Journal of Discourses Volume 19

BY PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG, 
HIS COUNSELORS, AND THE TWELVE APOSTLES.

REPORTED BY D.W. EVANS, GEO F. GIBBS, AND OTHERS.

AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO 
THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS IN ALL THE WORLD.

VOL. XIX.

LIVERPOOL: 
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM 
BUDGE, 42, ISLINGTON.

LONDON: 
LATTER-DAY SAINTS' BOOK DEPOT, 20, 
BISHOP'S GROVE, BALL'S POND ROAD, ISLINGTON.

1878[p.iii] 

Preface

Vol. 19,  p.iii
THE Nineteenth Volume of the is not a whit
behind its predecessors in the simplicity of its contents, or the
advanced character of the truths contained therein.

Vol. 19,  p.iii
It is impossible to give monetary value to the past volumes of this
publication, and the best evidence that they are appreciated, is to be
found in the fact that they are sought alike by non-members as well as
by members of the Church, and in contrast with many works of greater
pretentions, book-stalls are searched in vain for even solitary
copies.

Vol. 19,  p.iii
This volume contains the last discourses of our late venerated leader,
President B. Young; here, with those delivered by his associates of
the Twelve, they are enshrined to show to unborn generations the grand
development of progressive man when subject to the teachings of the
Eternal Spirit.

Vol. 19,  p.iii
Years shall enhance the interest and importance of these volumes as a
library of reference and repository of truth.

THE PUBLISHER.[p.1] 

Brigham Young, April 29, 1877

Enjoyment in the South—the Blessings of a Temple—Need 
of Chastisement—the Redemption of the Earth—the Christian 
World Concerned in Regard to the Priesthood—Those Who 
Persecute Will Be Visited—the Ten Virgins—the 
Wise Will Understand

Discourse By President Brigham Young, Delivered in the 
New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, April 29, 1877.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.1
I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for the privilege of meeting with
you again and am happy to say that I am as well satisfied with my
labors during the last six months as any of the labors of my life.
Here let me ask, are you, my brethren and sisters, satisfied with the
labors you have performed during the same length of time? This is a
question you will have to answer for yourselves to your own
consciences. If you have done well you will be blessed, and you will
feel satisfied; if you have suffered yourselves to do that which is
wrong towards yourselves or towards any other person on the earth, or
to the providences of God, or to our Heavenly Father, your consciences
will judge you.

Vol. 19,  p.1
I am aware that you wish to hear something of our labors in the South.
I will say that we have had a blessed time, such a time as no other
people on the earth have enjoyed for many centuries, that we have any
knowledge of. We have been permitted to enjoy privileges for the
possession of which we have been striving and laboring for many years.
For almost half a century we have been exerting ourselves that we
might have the privilege of entering into a Temple of God, there to
officiate and receive the ordinances of his holy house, both for
ourselves and for our friends that have slept without the Gospel. This
privilege and blessing we have not enjoyed until within a very few
months past. The feeling experienced by those who have participated in
the blessings administered in the Temple is something which cannot be
described to your understanding. Those only who have shared with us in
the Temple ordinances know for themselves the satisfaction there is in
realizing that we are indeed co-workers with our Lord and Savior; that
we bear a humble part in the great work of [p.2] salvation; that we
have the privilege of receiving and obeying the truth, and of securing
to ourselves that happiness which the Gospel alone affords; and not
only of performing these ordinances for ourselves, but of doing the
necessary work for our parents and forefathers who have slept without
the Gospel, that they may partake also of the waters of life, and be
judged according to men in the flesh. This is a privilege, a blessing,
which no one can sense unless he is in possession of it. We are happy
to know by our faith and feelings through the spirit of revelation
within us that our labors have been accepted of the Lord. We have
enjoyed ourselves exceedingly in the society of each other; the aged,
the middle-aged and the youth have rejoiced and been made glad in this
glorious work.

Vol. 19,  p.2
When I look upon the youth, our young brethren and sisters, who are
more or less unacquainted with the great principles of life and
salvation, I wish that they could enjoy what a few of our young people
did this past winter, their minds would be detached from the trifles
and follies of this weak world, and they would be placed upon more
sacred things, upon the principles that are calculated to exalt them
and ennoble every feeling and desire of the heart.

Vol. 19,  p.2
The Latter-day Saints present a strange spectacle to those that enjoy
the spirit of revelation. To see them following after the spirit of
this world and gratifying the lust of the eye and of the mind, like
the rest of mankind who have never enjoyed the spirit of the Gospel of
life and salvation; and yet not so very strange when we realize the
power of the enemy and the thousands of snares which he lays for the
feet of the unwary, to draw the people astray from the things of God.
Still, when we view the great object of our life, our being here upon
the earth, being brought here expressly to receive that experience by
which we can discover between right and wrong, between good and evil,
between light and darkness, and obtain that experience that angels
have, that the gods have, and that all exalted beings have, and
remember that we are put in possession of those principles that make
us wise unto salvation, that we should stoop to the sinful deeds and
sinful reflections that many do, is marvelous and strange. When I
think of these things I am impressed with the great importance of this
life and of exercising ourselves in the privileges that God has
granted to us to prepare our hearts through obedience to the Gospel of
the Son of God, for a high station, for a high exaltation in worlds to
come, such as we cannot receive whilst clothed in this mortal
tabernacle. But still, in this life we can receive little by little,
and more and more, growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth,
until our minds are able to comprehend many of the great things of
eternity; and thus prepare our hearts, by overcoming sin and the
weaknesses of humanity, for that exaltation already awaiting the
righteous.

Vol. 19,  p.2
Sometimes I am so exercised that I chastise the people very severely;
but I will say to the Latter-day Saints that I have no chastisement
for any unless they deserve it, and if I myself am found guilty of the
same wrongs, I receive to myself a portion of the rebuke which I give
to others. But my feelings are very acute; what I see and hear
ofttimes causes me sorrow and wonder, and I feel to exclaim, "0 Lord,
have mercy upon us, thy people!" How easy it is for us to forget the
Lord [p.3] who atoned for us, and to depart from his ways, giving way
to the false influences that are continually prompting our minds to
lust after the things of this world in their corrupt condition. All
this is strange to the mind opened to see and understand the things of
God and the things of eternity as they are. If we possessed that
power, that influence over ourselves, a proper portion of that
stability that belongs to the heavens, when we once embraced the truth
there would be no necessity for our being chastened, no necessity for
our being called upon to refrain from this or that wrong; but the
weakness of the flesh is so great that we need continually the
influence of our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to
hold us to the truth, in order that we may not fall away therefrom and
finally wander into the darkness of the world, forsaking God and the
faith we have embraced.

Vol. 19,  p.3
It is astonishing that men should do so when we consider things as
they are, and witness the continued love and kindness of our Heavenly
Father, in again speaking from the heavens, revealing himself and his
everlasting Gospel to the children of men, as well as the ordinances,
laws, rules and regulations of his House which effect the salvation of
both the living and the dead.

Vol. 19,  p.3
How is it with my brethren and sisters here? Are they awake to the
things of God? If they are we shall have no need of calling upon them
from day to day, from week to week. Brethren, will you put forth your
hands and rear these Temples, these buildings wherein we can enter and
officiate for ourselves and our progenitors, preparatory to the coming
of the Son of Man, which coming draws near? Will be build up the Zion
of God before entering into the millennium of rest, when wickedness
will be taken away from the earth? Then the Latter-day Saints will be
able to go forth without being persecuted by their enemies, and
opposed on every hand by the alluring spirits that are constantly
tempting them away from the things of God to follow after the things
of a fallen world. Then the Saints will enjoy the privilege of
building their Temples unmolested, redeem their friends, and make
ready for the time when the nations shall come up to the presence of
God the Father, to be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh.
There are a few of the brethren and sisters who understand things as
they are, and who are ready and willing to devote their time and their
means for the salvation of the human family. If there are any hearts
or spirits in this city, or elsewhere, that are fearfully wondering
whether or not we are going to be destroyed, or whether this Church
will endure and become the mighty power in the earth, according to the
predictions of the servants of God, I will say to all such trembling
souls, You need entertain no such fears. You need have only one fear,
and that is with regard to yourselves, lest you should leave the light
that the Lord has imparted to you and wander into darkness, returning
to the beggarly elements of the world, lusting again after the things
of the world in their sinful state. The earth is the Lord's and the
fullness thereof; even the very things which we are so tempted to
covet, through lustful desires, in and of themselves are pure and
holy, for they are the Lord's; but we wish to possess them
unrighteously and not according to the will of God. This is the sin
which is upon man. Everything which we see and which pertains [p.4] to
this little earth, belongs to the Lord, and the whole of it will be
given to his Saints and they will enjoy it forever and ever. But at
present the earth is groaning under sin in consequence of the
wickedness of the children of men, and it is longing to be delivered,
as are the Saints that have slept, whom the Apostle John saw and
heard, when he was an exile on the Isle of Patmos. When will the earth
be redeemed, when will Jesus come to receive the Church as a bride,
when will he come to reign King of nations as he now reigns King of
Saints, when will he banish wickedness from the earth, and when will
the Saints have power to overcome sin? When we learn to sanctify the
Lord God in our hearts. As fast as we learn to conform our individual
wills to his will, overcoming sin within ourselves, will we have power
to subdue sin in those that surround us, and in this way the whole
earth will be redeemed from wickedness. The curse which has been
brought upon the earth through the Fall will be removed through the
faith and virtues of the Saints. When we become sanctified in the
truth, and our faith, through the Gospel of the Son of God, becomes
sufficiently powerful we will be able to remove the thorns and
thistles and obnoxious weeds that grow immediately around us, and to
bless and sanctify our gardens and farms, so that they will bring
forth spontaneously the fruits and flowers, the cereals and vegetables
that sustain life; and upon this principle as righteousness extends
will the whole earth eventually be redeemed and sanctified, when all
things will be as they were in the beginning, when the Lord finished
the earth and pronounced everything to be "very good." This is the
nature of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged, and were
it not for the confident assurance that we have of successfully
accomplishing it, I would tremble, and fear might enter my heart.

Vol. 19,  p.4
Why is the whole Christian world concerned about your humble servant?
They say Brigham Young is not fit to live, that he ought not to be
allowed to remain upon the earth. Would they remove him if they had
the power to? Yes, many who call themselves Christians would join in
the act, and many others would consent to his death! Not the
highminded and honorable of the earth, and those who serve God and his
Christ; but the bigot, the hypocrite, the wicked and the ungodly
would. Why? Simply because they represent their master, the devil, who
is carrying on a warfare with the heavens, and their hearts are
opposed to God and to all that represent him. This conflict always has
been, and will be until the winding up scene. If I had to depend upon
my own wisdom and power, in connection with that of my
fellow-laborers, I might well tremble and fear. But I depend not upon
human wisdom or human power. I occupy the position that God our
Heavenly Father has placed me in, and while I exercise myself in the
duties that he has committed to me, seeking to build up his kingdom
and establish righteousness upon the earth, holding the dominion for
him and for the family of Christ, I tremble not, I fear not, neither
do I care for the insults of the world, for the Lord is my bulwark, my
shield and my deliverer. But have not some of the wicked succeeded in
removing others from the earth? Yes, they killed Joseph and Hyrum
Smith, while under the pledged faith of the State of Illinois; and at
Haun's Mill, Missouri, they massacred about eighteen of our [p.5]
brethren and sisters, innocent men, women and children, without the
first cause or provocation; and furthermore, the perpetrators of these
and other murders were never brought to justice; in fact, the press of
the nation advocated the destruction of "Mormonism," and on the death
of the leaders of our Church, all the consolation that public opinion
afforded their bereaved families, as well as the members of the
Church, over which they presided, was that that would put an end to
"Mormonism." But will the Lord overlook and forget such crimes? No,
for the blood of the innocent is continually crying unto him for
vengeance, which he will administer in his own due time. He has
already vexed this nation and given the people time to pause and
consider their conduct; and if they repent not by turning from their
corruptions and wickedness, he has only to say to the innocent, and to
the Latter-day Saints, "Wait a little, wait a little, and their cup
will be full to overflowing." I have said to my brethren and sisters,
and I say it now, Go to Jackson County, and to Caldwell County, where
the lives of Latter-day Saints have been taken and from where they
have been driven; go to the region of Haun's Mill, where so many were
massacred because they had come up to the western part of Missouri,
and it was said they were "Mormons," and you will find that we, in all
our persecutions, have not suffered so much as the characters who
executed judgment upon the innocent. If I were asked to-day if we as a
people had sailbred persecution, I would say, "No, nothing worth
mentioning." This has ever been the case with the righteous, and it
ever will be. For when their lives are taken for the Gospel's sake,
they go to the Father, to the paradise of rest, where they are free
from the influence and power of sinful and wicked men. But how
different with the wicked and ungodly! When they die their sufferings
which cannot be described, only commence. But we have received enough
to understand that the wicked are a rod in the hands of God to chasten
his children? If you do not, it is time that you had learned it, for
it is even so; and if we are chastened, it is for a purpose, probably
to bring us to a sense of our duty, that we may know the hand-dealing
of the Lord towards us. But were we ever destroyed? No, neither will
God permit us to be, so long as we are desirous of being his servants,
and of doing the work given us to do. Although it was necessary that
Jesus should suffer on the cross for the sins of the world, still it
might be said of those who took an active part in the deed, as well as
those who consented to it in their hearts, "Woe unto them by whom this
offence came." Many of the Prophets have sealed their testimony with
their blood, that their testament might go forth with force and not
return void. As in ancient days, so in modern days. When Joseph Smith
sealed his testimony with his blood, his testament, from that moment
was in force to all the world; and woe to those who fight against it.
What will we do to them? Nothing at all, but preach the Gospel. They
may lie about us as they please. If we will faithfully mind our own
concerns, live our religion, do good to all men, preach the Gospel to
the nations of the earth, gather up the honest in heart, build up and
establish Zion in the earth, send the Gospel to the House of Israel,
and live and serve God in all things, all will be well with us, we
have no cause for fear in the least. When the Lord deems it necessary
that his servants [p.6] should seal their testimony with their blood,
in order that his word may be strengthened and of greater force in the
earth, so let it be; they are received into the arms of Jehovah, they
rejoice in the society of those who are waiting patiently until the
trump shall sound, when the sleeping nations shall awake and their
bodies come forth to be reunited with their spirits, and the faithful
enter into a fullness of his glory. With them all his well, all is
right.

