley Pratt, jun., who has just spoken. I remember the day of his birth very
well; for his mother died the day he was born, and I attended her funeral. Now
he has grown to be a man, and I rejoice to hear him bear testimony of the work
of God in connection with the other young brethren. It does my soul good to see
them coming on to the stage of action. I realize that the kingdom of our God,
of which we are members, is only in its infancy, although we look upon it as
being great, compared with what it has been.
It
commenced like a small mustard seed, but it has gradually increased until the
birds begin to lodge in its branches; and yet it is but small, compared with
what it is to be. We have had many symbols and figures presented to our minds
to illustrate the growth and increase of the kingdom of God; and I will here
say, in respect to its being like the comparison made by Daniel, it answers the
figure very well,—only, instead of its rolling down hill, it has come up hill
into the tops of the mountains; and I do hope and pray that it may continue to
grow and increase in strength and in power, that when it rolls down hill it may
go with mighty power and accelerated speed, that it may not require so much
toil, labour, and fatigue to carry the kingdom from the mountains as it did to
bring it up.
I have no
fears in regard to the increase of this kingdom, and I may also add that I never
had any, only so far as concerned the weaknesses and frailties of mortality. I
hope we may all pursue the course laid down for us by the servants of the Lord;
for, if we do this, I know that we shall be safe in this world, and secure
happiness and exaltation in the world to come.
There are
a few thoughts that I wish to present to the congregation touching one
principle that has been alluded to by the brethren,—namely, in regard to
following the instructions and counsels of those who lead us. I have reflected
much upon this subject, and I contend that there is one principle by which the
Lord leads his servants, and if we are faithful, they will lead us in the way
of life; and inasmuch as we have faith to believe in their instructions—in the
teachings of the Holy Spirit through them, we are always in the safe path, and
shall be sure of our reward.
You take
a shepherd, for instance; and, according to the ancient practice, we learn that
they always went forward and prepared the way, so that there could be no danger
in advance but what the shepherd would learn of in time to save the sheep. If
they are allowed to run by the shepherd, the wolves are apt to catch them and
destroy them; and the very moment that men in this kingdom attempt to run
a-head or cross the path of their leaders, no matter in what respect, the
moment they do this they are in danger of being injured by the wolves.
This is a
subject upon which I have thought a great deal; and I have gained a little
useful knowledge, during my experience, by watching the conduct of men; and I
have never in my life known it to fail, that when men went contrary to the
counsel of their leaders, either in the days of Joseph or brother Brigham, they
always became entangled and suffered a loss by so doing.
Now, whatever
I might have obtained in the shape of learning, by searching and study
respecting the arts and sciences of men,—whatever principles I may have imbibed
during my scientific researches, yet, if the Prophet of God should tell me that
a certain principle or theory which I might have learned was not true, I do not
care what my ideas might have been, I should consider it my duty, at the
suggestion of my file leader, to abandon that principle or theme. Supposing he
were to say the principles by which you are governed are not right —that they
were incorrect, what would be my duty? I answer that it would be my duty to lay
those principles aside, and to take up those that might be laid down by the
servants of God.
I have
seen men in the days of Joseph bring up principles, and read, and teach, and
advocate theories, when the Prophet would say, "It is not right to do so:
they are not true." Those men would still argue, maintain their position,
and they would write in defence of their theories when the Prophet condemned
them, and they would say, "We have no faith in your theory, nor in the
system you present." The very moment a man does that, he crosses the path
of the servant of God who is set to lead the way to life and salvation. This is
one thing that the Elders should carefully avoid. The fact is, there are a
great many things taught in the building up of this kingdom which seem strange
to us, being contrary to our traditions, and are calculated to try men. Brother
Joseph used a great many methods of testing the integrity of men; and he
taught, a great many things which, in consequence of tradition, required
prayer, faith, and a testimony from the Lord, before they could be believed by
many of the Saints. His mind was opened by the visions of the Almighty,
and the Lord taught him many things by vision and revelation that were never
taught publicly in his days; for the people could not bear the flood of
intelligence which God poured into his mind.
How was
it in that day in reference to many things that were taught and practised? All
was not revealed at once, but the Lord showed the Prophet a principle, and the
people acted upon it according to the light which they had. All the perfection
and glory of it was not revealed at first; but, as fast as it was revealed, the
people endeavoured to obey.
I will
bring up one thing which will show that the position I take is correct,—viz.,
baptism for the dead. When that was first revealed, we rejoiced in it; and, as
soon as we had an opportunity, we began to be baptized for our dead. A man
would be baptized for both male and female. The moment I heard of it, my soul
leaped with joy; for it was a subject in which I felt deeply interested. I went
forward and was baptized for all my dead relatives I could think of, both male
and female, as did others; but, afterwards, we obtained more light upon the
subject, and President Young taught the people that men should attend to those
ordinances for the male portion of their dead friends, and females for females.
This showed the order in which those ordinances should be administered, which
ordinances had before been revealed, and shows us that we are in a school where
we shall be constantly learning.
This
revelation, in connection with the revelation and vision concerning the three
glories, gave me more joy and consolation than any revelation I ever read, and
I had a great desire to obey it.
I was
taught from my childhood that there was one heaven and one hell, and was told
that the wicked all had one punishment, and the righteous one glory,—that the
grey-headed sinner, who had spent his days in wickedness, debauchery, and
murder, would go to hell to suffer everlasting torments, and that the youth but
sixteen years of age, who had not been religious, would go to the same hell,
suffer the same kind of torment and for the same length of time, and that
Jesus, and the Apostles, and all men who had suffered death for the testimony
which they bore for the kingdom of God and the works of righteousness would
have the same glory and no more than the Presbyterian deacon in Kentucky with
his hundred negroes, who had never made a sacrifice in his life, but had been
full of this world's goods, but he was a professor of religion.
I never
did believe a word of this doctrine a day since I was born, and I am sure that
I never did before; and when I read the vision and was taught the principle of
the baptism for the dead, it enlightened my mind and gave me great joy. It
appeared to me that the God who revealed that principle unto man was wise,
just, and true—possessed both the best of attributes, and good sense, and
knowledge. I felt He was consistent with both love, mercy, justice, and
judgment; and I felt to love the Lord more than ever before in my life. I never
was satisfied with the doctrine taught by the sectarian world upon this subject
in my life, and hence I felt to say hallelujah when the revelation came forth
revealing to up baptism for the dead. I felt that we had a right to rejoice in
the blessings of Heaven. I felt, when I first learned of the justice of God in
relation to his rewarding all men according to their deeds, that such a God was
reasonable; and I felt I could worship such aged; and I was just so when I
heard of baptism for the dead.
There are
thousands and millions who never had the privilege of being baptized for
themselves, and hence never ought to be punished for not obeying a law which
they never heard. How did we feel when we first heard the living could be
baptized for the dead? We all went to work at it as fast as we had an opportunity,
and were baptized for everybody we could think of, without respect to sex. I
went and was baptized for all my friends, grandmothers, and aunts, as those of
the male sex; but how was it? Why, by-and-by, it was revealed, through the
servants of the Lord, that females should be baptized for females, and males
for males; but the full particulars of this order was not revealed till after
the days of Joseph: therefore this shows an advance in the building up of the
kingdom, the gathering of Israel, and the warning of the nations of the earth.
You will
see an advance in a great many things; for the Lord will open the mind of
brother Brigham and lead him into many principles that pertain to the salvation
of this people; and we cannot close up our minds and say that we will go so far
and no farther. This we cannot do without jeopardizing our standing before God.
With
regard to crossing the path of any man who may be appointed to lead us, I will
say we never should do it; and I do not care what our feelings and views may be
upon the subject as far as our traditions and education are concerned. If God
has anything to reveal, he will reveal it to that man who stands at the head.
Now, here is the quorum of the Twelve Apostles: we cannot bring forth a new
revelation for the guidance of this people while the First Presidency are here;
for there is no other plan, no other system by which to guide and govern men in
this kingdom, only that which has been established by the revelations of God in
the order of His church and kingdom; and that is, for the head to lead,
counsel, and govern in all dispensations in which the will of God is revealed
to man.
I wish to
say a few words to the missionaries—to those who are going abroad to preach the
Gospel of Christ. I want to give you a word of exhortation and counsel,
brethren: that is, whenever you are in doubt about any duty or work which you
have to perform, never proceed to do anything until you go and labour in prayer
and get the Holy Spirit. Wherever the Spirit dictates you to go or to do, that
will be right; and, by following its dictates, you will come out right.
We shall
be brought to many places during our career in the ministry among the nations
of the earth, where we may consider a certain course of procedure to be right;
but, if we do not know, it will be better for us to go before the Lord, and ask
in faith that we may be instructed in the way of life.
I will
take the liberty of saying that it is your privilege, brethren, to get the mind
and will of the Lord in relation to your duties while abroad among the people;
and it is also the privilege of the whole people who are called Israel to
obtain the revelations of the Holy Spirit to guide them in every duty in life.
Whatever position a man may stand in, it is his privilege, as a Saint of God,
to enjoy this blessing; and a man who understands himself will not move without
the operations of that Spirit to lead him.
Brethren,
as the order of the day is short sermons, I will not detain you longer; but I
will say that I am happy to be with you, and my soul does rejoice in the things
of God; for I feel that I have been fed in my mind, not only to-day, but
yesterday, and all through the Conference; and I do feel that we of all men
have the greatest reason to rejoice; for the Lord has committed into our hands
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the way of life and salvation. We can walk into
this Tabernacle and our places of worship, and sing, and pray, and preach, and
praise the Lord, with none to molest us. We can plant, and build, and eat, and
inherit those things which God has given us, in peace and quietness. For these
things we should feel thankful, and feel in our hearts to acknowledge the hand
of God therein.
The
truths and revelations which have been made known unto this people, for their
salvation, and exaltation, and glory, and for the salvation of all men, beth
the living and the dead, are of great value and worth unto us, —and unto all
men, if they would receive them. We are the only people to whom this holy Gospel,
Priesthood, and covenants have been committed in our day; and we shall be held
responsible for the use we make of them. Then we should be diligent and
faithful in offering this great salvation unto the children of men, and in
building up Zion and the kingdom of our God. We should also be careful to
strictly obey the voice of our Heavenly Father and the voice and counsel of His
servants who are set to lead us; which may the Lord enable us to do,—which I
ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Elder Seymour B. Young]
Elder Seymour B. Young testified to the truth of 'Mormonism.'
[Elder Heber John Richards]
Elder Heber John Richards expressed his willingness to do whatever is required of him.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young spoke encouragingly to the boys, and predicted their future greatness in the kingdom of God.
[Elder John Y. Geene]
Elder John Y. Greene made a few remarks.
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder Lorenzo Snow spoke upon the principle of consecration.
[Lorenzo Snow]
[DNW 7:67, 5/6/57, p 3; JD 5:63]
REMARKS
By Elder Lorenzo Snow, Bowery, Thursday Morning, April 9,
1857
——
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG]
——
While
those young boys have been speaking, a few thoughts occurred to my mind, which
I thought I would speak for their comfort; for I desire to do them good.
If a
father, for instance, had a large, extensive family, his object would be to do
them good, to promote their interest and happiness, to put into their hands
power, knowing that they could not accomplish much alone, and that they would
have to take or obtain assistance from that family. The son that would take the
deepest interest—that would devote himself the most faithfully to promote the
designs of the father and head of that family, for the happiness and prosperity
of the whole, would increase in power and influence faster than any other one;
for the father would be disposed to put as much power and influence into his
hands as it would be possible for him to receive, and as would be for the
benefit of the family.
That
would be the principle upon which all the members of that family would increase
in knowledge, influence, and power above others. It would be by. having the
faculty, the feeling, and the disposition and desire to carry out the mind of
the father, and that, too, for the benefit and exaltation of the whole family.
In order
to do this, every particle of power, influence, and ability that a son holds,
he should hold in subjection to the will of his father, be ever ready to carry
out his commands; and his object and aim should be to obtain influence with his
father; and then he would feel like holding everything that he obtained subject
to the control of the father. No matter if he had obtained great temporal
influence,—no matter whether his influence be of an intellectual or spiritual
character,—no matter whether he obtained his influence by his knowledge of
books the study of science,—whether he had obtained farms, or lands, or riches,
or whether he had his influence by obedience to his father's will he would hold
all at the control of his father, for the general good of the family. Just so
far as he had this in him would he gain influence with his father and get the
power upon him which it is absolutely necessary for him to possess.
If men
would search deep into their own hearts, they would discover that their desires
and feelings, and in fact many things which they do and say, are not in
accordance with the mind and will or the Lord.
These
boys do not profess to have received much—not a great deal of knowledge; but
yet they are willing to do that which they are set to do: they place all upon
the altar to be used as the master pleases; and herein lies their strength to
carry out those great and glorious designs for the salvation of this people and
the rolling forth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It matters not how little they
are, or how little they have received, inasmuch as they keep faithful and
discharge the duties devolving upon them, the Lord will make them powerful for
the rebuking of iniquity, and for the establishment of the kingdom of God, and
to minister to those that dwell upon all the face of the land.
Now, when
a person receives intelligence from the Lord, and is willing to communicate
that for the benefit of the people, he will receive continual additions to that
intelligence; and there is no end to his increase so long as he will hold fast
to the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ; and so long as he will hold himself in
readiness to operate here, go there, and work for the Lord, travel abroad to
the nations of the earth, or to travel among the mountains of Israel, that
individual is bound to become strong and. mighty in the power of God and in the
intelligence of eternity.
You,
brethren, that are here in these valleys have a certain privilege which you
ought to appreciate,—namely, that of consecrating your property to the Lord. If
you want to know the secret and principle upon which you may become rich, it
lies in contributing your means and in putting your property into the hands of
the leaders of this Church. When a man has much property, he is very apt to fix
his heart upon it. Some have one thousand dollars' worth of property, some five
thousand dollars, and some more; and I fear that many are using their means in
a way that will prove a curse instead of a blessing; and when the Lord says,
Give me your property, we are not unanimously ready to answer the call.
In this
respect, however, we are beginning to learn, and in some degree answering the
call. We are beginning to learn that it all belongs to the Lord, and that he
has given us a little power by which we have acquired some knowledge of his
will and his designs concerning us. Take the man who has a large share of this
world's goods, and examine what kind of a man he is,—try his spirit, and you
will generally find that it is often one of the greatest trials that can come
upon him, to be called upon to part with any of his property.
If you
please, you may contrast such a person with these boys who have been addressing
you, and you will find them ready and on hand to do anything that may be
required at their hands. Those youths are more willing and pliable in the hands
of the servants of God than many men who have been in the Church from the
beginning.
Latterly,
however, you have learned the principle to some extent, and the power of God
has been manifested, so that you are now ready to give a little of your means
for the building up of the kingdom of God; and by-and-by I presume you will
progress like some others have done, and be ready to put all upon the altar.
Take this
people at the present time,—consider what they possess,—then inquire how many
of them have consecrated their property, and you will find that the amount
consecrated is a mere nothing compared with that which the people actually
possess.
I tell
you, brethren, that although this may seem a small matter, yet, if we cling to
the property that we possess as the wicked do to theirs, we shall never obtain
that which we are trying for. We must learn to obey the word of the Lord. Why
is it that we do not talk more about consecration? It is because brother
Brigham does not care anything about it, only that he wishes the people to take
a course to secure themselves against the powers of the Evil One, that he may not
gain any control over them or their families.
If this
people who live in these valleys of the mountains are willing to put their
property into the hands of the Trustee-in-Trust, that it may be preserved for
the benefit of the kingdom, and will continue to live their religion as they
have done the past few months, they and their property will become sanctified
to the Lord; and thus we will show to all nations and people that we have
learned a principle that they know nothing of and that they have nothing to do
with,—show them that when we can get a little property, we put it where the
Lord can use it just as He pleases.
This is a
practice and a principle the world knows nothing of; but when this people deed
over their property, they understand what they are about; they know that they
will eventually be exalted to possess all that is desirable—the land, the
houses, the vineyards, the cattle, the gold, the silver, and all the riches of
the heavens and of the earth. The Lord says, All these things are mine;
and because of the willingness of my people, all will be restored back to me;
and then I will put them in possession of all the riches of eternity.
This is
the only principle upon which we can secure the promised blessings.
"Then," says one, "why is it not talked about more than it
is?" If the people do not see it now, and cannot act upon it with the
light and knowledge they have already received, if they cannot see the
principle by which they can be established, it follows, as a matter of course,
that they cannot be established in our Father's kingdom.
It is the
design of the Almighty to work into the hearts of the people the principles to
operate upon, in order to obtain an eternal exaltation and glory; and if we do
not see them now, with the instruction already given unto us, we shall
have to learn them by experience more severe.
We have
not the power to do any. thing without the assistance of the Spirit of
the Lord; but do we all know that the Gospel we preach is true? Do we know as
well as those little boys know, who have been speaking to you? They do actually
know that this is the work of God; but some of them do not really comprehend
that they understand as much truth as they do. But the truths of of the Gospel
of Christ are in them, and through them; for they were born in the Gospel, and
hence they are born Latter-day Saints. The root of the matter is in them, and
they are preserved by the good hand of the Lord; for He has His eye upon them,
and designs to use them in a future day. What they possess of influence, means,
or knowledge, they are ready to put to their Father's use.
Let these
boys go into a High Council, and, by the Spirit that is in them, they will give
better judgment than those old men do; and I can safely say this, and that,
too, on brother Brigham's responsibility; for I have heard him say it a number
of times.
Do I feel
sure of this? Yes, I do; for the fact of the matter is, they do not know
anything about error: they know nothing but truth, while we old logics, who are
so filled up with tradition ought to think twice before we dare to speak once.
In this
way I look upon the movements of those young men in contrast with the actions
of the old fogies. They are lively, energetic, always on hand, by night or by
day, to carry expresses or to do anything required of them.
Brethren,
I feel first-rate to-day, and I know that you do, by the light that beams forth
from your countenances. There is one thing upon my mind, which I will speak
upon before I conclude. I want my brethren to understand it, because that and
the things we have heard pertain to our exaltation and glory. They lie deep,
but still they are important.
Let us go
forth and do precisely as we are told; and just as fast as we increase, so will
we have to use that spiritual knowledge which is given unto us in a way that
will aid in building up the kingdom of God: and it is just so with what little
property and means you have got; it must all be upon the altar. You must get
rid of this little, mean, nasty spirit, and walk in the light of God. Let your
minds expand, and be on hand for every duty that is placed upon you.
There are
men right before me who have done but little for the kingdom of God, and who,
if they knew what would be for their good, would go within twenty-four hours
and say to President Young, There is a thousand, or five or ten thousand
dollars, which I will donate for the benefit of the kingdom.
But,
then, I realize that we are children yet, and we have not learned, our duties
fully. It is true that once in a great while there is a man who can break out
from the common track of doing things, and such a man will increase in
influence, in the knowledge of God, and in the riches of eternity. There are
men who will do this at the present time; but by and by all the Saints of God
will more generally learn the principle and obey it.
May the
Lord bless you, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Elder Brigham Young, jr.]
Elder Brigham Young, jr., expressed himself ready for any duty required of him.
[Elder Stephen Taylor]
Elder Stephen Taylor bore testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
[Patriarch John Young]
Patriarch John Young prophesied that if the missionaries live their religion the spirit of their missions will rest upon them. Blessed them in the name of the Lord, and exhorted them and the High Priests, to keep the gathering spirit.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young proved that those boys who had just spoken were naturally 'Mormons,' not having had the errors of the world to shroud the light of truth in their minds.
[Elder james Ferguson]
Elder James Ferguson spoke of the great influence of the young 'Mormon' elders while on missions, and remarked upon the principle of consecration.
[Prest O. Hyde]
Prest. O. Hyde exhorted parents to watch over their children, not only as their own, but as the children of the kingdom of God.
[Elder Orson Pratt, jr.]
Elder Orson Pratt, jr., adduced evidences in favor of the truth of this work.
[Elder George Chase]
Elder George Chase made a few remarks.
[Elder Joseph W. Young]
Elder Joseph W. Young spoke of the joy and happiness he had experienced while preaching the gospel.
[Elder Geo. D. Grant]
Elder Geo. D. Grant spoke of rough and ready 'Mormonism.'
[Judge Phelps]
Judge Phelps preached several sermons in a few minutes, and told an anecdote.
More missionaries' names were read.
[Prest. H. C. Kimball]
Prest. H. C. Kimball said, it is motioned that this Conference adjourn to the 6th day of October at 10 a.m., in this place.
Choir sung, "Oh my father, thou that dwellest."
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young said: I say to the people that all that has been prophesied by the Lord's servants during this Conference is verily true and shall come to pass, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: Amen.
Benediction by Prest. Brigham Young.
LEO
HAWKINS,
Clerk of Conference.
——
The following is a list of the names of missionaries selected during the Conference: -
John W. Berry Henry
Wm. Bigler
Andrew Jackson Wheelock John S.
Woodberry
John Y. Green James
Keller
David Wilkin David
P. Rainey
Robert Gardner Samuel
R. Ailen
David Brinton H.
L. Southworth
Henry Herriman George
Goddard
Daniel Mackintosh Thomas
Hall
Bill H. Pierce James
Brooks
Brigham H. Young Thomas
Browning
Joseph W. Young Richard
Hill
Jabez Woodard Gabriel
Huntsman
James Gallie William
F. Bull
William Jackson Steward John M.
Wakeley
Seymour Bicknall Young William
Carter
William P. Thomas Alburn
Allen, jun.
Martin Luther Ensign William
Barker Twitchell
William J. Harris Thomas
Chamberlain
William Brammall William
Henry Lee
William Dallan William
H. Branch
Jabez Taylor Miner
G. Atwood
Martin Littlewood David
Clough, sen.
Amos Taylor Ephraim
Tomkinson
Frederic Gardner John
W. Turner
William Jenkins Frederick
Rowlea
Phillip Margetts Richard
G. Evans
George Stannaforth John D.
Milan
Samuel Longbottom William
F. Maylett
Peter Horrocks Samuel
Miles
James Andrus John
George Pinder
Robert E. Miller Lyman
S. Wood
Ebenezer Richardson Robert
Logan
George B. Smith George
Rowley
Gilbert Webb John
Gleason
Orson Miles Samuel
Riter
Willard Bingham Jeter
Clinton
Charles Edward Baker Reuben
McBride
Henry H. Morgan _____
McCreary
John Cromby John
Terry
Anson V. Call William
Felshaw
Quincy Knowlton Isaac
Hill
James Hawkins Henry
McEwan
William Farrer William
M. Cowley
——
6-7 Oct 1857,
Semi-Annual General Conference, Bowery, Great Salt Lake City.
[Deseret News Weekly, 7:255, 10/14/57, p7]
[6 Oct, 10 am*]
[DNW 7:255, 10/14/57, p7]
MINUTES
OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, CONVENED IN THE BOWERY ADJOINING THE NORTH END OF THE TABERNACLE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, AND COMMENCING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH 1857, AT 10 A. M.
President Brigham Young presiding.
On the Stand: Pres. Brigham Young:
Of the Twelve Apostles - Orson Hyde, Wilford Woodruff, Amasa Lyman, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards:
Seventies - Joseph Young, Zera Pulsipher, Benjamin L. Clapp:
High Priests - John Young, President:
Presiding Bishop - Edward Hunter:
Patriarchs - John Young, Isaac Morley:
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel Spencer, David Fullmer:
Clerk of Conference - Leo Hawkish:
Reporter - J. V. Long.
Pres. Brigham Young called the conference to order.
The choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Pres. Joseph Young.
Singing by the choir.
[Pres. B. Young]
Pres. B. Young said, that contrary to usual custom he should present the authorities of the church and do up our business the first thing. - He then spoke of the benefit and necessity of having an experience in this world in order to prize and appreciate the happiness and bliss we are now in possession of; and urged the brethren to secure their crops and be ready to defend themselves if their enemies come upon them.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 7:260, 10/21/57, p4; JD 5:293]
REMARKS
By President Brigham Young, Bowery, Tuesday, Morning,
October 6, 1857.]
——
REPORTED BY J. V. LONG.
——
Quite a
goodly number have assembled to our Conference to transact business in a Church
capacity. We shall first present and attend to the business, and then to such
instructions, teachings, exhortations, &c., as may come before the
Conference.
I think
there are quite a number of brethren present who have lately returned from
their fields of labour. We would like to have them come to the stand, and we
will give them the privilege of occupying a portion of the time. I think
brother Jacob Hoffheins has not been on the stand since his return; and I see
several others who have not.
We shall
first present the authorities of the Church to the Conference this morning,
though such has not been our general practice. I believe the brethren are
pretty much in readiness, and have all got their guns ready for shooting. We
will first attend to the business, so that if it is necessary to repair to the
kanyons we can do so.
I do not
know how long we shall hold this Conference, and therefore no one needs to ask
me. There is a time for all things; and I never saw a better time than now to
secure potatoes and other crops, and thus do our preaching in the season
thereof and digging potatoes in the season thereof. And I could almost wish
that our Conference would be dismissed this morning, and all hands go and
secure the potatoes, squashes, corn, &c.
We have
heretofore spent a great deal of time in Conferences unmolested, and we shall
again have a great deal of time to spend in this capacity undisturbed. We must
have what is good for us—that which puts us in mind and brings to us principles
that are free. Should we live in peace, year after year, how long would it be
before we were glued to the world? Our affections would be so fastened to the
things of the world that it would be hard for us to spend a little time in
Conference; it would be hard to go on missions; it would be contrary to our
feelings to attend to anything but our own individual concerns to make
ourselves rich.
It seems
to be necessary for the Lord to bring this people into circumstances to show
them that the things of this world are mere nothingness in their present
state—are but a shadow. They are to-day, and tomorrow they are not. This shows
to us that all things pertaining to this world are subject to change, and such
changes as we cannot control. We find that kings are raised up and emperors
placed in power, and then they are hurled down. We see men who are popular,
wealthy, and rich become poor. History and our own experience prove all this,
and that riches take the wings of the morning and fly away. To-day we are
rich—to-morrow we are poor. Next week we may be rich, and the week after poor
again. It is the Lord that gives and the Lord that takes away; and it is a
blessing that we have the privilege of this experience in our present
condition.
Look at
ourselves—run over our own experience, and we shall discover that ourselves,
our neighbours, our friends, our acquaintances, and all people do not always
know when they are happy. In other words, if you could crowd an individual or a
community into heaven without experience, it would be no enjoyment to them.
They must know the opposite: they must know how to contrast, in order to prize
and appreciate the comfort and happiness, the joy and the bliss they are
actually in possession of. Can you realize this? How many there are who will
exclaim, "If I had but known it, I was happy in such a situation!
How happy I might have been, if I had only known that I was happy."
You will
see individuals who are easy and comfortable, that would like to change their
situations; and when they change, they find that they have changed for the
worse. They then turn round and say, "How happy I could have been, if I
had known how to appreciate my own happiness! I had nothing to annoy me; I was
in comfortable circumstances; I enjoyed good health, and had all that I could
ask for to make life desirable; but I did not know at the time that I enjoyed
one of the comforts of life."
Is that
the experience of any of you? I know that it is of a great many of you. Then
learn to be happy when you have the privilege. For many years we have had the
privilege of living in peace and making ourselves comfortable in these valleys
of the mountains; and do you recollect that but a short time ago it seemed as
though almost everyone had wandered his own way? The people had almost
forgotten and lost sight of the principles of truth and righteousness, of the religion
that we have embraced; and the whole plan of salvation. They had almost lost
sight of the redemption of the nations of the earth, and each one had turned to
his own way. Can you recollect that situation of the people?
We have
reason to be thankful that we have forsaken backslidings and returned to the
Lord in a great measure; but we are still far from being as we should be,
taking every individual, though the great majority of the people are doing the
best, or about as well as they know how. This I believe with all my heart; and
they feel very anxious to live so that they can enjoy more and more of the
knowledge of God: they are very anxious to know how to obtain more of the
revelations of Jesus Christ; and some are fearful that the people are not doing
right, and that they do not live up to their privileges.
Some of
the brethren were conversing in my office the other day, and I discovered that
a part of them had a great anxiety for us to know more of godliness, and had a
feeling that this people must do better—must more strictly refrain from evil
and walk more humbly before their God. I said to them, "Brethren, I will
take you for an example, with myself; and I tell you, for one, that I do not
know how to do any better than I do; and if the Lord wants me to do any better,
he must let me know it; for I cannot do any better of myself. Can you say the
same?" They said they could. So it is with the people: the most of them
are doing the best they know how. There are a few who sin, and a few who will
do wrong—do things that they ought to be ashamed of. They are scarce: but there
is once in a while one of that class in this community; and we expect that
there will be, just so long as the wheat and the tares grow together. There is
once in a while one that we would like to be rid of—would love to have leave us
and this community.
It is
astonishing that any should prefer to act wickedly, and yet there is a reason
for all this. We expect it —at least I do: I look for it. I do not look for
anything else but that them will be tares in the field until the time of
burning. I will just say, for your consolation and mine, that I think the field
is now pretty well weeded out, though the roots are here, and they will spring
up occasionally, and once in a while things are done that are disgraceful. Some
will do things that the Devil would be ashamed of and would not think of doing.
But I am thankful that there are but few of that class here; and I pray that
the evils may be lessened and that the people may be purified before the Lord.
It is
truth—it is God's truth—it is eternal truth, if people did but know it, that it
is much better to be honest, to live here uprightly, and forsake and shun evil,
than it is to be dishonest. It is the easiest path in the world to be honest,—to
be upright before God; and when people learn this, they will practise it. If
they could only believe this, it does appear to me. that they will forsake
every evil practice, every evil thought, and banish them from their minds, and
try to practise virtue and truth, and to live in that way that they will
overcome: every evil disposition, and live so that they can control their
reflections, and that their reflections will tend to virtue, truth, and
holiness; for this is our privilege, until we become pure in our hearts, and
find that the principles of righteousness dwell within us. Then, as it was said
by the Saviour to his disciples, He will be in us a fountain of living water,
springing up into everlasting life.
That is
the principle—the fountain that Jesus our elder brother dwells in; and we can
have the same privilege of overcoming sin in ourselves until we have no desire
to do anything but right—no desire only to build up His kingdom upon the earth,
and have the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to be in us a fountain of living water.
Let us do so, and thereby be prepared for every emergency that shall come upon
us.
Let us
secure our crops. I feel to exhort the brethren to secure their crops so as to
be ready, if our enemies come upon us, to defend ourselves. Let us obey our
officers, not loving the world nor the things of the world above our duties.
The Lord will prepare the way and provide all things necessary for us; and if
we suffer a little, it is good for us. If we suffer for food, for raiment, it
gives us an experience that we will know how to appreciate the comforts of life
when we have them in our possession.
We will
attend to the business of the Conference first, and then dismiss until
afternoon.
[After
putting the motion for himself to be sustained as "Prophet, Seer, and
Revelator," the President remarked:—]
I will
say that I never dictated the latter part of that sentence. I make this remark,
because those words in that connection always made me feel as though I am
called more than I am deserving of. I am Brigham Young, an Apostle of Joseph
Smith, and also of Jesus Christ. If I have been profitable to this people, I am
glad of it. The brethren call me so; and if it be so, I am glad.
Pres. B. Young then presented the authorities of the Church, as follows: -
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prophet, Seer and Revelator, Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator; Danl. H. Wells, Second Counselor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator:
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Frankling (sic) D. Richards, members of said Quorum:
Joseph Young, Henry Harriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Benjamin L. Clapp, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock, Presiding Presidents over all he Seventies:
John Nebeker, President of this Stake of Zion:
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phineas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Daniel Carn and Ira Ames, Members of the High council:
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop of the whole Church:
Lewis Wight, President of the Priest's Quorum:
McGee Harris, President of the Teachers' Quorum:
Alexander Herron, President of the deacons' Quorum:
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works:
Truman O. Angel, Architect for the Church:
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating fund to gather the poor; H. c. Kimball, D. H. Wells and Edward Hunter his assistants, and agents for said fund:
George A. Smith, Historian and General Church Recorder; W. Woodruff, his assistant:
Who were unanimously sustained.
Elder Phineas H. Young made a few remarks pertaining to his late mission.
Elder Jacob Hoffheins gave an account of his mission ;to the Germans in the United States and stated that they are so bound down in the eastern States that they can scarcely make a living.
Elder A. M. Musser related some particulars of his experience in India, and gave some items of the mythology of the Hindoos, Mahomedans and Parsees.
Choir sung, "How firm a foundation."
Benediction by Elder Erastus Snow.
[6 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 7:255, 10/14/57, p7]
2. p. m.
Singing by choir:
Prayer by Bishop E. D. Woolley.
Singing by the choir:
Pres. Orson Hyde invited the recently returned missionaries who had not yet spoken to come to the stand, and made a few remarks.
[Elder James Carrigan]
Elder James Carrigan gave a short account of his mission to Europe; spoke of the treatment he received on board the steamship "Glasgow," and a prediction he made in reference to said ship; stated that he was satisfied with his mission, had done the best he could, and that God has blessed him in all things. Alluded to opposition from the ministers in England.
[Elder James A. Little]
Elder James A. Little spoke of his foreign mission. He considered that from the time he was baptized into this Church he had been on a mission all the time.
[Elder David W. Rogers]
Elder David W. Rogers spoke in brief of his mission to Canada.
[Elder George Thurston]
Elder George Thurston made a few remarks relative to his late mission to England.
[Elder Edward Holden]
Elder Edward Holden spoke of his experience in the valleys of the mountains since 1847 and gave an account of his mission to England.
[Elder D. B. Dille]
Elder D. B. Dille related a dream he had in relation to the Saints in England and spoke briefly of his mission to England and his journey across the plains with a hand cart company of Scandinavian brethren.
[Elder William Walker]
Elder William Walker made some remarks respecting his first associations with Latter Day Saints in Manchester, England, and spoke of his late mission to England.
[Pres. B. Young]
Pres. B. Young spoke on the fulfilment of prophecy, the effects of the Holy Spirit, &c.
Choir sung, "Guide us oh thou great Jehovah."
Benediction by Elder C. C. Rich.
[7 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 7:255, 10/14/57, p7]
Wednesday Oct 7, 1857, 10 a.m.
Singing by the choir:
Prayer by Elder Amasa Lyman.
Singing by the choir:
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder Lorenzo Snow spoke of the presence of our enemies and said we need not be surprised to see the war clouds gathering, for where there is no trial there is no glory, honor or exaltation. Alluded to the course pursued by the United States Government towards this people. Predicted that if the wives of those brethren now in the mountains would be united and let their prayers ascend to heaven in their behalf their husbands should be preserved and returned to them in safety.
[Lorenzo Snow]
[DNW 7:270, 10/28/57, p6; JD 5:322]
REMARKS
By Elder Lorenzo Snow, Bowery, Wednesday Morning, Oct. 7
1857.]
There is
one thing, brethren, that I reflect upon, that pleases me very much; that is,
to see, under our present circumstances, the feeling of calmness and serenity
which manifests faith in the Lord. The calmness and serenity that is in the
minds of the Saints in regard to the circumstances of war and threatenings that
are around us at the present time is a principle that we, as the people of God
and as wise men and wise women, need very much to inculcate within ourselves.
We should be perfectly calm and serene, without excitement, otherwise we will
be excited and consider that the circumstances around us are of a dangerous
nature, and thus shall not be able to act prudently and in a way that would be
pleasing in the sight of our Father in heaven.
Sailors
and mariners become wise, useful, and qualified for their stations only by
experience. Storms, tempests, and hurricanes have to occur in order to give
them that experience. If all was calm, and storms never arose at sea, where
would the mariner get the experience that is necessary for him to have, that
when storms do occur and difficulties arise, when the ship sails out upon the
ocean, he shall be prepared to manage and guide his his vessel safely into
port. If there are individuals on board that have never experienced storms, or
perhaps have never ventured away from land before, when storms arise, you see
that trepidation of spirit that you do not witness in those that have had
experience.
So it is
with ourselves in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have to learn by the things
that take place around us and act in the stations assigned us by the
circumstances that transpire and the experience we gain.
