Book of Abraham Project
/ Presidents of the Church
/ John Taylor (1880-1887)
John Taylor (1880-1887) |
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DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at the Semi Annual Conference, Held in the New Tabernacle,
Salt Lake City, Saturday Afternoon, Oct. 6, 1877.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE VOICE OF GOD, THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE--THE POSITION OF
THE TWELVE--READINGS FROM DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS.
I am very happy to find so great an unanimity of feeling in the
voting, as has been manifested at this Conference. There is a very common
axiom in the world, "Vox populi, vox dei," or "The voice of the people is
the voice of God." Although the voice of the people is very important, we
do not believe in that action separate and alone. It was usual among
ancient Israel for the Lord to speak, presenting his laws, ordinances, and
commandments to the people, then they were presented to the people, and
then all the people said "Amen." Then it was the voice of God and the
voice of the people; or, in other words, the voice of the people assenting
to the voice of God.
In relation to the duties devolving upon the Twelve, in consequence
of the changes that have recently taken place, I can say, in behalf of
myself and my brethren, that their full weight and responsibility are felt
by us. Unless we had the sanction of the people we would be unwilling to
assume them, and, were it not that these things are plainly laid down in
the law of God, we would not have accepted the situation that we find
ourselves placed in to-day. We feel now that unless God is with us we can
accomplish nothing that can in anywise be for the welfare of Zion, or the
building up of his kingdom on the earth. Those are my feelings, and those
are the feelings of my brethren. It is not with us as viewed by the world
generally, that there is something so very honorable in office, for we
have learned that in order that any office in the government of the Church
and kingdom might be made honorable, the office itself must be honored,
and that, too, by faithfully complying with the laws of God governing it.
Then it is a high honor conferred upon man from the Lord, and the Twelve
so appreciate it. Whilst they thank you for the confidence which you have
manifested in them, at the same time they feel to rely upon God, and to
ask that you will remember them before the throne of our heavenly Father
in your prayers and daily supplications, that we may be guided by that
wisdom and intelligence that flows from above, for without the aid,
guidance, and direction of the Almighty, we can do nothing acceptably to
him.
I have said very little, very little indeed, since the death of our
esteemed President, Brigham Young. I have had various reasons for that.
One is, my heart has felt sorrowful and pained, for we have lost a man who
stood prominent in Israel for the last thirty-three years, yes, for
upwards of forty or forty-five years. He is taken away, and all Israel
felt to mourn the event. This is one reason why I have been so silent.
Another is, a great many questions have had to be decided, arrangements
made and investigations had, in regard to the proper course to pursue
pertaining to these very important matters. Still another reason is, I
did not wish to put myself forward, nor have I, as the Twelve here can
bear me witness. [The Twelve unanimously gave their assent.] I have not
had any more hand in these affairs than any of the members of my Quorum;
but I am happy to say that in all matters upon which we have deliberated,
we have been of one heart and one mind. When brothers Pratt and Smith
returned from England, as you will have learned from their published
letter, their sentiments were precisely the same as ours, and also the
Counselors of President Young, whom we esteem and honor in their place,
are also united with us. We are glad to have them with us, as our friends
and associates, and Counselors to the Twelve. I pray that the blessing of
God may rest upon them, and lead them in the paths of life, and that they
with the Twelve may unite together as a grand phalanx, not in our own
individual interests, but in the interests of the Church and kingdom of
God, and the building up of his Zion on the earth; for the Priesthood is
not instituted for the purpose of personal aggrandizement or personal
honor, but it is for the accomplishment of certain purposes of which the
Lord is the Author and Designer, and in which the dead, the living and the
unborn are interested. We ought, brethren, all of us, to feel and act as
though we were the servants of the living God, feeling in our hearts an
honest desire to do his will and establish his purposes on the earth. If
we can be united in our faith, our acts and labors, as we have been in our
voting, as manifested at this Conference, the heavens will smile upon us,
the angels of God will manifest themselves to us, the power of God will be
in our midst, and Zion will arise and shine, and the glory of God rest
upon her.
[By request, Elder Geo. Q. Cannon read from the Doctrine and
Covenants the following extract from a communication entitled, A Prayer
and Prophecies, written by Joseph, the Seer, while in Liberty Jail, Clay
County, Missouri, March 20, 1839, commencing at the 34th paragraph:
"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they
not chosen?
"Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world,
and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson--
"That the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the
powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controled [sic]
nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That that may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we
undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition,
or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the
children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens
withdraw themselves, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is
withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood, or the authority of that man. Behold!
ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to
persecute the Saints, and to fight against God," etc. See page 87, new
edition.]