Vol. 19,  p.6
But do we live our religion? The only fear I have is that we are not
as faithful as we should be. We give way to passion, we yield to
temptation; whereas, we ought to live so that the Lord can strengthen
the position of his people and multiply the righteous, how fast and to
what degree is not for me to say. But if the Latter-day Saints were as
righteous and as holy as we are capable of being by reducing to
practice the doctrine we have received, I am sure that the Lord could
hasten his work, and he would cut it short in righteousness, it would
be consummated much quicker than he can in our present condition. The
acts and condition of the people here on the earth must be considered,
the same is held in remembrance before the throne of God, for he
requires of his people to act with him in all things pertaining to the
building up of his kingdom upon the earth. But his grace is always
ready, his Spirit is always waiting, and the light that Jesus brought
into the world is always with the people, teaching them the right from
the wrong. He is the light of the world that lighteth every man that
cometh into the world, and if the whisperings of his Spirit and its
dictates were hearkened to and obeyed, all men everywhere would grow
in the truth, much faster than we Latter-day Saints are doing. It is a
source of mortification to know that men and women who have been in
this Church from twenty to forty years should still be so prone to the
weaknesses of the flesh. What do I see? If I do not witness it with my
own eyes, I hear of it through those who do—men, ofttimes of long
standing in the Church, drink a little, they swear a little, smoke or
chew a little, and indulge their appetites in those things which the
Lord has warned us against, and which he has said are not good for
man. They, too, can spend their time wandering about these mountains
hunting for gold and silver, they can mingle and associate with those
whose lives are records of vice and immorality, and who are ready to
oppose God and traduce the character of his servants. Can Saints of
God, Elders in Israel, who are exercised by the power and spirit of
their holy calling, who have within them the gift of eternal life, can
they be guilty of such things and stand approved before God? No, they
cannot; and I say, shame upon such men, they are a disgrace to
themselves, and their actions are a disgrace to the name of Saint. It
is a disgrace, too, to the sisters, as well as the brethren, who
thirst after the vain fashions and foolish practices of the world.
Cease to pattern after those who know not God. How would such conduct
compare with the conversation and deportment of the angels whom we
expect to meet? Would they want to adopt the practices and fashions of
the wicked world? No, they have higher aims and holier aspirations,
they live above vanity; so should the Latter-day Saints. Our hearts
should be pure, entertaining such things only as are comely, chaste
and praiseworthy before him. This is the course of life that he
expects of us.

Vol. 19,  p.7
I have a great many reflections, [p.7] especially when alone, I
converse with myself upon these eternal things, things which the
frivolous, the vain, and those who are engaged only with the things of
this world, never think of. With regard to the society of heaven,
their conversation and deportment, consider the magnitude and
greatness of the character of holy beings, contemplate the expanse of
eternity and the life that is before us, and then how insignificant
appears this world as it now is! Still, in our humanity, in our fallen
condition, that divine influence is more or less with us, and if we
would preserve ourselves to dwell with the holy ones of heaven and
have joy in our being, we must faithfully adhere to and practice the
principles of eternal life; and in doing so, he will add for our
comfort and enjoyment all things necessary pertaining to this life.

Vol. 19,  p.7
Fear not with regard to the success of this Church and kingdom. Rather
fear you should not be counted worthy to be numbered among the
sanctified when Jesus comes to make up his jewels; rather fear lest
you should be found in the condition of the five foolish virgins whose
lamps had gone out and who were unprepared to meet the bridegroom
because they had no oil. Remember, Latter-day Saints, there were five
wise and five foolish, an equal division, and yet they were all
virgins. The application is a just one and has a direct bearing on us,
as Latter-day Saints. The wise among us will take heed will hearken to
the instructions and counsels of the servants of God, will pattern
after Christ, and thirst after the things of God, and our lamps will
be trimmed and burning, and we will be prepared to meet the bridegroom
when he comes, and they that are ready will enter in with him to the
marriage; and whether or not the door be shut upon those not so well
prepared is a matter that belongs soley to him, and he can do just as
he pleases about it. I want to have oil in my vessel, so that in case
I should, in consequence of the weakness of the flesh, slumber a
little, on arising my lamp would be trimmed ready to burn. This is
doubtless your desire. Then live for it; mingle not your voices with
the wicked, seek not after the delusive things of this world in their
present state. But is not the Lord going to give the earth and the
riches thereof to his Saints? Yes, that is the promise, and he has
spoken it by the mouth of many of his Prophets. But when will this
inheritance pass into the hands of his people? When we shall have
sanctified the Lord in our hearts, sanctified our bodies and spirits
in the truth, and we become pure and holy, free from selfishness and
from every sin; and until we shall have reached this state of
perfection, we never need expect these things committed to our care,
for he will not do it. When the judgment is given to the Saints, it
will be because of their righteousness, because they will judge even
as the angels and as the Gods, and not as the wicked do at the present
time, who care not for God nor for justice, who care not for truth nor
mercy, love nor kindness, who judge according to the wickedness of
their hearts. I am very thankful that it is not our province, in our
present condition, to judge the world; if it were, we would ruin
everything. We have not sufficient wisdom, our minds are not filled
with the knowledge and power of God; the spirit needs to contend with
the flesh a little more until it shall be successful in subduing its
passions, until the whole soul is brought into perfect harmony with
the mind and will of God. And we must also acquire the [p.8]
discretion that God exercises in being able to look into futurity, and
to ascertain and know the results of our acts away in the future, even
in eternity, before we will be capable of judging.

Vol. 19,  p.8
Let us live so that we shall be ready for any dispensation of
providence. It is said He will come as a thief in the night. We had
better be on the watch-tower, waiting in readiness for him, than to be
putting off the time, for peradventure we might put it off until it is
too late.

Vol. 19,  p.8
I have something to say to the Latter-day Saints about their temporal
affairs, how we should live temporally, taking proper care of that
which is committed to our charge, and using it for the benefit of
ourselves and others, which I will tell you on some future occasion.

Vol. 19,  p.8
On the second Saturday and Sunday in May, the 12th and 13th, we will
hold a two days' meeting here, or, if you choose to call it so, a
District Conference of this Stake of Zion, to which you, and as many
as can make it, convenient to attend, are invited. If you will come
with clean hands and pure hearts, full of faith, so that the Lord can
pour out his spirit upon us, we will have a time of rejoicing. God
bless you. Amen.

Orson Pratt, May 20, 1877

Revelation Gradual—Hyrum Smith's Experience—the Lord 
Has not Shut Down the Gates of Revelation—the Church Organization 
not Perfected at Once. the Estabishment of Zion—Building 
Temples—Their Style and Character Progressive—
Diligence Will Secure the Blessing

Discourse Delivered By Elder Orson Pratt, at a Special 
Conference, at Logan. on Sunday Morning, May 20th, 1877.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.8
I will read a few items from scripture spoken by Mormon, which will be
found on the 484th page of the Book of Mormon, European edition—"And
now there cannot be written in this book, even a hundredth part of the
things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people; but behold the
plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught
the people; and these things have I written, which are a lesser part
of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to
the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the
Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus [p.9] hath spoken. And
when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they
should have first, to try their faith, and if it so be that they shall
believe these things, then shall the greater things be manifest unto
them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then
shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their
condemnation. Behold I were about to write them all which were
engraved upon the plates of Nephi, but, the Lord forbid it, saying, I
will try the faith of my people; therefore, I, Mormon, do write the
things which have been commanded me of the Lord."

Vol. 19,  p.9
The reason why I have read these words is to show to the people more
fully, or to impress upon their minds the way and manner in which the
Lord deals with his people. It is within his power, if he see proper
to do so, to pour out upon the people a vast amount of knowledge all
at once, that their minds may be completely surfeited with the
abundance of the knowledge communicated to them. But the Lord has not
seen proper to thus deal with the Latter-day Saints. He has another
object in view than this. He intends to instruct them little by
little, here a little when it is needed, and there a little when it is
needed; giving them a line upon this subject when it is necessary, and
there a line upon another subject, leading them along, step by step,
just as a wise, careful parent would his little children, until they
become instructed in every principle that would be for their good. It
is not because the Lord is not willing that his intelligent children
should enjoy this greater amount of knowledge; it is not because he
does not desire the human family to placed in possession of all the
wisdom that their hearts are prepared to receive. He is willing, on
his part, that the people should become very intelligent in regard to
everything, pertaining to their future welfare. He is willing that
they should know more concerning himself, his attributes and their
own, to learn concerning the glories of his kingdom and the mysteries
thereof and everything that would be essential for their comfort and
happiness in this world. This the Lord is willing to do in behalf of
his children. But he knows far better than we do, what the people are
prepared to receive, and what they are not prepared to receive; and we
can see this illustrated by the words which I have read. Mormon
informs us that he was about to write all the things which Jesus had
taught, but the Lord expressly forbade it, and the reason, as given to
Mormon for not permitting this was, that, he intended to try the faith
of his people in the latter-days, and of whom he said that if they
would believe these things and hearken, then should the greater things
be made manifest to them; but if, on the other hand, they should not
believe these few things, then should the greater things he withheld
from them, to their condemnation.

Vol. 19,  p.9
This reminds me of a certain saying, given in 1829, before the rise of
this Church. Hyrum Smith had left his home in Manchester, N.Y., and
had gone down to Susquehanna, Penn., about, a hundred miles, to visit
his brother Joseph, the Prophet, who was then in the act of
translating the Book of Mormon. When Hyrum arrived he felt very
anxious to know about his calling and ministry—whether he could not go
forth to preach these glorious things. It would be very natural for a
person to feel very anxious about this, for the things contained in
the manuscript, so far as he had become acquainted [p.10] with them,
were so glorious, that he wished everybody to know about them. As will
be found on page 98 Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord told Hyrum not to
be in a hurry. In other words, the Lord had his own time to ordain to
the ministry, his own time to send forth missionaries among the
people. "Don't you be in a hurry in this matter." But said the Lord to
him, "I will tell you what you may do; you should study my word which
has gone forth among the children of men, and also that which shall
come forth, even that which is now being translated." "Seek first to
obtain my word, then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire,
you shall have my spirit, which shall enable you to convince men of
the truth." Another lesson to be learned from this is, that Hyrum,
instead of being in a great hurry in this matter, was required to
store up the word of God in his mind, to be thoroughly acquainted with
the Jewish record, as well as that which was then being translated,
until he had obtained all that the Lord should grant to the children
of men in the generation that was then living—1829. We may learn that
the Lord did intend to give only about so much to the generation then
living.