As a
general thing, I presume to say that the people before me to-day feel that all
is well—that all is right, notwithstanding an armed force is only about 147
miles distant from us, full of their hellish designs for our destruction, and
have formed their schemes for the purpose of entering into our settlement for
the destruction of the principles of righteousness and to gratify their hellish
lusts. The least idea never entered their hearts that the people would be found
here that would dare to oppose them. I presume the Saints feel that all will be
well as a general thing, and to see these feelings existing in the bosoms of
the Saints this day is pleasing and gratifying to my feelings; and I feel
assured that whatever shall take place —whatever course shall be pursued by our
enemies or be taken by ourselves, all will terminate for the glory and
exaltation of the Saints of the living God. The kingdom of our God is bound to
prosper and to go forward.
While we
are here studying the interests of Zion—of the honest in heart among the
nations of the earth—how we can gather them together, that the fetters under
which they are now labouring may be broken,—while we are doing this, on the
other hand our enemies are scheming for the destruction of these righteous
principles, for the purpose of binding the yoke more strongly upon our neck—of
destroying those pure and holy principles that have been revealed for the salvation
of the honest in heart—principles that are calculated to exalt, to happify, and
glorify.
Such
principles have been revealed —such principles have been restored—such
principles have been held forth by the Elders among the nations as you heard
yesterday. For these principles this people have been driven several times;
they have forsaken their homes; they have forsaken their enjoyments and the
privileges they might have had among the nations; and they would now willingly
burn up their dwellings, if they were so commanded. We understand, from the
feelings of our bosoms, and we find, as a general thing, that the people are
willing to continue their efforts for the promotion of these principles, that
they may still remain upon the earth, and that the honest in heart may be
delivered. For the dissemination and final triumph of these holy principles,
all that is required on our part is to sustain and support them, so far as the
God of heaven shall lead us by his Holy Spirit. Where the Lord plants us there
we are to stand: when he requires us to exert ourselves for the support of
these holy principles, that we are to do; that is all we need to trouble
ourselves about; the rest our Heavenly Father will take care of. But it need
not surprise us that difficulties and storms arise—that we see hurricanes
playing about us—that we see war-clouds gather thick and fast about us;
this need not be surprising. Where there is no trial there can be no
deliverance; where there is no temptation the power of God cannot be made
manifest to any great extent.
You,
brethren, that have been baptized for the remission of your sins, receive the
laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Ghost has been
poured out upon you, did you not have to make your sacrifice? Did you not have
to give up some things you had formerly held dear to you? Did you not have to
come to this place that you might receive the blessings of God? And after you
had done all this, did you not receive what you had anticipated and been
promised?
Take the
children of Israel from the days when they were called from Egyptian bondage,
and take ourselves from the day we were organized through brother Joseph as the
kingdom of God upon the earth; you will see that in every instance his power
and deliverance were manifest to a greater extent than we could have
anticipated. Take it individually or take it collectively, we have suffered and
we shall have to suffer again; and why? Because the Lord requires it at our
hands for our sanctification.
In the
days of brother Joseph the mob came and took individuals: brother Joseph suffered
them to take him; he suffered them to take possession of the brethren's
houses—to come in and shake hands with him, as traitors; and in every instance,
they sacrificed every principle of virtue, of honour, and purity.
This
course of conduct continued year after year. We suffered them to come upon us
in Jackson County, and they there sacrificed every principle of virtue and
righteousness. In Nauvoo, also, the devils incarnate were there again laying
their hellish plots for the destruction of every holy principle; and after the
death of Joseph the Prophet, President B. Young and others of the servants of
God swore that if their enemies laid their hands upon them they should die. But
the brethren never declared this until they had suffered from their enemies
until forbearance was no longer a virtue.
We
suffered these things day after day and year after year; and why? Because the
Lord suffered it and required it of us. Men may be good and righteous; yet the
Lord causes them to undergo trials to a certain extent. And when the Lord gave
us the privilege of giving away our lives and letting the enemy have power over
us, our enemies never troubled us.
When we
kindly, generously, and with the utmost courtesy asked the President of the
United States, if he could, possibly, to let us choose rulers out from amongst
ourselves; and if that was not agreeable, to go so far as to let us have kind,
decent sort of men—men that have some interest here—men that would themselves
obey the laws which they came to administer; the Government were offended, and
hence they are sending an army—men that wear epaulettes. Probably these are the
citizens which they consider will be interested in our welfare.
The power
of the Almighty bears record in every heart that the position for us to take is
not to suffer them to come in here; and this is the universal feeling in this
community; and it is the power of the Holy Ghost which testifies to every man
and to every woman that this is our position.
The Lord
has preserved us in every position; and although we have suffered, he has been
with us by the power of his Spirit. He has suffered us to give up our arms and
to exhibit his mercy. He did this in Far West and in Nauvoo. He suffered
brother Joseph to give himself up, and now we see what they have done. But now
it is altogether different; we are in a different position from what we were
then. The Lord has revealed to brother Brigham to take the stand which we are
taking.
I was
speaking yesterday of the contrast between this people and the world. We are
here in the capacity of a Conference; we are labouring, striving, and
struggling for the deliverance of the honest in heart throughout the world; we
are labouring for the establishment and continuance of holy principles.
There are
men on this stand whose testimony you have heard; and those very men would
suffer themselves to be cut in pieces, inch by inch, before they would suffer
those principles to be trampled upon. It is their business to make people
happy,—to put them in possession of eternal life, so that sorrowing and crying
may cease from the earth.
Look 147
miles eastward; there our enemies are contemplating what they may do—how they
may come or send an armed mob here. They would hire and bribe a posse, if they
could, to come and take President Young; and they are all the time plotting and
scheming how they may subvert this people. When our brethren were amongst them,
they were all the time singing their lustful songs and damning those holy
principles which we have embraced. Look across the wild sage plains—over the
deserts to the United States, and the same spirit is there; they are studying
how they may rid the United States of the principles of righteousness. Now,
which will prevail?
[President
B. Young: "Truth will prevail?"]
Yes, the
truth will; the Saints of the Most High will prevail. It is the Lord Almighty
that has called his Saints; he has chosen his sons and daughters.
It is not
our work, but it is the work of our Heavenly Father, and we are called to be
engaged in it. The storms must arise—the oppressor must lay his hand upon the
people, or it could not be taken off. And you, brethren and sisters, whose
husbands are yonder in the kanyons, who have gone forth to defend Israel, pray
for them that they may be victorious, and pray that you may be united unto each
other.
I think,
as Elder Hyde observed here the other day, that probably the greatest
unpleasantness may be found in families. Now, you sisters, just unite your
hearts together; and if there is dissension in your midst, get rid of it, and
put away those hard feelings; then you can bow together as the children of God
and as the wives of your husbands, united together in all things; you can then
call upon the Lord, and he will give you power to obey your husbands; and do
you pray that they may be able to execute the designs of the Almighty, and that
the enemy may have no power over them.
If you
have difficulties, go and settle them, and do your duties as the Saints of God,
and pray that the Holy Spirit may rest upon your husband; and that will nerve
him up more than your flour—more than your extra shirts. Just tell him that you
are calling upon God in his behalf—that you are praying that the enemy may have
no power over him. Sisters, be united in these things, and the blessings of
Israel's God will be upon you; your husbands will come home safely, they will
be full of the Spirit of the Lord, and the wicked will fear and tremble to see
the calmness and serenity that rests upon the people of God.
May the
Lord bless you, brethren and sisters. It is a time of rejoicing: never did I
feel better than I do this day. Everything signifies that the day of our
deliverance is at hand. If there should be a little difficulty in getting the
child born, all will be perfectly right. I tell you the child is bound to pass
through its childhood, its boyhood; and whatever it may cost, the victory must
be ours. A man or a woman is just as well the other side of the vail as here;
it does not matter a particle in relation to their going forward in the
principles of exaltation.
Our duty
is to do right here and everywhere—to keep right all the time with our God;
then all is right with us, whether we are here or on the other side of the
vail.
Leave
things in the hands of God, and I tell you the physical conquest is ours as
well as the spiritual one. Remember those little striplings who went forth some
twenty or twenty-five years ago, without first learning to preach the Gospel:
they had not the wisdom of the colleges nor of the schools, but they went forth
not having any natural hopes of an intellectual conquest; but they went forth
and they stopped the mouths of the priests, and men of learning were in dead
silence before them through the power of God which attended their preaching.
The Lord
said unto his servants, "Ye are not to be taught, but to
teach." (Doctrine and Covenants.) He also said, Be valiant and be diligent
in laying up wisdom; but take no thought for the morrow, but all things shall
be brought seasonably to your minds in the very hour that you need them. This
is the work of the Lord, and it is the way the Lord works.
Well,
here comes another conquest to be gained: they have forced us into this, and
the result will be precisely the same in the physical as in the spiritual.
Are we
studied in war? These fellows have been studying it from all the books that
have been written from the days of Adam down to now, and they are full of
military science as the priests were full of divinity. But remember that but a
little stone from the sling of David put to death the Goliath of the
Philistines; and so it will be in the deliverance of Zion. If the brethren go
forth depending upon their physical arms, they cannot do much; but if they go
forth depending upon the Spirit of the Almighty, I can assure you that the
conquest will be as glorious as in the day when we went forth to preach the
Gospel under those circumstances which I have named. I just know it, for it is
God's work.
Women
will find that they hold a good deal of power and influence in relation to
blessing their husbands; therefore, let your faith and your hearts be united
together, and pray for your husbands and for your children, whose fathers have
gone forth to fight the battles of Zion. Children, pray for your fathers, and
that will cheer them up. But if a man looks back and sees that there is nothing
but confusion and disorder in his family, he is apt to slacken his efforts; his
heart gives way; he has not the power nor the hardihood that he would otherwise
have, providing that he knew that all was peace—that all was right at his home.
Think of
this, you sisters. I tell you a great deal depends upon your conduct. I presume
there are persons with families, who, if called to go out to fight, would pray
God that they might never return again. This should not be.
Brethren,
be united; pray for brother Brigham, for brother Heber, for brother Daniel, and
the brethren with him in the mountains; and the enemy can never—no, never get
possession of them. It is for you and me—yea, even if it costs our life's
blood, to defend those men. If you or me saw a weapon presented at President
Young, it is our business to step in and save his life, if it costs our own;
and you will see the day when you will understand this; you will see the day
when you will be ready to stand in the gap.
Now, if I
saw a sword drawn, would I not lift my hand to prevent its injuring the Prophet
of God? Yes, if it was at the risk of taking off my hand. This is right; and if
this people are willing to sacrifice all for the purpose of preventing our
enemies coming in here, they never will come into our midst. We are willing and
ready to burn everything, and then we are in a right position; and I believe
this is the general feeling, and this indicates to me that the Lord is on our
side.
Some
people are not sufficiently schooled to know how to make sacrifices. When we
are satisfied of the course the enemy will take, that will be enough; we shall
then know what to do.
The Lord
bless you, brethren and sisters! Be willing to fellow counsel—the counsel of
President Young, also of your Bishops, and then all is well. Zion stands and
prospers, and it will not be long before the enemy will melt away as before the
morning sun. Zion will spread and increase until she holds dominion over all
the nations of the earth.
The Lord
bless you all for ever, is my prayer. Amen.
[Elder Israel Evans]
Elder Israel Evans gave an account of his mission to Europe.
[Elder Matthias Cowley]
Elder Matthias Cowley bore testimony to the truth of the work of God, &c.
[Elder David Curtis]
Elder David Curtis spoke in brief of his late mission to the nations and said that he had seen the people mourn because they have wicked rulers, but here they they (sic) are happy because they have righteous rulers.
[Elder Benjamin Ashby]
Elder Benjamin Ashby spoke of the experience he had gained while on his mission, and said that that experience would richly repay him for all he had gone through.
[Elder Albert Tyler]
Elder Albert Tyler bore testimony to the work of the lord and that the men who are chosen to lead and guide the Latter Day Saints are men of God; testified that all the predictions and promises made concerning him when he went on his mission had been literally fulfilled.
[Elder Joseph Kelly]
Elder Joseph Kelly gave a brief account of his mission to Australia.
[Elder Homer Duncan]
Elder Homer Duncan spoke of his mission to Texas and the wickedness of the people there; testified that he had felt the power and benefit of the prayers of the saints in Zion while absent on his mission; bore testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; that he had known it for 25 years.
[Elder Christian Christiansen]
Elder Christian Christiansen spoke of his mission in the United States; the different kinds of Saints he met; some of them had decided to wait there until the Church came back; testified that the blessings of God attended the hand cart company which he led across the plains. At Pres. young's request he addressed the congregation for a short time in Danish.
Benediction by patriarch John Young.
[7 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 7:255, 10/14/57, p7]
Singing by the choir.
Prayer by Judge Phelps.
Choir sung, 'All hail the glorious day.'
Pres. Orson Hyde said that as the returned missionaries had occupied most of the time thus far, it was his mind for the brethren of the Twelve who had not spoken yet to address the congregation.
[Elder Charles C. Rich]
Elder Charles C. Rich proved that the gospel of Jesus Christ contains every thing that is necessary for salvation, if we live up to all of its precepts.
[Charles C. Rich]
[DNW 7:260, 10/21/57 p4]; JD 5:296]
REMARKS
By Elder Charles C. Rich, Bowery, Wednesday Afternoon, Oct.
7, 1857.
Brethren
and sisters, I can truly say, as others have said, that I have been edified
during the Conference and greatly benefited by the spirit that has been made
manifest and the testimony that has been borne by the brethren. It has cheered
my heart, and I have not had a better time for years.
We have
great reason to rejoice, notwithstanding some people might think that we have
reason to mourn.
But I do
not think so, neither do I think that you feel so. I think there is but one
feeling, and that is peace and joy. Notwithstanding all the appearances that
are around us, we have abundant reason to rejoice; for we have something to
rejoice about and in, if we comprehend our position, which I have no doubt the
great majority do.
We have
had the privilege of embracing the Gospel of salvation; and inasmuch as we have
embraced it with honest hearts, it has been salvation to us: and what is there
besides this that we should rejoice in, or that should make us rejoice? For my
part, I feel, as has been expressed by some of the brethren who have spoken
from this stand, that this Gospel contains all that I desire; consequently, I
have no feelings nor desires to go outside of it, simply because it bestows
upon you and me everything that will do us good and that will save us. All that
is outside of it will damn us in time and in eternity; consequently, we have no
need of that which is outside of this kingdom.
If we
understand the principles of truth as we should, we shall have no desires to go
after anything but what is right, simply because it would do us an injury;
therefore, it will be well for us to examine ourselves, and know whether the
principles that are in our bosoms are of God. If they are, they will bless us
in time and exalt us in all eternity. If they are not, they will be an evil to
us in time, and as long as we have them in our bosoms; consequently, it would
be well for us to know something about ourselves, and what we have in our
bosoms, and the principles that we practise from day to day continually.
We
profess to be Saints—to have received the Gospel of salvation; and if we have
embraced it with pure motives, it is salvation to us—and that, too, at the
present time. When we look at the world we find them talking about being saved;
but all the salvation they are looking for is a long way from this, which I
think will be the case. But we receive the Gospel for the purpose of being
saved. It proposes salvation to us on the onset, at the commencement, and from
that day to all eternity.
If we do
not embrace the principles of life and live by them, we do not partake of the
principles of salvation at the time we receive them; but if we live by them,
they continue to save us from that time onward.
For
instance, when we heard the sound of the Gospel, it proposed to us that we
should have the same Spirit that was poured out upon the ancient Saints—upon
Christ's disciples. This was the doctrine that his servants declared to us.
When we received their testimony, we went forward and were baptized for the
remission of sins; and what followed? I will tell you what followed: we were
enabled to bear testimony that we bad received the truth, and we obtained
thereby a knowledge that our Father in heaven lived—that his son Jesus Christ
had been crucified for the sins of the world.
But did
we not discover that we were saved—saved from ignorance that had beclouded our
minds? We had received something that we did not before know. We could then
rejoice in the truth when the whole world were in darkness on this subject; and
what further? Why, there was one truth after another made manifest to us—one
truth after another revealed. Well, if we have embraced those truths that have
been made manifest, we have received the blessings that are given from time to
time,—yes, from the time that we embraced them up to the present; and
they have saved us.
The
Gospel requires to be honest to our God, to ourselves, to our brethren. We
should not steal, we should not commit adultery, and there are a great many
things that we should not do and that the principles of eternal truth would
forbid. If we had not among us any who commit any of these sins, those
evils would not be in our midst. if the principles that dwell in the bosom of
our God are in us, we will do nothing under any circumstances that we know to
be wrong.
When some
men's evil deeds are discovered, they will say that they did not do the evil
with which they are charged. They will deny it. This is a mark of the greatest
degradation and infamy.
Evils are
of two classes; and what are they? First, people do wrong because they do not
know how to do right: second, they do wrong because they are disposed to do
wrong: and do you not see that in either case they are wrongs? We are not half
as well saved as we should be; consequently, to be saved, we want to learn to
know what right is. If we are dishonest and want to do wrong, we are wicked.
Nevertheless, it is wrong both ways; and we are not saved by pursuing such a
course.
You know
it is said that in the last days the knowledge of God shall cover the earth as
the waters cover the great deep. We can bear testimony that the Spirit of God
is poured out upon his Saints. We see it day by day and from time to time, and
we are increasing in the knowledge of the truth.
Inasmuch
as we are trying to be saved, we are all the time increasing in the principles
of truth; we are continually treasuring them up, and we can use them for our
benefit.
We may
easily discover that a person cannot use that which he has not got. He must
first learn a principle before he can act upon it. Well, if we do not know the
truth, the best way is to get somebody that does know to lead us; and perhaps,
by diligence, we may arrive at the knowledge thereof. This has been a course of
safety pointed out to the Saints from the beginning, and it is the same now.
When we
have learned one truth we are prepared to learn another; for every truth seems
to unfold some other truth. When a matter is presented to a person who has a
knowledge of a great many truths, let him compare it with the many truths that
he knows, and they will agree; for all truth will agree. If it is not truth, it
will come in contact; therefore, the more truths we are in possession of, the
more keys we have to test other truths by; and the longer we live in this way,
the more we know of our Father and the principles that pertain to his kingdom,
and the less disposition we will have to do wrong: we will be more inclined to
do right, and to carry out the principles of his government. We will do this
because it is the safest and best course to pursue: hence; if we have a
disposition to be blest and saved, we shall be disposed to take this course.
I feel
rejoiced in one principle that I see manifest among the Saints in these days,
and that is, the principle of union. Of course we have; as a community, always
been more united than any other people; but we still come short of that fulness
of union which should exist among us. But I consider that we have done first
rate.
It is an
easy matter to do right, if we only pursue the right course: at least I have always
found it so. I never had any difficulty to be agreed with those I was
associated with. The way that I am united with my brethren is simply this: I
calculate to adopt the same policy that the Lord manifests through his servants
that have a right to dictate me. I do not calculate to have anything in my
heart that is not right; then you see there will be no difficulty, if I pursue
this course, to be united with my brethren that preside over me.
I have
been a member of the Church over twenty-five years, and I have been preaching
all the time: at least, I have been a preacher, whether I have been preaching
all the time or not. I have never seen the time but I have always found those
who were leading me to be right; and I have never seen the time but I could
bear testimony that they were right; for I knew it by the Spirit of God that
was in me. I knew it was the privilege of every Saint to have this knowledge.
When we
are agreed and live our religion, we are prepared to receive the blessings that
are poured out upon us. We cannot claim the blessings that are in store for us,
except we pursue a course that will put away all our sins and iniquities far
from us.
I do not
say that I am perfect, but I can say this—that I never intended to do a wrong
thing. I have done the best I could. To be sure I have been away from this
place most of the time among the wicked: at least I term them wicked. They say
they seek after God and everything that pertains to godliness. But if ever I
was glad to get home among the Saints it was this summer.
I have
thought that the spirit that is among this people and the quiet feeling that
seems to prevail when difficulties are approaching was most heavenly; and I
have sometimes felt and queried as to whether I did not feel too well. But when
the brethren have been pouring out their feelings from this stand, I have felt
to rejoice. I feel that we have got further along than I thought we had before
I came back here.
I have
been looking for the time of deliverance, but I did not expect it so soon. But
I know it cannot come too soon to meet with a hearty welcome. I have been
through some of the difficulties, as some others have said and can tell you, in
all that I have passed through from the beginning, I have felt paid as I have
gone along. I have always felt that the course to do right was the best, and
that there would be the most joy and happiness in doing right.
So far as
our enemies are concerned, I feel about them precisely as our brethren have
expressed themselves. I do not fear them; but I feel that the Lord will take
care of his Saints and of his kingdom. All we have to do is to do as we are
directed, and all will be well.
A great
number of the Elders have been on missions, and we have been bearing testimony
to the world of mankind that this is the kingdom of God—that God has set his
hand to recover the house of Israel. We have been bearing testimony of this,
and we still continue to bear it, and the Spirit of God flows into our hearts
when we testify to this. Have we any fears that the Lord is not able to deliver
his Saints? We ought not to have any.
I will
tell you how I feel. It is best for us to do right; and there will be more
salvation flowing to us through doing right than pursuing any other course.
This is the course of salvation. Whatever our heavenly Father dictates, that is
the thing for us to do, whether it is to fight or let it alone, I have been in
difficulties where there actually was fighting, where the Saints had to defend
themselves against their enemies; but the time had not come for us to take the
stand that we have now taken. But the Lord directed matters then, and he is
directing matters now. We have seen difficulties from the beginning, from the
time that the Lord established his kingdom upon the earth until the present
time.
Every
person that has a portion of the Spirit of God can see the manifestations of
the power of God, from the time that the kingdom was established until the
present. We have no need to fear for the kingdom; but it is for us to do our
duty, and then all will be well with us.
I do not
wish to occupy time that should be occupied by my brethren. I say that I feel
well: I never felt better, and never had less fears of our enemies than
I have at the present time.
That we
may live so as to he sanctified through the truth—that we may secure salvation
in this world, and in that which is to come, is my prayer in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
[Elder Amasa Lyman]
Elder Amasa Lyman argued that the line was soon to be drawn between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world; that the time had come when the Kingdom of God should be built up and become a kingdom upon the earth, and would prevail over all the other kingdoms that oppose it.
[Amasa Lyman]
[DNW 7:270, 10/28/57, p6; JD 5:317]
REMARKS
By Elder Amasa Lyman, Bowery, Wednesday Afternoon, Oct. 7,
1857
I can say
that I have been gratified, edified, and blessed in various ways since the
commencement of our Conference. I have not been anything but blessed, that I
know of. So far as our meeting here is concerned, I have been highly gratified
in hearing from our brethren who have just returned from abroad. The spirit
with which they have expressed their feelings and delivered their testimony
here is a living evidence that the cause of God and of truth is onward—that it
is progressive—that it is increasing in the earth.
When we
were young and had but just commenced to testify of the Gospel, we could not
hear the same testimony that we hear now: still the Spirit of God was always
good, and the testimony of the servants of God that were inspired by it was
always good, and the days that are past were very good days, and the times past
were very good; but to day is a better time than any other that I ever saw: the
circumstances that surround us to-day are better than any with which we have
ever been surrounded since we have been a people.
Our
prospects are brighter than ever they were before; and the clouds that gather
around us, if there are any, are hardly perceptible, from the increased amount
of light that is shining: they vanish, they disappear in the increasing,
confidence, faith, intelligence, and knowledge that exist in the people.
We need
not question this, if we but for a moment contemplate the quietude, the
harmony, and the peace that pervade the homes of the Saints—the place where
they dwell. There is no excitement such as is generally attendant upon an
expected war; but it seems the time approaches nearer that was to effect the
establishing a line of division between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of
this world—that there has been a full and corresponding increase of confidence
on the part of the people in relation to the truth they had embraced; so that I
can hardly see or determine, from anything that has outwardly taken place, that
there is anything that has happened, except it is their progress in the truth
and their advancement in knowledge.
Nobody
seems to be alarmed; all seem to feel confident that the contest that is in
prospect is to decide the question: it does not seem to be who will prevail; it
does not seem to be asked at all who will conquer; but the matter is all
settled, that Israel will prevail.
This has
been written a long time ago; and we are happy if we can see it and understand
it—if we can appreciate it so as to inspire within us that confidence that
would be requisite to our salvation.
Now, is
it because we all understand—is it because we all comprehend the truth, that we
are in this position? What will be the sequel of our history? We may as well
read it to-day as to wait for the future to reveal it. What will it be, if the
confidence and quietude that we enjoy to-day, that pervades our souls to-day,
is the result of our comprehension of the truth? It will be the same ever and
always: the history of the future will never reveal that we have departed from
the truth—that we have professed to know, to understand, to comprehend, and
feel the blessings of the truth, and then have at a subsequent period of our
lives departed from it.
I do not
know altogether what may inspire your hearts or what may have an influence upon
your minds; but I believe that I know—I feel satisfied in my own mind that, I
know why it is that I have no fears as to the issue of matters that we are
interested in. To sum it all up and tell what it is, in the shortest possible
way, would be simply to say that I cannot see any place for a failure; I cannot
see any place, nor conceive of the existence of a possibility of a failure.
"Why," says one, "there is no room for a failure. The truth upon
which is predicated—upon which is based the declarations of the servants of God
in ancient times, that when God should set his hand to build up his kingdom,
that he would build it up, that it should be established, that it should
triumph over every other kingdom and stand for ever, that truth is so broad, so
extensive, that there is no room for a failure—there is nothing on which to
hang a doubt, or on which to ground a single exception."
I am not
preaching now of what may be my fate, but I am speaking about the fate of the
work we are interested in, that we are engaged in, that has brought us
together, that holds us together, and that at the present moment is influencing
us.
I may
apostatize—I may leave. What! could I really leave the truth? It is generally
implied that if we leave anything, we get away from it; but, for my part, I do
not know where to go to get away from it. I might stand still, shut up my ears,
harden my heart, and say that I would not have it; but I could not get away
from it.
I suppose
there is no such fate for me: I hope not. But for the work of God there is
nothing but victory—the triumph that has been spoken of and written about by
many of the ancients.
Have we
found the time when that triumph is to take place? I think we have good mason
to believe that we have, if for no other reason than that we have searched for
and found the place.
If
Abraham went to seek a country that he knew not of, so have we been seeking a
country. I do not care whether we were in the company of the pioneers who came
to Salt Lake Valley first, or whether our pioneering has been in other places,
preaching and calling upon the inhabitants of the earth to embrace the Gospel
and trying to induce them to gather together. We have all been pioneering—we
have all been exploring under the direction of our Father—for what? For a place
on which to build up his kingdom upon the earth. What else have we been doing?
Why, we have been doing some other things that are equally necessary as the
finding of a place.
When the
experience that we have gained is sufficient for the accomplishment of his
work, if we have at the same time found the place at which the work could be
accomplished, then two points are gained preparatory to building up his kingdom
and carrying out his purposes. Without either of these, he could hardly be
calculating to accomplish his work, unless he works differently from what we
generally understand that he does.
When we
shall in a future day look back over our travels in connection with the history
of this Church, we shall not set them down as awful persecutions, as we may
have regarded them in days that are past. We shall look at them as we now look
at the wanderings of Israel in the wilderness between the land of Egypt, where
they were held in bondage, and from which they were led to the land of Canaan,
which was given to them as a possession.
Why did
they not travel directly? We generally understood it was because they were
rebellious; it was because they would not learn so much of the truth as was
necessary to qualify them for entering into the rest of God. This prolonged
their travel in the wilderness, and they travelled and travelled, and continued
to travel, till there was a people that could be led—that could be controlled
—that could be managed and led to possess the land, and to do the thing that
was designed to be done at that time. The Lord had it in his heart to
accomplish a work with the people of this dispensation in the proclamation of
the Gospel—to call them to the knowledge of the truth; and then, by the
revelation of his will from time to time, he taught them the things that they
could believe and that they could receive, and he imparted those things that
were suitable for them. The things that they could not and would not receive
were withheld from their sight until other times and other circumstances
surrounded them—until there was a disposition developed in the people that they
would receive them; and under this kind of guidance we have travelled west,
even under the direction of God; then the Devil has kicked us east, and then we
have travelled west again; and finally our journeying has led us to this
place—the first place that the Saints have ever occupied where the kingdom of
God could be built up.
This
makes me calculate that the time has come when the kingdom of God should be
built up—when it should become a nation, a kingdom, a power upon the earth,
whose increasing enlargement should be the diminution, the decline, the falling
away of all other powers of the earth.
Well,
then, should we be driven away from here, or should we be trodden down here? To
admit this is to admit that this is not the kingdom and work of God. This is
the work of God, and this is his kingdom; and we are here—not because the Devil
would have us here, for he is very sorry that we are here; neither are we here
because our enemies have desired to have us here, but because it was the design
of our Father to bring us here. His own right hand has brought us here, and his
Spirit has led us and dictated his people and servants until he has brought us
here.
However
this may appear to us, it is the Lord's own doing. Why so? Because he could not
accomplish his purposes without it. And if it is the Lord's work, then there is
no failure—then we are net to be destroyed, we are not to be driven away, we
are not to be wasted any more, we are not to be trodden down any more by the
iron heel of oppression; but we are here to gather strength, to put on, power
and might, and to be in the midst of the nations what our Father has designed
from the beginning of his kingdom upon the earth in these last times.
What
should we be driven away from here for? Has God any purpose to serve by our
being annoyed—by our being again driven away? If he has, it is something that I
do not know of. He has brought us here through immense labour and toil. We
thought it was awfully hard when we came here: we nearly had to waste away all
that we had, all that was given to us,—not what we had of our own in reality,
but what was given to us: we have had to lose nearly all that we had to get
here, and now we are in the place where God designs we should be.
Will he
build up his kingdom on the earth? Yes he will. Well, then we shall not be
driven away. Has he found the people.—the material out of which to build his
kingdom? Yes, he has. We have been travelling and preaching backward and
forward to prepare us for these things. Is there a people here that is capable
of being governed, and not only that are capable of being governed, but capable
of becoming governors?
Where did
these governors come from? Why, they have been manufacturing all the time from
the time that we first heard the Gospel. We have been trying to be obedient to
its behests and requirements. From the time that men began to learn obedience
and gain knowledge, God has been preparing and manufacturing them out of the
material of which he is going to build up his kingdom.
In
Nauvoo, when our enemies repealed the charter, we were better off than we were
before; and I do not suppose that we have retrograded, but we have come out
here and have made a Government—a State Government;
and then
Uncle Sam thought he would have a finger in the pie, and he made us a
Territory, and we have got along very well.
I expect
that the next time we are made anything, it will be the kingdom of God, and no
amalgamation; and it will be made of the material that God has manufactured in
the course of the training that we have had. This is what we are here for.
We have
found the place and the material of which to build the kingdom; and this leads
me to think that we shall not be driven away; for I can see the hand of God in
our coming here; and "Why?" one may ask. Because he said, in the
beginning, that this was his work—to build up his kingdom; and knowing that
there must be a place to build it upon, and then seeing the Lord lead us to a
place, and seeing his servants building it up through his guidance and counsel,
cannot I see the hand of God in it? I can; for he told me this in the
beginning.
Then is
it not his hand? It is. Can you see it? Many will answer, "Yes." Then
why not be contented? This is the reason that the peace of heaven pervades the
land where we dwell, and why fear is banished from our hearts.
The
Spirit of truth, the Spirit of the Highest dwells in the Saints and inspires
them with confidence, and victory is the Song of every heart. The Saints do not
sing any other song. The songs are made in prospect beforehand; but they all
speak of victory—they are all songs of triumph.
Now, I do
feel well: as the western man says, I reckon I do. Why do I feel so well?
Because I cannot find anything to feel bad about. I have a great many things,
to think about; and what are they, and where are they?
If I can
only maintain my relationship unbroken with the cause of God, and remain
identified with it, why, then I am saved; and why? Because the kingdom of God
will make me just as great as I can be, and greater than I know enough to speak
of now. Why? Because I will know more then. It is all embraced in the kingdom
of God.
Is not
this a simple thing, that this is God's kingdom and that he has allowed our
enemies to kick us tilt they have kicked us to this point? And when they
reached at anything else they have always been restrained; but while the Devil
was kicking us to this point, the Lord was well satisfied, and he kept his hand
over him and said, "Now, old fellow, do not kick too hard; these are my
people: when you have kicked them so far, all well; but you must not kick any farther."
Now the
Lord has got us here, our enemies want to drive us off farther still. But now
comes the declaration that meets with a hearty response—ISRAEL IS FREE!
Free from
what? From labour, from toil, from watch? No, not at all. Then what are we free
from? From the restraint that we have been under. Now, we are declaring boldly
that we are the kingdom of God, and that in the strength of God we are
determined to defend it and to defend the truth.
Now, all
these things considered are among the things that make me feel well. This is
the reason that I think we shall prevail—that is, in the strength of our God.
I do not
feel any other way than that we are a part of the work of God, and that the
decree of the Almighty has fixed it immutably and unchangeably that his kingdom
shall be built up, and that as it rises in its greatness and grandeur he has
fixed our exaltation and glory, if we are so happy as to maintain our
relationship unchanged in harmony and beauty.
Is it so
with you all? This is the way I feel; and it is this that makes this day the
best day that I ever saw. This is why I rejoice: this is why I have no fears
but that our cause will be triumphant; and we will triumph so long as we live
with it and do not separate ourselves from it by any sin.
Brethren
and sisters, this is a theme big enough to talk about a long time. There can be
a great deal said about it; but I will not trespass upon the time, but conclude
by saying, God bless Israel in every land and clime, that they may triumph,
that God may remember our enemies, that they may not be forgotten, but that
they may be remembered and have their reward in full; and if they can be taken
care of without much trouble, let us be satisfied; and if the Lord. requires us
to take care of them, let us do as we have been doing while preaching the
Gospel. This is my feeling.
May God
bless you all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Elder Erastus Snow]
Elder Erastus Snow expressed his great pleasure in hearing so many of the returned missionaries speak, and to feel the good spirit which they have with them. Said that the Lord will suffer nothing to come upon this people but what will be for their salvation. The Lord will, as he has always done, give us the general outlines of the trials through which we shall be called to pass, but the minutiae and final result he will reserve to himself.
[Erastus Snow]
[DNW 7:259, 10/2/57, p3; JD 5:300]
REMARKS
By Elder Erastus Snow, Bowery, G. S. L. City, Wednesday
Afternoon, Oct. 7, 1857.
I have
listened during the progress of this Conference with very great satisfaction.
Every one that speaks bears testimony to us that our God has not forsaken us,
and that the prayers of this people are still acceptable before him, and,
notwithstanding our weaknesses and our sins, that we are a blessed and a happy
people, and that our God is near at hand to multiply his blessings upon
us.
I have
rejoiced in listening to my brethren who have recently returned from their
missions. I feet that I am one of them, and I thank my heavenly Father for that
good Spirit which has so bountifully attended their labours and returned with
them.
I do not
believe that it has ever fallen to my lot, since we have been a people, to
hear, at any one time, so large a number of our returned missionaries stand
forth before the people to give in their testimony and speak of the dealings of
God with them, as we have heard during this Conference. They universally bear
the same testimony, rejoicing in their labours, manifest the goodness of our
God upon them and upon the people where they have laboured; and it is evidence
to my mind of the increased favour of God upon this people, and that it is the
faithful prayers of this people that sustain our sons and our brethren who are
sent forth by the voice of this people as their representatives to preach the
Gospel to the nations.
It
appears that there is no one who lifts up his voice to speak in the midst of
this people but is constrained to speak good for Israel. There seems to be no
doubt upon the minds of the people—no forebodings of distress in the hearts of
the Elders of Israel. What there may be lying in our path—I was going to say,
we neither know nor care; but we do know that the straightforward path is
strewed with blessings, glory, honour, exaltation, and eternal lives. Let us
not, therefore, turn either to the right or the left from the path our God has
marked out, whatever them may be of trial alongside of the path.