I wanted to have this excellent instruction read over in your
hearing, for it was true and profitable at the time it was written, and it
is so today. If we possess the Spirit that flows from God, and that
dwells in his bosom, we shall possess the spirit of kindness and love and
affection, that will eventually bind us in the bonds of eternal union. It
becomes us, as servants and handmaidens of God, to seek after these
things, that we may be full of light and life, and the power and
intelligence of God, and feel that we are indeed children of the Most
High, that he is our Father, and that, with the ancient Prophets and
Apostles, and the Gods of the eternal worlds, we will unite in
accomplishing the work God designed from the commencement of the world.
No man or set of men need think that the work will stop, for God has
decreed that it shall go onward, and no power this side of hell can stop
its progress. The Lord is with us, the great Jehovah is our shield and
our buckler; the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our King, the Lord is our
Ruler, and he shall rule over us.
May God help us to be faithful in the observance of his laws, that we
may secure to ourselves eternal lives in his kingdom, is my prayer in the
name of Jesus. Amen.
TOP
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at the Semi-Annual Conference Held in the New Tabernacle,
Salt Lake City, Sunday Afternoon, Oct 7, 1877.
(Reported by Geo F. Gibbs.)
THE TRUSTEESHIP--PRESIDENT YOUNG'S LABORS--THE PRIESTHOOD, ITS POSITION,
DUTIES, ETC.--KIRTLAND AND NAUVOO TEMPLES--SAVIORS UPON MOUNT
ZION--EMIGRATION OF THE POOR--BUILDING OF THE TABERNACLES--THE UNITED
ORDER.
There are one or two items I wish to present before you in relation
to the Trusteeship. I have been appointed to that office, and I feel that
I need some assistance in regard to the duties devolving upon me in that
capacity. I am desirous to have the matter laid before this Conference.
One thing I refer to is the auditing of the accounts of the
Trustee-in-Trust. I therefore beg to present three names, as an auditing
committee, for the sanction of this Conference--namely, Wilford Woodruff,
Erastus Snow, and Joseph F. Smith. [On motion, they were unanimously
sustained.]
There is another subject that I wish to present, one which pertains
more particularly to my brethren of the Twelve. I suppose that most of
you know that they have traveled and labored for a very long period, some
of them for forty years and upwards, without purse or scrip, while almost
everybody else has been paid for his services. It does seem proper to me
that they should be placed, at least, on an equal footing with other
people, particularly as their labors necessarily increase. In consequence
of our present organizations, necessitating their frequent visits to our
quarterly Conferences, in addition to other duties accumulating upon them,
rendering it impossible for them to pay any attention to their own private
affairs. My proposition, and I know it will meet with the hearty response
of the brethren generally, is that they have a reasonable recompense for
their services, and that the Trustee-in-Trust be authorized to arrange
this matter. I would wish these same remarks to apply also to the
Counselors of the Twelve. [The motion was put and unanimously sustained.]
As has been remarked, the condition we occupy to-day is a very
important one. There has been a change of Presidency, and necessarily a
change of administration. In the providence of God our heavenly Father,
he has seen fit to take from us our beloved President Brigham Young, who
has so long labored in our midst. It is one of those occasions that cause
reflection and thought, casting a degree of gloom among this whole people.
We have felt sorry tolose his counsel, to be deprived of that wisdom and
intelligence that have characterized him in all of his administrations.
For they have been of such a nature as not only to interest the Latter-day
Saints, but his name has become famous throughout the world. Brigham
Young needs no factitious aid to perpetuate his memory; his labors have
been exhibited during the last forty-five years in his preaching, in his
writing, in his counsels, in the wisdom and intelligence he has displayed,
in our exodus from Nauvoo; in the building of cities throughout the length
and breadth of this Territory, in his opposition to vice and his
protection of virtue, purity and right. These things are well known and
understood by the Latter-day Saints, and also by thousands and millions of
others. But, as with his predecessor, Joseph Smith, who had to leave,
while we are called upon to mourn a President dead, angels announce a
President born in the eternal worlds; he has only gone to move in another
state of existence. But then in speaking of these things we would not
eulogise [sic] only the man, for Brigham Young, although so great a man
could have done nothing towards developing the purposes of God unless
aided and sustained by him. Joseph Smith could have done nothing,
neither, as I have already said, can the Twelve Apostles accomplish
anything unless they receive the same divine support. The work we are
engaged in emanated from God, and what did Joseph Smith know about it
until God revealed it? Nothing. What did President Young, or the Twelve,
or anybody else, know about it before the heavenly messengers, even God
himself, same to break the long, long silencc [sic] of ages, revealing
through his Son, Jesus Christ, and the holy angels, the everlasting
Gospel? Nothing at all. We were all alike ignorant until heaven revealed
it. Then in the administration of these things the heavens are
interested. These my brethren before me, this Priesthood that assembled
yesterday in their various quorums, all of them have assisted in this
work, all have more or less been preaching and laboring in the interest of
Zion, in the building up of this the kingdom of God upon the earth. So
that it is not by any means an individual affair, as many totally ignorant
of it suppose and say it is; it is not in the wisdom of this man or the
intelligence of the other, but it is the wisdom and guidance of God, and
by his sustaining hand, that this whole people are led forward, and that
this kingdom has an existence upon the earth. For my part, I would say
to-day as Moses did on a certain occasion, when God said he would not go
up with the children of Israel because they were rebellious people, "If
thy presence go not with us, carry us not up hence;" or, in other words, I
want nothing to do with so great an undertaking as the leading forth of
this people without the Lord's assistance. I would say to-day, if God be
not with us, if we are not sustained by the almighty power of Jehovah, if
his guiding and protecting hand be not over us, I want nothing to do with
it. But he is with us, and we know it. The feeling that was manifested
here yesterday, is most creditable to Israel, it is approved of by the
Gods in the eternal worlds; and if we carry out in our practice and daily
lives that union which we manifested in our voting, the Lord God will
continue to pour upon us his blessing until we shall be united in all
things, temporal and spiritual, which unity we have got to come to. When
this is achieved, Zion will arise and shine, and then the glory of our God
will rest upon her, then his power will be made manifest in our midst.