Vol. 19,  p.10
A great many have supposed that there must be a great lack on the part
of the Latter-day Saints, because spiritual knowledge is not all the
time being poured down from heaven, like a flood in their midst; some
become doubtful and feel to murmur and complain one to another,
carrying the idea among the people that God has forsaken Zion, that
God has, in a measure, withdrawn his spirit from us: saying, "Where
are the revelations such as were given in the days of Joseph? The Lord
then poured out upon us of his spirit continually; we then received
record after record, book after book, etc." The reason is clearly
defined here; the Lord, in his own time, will fulfill and accomplish
his purposes, and he was determined, not only in these days, but he
had the same determinations some fifteen centuries ago, when he talked
with Mormon the Prophet, that a people who should live on the earth in
the last days, should have just about so much information, and no
more, as far as sacred records and books are concerned. Do not
misunderstand me by this expression, and carry it to the other
extreme, and say, that God determines to give about so much, and then
shut down the gate and give no revelation at all. But he intended, so
far as the great principles of the Gospel are concerned, the
fundamental principles of salvation, that we should have the Bible and
the Book of Mormon. Then he determined, still further, that there
should be a sufficiency given from year to year, during the life-time
of the Prophet Joseph, to know how to properly organize the Church.
These further revelations were published in the Doctrine and
Covenants. These having been given as a pattern, for the commencement
of the organization, the Lord has seen proper to withhold, for the
time being, the giving of additional sacred records, that the Saints
might show their faith. "I will try the faith of my people, I will see
whether they will be obedient to my commandments, and the laws which I
have revealed to them. If they will be faithful—if they will practice
upon that which I have given, then shall the greater things be made
manifest to them. But if they will not do this, they shall be withheld
from them, to their condemnation."[p.11] 

Vol. 19,  p.11
There will be a point, in the history of this people, when they will
be counted worthy to receive all that knowledge and intelligence which
the Lord has held in reserve for them, from before the foundation of
the world. Such is the glorious destiny of this people, to be realized
in due time. But our present work is to comply with that which God has
already given, and which he may hereafter give, through the living
oracles that he has placed within our midst.

Vol. 19,  p.11
Now the Lord has not shut down the gate; he has not closed up the
spirit of inspiration, as all these people are witnesses. What man,
unless he had been under the spirit of inspiration, and the wisdom
that comes down from heaven, could have led forth this people from the
midst of the wicked, and established them here in this mountain
desert, and created the wonders we now behold? No man, however great
might be his natural wisdom and ability, could have accomplished a
work of this nature, unless aided by direct revelation. The Spirit of
the living God, from the time of the death of Joseph to the present,
has rested upon President B. Young, urging him forward, first to
organize the people and lead them forth from the midst of their
enemies, and, second, to establish them here in these mountains. He
had not the experience, beforehand, to do this; he had never lived in
a country where the people were accustomed to irrigate their farms; he
had never lived in a country where the people necessarily were
compelled to live compactly together, as we have to do here. But he
had been accustomed to live in a country where the people spread
abroad wherever they took a notion to; consequently it was just as new
to him, when entering these valleys, as to the rest of us. And nothing
but the Spirit of the living God, the inspirations of the Holy Ghost,
could have enabled him to do what he has done, and to direct all this
people throughout this Territory, in regard to their settlements, not
only here, but wherever the Latter-day Saints have been located.
Consequently, you perceive that God has not forsaken us, the spirit of
revelation has been with us. But then it has not been wisdom in God,
that all this revelation should be written and published; because many
things the servants of God are inspired to do under one set of
circumstances, would not be required of them, under a new condition of
circumstances; hence, such revelations would not become a standing law
for all future time. For instance, in order to form new settlements,
the circumstances are very different from what they are after you have
enlarged your settlements and become numerous in population, and other
duties become necessary. Consequently the Lord has imparted a little
here, and a little there, and instructed and counselled the people,
through his servants, what should be done in the incipient stages, or
in the forming of settlements, in this mountain region.

Vol. 19,  p.11
In the midst of all this continuous organization that has been going
on, ever since the rise of the Church, it is not to be wondered at,
that many things have been left apparently at loose ends, for the time
being, in order that the people might prove themselves. Men have been
sent, year after year, to form new settlements, and to do this kind of
work, and that kind, without being specially ordained to accomplish
those particular duties. What for? To see whether they would manifest
that the Spirit of the living God was with them, and [p.12] that they
were worthy of ordination; and if so, then afterwards they should be
ordained and set apart, as Bishops, as presidents of Stakes etc. But
one may inquire, "Why not perfect these organizations at once?"
Because there is a day of calling, which is distinct from a day of
choosing. And when the Lord has called his servants and appointed them
to peform a certain work, if they manifest a willingness, on their
part, to exercise the wisdom that comes from God, in the performance
of their duties, then perhaps the day of choosing may come, and they
be set apart and ordained, according to the law contained in the Book
of Covenants. It means, at this present stage of the work, having
toiled now about thirty years in these mountains, that the Lord is
about to "right up" the people; and he has inspired him who presides
over us, to organize us more fully. Let those be chosen who have
fulfilled their appointments in faithfulness; let them be ordained,
and have their counselors; let them act now in a higher sphere, with
more power, because they have proven themselves faithful over a few
things, therefore let them be made rulers over many things. This is
after the order of heaven; this is after the order of that judgment
that will be more fully carried out in the great day of the Lord.
Things will pass along here in time, as a pattern of things in regard
to his future kingdom. They will pass along for years, until, by and
by, in the great judgment day, these persons will have gained an
experience and knowledge that will qualify them to act efficiently in
the duties and callings to which they have been called; and they will
act, not as those who are ignorant, but as men who have had a
practical experience, year after year, having used their stewardship
to the glory of God.

Vol. 19,  p.12
Brother Erastus Snow spoke to us very plainly, last evening, in
relation to all the officers, from the commencement of the Church down
to the present time. When we have done all we can do, towards
organizing as far as possible, according to the written law of God, as
given to us in our weakness, have we completed the organization? By no
means. The organization is only perfect as far as the people are
prepared to receive it, and no further. To say that there will be a
stated time, in the history of this Church, during its imperfections
and weakness, when the organization will be perfect, and that there
will be no further extension or addition to the organization, would be
a mistake. Organization is to go on, step after step, from one degree
to another, just as the people increase and grow in the knowledge of
the principles and laws of the kingdom of God, and as their borders
shall extend. For instance, to illustrate my ideas more fully upon
this point. We read, in the Scriptures of truth, concerning the
latter-day Zion; we read that Zion is to become a great people, "a
small one to become a strong nation." We also read that out of Zion
shall go forth the law. We also read that Zion is to become so
glorious, in times to come, that the nations that are afar will say to
one another, "Surely Zion is the City of our God, for the Lord is
there; his power is there, his glory is there," etc. Now if there be a
time, in the history of the latter-day Zion, that the power of God
will be made manifest in their midst, so as to stir up the nations
afar off, causing them to exclaim that Zion is truly the City of God;
her laws are divine; let us become subject to her laws; do you suppose
that [p.13] we, with our present organization, after perfecting it as
much as we can expect to, could be ready and prepared to send forth
laws to foreign nations for their government? No. There would then be
persons ordained and set apart for various purposes, not to bestow any
new Priesthood, for it is all included in the everlasting and eternal
Priesthood, after the order of the Son of God; but to set apart
persons already holding the Priesthood in the great organization; to
receive divine laws; or, in other words, to regulate the nations,
according to the laws of Zion; that they may understand her laws, and
know what the divine government is, by which they are to be governed;
in other words, ministers or plenipotentiaries are to be sent forth to
transact business among all nations and peoples who willingly shall
become subject to the laws of Zion. As to the rebellious nations,
there will be none left alive. As it is written, "that nation or
kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish." "Those nations shall
be utterly wasted away;" consequently, the nations left, who are not
totally destroyed will be anxious to be governed by the laws of Zion.
Hence there will be an organization before the winding-up scene that
will control the nations politically, giving them the privilege of
remaining in their own land if they choose to do so, but subject to
the laws of Zion.

Vol. 19,  p.13
I will not, however, confine the future organizations of the Church of
God to the political matters of the nations. There is to be a more
perfect organization between the living and the dead of all former
dispensations, which organization is just as necessary as that which
exists among the living, on this side of the grave. This organization
will be fully completed, at a certain period, pointed to by the
Prophet Daniel, who says, that he saw in a night vision, and beheld
until the Ancient of Days came; and he describes his great and
glorious appearance: his face was like a flaming fire, and the hair of
his head was white as wool; his chariots were like unto chariots of
fire, and thousand thousands ministered unto him and ten thousand
times ten thousand stood before him; and the books were opened. And
many things are to be accomplished when this great general assembly of
immortal beings come from heaven, communicating with those who are
mortal here upon the earth. In other words, every man in that immortal
host, among those that shall come down from heaven, and every man
among the mortal host will understand his place and calling in this
great, grand organization of the Ancient of Days; and you will find no
unbroken links there. The Ancient of Days is the father of all; he is
our first progenitor, and when he shall reveal himself, to set in
order all of his righteous sons and daughters, he will not forget
those who have already passed through former dispensations. Every
dispensation will be connected; and the last dispensation of the
fullness of times will have given to them the keys and powers,
knowledge, and understanding, and revelations to know how to weld
every link, in order that the entire chain may be completed and made
perfect.

Vol. 19,  p.13
Moreover let us now come back to the living. We are commanded to build
Temples? Why? what is the great object of building Temples in this
dispensation? It is to effect the accomplishment of the very work I
have hinted at; the very work of organization that must be completed,
by the time the Ancient of Days shall come; the very work that must
[p.14] be introduced, that the children may be more perfectly
connected with the fathers of all the former dispensations; and that
the Saints of all former dispensations may understand the work that is
being done by their children on their behalf, so that when the heavens
shall reveal them, they will find things ready to receive them. Before
that time, I have no doubt, the generation will have passed away that
were living in 1829; but all things will be added to those revelations
that the Lord gave to that generation, namely, the records of the
ancient Nephites; they existed in great numbers and are of great
importance, records kept by their Kings, records of the history of the
Nephites for over a thousand years, records of their proceedings and
of the things that God had revealed to them, records that were secret,
and not permitted to come forth in the days of weakness, records that
revealed all things from the foundation of the world to the end
thereof, records that were kept when Jesus administered to the
Nephites, the ninety-ninth part of which was not written by Mormon,
all of which are to come forth. What for? To teach the Latter-day
Saints how to organize, how to be prepared for the things that are
coming. Then we will know something about what is termed the United
Order, when we get hold of these records of the experience of the
Nephites for 165 years in the Order; the experience of the people of
this great western hemisphere, from the northern to the southern
extremily; they will have left some records of their acts and doings
that cannot fail to be of great worth to the people of these latter
times.

Vol. 19,  p.14
But first, says the Lord, "I will try my people; I will perfect them;
I will see whether they will be obedient to my commandments; I will
reveal to them little by little; I will give them line upon line; I
will impart a little light upon this subject and upon the other
subject: and if my people shall enquire of me, in relation to these
things, then I will teach them still more, giving them another line
and another precept, I will issue forth another commandment; but if
they do not inquire of me, and their hearts be found full of
covetousness, and they feel in their hearts to slight these things
which I have given to them, then I will withhold the greater
information; I will not let them know the law which I gave to the
ancient Nephites; I will withhold many things calculated to benefit
them, until they learn the things that they are already taught. But
when they become obedient students, obedient men and women of God,
obedient to my commandments, hearkening to the voice of my servants,
giving heed to the whisperings of my spirit, doing away with
covetousness, then I will reveal more; I will introduce more and more
of the principles of the United Order, necessary to govern the people,
and to prepare them for the great day of the Lord, which is to come.

Vol. 19,  p.14
In the beginning of the dispensation it is necessary that there should
be chosen vessels, raised up on purpose to bear witness of the things
of God, to lay the foundation, and to establish the Gospel in the
earth. To do this, it is necessary that these witnesses, though
inexperienced, should receive revelations and administration of
angels, that they may testify, that there may be sufficient evidence,
or sufficient number of witnesses sent forth, that the Lord may be
justified, in the great day of judgment, in judging the people. But
how dangerous it is for people to see heavenly visions, and receive
the ministration of angels in their [p.15] ignorance. How dangerous
for people in their ignorance to obey the Gospel! Yet shall we say
that they shall not obey it, because they are very ignorant? No. Let
them step forth with all their hearts and obey the Gospel, that they
may be put in possession of the Holy Ghost; then if they will seek to
cultivate their minds, cherishing that Spirit in their hearts and
developing every principle of righteousness, and doing away every
iniquitous practice, they shall receive more and more of the Holy
Spirit, with its gifts. So in regard to these heavenly manifestations.

Vol. 19,  p.15
In the year 1829 Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris were
chosen as witnesses to behold the angel of God; to behold the plates
in the hands of the angel; to gaze upon the ancient engravings, and to
hear the voice of the Lord, at the same time, proclaiming to them,
that the plates had been translated correctly, and commanding them to
bear record of the same to all peoples, nations and tongues, to whom
the work should be sent.