I feel
firmly convinced of this, whatever may be by some accounted trials, that when
we reach them, if the light of the Lord is in us, we shall pass them without
stopping to consider whether they are trials; and we shall look back upon them
and count it all joy. To us it will be glory, honour, and exaltation, and
stepping-stones to that which we are seeking for—the very means, in the hands
of God, of preparing us to receive all that he has in store for us.
Is it not
enough for us to know that our Father in Heaven will suffer nothing to come
upon us, only that which is to prepare us to receive the good he has in store
for us? Ask this people, Are the soldiers coming in here? Are we going to have
a fight this fall? Are they coming in on our Emigration Road, or going round by
Fort Hall? What will the United States do? Will they raise 50,000 volunteers
next spring? Shall we burn up what we have got and take it Indian fashion? What
is to be the result of all these things?
Ask
anybody to tell you; and who is there that will describe the course God will
mark out before this people and the course our enemies will take towards us, or
the precise details of the programme that is before us. Who is there that can
tell us?
Ask this
or that Elder if he has any revelation on the subject, or appeal to the
congregation of the Saints; and who is there that can answer it? I confess I
cannot answer it, nor have I ever heard it answered by anybody else in detail;
and I conclude the Lord will take his own course; and doubtless he will show us
the programme as fast as we are prepared to act it, and that will be fast
enough.
The Lord
hath shown us both ends of the drama. As to the particular scenery of the
different parts of the drama, it will be made manifest from time to time. When
the curtain is raised, we shall see it, if we are on hand to play our part. I
am fully persuaded we have a good manager, and he is our God: it is he that is
moving upon the checkerboard of nations, and he understands the game and will
make the right moves.
Go back
and take a retrospective view of this people and the dealings of God with us
from the time of the organization of this Church, the persecutions through
which this people have passed in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and the various
places where we have been located; and when has the Lord beforehand made known
all the particulars of the scenery through which we were destined to pass? He
has always given us general items and sufficient to encourage every faithful
man to do his duty and trust in him for the result. But if all the details were
made known unto us—if we could see every minutia portrayed, would there be a
chance for the exercise of our faith in the same degree as now? Would there be
a chance for the faith of this people to be shown in the same degree?
For my
own part, I feel perfectly satisfied to leave it in the hands of our God, where
it is, and where it should be, to make manifest unto us just as much from time
to time as he sees is necessary to bear up and sustain this people.
It is
through faith that the Lord performs his wonders among his people; and in
enduring that trial of their faith he gives a blessing; and often the Lord
shapes trials in a manner different from our expectations. We, in our
limited capacity, may mark out in our minds a programme; and when he moves upon
the checker-board, he does not move the men we have in our minds, but he shapes
and moves in another way; and we should be satisfied with the result. He will
get the game, and in the end will move into the king row and be able to move
both ways,
I feel
first-rate. All is right with the Lord; all is right with his kingdom, and with
everybody that is right. And may the Lord help us to keep his commandments for
ever! Amen.
[Elder Neilsen]
Elder Neilsen spoke briefly of his recent mission in the United States.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young proved that nothing but the testimony of the Holy Spirit would touch the hearts of the people and bring them to repentance; bore testimony that this is the Kingdom of God upon the earth; said that the Kingdom might have been given to the Saints years ago if they had been able to receive it; exhorted the Saints so to live that they could have the Spirit of the Lord to be with them all the time; prophesied that the law that would go forth from Zion would be the law of the whole earth yet. Spoke on the importance of union in families, that their prayers might avail with God, &c. Prophesied that if this people will live their religion, the tread that is now cut will never be untied and you and I will soon have the privilege of saying, 'Here is the Kingdom of God.'
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 7:340, 12/30/57, p4; JD 5:327]
DISCOURSE
By Pres. Brigham Young, Bowery, Wednesday Afternoon, Oct.
7, 1857]
——
[REPORTED BY J. V. LONG]
——
I rise to
bear my testimony with the rest of the brethren who have spoken. Several who
have lately returned from foreign missions have addressed you during this
Conference. As has been observed here, we are all missionaries; and when our
mission will be ended I am not able to say. I expect that in all probability
our bodies will have to rest for a time, by-and-by: when they fall back to
their mother earth, they will have a rest. But as for the mission being at an
end with a faithful person, I do not know anything about its closing merely
because the body has been laid in the grave. In this Church I have always felt
myself to be a missionary, and I always desire to be ready and willing to bear
my testimony to the truth. That has been about the amount of my preaching for
the last twenty-six years. As for sermonizing, I have but seldom attempted it,
but I have borne my testimony of the truth to the people.
I had
only travelled a short time to testify to the people, before I learned this one
fact, that you might prove doctrine from the Bible till doomsday, and it would
merely convince a people, but would not convert them. You might read the Bible
from Genesis to Revelations, and prove every iota that you advance, and that
alone would have no converting influence upon the people. Nothing short of a
testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost would bring light and knowledge to
them—bring them in their hearts to repentance. Nothing short of that would ever
do. You have frequently heard me say that I would rather hear an Elder, either
here or in the world, speak only five words accompanied by the power of God,
and they would do more good than to hear long sermons without the Spirit. That
is true, and we know it.
My
testimony is that this is the kingdom of God on the earth. The people that sit
before me, in connection with the many thousands that are upon the earth, are
the people of God. If we have become so taught that the Lord sees that we shall
be capable of managing, governing, and controlling the kingdom of God upon the
earth in a more perfect manner than it has been heretofore, you may rest
assured that this people are bound to victory. Just as fast as we are capable
of rightly dispensing the principles of power, of light, of knowledge, of
intelligence, of wealth, of heaven, and of earth, just so fast will they be
bestowed upon this people. Could we in wisdom ask to have things bestowed upon
us, if they would be to our injury? Every honest heart would at once say,
"No." One of the Elders observed that he prayed the Lord not to
reveal too muck to him, lest it should prove a stumbling-block and cause him to
deny the faith. Pray that the Lord will reveal nothing to this people for their
injury, and that he will only reveal that which will be for their good.
Brother
Lorenzo Snow, while he was speaking in the forenoon upon the principle of
self-government—victory over every besetting sin, spoke of the inward work
required to be done, as every person in his experience knows that the spirit
wars against the flesh, and the flesh against the spirit. So far as our spirits
by the power of God, by the Holy Ghost —by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, are
assisted to overcome every seed of iniquity and sin within us, we may expect to
gain the victory over our evil passions; and in that proportion this people
will gain victory in a national capacity. That is as true logic as ever was
introduced in this world. This people might have been independent—might have
been a kingdom, had they been capable of receiving, disposing, and controlling
that kingdom to the Divine acceptance of our Father in heaven. As brother Amasa
said, the Lord has a school upon the earth, and we are his scholars; and the
Devil also has a school attended by a great number of scholars. While we have
been learning how to sustain the kingdom of God upon the earth, the Devil and
his pupils have been learning how to sustain the kingdom of darkness. From the
very nature of the two kingdoms upon one planet, the crisis must come when
there will be a literal open warfare, just as much as there now is a warfare
within us against evil; and if we, as individuals and as a community, have
gained the victory over our passions to such a degree that our Father knows
that we are capable of actually sustaining the kingdom of God upon the earth,
just so true we shall be a kingdom by ourselves. If we are not yet capable of
maintaining and rightly managing that kingdom, it will not at present be given
to us in the fulness thereof; but the time will come when it will be given and
established in its perfect organization on the earth.
A great
many—yes, the most of this, people have kept up a spiritual warfare until they
have become almost masters of their passions; yet we still see some of them who
do sin. Brother Rich has said that they sin ignorantly; but I say that some sin
knowingly, and others sin that would know better if they had stopped to
reflect. And you will see men and women commit acts which make them appear as
though every particle of thought of the honour and true dignity of humanity had
left them. Keep your spirits in subjection to the principles of truth and life,
and do not let evil spirits control you.
How often
you hear men and women confess their sins and say, "I committed this,
that, and the other wrong."Why do they want the evil within and around
them? Why do they suffer their spirits to be subject to evil influences, and
their tabernacles thereby be disgraced by the commission of wicked acts? What
would you give to have such acts obliterated, if there was a price set upon
them and you could pay it with property? Can you keep your spirits in subjection
to righteous principles all the time? Yes; but many do not?
Keep your
spirits under the sole control of good spirits, and they will make your
tabernacles honourable in the presence of God, angels, and men. If you will
always keep your spirits in right subjection, you will be watching all the
time, and never suffer yourselves to commit an act that you will be sorry for,
and you can see that in all your life you are clear. Do not do anything that
you will be sorry for. You may take the Quorums in this Church—the First
Presidency, the Twelve, the Presidents of the High Priests, the High
Councillors, and the Presidents of the Seventies; and a person may go to each
of those Quorums for counsel upon any subject, and he will invariably receive
the same counsel. Why is this the case? Because they are all actuated by the
same Spirit. Do you know why some men give counsel different one from another?
Because they undertake to give counsel without the Spirit of the Lord to
dictate them. But, when the Spirit dictates, then each one knows what to do,
and their counsel will be the same. Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, all the Patriarchs
and Prophets, Jesus and the Apostles, and every man that has ever written the
word of the Lord, have written the same doctrine upon the same subject; and you
never can find that Prophets and Apostles clashed in their doctrines in ancient
days; neither will they now, if all would at all times be led by the Spirit of
salvation. If men will so act as to order their lives aright and continually
keep the commandments of God, they will be able to administer the blessings of
the kingdom of God.
There is
no clash in the principles revealed in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the
Doctrine and Covenants; and there would be no clash between any of the doctrines
taught by Joseph the Prophet and by the brethren now, if all would live in a
way to be governed by the Spirit of the Lord. All do not live so as to have the
Spirit of the Lord with them all the time, and the result is that some get out
of the way.
We want a
people that will be pure and holy; and I wish that the principle that brother
Lorenzo Snow spoke of this morning could be understood and practised by all,
you would then gain your spiritual conquest. If we have not gained that, we
must labour until we do. And although we cannot tell the result of all the
affairs that are in motion, yet we know that the kingdom of God will prosper,
that his name will be revered, that the spirits of darkness will have to give
way to the kingdom of God, and that "Mormonism" will triumph, and
that no power can hinder it.
But there
are still many things for us to learn pertaining to our salvation.
The great
stumbling block in the midst of the people is, that their minds are not yet
wholly weaned from the evil habits and practices of the world. With some, the
end of strife and covetousness has not yet come. You can yet see one brother
take another by the throat, figuratively speaking, and say, "Pay me
what thou owest." You may see another come up and say, "I owe you, but
you need not ask me for the pay, for I will not pay you." Which is the
worst? If there is any difference, the one who refuses to pay is the meanest.
If a man
is so mean as to say to you, "I owe you, but I shall not pay
you," it is best to say to him, "All right—I can live without
it."
The Lord
will rule; and if we continue steadfast to the kingdom of God, it will save us;
but if we do not, we shall be left off, and the old ship Zion will sail right
a-head and safely carry her passengers into port. If the people could
understand, they would be able to discern that we must gain that spiritual
victory I have already spoken about, before we can have the privilege of
proclaiming the building up of the people of God in the mountains.
We have a
nation here in the mountains that will be a kingdom by-and-by, and be governed
by pure laws and principles. What do you call yourselves? some may ask. Here
are the people that constitute the kingdom of God. It may be sometime before
that kingdom is fully developed, but the time will come when the kingdom of God
will reign free and independent.
There
will be a kingdom on the earth that will be controlled upon the same basis, in
part, as that of the Government of the United States; and it will govern and
protect in their rights the various classes of men, irrespective of their
different modes of worship; for the law must go forth from Zion, and the word
of the Lord from Jerusalem, and the Lord Jesus will govern every nation and
kingdom upon the earth.
A great
many have thought that every person will then be in the Church, but that will
not be the case. There will then be as great a variety in religious belief as
there is now; one will believe one thing, and another will believe something
different, while the Devil rules among men.
Will the
kingdom of Jesus triumph? It will; and the legislators of that kingdom are in
this congregation and will remain, and the laws of that kingdom will be made in
accordance with the revelations from Jesus Christ.
Many have
thought that all will believe in the revelations of the Lord Jesus Christ when
the kingdom of God is fully established; but they will not; and if those
characters were in heaven, they might believe, but would not obey the
revelations of Jesus Christ. There are multitudes in this Church who have not
yet learned these truths; and there are multitudes in the world who would not
know Jesus, were he to pass before their eyes, and would not understand what he
meant, if he were to speak to them. Such will be the case in the millennium.
The
kingdom of God will grow out of this Church, and the time appears to have been
hastened faster than we anticipated. This is the best time we ever saw. We are
happy, and we make a heaven of every place to which we go, which is the reason
we are happy. How long it will be before the kingdom of God sends forth its
laws, I do not know. Brother Erastus Snow remarked that no one can foretell all
the events that may arise from our present difficulties; but I can tell you a
part. God will reign and will bring forth victory to the humble and faithful;
that I know, and so do you.
I have
never found any fault with the Lord for not bringing victory sooner; for I know
that if our enemies intend to try to come here by way of Emigration Kanyon, we
shall be ready to meet them; and if they intend to come round by the Malad, we
shall be ready to meet them; and if they undertake to come by Fort Hall, we
shall also be ready to meet them. If they thought that we were or would be
asleep, they might undertake to come here.
I
recollect a dream that my father had. He dreamed that he was travelling, and
that during his journey he came to a tremendous mountain of snow and saw that
his pathway was hedged up. But some one said, "Take one more step."
My father replied, "But that will be the last." However, he
took that step, and then his guide said, "Do you not, see that
there is room for you to take another?" When he had taken another, his
guide told him to take still another in advance; and there was a passage all
the way through. So it will be with us. The Lord will not reveal all that we at
times wish him to. If a schoolmaster were to undertake to teach a little child
algebra, you would call him foolish, would you not? Just so with our Father: he
reveals to us as we are prepared to receive, and I hope to continue to learn.
There is no cessation, in time nor in eternity, to the progress and increase of
the righteous. If we will but put away every selfish feeling, we can come in possession
of all the blessings that are in store for us.
Some of
the speakers have been exhorting you to let your prayers ascend in behalf of
the brethren who are in the mountains; but your prayers cannot prevail if there
is disunion among you.
The
teachings given us from Sabbath to Sabbath must be learned and lived before we
can enjoy the kingdom of God in its fulness.
I am
thankful that I do not hear, of late, since the Spirit has been generally
diffused among the people, "O Lord, give revelation through brother
Brigham." I wish to fulfil what we have received before I ask for more. I
said to brother Joseph, the spring before he was killed, "You are laying
out work for twenty years." lie replied, "You have as yet scarcely
began to work; but I will set you enough to last you during your lives, for I
am going to rest." All I can do or ask now is to do the work, so that it
will be right and acceptable to him when he comes here again. And that is not
all; for you have or should have the candle of the Lord continually burning
within you. Then I ask you if you still need revelation? You will say,
"Yes, just as much as we need a candle to enable us to see to walk in our
streets at noonday." A person that is filled with the Spirit knows just as
much as he has occasion to know; for the Spirit of our God is a Spirit of
revelation.
The time
has arrived when we have either to be trodden under foot by our enemies and
die, or to defend ourselves and our rights; and which will it be? Every man and
woman feel their hearts fail them when they think of submitting to the
oppression and unlawful abominations practised by our enemies, and sought by
them to be introduced into our society; and we will not submit to such wicked
and unlawful treatment, whether it comes from United States or united hell, for
the terms are synonymous as the Government is now conducted. I tell you and I
tell our enemies that we are here, and we intend to stay here. [The
congregation responded, Amen."] They have a job on hand, if they persist
in their efforts to deprive American citizens of their rights. I told Captain
Van Vliet that I did not care how many troops they sent. "Why," said
he, "The United States, with an overflowing treasury, can send out
ten, twenty, or fifty thousand troops." I replied, "I do not care
anything about that." The Captain then asked whether I had counted the
cost; and I said, "Yes, for this people. I have; but I cannot
estimate it for the United States; for if they actually persist in their
present tyrannical course, before they get through they will want to let the
job to sub-contractors." They do not know the Captain of the armies of
Israel; and although they profess to believe in him, they do not realize that
he is about to hold a controversy with them for their iniquity.
Their
belief reminds me that brother Joseph B. Nobles once told a Methodist priest,
after hearing him describe his God, that the God they worshiped was the
"Mormons'" Devil—a being without a body, whereas our God has a body,
parts, and passions. The Devil was cursed and sent down from heaven. He has no
body of his own; therefore he is constantly endeavouring to obtain possession
of the tabernacles belonging to others. Some have grumbled because I believe
our God to be so near to us as Father Adam. There are many who know that
doctrine to be true. Where was Michael in the creation of this earth? Did he
have a mission to the earth? He did. Where was he? In the Grand Council, and
performed the mission assigned him there. Now, if it should happen that we have
to pay tribute to Father Adam, what a humiliating circumstance it would be!
Just wait till you pass Joseph Smith; and after Joseph lets you pass him, you
will find Peter; and after you pass the Apostles and many of the Prophets, you
will find Abraham, and he will say, "I have the keys, and except you do
thus and so, you cannot pass;" and after a while you come to Jesus; and
when you at length meet Father Adam, how strange it will appear to year present
notions. If we can pass Joseph and have him say, "Here; you have been
faithful, good boys; I hold the keys of this dispensation; I will let you
pass;" then we shall be very glad to see the white locks of Father Adam.
But those are ideas which do not concern us at present, although it is written
in the Bible —"This is eternal life, to know thee, the only true God, and
Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent."
What is
the nature and beauty of Joseph's mission? You know that I am one of his
Apostles. When I first heard him preach, he brought heaven and earth together;
and all the priests of the day could not tell me anything correct about heaven,
hell, God, angels, or devils: they were as blind as Egyptian darkness. When I
saw Joseph Smith, he took heaven, figuratively speaking, and brought it down to
earth; and he took the earth, brought it up, and opened up, in plainness and
simplicity, the things of God; and that is the beauty of his mission. I had a
testimony, long before that, that he was a Prophet of the Lord, and that was
consoling. Did not Joseph do the same to your understandings? Would he not take
the Scriptures and make them so plain and simple that everybody could
understand? Every person says, "Yes, it is admirable; it unites the
heavens and the earth together;" and as for time, it is nothing, only to
learn us how to live in eternity.
I will
prophesy a little, and I will say that my word shall be as true as any word
ever spoken from the heavens. If this people, called Latter-day Saints, will
live to the truth, the thread of oppression which is cut will never be united
again, and we shall have the privilege of saying, "Here is the kingdom of
God, and here are the people that God owns and blesses," and we shall
reign triumphantly for ever and ever. But if you do not live your religion,
that period may be postponed a little longer. You know that cases sometimes
rest in court for want of witnesses and documents. But if we live our religion,
from this afternoon, this is the kingdom of God, and we are free and will live
in it; at any rate, the kingdom will prosper.
I feel to
bless this people, and they are a God-blessed people. Look at them, and see the
difference from their condition a few years ago! Brethren who have been on
missions, can you see any difference in this people from the time you went away
until your return? [Voices: "Yes."] You can see men and women who are
sixty or seventy years of ago looking young and handsome; but let them
apostatize, and they will become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like
the Devil. If we will stand up as men and women of God, the yoke shall never be
placed upon our necks again; and all hell cannot overthrow us, even with the
United States to help them. It is not pleasant to the natural feelings to be
obliged to talk in this manner about fellow-citizens with whom we have been
reared; but when they act like the Devil, it is impossible for us to bow to
their unjust and illegal mandates without becoming as corrupt as they are. It
is an honour to resist the wicked; and my name will be had in, honour, and so
will Joseph Smiths, and so will your names, for not bowing to their iniquitous
doings.
We are
the happiest people when we have what are called trials; for then the Spirit of
God is more abundantly bestowed upon the faithful. If the Lord requires it, I
would as soon consume all I have and go into the mountains with my family as to
do a good many other things. The women and children might suffer a little; but,
as I told you the other day, we are upon the backbone of the continent, and we
intend to enjoy that freedom which is our right. If our enemies will behave,
themselves, all right; and if they do not, they may take what follows. We could
have used up those now in our borders, and have taken their trains; but we do
not wish to hurt one of them: but let them undertake to come in here, and they
must abide the consequences. And in reality, instead of their speaking against
my character, they ought to send in presents for having lived till now.
The
question now is, Shall we close Conference to-day? I know that many of you have
much work to do. I do not know how soon you will be needed in the mountains. I
deem it most prudent for all to go to their work and to be always prepared with
five days' rations; and then, when the word, comes, you are ready for the
mountains, and the women and children will be safe here.
If you
now wish to close this Conference, all right; and if you want to continue it
another day, you are at liberty to do so; and I am willing to do as I have a
mind. The last missionary who spoke said that a captain could not please
everybody; but I have tried to first to please my Father in heaven, and have
not cared so particularly about the will of the people. I have said,
"Father, let me know your will, and I will do it." And there is not a
person in this congregation but will do my will, if he will do the will of his
Father in heaven. If all would do so, they would be free from those little
nasty sins that some are occasionally guilty of and that I am ashamed of.
If you
say, "Adjourn this Conference now," all right. Amen.
On motion of Pres. Orson Hyde, the conference adjourned to meet on the 6th of April, 1858, at 10 o'clock, a.m., at this place.
Choir sung, 'Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation,' when the Conference closed with Benediction by the President Brigham Young: Our Father who art in Heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray for thy blessings to rest upon each one of us at this time and on this congregation. As we have come to the close of our conference, we pray that the spirit of revelation and intelligence may be in us and abide with us, that we may treasure up in good and honest hearts the truths we have heard from each other from this stand since we assembled in this capacity. Help us to seek unto thee day by day, that we may learn wisdom from our Father in Heaven. Be thou our counselor, we pray thee, and let the influence of the Spirit of the Lord rest upon and abide with us. Bless this congregation, Father in Heaven, I pray thee; inspire each and every heart that is now before thee in this place. Bless our families, our friends and our brethren, those that have gone East to preserve the interests of this people, and O God, let thy angels be round about them and lead them unto victory and lead thy people to victory and glory. Bless and preserve thy servants that are among the nations of the earth; help them to be faithful unto thee and accomplish a good work and may they return in safety unto us. Bless thy Saints in the Valleys of the Mountains; pour out thy Spirit upon us; be thou a munitions of rocks round about thy people; hide us in the chambers of the Lord, where thou hast gathered thy people, where we have rested in peace for many years. Preserve us from every sin within, preserve us from outward temptation; preserve us from the hands of wicked, cruel men. Heal up the sick among thy people and comfort their hearts. We dedicate ourselves to thee, with all that pertains to us. Bless the interests of thy Kingdom in every nation, land and clime. Take the oversight of us; be thou our father and our friend; guide us by thine unerring, counsel that we may come off victorious and be prepared to receive our inheritances with the sanctified in thy Celestial Kingdom, and the glory and honor be thine for ever and ever: Amen.
God bless you, brethren and sisters.
LEO HAWKINS, Clerk.
6 April 1858, General
Conference, Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City.
[DNW 8:35, 04/14/58, p 3]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 8:35, 04/14/58, p 3]
MINUTES
OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, CONVENED IN THE TABERNACLE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, APRIL 6TH, 1858, COMMENCING AT 10 A. M.
——
PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG PRESIDING:
On the Stand: Presidents Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells:
Of the Twelve Apostles: Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and franklin D. Richards:
Seventies: Albert P. Rockwood and Benj. L. Clapp:
High Priests: John Young, President:
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter:
Patriarchs: John Smith, John Young:
Presidency of the Stake: Daniel spencer and David Fullmer.
Clerk of Conference: Leo Hawkins.
Reporters: G. D. Watt and J. V. Long.
Called to order by President Brigham Young.
Singing by the Choir.
Prayer by Prest. O. Hyde.
Singing by the Choir.
President Brigham Young presented the authorities of the Church, who were unanimously sustained.
Prest. B. Young argued that it was our religion to attend to the duties of the day in the time thereof.
W. C. Dunbar sung 'The Merry Mormons.'
[Prest. O. Hyde]
Prest. O. Hyde exhorted the Saints to continued obedience to all the requirements of God and stated that our present surrounding circumstances would serve to purify the Saints.
[Prest. B. Young]
Prest. B. Young reviewed he present policy of this people and the politics of the nation; stated that this people were the best on the earth, and the most willing to do as they were commanded; suggested that if we had to travel as long as the Israelites of old did, we should only have twelve years longer; spoke of the designs of God in relation to this people, and the policy he intended to pursue towards our enemies; said that all those who had large possessions of land would be called upon to divide, that the land might be divided in proportion to the inhabitants; gave some instructions about moving, and counseled those who went from this city to locate in Utah county for the present, and the brethren from the North to remain in this city, that our strength might be consolidated; said that if the United States can not exist without the possession of Great Salt Lake City, let them have it, so soon as we can remove.
[Prest. D. H. Wells]
Prest. D. H. Wells exhorted the brethren to give heed to the instructions of President B. Young.
Choir sung 'Praise the Lord all ye nations.'
Benediction by Elder G. A. Smith.
——
[6 Apr, 2 pm]
TWO P. M.
Choir sung 'Come all ye Saints who dwell on earth'
Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt.
[President D. H. Wells]
President D. H. Wells spoke of the Deseret Currency Association and the want of a circulating medium; argued in favor of the present move; that it would throw this people into a situation whereby they would produce such things as they needed for clothing, &c; urged the Saints to put away wickedness from their midst.
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder Lorenzo Snow spoke of the joyful hearts and pleasant countenances of the Saints under present circumstances, though they must be very unpleasant to apostates, if there are any such characters here.
[President Heber C. Kimball]
President Heber C. Kimball told what he had done in relation to moving his family South, &c; spoke of the present move, its beneficial results, and the designs of the Lord to purify his people.
[Elder Erastus Snow]
Elder Erastus Snow continued on the same subjects.
The Conference adjourned.
Benediction by Elder John Taylor.
LEO
HAWKINS,
Clerk of Conference.
6-7 Oct, 13-14 Nov
1858, Special Conference of presidents of the various Quorums, &
councillors.
[Wilford Woodruff Journals 5:223; Deseret News Weekly8:158, 11/17/58, p2]
[6 Oct]
[WWJ 5:223]
Oct 6th A Conference of the presidents of the various Quorums, Bishops, & Councillors assembled in the Tabernacles on the temple Block. Meeting opened by sing & Prayer by President Joseph Young. Daniel H. Wells addressed the meeting & was followed by G. A Smith O. Hyde, O. Pratt, Joseph Young. A. Lyman & Wells.
[7 Oct]
[WWJ 5:223]
7th The Conference was addressed by Joseph Young, John Taylor, W. Woodruff E. Snow, & D H Wells. Much good council was given. The subjects treated upon were selling Grain to the army also spiritus Liquors keeping the commandments of God & living their religion. The fair continued through the day & Closed at night.
The Conference Adjourned till the 13th Nov 2d Saturday in Nov.
[13 Nov]
[WWJ 5:237-238]
13th A conference of the Authorities of the Church met this morning according to adjournment. All the Presidency of the Church & Twelve Apostles were present except Amasa Lyman who had gone south by appointment. Also a large assembly of Seventies, High Priest, Bishops Presidents of Branches Elder Teachers Priest & Deacons.
President Kimball spoke in the morning followed by O. Hyde W. Woodruff. President Brigham Young then addressed the People for the first time since the army of the United States had entered our valley. He gave much good teaching instruction & reproof.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 3:1446-1449]
I wish a
good morning to you all, and hope I see you all well. I do not know that I
shall talk much to you though I have not been to meeting for some time but have
been secluded within my own habitation. I would myself feel glad to hear the
brethren who are assembled here today speak that we may know how they feel. As
far as I am concerned, I can say to you that I feel as well in Mormonism as
lever did in my life. And I can say to you farther, if what is called Mormonism
or the Gospel of Salvation does not correct, enlighten, strengthen, cheer,
console and guide the steps of an individual, directing him in all his ways, I
have not the least idea you would have seen my face this day. This property of
our holy religion I learned in the first start of my career in this church and
kingdom. My religion does not consist in going to Meeting twice on Sunday in
the daytime and once in the evening, and then once or twice in the week, and
supposing if I do not attend meeting I have no religion. I have no conception
of this kind concerning the Gospel I have embraced I have no such feelings nor
ever had. Were it not for the principles of the Gospel we have embraced being
eternal, and calculated in their nature to sustain the children of men under
every circumstance it would not be worth our while to pay the least attention
to it, and might as well forsake it at once.
In the
few remarks I shall make probably I shall not venture to relate my feelings, my
experience, my views, and the views of this people, at any rate at this time.
Suffice it to say that the Lord has said in one of his revelations given
through his prophet Joseph, that this people would be tried in all things, we
may consequently expect every shape, degree, and manner of trial we have yet
thought of and a great many we have not yet thought of.
Still I
can say, the trials this people are now passing through are the lightest I have
ever known them pass through. The greatest trial now upon this community, and
it is felt that most by the inhabitants of the city, is their not having public
meetings. Some say it is a trial of their faith to have the wicked in our
midst, and see their wickedness; but this is no trial at all; not to me at any
rate. Is it a trial to see some to join hands with our enemies? No, it should
not be called a trial, for we are brought into these circumstances expressly
for the purpose of sifting the Smut and Chaff from the wheat, that the goats
may run with the goats, for there is not the least danger of the sheep straying
away and becoming goats; though all could be wheat if they were disposed. It is
just as much the privilege of any upon state to leave this Church to become
sanctified through the truth as it is yours or mine; but they love wickedness,
they delight in evil, and if they are deprived the privilege of mingling with
the evil there is in the world there evil passions stirred up by the power of
the tempter burns within them like a consuming fire, and sooner or later those
who love iniquity will go by the board.
As for my
trials I have none at all that is worth naming, I do not consider I ever had in
this kingdom, and especially at this time. Is it dark? Not with me. Is it
gloomy? Not with me. From the day I first came to this valley to the present,
pertaining to the saints in their locations, here, there has never Been a
partial off gloom over my mind or the shade of a cloud; and today the
atmosphere of this kingdom is with me as clear as the noon days sun the
brightest day you ever saw.
I have
experienced other feelings. I have witnessed clouds of darkness and gloom,
sorrow and forebodings of evil to be hurled upon the heads of this people, but
it is not here; we have no reason to be cast down, to mourn and be
discomforted, but we have every reason to be glad for the Lord has wrought out
salvation to this people; and they who do not see the hand of God in all the
movements that has transpired a year or two past are in darkness and do not
understand his ways. I might say, it is strange indeed that this people
universally cannot see the footsteps of the Almighty as plainly as the foot
prints of a person may be seen in the snow, or upon wet ground; but I know
their weakness. their unbelief, their ignorance, and their doubtings and that
when they see the providences of God plainly manifest they know not whether to
attribute these providential manifestations to him or to somebody else; in this
they are like the wicked. Our enemies consider that we are performing all that
is done; they give me the credit of generating, managing, counseling, and
leading this people to victory, to Note, character, and fame. All this they
attribute to the wisdom of an and individual, and cannot see the hand of the
Lord in it. It is not the wisdom of man that dictates these affairs, but the
Providence of God. The Lord Almighty is leading this people, but the wicked do
not see it, and how many are there off the Saints who only dimly his
fingerprints in his providential dealings with this people. They are at a loss
to know whether to give the credit to God or to man. This is in consequence of
unbelief.
I can
say, God be thanked, there is not an occurrence, however slight in the onward
progress of His Kingdom, that I cannot see and understand in it, His
providences as clearly as I can see my way home and opened a. I trust this. is
the case with many of you.
Here are
assembled the authorities of the kingdom of God on earth; here are the Ministers
of Salvation, prophets and apostles, a congregation of them, it is for you
brethren to say whether you walk to the line of duty or not, it is for you to
order your course through life according to the rule of righteousness, and not
for me to do it for you. It is not for you to guide my footsteps, nor for me to
guide yours, any further than to tell you how to guide them yourselves.
Neither
you nor I can say this people, but we are under obligations to give such
counsel, and show such an example that all, if they will, mayest gave the
pollution's of the world and secure to themselves eternal life. As far as my
teachings and example are concerned I am perfectly satisfied, I would not live
one day or hour of my life over again since I embraced the Gospel thinking to
better it unless I could have more knowledge than I have had in those hours,
days, months, and years; so I can say as many as the Elders of Israel we must
remember that every one of us have to save ourselves, to purify our own hearts,
and have our own meetings and communings with our God at home, also our own
sacraments, at this time especially.
Because I
do not go to meeting do I grow cold in Mormonism, or in the Gospel of life and
Salvation? You might ask the following question within yourselves, Bro. Brigham
don't you feel like preaching to the people? I will answer it. Not much Don't
you feel like instructing them, and still hanging onto them to teach them the
way of life and salvation, continuing to plead with them. I will be honest with
you, and say, not much. You want I should give my reasons. I will do so. If the
teachings have been observed that has come from the stand and lived up to buy
all, as strictly as they have by a few, the heavens would have bowed long
before this, and you could have asked for anything and it would have been
granted, but the greedy eye, the covetous heart, and the rebellious feelings of
this people who are still held in communion with the saints has almost
destroyed the kingdom. Do you think I feel like preaching to such a people? I
have preached to them until they are almost preached to death, and I do not
feel like preaching much mare to them. You know how I felt some two or three
years ago. this fall or the latter part of the summer. I felt as though I could
not live without taking my valise in my hand and walking through this Territory
to find out if there was a man for God, for it seemed to me as though the whole
people had gone astray. I related my feelings to a few, and they started out.
Jedediah fell a victim to that spirit, he took it from me, and he labored until
he went into his grave, to find among all the people who had forsaken their
homes and their all in foreign countries to come to this place were still for
Christ and none else. We had a reformation, and what is the result? I will tell
you by relating an anecdote. It was asked an Elder in one of the settlements if
the reformation had reached them; "Yes," he replied, "and thank
God it is all over. That is the almost universal feeling now. Unless some men
are held by the collar, or by the hair of the head they will go to hell, they
will not cleave to the Lord with all their hearts. The question has been asked
me when I am going to have meetings, I will tell you when the time comes.
And if
any man inquires about Brigham, tell them he is Brigham yet only a little more
so. Do you ask me if I know what Counsel to give, and what to do, I answer Yes
as well as I know how to put victuals to my mouth. Do you know how to open a
counsel? If the mass of all the people were put into one man the reply would be
I will do as I damned please, if the counsel suits me I will observe it, and if
it don't suit this old fallen corrupt hellish disposition I will do as I please
about observing it. This is a true picture of the people called Latter-day
Saints. Is this the character of the majority of the Latter-day Saints? No. the
majority are for Israel, for God and his cause. I do not charge this upon you
who are here by any means but to the people as a whole. You can see how things
are, if we were not to draw the line and set the stakes now in this public
meeting of officials of the Church. If we were not to dictate and tell who
should come into this house, the most infernal gamblers and murderers in this
City would be admitted here today, through the influence of those who profess
to be Latter-day Saints, in this way, "There's a friend of mine that I
wish to be knitted, Trujillo is not so good a saint as the rest of us, but he
is a good man;" in turn he invites one of his friends a little or on the
scale than himself until there would not be a corrupt rotten hearted murderer
in our streets but would have been in this house today. If I have fellowship
with the unrighteous, and ungodly do I not partake more or less of their corruption?
I do. There is fellowship in the midst off. this people that reaches to the
nethermost Hell; and I do not know but some of you who are here today hold this
on hollowed fellowship and have squeezed into our meeting some of those wicked
characters.
I thought
I had set a good guard at the gate who would not let in any whos faces they do
not know. I hold fellowship with a man who will get drunk and shade a little.
Do you know what that means? If we were in the old country we should call it
stealing; that is what I should call it vulgarly, and in the tongue my Mother
taught me when I was a child. It is stealing, but he is a pretty good fellow
and I hold fellowship with him, he holds fellowship with another worse than he
is, until by and by you will see the end of fellowship stringing out until it
comes to fellowship the most damnable scoundrel on the earth. Is not that the
situation of this people? Don't you think the Lord will chastise the people who
are called by his name that hold fellowship with the unrighteous? I know he
will. And if this people do not cleanse themselves from unrighteousness and
turn away from wickedness to their God I will tell you worse chastisements than
we are now receiving will be upon us. What we are receiving now is light, and is
expressly to call out the goats. You may say, "it is necessary to have
goats among the sheep as they stink enough to keep off the distemper." You
need not be afraid but there will be enough left to secure the help of the
sheep; the difficulty is to have So many goats that the stink is so strong as
to bring on the distemper; there will always be plenty of Goats left to cleanse
the flock and keep off fevers. Now do you think I am correct or miss taken with
regard to the people? Are my feeling is correct or incorrect with regard to
preaching to this people? We have not had public meetings in this Tabernacle
now for six or seven months, do you think I am disturbed as regards not having
public meetings! You have had all the meetings You deserve for 17 years to
come; I speak as to the Mass of the people. I know the brethren and Sisters in
many instances have required new things; I have given explanations upon this
time and time again. It is like this you satisfy your children, and give one a
steer, another a farm, another a saw mill, a forth a grist mill, and a fifth a
Steam boat.
The one
owning the steamboat runs it on to a Sandbar, and there left it to go to read;
he comes to father saying cant you give me something else. The one owning the
saw Mill so it gets it blocked up with old blogs, and brush and leaves now dad
cant you give me something else, and so on with the rest, now would you give
those children another inheritance to improve upon. This has been explained to
the people hundreds of times. Do the people live up to the first principles
revealed by Joseph Smith in his first carrier? If they don't they are not
deserving more. Is not that right. If they lived to those principles I know the
heavens would have been opened that you would ask for anything and it would
have been granted. We would have been as free as we are now, that is, free to
do as we please. This kingdom would have gained ground influence and power. But
I do not mean to let things discouraged me; the conduct of the people do not
discourage me. How many thousands of men with their families have we helped to
gather with the Saints and helped them after they were gathered have become our
worst enemies? You might think it would be discouraging. I know it would
discourage many of you. The Elders of Israel before me has traveled barefooted,
and half naked, going without their food, and laid out of door, to lay the
principles of who salvation before the world; those who believe the principles
and came into the Church, where are they? You cannot go into any of the Cities
of the United States but what you will find a considerable portion of the
Citizens are old Apostates from the Mormon Church, you cannot go into Canada,
nor into any state in the Union where you will not find scattered about old
Apostates Canada and the States are full of them. California is full of them,
Oregon and Washington Territories are full of them, and New Mexico has got a
great many of them; they are scattered from Taxes to Maine and from Maine to
California. This is discouraging to the Elders say they. We have labored and
labored, and tried with all my might to bring this people into the Church, we
have prayed, fasted, and watched, traveling laboring, and suffering to bring
this people into the Church, and if they have one like a dog to his vomit. This
you say is discouraging; I do not mean to let any of these things discourage
me; if the Lord suffers me to live I expect he will give me grace according to
my day, to follow the same course, and do all in my power to save the nations
of the earth bring salvation to the house of Israel, redeem Zion, build up
Jerusalem, and bring back and lost again the scattered sheep of Israel's fold.
I have said is better for people to die before they are gathered, and die in
the faith then to bring them here to apostatize. Those who do gather must have
their trials if they are favored to live where the words of life are dealt out
to them continually; they must expect to walk the path of trial equal to there,
privileges; they must but pass through trials equal to their blessings; but
those who depend upon a go to meeting religion are worth nothing they will go
to the board sooner or later, they cannot abide the day of the Lord; and say
Amen to all who are going away years at the present time; and wish they had
gone long ago: I wanted them to go years ago, but no circumstances had to occur
to make them go from us. I would rather, be in these mountains with 100
faithful Elders of Israel who are saints indeed, than with millions of people
who are not saints to build up the kingdom, extended to the nations, and fight
all the help they can muster on the earth, in the earth, and under the earth.
If it comes to the sword I would rather have 100 full of the power of God, who
lived their religion, then millions who are filled with ungodliness and
typography. This is My faith, I do not know that I have any apology to make for
not preaching to the people and having meeting.
Plan I
want meetings I will let it be known, and if the Lord wants meeting any sooner
than I do, all he has to do is tell of it, and if you don't, you won't budge me
much I reckon. I would like to hear from my brethren to know how they feel,
though I expect I know pretty well how they feel, but I should like to hear
them tell it.
If you
wish to stay here a few days and talk you can have the privilege. Whether I
shall say much to you I do not know. We are right if we live our religion if we
do not we are wrong any way it can be fixed. If you want to inquire if
everything has gone right, I answer, Yes. There is not a man on the earth could
have dictated affairs more kindly, more gently and more magnanimously; they
have been dictated and guided by the Almighty, and there is nothing that I know
of only in ourselves, in land the rest of the people professing to be saints
not living our religion. If we live our religion everything is just right and
God will defend this people, and will bear off the kingdom victorious, and will
enable his servants through their labors to gather Israel redeem Zion, gather
his chosen seed, and build up Jerusalem. I feel just as well as ever I did in
my life; I have not a disappointing feeling, not a cast down feeling, and there
never has been a gloomy shade pass over these valleys to me yet, but it has
been as bright and clear as the sun in mid day. "Don't You feel terrified
Bro. Brigham." Not a particle. "Ain't you afraid this people will be
destroyed." Not a particle. "Ain't You afraid they will all
Apostatize"? I wish they would if they want to go, and quickly. I am not
afraid that hair will grow up, fine wooled sheep. All I have to do is to take
care of myself mission which I will do God being my helper; and so with all the
rest of God's people. May God bless you. Amen.
In the Afternoon Joseph Young spoke followed by O. Hyde then [ ]. [ ] Members were Cut off from the Church.
[14 Nov, 10 am]
[WWJ 5:238-239]
14 Sunday The Conference met at 10 oclock. President Wells spoke after President Kimball, & He was followed by President Young who reproved the Elders sharply in the power of God for the evils which existed among them.
The conference then Cut off from the church by an unanimous vote [ ] memberes and on saturday they cut off [ ] Members making a total of [ ]. They were Cut of for apostacy, drunkenness lying swareing whoredoms &c.
[President Young]
President Young again spoke & asked if they supposed all was Cut off that should be. I tell you no. If all should be Cut off that ought to be there would be many more than there is to day. He said that any man that wilfully sinned and broke the law of God ought to be Cut off. Men may do wrong & sin wilfully with there Eyes. Can I forgive them? I will if God will but he will require the penalty to be paid. I will forgive men for sinning ignorantly.
[Brigham Young]
[Complete Discourses of Brigham Young 3:1450-1454]
Before
closing the conference I will say a few words to the brethren. One of the
Elders in this day and hopes there will be a few left, that all the Church will
not be cut off. Do you think all is cut off that ought to be brethren? (A
voice. "No") I will say a few words upon this point. Touching who
ought to be cut off and what for. The people have had the words of eternal life
laid before them since the organization of this church. Multitudes have
embraced the gospel who have seemed to run well for a season, and then slid
off, while others have borne the burden and heat of the day. If you only have
made improvements upon the priesthood given to them. Now I will tell you what a
man or woman ought to be cut off from the Church of the living God four; when
he or she does that that they know to be wrong
. I asked how many of you now hearing me
have been drunk within eight and forty hours passed, is there any in this room?
Yes. Officers of this church were brawling through the streets last night
trunk. Now do you think all are cut off that ought to be. Did you get drunk
thinking it to be right? Do you make groups of yourselves ignorantly? No you do
not. How do you think Angels look upon us and what do you think the feeling of
our father in heaven are towards this people. There are men sitting before me
today who get drunk, take the name of God in vain, and when they are driving
through the Canyons or through the streets if they can see anything they can
pick up and shade they will do it.
What do
you think of such a people? Do you think these things are right. Do you drink,
pilfer, swear, lie, and take advantage of your neighbor ignorantly? No you do
not. you do these things with your eyes wide open, you they are wrong. You know
you commit sin, that it tends to death, and still you will do them, some of
these very men who are sitting before me who ought to be examples to the flock
of Christ, and I hope fellowship with you; I am obliged to read a man comes
along, "How do you do bro. Brigham? I am glad to see you. How long is it
since you were drunk?" "Well it is true I did get a little worse for
liquor the other night. "Did you swear, and take the name of God in vain?"
Yes, but you know, I was the worst for liquor, and my senses were gone.
"Did you not know Your senses would be taken away if you took liquor?
Another comes along, "How do you do bro Brigham, Bro Kimball, Bro. Wells,
and all the Twelve apostles and prophets of Christ." Look here, John, or
William, have you shaded any catalytically, killed any beef that was not yours.
"True I must acknowledge I have taken a few creatures, and I know it is
wrong, and I'm willing to do anything to make restitution." What do you
suppose the Almighty thinks of such A people. Were he to look into the hearts
and faces of this community that we both so much of how many is there Who could
stand his presence and look undaunted in the eye, and say with confidence,
father here am I. He would say, my saints why don't you do differently? Why do
you not do that you know to be right, and forsake that you know to be wrong.
How many could stand to look the Almighty in the eye, and say I have done right
according to the best of my ability, I have never suffered myself to do wrong
knowingly? and when I did I ought to have been cut off from the Church, those I
have cut myself off and striped the thread of those eternal principles that
connects me with the Gods.
Look at
it for yourselves. If the bosom of the Almighty was not filled with compassion
and mercy this people would have been consumed before this. We hold fellowship
with the thief, the liar, this wearer, the drunkard, the whore-master, the
whore, and with those who do all manner of iniquity and abomination. Do you
think that you and I will ever be prepared to dwell with the Gods? What is your
priesthood for, and for what has he bestowed it upon you and I? Why did he
suffer his prophet and first Patriarch of the Church to fall markers in
consequence of that priesthood. What has he led this people for, and what has
he suffered and died for himself? And You and I are trifling with that eternal
life. When I consider these things rather and if the fire that I feel in me at
many times were lavished upon this people it would consume them. What can I say
to such a people, to these my brethren? Do you think you can now go home to
Davis County, we buried Utah, and Tooele Counties and not get drunk before you
get away? Here you are mingling your breath with the rest of Devils, shaking
hands with those who are the most corrupt of men, hail fellows, well met. The
characters I am describing our before me, officers in the Church and kingdom of
God. When anyone of you do that you know to be wrong, you have severed the
thread of that priesthood that binds you to the eternal fountain of life. If it
is not entirely severed it is considerably weakened. Take care of yourselves
with you, and love the Lord our God with all your hearts, keep his commandments
and never do a wrong thing from this time hence forth and forever. Amen they do
wrong ten thousand times and be pardoned if he acts according to the best of
his knowledge, and in the integrity of his heart between his God and himself,
then he can walk up and look his father in the face, and say if I had known
more I would have done better, but I have been according to the best of my
knowledge.
I am
ready to forgive any man or woman seventy seven times a day who send ignorantly
in the integrity of their hearts. But when men whose hearts are full of
understanding give way to iniquity, run greedily after wickedness can I for
give them? Yes if the Lord will, but he cannot forgive, such offenders, the law
and mercy of God are such that they who willfully transgress must pay the debt,
day, cannot be forgiven if they can, then the doctrine held by universalists
are true, that the blood of Christ cleanses away unconditionally all sin, and
we shall all go to heaven together. The eternal law of Jehovah is such that an
angel who falls or rebels against the order of heaven. and his superior cannot
be forgiven but must suffer the wrath of that superior.
If you do
wrong knowingly you have the debts to pay sooner or later. How do you
understand who ought and who ought not be cut off from the church? Those who
sin willfully, knowingly, understand they must be chastened and will have to
suffer for their guilt. That is the law. Write it down, and if any do not get
revelation take my discourse for every word of it is revelation. It is the word
of Jehovah to this people. If you receive it it will be salvation to you; if
you reject it it will be damnation to you.
I will
say a few words with regard to revelation, it is pertaining to the priesthood
and the authority thereof. I want to say something to you I have said a great
many times, and I want you to understand it. With regard to prophecy; a man can
be a prophet, he may live and die a prophet yet never have the priesthood upon
him. Can you understand that? He has not the words of eternal life, he has not the
keys and power of life yet he may prophesy as true as ever an angel did.
Thousands have had this power naturally who have never heard the Gospel. I will
state to you the authority of an Apostle. You never saw a man that was called
to be an Apostle, you never heard, nor read of one, there never was one upon
this earth who was called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ but what if he
magnified his priesthood and calling his teachings were the words of life, the
keys of life and salvation to the people to whom he spoke. There I stand my
words are life to all those who believe and strictly obeyed them, but if they
are rejected they are death. So much for those who say that Brigham is not a
prophet, that Heber or Daniel are not prophets, and I might name scores of
others who magnify their priesthood, and who are called to the Apostleship, the
words of eternal life flow through them like a river. If the words of life do
not flow through them they do not live to their privileges; that is equally
true.
Now to
you that feel as though there ought to be a great deal of preaching, and new
revelation, I would recommend the Journal of Discourses. Bro. George D. Watt
has reported my discourses and others and sent them to England and had them
printed, which can now be obtained here in volumes. Take them and read them,
and if you can, search the volumes of eternity -- the volumes of heaven -- and
see if my teachings do not agree in principle and truth with all the truth of
eternity. If they do they are the words of life and salvation to all who will
believe, and every man who rejects my words rejects life and salvation to his
own soul.
Those who
hear the words of life and obey them will have joy and comfort, and peace from
morning until evening, from the beginning of the spirit of God in their hearts
until. they rejected: and they will take them through the Gates unto the City,
where the father and the son and Jesus Christ dwells. Make much of them, treat
them not with lightness
I want to
say another thing before I sit down. I frequently hear the brethren say, as I
did Yesterday, such a man has spoken against the authorities of the Church. I
would like to correct you in your language, not but that your ideas are
correct. It never has hurt my feelings when men speak against me.
I care no
more about what a man may say about me than I do about the cranes that fly over
my head, or the crackling off the thorns under the pot; but the question is
does that man on earth the priesthood? has you violated, and spoken against it?
If he has deal with him, but if he takes my name in vain it is but a small
thing, but if he trifle with the priesthood given to you and me for life and
salvation deal with him. Now correct your language in that. If they do not
infringe upon the priesthood they may traduce my name as long as they please,
it will never harm me in the least, neither is it a matter I care about. This
much I wanted to say to. the brethren that they may correct their language in
this matter. But when men trifle with the priesthood deal with them and if I
hand out to them the words of eternal life and they trifle with those words
deal with them.
I say to
that bishop who said he was afraid there will be but a few left, hold on, be
patient, and see how many men will be left in the streets here, say a year from
now, who have been saints all the time, every day, every hour, and every week,
call upon them and see where they are with regard to their faith; they are as
they were when they first became members of the Church of Christ by embracing his
Gospel, only more so; Jesus lives within them and they are like a well of water
springing up to eternal life, they dwell in the fountain of life. Our streets
will be clear soon and the saints will be left. The present time will sift out
a great many, and draw them off, and I thank God for it; I am happy it is so, I
wish more were going, there will not as many go as ought to go. We shall see
how many men will be left who have preserved the name and character of the
deity sacred, and walked up rightly before their brethren, whose hearts have
been filled with compassion and mercy to their fellow creatures; and whose
hands have been extended continually to do good to feed the hungry, clothe the
naked, build up the kingdom of God, and do all they can for the salvation of
mankind. There will be a good many of this character left; this is encouraging.
Let me say another thing to you, for your encouragement. If there is a man in
this house, or if you know of anybody in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
day Saints that's never knew me chastise a person because I had a private pique
at him wont you tell me of it. If I have anything against James, John or
William I want to tell you all of it, not that I have a private pique at you. I
can see bishops, High Counselors, presidents of Seventies, High Priests, and
perhaps, some of the twelve that will actually have a feeling against a man
that is nothing but something of a private character. "I do not like such
a man, he is an evil disposed person. I can place no confidence in him."
What is the matter? Why probes the thing to the bottom, and that individual has
done something "I don't like". I say shame on such a feeling it is
altogether unbecoming a magnanimous mind. Mind if I have cause for a private
pique at any of you, I will take you alone and tell you I don't like you. If I
can say nothing against your character nobody shall hear me say it.
And when
you do wrong and step out of the way and I chastise you in public, or in
private you may know I chastise you for your wrong, I have no feeling in my
heart against you as a man. When you do wrong and I know you do it ignorantly,
my fellowship is never interrupted in the least; but when I learn you do evil
knowingly, and you like to do it I shall not fellowship you; I shall not
fellowship evil let me see it where I made; I fellowship good as I always done
from the beginning. I have never asked any man to woman or child to sustain me
in this Gospel, but I have been asked by others to sustain them, and has been
called upon to make covenants to sustain certain characters; "Say I
Sustain God and his righteousness, and I will sustain You, but if you do not
this I cannot sustain you, I will never make a covenant to sustain a man in
unrighteousness. Never make covenants to sustain each other out side of the
righteousness of God, and then you will be enabled to sustain each other. If I
sustain the priesthood of God upon the earth, and walk in it I expect to be
sustained, and I am not concerned about men and women or children sustaining me
in the priesthood. Let us sustain the priesthood and we shall serve as the
bases of an Almighty structure, and sustain the fabric that it cannot fall.
When you do evil, you weaken your own hands and of those who hold fellowship
with you. I say this to the Elders of Israel as though the whole church were
before me; I mean it for the whole church. I will now say God bless you
brethren; I pray for you without ceasing, I plead for you before the Lord
continually, and how ashamed I am, I feel myself disgraced many times at
hearing what I do from the Elders of Israel, and I hold such a man in
fellowship with me, breaking bread and drinking Wine in the name of the son of
God with him; I am ashamed and feel myself insulted and abused. Why cannot we
be righteous? We can if we will. The Lord help us. Can you help yourselves. If
you will be righteous he will help you, but if you will not he cannot help you,
for his law is such that he cannot force you against your will. May God bless
you Amen...
I wish to
say a few words more. We are going to adjourned this conference. We are willing
the brethren should hold their meetings in prudence. We are going to fit up the
tabernacle as soon as we can; we would have had it done, long before this but
our joiners have been getting themselves a little clothing, so we have not
called upon them to help us. Continue your meetings, and for heaven's sake live
your religion, and not make a mock of your professions.
let me
have the attention of the congregation of the congregation, while I noticed
another item. I promised the clerks I would name it to the brethren in a way
they may understand it; that the bishops and Elders may correct the mines of
those who are not here. A year ago we sent for the missionaries to return home.
The European Mission returned in a body Bro. Orson Pratt was then presiding
there; and bro. Samuel Richards was sent with our instructions. The church is
raised money by Donation to send the brethren home. They came home.
Now I
wish to state the facts in the case somewhat particularly so the bishops can
explain them to the people who are concerned. I think we have the accounts of
all the money that was donated as far as we know, at least we cannot get much
of anything more by inquiring of individuals. This money was disposed off by
committees to buy teams, and necessaries to bring the brethren home. When every
dollar of this money is used for the purposes I have stated we find ourselves
indebted four thousand dollars and we have to foot it at the Tithing Office. Why
I mention this is that James, John, and Thomas writes to us in inquiring if
they cannot this or that piece of property that they brought through, for their
share of a horse etc for they had an idea that property was to be divided after
their arrival in the valleys; but the truth is that we have four thousand
dollars more to pay then this property amounts to. Can we get you anything? No,
You are in debt to us; and if we were to charge you as we have other emigrants
you would be called upon to pay it. Those who feel bad at not getting their
share have spent it, they have eat it up, and it is all gone, and four thousand
dollars more. Now do not send any more letters to me for your share of the
property that never was yours. If you don't wish me to call upon you to pay
your bill expenses for bringing your home, cease to call upon me for that which
does not belong to you. There is another item which I want explained. In
England they are now donating money for the benefit and relief of the church in
Utah; and we have brethren running to the office, "I thought the money
that was being gathered in England was to be sent here for the poor, for such a
brother has written to me that he has donated five pounds to help the poor.
Ain't I going to have my share of it? That would make a pretty mess. They don't
understand.
What does
this people all us today for money which we have raised by loaning, by
disposing of property, and changing property etc. etc. The Perpetual Emigrating
Fund owes us now in the neighborhood of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars;
and we have been selling mules, wagons, and lumber to pay up these debts.
One off
the bishops told us today that Some owing the P. E. Fund had run away and did
not pay their emigration debt. I do not like it. Why did you not tell me that
before.
A bishop
can stand up here and tell of a man who had run away owing four hundred
dollars, and at this time I would sell my last cow to get money to pay off
these debts; if any man will come and buy all the stock I have got, I dare you
to it. I want you to understand that when money is donated their it is to pay
the debts of those infernal scoundrels who have run away leaving there just
debts unpaid. I have got to foot the bill. This money donated is not for you
who live here. If you have not read to eat go to your neighbors, for anybody
will give you some bread. Have you not potatoes? Though they are scarce. Have
you not squash is? Squashes in this country are equal to sweet potatoes. Have
you not fed a pig, a cow or an ox to supply you with Meet; then what do you
want money for that we are now screwing ourselves to death to get to pay up the
debts of the P. E. Fund. Shall I let you have the money? No. Not a dime of it.
Now John, if View of Boston ties because you cannot get that money, start out
tomorrow, for you will have to if I get my fingers on the money, or comes under
my controls. These hands have handled more money than I care for, but if I get
that money within the reach of my influence, You will not get a dime. I will
pay the debts this Church owes and prepare to bring many more here; we have to
pull the wheat out, and save it if we need to take a pound, of soil with the
troops, then we will separate the straw, chaff, and dirt, and say the good
wheat in the garner of the Lord. Let the Chaff go off. You understand my
position. I think now the brethren will not be wanting this money. We have
helped the poor know until they all of us some two hundred thousand dollars;
and I think we will now help ourselves to get out of debt. May the Lord bless
you.
Conference adjourned till 6 April.
[13-14 Nov]
[DNW 8:158, 11/17/58, p2]
A Special Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was held in this city on Saturday and Sunday the 13th and 14th inst., in pursuance to adjournment from the 6th of October last. The First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve and Representatives from the various Bishoprics and Quorums of the Church were in attendance. The usual Church business was transacted, and several items of interest were entered into. A good spirit prevailed, and the brethren returned to their duties enjoying the spirit of their callings, full of gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His kindness to His people.
6-7 Apr 1859, Annual
General Conference, Tabernacle.
[Deseret News Weekly 9:41, 4/13/59, p1]
[6 Apr, 10 am]
[DNW 9:41, 4/13/59, p1]
MINUTES
OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
——
Convened in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, Wednesday, April 6, 1859, 10 a.m.
President Brigham Young, Presiding.
On the Stand: Presidents Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells;
Of the Twelve Apostles: Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards.
Seventies: Joseph Young, Albert P. Rockwood and Levi W. Hancock;
High Priests: John Young, H. H. Young and Samuel L. Sprauge;
Presiding Bishop: Edward Hunter;
Patriarch: John Young;
Presidency of the Stake: Daniel Spencer and David Fullmer;
Reporters: George D. Watt and John V. Long.
Choir sung: "God moves in a mysterious way." Prayer by Orson Hyde. Singing by the choir.
[President Joseph Young]
President Joseph Young spoke of the merciful interference of the Almighty for the deliverance of his people; alluded to the weaknesses that mortals were subject to; admonished the Saints to be faithful and diligent; treated upon the ebbing and flowing of the Spirit of God; said that it was for the trial of our faith, and that such transitions as the Saints experienced were calculated to call into requisition the best faith and feelings of the people of God. He contended that the day would come when every man's faith would be tested; rejoiced to meet with the Saints in conference and longed to see the day when they would be of one heart and one mind.
Choir sung, "Home Again."
[Pres. H. C. Kimball]
Pres. H. C. Kimball blessed the people in the name of the Lord; bore testimony to the truth and applicability of the remarks of Pres. Joseph Young; advised the Saints to watch the still small voice of the Spirit and to follow its wise dictations and suggestions; spoke plainly of the necessity of practicing sobriety, virtue and righteousness; exhorted the brethren to be faithful in all things, and prophesied that the Saints would never leave the mountains till they become pure before God, and that the Lord will multiply blessings upon the righteous for ever, while he will curse the wicked, the liar, the adulterer and the apostate; bore testimony to the mission of Joseph Smith - that he knew him to be a Prophet, and that Pres. Brigham Young is a Prophet also - that he knew those things by the Holy Ghost and the revelations of Jesus Christ.
Choir sung, "O ye mountains high."
Benediction by Pres. D. H. Wells.
——
[6 Apr, 2 pm]
2 o'clock p.m.
Singing. Prayer by Elder Orson Pratt. Choir sung a hymn.
[Elder George A. Smith]
Elder George A. Smith addressed the conference. Spoke from the text, "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it." Reasoned on the purification of the Saints, the difficulty of getting men to live their religion, whereas many could be found who were willing to die for it; contended that, if the testimony of Peter, James and John was true when the called upon men to repent and obey the gospel, it is true now, and that, if God would reveal his mind and will for the instruction and salvation of the people then, he would do the same now; admonished the people to learn to control their thoughts and actions, to know that they were right for themselves, to do right for the love of righteousness and truth, and not because some man said what was right, and to live before God so as to have the light of the Spirit of truth in them continually; treated on faith, punctuality and honesty. He bore testimony to the First Presidency being men of God, set by revelation to guide and control His Church and Kingdom on the earth.
Choir sung a hymn.
[Patriarch John Young]
Patriarch John Young next addressed the congregation. He spoke on the prosperity of Zion, the union of the Saints, the blessings in store for the faithful, the future increase of God's kingdom, the overthrow of satan's kingdom and the final triumph of the righteous.
[Pres D. H. Wells]
Pres. D. H. Wells made a few remarks relative to fasting and prayer and recommended the Saints to keep the fast day on to-morrow.
choir sung, "The happy day has rolled along."
Dismissed by Elder Woodruff.
——
[7 Apr, 10 a.m.*]
Thursday,
April 7, 1859
10 o'clock, a.m.
Meeting called to order by Pres. Daniel Spencer.
Choir sung "When quiet in my house I sit."
Prayer by Elder John Taylor. Singing.
Elder Taylor presented the authorities of the Church as follows: -
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Prophet Seer and Revelator. Heber C. Kimball, First Counselor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator. Daniel H. Wells, Second counselor, Prophet, Seer and Revelator;
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow. Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards, members of said Quorum;
John Smith, Presiding Patriarch;
John Young, President of the High Priests' Quorum; Joseph Young, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock, Presiding Presidents over all the Seventies;
John Nebeker, Presidents of the Elders' Quorum;
Daniel Spencer, President of this Stake of Zion;
Heman Hyde, Eleazer Miller, Phineas Richards, Levi Jackman, Ira Eldredge, John Vance, Edwin D. Woolley, John Parry, Winslow Farr, William Snow, Daniel Carn and Ira Ames, members of the High Council;
Edward hunter, Presiding Bishop of the whole Church;
Lewis Wight, President of the Priest's Quorum;
McGee Harris, President of the Teacher's Quorum;
Alexander Herrorn, President of the Deacon's Quorum;
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints;
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works;
Truman O. Angell, architect for the Church;
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor. Heber C. Kimball, D. H. Wells and Edward Hunter, his assistants and agents for said fund;
George A. Smith, Historian and General Church Recorder; Wilford Woodruff, his assistant; who were all sustained by the Conference.
Choir sung "Great is the Lord."
[Elder John Taylor]
Elder John Taylor spoke of the gathering of the Saints from the nations, the difference between a conference held by the Latter-Day Saints and one held by the religious world; refuted the supposition entertained by many that the Saints have to act according to the doctrine of a few leading men, and contended that the way the people in this Church were governed so easily, was by the authorities teaching them good and correct principles, and that then they governed themselves. Spoke of the power of the gospel to unite the people together, alluded to the gifts promised to the faithful in Christ; gave a brief history of his first acquaintance with the gospel, bore testimony that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, that he was acquainted with him living, an knew him when dying. Concluded by exhorting the people to fear God and observe righteousness, that they might be blest in time and exalted in eternity.
Choir sung "How beautiful upon the mountains, &c."
Benediction by Ezra T. Benson.
——
[7 Apr, 2 pm]
2 o'clock p.m.
Singing. Prayer by W. W. Phelps.
Choir sung the hymn on page 215.
[President Brigham Young]
President Brigham Young showed the necessity of the Saints adding knowledge to knowledge in relation to the things of God. commented on the text contained in the book of Job, "There is a spirit in man, and the Spirit of the Lord giveth it understanding." Spoke of man as a being created a little lower than the angels, and of his being capable of receiving intelligence until he is perfect. Described the relationship of angels to God and to man, showing that they were beings who had passed through a mortal existence, received their tabernacles, passed the ordeals and proved themselves worthy of exaltation, and said that the principles of life were calculated to exalt people to thrones, principalities and powers, and that all men had the privilege of coming to the knowledge of truth by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. Recommended the brethren to be diligent in all things, and especially in their agricultural pursuits. Blest the people in the name of the Lord.
President Wells said: In presenting the names of the various Quorums this morning, the name of Benjamin L. Clapp was omitted. He has been dropped from the Seventies, and it is now moved and seconded that he be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. - Carried.
Choir sung "Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation."
President Kimball adjourned conference until the 6th of Oct. at 10 a.m., and then pronounced the benediction.
6-9 Oct 1859,
Semi-Annual General Conference, Tabernacle.
[Deseret News Weekly 9:249, 10/12/59, p1, 8; MS 21:822]
[6 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1]
SEMI-ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
OF
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
——
Convened in the Tabernacle, Thursday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m.; President Brigham Young presiding.
ON THE STAND: - Presidents Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells;
Of the Twelve Apostles - Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards;
Seventies - Joseph Young, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock;
High Priests - John Young, Edwin D. Woolley, Samuel W. Richards, John M. Bernheisel, William W. Phelps, Samuel L. Sprague and Thomas B. Marsh;
Presiding Bishop - Edward Hunter;
Presidency of the Stake - Daniel Spencer and David Fullmer;
Patriarchs - John Young;
Reporters - George D. Watt and John V. Long.
Choir sung, "Great is the Lord."
Prayer by Pres. John Young.
Singing by the choir.
[President B. Young]
President B. Young said that, as this was the monthly fast day, the services would be conducted as on all regular fast days; that the privilege would be granted to the Saints to speak those things that were in their hearts and to confess their faults one to another. He spoke of the inclinations of the human family to mingle with and participate in the surrounding influences in which they dwell; that it is the peculiar privilege of the Latter Day Saints to associate together, free from surrounding influences; said that through the fall we are prone to evil, but when our spirits came into our bodies they were free from evil - they were pure and holy and prepared to receive instructions from the source of all good; that, notwithstanding the power of the evil one, the spirit of man will reign predominant privately if it cannot publicly; that the time will come when people will not be tempted as they are now, for the intelligence diffused among them will be sufficient for them to live without temptation. Advised the Latter Day Saints to let their light shine, to let the spirit within them come off conqueror; also, when tempted and buffeted, to keep their mouths closed, instead of diffusing abroad that which the evil one puts into their hearts; if they had anything good in their minds he counseled them to speak of it, but to keep the bad feelings to themselves; that it was their privilege to diffuse light and knowledge to the nations of the earth. He then allowed the congregation to occupy the time.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:273, 11/02/59, p1; JD 7:267]
INSTRUCTIONS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct. 6, 1859
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
——
We have
assembled this morning in the capacity of a Conference; and as it is also our
fast-day, we will conduct the forenoon services as we generally do in our
fast-day meetings, when the Saints meet to express their feelings and to
strengthen each other in their faith of the holy Gospel. We will, so far as the
time will permit, give all the Saints who may wish the privilege to freely
express their views and reflections to this congregation; and I hope we shall
be enabled to appreciate the privilege we enjoy. I am aware that the Saints
like to speak often one to another, if the candle of the Lord is lit up within
them; and it is their delight to walk in the light thereof, and diffuse that
delight to others, that they also may enjoy its blessings.
You are
well aware, by your own experience, that mankind in their feelings and spirits
are more or less subject to be operated upon by surrounding influences. You, no
doubt, discover that you are very much inclined to mingle with and participate
in the feelings and exercises of the society in which you are. Mankind are
naturally inclined to associate one with another. Deprive an individual of the
society of his fellow-beings, and life becomes wearisome and a burden to him;
his hours and days become monotonous and tedious.
This
people, as a religious people, are more blessed with the spirit of association
than are the generality of those called Christians. A gathering and social
spirit seems to be the order of heaven—of the spirit that is in the Gospel we
have embraced. Though it may be esteemed as a fault—as an unwarrantable act to
separate ourselves from those who do not believe as we believe, yet such is the
nature of a portion of our religion pertaining to the performance of outward
duties. If the Latter-day Saints can associate together, free from the
contaminating influences that are in the world, it is a blessing and a great
privilege. What would induce a child to grow up in the wickedness of the wicked
world, if it never saw or heard any of it? Would you see the fruit you now see
produced? You would not. If children never heard language unbecoming
intelligent beings, in their most heated passions, they would not know
what to say; they would have no words to express their wicked feelings, until
reflection would take the place of anger, and they would refrain from it.
It is
very true that, through the fall, we are all prone to evil. It is also true
that the spirit in man is also pure and holy upon its entrance into a
tabernacle, and perfectly prepared to be influenced and receive instruction.
Being united with the body, which was brought under condemnation through the
fall, they are inseparably connected in a probation. And while they remain
together, the spirit of evil, through the fall, has great power with the body;
and the body, through its intimate connection, has great power with the spirit;
and for this reason both are prone to evil. Still it would be difficult to find
a person upon the earth so vile—so wicked—so overcome by the grossness of
earth, that the holy principles and acts in the lives of the righteous are not
more beautiful to them than are the wickedness and corruption in the lives of
the froward and disobedient. The human family naturally admire a life of virtue
and truth, and abhor falsehood and every kind of wickedness. The spirits that
the Almighty has put into their tabernacles will more or less admire goodness,
inwardly if not outwardly, though they are often overcome by the evil
propensities that pertain to the flesh.
Since we
are permitted by our Father and our God to do good, let us never suffer
ourselves to be tempted, to be drawn aside, to be overcome, or thwarted in the
pure and holy purpose that the pure spirit of intelligence (the spirit that is
in us) reveals to the understanding. Not but that it is necessary in the very
nature of things, in the economy of heaven, that we should be tried and tempted
in all things, in order to prove ourselves and prepare ourselves to enjoy that
eternal life that is prepared for the just. The time will be when people will
not be tempted as they now are—when there will be no Tempter upon the earth.
The knowledge and intelligence that will be diffused among the people will
enable them to live a time and a season without the Tempter. But we live in a
day when the power and rule of that evil principle is more excessive upon the
earth that it ever has been. As the Prophet said, "For every one, from the
least even unto the greatest, is given to covetousness; from the prophet even
unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely." Mankind, in the present day,
are further from the intelligence, the light, the glory, and the power of the
Invisible than ever they were before, from the days of Adam until now. There
never was a day of such heathen darkness and unbelief as now prevails. We have
had the privilege of receiving those holy principles calculated to give us
power to secure to ourselves eternal life and happiness, if we follow out those
principles. It is a constant warfare. As the apostle expresses it, "The
flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these
are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye
would." The spirit that is put into man is pure and holy; but through the
power of evil with the flesh, it is more or less contaminated, influenced,
seduced, and brought into bondage by the evil that exists upon the earth. Let
the spirit overcome and come off conqueror.
While we
have the privilege of speaking to each other, let us speak words of comfort and
consolation. When you are influenced by the Spirit of holiness and purity, let
your light shine; but if you are tried and tempted and buffeted by Satan, keep
your thoughts to yourselves—keep your mouths closed; for speaking produces
fruit, either of a good or evil character.