Vol. 19,  p.15
Now this was truly a great manifestation. But who was Oliver Cowdery?
who was David Whitmer? who was Martin Harris? Poor, weak, frail men;
two of them quite young, one of middle age. They had but very little
experience; they knew nothing about the arrangement of the
organization of the Priesthood, as we now know; they had no Teachers
to visit them from week to week. Yet in the midst of all this
ignorance, what a glorious manifestation they received from heaven!
They lacked experience; they had not been prepared as Joseph was. He
was prepared by a series of years of experience, in beholding visions
and angels.

Vol. 19,  p.15
In the year 1823 the angel first came to him, telling him about the
plates, also telling him that he would return one year afterwards,
when he would give him further instruction. Why this delay? why not
commit to his charge the plates at once? It was because of his want of
experience. It is true, he had previously received a heavenly vision
some four years before, in which he had seen the face of God, the
Father. But he lacked all other qualifications; he was left more or
less to himself, and the angel was determined to impart to him
experience, year after year, for the space of four years; during
which, whenever Joseph needed chastisement he received it at the
appointed time; his failings were corrected; he was shown wherever he
had erred; and he was taught what to do: he was instructed little by
little, until he learned, by practice, to do the will of God. Then the
sacred records were committed to him; but not so with the three
witnesses referred to, and hence they kept not the holy commandments
as they ought to have done. They had too much knowledge for their
limited experience. You recollect what the Lord has said upon this
subject—Where much is given, much is required; and where but little is
given, but little is required. Much was given to these three
witnesses, and much was required at their hands. Hence a sin that they
might commit would throw them into tenfold more darkness than any man
who had never seen so great things. This accounts for their apostacy,
not for their denying the truth, for they never did that; they held
fast to the truth; they declared that the Book of Mormon was true and
never denied their testimony. It is not a matter of mere faith with
them; they knew it. But how great is the darkness in them that sin
against so much light! The Lord told us,[p.16] when we were living in
the State of New York, to go to the Ohio; there to build a Temple to
the name of the Most High. And there the Lord condescended to bestow
upon his servants and people a great endowment, a blessing such as was
not known among the children of men. And from thence they should go
the nations of the earth and publish these things. We went to the
Ohio; and after we had been sufficiently taught and instructed, the
Lord commanded us through Joseph, to build a Temple, giving the
pattern thereof, and the size thereof, the size of the inner and outer
courts, the size of the several rooms and apartments, and the form of
the pulpits and everything pertaining to it, was given by the
inspiration of the Almighty that rested upon Joseph, and upon those
associated with him.

Vol. 19,  p.16
When the Temple was built, the Lord did not see proper to reveal all
the ordinances of the Endowments, such as we now understand. He
revealed little by little. No rooms were prepared for washings; no
special place prepared for the anointings, such as you understand, and
such as you comprehend at the period of the history of the Church!
Neither did we know the necessity of the washings, such as we now
receive. It is true, our hands were washed, our faces and our feet.
The Prophet Joseph was commanded to gird himself with a towel, doing
this in the Temple. What for? That the first Elder might witness to
our Father and God, that we were clean from the blood of that wicked
generation, that then lived. We had gone forth according to our best
ability, to publish glad tidings of great joy, for thousands of miles,
upon this continent. After this we were called in, and this washing of
hands and feet was to testify to God that we were clean from the blood
of this generation. The holy anointing was placed upon the heads of
his servants, but not the full development of the Endowments in the
anointing. These administrations in the Kirtland Temple were revealed,
little by little, corresponding with what I have already been saying,
that the Lord does not give the fullness at once, but imparts to us
according to his own will and pleasure. Great were the blessings
received. We were commanded to seek to behold the face of the Lord; to
seek after revelation; to seek after the spirit of prophecy, and the
gifts of the Spirit; and many testify to what they saw. But yet they
were inexperienced; they had not proven themselves in their religion
long enough. They obtained blessings greater than some of them were
prepared to receive. They perhaps might have been faithful if they had
exercised the agency which God gave them. But how easily are mankind
toppled first this way, then that way, and are led astray, even after
the heavens were opened and chariots and horses of fire, as well as
angels were seen: still many of these brethren apostatized.

Vol. 19,  p.16
Now perhaps some of you may say, "Withhold these things; do not send
angels; do not bestow the gifts of prophecy, if by being so blessed we
are in danger of apostatizing from our religion." This is the other
extreme; on the other hand, we are commanded to seek the face of the
Lord always, that we may possess our souls in patience. Again, about
three years after the organization of the Church, the Lord gave a
revelation contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, saying, "It shall
come to pass that every soul that comes to me, obeys my commandments,
and hearkens to my [p.17] voice, and calls upon my name shall see my
face, and know that I am." He has ordained that in his holy House, in
a Temple built to his name, these great blessings shall be made
manifest to his servants and people. He has told us also the
privileges of these two Priesthoods. The privilege of the lesser
Priesthood is to see angels. How should they seek after this blessing?
By merely praying, and acting dishonestly, full of covetousness, and
all manner of evils clinging about us because of our traditions? Is
this the way to seek for so great blessings? It is by giving heed to
the instructions and laws that pertain to the teaching of this lesser
Priesthood; and when this is done, we may claim the ministrations of
holy angels.

Vol. 19,  p.17
Again, what are the promises made to the high Priesthood of the order
of the Son of God? We are told, in the revelation given on the 22d and
23d days of September, 1832, that without the ordinances of this high
Priesthood the power of godliness could not he made manifest to men in
the flesh. For, says the revelation, "Without this Priesthood, no man
can behold the face of God the Father and live." Again, says the
revelation, "this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in
the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people, that
they might behold the face of God. But they hardened their hearts, and
could not endure his presence."

Vol. 19,  p.17
Here then we perceive that one blessing of this high Priesthood is to
behold the face of God the Father and live. And this blessing is, not
merely for the persons holding the Priesthood, not merely for those
who have been ordained, after the order of the Son of God; but every
one that keeps "my commandments and obeys my voice," etc. This is the
privilege of the whole Church; it is the privilege of all the people
of God, to sanctify themselves, to be obedient to his laws, and to
behold his face, not only the face of Jesus, but of God the Father,
and still live.

Vol. 19,  p.17
What means, says one, that passage in the Book of Moses, where the
Lord, speaking to Moses, says, "Thou canst not see my face: for there
shall no man see me and live," etc. This very passage is explained by
new revelation. The Lord at that time became angry with the children
of Israel, and he decreed that no man of that whole congregation
should behold his face at that time. Hence the Lord said to Moses,
"Thou shalt not behold my face as at other times." How plain that
little sentence of new revelation is, showing that Moses had, at other
times, enjoyed that privilege, and that it was the privilege of the
Children of Israel to become sanctified, and to behold the face of
God; but at that time, in consequence of their wickedness, he in his
anger, forbade them that privilege. Soon after, he made a decree that
all that congregation should be left without this privilege, and he
took his presence away from them, because of their transgressions and
rebellions, that, had not the Lord withdrawn his presence from them,
they might have been totally destroyed. The Lord desired to remember
his covenants with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; for he promised them that
he would bring up their seed to the promised land; and in order that
he might do this he determined not to go up in their midst; for should
he do so, he might break forth upon them, and utterly destroy them.

Vol. 19,  p.18
Now we have a promise given to us, that when we are redeemed, and
[p.18] permitted to return to our promised land, his presence shall go
with us.

Vol. 19,  p.18
We have a promised land, as well as Israel. The Lord said, on the 2d
of January, 1831, "And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater
riches, even a land of promise, a land flowing with milk and honey,
upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord comes:

Vol. 19,  p.18
"And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you
will seek it with all your hearts:

Vol. 19,  p.18
"And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land
of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever,
while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in
eternity, no more to pass away." Here, then, was a covenant made, that
the Latter-day Saints should have for their particular portion a
promised land. We were commanded to purchase the land for the time
being; for it was to be signally our land of promise, and our
children's land of promise, while the earth should stand, and then
they should have it to all eternity.

Vol. 19,  p.18
We are at present cast out of that land, the same as the Israelites
were in the land of Egypt, being away from their promised land. We are
here in these mountain valleys. It is a goodly land which the Lord has
pointed out for us. We are making preparation for our great redemption
to go back to the promised land, the same as the Israelites are to
gather back to their promised land. And a further promise is made unto
us, in this connection, that when the time shall come, the Lord will
raise up a man like unto Moses who shall deliver this people out of
bondage, the same as the children of Israel, their fathers, were
delivered. And he tells us that he will do this with a mighty hand and
an outstretched arm. And he also says, that his angels shall go before
us, and also his presence. Here then is a promise made to the
Latter-day Saints, that the presence of the Lord, as well as his
angels, should go before their camp.

Vol. 19,  p.18
I mention these things to show you what the Lord intends to bestow
upon you, that your hearts may not faint, while encountering the
trials of reclaiming the desert country; that you in the midst of
difficulties and tribulations may still have faith in regard to the
promises of the future.

Vol. 19,  p.18
In another revelation given in an early period of the history of the
Church, the Lord commanded his people to build unto him a House,
promising that if they built a house unto his name, according to the
commandment and pattern which should be given, and providing they
suffered no unclean thing to enter it, so that it should not be
defiled, the Lord himself would appear in it; his presence would be
there; his glory would be there; and all that should go into that
House, who were pure in heart, should see him. Here then you perceive
that there are certain places appointed, and certain provisions to be
complied with before the face of the Lord can be seen. He has said
that his people are always to build unto his name a house. What for?
That his name might be there; that his angels might be there; that his
presence might be there; and that there the fullness of the holy
Priesthood might be more fully revealed, and that there all the
ordinances might be performed, that were ordained from before the
foundation of the world. This is the object of Temples. It is to
connect the children to the fathers: it is to bring about an
organization between the living and [p.19] the dead. It is seen that
when the seventh angel shall sound his trumpet, preparatory to the
coming of the Son of Man; when the Saints shall receive their
inheritances and be made equal with him, they, the dead, as well as
the living, receive their inheritances; that will be a perfect
organization. When Adam, and Enoch, and his Zion, and all the
righteous men before the flood, and all the holy patriarchs and
Prophets of the eastern and western Continents, men who lived on the
earth as strangers and pilgrims, but who through the eye of faith were
permitted to behold, that in the dispensation of the fullness of
times, all things would be gathered in one that were in Christ, even
all things which are in heaven and which are on the earth; I say that
when all these receive their inheritances, this will be an
organization that takes hold of eternity, that takes hold of the
children of God in all ages, that unites all dispensations in one,
that brings all the kingdoms. and authorities, and powers, of all
other dispensations, and unites them in one; and upon whom knowledge
like a flood will be poured out even upon the vast congregations of
the Church of the First Born, the living and the dead, for the dead
will then be living.

Vol. 19,  p.19
Ought not these things, Latter-day Saints, to stimulate every
individual to be diligent in the work given him to do, lest he fall
out by the way; lest his crown be taken front him and placed upon the
head of another; lest the talent he may have hidden in the earth be
taken from him and be given to him that hath more abundantly? How
diligent we should be! How faithful in the performance of our several
callings, and how willing to hearken to the counsels and instructions
of those placed over us? By and by we will have Temples, with a great
many things contained in them which we now have not; for with them, as
with all other things, the Lord begins little by little; he does not
reveal everything all at once. He gave the pattern of these things in
Kirtland, Ohio, as the beginning; but there were not rooms for the
washings, no rooms such as we have now, and such as were prepared in
the Nauvoo Temple; and in other respects, there was something added to
the Nauvoo Temple. Why; Because we had greater experience, and were
prepared for greater things. There was no font in the basement story
of the Kirtland Temple, for baptismal purposes in behalf of the dead?
Why not! Because that principle was not revealed. But in the Nauvoo
Temple this font was prepared, which was something in advance of the
Kirtland Temple. We have, of late, constructed a Temple at St. George.
Blessings have been administered in that Temple, that were totally
unknown in the two former Temples, namely, endowments for the dead.
Again, by and by, we build a Temple in Jackson County, Missouri. Will
it be built according to the pattern of our present Temples? No. There
will be, according to the progress of this people, and the knowledge
they receive, and the greatness of the work that is before them, many
things, pertaining to the pattern, that will then be given, which will
differ materially, or will be, at least, in addition to that which is
in these Temples now built. I think if you will go and search in the
Church Historian's office, you will find a plan of a Temple, that is
to be built in Jackson County, which will be very different from the
little Temples we now build. By and by [p.20] there will be a Temple
built at Jerusalem. Who do you think is going to build it? You may
think that it will be the unbelieving Jews who rejected the Savior. I
believe that that which is contained on the 77th page of the Book of
Mormon, as well as in many other places, in that same book, will be
literally fulfilled. The Temple at Jerusalem will undoubtedly be
built, by those who believe in the true Messiah. Its construction will
be, in some respects different from the Temples now being built. It
will contain the throne of the Lord, upon which he will, at times,
personally sit, and will reign over the house of Israel for ever. It
may also contain twelve other thrones, on which the twelve ancient
Apostles will sit, and judge the twelve tribes of Israel. It will,
very likely, have an apartment, with a table, on which food and drink
will be prepared, such as are suitable to the taste and happiness of
immortal resurrected beings, thus fulfilling the words of Jesus—"Ye
that have followed me in the regeneration shall eat and drink at my
table, and sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of
Israel." Amen.