If
persons think they have greater sorrow and affliction than any others, when
they reveal that sorrow and affliction, it produces fruit. You frequently hear
brethren and sisters say that they feel so tried and tempted, and have so many
cares, and are so buffeted, that they must give vent to their feelings; and
they yield to the temptation, and deal out their unpleasant sensations to their
families and neighbours. Make up your minds thoroughly, once for all, that if
we have trials, the Lord has suffered them to be brought upon us, and he will
give us grace to bear them; and that they do not concern our families, friends,
and neighbours, we can bear them off alone. But if we have light or
intelligence—that which will do good, we will impart it; but our bad feelings,
our desponding feelings, our dark hours, and disagreeable sensations we will
keep to ourselves. Let that be the determination of every individual, for
spirit begets spirit—likeness, likeness; feelings beget their likeness; and
custom, custom. You know very well, by your own experience, that you are
naturally inclined to more or less adopt the customs, feelings, and manners of
the people you associate with. If, then, we give vent to all our bad feelings
and disagreeable sensations, how quickly we beget the same in others, and lead
each other down with our troubles, and become sunk in darkness and despair! If
you have anything good to say, speak it and comfort the hearts of the Saints.
If you have that which tends to death, keep it to yourselves: we do not want
it, for we already have plenty of it.
Frame
your lives according to the precepts of the Gospel. Let your deal, walk, and
conversation be that upon which an angel can look with pleasure. And in all
your social communications, or whatever your associations are, let all the
dark, discontented, murmuring, unhappy, miserable feelings—all the evil fruit
of the mind, fall from the tree in silence and unnoticed; and so let it perish,
without taking it up to present to your neighbours. But when you have joy and
happiness, light and intelligence, truth and virtue, offer that fruit
abundantly to your neighbours, and it will do them good, and so strengthen the
hands of your fellow-beings, even though you may be looked upon as an outcast,
vile people, not worthy of the society of what are commonly deemed the
intelligent portion of the world. This reminds me of what a man in Connecticut
said when he was preparing to emigrate to Utah. His aunt was deeply regretting
that he was going away off to Utah to live with that dark and outcast people.
"Why, my dear boy, you are going entirely away from the Christians!"
He replied—"Aunt, I have prayed for years to be delivered from these
Christians." I am happy, brethren and sisters, that we are measurably
delivered from the so-called Christians.
Do you
wish to know why I am happy for this deliverance? Because we have the privilege
of associating together and pouring out the intelligence God has given us and
is revealing from time to time, that we may grow in grace and in the knowledge
of the truth, and are not much trammelled by the fashions, customs, and
contaminating influences of the world. Are there good men and women among them?
Yes, a great many who are just as good, so far as they know, as we are We have
the benefit of further knowledge and further commands in this generation, being
actually the disciples of the Lord Jesus, understanding our Master and his
business and mission upon the earth. We have the privilege of diffusing this
knowledge to the nations, and calling out those who wish to join hand and heart
in building up the kingdom of God in the last days—in bringing forth the Zion
of God, and bringing about one universal reign of peace and righteousness upon
the earth. It is our business, and is all the business we have on our hands, to
redeem the nations of the earth, and produce righteousness and the knowledge of
God, until it shall go forth like the light of the morning sun. And let me say
to you Latter-day Saints, Wake out of your slumber, and prepare yourselves for
days that are fast approaching; for times are approaching of which you are
little aware. Forsake the spirit of the world, bid farewell to your love and
affections for the things of the world, and cleave unto God and unto those
things that are calculated to prepare you to dwell in his presence. The earth
is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, and he deals with the children of men
according to their agency—according to their knowledge and power, to let each
and every one have an opportunity of proving themselves worthy to be crowned
with crowns of glory, immortality, and eternal lives; and if they forfeit them,
they must abide the consequences. But if they live the principles of the holy
religion that Jesus Christ has produced on the earth, they will be prepared to
dwell eternally in his presence.
Brethren
and sisters, I will make one request of you. When you speak, speak so that we
can hear and understand you, whether it be much or little, good or bad. If you
have nothing to say, take my counsel, and keep your seat. If you have anything
to say, say it; and when you get through, stop. Let your feelings be governed
and controlled by the principles of eternal life, as should the children of
God, delighting in truth and righteousness. Let the wicked say what they
please, for their breath is in their nostrils, and all their glory is like the
grass and the flower of the grass that passeth away. They are here but for a
moment, and soon those who know them now will know them no more for ever. They
will soon be as though they had not been upon the earth.
Let not
your feelings be afflicted or in anywise troubled by the sayings and doings of
the wicked, for they are in the hands of the Almighty, and he will dispose of
individuals and nations as seemeth him good. He must give them an opportunity
to receive the truth and prepare themselves to dwell eternally with him, or to
reject it and prepare themselves to be cut down as cumberers of the ground,
suffer the wrath of the Almighty, and perish and be wasted away until they will
be known no more. Seek for that which will endure. Set your hearts upon those
things that will abide not only to-day, to-morrow, this year, and throughout
your lifetime, but also the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the presence of
the Almighty who dwells in eternal burnings.
May God
bless you! Amen.
Ten persons bore testimony to the truth of the gospel revealed through Joseph Smith; after which Elder McAllister sung, "Do what is right;" and when nine others had spoken, he sung, "The moral conflict." Seven more spoke and, at 2 o'clock, the meeting was dismissed till 5 p.m.
[Pres. B. Young]
Pres. B. Young told the people that whatever they did, should be done by the dictates of the Holy Ghost; remarked that the religion of Jesus comprehends all sciences, every species of mechanism, and that it will drink up the whole earth with its philosophy and intelligence.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:273, 11/2/59, p1; JD 7:271]
REMARKS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct. 6, 1859, at
the close of the forenoon meeting.
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
——
Brethren
and sisters, I rejoice exceedingly for the manifestation of the Spirit of God I
have witnessed here to-day. We have heard good testimonies and good counsel,
and the Spirit of the Lord is upon the people; and I trust that I shall see an
increase of this Spirit, which I have felt in a signal manner to-day, and which
I also feel day by day.
The world
could not hire me to be a "Mormon," unless I enjoyed the spirit of my
religion. I need that spirit in my business, as well as in my worship; and I
surely would need it, if I had to go to the kanyons and drive cattle: I would
need a double portion of it. Whatever we do should be in accordance with the
mind of the Holy Spirit. We are not at all under the necessity of falling into
the mistake that the Christian world falls into. They think, when they are
handling or dealing in the things of this world, that those things have nothing
to do with their religion. Our religion takes within its wide embrace not only
things of heaven, but also things of earth. It circumscribes all art, science,
and literature pertaining to heaven, earth, and hell. Is there any good? It belongs
to you and me. Is their virtue? It is ours. Is there truth? It is ours. Is
there knowledge? It is for us.
All
eternity is before us. Let us deal with ourselves like men and women of God.
Let us deal with one another like intelligent beings. Our religion drinks up
all truth. and the Lord Almighty will gather unto Zion all the intelligence and
wisdom that has ever been exhibited among men.
When I
see men craving for and lusting after the things of this world, it looks very
childish to me. These things belong to the Lord, and we are his. The gold and
the silver, the fine flour, the wine and the oil, and all the treasures of the
earth are his, and he disposes of them as he will. When we are prepared, we
shall have gold sufficient to pave the streets, and we will tread it under our
feet. Shame on men and women, professing to be Saints, who worship and love the
perishing things of earth. Love God and his work, and all is ours in time and
in eternity.
May the
Lord help us so to do! Amen.
Benediction by Elder Erastus Snow.
——
[6 Oct, 5 pm]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1]
Singing. Prayer by Pres. John Young.
[Elder Orson Hyde]
Elder Orson Hyde addressed the congregation on the pre-existence of man, giving it as his opinion that we each signed a document before we came here, by which promised to be faithful to our God and to our covenants, while we dwell in this mortality.
[Orson Hyde]
[DNW 9:322, 12/21/59, p2; JD 7:313]
REMARKS
By President ORSON HYDE, Oct 6, 1859, in the Tabernacle.
——
]REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
As
liberty was extended this morning to confess our faults and speak our feelings
and our experience, I now avail myself of the privilege granted.
For some
length of time I do not know that I have committed any very grievous sins or serious
iniquities. At the same time, I feel that the light of heaven in me reproves me
for many things; and I seek to receive the admonitions of the Spirit, and
profit continually by them.
I am
sensible that I am subject to weaknesses, to many foibles and failings; yet, as
I before said, I am not conscious of having committed any very grievous sin,—at
least, since the reformation. My desires are to keep the commandments of God,
and to retain in my own bosom his good Spirit. That Spirit was particularly manifested
here this morning; and while it was upon me, I endeavoured to look at myself,
and it seemed as though a live coal was in my heart, that caused it to burn
with joy and gladness, with thanksgiving and praise to our God. Had I given
vent to my feelings, without restraint, I might have made more noise than would
have been acceptable to this congregation. But "the spirit of the prophets
is subject to the prophets, and wisdom is justified of her children."
The
counsel we received this morning commends itself to every man's conscience. The
good which we feel, and with which we are often exercised, may be freely
dispensed to others; but the bad feelings which we sometimes possess should not
often be suffered to burden others, but should be buried—smothered, until they
die out. The good which we possess we may reveal to our friends for their
edification and comfort, but withhold from them our griefs and sorrows, and
reveal them unto God, who bears our sorrows willingly, without endangering
himself.
If we never
sow gloomy, desponding, or evil principles, we shall not be likely to reap
them. If we sow cheerful, lively, and good principles, we shall most likely
reap an abundant harvest of the same; for, according to that which a man
soweth, that also shall he reap. Let us learn to restrain every evil feeling;
for if we give them birth, there is no telling the amount of evil they may
create, and when or where they will end their work of death.
The Son
of Man sowed good seed in his field; and while men slept, the enemy came and
sowed tares: consequently, there was a mixed crop. Let as sow pure seed, as did
the Son of Man, and watch, lest the enemy sow bad seed, and cause a great
amount of trouble thereby.
A few
thoughts have suggested themselves to my mind in connection with some remarks I
made last Sunday in the afternoon. It is not my province always to say that
things are so-and-so; yet, under some circumstances, it is. But I will now do
as I did last Sabbath. I will suppose a case.
We all
acknowledge that we had an existence before we were born into this world. How
long before we took our departure from the realms of bliss to find tabernacles
in flesh is unknown to us. Suffice it to say that we were sent here. We came
willingly: the requirement of our heavenly Father and our anxiety to take
bodies brought us here. We might be sent on a mission to some foreign country,
and feel under obligation to go, not only from respect to the moral condition
of the people to whom we are sent, but also out of respect to the authority
which required the service at our hands. But if we were to consult our own
feelings, and be allowed our choice to go or stay with equal approval, we might
prefer to remain at home. But we understood things better there than we do in
this lower world. Here, in this world, Paul says, "For the creature was
made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected
the same in hope" [of return]. The creature itself shall be delivered from
the bondage of corruption and brought into the glorious liberty of the children
of God.
Then, if
it be true that we entered into a covenant with the powers celestial, before we
left our former homes, that we would come here and obey the voice of the Lord,
through whomsoever he might speak, these powers are witnesses of the covenant
into which we entered; and it is not impossible that we signed the articles
thereof with our own hands,—which articles may be retained in the archives
above, to be presented to us when we rise from the dead, and be judged out of
our own mouths, according to that which is written in the books.
We are
situated here in various relations, not only to the servants of God that are
given us to guide our energies, but we also stand in various relations to one
another, as husband and wife, parent and child,—which relations are branches of
that everlasting covenant, because they are legitimate and ordained of God. Did
we covenant and agree that we would be subject to the authorities of heaven
placed over us? What do you think about it? Do you think we plighted our faith
and came here with that view and under that covenant? And, in this respect, is
the whole world on the same footing? Yes, verily: "He that receiveth you
receiveth me."
The vail
is thick between us and the country whence we came. We cannot see clearly—we
cannot clearly comprehend—we have forgotten! For instance, when we leave our
homes on earth for a long time, and roam abroad in foreign lands, we forget
many of the little incidents of our nativity, barely recollecting and being
impressed that we have a home m some far-off country, while in others the
thought is entirely obliterated from their memory, and is to them as though
such things had never existed. But our forgetfulness cannot alter the facts.
Did we
covenant to be subject to the authority of God in all the different relations
of life—that we would be loyal to the legitimate powers that emanate from God?
I have been led to think that such is the truth. Something whispers these
things to me in this light. Again, for instance, the husband and wife unite
their destinies under the seal of this everlasting covenant, for this covenant
covers all the just transactions of the legitimate authorities and powers that
be on earth. We therefore regard marriage as a branch of the everlasting
covenant.
What did
we agree to before we came here? If to anything, I suppose the very same things
we agreed to since we did come here, that are legitimate and proper. The
husband agreed to be a faithful servant of God, to do his duty to all that were
placed under his charge. The wife, on her part, covenants that she will be a
faithful and devoted wife, and will obey her husband in the Lord in all things.
If this were so, it is all right; for it is just as we are taught on the earth.
But the
question is, Did we subscribe to any such doctrine as this on the start? I will
not say that we did; yet I have had such thoughts, and they whisper strongly in
my heart.
Children
agreed to obey their parents, as parents agreed to obey their superiors in the
kingdom of God; and parents were brought under obligation to train their
children in the way they should go. This is written in the Bible, if nowhere
else. How many of us look upon the rearing and training of our children, and
the correction of their wrongs, as about the least duty that is enjoined upon
us? There are too many that look upon it in this point of view. Do you ask what
evidence I have of that fact? When I go among the children of the city, and
hear them use profane and unbecoming language, there we have the evidence not
only, of their parents' neglect, but of their shame and dishonour. It is said,
"Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land
which the Lord thy God giveth thee." What is it to honour thy father? Is
it to say, "Oh, father, how I love you!" or, "Oh, how I love
you, mother! how glad I am to see you! I really feel glad and happy to be with
you!"
As far as
these go, they are all very well. But suppose the child would never lie—would
never curse and swear, but observe the rules of propriety; do you not see that
he honours his parent? and the observer comes to the conclusion that the
fountain is pure. The tree is known by its fruit. The children are our fruit,
and the character of the children is an index, more or less, to the quality of
the tree that bore them. It appears so to me.
I find
that after covenants have been entered into among the Saints, as, for instance,
between husband and wife, there are sometimes divorces called for, and the
covenant is broken. When we go back whence we came, to give an account of our
stewardship, what apology can we plead before the King of kings and Lord of
lords? If either party have been guilty of adultery, then divorce may be
justifiable; but upon what other ground? I await the answer. Will the plea of
the hardness of hearts meet with favour at the final bar?
Look, for
instance, at the person who renounces his faith, and goes again to the spirit
and practices of the world. He has broken the terms of the everlasting
covenant, and is gone whoring after other gods, and is consequently divorced.
What kind of an account can he render, if he repent not? How is he going to
meet it in a coming day, when the vail shall be rent asunder, and he shall see
his own handwriting subscribing to the everlasting covenant produced against
him. Is it not written in the beautiful song sung by brother McAllister this
morning, that "Angels above us are silent notes taking?" and was not
that song inspired by the Spirit of God, and just as true as any line in the
Bible, and just as faithful?
Well,
then, it stands us in hand, brethren and sisters, to look well to ourselves,
and be sure that neither the husband nor the wife is the transgressor; for the
one that is really in the fault, when weighed in the balance, will be found
wanting; and I fear for such.
It is
well for us to look at these things, and make ourselves fully acquainted with
the obligations we are under one to another, to discharge them in the fear of
God; and I know not how we can discharge them, unless we have the Spirit of the
true and living God; for that is what gives life—what gives energy and
animation, and should inspire us in all our ways.
In
relation to the wickedness that is alleged to exist among the Saints, I will
tell you what conclusion I have come to. When I have seen persons that I
thought were out of the way, if a convenient opportunity offered, and I have
felt it was wisdom, I would reprove them. At the same time I say, Let me take
that as an admonition to regulate my own conduct, and see that I do not go
astray, that I may not be swamped in the spirit of evil—in the spirit and pride
of this world. Let me take care of number one, and keep him clear of all
iniquity, free from a spirit of murmuring or fault-finding.
Some
suppose that because men in higher authority than themselves do so-and-so, they
can do so-and-so with less impunity. It is immaterial to us what So-and-so does;
it gives no license to us to do wrong; and we may plead that argument before
God and angels, but it will avail us nothing. Our own improprieties and unwise
course will be so plain in our minds that we shall never think of giving
utterance to any such argument.
If we
have good, let us distribute it as we have heard this morning. Let us sow good.
It is immaterial what others do, so far as we are concerned. If we sow good, we
shall reap good.
I do not
feel to prolong my remarks. There is one word more I want to say, however; and
that is, I feel that there is good near at hand for this people; and I have
felt so for a number of weeks and months.
Now, for
heaven's sake, let us go to and regulate ourselves, and prepare for it, lest,
peradventure, by postponing to do this, our dish may be bottom-side up when it
comes. I tell you, Good is coming to those whose dish is right side up. May God
bless the faithful! Amen.
[President B. Young]
President B. Young bore testimony to the truth of the great work of God and recommended principles of honesty, truthfulness and obedience to the laws of God in this life and thereby secure an eternal identity with eternal lives in the next estate.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:281, 11/9/59, p1; JD 7:274]
REMARKS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct. 6, 1859.
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
I am
pleased with the privilege of standing before the Saints to bear my testimony
to the truth and to express some of my thoughts pertaining to eternal life. The
knowledge of the truth should be prized by all Saints. There are no people
blessed to the same degree as those who are blessed with the words of eternal
life. Men may be blessed with the things of this life—may possess all the
blessings this world can furnish—may have the honour and glory of man; but all
this bears no comparison to the blessings that are bestowed upon those who
understand the ways of life and salvation.
One
generation passes away, and another succeeds. Mankind are continually changing.
Kingdoms and thrones arise, and are gone like a vapour that passeth away. The
glory of man is but for a moment. Are the nations that have arisen, flourished,
and passed away prepared to dwell in eternal life in another state of existence?
We are blessed with the words and way of life, through the Gospel, by One who
has deigned to call us brethren—not by adoption, in the strict sense of the
word, but is flesh of our flesh and hone of our bone,—One who has redeemed us.
The
generality of mankind are ignorant of the real relationship that exists between
them and Heaven. They do not understand that God is our Father. By
adoption? No; but we are his children by a legal inheritance. He gave his only
begotten Son, pertaining to the, flesh, to redeem the whole family of man.
Who can
define the divinity of man? Only those who understand the true principles of
eternity—the principles that pertain to life and salvation. Man, by being
exalted, does not lose the power and ability naturally given to him; but, on
the contrary, by taking the road that leads to life, he gains more power, more
influence and ability during every step he progresses therein. Mankind have
power given them to propagate their species. An exaltation to the celestial
kingdom of God by no means lessens that power. On these points the children of
men are shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.
When we
say that we are blessed above many of our fellows, we may also say that we have
the greatest reason to rejoice in and love our religion, to walk humbly before
our God, do good to each other, and forsake all evil and the appearance of it.
Is this too much to say and do? Does it rob the blessings the Lord has bestowed
upon us of any of their rich enjoyments? The greater our privileges and the
greater the blessings bestowed upon us, the more faithfulness and diligence are
required in our callings to save the children of men.
When you
approach the throne of grace and petition the Father, in the name of that
Saviour who has redeemed the world, do you use that name as the name of a
stranger? If you understand your own religion, you petition that Personage as
you would one of your brethren in the flesh. Is this strange to you? It should
bring near to you things that pertain to eternity, give your reflections and
views a more exalted cast, stamp your daily actions with truth and honesty, and
cause you to be filled with the Spirit and power of God.
I have
reflected much upon the subject of religion, the world of mankind, their
relations one to another and to the Author of their being, and the object of
their existence. We are now endowed with that knowledge, a proper improvement
upon which will enable us to secure an inheritance in the celestial kingdom of
our God. Millions of the inhabitants of this earth have striven to their
uttermost—stretched their minds to the greatest extent to become acquainted
with what the Lord has seen fit to bestow upon us, without any outlay of labour
or energy on our part. He has seen fit to call his servant Joseph Smith,
jun., and submit to him the keys of the kingdom of heaven,—to reveal to him the
mysteries of salvation, and bring to light things that have been hid for many
ages—things that the world have been seeking for—wrestling with the powers of
heaven to obtain, that they might know how to make their escape from this
wicked world, and secure to themselves a sure abiding-place—an inheritance that
passeth not away. Thousands have spent their lives—the best part of their days,
to search out what has been revealed to us without the least exertion of ours.
When we
say that we believe the Gospel and rejoice in it, let us not forget that it is
to us a free gift. How far did you travel to obtain it? How much money did you
pay for it? What penance did you perform to prove yourselves worthy of it? The
blessings we enjoy came to us without money and without price. Have we not
great reason to be thankful that the Spirit of the Lord has touched the eyes of
our understandings that we may see, and that he has given us his Spirit to bend
our dispositions to his requirements?
We talk
about our trials and troubles here in this life: but suppose that you could see
yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to
your religion during the few short years in this time, and have obtained
eternal salvation and a crown of glory in the presence of God; then look back
upon your lives here, and see the losses, crosses, and disappointments, the
sorrows arising from disobedient children—from wicked parents who have opposed
their children who wished to embrace the truth, the persecutions from city to
city, from state to state, being hunted and driven, you would be constrained to
exclaim, "But what of all that? Those things were but for a moment,
and we are now here. We have been faithful during a few moments in our
mortality, and now we enjoy eternal life and glory, with power to progress in
all the boundless knowledge and through the countless stages of progression,
enjoying the smiles and approbation of our Father and God, and of Jesus Christ
our elder brother."
The child
who has his father's razor, or any other article dangerous for him to handle,
and about the use of which he has no knowledge, when deprived of it, his trials
are equal to ours, according to his capacity. We seldom think of the trials of
our little ones when we say to them, You must not have this or that; you must
do so and so to receive my smiles and approbation; you must not think for a
moment that your judgment, wisdom, experience, and wishes are to be compared
with mine. Does not the Father of all living conduct himself in this wise
towards his children? He has revealed to us that he will prepare us for glory,
for life eternal,—will preserve our identity for ever, if we will be guided by
him. But we must be obedient to him, for he understands more than we do. We
should destroy ourselves if we were suffered to take our own way; hence we are
taught to suffer the Father to point out our path to an eternal duration
hereafter, where our present afflictions will appear as flimsy as the shadows
of the morning that flee upon the approach of day. God bless you! Amen.
Singing by the choir.
Benediction by Elder Ezra T. Benson.
——
[7 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1]
Friday, Oct. 7 - 10 a.m.
Choir sung, "Behold a king shall reign in righteousness."
Prayer by Bishop L. D. Young.
Choir sung, "How beauteous are their feet."
[President Brigham Young]
President Brigham Young spoke from the text - "Except ye are one, ye are not mine." Said that all the heavenly host were one in mind and that they agreed with their dictator; that there could be no feeling, no suggestion, no sentiment entertained different from those entertained by the man or being that dictates them; the principle of oneness will save the people, but no people can be one except upon the principles of eternal life; the world is full of discord, strife, vanity, and it must so remain, unless righteousness brings about this oneness; all thrones, kingdoms, principalities and powers that are not concentrated in this oneness must and will crumble to pieces. He also pointed out the duties of the people towards their Bishops; showed how a man would increase in wisdom and knowledge, if he was prayed for and the faith of his Ward was centered upon him. Spoke of the follies of the people in their intercourse with each other; reasoned at some length on the duties of husbands and wives; admonished the people to live above the law; said the people were improving, but he wished them to so live that they could discern the things of God from the things of man in a moment; the Lord will save all Israel and likewise the children of Esau. He remarked that it is one of the most glorious doctrines of the religion of Jesus that the Lord is going to save all except the sons of perdition.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:281, 11/9/59, p1; JD 7:276]
REMARKS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct 7, 1859
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT]
——
Jesus
Christ, in his teachings, made plain the difference between the powers
calculated to destroy, annihilate, dissolve, reduce to native element, and
those which will eternally endure. In view of this, he prayed to his Father for
his disciples, and wished them to pay particular attention to this one
principle in their faith. The words he is recorded to have made use of
are—"Sanctify them through the truth: thy word is truth. As thou has sent
me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their
sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might he sanctified through the truth.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me
through their word, that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in
thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou
hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they
may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may be made
perfect in one."
The Saviour
sought continually to impress upon the minds of his disciples that a perfect
oneness reigned among all celestial beings—that the Father and the Son and
their minister, the Holy Ghost, were one in their administration in heaven and
among the people pertaining to this earth. Between them and all the heavenly
hosts there can be no disunion, no discord, no wavering on a suggestion, on a
thought or reflection, on a feeling or manifestation; for such a principle
would differ widely from the character of Him who dictates them, who makes his
throne the habitation of justice, mercy, equity, and truth. If the heavenly
hosts were not one, they would be entirely unfit to dwell in eternal burnings
with the Father and Ruler of the universe.
A perfect
oneness will save a people, because intelligent beings cannot become perfectly
one only by acting upon principles that pertain to eternal life. Wicked men may
be partially united in evil; but, in the very nature of things, such a union is
of short duration. The very principle upon which they are partially united will
itself breed contention and disunion to destroy the temporary compact. Only the
line of truth and righteousness can secure to any kingdom or people, either of
earthly or heavenly existence, an eternal continuation of perfect union; for
only truth and those who are sanctified by it can dwell in celestial glory.
This truth we have, and we offer it, without money or price, to the world who
are beguiled, benighted, and deceived by the artful mass of superstition, bigotry,
tradition, fashions, customs, cliques, and plans that have been growing and
ripening from the days of Adam until now, introducing discord, strife,
animosity, anarchy, and crime of every grade, suffering of every kind, and
premature death to millions. They are embracing shadows and trying to retain
that which will perish in their grasp and leave them desolate. All organized
matter must dissolve and return to its native element, unless it is made pure
and holy—capable of enduring eternal burnings. All principles, principalities,
powers, thrones, kingdoms, dominions, communities, neighbourhoods, and
individuals, with their actions public and private, their feelings and
aspirations, that are not concentrated in the oneness taught by our Saviour,
will come to dissolution into native element. Says Jesus, "I and my Father
are one." They are one in their faith, purposes, and actions,, the Saviour
being subject to the Father in all things. Again, he says—"For I came down
from heaven not to do my own, will, but the will of him that sent me."
Again—"I come to do thy will, O God." Many more of the sayings of
Christ might be quoted, which set forth this principle of oneness, that I have
upon my mind and wish to impress upon the minds of the people.
I do not
hesitate in saying that, if the people will concentrate their faith and works
to accomplish the great object of their existence, their troubles, sorrows,
anxieties, difficulties, contentions, animosities, and strife would be at end.
This idea I wish to apply more particularly to those who are called to act in
the capacity of President's, Bishops, Counsellors, High Counsellors, and to
every man holding office in this Church; but I also wish it to apply to every
member, both male and female. I will say to my brethren and sisters, Were your
faith concentrated upon the proper object, your confidence unshaken, your lives
pure and holy, every one fulfilling the duties of his or her calling according
to the Priesthood and capacity bestowed upon you, you would be filled with the
Holy Ghost, and it would be as impossible for any man to deceive and lead you
to destruction as for a feather to remain unconsumed in the midst of intense
heat. I may not be able to convince you of this fact, but I can tell you that
it is true. I can reveal principles that pertain to this oneness—to this
holiness of life; but to make the people believe and practise them is another
thing. I can preach the Gospel, but I cannot make people obey its mandates when
they are not so disposed: that is a matter left entirely to themselves. I can
tell you how to avoid your difficulties, jars, contentions, and sorrows. I can
tell you how to establish peace, prosperity, plenty, and happiness in your
midst, and how to maintain them; but I cannot make you follow my directions, if
you are not so disposed. This is also a matter that is left entirely with
yourselves; and you must reap the reward of your own doings, whether they be
good or evil.
In some
instances, the people lose confidence in their Bishops, and the Bishops lose
confidence in themselves and in the people. Were it in my power to bring the
people to understanding and obedience, I would place them in such a degree of
advancement that their Bishop could not live in their midst, unless he
administered in his office with holy hands and with pure heart. Then, if he
lacked the wisdom and discretion to judge righteously between man and man, he
would be filled with the revelations of eternity, to enable him to judge like
an angel, to discriminate between right and wrong, to point out the path of
duty to every one, and to designate what is required of each person in his
respective calling. But this advancement is for the people and Bishops to obtain
for themselves, through the means the Gospel supplies.
I have
lived in the days of Prophets and Revelators. I have been subject to rule—to
the powers that have been and now are. This is not new to me. My own experience
has led me, step by step, from day to day, and from night to night. When fear
comes upon the people that a Bishop or President is leading them astray and
introducing evil among them, it proves to me that the people are wrong and are
destitute of the power of their holy calling. They are willingly deceived. It
is folly to say that a community of Saints who are living up to their callings
can be led astray by their Bishop or President. There is no such principle in
all the kingdoms God has made.
It may be
that some pray that their Bishop may be led wrong, that they may get rid of
him. If so, is that taking a course to save the children of men? Take a man of
the weakest intellect of any in a Ward and ordain him a Bishop, and then let
every other man in that Ward be filled with the power of his holy calling; are
they not ready and willing to give a word of counsel to their Bishop when they
meet him? Their faith is concentrated upon him; they pray for him early and
late, that the Lord will fill him with wisdom, enlarge his understanding, open
the visions of his mind, and show him things as they are in time and in
eternity. You all know that even such a man would become mighty in the house of
Israel, if he had the faith of his Ward. The capacities of all sane persons are
capable of enlargement. You may take the weakest man in the Church, if he is
faithful, and ordain him a Bishop, and he will grow into wisdom, knowledge,
strength, power, light, intelligence, and the spirit of his calling. If he does
not thus advance, it is because he more or less forsakes his calling and sets
his heart upon something besides the holy Priesthood that is placed upon him.
There is not a faithful man in this Church but what will increase in his
understanding of the ways and duties of life. His mind will expand, the visions
of heaven will be opened to him, and truth pertaining to all subjects of art
and science will increase within him.
Does not
the weakest intellect of a properly organized person know more at ten years of
age. than it did at five—more at twenty than at ten—more at forty than at
twenty, and so continue? Yes. This proves that he has grown, increased, and
expanded in his capacity from his infancy. Now I will apply this to an officer
in the Church. He once knew, but little; he now knows considerable. Any Bishop,
under the influence of the prayers and confidence of his brethren and sisters,
with a faithful and holy life on his part, will increase in faith and good
works, and the rich fruits of his mind will manifest from day to day increased
wisdom and intelligence.
You hear
the remark that such and such a man is not fit to be a Bishop? I acknowledge
that many who are called to be Bishops are not fit for the office, for it is
one of the most important offices in the Church to rightly administer in
temporal things. A Bishop also ministers in spiritual things, and is required
to devote time to the wellbeing and prosperity of his Ward, like a father to a
family. It is an office that keenly tries the patience, faith, and feelings of
a man. If the brethren and sisters prayed for that man continually, and lived
their religion, he would know how to settle certain business transactions
without running to me about this, that, and the other. Brethren would not run
to me about things as simple as, "So-and-so has been building a fence on
the line between us, and has put his polls wrong end foremost. Will you not
counsel him to turn them?" And sisters are running to me about things as
simple as, "Sister So-and-so's hens have laid on my premises, and they do
not lay with their heads in the right direction." Does such conduct
proceed from true knowledge among the Latter-day Saints? No. I do not wish to
talk about such folly, neither to have my time wasted by visits upon such
unimportant subjects. I do not wonder that the Lord suffers us to be more or
less abused by our enemies. I do not wonder that the devils laugh at our folly.
Let men
and women who profess to be Latter-day Saints live their religion, and they
will be filled with wisdom, and all these little trifling traits of life will
vanish. If my brother or sister commits an overt act, all I wish to know is
whether the wrong was intended. If so, I cannot fellowship you; but I will bear
with the inconvenience you have put me to. If no wrong was intended, all is
right—we have nothing to say. How is it? Do you seek unto the Lord early and
late, constantly, from morning until evening? Are your secret devotions and the
impulse of every moment filled with the desire to have the Lord Almighty lead
you, direct you, and prepare you for the discharge of every duty in building up
his kingdom on the earth and the promotion of righteousness?
I do not
wonder that some say that this or that Bishop is not fit for his calling. It is
true; for there are Bishops who condescend to notice childish trifles, unworthy
the notice of a child five years old. They love the world—are covetous. Their
minds are upon this, that, and the other, instead of upon the duties of their
office, which are to them a secondary consideration. Such men are not fit for
this office.
I will
here offer advice that rosy apply to every officer and member in this Church,
from myself down. I will say to wives, whose husbands are unruly and will not
walk in the paths of rectitude and truth, Live your religion faithfully; and if
you have sons and daughters, let them do the same. and be one with you, and you
will burn the wicked man out of the house, for he will not be able to resist
the power of God that is within you. Let the people in Wards live their
religion; let every man and woman be filled with the power of the Holy Ghost,
and you will burn out an unfaithful Bishop, without being obliged to complain
of him and quarrel him out of the Ward. If you are not one, you cannot be
Saints. How can we be one? Shall we seek to establish a perfect oneness by
means of the order God has instituted upon the earth? or shall we set up our
individual judgments against that order?
If my
individual judgment must be the standard, then farewell to union—farewell to
oneness. God can never save us upon any such principle. He is the Author of our
existence—the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and he must be obeyed, If
he has restored the holy Priesthood to the children of men and organized his
Church upon the earth; it is time that we knew it. If we do not know it, let
us, in the first place, find out whether his Church is here or not and wherever
we find it, with its keys and powers, let us bow to its mandates and observe
religiously its order.
I will
here make a few remarks which I think will check some of the complaints from
women about their husbands. I acknowledge that many women know much more than
their husbands, and for this reason the faith and confidence in them droop;
they do not seek to uphold them in the dignity of their position and calling.
And again, maybe the husband does not magnify his priesthood, follow diligently
the duties of his calling, and increase in the faith of the Gospel, as it is
his privilege to do. He should be the head of the wife all the day long. I will
venture to say a little more upon this point. I like to see people consistent
with the wisdom they profess to have. Were I a woman possessed of great powers
of mind, filled with wisdom, and, upon the whole, a magnanimous woman, and had
been privileged with my choice, and had married a man, and found myself
deceived, He not answering my expectations, and I being sorry that I had made
such a choice, let me show my wisdom by not complaining about it. A woman's
wisdom and judgment has failed her once in the choice of a husband, and it may
again, if she is not very careful. By seeking to cast off her husband—by
withdrawing her confidence and goodwill from him, she casts a dark shade upon
his path, when, by pursuing a proper course of love, obedience, and
encouragement, he might attain to that perfection she had anticipated in him.
When the enemy once gets advantage over you, he is very apt to improve upon it,
and to gain a greater when he has another opportunity.
If wives
have wicked and unfaithful husbands; if children have wicked and unfaithful
parents, if Wards have unfaithful Bishops, and if there are Presidents who are
not capable of magnifying their Priesthood and calling, let wives, children,
and people seek unto the Lord to be filled with that power of the Holy Ghost
that will remove those unfaithful persons to other quarters. Let them remove
them by the power of faith in such a way as not in the least to infringe upon
the rights of a single person, giving them no just ground for complaint Let all
the Saints fulfil every duty, and manifest in their lives true and full
obedience to the commandments and requirements of the Gospel, then our Bishops
and presiding officers can say, "God bless you, brother!" or
"God bless you, sister!—you are following your calling and mission, and
magnifying your being on the earth." If all the people would so live,
there would be no High Council or Bishops' Court necessary to adjudicate upon
matters of contention and strife. If a man did not lay his polls on his fence
to please me, I would go and turn them, and he would be quite willing that I
should be accommodated.
I will
give you a text: Except I am one with my good brethren, do not say that I am a
Latter-day Saint. We must begone. Our faith must be concentrated in one great
work—the building up of the kingdom of God on the earth, and our works must aim
to the accomplishment of that great purpose. This people, I am happy to say,
are fast improving. In our testimony meeting yesterday, I could not refrain
from weeping for joy. What a peaceful, joyous, happy, heavenly spirit rested
upon the congregation. Live so, my brethren and sisters, that you can enjoy
that Spirit all the time.
The
brethren, in testifying yesterday, used the common expression, "The Lord
is here." If he was not here in person, he was by his ministers, by his
angels, by his Spirit. It is well for us that he did not raise the vail; for if
he had we should have been consumed by the brightness of his glory and the
majesty of his power. The Lord was here by his Spirit, and he is here in like
manner to-day. The Spirit of the Lord is in the midst of the people. Then why
not yield perfect obedience to his Priesthood? if we have it, we are in duty
bound to live to it and be guided continually by its sacred order.
Let every
man stand in his let and calling as long as he can; and not complain that this
Bishop and that President cannot perform his duty. Why can he not? Because you
are exercising your faith against him, which, m many instances, is the reason
why he is trammelled. If the faith, spirit, and life of the people are right,
they would not be troubled with bad Bishops and bad Presidents, and I would not
be so troubled with affairs which should be attended to by others. Live so that
you can discern the things of God—so that you can at once discern between the
things of God, the things of man, and the things of the Devil.
I would
beseech and pray the people to so live that if I do not magnify my office and
calling, you you will burn me by your faith and good works, and I shall be
removed. Salvation is what I am seeking and striving for, and it is also your
aim and object. The Lord has restored the Priesthood in our day for the
salvation of Israel. Does he design to save anybody else? Yes; he will save the
house of Esau, and I hope to live until I see Mount Zion established, and
saviours come up to save those poor, miserable beings who are continually
persecuting us—all who have not sinned against the Holy Ghost. Our labour is to
save ourselves, to save the house of Israel, to save the house of Esau, and all
the Gentile nations,—every one that can be saved.
The
salvation offered in the Gospel is one of the most consoling, one of the most
merciful, one of the most magnanimous principles that can be advanced in all
the revelations of God to man. All the sons and daughters of men will be saved,
except the sons of perdition.
Brethren
and sisters, I feel as calm and serene as the autumn sun of our mountain home.
All is right. I have minded my own business, and I intend so to do. I have
known many to become rich by minding their own business. I have seldom seen
enough affliction to prevent my dropping to sleep in a minute after I had lain
down to rest and my business for the day was done, and sleeping as soundly as a
healthy child in the lap of its mother. God is at the helm. He guides the ship,
and will bring us safely to port. All we have to care about is to take care of
ourselves and see that we do right. Let us man the ship manfully, every one
standing faithfully and firmly to his post, and she will outride every storm
and safely bear us to the harbour of celestial bliss.
I have
said but a small part of what I wish to say, but I will give way for others.
God bless you! Amen.
[Elder Theodore Turley]
Elder Theodore Turley bore testimony to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ; referred to the words of Daniel relative to the stone being cut out of the mountain without hands and spoke of the influences by which he had been surrounded; told his experience in California, while preaching the gospel there.
[President Heber C. Kimball]
President Heber C. Kimball spoke in high commendation of bro. Turley, then took up the text, "I am the true vine and my father is the husbandman." Said if the people would be of one heart and one mind, neither the devil nor any other power would have anything to do with them; it always made him feel sorrowful when he saw men set a bad example; advised the Saints to cleanse their hands and their hearts from all iniquity; made some remarks on the subject of prayer; bore testimony to the truth of the gospel of Christ revealed through Joseph Smith; alluded to the importance of obeying counsel in all things; recommended economy and care in the preservation of the grain that is raised in this Territory; blessed the people in the name of the Lord.
[Heber C. Kimball]
[DNW 9:321 [329], 12/21/59, p1; JD 7:328]
REMARKS
By Prest. Heber C. Kimball, Tabernacle, Oct. 7, 1859.
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
I have
been much gratified to hear the remarks of brother Turley. And I was
exceedingly pleased to see him this morning. I naturally love him, for
he is a true man. He is as true as gold that has a little dross in it. There is
a good deal of the true metal in him. We all, more or less, partake of the
world and the flesh and the Devil, and that is the dross which is in us.
Brother
Brigham has given us a text upon oneness; and, in support of it, I would quote
another portion of the words of Jesus when he says, "I am the true vine,
and my Father is the husbandman: that is, he sprang from his Father, and was
trained and nursed by him. "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he
taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear
fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide
in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit; for, without me, ye can do nothing."
How is it
possible for us to exist as true disciples of Christ without partaking of his
attributes and the attributes of the Father? If a limb abide in the tree, and
the tree in the root, they are one. Upon the same principle, the Father, his
Son Jesus Christ, and his disciples are one. The Father gave up his Son to be
sacrificed for the sins of the world, that he might draw all men unto him.
"Greater love hath no man than this—that a man lay down his life for his
friends. And ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
He called
Apostles—Peter, James, John, and nine others, and committed unto them the keys
of his salvation. He says to them—"Ye have not chosen me, but I have
chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that
your fruit should remain, that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father, in my
name, he may give it you." Jesus Christ is the heir of the Father
pertaining to this world, and we are his brethren.
Peter,
James, and John committed the same keys to Joseph Smith in this last
dispensation, and he committed them to his Twelve Apostles before his
martyrdom, Brigham Young presiding over them, who is now our Prophet and
leader, and holds the keys of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days;
and he will hold them for ever; and Joseph holds those keys in the
spirit-world, and will continue to hold them,—President Young holding them in
connection with him, and every other man in his order and standing in this
Church holding them in connection with President Young.
Again,
Jesus says, "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and
is withered; and men gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are
burned." It is the nourishment which flows from the true vine that
preserves all those who remain in the vine, giving them eternal life. A branch
that remains in the vine cannot be burned, but it endureth for ever.
You
expect our leader, his Council, the Twelve Apostles, and the Bishops to honour their
callings because they are your leaders; but they are under no more
responsibility to honour their calling, abide in the vine, and live their
religion faithfully, than other departments of the Priesthood are.
Unfaithfulness would lead to their destruction lust as quick as it would lead
to yours. it is necessary we should be one, as the branches are one in the
vine, that we may partake of the nourishment that cometh from the Father,
through the Son and the Holy Ghost, and through the different authorities in
heaven and on earth.
I feel to
thank God. that the little branch that was down in San Bernardino is on its way
here; and my prayer to God is that all the distant branches will gather
themselves closer and closer together, and unite themselves as one man; and
when they have done that, in the name of Israel's God, we can rise above the
world, the flesh, and the Devil; for they can then have nothing in common with
us. Let us be one in principle, one in righteousness, one in heart and action,
seeking in all the pursuits of our lives the chief interest of the kingdom of
God; and in doing this we seek the individual interest of the whole, doing unto
one another as we would wish others to do unto us under like circumstances; for
upon this practice hang the law and the Prophets. Prophets and righteous men
and women of all ages have clung to these principles as perfectly as they could
in the flesh. That we may attain to the salvation they have gained, it is
necessary we should pursue the same course they pursued to gain it.
If I do
not wish a man to take the advantage of me, I should not take the advantage of
him. If I do not want a man to steal from me, I should not steal from him. If I
want my neighbour to held my property sacred, I should hold his property sacred.
That
which the world calls "Mormonism" is the kingdom of God—the kingdom
which Daniel saw; and this kingdom Joseph Smith was sent by the Almighty to
establish, with its Priesthood and authorities; and we shall prosper
exceedingly, if we cleave to it, keeping ourselves pure and clean.
It is
very painful to my feelings when men who hold the holy Priesthood in this
Church set an example that is unworthy their high calling, and would influence
simple men and women to go astray. Instead of being saviours of men, they
destroy them, and will sooner or later have to account for their conduct for
the injury they have done by an unwholesome and destructive example.
Let us
wake up and keep the commandments of God more perfectly, cleansing our hands
from evil actions and our hearts from unholy affections, keeping humble and
lowly at the feet of Jesus. I find that I have to live near unto God, exercise
all the faith in my possession, and practise all the integrity I can command.
An Elder said yesterday, "When a man goes in secret before his God,
he does not act the hypocrite; but often before men he will make a beautiful
flowery prayer, to be heard of men." When I was a Baptist, I learned some
of their prayers to deliver in public, to tickle the ears of men, and have them
say, "What a beautiful prayer that was!" I do not feel so now; but I
feel to ask my Father and God for just what I need; and I find it very useful
to say, "Father, I ask thee, in the name of Jesus, to teach me how to
pray, and inspire me to ask for the things thou desirest to confer upon thy
son." When I go before the Father in this way, I notice I have a powerful
spirit of prayer.
It has
been said, "A man needs a portion of the Spirit to drive oxen."
[Voice in the stand: "Yes, a double portion of it."] I know, as well
as I know my name is Heber C. Kimball, that a spirit of kindness in a man will
beget the same in his animal, in his child, or in persons over whom he
exercises control. The Holy Ghost in the people of God will control not only
our domestic animals, our families, our servants, and our handmaids, but it
will control the armies of men that are in the world, the mountains, seas,
streams of water, tempests, famines, and pestilence, and every destructive
power, that they come not nigh unto us, just as much as we can keep sickness
from us by the power of faith and prayer and good works. If we live our
religion, we shall never suffer as the world suffers. We shall not be perplexed
with famine and pestilence, with the caterpillar, and other destructive
insects, which the Lord will send in the last days to afflict the wicked.
God will
sustain us, if we will sustain him and be his friends. But how can you be his
friends, except you are friends to his cause and to his servants? You cannot
find favour with your God while you are opposed to his authority, or to the
ordinances and regulations of his house.
This is
the work and kingdom of God, and it will triumph over every opposing foe.
Joseph Smith was ordained a Prophet of the Most High. His brother Hyrum was
ordained a Prophet and Patriarch to hold the same Priesthood his father Joseph
Smith, senior, held. Brother Brigham is Joseph Smith's successor, and holds the
keys of the kingdom of heaven; and every man who stands by him will stand while
heaven and earth shall continue, and they will never lack for the comforts of
life while the earth stands.
The
Spirit of the Lord God was upon every Elder here yesterday, and my prayer is
that it may increase upon all the people. If you had a fulness of that Spirit
that President Young, brother Heber, brother Daniel, and hundreds of others in
this community have got, the sutlers and followers of this army and these
merchants would not get another kernel of wheat from us.
I fear
you will bring yourselves unto want and sorrow, to hunger and nakedness,
through your improvident and reckless procedure in relation to your
breadstuffs, and not listening to what has been told you by your best friends.
I know, as the Lord God liveth, the words which have been spoken by our
President will surely be fulfilled; for his instructions are the words of God
to this people.
I do not
wish to dwell on this theme all the time; but I know thousands of this people
have not bread to subsist upon for three months to come. In many portions of
this Territory—the northern part of it for instance, they have not enough grain
to last them until another harvest, and supply seed. Then, why do you go and
dispose of that wheat when we are threatened with a scarcity? It is written in
the New Testament, "But if any provide not for his own, and especially for
those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel."
"Well,"
says one, "that means my wife and children; and if I provide for them, it
is enough." Yes; but a man has to provide "for his own," and
especially for those of his own house. Are you not of the family of Christ? Are
you not required to provide for the household of faith to which you belong?
If there
are members of that household that have not means to step forward and save
themselves, it is our duty to support and encourage them, setting them an
example worthy of imitation.
May God
bless you. May the peace and blessing of our Father be upon you, in connection
with the whole of Israel throughout the earth. Amen.
Choir sung, "The Lord will comfort Zion."
Benediction by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
——
[7 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1]
2 O'CLOCK, P. M.
Choir sung, "Come sound his praise abroad."
Prayer by Elder Erastus Snow.
Choir sung, "Truth reflects upon our senses."
[President Daniel H. Wells]
President Daniel H. Wells took for a text, "Let us manfully man the ship Zion." Called upon the people to shake off every species of wickedness and to henceforth live by the truth; to put away contention and strife and obey every principle of righteousness. Reminded those who had been assisted by the Perpetual Emigration Fund that it was their duty to pay back what had been expensed in bringing them here, in order that the means might be again used to gather the poor; made some important observations on home manufactures and home produce; alluded to many difficulties that brethren labor under who are engaged in home manufactures; exhorted the Saints to be diligent in the performance of their duties; to be humble; to be prayerful and to continue to improve in every good word and work, that the greater blessings of the kingdom of our God may be poured out upon them; spoke of the Lord calling and sending Moses to lead Israel from the land of Egypt and the power that was then displayed and said that similar and greater power would now be made manifest if we would live our religion.
[Daniel H. Wells]
[DNW 9:313, 12/7/59, p1; JD 4:244]
REMARKS
By Prest. D. H. Wells, Tabernacle, Oct. 7, 1859
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
The
President, in his remarks this morning, dropped a sentence like this—"Let
us manfully man the ship Zion." To do this I conceive to be the duty of
the Elders of this Church and kingdom. It is a privilege which the Almighty has
conferred upon us, and one which we should esteem as the greatest that could be
conferred upon us: but do we realize this fact? Do we realize that the Lord has
revealed to us true knowledge and intelligence—that we have become the happy
recipients of true principles of life and salvation revealed from heaven in our
day?
None of
us, with our present limited understanding of God and his dealings with
mankind, can realize fully the extent of our present privileges: but do we
understand enough of them to stimulate us to make the work of God the business
of our lives? Is the Lord about to establish his kingdom, and is he beating
about in the world for recruits to man the ship, and have we enlisted under his
banner, to sail with him, and then do we falter—feel cold and lukewarm? This
question is for each one to answer for himself.
What is
this ship Zion—this great work we have undertaken? How can we do the most good,
and how accomplish the work we have undertaken in the best and most approved
way? These are questions we must answer for ourselves. Are the people of these
mountain valleys Israel? If we are, can we not control and bear rule in a
proper manner over all matters that come under our supervision?
If we
have faith, which it is the privilege of all the Saints to have, can we not
exert a powerful influence among the nations of the earth for our protection
and salvation as a people? And may we not be yet more successful in
disseminating the principles of life and salvation among all nations? That righteousness
may be exalted among men by our efforts, we must nurse and cherish the
principles of righteousness in our midst. Can we rebuke evil and walk it under
our feet? We can, if we have faith as we ought to have it, and have that
oneness the President spoke of this morning. If we have this, we can do all
things, because faith is mighty when concentrated in a oneness of action. Let
Israel arise and frown down evil, and the fear and the might and the power of
the Almighty will burn more and more in the bosoms of the Saints. How can we
serve our master and the cause in which we have enlisted in the best possible
manner? By being perfectly obedient to those who are placed to preside over us
in our various Wards and settlements, and by living above the power of the law,
as our President has remarked.
Are we
ready now to take hold with one heart and with one mind to man the ship
Zion—build a temple for instance? Are you ready, by a skilful and judicious
husbandry of the soil, to bring forth its rich fruits, and store them up until
you are called upon to contribute your stored wealth, as well as your
energies, for the further development and spread of the power and influence of
the kingdom of God? Are the mechanics ready, should a call be made upon them to
go as preachers of righteousness to the nations, or to engage in any other work
that may be allotted them? I say, Are the Elders of this Church ready to spring
at once into these various avenues, when they shall be opened again, without a
single word of complaint? Are we all willing to devote ourselves, our interest,
and all we possess to the building up of this cause and kingdom upon the earth?
I believe
a great majority of this people are willing to do this; but I think they might
improve in this respect as well as in many others pertaining to their duties as
Saints. I think, if they felt to devote themselves and all they have, the hands
of the President would be loosed more than they are in many respects, the
public works would begin again, and Israel scattered abroad would begin to
flock by tens of thousands to the gathering-place of the Saints; and I think
those who have received benefit from the P. E. Fund Company would strengthen
that company by rolling back into their hands the means they have expended for
them, the treasury of the Lord would be replenished, and these Gentile stores
would be less patronized, and handle less of your cash.
We have
been instructed over and over again how to make ourselves independent, and
these are some of the things that have been told to us. It is for us to build
up the kingdom of God individually, as well as collectively. Union of effort
and feeling—practice as well as precept, is what is required. Let every man
thus do his duty, and things would be as you would like to see them. Very soon
there would be no necessity for millions of dollars' worth of goods to be
brought across the Plains every year, nor of patronizing those who spend
nothing whatever to build up our cities or improve our country. There is a lack
in this respect in this community—a lack which rests with ourselves. I think
our good friends are beginning to learn that the people called
"Mormons," who should be Saints, are really the people of this
Territory, and have some rights which they would strenuously preserve from
being trampled upon.
By
respecting themselves, the Saints would patronize each other as far as they can
do so, instead of patronizing those who stand ready to cut our throats on the
first favourable opportunity.
A few,
however, cannot bring about that state of things so desirable to the many: it
requires a union of effort by the whole. The many can freeze out iniquity from
our midst, by simply letting them severely alone; and they can patronize
home manufactures, if they are disposed to do so, and be united in it. This is
of great importance to our community. Many would like to commence manufacturing
useful articles, if they could be encouraged by the patronage of the people.
We know
not how soon we shall be thrown upon our own resources, and I say, the sooner
the better: but I would like to see the day when Israel will do themselves good
of their own will and accord, without being obliged to do so.
It has
been said that the Devil could make the Saints consecrate, when the Lord could
not. The Lord may permit the Devil to do so; but he does not force any man: he
leaves all men to act upon their agency.
We have
enlisted to build up the kingdom of God. And who are so blind as not to see
that much of this work depends upon our producing within ourselves that which
we consume? But what is the truth? Why, the very moment a few goods are brought
into the market a little cheaper, you get them in exchange for your money, and
home manufactures are suspended.
Suppose
the gate was shut down upon imported goods for one twelve-months, you would be
in the same situation you were in eighteen months ago. I wish to impress this
strongly upon your minds. Remember that now is a good time to produce for our
own support everything we can.
Do not
suffer your flax to go to waste because goods can be bought cheaper than you
can make them, and do not let your wool waste for the same cause. Recollect
that what you do yourselves is within: it is not an outward expense. If you are
obliged to get some things you cannot make, unite together and send for them,
and buy them where you can get them the best and cheapest, and not suffer
yourselves to be bled to death by those who have no interest in common with you.
By this
procedure, you can plainly see that the temporal interests of Israel would be
consulted, and there would be some means left to build up a town or a city, and
help to gather scattered Israel. This is our business. All other considerations
sink into insignificance in comparison to our duty of building up the kingdom
of God. My mind continually dwells upon this all-absorbing subject, and I would
like to see Israel wise in regard to these important items.
If those
who are engaged in home manufactures were fully patronized, they could afford
to sell cheaper. The objection is, they charge more for home manufactured
articles than better articles of the same kind can be bought for of those who
import them: but if they had your best pay, they could probably produce better
and cheaper articles. Instead of giving them your best pay, you expect them to
take firewood, or some other kind of pay, upon which they cannot sustain their
business, and you take your cash to the stores. That is an insurmountable
difficulty the home manufacturer has to encounter.
Hundreds
of articles can be produced among us that are now brought from the States; and
there are those in this community who are skilful in the manufacture of them. I
would like to see those artisans commence to produce every kind of useful
article within their power, and let the brethren in the different Wards sustain
them by freely giving them their support; and as long as they can produce as
good an article as can be imported here, give them as good a price as you would
give the importer, and in as good pay. I do not care so touch what the price of
an article is; but I think it should be manufactured and sold here a little
cheaper than it can be afforded by the importer.
For
instance, to the disgrace of this people, they buy brooms that have been
imported from the States. They can bring them here and sell them to you from
fifty cents to a dollar each. Can they be raised and made here cheaper than
that? They can. Twelve-and-a-half cents per pound is a permanent tariff on the
importation of brooms to this country, which the home manufacturer has the
benefit of; and he can certainly produce the material almost as cheap as it is
produced in the States. I think, then, we should manufacture and sell this
article cheaper than it can be afforded by the importer. This principle would
be my guide for the price of almost every other article of home manufacture.
I have
dwelt a little longer on this subject than I had intended, but my mind has been
led out upon it; and I acknowledge I think a good deal about it, for it is an
item of vast importance to us to produce that which we consume.
At our
meeting yesterday I was much interested. My heart was full to overflowing. I
felt very humble. I knew the Spirit of the Lord was with us. I feel so to-day.
When I heard from the congregation how they felt—how they desire to do right,
when I heard them exhorting their brethren how they might do this and that for
the advancement of the cause of Christ, and to be faithful in the service of
the Lord, I felt there was a good time near at hand for Israel—that the
ungrateful influences that have been around us were mellowing down, that the
dark cloud was beginning to break up, that we were about to be greatly blessed
of the Lord our God, and that he is near unto us. I feel so to-day.
"Mormonism"
is not a thing of to-day only, but it is a lifetime work. Let us take hold of
it in the way that we can sustain ourselves and build up the kingdom of God.
To
manufacture the articles we consume is all in the line of our daily duty.
Everything that is necessary for our subsistence as a kingdom, as families, and
as individuals, has to be furnished. We have to live, and we must have rules,
regulations, and authorities. We have to dig, plough, raise grain, and produce
everything we need. While we live, make rules and regulations, and walk by
them, we are building up the kingdom of God. There is every variety of talent
and genius needed, and there is a place for every man and woman, wherein they
can be useful in building up his kingdom. All these ingredients are necessary.
We want
what any other community has that is good and great. We want to make the desert
blossom as a rose, to build up cities, and make useful and ornamental
improvements that will beautify the dwelling places of the Saints—make them
lovely and fit habitations for angels.
Should
heavenly messengers be sent to our cities, called Zion, what have we to show
them that is gratifying and pleasing? Become wealthy? Yes; it is for the
inhabitants of Zion to become wealthy, if they only use their means for the
building up of the kingdom of God. We have done very well in a great many
respects, considering the difficulties we have had to encounter: but the word
is—Continue to improve, do better, and never forget that the building up of the
kingdom of God is the only business we have on hand. I have thought the people
are not aware that the Spirit of the Lord is with them as much as it really is.
When
people are striving to do right all the time, they become accustomed to its
influences, and they are not apt to mark the progress of their individual
improvement as they go along in the faithful performance of their daily duties.
If the visions of our minds had been opened twelve years ago to see the Saints
as they are situated now in this country, what a vision of remarkable events it
would have been to us! and how few would have believed it! If we improve in the
same ratio ten years to come, and could now see in vision our situation as a
people at the expiration of that time, it would be to us a most glorious
vision, and almost past belief.
We have
been greatly and marvelously blessed; but we are sometimes forgetful of our
blessings and of our ability to do a great many good acts, and too often think
there is nothing to do, when there is a great deal to be done. Thus many have
become slack in their duties, and have made shipwreck of faith so far that they
cannot reclaim themselves. They do not realize that they are living in the
blaze of the glory of God continually.
Let me
exhort you to be faithful, prayerful, and humble, that you may realize the
blessings you enjoy, continue to progress in improvement, and have more
abundant blessings poured upon you; for the Lord is willing to pour out
blessings as fast as we are prepared to receive them.
Let us
spring forth when the word is given to perform any and every duty we are called
upon to perform. Let us present a firm and unbroken phalanx of strength against
evil of every description, and be united in frowning it down.
We pray
that righteousness may be exalted. Let us exalt it ourselves; then the
habitations of the Saints will be beautiful in the eyes of God and angels,
although some of them may be homely in the eyes of men. Let us build up cities,
towns, wards, and families, wherein righteousness shall be exalted; and it will
not be a great while before it will spread over the face of the wide world, and
wickedness will be walked under foot.
The
Latter day Saints are on a mission to perform this labour, and it is a great
one as well as a glorious one. Let us take hold and do it manfully, always
being mindful of those duties we are called upon daily to perform.
Let us be
faithful to the covenants we have made. We have made them of our own freewill
and accord, and have delighted to make them, and blessed God for the privilege.
Shall we, then, utterly disregard them—walk them under our feet, as it were? or
shall we treasure them as the most sacred treasure? In the life of the Saint,
let the duty of a Saint be the first and foremost consideration; let the public
interest be his greatest wish, form the burden of his prayers, and be the chief
duty of his life. Let him put away all covetousness, and be wholly devoted to God
and his holy religion.
Let us
live our religion to-day. to-morrow do the same, and so continue unto the end
of our lives; then the purposes of God will ripen as fast as we can desire them
and be prepared for them. This is my exhortation to the Saints.
For my
part, I know I have your prayers and faith. I feel it every day of my life, and
am exceedingly thankful and grateful to God and his people for this mark of
their confidence.
I desire
to live to see Zion redeemed, Israel gathered, Jerusalem built up, and the
people of God in all the world sustained by the manifestations of the
omnipotent power of the Almighty. For this I live: it is more than my meat and
drink. The most sacred and cherished wish of my life is to see Israel prevail
and become victorious over their enemies—to see the mighty power and wisdom of
God, as it is transpiring before our eyes from day to day, more abundantly
displayed in their behalf.
We read
with considerable satisfaction how Moses led Israel out of Egypt across the
desert to the land of Palestine; but do we realize how the Lord and his servant
Brigham have led us day by day, month by month, and year by year, from the
beginning to the present day? As I have said, the manifestations of the mighty
power of God and the marvelous displays of his unsearchable wisdom are so
common with us, that we think but little of them; and so it was with Israel of
old. It became an old story with them when the Lord interposed his power in
their behalf—so much so that, if they did not have miracle after miracle
continually before their eyes, they were ready to backslide and go into
darkness, and earned for themselves the name of being a stiff-necked generation
of people. I hope better things of the Latter-day Saints.
The
Prophets of ancient Israel prophesied evil upon them continually, because of
their hard-heartedness and rebellion, when the Lord would have led them with a
gentle hand.
In this
generation I do not look for Israel to be scattered on account of their
transgressions, although various chastisements may be necessary; but I look for
Israel to be gathered from every nation, tongue, and people, to concentrate
their energies in building up and establishing the kingdom of God in the latter
days. I look for them to be humble, obedient, and ready to receive and perform
the work of the Lord, and realize day by day that they are led gently by his
hand. It is their privilege to see these things all the time, and continually
live in the light; for it is a day of light with the faithful, wherein is no
darkness.
I like to
see Israel obedient, on hand, and ready to man the ship, and do anything they
shall be called upon to do. Let us realize these things, my brethren and
sisters, and not get into that sing-song style the world are in. It is for us
to keep up with the times.
Let us
take hold with our might, and put forth our energies in the place they are most
needed; and there let us work diligently, no matter in what department, if it
is for the good of Israel, whether it is to plough, sow, reap, dig rocks, rear
temples, build cities, preach the Gospel, or gather Israel.
Do you
think the Lord will stop in his work? No; his ship will be manned, whether we
man it or not; and those who stand in the way of the onward progress of this
great work will be overthrown and ridden over.
There is
no time or opportunity to stop, for the Lord has undertaken the work, and he
does not look backward, nor stay his hand. If we do not wish to be removed out
of the way, we must be diligent, active, and energetic in our duty, and respond
willingly and at once to any call that may be made upon us by the servants of
the Most High.
Let our
minds be active, wide awake, and eager to reach out after those things that
shall best promote the interests of the kingdom of God. Let us not forget for a
moment the mission we are called upon to perform, and not become dull and
sluggish in the performance of our duties, and think we have no part or lot in
the matter. There is need of every faithful man and woman in this kingdom, and
for millions more; and then, by concentrating all these efforts, it is easy to
understand what a mighty phalanx Israel will present, making the wicked nations
tremble because of their wickedness. There would be a mighty shaking amongst
them, if Israel was only united, firm, and steadfast to a man.
If the
Saints could offer one prayer, with one spirit, to the Almighty, in behalf of
any one measure, I believe that prayer would be promptly answered in a way that
would be felt and realized. If Israel will pursue this course, it will not be a
great while before they will have things as they want them, not only here but
over the face of the wide world; for the kingdom of God will progress, and the
kingdoms of this world become subservient to its sway.
May the
Lord help us to live to his name's glory and honour, and for his cause and
kingdom on the earth! May he help us to build it up and appreciate the
blessings we enjoy—live in the light of truth and intelligence, that our minds
may be filled with it continually!—help us to frown down wickedness, and walk
it under foot, both at home and abroad!—help us to send forth the Gospel to all
nations, that his angels may always work with us, which they do and will
continue to do with us who remain at home and with those who go abroad; and
kingdoms and nations will be cast down for the good of his people and the
furtherance of his work! That he may help us to do all he has designed we shall
perform as a people and as individuals, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.
[Elder John Taylor]
Elder John Taylor referred to the miracles wrought and the power that was manifested in the days of Elijah, and in speaking of the false prophets who called upon their idol gods to send fire to devour their sacrifice; remarked that the spirit of wickedness always was and is very noisy, while the spirit of truth, of light and virtue is modest, pure and holy; that when the Saints meet in conference the Spirit of God is with them in peace, quietness and power; argued that union produces strength and power and that the many lights coming together produces a general illumination; that we were strong then because we were associated with the leading authorities of the Church and kingdom of God; spoke of the confusion and anarchy that exist in the world; of the exertions in the nations of Europe in regard to one power coping with another for the sake of territory and dominion; of the animosity and bad feeling that are exhibited in the United States and in South America; enlarged on the principles of government in general and the power evinced in governing and controlling the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; also alluded to the reduced power and influence of the Catholic church at the present day in the European nations and the tyranny that is there usurped and exercised, and said that the reason why it is so, is because they are without God in the world; made remarks on the various sources to which men apply for light and knowledge and his receiving a revelation to establish the kingdom of God; argued that the order of God could only be established by that power which controls the universe, for that is the great source of religion, morality, science and intelligence; alluded to the power of steam, electricity, and compared them to the power by which Philip was carried away into the wilderness; prayed that the time might soon come when the will of God shall be done on the earth as it is in heaven.
[John Taylor]
[DNW 9:337, 12/28/59, p1; JD 7:317]
DISCOURSE
By Elder John Taylor, Tabernacle, October 7, 1859.
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
I have
been very much edified since the commencement of this Conference. My heart was
led to rejoice yesterday exceedingly, when I saw the spirit and feeling that
was manifested among the Saints, and in listening to the remarks made by
President Young and others to-day. I have felt joyful in the Lord, and I bless
the name of the God of Israel that I am associated with his Church and kingdom
on the earth. These feelings I wish at all times to cherish in my bosom and
carry out in my life; and I believe there are hundreds, if not thousands,
before me to-day, who have the same spirit and feeling, and the same desires.
It is true,
we have seen, for a few months past, many things that are painful for good men
and women to reflect upon. Wickedness has seemed to triumph; but when we see
the spirit and feeling that is manifested among the Saints, we are confident
that we can find many more faithful men and women among them than the Lord did
in Elijah's day, when idolatry, wickedness, and corruption of various kinds
prevailed.
The old
Prophet felt a little sorrowful. He thereupon went alone, and there was a
voice, as it were the voice of thunder; but the Lord was not in the thunder:
there was the voice of an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
finally, there was a still small voice whispering in his ear, saying—"What
doest thou here, Elijah?" He answered and said—"Lord, they have
killed thy prophets and dug down thine altars, and I am left alone, and they
seek my life." But the Lord gave him to understand that it was a mistake,
informing him that he had reserved to himself seven thousand men in Israel who
had not bowed their knees to Baal. 1 think he would find more here, without
finding so much of the evil which the Prophet complained of in that day and age
of the world.
One thing
in particular strikes my mind, and probably strikes the minds of many, that the
spirit of evil is bold, uproarious, rampant, and fond of exhibiting itself
everywhere, while the spirit of righteousness, virtue, integrity, and truth is
modest and retiring, and not very anxious to exhibit itself: consequently, when
a spirit of this kind prevails, it seems as though the Devil is to pay. When
you feel after the heart-strings of the people and touch them with the
touch-stone of truth, all good men and women will answer to the test, showing
that the spirit of truth, of intelligence, of union, of virtue, and integrity
still exists and prevails in the bosom of all the faithful so that when we meet
together lathe capacity of a Conference, every opposing feeling to these noble
qualities and truths in the character of a Saint is subdued, the Spirit of the Lord
becomes the prevailing influence, and we feel as we have often felt on former
occasions.
We
realize that we have not lost his Holy Spirit; and if we continue to encourage
it, it will be in us a spirit of life; light, intelligence, and truth,—in fact,
a spirit springing up unto everlasting life. It is the principle embodied in
the words of Jesus to the woman of Samaria.
We feel
that we are in possession of the principles of eternal life, which are as a
well of water within us and around us, and of which we drink and participate in
when we live our religion. It emanates from God, issues from the Fountain of
life and truth—the Source of all intelligence, and is imparted to us through
the medium of the everlasting Gospel. It has enlightened our minds, enlarged
our understandings, extended our feelings, informed our judgment—has warmed up
our affections to God and holiness; has nourished and cherished us, and put us
in possession of principles that we know will abide for ever and for ever.
We have been
seeking, in a great measure, to do the will of our heavenly Father. to keep his
commandments, magnify our Priesthood, honour our calling, and do that which is
right in the sight of God continually.
Inasmuch
as we have done this, the Spirit of God is yet with us—a living, abiding,
eternal principle, which is extending, growing, and increasing within us, until
we shall be prepared to associate with the Gods of eternity.
What
makes us so buoyant and joyful on occasions like this? Why is it that the Spirit
and power of God is more visibly manifested at the time of our General
Conference, when the authorities of the Church from all parts are assembled
together to talk on the things of God, regulate the affairs of his kingdom, to
put in order anything that may be wrong, and counsel together pertaining to the
interests of Zion and the building up of Israel? It is because there is a union
of good footings, good desires and aspirations; and one spirit inspires the
whole, forming a phalanx of power, of faith, and of the Spirit of the Lord. A
single tapier will give a light, and it is pleasant to look upon; but thousands
of the same kind of light make a general illumination. With us it is a time of
union, of light, of life, of intelligence, of the Spirit of the living God. Our
feelings are one—our faith is one; and a great multitude possessing this
oneness forms an array of power that no power on this side of earth or hell is
able to cope with or overcome.
We feel
mighty to-day. We are satisfied that we are associated with the kingdom of God
upon the earth, We know that this is the Church and kingdom of God, and our
temporal and eternal interests are centered in it. We know that it was
established for the gathering of Israel, for the redemption of the Saints, for
the permanent establishment of the principles of righteousness upon all the
earth, for the introduction of correct principles of government, for the
salvation of the living and the dead—for the salvation of our progenitors and
posterity.
We
believe that we, as a body of people, embracing all the various Quorums of this
Church and kingdom, are engaged in this one great work; and hence there is a
feeling of faith, union, and intensity—or power, if you please—of the Spirit of
the living God, that quickens and vivifies the mind, gives energy to the body,
and joy to the bosom. In this we all feel to participate. The Lord is here by
his Spirit and power, and our hearts are joyful.
Speaking,
then, upon the principle of union among the Saints, for this seems to be the
topic of conversation at this Conference,—union with each other, union in
families, union with our Bishops and Wards, union with the Twelve and with the
first Presidency, union throughout the Church and kingdom in all its various
ramifications;—this seems to he the spirit and feeling and teaching that flows
from the various speakers who have during this Conference addressed us.
How can
this union he brought about more extensively? All agree that union is a great
and powerful principle. The several States of this great American confederacy
have chosen for their national motto—"E Pluribus Unum" which
means—"Many in one." They think that union is very good.
Professedly every good man thinks that it is good to be united in anything that
is good; but the great difficulty with the world is to bring this about. The
nations of the world are not united, and each nation is divided and split up,
and confusion and the spirit of war and animosity and evil abound everywhere:
They are not united, but they are full of jealousy, hatred, strife, envy, and
malice.
Witness
the late European wars. What did they fight for? Who can tell? They fought for
nothing, and they made peace for nothing. I have searched the papers
diligently, but I must confess that I have been unable to discover what they
fought for; and I question very much if the Emperor of France, the King of
Sardinia, or the opposing powers could tell you: yet one hundred thousand men
have been sent into eternity to satisfy the caprice of a few individuals, and
for what purpose? I cannot tell, and I do not know anybody else that can. I
have not met with a man or with a writer yet that knew what they fought for, or
what they made peace for. What are they now doing? France is building extra
ships, and England is building extra ships. What for? They do not know.
A nation
is afraid its neighbouring nations are going to possess a little more power
than it possesses, and it must create more power to cope with them. That is all
the union I know anything about in the world.
What is
the union that exists in these United States? And what are the feelings that
prevail among them? Pretty much the same that prevail among the European
nations.
Look at
the animosities, strife, hatred, and jealousy, and the spirit of war that prevail
between the North and the South. Yet the Northern and Southern States are said
to be united together: they have entered into certain compacts to make what
they call "E Pluribus Unum." How far they are united,
the past, present, and future events must declare. What do the world say about
the Saints of God? They say we are united, and they are fearful of our union.