Joseph F. Smith, April 2, 1877

Belief and Knowledge—Personal Knowledge 
Indispensable—Possession of the Holy Ghost Necessary 
to the Knowledge of the Truth—How to Obtain the Holy Ghost—
His Office—the Enmity of the World Towards the Prieshood 
An Evidence of Its Divine Authority—Always Was and 
Always Will Be So—Conditions Upon Which 
Blessings Are to Be Obtained, or Lost

Discourse By Elder Joseph F. Smith, Delivered in 
the Tabernacle, at St. George, Sunday, April 2, 1877.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.20
During the time I may occupy, I desire to express my feelings with
regard to my faith in the Gospel, and the great latter-day work in
which we are all more or less engaged, that you as well as my brethren
may know how I stand before God and man.

Vol. 19,  p.20
I was born in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but not
under the sealing covenant; that principle was revealed to this Church
subsequent to my birth. I have been reared in the midst of the people
called Latter-day Saints, receiving most of my limited education in
their society, and that during my childhood under the guidance of my
mother. Since the age of 15 years, I have been engaged more or less in
[p.21] the ministry, and have received instruction through having the
counsels and teachings of the servants of God, as you all have; but
some, perhaps, have not enjoyed this priviledge to so great an extent
as others who have been less abroad. In my childhood I learned to
believe the Gospel, and in the divine mission and calling of the
Prophet Joseph Smith, in the visitation of the angel Moroni, in the
establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth, and also in the
gathering together of the people of the Lord, and many important
things connected with this great latter-day work.

Vol. 19,  p.21
On my first mission I began to learn something for myself; I had
hitherto believed the testimonies of the servants of God whom I had
heard converse and preach, as well as the instructions I received from
a most kind and affectionate mother, as also what I could comprehend
through reading the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and
the Bible. But in the ministry, where I labored earnestly, I began to
comprehend more fully, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,
what I had read and been taught, and so they became in my mind
established facts, of which I was as absolutely certain as I was of my
own existence; and from the beginning of my experience as an Elder in
the Church until the present, if there has been a moment in my life
when I have doubted the divinity and truthfulness of these things, it
has escaped my notice, and it is to-day as much a matter of fact with
me, as it is that I live.

Vol. 19,  p.21
I long ago learned to prize the principles of the Gospel, as of far
greater importance than all earthly things; they are of more value
than this present life, for without the Gospel it is valuless, the
grand object and purpose of life being attainable only through being
obedient unto the Gospel.

Vol. 19,  p.21
A saying of the Savior is here forced upon my mind, "For what shall it
profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Again, "I am the
door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved," but only upon
this plan can he be saved.

Vol. 19,  p.21
By the principles of the Gospel, as revealed through the Prophet
Joseph Smith, we are privileged to secure unto ourselves the gift of
eternal life, which is the greatest gift of God. Without these
principles we are as the dumb animal, so far as relates to the
knowledge of God, for our fathers were unable to teach us, they knew
no more of the ways of God, or the plans of salvation, than the
children, notwithstanding their boasted enlightenment and their
possession of the holy Scriptures. They were not acquainted with the
principles of life, they knew not the law of the Lord, and neither did
we until we received and obeyed the Gospel, thereby obtaining heavenly
light through the channel of the Priesthood. Before this we were as
they were, clinging to dead forms, puzzled to divine the meaning of
many things which under the light of inspiration have become plain and
easy to be understood. "And this is life eternal, that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent."

Vol. 19,  p.21
It behooves the Latter-day Saints, and all men, to make themselves
acquainted with "the only true God, and Jesus whom he hath sent." But
can we through our own wisdom find out God? Can we by our unaided
ingenuity and learning fathom his purposes and comprehend his will? We
have, I think, witnessed examples [p.22] enough of such efforts on the
part of the intelligent world, to convince us that it is impossible.
The ways and wisdom of God are not as the ways and wisdom of man. How
then can we know "the only true and living God, and Jesus Christ whom
he has sent?" for to obtain this knowledge would be to obtain the
secret or key to eternal life. It must be through the Holy Ghost,
whose office is to reveal the things of the Father to man, and to bear
witness in our hearts of Christ, and him crucified and risen from the
dead. There is no other way or means of attaining to this knowledge.
How shall we obtain the Holy Ghost? The method or manner is clearly
marked out. We are told to have faith in God, to believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of all who diligently seek him; to repent of
our sins, subdue our passions, follies, and improprieties; to be
virtuous, honest, and upright in all our dealings one with another,
and enter into covenant with God that we will from thenceforth abide
in the principles of truth, and observe the commandments which he has
given us, then to be baptized for the remission of our sins, by one
having authority; and when this ordinance of the Gospel is complied
with, we may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of
the hands of those clothed with the authority of the Priesthood. Thus
the Spirit and power of God—the Comforter, may be in us as a well of
water springing up unto everlasting life. He will bear record of the
Father, testify of Jesus, and "take of the things of the Father and
reveal them unto us," confirming our faith, establishing us in the
truth, that we shall be no longer tossed to and fro by every wind of
doctrine; but shall "know of the doctrine" whether it be of God or of
man. This is the course—it is simple, reasonable, and consistent. Who
is there with common abilities that can fail to see, or comprehend it?
Indeed, in the language of the Scriptures, it is so plain, that "the
wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein."

Vol. 19,  p.22
Having entered into this covenant being cleansed from sin, and
endowed, with the gift of the Holy Ghost, why should we not abide in
the truth, continuing steadfast before God and firm in the great work
he has established on the earth? We should never cease to serve Him,
nor thwart his mercy and goodness towards us; but ever live so that
the Holy Spirit may be within us as a living spring, calculated to
lead us to perfection in righteousness, virtue, and integrity before
God, until we accomplish our earthly mission, performing every duty
that may be required at our hands.

Vol. 19,  p.22
In this way I have learned the Gospel which I was first taught to
believe, which belief is now superseded by knowledge. For now I know
that God lives, and that Jesus Christ was sent into the world to atone
for the original sin, and also for the actual transgressions of
mankind, inasmuch as they themselves will repent of their sins and
humble themselves before Him in their pursuit of the gift and blessing
of eternal life. We should not be satisfied with the testimony alone
of our brethren. It is well and good, it is indeed encouraging and
cheering to the heart to hear the testimonies of the servants of
God,—to believe that God has raised up men in this dispensation and
made them witnesses of Him and his Son Jesus. and who have been shown
the mysteries of heavenly things, and commanded to bear record of what
they saw and heard; yes, it is a joy to the soul to have men among us
who are [p.23] inspired by the Holy Spirit and full of the light of
truth and of the power of God, bearing their testimony unto us that
this is the work of God, that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ—the
Savior of the world, and that he has spoken to the inhabitants of the
earth in the day in which we live, but is this sufficient to satisfy
me? No. It will not suffice me to believe that you know the true and
living God, etc. I must receive this knowledge for myself as you have
received it. Is not the way open to me to comprehend the purposes and
the will of God concerning my salvation, as to you? Certainly it is.
It is for all, yea, every son and daughter of Adam to learn the will
of God, to receive the testimony of the Spirit for him and herself,
and not to depend alone upon the testimonies of these good men that
God has raised up to fill the positions they occupy. And if we should
pin our faith to them, although we might realize consolation and even
joy and satisfaction in hearing their testimonies, yet, unless we
receive the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the time will undoubtedly
come when the winds will blow and the storms beat upon the house, we
thus may build and it will fall. What a deplorable condition we would
then find ourselves in!

Vol. 19,  p.23
Is it not necessary for all to be capable of judging as to whether the
testimonies of these men are of God or man? How can we know that what
they testify of, is true? how can we know that they bear witness of
the Almighty, or that they possess the holy Priesthood authorizing
them to minister in the ordinances of the Gospel? I answer, only by
and through the inspiration of that Holy Spirit which is given to all
who diligently seek and obtain it according to the promise.

Vol. 19,  p.23
Then if we would know the Lord Jesus Christ, and his servants, who are
in our midst, and that their testimonies are true, we must enjoy the
light of the Spirit of the living God individually. The possession of
this heavenly knowledge is absolutely necessary to keep us in the
paths of life and truth, for without it we cannot distinguish the
voice of the true shepherd, which is spiritually discerned; and
although we may be in fellowship with the Church, fully believing the
counsels of our brethren to be dictated by wisdom, yet without
something more than mere belief or supposition we cannot stand; and
furthermore under such circumstances we cannot consistently claim that
we have part or lot in the kingdom of God. For as it is written, "An
actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he
pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to
enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person can
obtain eternal life. For unless a person does know that he is walking
according to the will of God, it would be an insult to the dignity of
the Creator were he to say that he would be a partaker of his glory
when he should be done with the things of this life. But when he has
this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he is doing the will of
God, his confidence can be equally strong that he will be a partaker
of the glory of God. Then let us search after truth—for the light of
the Spirit which leadeth into all truth, that we may comprehend the
Gospel, be able to sustain the hands of the servants of God in their
efforts to build up Zion, and work out, our own salvation. Though all
the world should be saved but ourselves, we being excluded from the
kingdom, what will it profit us? To see our [p.24] fellow-creatures
enter into salvation and be exalted into the presence of God, and the
door closed against us, would indeed be poor consolation or comfort.
But if we would enter in, we must do the will of the Father, keep his
commandments, possess the gift of the Holy Ghost, enjoy the testimony
of Jesus, and become witnesses of the truth for ourselves; we then may
build upon a foundation more lasting than the solid rock. That when
trials come and temptations surge against us, as they will do, we may
stand and endure to the end. For not every one that saith Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom, but he that doeth the will of the
Father, etc.; or, as the wise man once said, "the race is not to the
swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise,
nor yet, riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of
skill." Nevertheless, "he that endureth to the end shall be saved." I
cannot believe for a moment that any of us will attain to the gift of
eternal life, unless we shall qualify ourselves through the truth, in
the manner God has prescribed, and in that way become worthy of it. We
most obtain this light by revelation, we cannot do it by our own
wisdom. God will give us knowledge and understanding, he will lead us
in the path of truth if we put our whole trust in him and not in man.
He then can and will preserve us, and all the powers of the earth
combined cannot destroy us, for we are in His hands. Here are our
fathers and leaders that have passed through the school of experience;
they have seen what the enemies of this kingdom have tried to do, and
know full well what they would do if they had it in their power. It
has ever been the desire of the wicked to destroy the people of God.
They have never slackened their efforts, nor failed to use all the
means in their power, nor hesitated to resort to the most cruel, foul
and fiendish acts to accomplish their nefarious purpose. This same
cruel enmity, although for the time being, to some extent subdued or
held in check by the Almighty, still smoulders and rankles in their
hearts, awaiting a favorable opportunity to burst forth as fiercely as
at any time during the life of the Prophet Joseph. This is one of the
strongest evidences we can have of the divine mission of President
Brigham Young. Because of the inspiration of the Almighty and power of
God which has rested upon him and accompanied his administrations, he
has been the very centre of the target at which all the deadly weapons
of the enemy has been aimed ever since the death of the Prophet
Joseph. I say this is one of the strongest evidences we can have of
this fact, aside from the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which bringeth
knowledge. It is unmistakable. The hatred of the wicked always has and
always will follow the Priesthood and the Saints. The devil will not
lose sight of the power of God vested in man—the Holy Priesthood. He
fears it, he hates it, and will never cease to stir up the hearts of
the debased and corrupt in anger and malice towards those who hold
this power, and to persecute the Saints, until he is bound. He
delights in apostacy and in apostates, and uses them for his purpose,
but what does he or his emissaries care for their organizations? Do
they hate them? Is the world moved with anger or malice against them?
No. They become a part of the world, fraternize with the people of the
world and lose their distinction or identity, as the people of God
notwithstanding their [p.25] claims and pretentions to being believers
in the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Gospel which he was instrumental
in restoring to the earth.

Vol. 19,  p.25
What a host of apostacies there have been since the organization of
this Church! There have been Rigdonites, Strangites, Benemites,
Wightites, Gladdenites, Cutlerites, Morrisites, Josephites, and the
duce knows what ites? But what does the world care about these?
Nothing. Why? Because they have forfeited the Priesthood, they have
not the power, nor the principles of salvation only in part; they have
deserted the cause, have struck hands alike with the infidel and the
bigot, and formed an alliance with the maligners and persecutors of
the Saints, and therefore they are harmless in the eyes of he world
and of their master whom they have blindly listed to serve. While
these men who hold the keys of the Priesthood of the Son of God, who
have lead forth the Saints out of bondage and oppression, such as
could not be endured in the States, who have gathered the people from
afar, and planted them in happy homes and peaceful dwellings, who have
reared cities, towns and villages well organized, well governed and
prosperous, and in short wrought miracles in the deserts, and who
still counsel and direct the Saints in the paths of life, are held up
to the ridicule and contempt of the world. Their peace, good names,
honor, possessions and lives as eagerly and persistently sought after,
but with less effect, by the blood-thirsty hearts and crimson hands of
relentless persecutors as during the lifetime of Joseph Smith the
martyr, when the Saints were driven from Ohio, expelled from Missouri,
or banished from their homes in Illinois. Such has always been and
such is to-day the spirit of the world towards us. This alone is
sufficient evidence to demonstrate the loyalty of this people to the
kingdom of God, and their possession of the Gospel which is the power
of God unto salvation. Do you want any stronger proof of this, when
you contemplate the sayings of the Scriptures, "If ye were of the
world the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world
hateth you." (John xv, 19.) "And ye shall be hated of all men for my
names sake." (Matt. x, 22. "If they have persecuted me they will also
persecute you." (John xv, 20.) "In the world ye shall have
tribulation." John xvi, 33.) "Blessed are ye when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely
for my sake." (Matt. v, 11.) "Yea and all that will live godly in
Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Tim., 3, 12.) Therefore,
"Marvel not my brethren if the world hate you." (I John iii, 13.) "Yea
the time cometh that whoever killeth you will think that he doeth God
service.', (John xvi, 2.) This was the nature of the legacy the Savior
left his disciples and followers. Is it strange that we should inherit
the same? Certainly not, if we are the disciples and followers of
Christ, for the same warfare continues between him and Belial, and
will until Satan is bound and righteousness triumphs upon the earth.

Vol. 19,  p.25
It is a consolation therefore to know, that, notwithstanding our many
shortcomings, frailties, and imperfections, the Evil one, with the
world at his back, considers us of sufficient importance to oppose and
persecute us with such bitter hatred as he does. Yes, I say it is
encouraging to know, that, as a people we are sufficiently faithful
and worthy before the Lord,[p.26] notwithstanding our opportunities
for improvement, to arouse the indignation and hatred of the wicked,
and to entitle us to the chastisement of God, through his servants,
for our improprieties, for "whomsoever the Lord loveth he chasteneth."
But we should not provoke the displeasure or incur the chastisement of
the Almighty—presuming upon his forbearance and mercy by neglecting to
perform those duties and responsibilities so justly required of us—but
we should be most diligent, putting forth every energy in our power to
correct our ways, and thus increase our faith that we may become more
worthy of the blessings and protection of God, than hitherto. He is
more willing to bestow blessings upon us than we are to use them
properly when we obtain them, thus by our unworthiness we may prevent
ourselves often from receiving the very blessings we desire, and that
he is not only abundantly able, but willing and ready to shower upon
us if we were worthy, for he cannot consistently bestow "pearls upon
swine." No blessing or good will be withheld from those who are
prepared and worthy to receive and make a wise use of it. The kingdom
of God is to be enjoyed by the Saints—those who are righteous, not
those who are wicked. If we prove unworthy, Zion will have to be
redeemed by our children, who may be more worthy, while we may be
kept, like the ancient children of Israel, wandering in the
wilderness, enduring hardships, persecution and trials, until we shall
have suffered the penalty of neglected, not to say broken and
unfulfilled covenants.

Vol. 19,  p.26
May the Lord bless us all that we may prove ourselves faithful and
efficient servants unto him, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Charles C. Rich, May 12, 1877

Saints Should Be Whole-Hearted—Seek First the 
Kingdom—the Latter-Day Work a Revelation—Joseph Smith 
Illiterate—Our Agency Accepts or Rejects—Love of the Truth 
Proved More By Example Than Precept—An Important Generation

Discourse By Elder Charles C. Rich, Delivered in the New 
Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Saturday Afternoon, May 12, 1877.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.26
I am glad to enjoy the opportunity of meeting with the Latter-day
Saints in this Tabernacle in Conference, under circumstances so
favorable. I have been much interested in listening to the
instructions we [p.27] have heard this day. They are words of
encouragement to the faithful, they strengthen the weak, they enkindle
within us all the fire that burns yet not consumes; and we are
stimulated to continue in the good fight of faith despite every
opposing power.

Vol. 19,  p.27
We embraced the principles of the everlasting Gospel in various lands,
and we gathered here for the express purpose of learning further of
his ways that we might walk in his paths. It therefore is plain and
easy to understand the great obligation that we have placed ourselves
under, an obligation that becomes the more serious and important as we
count the years of our membership in this Church, and as we have had
opportunity. To become efficient laborers in the kingdom, is that we
learn the mind and will of God concerning us, and then go forth and do
it to the very best of our ability and power. Unless we seek the Lord
with our whole heart, willing to sacrifice all for him and his cause,
we cannot be wholly accepted of him.

Vol. 19,  p.27
We are told by revelation that all blessings are to be enjoyed upon
the principles by which his kingdom can be built up, and upon no
other. It would be in vain for us to imagine that we are going to
enjoy the blessing of the celestial world by adopting any principles
we may choose, or that may be suitable to our own peculiar ideas and
feelings. Then the first lesson for us to learn is how we can best
become acquainted with the wishes of our Father, how we can best use
our time and our talents to subserve the interests of his cause here
upon the earth. We have entered the door of the kingdom, and that is
about all. The actual work we have only commenced, and who cannot see
that it is of the greatest importance that we organize ourselves that
we may the better prosecute our labors! We pray that the will of God
may be done on earth as in heaven. What does it avail us if we do not
seek first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness? And how can
we obey this divine injunction unless we seek in the right and proper
way to establish its principles in our hearts and lives, giving that
kingdom and its government a foundation, a chance to develop itself
into the proportions it eventually will do.

Vol. 19,  p.27
The tendency of mankind generally is to gratify a craving for this
world's goods, adopting such ways as will best secure to them their
heart's desire; this really is their aim and object of life. When we
reflect that we live in this important age, when God our heavenly
Father has again spoken to the children of men, revealing to them his
designs and purposes and the only way to be saved, it is time for us
to awake to a sense of duty and prepare ourselves in all readiness,
for he does not speak in vain; all must be fulfilled even as it is
written, whether we individually take part in it or not.

Vol. 19,  p.27
The Lord will have a people trained in the school of experience until
they shall be prepared to receive him when he shall come to dwell upon
the earth for the space of a thousand years. This we understand; we
have been taught it by divine instruction, and it is for us to be
willing to be taught and to be used in accomplishing the preparatory
work. He has also declared by the voice of his servants whom he has
raised up, and by his own voice, that the wicked and those who delight
in abominations he will overthrow as individuals and as nations; and
in the place [p.28] thereof he will have a righteous people who will
fear and obey him in all things. This has been preached to the world
now for nearly half a century, and we are still declaring it. We know
not how many will hearken to this warning voice, but we do know that
history informs us that Noah preached one hundred and twenty years,
warning the people of threatened judgments, preaching to them the way
of life, with but very little success. The word of the Lord throngh
Noah was verified and fulfilled even as he had declared it.

Vol. 19,  p.28
The words of the Lord were lamentably fulfilled on the heads of his
chosen seed, because they rejected the same Gospel message which was
sent unto them. And the Lord has said that in the last days his word
should be verified as in former times. True, the message might be
lightly esteemed, and they that bear it, as well as those that receive
it, may be set at nought, just in the manner that his word and people
always have been treated by the world of mankind generally.

Vol. 19,  p.28
This Latter-day work has been commenced by an illiterate, unlearned
boy; but like the leaven that was put into the measures of meal, it
has worked until already it attracts not only the attention of men of
high and low birth, but of nations. And although its advocates have,
as a general thing, been persons of humble birth and of limited
education, where has appeared the man that has succeeded in gainsaying
them, and proving false the principles they teach? That individual is
yet to be found; he cannot be found nor never will be, for it is the
truth, we bear the new and the everlasting Gospel which is
incontrovertible. And still, with all this before the world, how few
comparatively hearken to and obey the message! and how many
imperfections we find existing among us! We need careful and gradual
training, to be taught a little now and again; and many times we find
ourselves almost ready to relinquish our hold on eternal life, having
need to be converted again to the truth; and yet we call ourselves
Latter-day Saints.

Vol. 19,  p.28
The question that oft times arrests my attention is, if we receive not
the truth as it is presented to us here, will we be willing to
hereafter? Some people imagine that when we pass from this stage of
our being we shall all be in a condition to receive truth whether we
received or rejected it while upon this earth. It is by reason of our
agency that we reject truth and accept evil; and we will find when we
go hence that we shall still be possessed of the same agency; and if
we were not willing to receive the truth in this world, what assurance
have we that our agency will not lead us to reject truth hereafter. If
Latter-day Saints cannot endure to the end, if they cannot in their
hearts receive as well as practice all of the principles of the Gospel
as they are made known to them by his servants, it is folly in the
extreme for us to allow ourselves to believe that by rejecting certain
principles here we will be able to practice them in the world to come.

Vol. 19,  p.28
We will also find that there are certain things that can be preformed
in this world, that peradventure cannot be attended to anywhere else.
Baptism by immersion is an ordinance essential to salvation; it is the
door to the kingdom and none can be saved without it; and it is an
ordinance that strictly belongs to this life. There are also certain
ordinances essential to our exaltation in our Father's kingdom that
can be performed only in Temples, except in [p.29] certain peculiar
circumstances; and in order that we should derive their benefit we are
called upon to erect these sacred edifices. These are ordinances
all-important in their nature that belong to this life, they must be
attended to here, that we might be prepared to enter upon the duties
of the life to come.

Vol. 19,  p.29
There is one matter that has received a great part of my attention
particularly of late, that is the conforming of my will to the will of
God, not only pertaining to things spiritual but also to things
temporal associated with my every-day life. And it appears to me that
we as a people have now reached that stage of the latter-day work when
this same question is brought right home to the minds of all who claim
membership in the Church and kingdom of God. There is one thing he
will require of us, that is to prove by example as well as precept
that we love him beyond any and everything else; he will require that
we establish beyond a doubt that our affections and hearts are his,
and that to do his bidding and further the interests of his cause is
our greatest and fondest desire.

Vol. 19,  p.29
There seems to be throughout the world a great love for wealth. It is
true that riches oft-times secure ease, comfort and enjoyment. But
then these are indulgences that belong only to this life; as no man
brought anything into the world, so none will take anything away. What
then may we expect to enjoy in the hereafter? Such blessings only as
are secured unto us through the sealing ordinances of the holy
Priesthood which reach behind the veil. While reflecting on this,
would it not be well for us, as Latter-day Saints, to also imagine, if
we can, our feelings if through unworthiness on our part we should
find ourselves in the next world disappointed. I think that when we
consider these things, that compared with our eternal happiness
everything else is small and of little moment.

Vol. 19,  p.29
There is much required at our hands, we have not only to labor for
ourselves, but for our dead friends, whom we shall meet sooner or
later. If when we renew our acquaintance with them we can tell them
that we officiated in the Temple ordinances for them, it will afford
us joy as well as them; but if when we shall meet them we are not the
bearers of such welcome intelligence, feelings of remorse will
overtake us in not having done our duty, when opportunity was afforded
us to do so. These are some of my reflections relative to some of our
present and immediate duties.

Vol. 19,  p.29
I am pleased to say that wherever I go I perceive a willingness on the
part of the people to build Temples, and also to become united in
establishing ourselves upon such a basis as will make us independent
of the surrounding world, producing and manufacturing everything we
need for use and wear, and thus become self-sustaining; so that when
Babylon shall fall we may sustain no loss.