They say we think as one, act as one, believe as one, and are "led by the
nose by one man."
Horace
Greeley says it is nonsense for the United States to send any public officers
here, and advises the Government to appoint President Young Governor of the
Territory of Utah; for he says he carries the "keys of the Territory in
his breeches pocket" anyway.
The world
do not like the Saints, because they are united; and another thing is very
evident—they do not understand the principle of our union. Some suppose it is a
species of Daniteism or terrorism—a sort of tyrannical power that is made use
of to bring men down into subjection; and hence, in accordance with these ideas
the Government sent out an army to give protection to the oppressed people of
Utah, and escort back all who want to go back to the East or to California, and
dare not, for fear of Brigham and the Twelve.
When
Governor Cumming came here first, he offered deliverance to the captives in
Zion, and told the people in public that if there were any that wanted his
protection, it should be had. How many sought it? I think his Excellency's mind
has become better informed since his association with the people. He has found
out that, with very few exceptions, the people are well contented to remain in
Utah and build up their adopted country.
I speak
of this as an example, to show the spirit and feeling that exists in the minds
of many of the leading politicians of the United States, and the erroneous
ideas they form in relation to us as a people; for Governor Cumming was
instructed in relation to this matter. They do err, not knowing the Scriptures
nor the power of God, as the Sadducees did in the days of Jesus. They do err,
because they understand not the fundamental principles of the kingdom of God.
They do err, because they do not know how it is that this whole people can be
controlled by one influence and spirit, and how they are under that control
willingly and voluntarily, and of their own free individual action and accord;
and so far from their being controlled, it is impossible to drive them out of
it.
The world
do not know the all powerful influence that pervades the minds of this people,
called Latter-day Saints, creating the union they so much wonder at and fear.
The
governments of the earth make use of different means to unite their people, or,
rather, sustain their power. In some of the despotic governments they have
vassals, or serfs, whom they make serve them in the capacity of armies. With
these and police forces, they make use of the people to rivet their own chains
by concentrated earthly power. They appeal not to the will, judgment, feeling,
or spirits of men. They make them obey by force. In this way they bring about a
kind of false union. This prevails, to a great extent, in Turkey and Russia;
and as far as I can learn, the same prevails in China and Japan, and, to a
certain extent, in Austria, Germany, and other European governments. There men
are absolutely forced, to a certain extent, to bow down in servile submission
to the will of one man in right and in wrong, as the case may be.
The same
principle exists, to a great extent, in France, but not so extensively as in
those other countries; yet she went forth with magnanimous enthusiasm to
deliver downtrodden Italy, while in that very France twenty men were not
permitted to meet together without a permit from the police department. Were we
assembled in France as we now are, without a license, the police force would
have power to possess themselves of the keys and lock up this door, after
turning out every one of the congregation.
These are
some of the blessings of despotism. That is a kind of union which they enforce,
and hence they can command the popular vote for anything they please. The
people dare not resist the will of their rulers; they are brought down into
subjection by force, bound in chains, and their chains riveted upon them in
every imaginable form.
In the
British Constitution, as it now stands, there are three powers, all opposed to
each other, called kings, lords, and commons. The king pulls one way, the
commons another, and the lords another, on the same principle that you prop up
a steamboat pipe by chains pulling different ways: the moment you cut one of
those chains, down comes the chimney-pipe. The British Government presents a
sort of pulling policy instead of propping up. It is so with all other
political institutions of our day.
The great
cause of all this evil is, God has not established their governments, nor
framed their laws, nor inspired their law-makers, nor given wisdom to their
kings and emperors. They have governed by their own wisdom, but heavenly
intelligence they have not possessed. One evil has followed on the heels of
another, corruption has followed corruption, and there has been no man to point
them out the right way; or, if there was, they have not listened to his
counsels.
What is
to be done in this deplorable state of things? The Lord wants to establish a
kingdom that shall break in pieces all these kingdoms. The Devil has held the
reins long enough; kings and rulers have borne rule without the Lord long
enough; the nations have groaned under tyranny and oppression and every kind of
maladministration long enough; and it is now time for the Lord to regulate his
own vineyard, and put things to right that have been put wrong by the reign of
wickedness.
To bring
this about, does he speak to the Emperor of France, or to the Emperor of
Russia, to the King or Queen of England, or to the President of the United
States, to the Emperor of China, to the Ruler of Japan, or to any other earthly
power? They would not listen to him. What do they know about God, his rule, or his
authority? Nothing at all. What could he do with them? Simply nothing at all.
Suppose he were to speak to the Pope, what does he know about God? Nothing.
The
Almighty wishes to accomplish: a great purpose on the earth in the last days.
Whom is he going to speak to, and send to prepare the way for the fulfilment of
his latter-day purposes?
Suppose
you were God, and placed in such circumstances, and had such a set of kings,
governors, rulers, potentates, and priests to deal with, how could you put them
right? And suppose you wanted to introduce your form of government upon the
earth, your spirit, your law, your intelligence, and the way your government in
the heavens is administered,—and were you determined to establish your kingdom
on the earth, how would you do it? [Voice in the stand: "The only
way would be to lead them all into the Red Sea together."] How could you
get at these kings and great men of the earth? You could not. Would they listen
to a revelation from God? Verily, no.
You may
go to any of the priests of the day, presidents of colleges, and you will find
them too great to bow to God: their reputation would be at stake: if God should
reveal his will to them, they would be called false prophets, and this they
could not endure.
Under the
circumstances, what could God do? He could not do better than he has done. Men
are now wandering in darkness, like you and I were before the Gospel greeted
our ears. What did we know previous to that? ]Nothing. I did not know that it
was necessary to be baptized for the remission of sins until the Gospel taught
it to me; yet I knew the Bible from A to Z. I could read a great many things in
the prophecies, and make calculations about the Millennium and the gathering of
Israel, but did not know the first principles of the Gospel of Christ; and
there is not a man here that knew them.
I have
travelled extensively in the world, and have never met with a priest or
scientific man that knew the first principles of the Gospel of Christ in any
country.
What
could the Lord do with such a pack of ignorant fools as we were? There was one
man that had a little good sense and a spark of faith in the promises of God,
and that was Joseph Smith—a backwoods man. He believed a certain portion of
Scripture which said—"If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who
giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." He was feel enough in the
eyes of the world, and wise enough in the eyes of God and angels and all true
intelligence, to go into a secret place to ask God for wisdom, believing that
God would hear him. The Lord did hear him, and told him what to do.
Yes,
there was one man that believed God—that had simplicity, honesty, truth, and
integrity enough to ask wisdom of him, while the presidents of churches and men
of extensive erudition and research sought wisdom from the musty records and
uncertain traditions of the ancient fathers. The votaries of the Catholic and
Greek churches all do this: they have all sought to their idols for a knowledge
of God, except Joseph Smith, who sought true intelligence from him; and he sent
his angels, one after another, to instruct him; and thus the Lord commenced to
communicate his will, his knowledge, and wisdom to him and others as fast as
they were able to receive them.
Joseph
Smith was considered a fool—a gold-digger. Although all the world nearly have
turned gold-diggers since that, it has become a respectable profession; but it
is highly unpopular to be a Prophet and receive revelation from God. And these
priests and professors have always been the most bitter opposers of God and his
revelations.
Some
twenty years ago, when I was out preaching the Gospel, I always expected some
priest to pop up and create a disturbance by opposing the truth; and I never
had any peace until I met them and made manifest their folly before their own
congregations. Then I could go peaceably about my business.
The
priests were always the first to oppose the truth, the Bible, the revelations
of God, containing the principles God had revealed for the salvation of the
human family.
The Lord
sent Joseph Smith, gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the spirit of
wisdom and intelligence rested down upon him, and he unfolded and made plain
the Scriptures to the Elders that first came to him. They were not educated, but
they spake as I had never heard man speak before. They knew the Bible a
thousand times better than I did. Where did they get their information? From
the Bible. Where else? From that record which the Lord revealed through a holy
angel to Joseph Smith, and gave him power to translate the same. That record
contains wisdom and intelligence we knew nothing about.
Again,
God gave sundry revelations, and in them he unfolded things pertaining to our
position and the position of men of God who have lived in the different ages of
the world, and pertaining to the condition of all classes of men and angels in
the eternal worlds, the future destiny of the human family, the salvation that
has been wrought out for them, and how they are to obtain it.
Again,
the Lord has imparted the gift of his Holy Ghost to his people, and opened a
communication between the heavens and the earth. Worldly-wise men stumble at
these things, while the Saints of God are being built up in intelligence and in
light by the administration of angels—by visions of the Spirit of the living
God, teaching them, guiding them, and instructing them under all circumstances,
opening out their way in time of persecution and trials in a way that the hand
of God is visible to all intelligent Saints.
What else
did the Lord do through Joseph Smith? He restored the holy Priesthood. And what
is that? It is the government of God, whether in the heavens or on the
earth,—the principle and power by which he regulates, controls, dictates, and
manages his affairs, his worlds, his kingdoms, his principalities, his powers,
his intelligences, and all things that are underneath him and above him, and
with which he has to do. He has restored that Priesthood, and a restoration of
that Priesthood necessarily implies a restoration of his rule and power, and an
organization of his kingdom and government on the earth. This, therefore, is
that kingdom, and is organized according to the revelations, wisdom,
communications, or order of God: hence it has its First Presidency, its Prophets
and Apostles, its Seventies and High Priests, its Bishops, Teachers, and
Deacons, and every appendage that is necessary to completeness, and to promote
the happiness and welfare of the human family, and for all purposes of
government on this earth and in the heavens. Or, in other words, this
organization is a pattern of things in the heavens, and is the mediums or
channels through which the blessings of God flow to his people on the earth,
and through which intelligence is communicated concerning all subjects with
which the Saints are concerned, whether they relate to this world or to the
world which is to come.
We are
not left to grope any longer in the dark about what kind of government we are
to have, for the Lord has revealed it; and if you do not yet know it, you will.
Do you want to know what is our Constitution, what our laws, and who are our
lawgivers? The Scriptures shall answer—"The Lord is our king, the Lord is
our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, and he will rule over us." How? Through
the Priesthood. Do you want to know what kind of courts, what kind of judge,
and what kind of lawyers you ought to have? Go and ask your High Council and
Bishops. They will instruct you in relation to your judiciary, and tell you who
should judge matters, and regulate them, and put them in order. Do you want to
know what kind of morals you ought to be governed by? You ought to be governed
by the morals contained in these books. Do you want to learn the duties of
husband and wife, of parents and children? The Gospel of Jesus Christ unfolds
them, and the Priesthood are the true exponents of that Gospel; in fact, what
we have here—the government of God restored again to the earth. We have here a
people who are not ashamed to acknowledge God, who are not ashamed to acknowledge
his law and his power, who are not ashamed to acknowledge his authority, nor
afraid to submit to his laws.
How
extensive has this union to be? and who understands anything about correct
principles—how to put in order things that are wrong, and straighten up the
crooked paths? The same power that governs in the heavens, that rules and
regulates the planetary system, that causes seedtime and harvest, day and
night, summer and winter, and all the regular changes of the heavenly bodies in
their proper succession,—this same intelligence is required to govern the
world, produce order out of chaos, and bring back that same state of things
which has been forfeited in consequence of the transgressions of man,—to
restore correct government, legitimate rule and dominion, true religion,
morals, and science, and every other correct principle; for there is no good or
perfect gift that does not proceed from God, either in regard to religion,
government, mechanism, or science.
What do
we wish to do? To obtain more and more of the same spirit, of the same light,
and of the same intelligence. We read some curious manifestations of power that
occurred in the days of the disciples of Christ. Peter, after he had baptized
the eunuch, was caught up by the Spirit and carried to another place. Much has
been developed in latter times as to the application of the power of steam to
machinery, and great results have been attained in the application of
electricity to the conveyance of intelligence.
The
principles always existed, but it remained to be discovered how to apply them
to the wants of mankind, which information was given by revelation. But there
is one power we cannot yet find out—how to lift ourselves up as Philip did, and
pass to another place. Such a power exists, or Philip could not have exercised
it. That power we cannot know until the Lord reveals it.
What do
we know about the resurrection? What do we know about a great many more things
we talk about? We are only, as it were, in a state of embryo. We have scarcely
learned the first letters of the alphabet; we have only learned some of the
first principles of the Gospel of Christ; but we have not yet learned how to be
in perfect subjection to the authorities of the kingdom of God.
We see in
part, and we know in part, we prophesy in part, believe in part, and we try in
part to do right. The Lord has blessed us with great blessings, but he has only
blessed us in part.
We are in
the school of the Prophets, trying to learn; and the Lord teaches us by peace
and by wars, by prosperity and by adversity. He teaches us by bringing our
enemies upon us, and by taking them away from us. He shows forth his great
power, and maketh manifest our wickedness and infirmities, leading us to know
that our trust and confidence only is in God.
The Lord
has given us the blessings of the knowledge of the fulness of the Gospel of
Christ, through his servant Joseph Smith. And when he was martyred, the Lord
raised up his servant Brigham to be his mouthpiece to tell his mind and will.
What for? Because he has got a little handful of people here in these
mountains, gathered from the nations of the earth, who are beginning to open
their eyes to the truth, and can see men and trees walking, as it were. We
sometimes think we were very intelligent and wise; but our actions do not show
that we know much.
What we
have learned, we have learned from this book, and from this, and from that, and
from Joseph Smith, and from a little of the spirit of revelation, which we have
obtained by being obedient to the Gospel, by the laying on of hands, and the
reception of the Holy Ghost, and by our faith from time to time. In this way we
have obtained a little smattering of something pertaining to eternal life: we
feel it, and it makes us jubilant and happy; but in reality, the extent of our
information is very limited in comparison to the eternity of knowledge that is
in store for the faithful. He has organized the different Quorums, authorities,
helps, and governments in his Church and kingdom, to convey his will to his
people, and through them to the people of the world, to bring them to a
knowledge of correct principles, laws, and ordinances, that they may learn to
do right and fear him, that there might be a people on the earth who will fear
him, acknowledge his law, and submit to his authority, which is the power of
the holy Priesthood.
Jesus
says, "My sheep hear my voice: they know me and follow me; and a stranger
they will not follow, because they know not the voice of a stranger."
The
reason this people will not break up and follow strangers is because they know
not their voice. Some few have gone after strangers; but, as it was formerly
said, "They went out from us because they were not of us." They fell
into darkness, and were led astray. But those who have within them the true and
living principle of life eternal, it leads them to rejoice: they have something
that buoys them up and unites them together. What is it? It is the Spirit of
the living God—the Holy Ghost, which flows to them through the proper channel.
Could any
of you have that Spirit and not have fellowship with President Young and the
other authorities of the Church and kingdom of God? No, you could not.
When you
hear a man talk against the authorities of this Church and kingdom, you may
know he is sliding down hill. He does not know what spirit influences him; he
is ignorant that he is in the dark; and, unless he retraces his steps quickly,
he will go overboard. You may set that down as a fact all the time. Why? Because,
if this is the Church and kingdom of God, and President Young is the elect of
God, and his Council and the Twelve and others are the elect of God, and you
seek to injure them, you run a great risk, and will be found fighting against
God; for Jesus says, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that
receiveth me receiveth him that sent me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth
me, and he that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me."
You
cannot say that you love God while you hate your brethren. You cannot say that
you submit to the law of God while you reject the word and counsel of his
servants.
There was
a man in Missouri who said he did not believe in Joseph Smith, because he said
he was not a true Prophet. Why? Because the revelations say, "If any man
committeth adultery, he shall lose the Spirit of God and apostatize."
"Now, [said he,] I have committed adultery, and have not
apostatized." You can judge where he was. He did not see that he had
apostatized when he discarded Joseph as a false Prophet. The Scripture says,
"The branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine,
neither can you bear fruit except you abide in me." "If I abide in
you and you in me, you may ask what you will, and it shall be granted unto you."
Why? Because there is a spirit of union, of faith, and concentration upon
correct principles.
I want to
show you the difference between this kind of spirit and the spirit of the
world—between this kind of government and the government of the world, and the
influence that has been made use of by despotic governments, emperors, kings,
and rulers, who have abused the power vested in their hands. What is the
difference?
Did
anybody force you into this Church and kingdom? Is there a single person here
that can say that he was compelled to join this Church? If there is, let him
speak. Did anybody force you to come to Utah against your will? If there are
any that were coerced, let them speak. [Voices: "No."] You entered
this Church, and came here voluntarily. Did ever anybody force you to stop here
when you wanted to leave?
There are
some few instances where men have been forced to stay who have been guilty of
stealing, and would like to escape, but cannot. There are also men who have
wanted to go away without paying their debts, and were followed by their
creditors. Independent of those instances, has there ever been any influence
exercised over any man that would in the least jeopardize him in liberty in
body or in limb? There has not. Then where is there any coercion. I am at the
defiance of this congregation and of the world to show it.
Let us
look at others. Who places kings, rulers, and potentates upon their thrones?
Napoleon Bonaparte was more honest than the rest. When the Pope was about to
put the crown on his head, he took it from him, and placed it on his own head,
and crowned himself, saying, "I have won it." Other kings have
obtained their authority by the sword, or received it from those who have thus
obtained it; and the very people that they coerce and rob of their freedom are
made to give them their power, and it is permitted by the Great Ruler of the
universe. But in relation to us, we are here of our own accord. We have
embraced the Gospel of our own accord. We continue here of our own accord.
I will go
a little farther. All the authorities of this Church, from President Young
down, will be presented before this Conference for reception or rejection. If
any of us have committed any mean act, you have a chance to tell us twice a
year. Will they allow that in any other kingdom upon earth? No.
There has
not been a President of the United States yet that could have held his office
twelve months, if this privilege had been given to the people. Where is there
an authority or a government that is subjected to the same ordeal that the
authorities of this Church are? Nowhere; and yet people are afraid of bondage.
Great
conscience! what bondage can there be that you have not the privilege to
resist? People have got to do right, or else be disfellowshipped from this Church.
And I tell you now, before you vote for me, if you know anything against me,
tell it; or if you know anything against any of the authorities you are called
upon to sustain, tell it. But if you do not, and vote to sustain the men God
has chosen, you cannot complain if they expect you will sustain them in their
endeavours to establish the kingdom of God.
We talk
sometimes about Vox populi, vox Dei—the voice of the people is
the voice of God; yet, sometimes it is the voice of the Devil, which would be
more proper by Vox populi, vox diaboli; for the voice of the people is
frequently the voice of the Devil. In the first place, it should be the voice
of God, and then the voice of the people.
Formerly
God made known his law, and all the congregation said Amen. They acknowledged
it. It is so now in the kingdom of God.
If you
vote for the constituted authorities of this Church, you must be notoriously
mean, and as corrupt as the Devil, if you find fault afterwards with the way in
which they manage. I tell you this before you vote, that you may have an
understanding of what you are doing. If these authorities are sustained by your
voice, it is then the voice of God, and his kingdom is in full organization,
going forth to do his will.
What
next? The Lord speaks to President Young and manifests his will to him, and he
says, Do this, or do that. What is your duty? Why, to do it. A good Saint would
never dream of anything else. I should be anxious to know the President's will,
and should think I was knowing the will of God, and should want to be doing it
as quick as I could.
There is
union in faith and in intelligence. God must have a mouthpiece, and his words
must be obeyed. He must speak through his servant, and he to his people, and
thus through the various channels. This is the way with the Lord. We read in
the creation that the Gods said, "Let there light." And the Gods
said, "Let the light be divided from the darkness;" and it was so.
And the Gods said, "Let there be beasts of the field, and fowls of the
air, and creeping things to creep on the face of the earth;" and it was
so. The moment that the Gods spoke, there were personages ready to carry out
their will and fulfil their designs on the earth. He that is wise can
understand.
Jesus
taught his disciples to pray. "Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in
heaven." How is his will done in heaven? In just the way that I have told
you.
If you
realize the true nature of this prayer which you have often prayed, when
President Young, or any of the authorities of this Church would tell you to do
anything, it would be done. When this is so, there will be that kind of union
We have a right to look for and expect; then the will of God will be done with
us as it is done by the angels in heaven; and whenever this kingdom shall
extend over all the earth, the will of God will be done over all the earth as
it is done in heaven; and there will be one government, one law, one spirit of
truth, of light, and of intelligence. That is God's law, God's government,
God's Spirit, God's truth, and the people will be God's people.
May God
bless you all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Choir sung, "The standard of Zion."
Benediction by President B. Young.
——
[8 Oct, 10 am*]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1]
SATURDAY, Oct. 8 - 10 A.M.
Meeting called to order by President Daniel Spencer.
Choir sung, "Come ye that love the Lord."
Prayer by Elder E. T. Benson.
[President Joseph Young]
President Joseph Young treated on the weakness of man, the greatness of his folly, and his backwardness to seek after eternal things. Read the text, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." - [John 17 chap. 3 verse. Exhorted the Elders of Israel to perfect themselves as much as possible in the glorious attributes of the Deity; spoke encouragingly to the Saints who have just arrived in the valley.
[President Brigham Young]
President Brigham Young said that he would like to see the man that knew God; he did not wish to throw any reflections upon the conduct of this people, for he had always believed that the people in the days of Enoch, who walked with God, did not make greater progress in the first twenty-nine years of their history than this people have; he was satisfied that we were advancing in knowledge; spoke of the restoration of the gospel by Joseph the prophet; of the building up of Zion; also of the spirit of the Lord bringing light and intelligence to the Saints, and how that it opens the vision of their minds so that they see Zion as it will be, and it is the most beautiful sight they ever saw; but then they go into error when they expect to see that Zion here which they have seen in vision; said the lord was in the house by his Spirit and by his influence, but if he were here in person he would consume us. He explained why there is no work nor device in the grave, viz., because the spirit is not there, but it is in the spirit world,and a thousand times more busy than it was when here. Spoke of God being the father of our spirits; that he has been a man like one of us, but that he is now an exalted being; counseled the Saints to live according to what they know, that they may increase in all things; then, by and bye, they will be satisfied, for, said he, "all is yours, and you are Christ's and Christ is God's." Told the congregation that they were going to present the authorities of the Church, and he wished the people to vote by holding up the right hand, and if they could not vote conscientiously, they might have the privilege of getting up and assigning their reasons.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:290, 11/16/59, p2; JD 7:331]
REMARKS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct. 8, 1859.
——
[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
In the
remarks I am about to offer, I do not design to cast the least reflection upon
the honesty, integrity, truthfulness, and faithfulness of this people; but I
really feel to praise them. And I repeat what I have frequently said, that, in
my opinion, Enoch and his people, during the first twenty-nine-and-a-half years
of their history, did not make greater progress in the knowledge of the Father
and Son than this people have. This thought gives me great comfort,
encouragement, and consolation.
Our
traditions and education, from our birth until we embraced this Gospel, were in
many instances contrary to the plan of salvation, antagonistic to the word of
God, and opposed to his character,—not designedly; but we and our fathers
grovelled in the deepest shades of mental darkness and ignorance touching God,
his character, and the Gospel plan. Our teachers were no better than ourselves,
for thick darkness covered all. The blind were leading the blind. They are
still doing so, and both will fall into the ditch.
Under
these considerations, I think that we, as a people, are doing as well as we
know how. We are advancing from year to year in the knowledge of God. Before we
came into this Church, we knew, comparatively, but little in regard to the true
religion of Christ. Is there now a man in all the world, outside of this
Church, that can tell the first thing about it? Although they have the Old and
New Testament, and day by day scrutinize every letter, word, and sentence of
those books, yet they cannot rightly tell one thing in regard to the kingdom of
God.
Brother
Taylor said that, before he heard this Gospel, he did not even know that it was
necessary to be baptized for the remission of sins. He had read the Bible many
times and really did not believe it, though he supposed that he believed every
word in it. Had a person said to him, "Mr. Taylor, here is the New
Testament, which gives a true history of the Saviour of the world and of the
religion he produced for the salvation of the children of men, but you do not
believe it," Mr. Taylor would have considered himself persecuted for
righteousness' sake, and perhaps would have put the person out of his house.
There is
not one of us who professed to be Christians before we embraced this Gospel
could have borne to be told that we did not believe all that is written in the
Old and New Testaments. We should have deemed such a statement very unwarranted
and past enduring; yet such was the fact.
We had
read, over and over again, that baptism was for the remission of sins; yet none
of us knew that it was true and requisite. We had often read the commission of
the Saviour to the disciples, that the believer in their words should be
baptized to be saved; yet who of us fully believed that he spoke the truth? We
read the Bible with the idea that it gave a history of something that was, but
is not now, and never will be.
In this
state of ignorance and blindness the Gospel found us; yet we have learned many
great and glorious truths during the short experience we have had in this
Church. We now see the Consistency of the vital truths that the ancient
Apostles left recorded for the world to read. We might say that the Bible is a
guide-board to the world, as it points out the path for them to walk in: it
draws a line to guide their conduct.
We have
learned much from the Bible. We have also learned much from the Book of Mormon
and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants; but all the salvation you can obtain by
means of those books alone is comparatively of little value. They contain a
history of what other men have done, show the path they walked in, and the way
in which they obtained the words of eternal life for themselves; but all the
Scriptures from the days of Adam until now cannot, alone, save one individual.
Were they all committed to memory so perfectly that they could be recited with
the greatest ease, that alone would not save one of the smallest of God's
creatures, nor bring any person nearer the gate of the celestial kingdom. In
visiting a foreign nation, an understanding of their language, geography,
manners, customs, and laws is very agreeable and beneficial. So the reading of
the Bible gives comfort and happiness to the traveller to eternity, and points
out to him in part the character and attributes of the Being whom to know is
life eternal. We have not yet attained to that knowledge, and the mere reading
of the Scriptures can never put us in possession of it.
When the
vision of your mind is opened by the Eternal Spirit, you measurably see Zion in
its beauty and perfection, and are filled with ecstasies of joy; but when the
vision closes, you still find yourselves in this dark and benighted world. In a
vision of Zion in its glory, you do not see your own and your brethren's
foibles, while you are struggling from day to day to prepare yourselves to
participate in the glory you gaze upon while you are in the spirit.
We are
still warring against the darkness and imperfections, temptations and
vicissitudes inherent to the flesh in this dark and benighted world; and it is
by a steady, unwavering course of daily progression that we can be prepared to
enjoy the glories of the celestial kingdom with God our Father.
If a person
is baptized for the remission of sins, and dies in a short time thereafter, he
is not prepared at once to enjoy a fulness of the glory promised to the
faithful in the Gospel; for he must be schooled, while in the spirit, in the
other departments of the house of God, passing on from truth to truth, from
intelligence to intelligence, until he is prepared to again receive his body
and to enter into the presence of the Father and the Son. We cannot enter into
celestial glory in our present state of ignorance and mental darkness.
I know
that we have been taught from our infancy, and it is now a popular doctrine
with all the denominations of the Christians of the nineteenth century, that,
when the mortal tenement is committed to the grave, there is an end of all
further progress in intelligence and learning with regard to this probation. In
support of this idea, they advance the scripture, "If the tree fall toward
the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it
shall be." Again, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave
whither thou goest."
The worms
have work to do in the grave until the body is reduced to mother earth. But the
active, intelligent, divine organization that inhabited the body does not
descend with it into the grave to work with the worms; but it goes to the
spirit-world, and is much more busily engaged there than when it was a tenant
in a mortal tabernacle.
Suppose,
then, that a man is evil in his heart—wholly given up to wickedness, and in
that condition dies, his spirit will enter the spirit-world intent upon evil.
On the other hand, if we are striving with all the powers and faculties God has
given us to improve upon our talents, to prepare ourselves to dwell in eternal
life, and the grave receives our bodies while we are thus engaged, with what
disposition will our spirits enter their next state? They will be still
striving to do the things of God, only in a much greater degree—learning,
increasing, growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.
The
people called Christians are shrouded in ignorance, and read the Scriptures
with darkened understandings.
Do you
read the Scriptures, my brethren and sisters, as though you were writing them a
thousand, two thousand, or five thousand years ago? Do you read them as though
you stood in the place of the men who wrote them? If you do not feel thus, it
is your privilege to do so, that you may be as familiar with the spirit and meaning
of the written word of God as you are with your daily walk and conversation, or
as you are with your workmen or with. your households. You may understand what
the Prophets understood and thought—what they designed and planned to bring
forth to their brethren for their good.
When you
can thus feel, then you may begin to think that you can find out something
about God, and begin to learn who he is. He is our Father—the Father of our
spirits, and was once a man in mortal flesh as we are, and is now an exalted
Being.
How many
Gods there are, I do not know. But there never was a time when there were not
Gods and worlds, and when men were not passing through the same ordeals that we
are now passing through. That course has been from all eternity, and it is and
will be to all eternity. You cannot comprehend this; but when you can, it will
be to you a matter of great consolation.
It
appears ridiculous to the world, under their darkened and erroneous traditions,
that God has once been a finite being; and yet we are not in such close
communion with him as many have supposed. He has passed on, and is exalted far
beyond what we can now comprehend. Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard,
neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive all the things of God.
We are not capacitated to receive them all at once; but God, by his Spirit,
reveals to our spirits as we grow and become able and capacitated to
comprehend, through improving upon every means of grace placed within our
power, until we shall be counted worthy to receive all things.
"All
is yours," says the Apostle. Do not become disheartened, give up your
labours, and conclude that you are not to be saved. All is yours, if you will
but live according to what you know, and increase in knowledge and godliness;
and if you increase in these, you will also increase in all things pertaining
to the earth; and by-and-by, you will be satisfied that all is the Lord's, and
that we are Christ's, and that Christ is God's. All centres in the Father;
wherefore let us all be satisfied that he gives to us as we are capacitated to
receive.
We need
not be discouraged; but, as I have exhorted on another occasion, Let the Elders
of Israel manfully man the old ship Zion—let every man faithfully stand to his
post, and they will ultimately be worthy to enter into celestial glory. This is
all the business we have on hand at present.
Doubtless
you understood and bear in mind what brother Taylor said with regard to voting
for the authorities of the Church. I wish all the brethren and sisters to vote
by raising their right hands, the meaning of which many of you understand. If
there are any who do not feel like voting in the affirmative, when the name of
one of the authorities in the Church is presented, and they suppose that they have
sufficient cause for withholding their support, they may have the privilege of
entering their complaints or objections before the Conference. If you present
good and sufficient reasons for not voting for an individual, we will give the
subject a candid investigation.
We will
now present the authorities.
He then presented the Authorities of the Church as follows:
Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Heber C. Kimball his first, and Daniel H. Wells his second Counselors;
Orson Hyde, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa Lyman, Ezra T. Benson, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow and Franklin D. Richards, members of said Quorum;
John Smith, Presiding Patriarch;
John Young, President of the High Priests' Quorum;
Joseph Young, Senior President of the Seventies, and Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Albert P. Rockwood, Horace S. Eldredge and Levi W. Hancock his Counselors;
[President D. H. Wells presented the remainder.]
John Nebeker, President of the Elders' Quorum;
Daniel Spencer, President of this Stake of Zion.
In regard to the High Council, President Wells said: The brethren of the High Council are residing in different localities, and many of them have served a long time, and it is proposed that we dissolve this High council and, at a proper time, organize anew. If this meets the minds of the conference, you will manifest it by raising the right hand. Carried.
Edward Hunter, Presiding Bishop;
Lewis Wight, President of the Priests' Quorum;
McGee Harris, President of the Teachers' Quorum;
Alexander Heron, President of the Deacons' Quorum;
Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints;
Daniel H. Wells, Superintendent of Public Works;
Truman O. Angel, Architect for the Church;
Brigham Young, President of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund to gather the poor, Heber C. Kimball, Daniel H. Wells and Edward Hunter, his assistants and agents for said fund;
George A. Smith, Historian and General Church Recorder, and Wilford Woodruff his assistant; who were all sustained by the Conference.
[President B. Young]
President B. Young made some remarks on the subject of the High Council, and quoted the following text: "Better is a wise child than an old and foolish king, that will no more be admonished." It was said in old times, "old men for counsel and young men for war;" but his doctrine was, young men for counsel, and young men for war. - Some of the High council lived at cottonwood, some in Utah; they had served a long time and had done the best they could, but he would like to see men never be too old to learn; counseled and commanded the Elders to let whisky and brandy alone and, while they were able to walk and ride about, not to say the wanted or needed liquor; argued that every time men take liquor or stimulants into their systems, they shorten their lives; advised men not to work so hard that they had to get half drunk in order to keep it up; said he had instructed Bishops and High Councils to cut men off from the church who will get drunk; he had no fellowship with nor for drunkards, whoremongers, thieves, liars nor swearers.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:297, 11/23/59, p1; JD 7:335]
REMARKS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct. 8, 1859.
——
REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.]
——
With
regard to the High Council, I wish to make a suggestion which has just occurred
to me. It seems to me best, in voting for the authorities, to pass over their
names for the present. I do not think there is much fault to be found with the
High Councillors now in office. We are willing to give them credit for all the
good they have done, and we do not wish to know anything against them, although
some of them have injured themselves more than they have others. Solomon
declared, "Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king
who will no more be admonished." This is a true saying; and I wish to
apply it, in some respects, in the present instance. In the remarks I shall now
make, some may think that I am quite plain-spoken and frank with my brethren.
Grant it: so also I am with myself.
When I
was baptized into this Church, it was in its infancy, although a considerable
number had been baptized before me, and many of them were older when they were
baptized than I was. They improved, their minds expanded, they received truth
and intelligence, increased in the knowledge of the things of God, and bid fair
to become full-grown men in Christ Jesus. But some of them, when they had
gained a little spiritual strength and knowledge, apparently stopped in their
growth. This was in the eastern country, and but a few years passed before the
fruit-trees began to cease bearing fruit. The cherry and plum-trees where this
work commenced began to fail in fruit-bearing, and the black bunches began to
increase on their trunks and branches, caused by the depredations of insects
which destroy the sap and life of the trees. The apple-tree also has nearly
ceased bearing in that and the adjacent regions. One of our old neighbours,
whose name is Allen, says that good apples have for years been very scarce in
that country, where, to my certain knowledge, they used to be excellent and
abundant. And in the few that mature, a worm is generally found at the core. So
it has been with many who embraced the Gospel in that country: like the
fruit-trees, they have ceased to grow and increase and bear the fruits of the
Spirit.
It is a
common adage, "Old men for counsel, and young men for war." Until men
born in the Priesthood grow old therein in faithfulness, I would say, with
comparatively few exceptions, "Young men for counsel, and young men for
war." For knowledge and understanding, I would rather, as a general thing,
select young men from eighteen years of age—the sons of men who have been in
this Church from the beginning, than to select their fathers. Their minds have
been but little, if any, trammelled with erroneous traditions and teachings.
Let the yoke of the Gospel be put upon those young men brother Joseph referred
to in his remarks, who have been sowing their wild oats for years, and they are
generally better and more correct in the offices of the Priesthood than many of
the gray-haired fathers. They understand more about God, about Jesus Christ, and
the government of God on the earth, than do many of the fathers and
grandfathers.
It never
hurts my feelings to see young exuberant life and animation manifest
themselves; but I do not like to hear swearing: to that I strongly object. I
also strongly object to their getting drunk, to their pilfering their
neighbours' property, and to their doing anything else that is wrong. I love to
see our young men wide awake, ready for anything in the line of right, having
their minds bent in the channel of truth. They learn the truth from their
childhood, and know but little else, if their parents have done their duty in
properly directing the growth of the young branches. Their wild, foolish,
childish, boyish caprices will occasionally be exhibited; but when those pass
off, you find in them a solid basis of truth and good principle. Some few of
those who give rein to their wild and foolish notions, and seemingly give
themselves up to destruction, will meet hard times: suffering and trouble will
arrest them in their wild career, and then they will begin to inquire after
their friends. They will seek those whose bosoms are filled with compassion and
goodwill towards them, will cease their follies, and their friends will rejoice
over them in their efforts to become good and wise. Do not be discouraged about
the follies of the young.
I know
that parents are often much troubled about their children. I have heard many
relate their troubles and sorrows in this respect, though they are
comparatively trifling, unless your children disregard all your tender
solicitude and wise counsels and examples, and, when arrived at maturity,
forsake you and go headlong to destruction, when you will think that you never
had any trouble until then. The want of bread for them in their infancy was no
sorrow, when compared with such a trial. Parents—you who continue to live the
life of true Christians, and are filled with faith, virtue, and good works, I
promise you, in the name of Israel's God, that you will have your children, and
no power can rob you of them; for all will be saved, except the sons of
perdition. If they go to hell, you will have the privilege of dragging them
from there, if you are faithful. That is the promise made to Abraham. You are
aware that the children of Israel acted as badly as the Devil could make them,
and the Lord afflicted them in this life, because of the promise he made to
their father Abraham that he would save his seed.
You may
inquire of the intelligent of the world whether they can tell why the
aborigines of this country are dark, loathsome, ignorant, and sunken into the
depths of degradation; and they cannot tell. I can tell you in a few words:
They are the seed of Joseph, and belong to the household of God; and he will
afflict them in this world, and save every one of them hereafter, even though
they previously go into hell. When the Lord has a people, he makes covenants
with them and gives unto them promises: then, if they transgress his law,
change his ordinances, and break the covenants he has made with them, he will
put a mark upon them, as in the case of the Lamanites and other portions of the
house of Israel; but by-and-by they will become a white and delightsome people.
Brethren,
I wish you to understand things precisely as they are. We shall dissolve the
present High Council of this Stake. Many of them are far advanced in years, and
some of them live at considerable distances from this city. They have laboured
according to the best of their ability; but I would like to see men who never
become so old that they cannot learn. I desire to see everybody on the track of
improvement, gaining all the knowledge, power, and advancement possible for
them to gain and possess. But so it is: many of the first members in this
Church appear as though they never could keep pace with the times, increasing
in the knowledge of the truth and improving thereupon.
I will
tell you how to expand and increase as far as I know. Let your whole
soul—affections, actions, wishes, desires, every effort and motive, and every
hour's labour you perform be with a single eye to the building up the Zion of
God on the earth. If you will pursue this course, you will learn every day and
make advancements every hour. But when you so love your property as to quarrel
and contend about this, that, or the other trilling affair, as though all your
affections were placed upon the changing, fading things of earth, it is
impossible to increase in the knowledge of truth. The thrones and kingdoms of
earth are frequently changing hands. Adventurers rise up or go forth and
establish new governments, and in a few short years they are cast down to give
place to more successful powers. All earthly things are changing hands. The
gold, the silver, and other property pass from my hands to yours, and from
yours to the hands of others. Shame on a people that place their affections
upon this changing matter! Love God and the things that change not.
I have a
little more counsel that I wish to give during this Conference, and you may
tell it to your Presidents, Bishops, High Councillors, High Priests, Seventies,
&c. My counsel to the Elders of Israel is to let whisky, brandy, and other
strong drinks alone. I will tell you how drunkards appear to me. Although I
have been a man of the world, yet I have never seen a moment, since I thought I
had a character or had to establish one, when, with very few exceptions, I
would count them worthy, in regard to moral character, to wipe my shoes upon,
figuratively speaking. I would not abuse them, but I would give them something
to kill the life of the liquor, and, when they were sufficiently sober, ask
them if they did not think they were extremely foolish. Probably scores, who
are not here, are drunk now; and it is my positive counsel and command that
drinking liquor be stopped. If I had the influence the world gives me credit
for, I would not have a single drunkard, thief, or liar in this society. I do
not profess to have that influence, but I can raise my voice against those
evils.
In the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command the Elders of Israel—those who have
been in the habit of getting drunk—to cease drinking strong drink from
this time henceforth, until you really need it. But some may think they need it
as soon as they go out of this house. Let me be your physician in this matter.
So long as you are able to walk and attend to your business, it is folly to say
that you need ardent spirits to keep you alive. The constitution that a
person has should be nourished and cherished; and whenever we take anything
into the system to force and stimulate it beyond its natural capacity, it
shortens life. I am physician enough to know that. When you are tired and think
you need a little spirituous liquor, take some bread-and-butter, or
bread-and-milk, and lie down and rest. Do not labour so hard as to deem it
requisite to get half-drunk in order to keep up your spirits. If you will
follow this counsel; you will be full of life and health, and will increase
your intelligence, your joy and comfort.
As I have
already requested, I now again request the authorities of this Church in their
various localities to sever from this society those who will not cease getting
drunk. If you know a man to be guilty of pilfering, or any species of
dishonesty, disfellowship that man in his Quorum, and let his Bishop cut him
off from the Church. I have no fellowship with thieves, liars, murderers,
robbers, whoremongers, or any such characters. I never have had, and I hope I
never shall have. [The congregation exclaimed," Amen."] If I had the
influence that the wicked accuse me of, I would straighten up the perverse
among this people, and bring that Zion we see in vision. They would either
repent and do right, or go where society is more congenial to their evil habits
and practices.
Brethren,
I desire to so live that I can remain with you until my work on the earth is
finished. But were I as good as you wish me to be, I could not. Brother Greeley
says that Brigham appears to be in no hurry to get to heaven. No: I wish to
stay here and fight the Devil until he is bound, and all wickedness is cleansed
from the earth, and it is made ready for Christ to come and receive his right.
And it is for us to be ready to abide the day of his coming.
May God
bless you! Amen.
Choir sung, "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath."
Dismissed by Elder Charles C. Rich.
——
[8 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1]
2 O'CLOCK, P.M.
Singing by the choir. Prayer by William W. Phelps. Singing.
[Elder Lorenzo Snow]
Elder Lorenzo Snow spoke of the strength of the kingdom of God being in proportion to its members living righteous and being able to withstand evil; the necessity of having the Spirit of the Lord, that we may be able to instruct the people and give good counsel; here was too much of a feeling among the High Priests and Seventies to depend upon the bishops for the good government of the Wards, whereas every man should do all the good he can; seeking first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, that all things might be added thereto. Prayed that peace and prosperity might be upon Zion and her inhabitants.
[Albert Carrington]
Albert Carrington felt thankful for the quiet, peaceful spirit that we had enjoyed in this conference; it was important that we neglect not the assembling of ourselves together; he was naturally more prone to reflection than to speaking; yet he was happy in aiding, so far as he could, to promote the interests of the kingdom of God; he was desirous of always abiding in the counsel of his brethren. Spoke of clearness of discernment in regard to right and wrong that every Saint ought to possess; rejoiced that the gospel is without money and without price, for could it have been bought, the devil would have purchased the whole of it, and have made the minds of men subject to that kind of vassalage in which the muscular powers of the laboring classes of the old world are held by the gold and the silver of the great and mighty; spoke of the necessity of having faith in one another; also against lying, stealing and all evil practices; argued that there is no principle of physiology that teaches that it is natural and healthful to introduce into the system spirituous liquors, and that firing it up with strong drink cannot be done without suffering an equivalent decline and loss afterwards.
[Elder Charles C. Rich]
Elder Charles C. Rich addressed the audience on the necessity of being saved to-day, and pointed out the way to be saved from the numerous evils that are in the world; reasoned on the necessity of every Saint understanding his duty and performing the same without murmuring, in order that universal oneness and happiness may be brought about, and exhorted the Saints to ask themselves how much of this salvation they enjoyed.
Choir sung, "Lord dismiss us with thy blessing."
Benediction by Elder Amasa Lyman.
——
[9 Oct, 10 am]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p1, 8]
SUNDAY, Oct. 9 - 10 a.m.
Singing. Prayer by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
Singing by the choir.
[President Brigham Young]
President Brigham Young quoted the text, "What is man that thou art mindful of him?" Said if the human family knew and understood each other, there would be a very different state of things from what we now see; alluded to the doctrines of election, reprobation, free grace and free will; all which, he said, were scriptural doctrines; named some of the leading and fundamental doctrines of the religious world; said that all the sects and parties of Christendom have truth, and that it is the business of the elders of Israel to gather up all the truth there is in the world and bring it up to Zion. spoke of the impossibility of mortals comprehending eternity; that the atmosphere is full of life; that it is boundless in its extent and, in stead of striving to comprehend eternity, they should begin to inquire, What am I here for? What was the object and intention of bringing us here? Reasoned on the varied and different qualifications and capacities of the human mind; to say that mankind can learn so much and no more is the height of folly; believed that there never was a child born into the world with less capacity than Jesus Christ, for in that he descended below all things. When the spirit of an has overcome the evils that are in the world, it will have power to bring its particles and parts together in the resurrection of the just, and those who come forth in the first resurrection will be more blessed than any others; but blessed will they be who come forth in the second resurrection, for they will have a kingdom and a glory that will be far superior to anything that the sectarian world can conceive of. Said that Joseph Smith was foreordained to hold the keys of the kingdom and, whatever the world may say about it, no man will be permitted to enter the celestial kingdom, except by the certificate of Joseph Smith, jr., and by and bye he will be here dictating plans for the redemption of those that now persecute us; that God has created all nations of one blood, whether black or white, copper-colored or spotted; that the curse will remain upon the descendants of Cain until all the other families of the earth have received the ordinances of the house of God; blest all that had a desire to do right, in the name of Jesus Christ, and all the congregation said Amen.
[Brigham Young]
[DNW 9:265, 10/26/59, p1; JD 7:282]
REMARKS
By President BRIGHAM YOUNG, Tabernacle, Oct. 9, 1859.
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[REPORTED BY G. D. WATT.
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I shall
address you this morning upon a subject that is more interesting to me than any
other pertaining to the life of man. It is a subject of deep study and
research, and has been from age to age among the reflecting and philosophical
portions of the human family. The intelligence given to the children of men is
the subject to which I allude, and upon which has been expended more
intellectual labour and profound thought than upon any other that has ever
attracted the attention of man.
The
Psalmist has written, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the
son of man that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than
the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." This passage is
but one of many which refer to the organization of man as though it were a
great mystery—something that could not be fully comprehended by the greatest
minds while dwelling in earthly tabernacles. It is a matter of vital interest
to each of us, and yet it is often farthest from the thoughts of the greater
portion of mankind. Instead of reflecting upon and searching for hidden things
of the greatest value to them, they rather wish to learn how to secure their
way through this world as easily and as comfortably as possible. The
reflections what they are here for, who produced them, and where they are from,
far too seldom enter their minds.
Many have
written upon this great; subject, and there exists a great variety of
reflections, views, and opinions which I have not time to dwell upon in detail.
I will merely give you a few texts, or what you may term a text-book. Nor shall
I now take time to minutely elaborate any particular point, but will present
such views as shall come into my mind, trusting that I shall have your faith
and prayers to be able to edify both Saint and sinner, believer and unbeliever.
If the
inhabitants of the earth thoroughly understood their own being, their views,
feelings, faith, and affections would be very different from what they now are.
Many believe in predestination, while others of the Christian world oppose that
doctrine and exclusively advocate free grace, free will, free offering, etc.;
and each party of Christians has its pet theory or doctrine, upon which it
builds its hopes of eternal salvation. Such a course is like five or six
hundred men each selecting and running off with a piece of the machinery of a
cotton mill, and declaring that he had the cotton mill entire. This comparison
may be truly applied to the Christian. world as it now is with regard to the
holy and divine principles which have been revealed pertaining to eternal life
and salvation.
Many of
you, no doubt, have concluded that the doctrine of election and reprobation is
true, and you do so with propriety, for it is true; it is a scriptural,
doctrine. Others do not believe this doctrine, affirming with all their faith,
might, and skill that free grace and freewill are or ought to be the foundation
of man's faith in his Creator. Very well. I can also say to them that free
grace and freewill are scripturally true. The first-named doctrine is as true
as the second, and the second as the first. Others, again, declare that mankind
have no will, neither free nor restrained, in their actions; for instance, the
Rationalists or Freethinkers, who deny the existence and divinity of the
Gods that we believe in. But so far from their believing their own theory, Mr.
Neil, of Boston, while in prison for having no religion, wrote an essay, in
which he declared that "All is God."
I might
enumerate many more instances, and say that they are all right so far as they
go in truth. The doctrine of freewill and conditional salvation, the doctrine
of free grace and unconditional salvation, the doctrine of foreordination and
reprobation, and many more that I have not time enumerate, can all be fully and
satisfactorily proved by the Scriptures, and are true.
On the
other hand, many untrue doctrines are taught and believed such as there being
infants, not a span long, weltering in the flames of hell, there to remain
throughout the countless ages of eternity, and the doctrine of total depravity.
Some have gone so far as to say that a man or woman who wishes to be saved in
the kingdom of God—who wishes to be a servant or handmaid of the Almighty, must
feel that deep contrition of heart, that sound repentance, and such a sense of
his or her unworthiness and nothingness, and of the supremacy; glory, and exaltation
of that Deity they believe in, as to exclaim before God and their brethren and
sisters that they are willing to be damned. To me that is one of the heights of
nonsense; for if a person is willing to be damned, he cares not to make the
efforts necessary to secure salvation. All this confusion is in the world—party
against party—communities against communities—individuals against individuals.
One sets out with five truths and fifteen errors, making the articles of his
faith twenty; another dissents from him, rejects those five truths, selects
perhaps five more, and adds as many errors as did the former one, and then he
comes out a flaming reformer. Men, in dissenting from one another, have too
often exercised no better judgment than to deny and dissent from many truths
because their ancestors cherished and believed them, which has produced
numerous parties, sects, and articles of faith, when, in fact, taking them in
mass, they have an immense amount of true principles.
It was
the occupation of Jesus Christ and his Apostles to propagate the Gospel of
salvation and the principles of eternal life to the world, and it is our duty
and calling, as ministers of the same salvation and Gospel, to gather every
item of truth and reject every error. Whether a truth be found with professed
infidels, or with the Universalists, or the Church of Rome, or the Methodists,
the Church of England, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, the Quakers, the
Shakers, or any other of the various and numerous different sects and parties,
all of whom have more or less truth, it is the business of the Elders of this
Church (Jesus, their elder brother, being at their head,) to gather up all the
truths in the world pertaining to life and salvation, to the Gospel we preach,
to mechanism of every kind, to the sciences, and to philosophy, wherever it may
be found in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and bring it to Zion.
The
people upon this earth have a great many errors, and they have also a great
many truths. This statement is not only true of the nations termed
civilized—those. who profess to worship the true God, but is equally applicable
to pagans of all countries, for in their religious rights and ceremonies may be
found a great many truths which we will also gather home to Zion. All truth is
for the salvation of the children of men—for their benefit and learning—for
their furtherance in the principles of divine knowledge; and divine knowledge
is any matter of fact—truth; and all truth pertains to divinity.
When we
view mankind collectively, or as nations, communities, neighbourhoods, and
families, we are led to inquire into the object of our being here and situated
as we find ourselves to be. Did we produce ourselves, and endow ourselves with
that knowledge and intelligence we now possess? All are ready to acknowledge
that we had nothing to do with the origin of our being—that we were produced by
a superior Power, without either the knowledge or the exercise of the agency we
now possess. We know that we are here. We know that we live, breathe, and walk
upon the earth. We know this naturally, as the brute creation knows. We know
that our food and drink come from the elements around us: by them we are
nourished, cherished, refreshed, and sustained, with the addition of sleep. We
live and breathe, and breathe and live. Who can define and point out the
particularities of the wonderful organization of man?
It enters
into the minds of but few that the air we inhale is the greatest source of our
life. We derive more real nourishment to our mortal tabernacles from this
element than from the solid food we receive into our stomachs. Our lungs expand
and contract to sustain the life which God has given us. Of the component parts
of this great fountain of vitality I have not time to treat; but this
interesting information you may gather in part from numerous works on natural
philosophy. I will, however, say that the air is full of life and vitality, and
its volume fills immensity. The relative terms height, depth, length, and
breadth do not apply to it. Could you pass with the velocity of the electric
fluid over telegraphic wires, during the continuation of more years than you
can comprehend, you would still be surrounded by it and in the bosom of
eternity as much as you now are; and it is filled with the spirit of life which
emanates from God.
Many have
tried to penetrate to the First Cause of all things; but it would be as easy
for an ant to number the grains of sand on the earth. It is not for man, with
his limited intelligence, to grasp eternity in his comprehension. There is an
eternity of life, from which we were composed by the wisdom and skill of
superior Beings. It would be as easy for a gnat to trace the history of man
back to his origin as for man to fathom the First Cause of all things, lift the
veil of eternity, and reveal the mysteries that have been sought after by
philosophers from the beginning. What, then, should be the calling and duty of
the children of men? Instead of inquiring after the origin of the Gods—instead
of trying to explore the depths of eternities that have been, that are, and
that will be,—instead of endeavouring to discover the boundaries of boundless
space, let them seek to know the object of their present existence, and how to
apply, in the most profitable manner for their mutual good and salvation, the
intelligence they possess. Let them seek to know and thoroughly
understand things within their reach, and to make themselves well acquainted
with the object of their being here, by diligently seeking unto a superior
Power for information, and by the careful study of the best books.
The life
that is within us is a part of an eternity of life, and is organized spirit,
which is clothed upon by tabernacles, thereby constituting our present being,
which is designed for the attainment of further intelligence. The matter
composing our bodies and spirits has been organized from the eternity of matter
that fills immensity.
Were I to
fully speak what I know and understand concerning myself and others, you might
think me to be infringing. I shall therefore omit some things that I would
otherwise say to you if the people were prepared to receive them.
Jesus
Christ says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent." We are not now in
a capacity to know him in his fulness of glory. We know a few things that he
has revealed concerning himself, but there are a great many which we do not
know. When people have secured to themselves eternal life, they are where they
can understand the true character of their Father and God, and the object of
the creation, fall, and redemption of man after the creation of this world. These
points have ever been subjects for speculation with all classes of believers,
and are subjects of much interest, to those who entertain a deep anxiety to
know how to secure to themselves eternal life. Our bodies are organized from
the eternity of matter, from such matter as we breathe, and from such matter as
is found in the vegetable and mineral kingdoms. This matter is organized into a
world, with all its appendages, by whom? By the Almighty and women who are made
in the image of God.
All this
vast creation was produced from element in its unorganized state; the
mountains, rivers, seas, valleys, plains, and the animal, vegetable, and
mineral kingdoms beneath and around us, all speaking forth the wonderful works
of the Great God. Shall I say that the seeds of vegetables were planted here by
the Characters that framed and, built this world—that the seeds of every plant
composing the vegetable kingdom were brought from another world? This would be
news to many of you. Who brought them here? It matters little to us whether it
was John, James, William, Adam, or Bartholomew who brought them; but it was
some Being who had power to frame this earth with its seas, valleys, mountains,
and rivers, and cause it to teem with vegetable and animal life.
Here let
me state to all philosophers of every class upon the earth, When you tell me
that father Adam was made as we make adobes from the earth, you tell me what I
deem an idle tale. When you tell me that the beasts of the field were produced
in that manner, you are speaking idle words devoid of meaning. There is no such
thing in all the eternities where the Gods dwell. Mankind are here because they
are the offspring of parents who were first brought here from another planet,
and power was given them to propagate their species, and they were commanded to
multiply and replenish the earth. The offspring of Adam and Eve are commanded
to take the rude elements, and, by the knowledge God has given, to convert them
into everything required for their life, health, adornment, wealth, comfort,
and consolation. Have we the knowledge to do this? We have. Who gave us this
knowledge? Our Father who made us; for he is the only wise God, and to him we
owe allegiance; to him we owe our lives. He has brought us forth and taught us
all we know. We are not indebted to any other power or God for all our great
blessings.
We see
man upon the earth, and discern that he is endowed with great intelligence,
which displays its scope and power in various ways to meet and provide for the
exigencies and wants of the human race. Wise statesmen know how to devise and
plan for a kingdom, and can closely calculate the results of the policies they
adopt. They understand the course to be pursued to induce the people to submit
to a wholesome government or to a despotic rule as may please the will of the
rulers. There are historians of various grades, philosophers wise and simple,
and an exceedingly great variety of capacities and tastes. In our Republican
government we see some who are acute politicians, but that seems to be the
extent of their knowledge. You may find others who are good statesmen, but poor
politicians. Some are excellent mathematicians, and understand and care for but
little outside that science. Still, if a man is capable of learning the geography
of the earth, he is also capable of learning the laws of the nations that
inhabit it, if you will give him time according to his capacity. One scholar in
a school may far outstrip the rest; but give them sufficient time, and they can
learn what the quick; bright scholar has learned so easily and quickly. If we
are capacitated to learn one thing to-day, we can learn another to-morrow. It
is the height of folly to say that a man can only learn so much and no more.
The further literary men advance in their studies, the more they discern there
is to learn, and the more anxious they are to learn. This is made manifest
before us day by day, and is observed upon the face of the whole earth.
The
principle of intelligence is within us. Who planted it there? He who made us.
That which you see developed in the children of men (you may call it
disposition, or whatever else you please,) is the force of the mind or the
spirit, and the body is a tabernacle organized for its temporary habitation.
It is
written of the Saviour that he descended below all things. If he did, he
descended in capacity. I will merely tell you what I believe on this point. I
believe that there never was a child born on this earth with any less capacity
than dwelt in the child that was born in a manger of his mother Mary. I
believe, according to the natural ability which he received from his mother and
from his supposed father Joseph, that there never was a child that descended
lower in capacity, or that knew less. Yet, according to the history given of
him, his power of mind developed with such wonderful rapidity that when he was
but a few years old he propounded questions to the learned doctors of his day
which they could not answer, .and answered questions propounded to him which
the querists could not answer. He increased in wisdom and knowledge, and came
into communication with his Father. The Being whom we call Father was the
Father of the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he was also his Father
pertaining to the flash. Infidels and Christians, make all you can of this
statement. The Bible, which all Christians profess to believe, reveals that
fact, and it reveals the truth upon that point, and I am a witness of its
truth. The Apostles who were personally acquainted with Jesus Christ did know
and understand what they wrote, and they wrote the truth.
He was
endowed with capacity to receive intelligence. We, his brethren, are also
endowed with capacity to receive intelligence. And what some would call the
volition of the creature the will of the creature—the disposition, the power of
willing or determining, is bequeathed to us in like manner as it is to the Son
of God; and it is as independent as it is inherited by the angels or Gods—that
is, the will to dispose of this intelligence at our pleasure in doing good or
evil. It is held by the followers of Robert Owen that men are more or less influenced
entirely in their actions by the force of circumstances: but is there a man or
woman in this house that could not walk out, if you wanted to—if your will was
set in you to do it? or sit here until meeting is out, if you are disposed? The
volition of the creature is made independent by the unalterable decree of the
Almighty. I can rise up or sit still—speak or be silent. Were this not so, I
would at once request parents never to correct a child for another disobedient
act.
We are
organized to be so independent in this capacity as to determine and act for
ourselves as to whether we will serve God and obey him in preference to serving
ourselves. If we serve ourselves and evil principles, we do not subserve the
object of our creation. This element of which our tabernacles are organized is
calculated to decompose and return to its mother earth, or to its native
element. This intelligence, which might be called divine intelligence, is
implanted in mortal or human beings; and if we take a course to promote the
principles of life—seek unto our Father and God, and obtain his will and
perform it, the spirit will become purified, sanctified, cleansed, and made
holy in the body, and the grave will cleanse the flesh. When the spirit
overcomes the evil consequences of the fall, which are in the mortal
tabernacle, it will reign predominant in the flesh, and is then prepared to be
exalted, and will, in the resurrection, be reunited with those particles that
formed the mortal body, which will be called together as with the sound of a
trumpet and become immortal. Why? Because the particles composing these bodies
have been made subject and obedient, by the law of the everlasting Priesthood,
and the will and commandment of the Supreme Ruler of the universe, who holds
the keys of life and death. Every principle, act, and portion of the lives of
the children of men that does not tend to this will lead to an eternal
dissolution of the identity of the person.
"Why,"
some say, "we thought that the wicked were to be sent to hell to dwell
with eternal burnings for evermore." They go to hell and will stay there
until the anger of the Almighty consumes them and they become disorganized, as
the elements of the fuel we burn are disorganized by the action of fire and
thrown back again to their native element. The wicked will endure the wrath of
God and be "turned into hell, with all the nations that forget
God." What will be done with them there? Those who did not persecute the
Son of God in the flesh while acting for themselves and following the direction
of their own will—those who did not persecute the holy Priesthood of the Son of
God—those who did not consent to the shedding of innocent blood—those who did
not seek to obliterate the kingdom of God from the earth, will, by-and-by, be
sought after.
You read
about a first resurrection. If there is a first, there is a second. And if a
second, may there not be a third, and a fourth, and so on? Yes; and happy are
they who have a part in the first resurrection. Yes, more blessed are they than
any others. But blessed also are they that will have part in the second
resurrection, for they will be brought forth to enjoy a kingdom that is more
glorious than the sectarian world ever dreamed of.
The
"Mormon" Elders will tell you that all people must receive this
Gospel—the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sins,
or they cannot be saved. Let me explain this to you They cannot go where God
and Christ dwell, for that is a kingdom of itself—the celestial kingdom. Jesus
said, "In my Father's house are m any mansions," or kingdoms. They
will come forth in the first, second, or some other resurrection, if they have
not been guilty of the particular sins I have just mentioned; and they will
enjoy a kingdom and a glory greater than they had ever anticipated. When we
talk about people's being damned, I would like to have all understand that we
do not use the term "damnation" in the sense that it is used by the
sectarian world. Universal salvation or redemption is the doctrine of the
Bible; but the people do not know how or where to discriminate between truth
and error. All those who have done according to the best of their knowledge,
whether they are Christians, Pagans, Jews, Mohammedans, or any other class of
men that have ever lived upon the earth, that have dealt honestly and justly
with their fellow-beings, walked uprightly before each other, loved mercy, tried
to put down iniquity, and done as far right as they knew how, according to the
laws they lived under, no matter what the laws were, will share in a
resurrection that will be glorious far beyond the conception of mortals.
How many
times have I been asked, "Do you believe that such a man as John
Wesley will be damned?" I could answer the question either way, for they
do not know what it is to be saved or damned. John Wesley is in the
spirit-world. He did not receive the ordinances of the everlasting Gospel in
the flesh, and consequently is not prepared to hold the keys of the
kingdom and be a minister of the great work of God in the last dispensation,
but is dependent upon others to attain a celestial glory. Has he gone to hell?
No. When the spirit leaves the body, it goes into the spirit-world, where the
spirits of men are classified according to their own wills or pleasure, as men
are here, only they are in a more pure and refined state of existence. Do you
suppose that John Wesley is lifting up his eyes in hell, being in torment? No;
he is talking to those who heard and would not believe him when he was on the
earth. He may be asking them whether they do not now see the justice of a
reformation from the Church of England mode of religion—whether they do not now
see that that Church had gone astray from the true religion, and that he was
right. Yes; and they, no doubt, see it as John Wesley does, and are willing to
worship God according to the best knowledge they have. As death left him, so
judgment will find him, trying to worship God in the best manner he was
acquainted with. John Wesley and his true followers will receive a glory far
surpassing what they ever thought or dreamed of while under the influence of
their greatest inspirations, and they will be saved. Are they also damned? Yes,
because they have not attained the victory over the enemy of all righteousness.
It is the holy Priesthood of God that gives man the victory in this world, and
he begins to reign over the power of the enemy here. The keys of the kingdom of
the Son of God outreach and circumscribe the power of the Enemy.
Much has
been said about the power of the Latter-day Saints. Is it the people called
Latter-day Saints that have this power, or is it the Priesthood? It is the
Priesthood; and if they live according to that Priesthood, they can commence
their work here and gain many victories, and be prepared to receive glory,
immortality, and eternal life, that when they go into the spirit-world, their
work will far surpass that of any other man or being that has not been blessed
with the keys of the Priesthood here.
Joseph
Smith holds the keys of this last dispensation, and is now engaged behind the
vail in the great work of the last days. I can tell our beloved brother
Christians who have slain the Prophets and butchered and otherwise caused the
death of thousands of Latter-day Saints, the priests who have thanked God in
their prayers and thanksgiving from the pulpit that we have been plundered,
driven, and slain, and the deacons under the pulpit, and their brethren and
sisters in their closets, who have thanked God, thinking that the Latter-day
Saints were wasted away, something that no doubt will mortify them—something
that, to say the least, is a matter of deep regret to them—namely, that no man
or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God
without the consent of Joseph Smith. From the day that the Priesthood was taken
from the earth to the winding-up scene of all things, every man and woman must
have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance
into the mansion where God and Christ are—I with you and you with me. I cannot
go there without his consent. He holds the keys of that kingdom for the last
dispensation—the keys to rule in the spirit-world; and he rules there
triumphantly, for he gained full power and a glorious victory over the power of
Satan while he was yet in the flesh, and was a martyr to his religion and to
the name of Christ, which gives him a most perfect victory in the spirit-world.
He reigns there as supreme a being in his sphere, capacity, and calling, as God
does in heaven. Many will exclaim—"Oh, that is very disagreeable! It is
preposterous! We cannot bear the thought!" But it is true.
I will
now tell you something that ought to comfort every man and woman on the face of
the earth. Joseph Smith, junior, will again be on this earth dictating plans
and calling forth his brethren to be baptized for the very characters who wish
this was not so, in order to bring them into a kingdom to enjoy, perhaps, the
presence of angels or the spirits of good men, if they cannot endure the
presence of the Father and the Son; and he will never cease his operations,
under the directions of the Son of God, until the last ones of the children of
men are saved that can be, from Adam till now.
Should
not this thought comfort all people? They will, by-and-by, be a thousand times
more thankful for such a man as Joseph Smith, junior, than it is possible for
them to be for any earthly good whatever. It is his mission to see that all the
children of men in this last dispensation are saved, that can be, through the
redemption. You will be thankful, every one of you, that Joseph Smith, junior,
was ordained to this great calling before the worlds were. I told you that the
doctrine of election and reprobation is a true doctrine. It was decreed. in the
counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that
he should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth
the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of
the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eye upon him, and upon his
father, and upon his father's father, and upon their progenitors clear back to
Abraham, and from Abraham to the flood, from the flood to Enoch, and, from
Enoch to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated
from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was foreordained in eternity to
preside over this last dispensation, as much so as Pharaoh was foreordained to
be a wicked man, or as was Jesus to be the Saviour of the world because he was
the oldest son in the family.
Abraham
was ordained to be the father of the faithful,—that is, he was ordained to come
forth at a certain period; and when he had proved himself faithful to his God,
and would resist the worship of idols, and trample them under his feet in the
presence of their king, and set up the worship of the true God, he obtained the
appellation of "father of the faithful." "For whom he did
foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his
Son." He knew, millions of years before this world was framed, that
Pharaoh would be a wicked man. He saw—he understood; his work was before him,
and he could see it from the beginning to the end. And so scrutinizing,
penetrating, and expanded are his visions and knowledge, that not even a hair
of our head can fall to the ground unnoticed by him. He foreknow what Joseph,
who was sold into Egypt, would do. Joseph was foreordained to be the temporal
Saviour of his father's house, and the seed of Joseph are ordained to be the
spiritual and temporal saviours of all the house of Israel in the latter days.
Joseph's seed has mixed itself with all the seed of man upon the face of the
whole earth. The great majority of those who are now before me are the
descendants of that Joseph who was sold. Joseph Smith, junior, was foreordained
to come through the loins of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and so on down
through the Prophets and Apostles; and thus he came forth in the last days to
be a minister of salvation, and to hold the keys of the last dispensation of
the fulness of times.
The whole
object of the creation of this world is to exalt the intelligences that are
placed upon it, that they may live, endure, and increase for ever and ever. We
are not here to quarrel and contend about the things of this world, but we are
here to subdue and beautify it. Let every man and woman worship their God with
all their heart. Let them pay their devotions and sacrifices to him, the
Supreme, and the Author of their existence. Do all the good you can to your
fellow-creatures. You are flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. God has
created of one blood all the nations and kingdoms of men that dwell upon all
the face of the earth: black, white, copper-coloured, or whatever their colour,
customs, or religion, they have all sprung from the same origin; the blood of
all is from the same element. Adam and Eve are the parents of all pertaining to
the flesh, and I would not say that they are not also the parents of our
spirits.
You see
some classes Of the human family that are black, uncouth, un-comely,
disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly
all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind.
The first man that committed the odious crime of killing one of his brethren
will be cursed the longest of any one of the children of Adam. Cain slew his
brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to
that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon
him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the
flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race—that they should
be the "servant of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is
removed; and the Abolitionists cannot help it, nor in the least alter that
decree. How long is that race to endure the dreadful curse that is upon
them? That curse will remain upon them, [p.291] and they never can hold the
Priesthood or share in it until all the other descendants of Adam have received
the promises and enjoyed the blessings of the Priesthood and the keys thereof.
Until the last ones of the residue of Adam's children are brought up to that
favourable position, the children of Cain cannot receive the first ordinances
of the Priesthood. They were the first that were cursed, and they will be the
last from whom the curse will be removed. When the residue of the family of Adam
come up and receive their blessings, then the curse will be removed from the
seed of Cain, and they will receive blessings in like proportion.
I have
but just commenced my remarks, and have presented you a few texts; and it is
now time to adjourn. The exertion required to speak to you somewhat at length
seems to injure me. I will therefore stop.
I bless
you all, inasmuch as you have desired and striven to do right, to revere the
name of Deity, and to exalt the character of his Son on the earth. I bless
you in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen.
Choir sung a hymn.
Benediction by Bishop E. D. Woolley.
——
[9 Oct, 2 pm]
[DNW 9:249, 10/12/59, p8]
2 O'CLOCK, P. M.
Choir sung, "May we who love the joyful sound."
Prayer by bishop Leonard W. Hardy.
Choir sung, "Ye children of our God."
The sacrament was administered by Bishops Hunter, Hardy, Smoot and Young, which was the first time it has been administered to the congregation since the re-opening of the Tabernacle.
[Elder Erastus Snow]
Elder Erastus Snow spoke of the peculiar views of some in relation to the move south; but he contended that if it had not been for that, we should not now have enjoyed the privileges we possess of meeting in conference in peace; alluded to the temptations and snares that have been thrown around the people here; he considered that those where highly blest who could learn by other people's experience; he rejoiced in the spirit that prevailed in the conference, and that the chastisements during the conference had not been with anger, but they had fallen like dew upon the newly mown grass; spoke of the duties of husbands and wives, and how plainly the errors of their lives had been shown to them.
[Bishop E. D. Woolley]
Bishop E. D. Woolley said he was pleased to see the return of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ; he had enjoyed his home better since he returned from the southern country than ever he did before; felt satisfied that every move and all that transpired would be for the advancement of the kingdom of God and was happy in the midst of the Saints of the Most High.
[President Heber C. Kimball]
President Heber C. Kimball said that God will end this work where he commenced it, and that is in Jackson county. Missouri; for that there is where he planted the garden of Eden, and all the evil powers combined cannot prevent it. Bore testimony to this being the work of God, and remarked, that the Lord will bear all those off victorious who cleave to it.
It was then moved, seconded and carried, that the conference be adjourned till the sixth day of April next, at 10 a.m.
Choir sung, "O ye mountains high."
President Brigham Young pronounced the following benediction:
Brethren and sisters, I pray my Father in heaven to bless you with His Holy Spirit; with grace to help you in every time of need, under every circumstance, and to let His angels watch over you, to preserve you in your covenants and vows which you have made with one another, and with your God. I also pray you in Christ's stead to hearken to the commandments of the Lord, to seek until you obtain the spirit of revelation; hearken to it, obey it, follow its precepts, walk in all the commandments and requirements of heaven, that you may secure unto yourselves eternal lives. I offer this prayer to the great I AM in your behalf, for you have yourselves to preserve, to subject to His will, and those that cease not to do His will, He will preserve them and save them, and bring them up at the last day. And my petitions are to Him in your behalf, and to you in your own behalf, that you will do as nigh right as you know how; deal justly with yourselves, with one another, with your God, and preserve yourselves inviolate before Him; and I bless you in the name of Jesus Christ, even so: Amen.
You are dismissed.
J. V. LONG, Reporter.