Vol. 19,  p.29
There has never been a generation of time so important as the one in
which we live. Our prospects too are peculiarly and unusually
encouraging, for the Gospel we preach will never be taken away from
the earth, and as long as we prove faithful we will maintain our
rights which God has given us. There is a prospect too of our
posterity living when peace for the space of a thousand years shall be
on this earth, when the Savior and holy beings will visit with men in
the flesh, and then his glory will surround the habitation of the
Saints. I know of no previous dispensation that had such encouraging
and glorious prospects.[p.30] 

Vol. 19,  p.30
Then let me say to the Latter-day Saints, let us practice the
principles of our holy religion, be willing to be directed and used
for the good of our Father's cause, in whatever capacity we may be
placed, and be servants and Saints of God in very deed. And that this
may be our happy lot is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Orson Pratt, May 18, 1877

Prayer By Elder Orson Pratt, on the Occasion of Dedicating 
the Temple Site at Logan, Cache County, Utah, on 
Friday, at 12 M. O'Clock, May 18, 1877.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.30
O God, the Eternal Father, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, thy
people and thy servants have met together upon this ground, for the
purpose of dedicating the same unto the Lord our God, for building a
house to thy name, even a Temple, wherein thy servants and thy
handmaidens may receive such blessings as thou hast ordained to be
bestowed upon thy people, that are pure in heart. We desire, our
Father, that we may do this work with holiness of heart, that we may
have the Spirit of the Lord our God to rest upon us, that we may
dedicate and consecrate this place to be most holy—a sacred and holy
place unto thee, whereon may be erected a Temple that shall be
acceptable in thy sight. By virtue and authority of thy holy
Priesthood, we do dedicate and consecrate this Temple site, and its
immediate surroundings. We pray that it may be sanctified, that the
foundation thereof may be steadfast, that it may be permanent, even as
a rock.

Vol. 19,  p.30
We pray that thou wilt bless those who shall labor thereon; those that
shall make the necessary excavation for the basement story; those that
shall quarry the rock, either from the quarries of the mountains or of
the valleys; those who shall be engaged thereon and have the
superintendence of this place; those that shall shape and cut the rock
and prepare them to be placed in their proper places on the building;
those who shall be engaged in drawing the sand, the lime and the clay,
and in working the mortar; and all those that shall be engaged in any
way on the erection of the building, whether in cutting and preparing
the timbers, in quarrying rock, or in whatever work they may be
engaged, pertaining to the building of this Temple, that they may be
preserved by thy power, that thy protection may be over them, that thy
holy angels may be with them, and that they may labor with their
mights upon the edifice, until it shall be finished, until it shall be
prepared for a still further dedication; that it may be built
according to the instructions and inspiration and revelations of thy
[p.31] Holy Spirit, that shall rest more especially upon the First
Presidency of thy Church; that thou wilt reveal to them the pattern of
this building, and all things appertaining to its entire construction,
that the same may be given to them by the inspiration of thy Spirit;
that thou wilt raise up those who shall be skilled workmen to adorn
and beautify the various apartments, and beautify and adorn the
pulpits that shall be made for the various orders and presidents of
thy holy Priesthood, and for all the work that shall be placed upon
this holy Temple; that for strength, and for grandeur, and for beauty,
it may be a house which thou shalt delight in. For, O Lord, we know
that thou hast promised to place thy name in the House that thy people
build to thee, if they shall do the work with holiness of heart. But
thou, O Lord, dwellest in heaven, in thy celestial abode, and thou art
clothed with greatness, glory and power, but yet thou dost condescend
to have holy places here upon the earth, where thou canst more fully
manifest thyself to thy servants and handmaidens. We therefore pray
that the house which thy people shall erect upon this spot may be a
holy place, where the inhabitants of Logan, of Wellsville, of Hyrum,
and of all the towns and counties round about, that shall assist in
the work of building, may be abundantly blessed therein; that it may
be a place, a holy place, a holy sanctuary to them; that those of thy
people who shall seek thee in thy house, and shall offer their prayers
and their supplications to thee, may be heard in heaven, thy dwelling
place, and their petitions be answered to them, according to the
righteousness of their hearts.

Vol. 19,  p.31
We pray that thy blessing may be upon all those upon whom thou hast
laid this duty of erecting this Temple, that they may be stirred up
with great energy and much faith, to devote their means, and their
ability and talents, and all that thou hast given to them, to perform
the work that thou hast, through thy servants, required at their
hands; that they, when it is completed, may have a place in this
House; that they may receive ordinances therein; that it may be a
house wherein they can minister for themselves, in their washings, in
their anointings, in their endowments, in their baptisms for their
dead, in their confirmations, and in their sealing ordinances; that in
all of these things thy people may accomplish the work which is
required of them, in this House; and that records thereof may be kept,
and that there may be a place in thy House for the holy records of thy
Church—records that shall be acceptable in thy sight, records that
shall he most holy, and stand to the justification of thy people who
adminster therein, and those who receive ordinances therein, whether
for themselves or their dead; that out of all these books thy people
may be judged, according to their works, according to that which they
do, in thy name, with uprightness of heart.

Vol. 19,  p.31
Now, holy Father, we ask thee to bless this Temple site, this land on
which this House shall be erected. Bless the elements thereof, that
the same may be sanctified and purified and made holy. Bless the
waters that come down from the mountains, whether they shall be
conveyed in ditches, or aqueducts, or canals, that they may be blessed
and made pure, for the purposes for which they shall be used, in thy
holy Temple. We pray that thou wilt not only bless the place of the
building, but all its [p.32] surroundings; bless this plane or bench,
and the streets around, and the shade trees which are for the purpose
of ornamenting, that thy blessing may be upon them, that they may grow
to beautify the place of this sanctuary, that there may be a place
where thy people shall delight to congregate themselves, and wherein
they shall delight to enter into holy communion in supplication to the
Most High, and to hold holy converse one with another.

Vol. 19,  p.32
May thy blessing be upon all those of thy people who reside in this
county and the surrounding counties, that shall do this work, that
they may be blessed in their basket, and stores—blessed in their
orchards and gardens, in their farms and fruits. Wilt thou, O Lord,
restrain the coldness of the climate, the frosts and the snows, that
they may not fall upon the earth out of season, that the earth may not
fail to yield to thy people rich harvests, that they may reap and
gather in great abundance? May thy blessings be upon all the labors of
their hands, and grant that their flocks may be greatly increased and
multiplied. Wilt thou bless their labors in their endeavors to
beautify their habitations, and in planting out shade trees to make
this a delightful place, upon this thy footstool?

Vol. 19,  p.32
O Lord, bless him whom thou hast inspired, even thy servant, President
Brigham Young, to say to thy people, "Build to the Lord a house in
this part of the Territory." Bless him, O Lord, with long life; bless
him with exceedingly great health and strength of body. Remove from
him all the infirmities of old age. Grant, O Lord, that he may live to
see this House erected, finished and set in order, according to thy
righteous will, that within its walls he may rejoice in the midst of
his brethren, and not only live to see the finishing of this Temple,
but to behold the completion of the Temple to be erected in Salt Lake
City, and the one commenced at Manti, in Sanpete County; that he may
rejoice and be made glad in all thy goodness, and in beholding the
beauty of the works of the hands of thy people, and thy blessings that
shall be in their midst. Bless, O Lord, his generations after him,
that they may rise up and be mighty men in the earth; that they may be
clothed with the power and the spirit, so abundantly manifested upon
their respected father; and may his descendants, in all generations,
enjoy, even more abundantly, superior wisdom and knowledge and
understanding from the heavens, to discern in their several callings
all things which shall tend to the blessing and glory and future
exaltation and progress of mankind on the earth; and that there never
may be a time or period, in all the generations of this world, when he
shall not be represented by a numerous posterity, who shall enjoy the
fullness of the holy Priesthood, and the powers, blessings, and keys
thereof.

Vol. 19,  p.32
Bless, O Lord, his Counselors and the Council of the Twelve Apostles,
and bless all who preside, not only in this Stake of Zion, when it
shall be more fully set in order, but in all the Stakes of Zion
throughout these mountain regions. Bless this whole community, that
they may be prepared to enter into thy House, when it shall be
completed, with clean hands and pure hearts.

Vol. 19,  p.32
May blessings, and heavenly manifestations, and excellency of wisdom,
and fullness of knowledge be the portion of thy Priesthood and of thy
Saints, throughout all their dwelling places, but more especially in
these holy places, appointed and dedicated unto thy great name,
wherein thou [p.33] wilt dwell among thy people forevermore. Hear, O
Lord, these humble petitions of thy people, and mercifully accept the
dedication of this ground, by thy servants. All of which we humbly do,
and ask for, in the name of thy beloved Son, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Brigham Young, May 18, 1877

Remarks By President Brigham Young, Made at the 
Close of the Foregoing Dedicatory Prayer.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.33
Brethren, if you will give me your attention, I will say a few words
to you. We have dedicated this spot of ground upon which we expect to
erect a Temple, in which to administer the ordinances of the House of
God. Into this house, when it is completed, we expect to enter to
enjoy the blessings of the priesthood, and receive our washings, our
anointings, our endowments, and our sealings; and the brethren will be
sealed to brethren to connect the links and make perfect the chain
from ourselves to Father Adam. This is the object of the Temple which
we are about to commence building at this place. We require the
brethren and the sisters to go to with their might and erect this
Temple; and from the architect to the boy that carries the drinking
water to the men that work on the building, we wish them to understand
that wages are entirely out of the question. We are going to build
this House for ourselves, and we shall expect the brethren and
sisters, neighborhood after neighborhood, ward after ward, to turn out
their proportion of men to come here and labor as they shall be
notified by the proper authorities.

Vol. 19,  p.33
This may be called a temporal work, but it pertains to the salvation
of ourselves as well as our friends who have passed behind the vail,
and also to the generations that are to come after us. We can carry
this Temple forward with our labor, without any burden to ourselves if
our hearts are in the work, and we will be blessed abundantly in doing
so. We will be better off in our temporal affairs when it is completed
than when we commenced, or than we would be if we did not build it.

Vol. 19,  p.33
The time we enjoy is the Lord's, but we have the permission to dictate
its use according to our own good pleasure. When the brethren come to
work on this Temple they may expect to be blessed of the Lord, in
proportion to their faith. We feel to ask the brethren to go to as
they may be called upon by those who shall be placed to take charge of
the work, and complete the building in three years from next fall—I
think it can be done within that time—that[p.34]  we may come up and
commence to give endowments. This work can be done with all ease in
that time if we are disposed to.

Vol. 19,  p.34
We pray for you continually, that you may be blessed. I feel to bless
you according to the power and keys of the holy priesthood bestowed
upon me, and my brethren with me, heart and hand, and all the Saints
feel to say "Amen," feel to bless each other, feel to do the work of
the Lord, and dismiss the narrow, contracted, covetous feelings that
are so interwoven with the feelings of our natures. It seems hard to
get rid of them, but we must overcome them and unite ourselves
together in the holy order of God, that we may be Saints of the Most
High, with our interests, our faith and labors, that our hopes and the
results of our labors may be concentrated in the salvation of the
human family.

Vol. 19,  p.34
Brethren and Sisters, try to realize these things. Awake and lay these
things to heart. Seek to the Lord to know his mind and will, and when
you ascertain it also to have the will to do it.

Vol. 19,  p.34
God bless you, Amen.

John Taylor, May 18, 1877

Remarks By Elder John Taylor, on the Temple Ground.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.34
I feel to rejoice to see the work of God progressing as it is today,
and to witness the spirit and feeling that are being manifested among
the Saints everywhere throughout the Territory for the advancement of
His Church and Kingdom on the earth. In my visit south to attend
Conference, I felt to rejoice exceedingly in seeing the Temple
completed at St. George. It is a most beautiful building, pure and
white as the driven snow, both outside and in. It is elegant in
design, and there is a manifest propriety and adaptability in all its
arrangements. The labor and finish exhibit talent and artistic skill
of the highest order, and it is chaste, exquisite, appropriate, and
beautiful in all its appointments.

Vol. 19,  p.34
Approaching from the north, with the black basaltic lava mountain
frowning on the background, and the grim red sandstone nearer its
base, relieved indeed by the beautiful city of St. George, with its
shrubberies, its gardens and orchards, its vines, its trees and
flowers, it stands as a chaste memorial, a sweet elysium, a haven of
repose, in this beautiful oasis of the desert; and is a proud and
lasting monument of its originator and designer, the fidelity of the
architect, the skill of the mechanics, and the faith, self-denial,
[p.35] liberality and devotion of the Latter-day Saints.

Vol. 19,  p.35
When I visited that holy Temple, accompanied by my brethren who were
with me, we experienced a sacred thrill of joy, and a solemn,
reverential sensation. As we entered its sacred portals, we felt that
we were standing on holy ground, and experienced, with one of old,
"Surely this is the House of God, and the gate of heaven." That is not
simply a metaphorical expression, but a reality, for it is in that
House, and it will be in the House to be built on this ground, that
the most sacred ordinances of God are to be performed, which are
associated with the interest and happiness of the human family, living
and dead. I felt to rejoice in my heart that we had been thus far
successful in the building of one temple to the name of our Father and
God.

Vol. 19,  p.35
On our return from St. George, when we came to Manti, in Sanpete
County, we found a place dedicated and set apart like this ground has
been. Again I felt to rejoice to witness the spirit and feeling that
were manifested among the brethren in that district of country;
everybody seemed desirous to commence the work of building the Temple.
When I heard of the one to be erected here my joy was still greater,
and I am indeed very happy for the privilege of meeting with you, of
taking part in this dedication, of listening to the prayer of Brother
Pratt and the remarks of President Young, all of which were dictated
by the Spirit of the living God, all of which have their meaning, and
ought to influence our hearts and minds, and lead us to take a deep
and abiding interest in the great and important things that are going
on in our midst and around about us. They are things in which the
angels and gods are interested, and in which God our Father is
interested, and all the ancient prophets and holy men of God that have
ever lived; all feel interested in these things which we are now
engaged in, and all stand ready to approve of our works. If we go to
work with all our hearts and with all our souls, we can accomplish it
within the time the President has given us. Yes, I will venture to say
we can do it in two-and-a-half years, instead of three-and-a-half
years. If we can lay aside our narrow, contracted ideas, and feel that
we are servants of the living God, that we are operating and
co-operating with Him and with the holy Priesthood behind the veil for
the accomplishment of this object, then the power and blessing of
Almighty God will be upon us and be within us, and we will feel like
giants refreshed with new wine, and the work of God will roll on, Zion
will arise and shine, and the glory of God will rest upon her.

Vol. 19,  p.35
I say "Amen" to the prayer of Brother Pratt, and to the remarks of
President Young, and I say God bless our President and his Counselors,
God bless the Twelve, and God bless the Presidents and Bishops and
every good man that fears him and keeps his commandments. Amen.[p.36] 

Brigham Young, June 17, 1877

Trying to Be Saints—Treasures of the Everlasting 
Hills—the Hill Cumorah—Obedience to True Principle 
the Key to Knowledge—All Enjoyment Comes From God—
Organization—Duties of Officers—Final Results

Discourse By President Brigham Young, Delivered 
at a Special Conference Held at Farmington, for the Purpose of 
Organizing a Stake of Zion for the County of Davis, on 
Sunday Afternoon June 17, 1877.

(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs)

Vol. 19,  p.36
I esteem it a privilege to meet with the Latter day Saints. I have
visited Farmington many times, and I can say that, as a general thing
in attending your meetings, I have felt much of the peace and
blessings that flow from heaven to this people.

Vol. 19,  p.36
I have no doubt that the majority of the people called Latter-day
Saints desire really to be Saints; were it not for this I might feel
partially discouraged. The people who are honest, who are seeking to
know and to understand the truth, they are the ones who, so far as
their faith and good works, and their influence and ability are
concerned, sustain the kingdom that God has commenced to establish on
the earth. When we consider the condition of the Latter-day Saints,
and see how many there are who seem to have their eyes fixed upon the
things of this world, things that are not lasting, but that perish in
the handling, and how anxious they are to obtain them, how do you
think I feel about it? We see many of the Elders of Israel desirous of
becoming wealthy, and they adopt any course that they think will bring
them riches, which to me is as unwise as anything can be—to see men of
wisdom, men that seem to have an understanding of the world and of the
things of God, searching after minerals throughout these mountains;
they traverse the hills, and they dig here and there, and keep digging
and picking, and rolling the rocks from morning till night. This chain
of mountains has been followed from the north to the south, and its
various spurs have been prospected, and what do they find? Just enough
to allure them, and to finally lead them from the faith, and at last
to make them miserable and poor. Ask the brethren why they do this,
and the ready reply will be, "Is it not my privilege to find a gold
mine, or a silver mine, as well as others?" As far as I am concerned I
would say, "Yes, certainly it is your privilege, if you can find one."
But do you know how to find such a mine? No, you do not. These
treasures that are in the earth [p.37] are carefully watched, they can
be removed from place to place according to the good pleasure of Him
who made them and owns them. He has his messengers at his service, and
it is just as easy for an angel to remove the minerals from any part
of one of these mountains to another, as it is for you and me to walk
up and down this hall. This, however, is not understood by the
Christian world, nor by us as a people. There are certain
circumstances that a number of my brethren and sisters have heard me
relate, that will demonstrate this so positively, that none need doubt
the truth of what I say.

Vol. 19,  p.37
I presume there are some present who have heard me narrate a
circumstance with regard to the discovery of a gold mine in Little
Cottonwood Cañon, and I will here say that the specimens taken from
it, which I have in my possession today, are as fine specimens of gold
as ever were found on this continent. A man whom some of you will well
know, brought to me a most beautiful nugget. I told him to let the
mine alone.

Vol. 19,  p.37
When General Conner came here, he did considerable prospecting; and in
hunting through the Cottonwoods, he had an inkling that there was gold
there. Porter, as we generally call him, came to me one day, saying,
"They have struck within four inches of my lode, what shall I do?" He
was carried away with the idea that he must do something. I therefore
told him to go with the other brethren interested, and make his claim.
When he got through talking, I said to him, "Porter, you ought to know
better; you have seen and heard things which I have not, and are a man
of long experience in this Church. I want to tell you one thing; they
may strike within four inches of that lode as many times as they have
a mind to, and they will not find it." They hunted and hunted,
hundreds of them did; and I had the pleasure of laughing at him a
little, for when he went there again, he could not find it himself."
(Laughter.)

Vol. 19,  p.37
Sometimes I take the liberty of talking a little further with regard
to such things. Orin P. Rockwell is an eye-witness to some powers of
removing the treasures of the earth. He was with certain parties that
lived near by where the plates were found that contain the records of
the Book of Mormon. There were a great many treasures hid up by the
Nephites. Porter was with them one night where there were treasures,
and they could find them easy enough, but they could not obtain them.

Vol. 19,  p.37
I will tell you a story which will be marvelous to most of you. It was
told me by Porter, whom I would believe just as quickly as any man
that lives. When he tells a thing he understands, he will tell it just
as he knows it; he is a man that does not lie. He said that on this
night, when they were engaged hunting for this old treasure, they dug
around the end of a chest for some twenty inches. The chest was about
three feet square. One man who was determined to have the contents of
that chest, took his pick and struck into the lid of it, and split
through into the chest. The blow took off a piece of the lid, which a
certain lady kept in her possession until she died. That chest of
money went into the bank. Porter describes it so [making a rumbling
sound]; he says this is just as true as the heavens are. I have heard
others tell the same story. I relate this because it is [p.38]
marvelous to you. But to those who understand these things, it is not
marvelous.

Vol. 19,  p.38
You hear a great deal said about finding money. There is no difficulty
at all in finding money, but there are a great many people who do not
know what to do with it when they do find it. This is the great defect
with the human family. I could relate many very singular
circumstances. I lived right in the country where the plates were
found from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and I know a great
many things pertaining to that country. I believe I will take the
liberty to tell you of another circumstance that will be as marvelous
as anything can be. This is an incident in the life of Oliver Cowdery,
but he did not take the liberty of telling such things in meeting as I
take. I tell these things to you, and I have a motive for doing so. I
want to carry them to the ears of my brethren and sisters, and to the
children also, that they may grow to an understanding of some things
that seem to be entirely hidden from the human family. Oliver Cowdery
went with the Prophet Joseph when he deposited these plates. Joseph
did not translate all of the plates; there was a portion of them
sealed, which you can learn from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them
back to the hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph
and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave,
in which there was a large and spacious room. He says he did not
think, at the time, whether they had the light of the sun or
artificial light; but that it was just as light as day. They laid the
plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under
this table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and
there were altogether in this room more plates than probably many
wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls.
The first time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall;
but when they went again it had been taken down and laid upon the
table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was written
these words: "This sword will never be sheathed again until the
kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our God and his Christ."
I tell you this as coming not only from Oliver Cowdery, but others who
were familiar with it, and who understood it just as well as we
understand coming to this meeting, enjoying the day, and by and by we
separate and go away, forgetting most of what is said, but remembering
some things. So is it with other circumstances in life. I relate this
to you, and I want you to understand it. I take this liberty of
referring to those things so that they will not be forgotten and lost.
Carlos Smith was a young man of as much veracity as any young man we
had, and he was a witness to these things. Samuel Smith saw some
things, Hyrum saw a good many things, but Joseph was the leader.

Vol. 19,  p.38
Now, you may think I am unwise in publicly telling these things,
thinking perhaps I should preserve them in my own breast; but such is
not my mind. I would like the people called Latter-day Saints to
understand some little things with regard to the workings and dealings
of the Lord with his people here upon the earth. I could relate to you
a great many more, all of which are familiar to many of our brethren
[p.39] and sisters.

Vol. 19,  p.39
Now, should you go prospecting for gold or silver, you will find just
enough to allure you and to destroy you. But it might be said, "Are
not the earth and the treasures the property of the Lord who created
them, and will he not, according to the promise, give them to his
faithful disciples?" O yes, this is strictly correct; but you mark
this—the man who is faithful to his calling and to this holy
Priesthood, never goes hunting for gold or silver unless he is sent.
Such men are found following their legitimate pursuits, working in
their fields, in their workshops and gardens, making beautiful their
habitations; in other words, engaged building up and assisting to
establish the Zion of God on the earth, with their minds centered on
the true riches and not upon the things of this world. People do not
know it, but I know there is a seal set upon the treasures of earth;
men are allowed to go so far and no farther. I have known places where
there were treasures in abundance; but could men get them? No. You can
read in the Book of Mormon of the ancient Nephites holding their
treasures, and of their becoming slippery; so that after they had
privately hid their money, on going to the place again, lo and behold
it was not there, but was somewhere else, but they knew not where. The
people do not understand this; I wish they did, for they would then do
as I do, pay attention to the legitimate business that God has given
them to perform. Do I run after mines or digging holes in the ground?
No, not at all. It is like the will-o'-the wisp, a jack o'-lantern.
You ask our business men, or go to California, and enquire there
whether it pays to hunt for gold. I will venture to say there never
was a dollar taken from the mountains of California, neither from
these mountains west, nor from out of this Territory, but what cost
from ten to one hundred dollars. Do you believe that? It is said a
great deal of money has been made here and there. Who has made it?
Considerable lead has been taken from here, and a little silver; but
when you count the time that has been spent, and after putting a fair
valuation upon it, you will find what I say to be a fact, to say
nothing of the lives and property that are lost. A little town
directly west of here, some fifteen months ago, contained a certain
number of men, who followed mining. We calculated their time at the
rate of what was paid for common labor; and then we ascertained the
amount realized from the treasure taken out of the earth, which was
well known; and it was shown that they spent in the neighborhood of
seven hundred dollars a day, and got in return about thirty. What they
did get was just sufficient to allure them.

Vol. 19,  p.39
The Lord has permitted our enemies to come among us, who would destroy
us if they could. They are only allowed to allure the minds of the
foolish and those who lack judgment and who know not the things of
God. But when we, as individuals and as a people, learn things as they
are, we will find this fact—all truth is worthy and worth possessing,
while all untruth is not worthy nor worth running after, nor working
for, nor spending our lives for. The Gospel of life and salvation
which God has revealed to us, incorporates all the systems there are.
Every true principle and every true science, and every truth there is,
are incorporated within the faith [p.40] of the Latter-day Saints.
This is something worth possessing, this is worth spending our time
for; but the religions of the day, independent of their moral worth,
are nothing but a myth, a shadow; there is no reality in them. But
when you come to the philosophy of the religion of heaven, you have
facts in your possession that are worth having, they are worthy the
admiration of the wise, the prudent, the noble, the great and those
that seek after the wisdom that comes from God, and the Latter-day
Saints are in possession of this treasure! What are we doing? If we
were the people of God, as we profess to be, there would not be a
dissenting voice in all Israel in obeying the Priesthood It was
observed this morning by brother Cannon with regard to yielding
obedience, that we were called upon to yield obedience because it was
a command of God, and our faith demands obedience. To what? Why?
Wherefore? Obedience to every principle of truth. What for? So that we
may become possessors of all truth. Why should we do it? Because it
gives us health, it gives us wealth, it gives us knowledge, it gives
us power, it gives us beauty, it gives us excellency, it gives us
treasures on the earth and treasures in heaven, it gives us a
knowledge of God and of the love of God, it gives us fellowship with
the Saints that are sanctified and glorified, and it gives us all
things that will promote happiness and peace. These are the reasons
why we do it. Should you take the other road, what do you get?
Nothing. When persons turn away from the Gospel of the Son of God,
what do they turn to? Nothing. And what do they turn from hereafter?
All things worth possessing, everything that men and the Gods can
possess in time and in eternity. Take the other road, and you get a
shadow for the time being, and you may think you have the substance,
but sooner or later you are left as a feather floating in the air, or
worse than a ship upon the ocean, without compass or rudder, deprived
of the light of the sun, the moon and the stars, tossed hither and
thither until it sinks to rise no more. In order to yield obedience to
the truth, you must love the truth and have the fear of God in your
hearts. All who feel the true spirit