You heard this morning a good deal said, and that very correctly too,
in relation to Priesthood and the organization thereof, and the position
we occupy in relation to these matters. You voted yesterday that the
Twelve should be Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. This may seem strange
to some who do not comprehend these principles, but not to those who do.
The same vote was proposed by Joseph Smith and voted for in the Temple in
Kirtland, so long ago as that; consequently there is nothing new in this.
And, as you heard this morning, this is embraced in the Apostleship, which
has been given by the Almighty, and which embraces all the keys, powers
and authorities ever conferred upon man. I do not wish to enter into the
details of this matter; you will find them in the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants, very clearly portrayed, and I refer you there for the evidences
on these points.
You heard too that although the Priesthood held certain powers and
privileges, the manifestations and powers thereof were only conferred
according to the exigencies of the case and the necessities and
requirements thereof. God has conferred upon us these blessings, but here
are certain manifestations and powers that must come directly from him,
and it is the duty of the Twelve to hunt up, search after, pray for and
obtain them; and it is also the duty of these Presidents of Stakes,
Bishops, High Priests, Seventies, and all men holding prominent positions,
to seek after and comprehend God, whom to know is life everlasting. We
need, all of us, to humble ourselves before the Almighty, for we are
before him, and all creation is, and hell and destruction are also without
a covering before him. As mortal and immortal beings, as men holding the
holy Priesthood that the Lord has conferred upon us for the establishment
of his kingdom the building up of his Zion, the redemption of the living
and the dead, it is of the utmost importance that we stand forth, everyone
of us, and magnify our several callings; for with all our weakness, with
all our infirmities, God has given unto us great treasures, which we hold
in these earthen vessels.
As has been referred to, the President was operated upon to organize
the Church throughout the Territory more completely; the Twelve were
called upon to visit every part of the Territory and organize it, which
they have done. There are now twenty different Stakes fully organized
with their Presidents and Counselors, with their High Councils, with
Bishops and their Counselors, who operate as common judges in Israel, and
with High Priests, Seventies, Elders, and the lesser Priesthood, that they
may administer in all things in their several Stakes under the direction
of the Twelve. As was remarked this morning, the Church never since the
day of its organization was so perfectly organized as it is to-day. What
has this been done for? Is it to place some men in positions of honor or
emolument? No, but it is to organize the Church and Kingdom of God
according to the pattern that exists in the heavens, that we may be
prepared to comply in all things with the ordinances of God, for, as we
are told "In the ordinances, the power of godliness is manifest, and
without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the
power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; for without this
no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live."
It is expected that these Presidents of Stakes be full of the Holy
Ghost and the power of God, that they feel and realize that they are the
servants of Jehovah, engaged in his work, and that he will require at
their hands an account of their stewardships. It is necessary also that
the High Councils and the Bishops act in the same way, together with the
High Priests, Seventies, Elders, and all those of the Aaronic Priesthood,
and that all operate together in the fear of God, for his eye is over you,
and he expects you to work righteousness and purge the Church from
iniquity, and teach the people correct principles and lead them in the
paths of life. This is what God requires at your hands.
Hence, while we are looking at these things and are engaged in these
organizations, there are other things necessarily connected therewith.
There has been a feeling working gradually upon the minds of the Saints
that many could not comprehend, nor tell where it came from, and that is
to build Temples President Young, the Twelve and the people generally have
felt drawn out in their feelings with an almost unaccountable desire for
the accomplishment of this object; and why? Can you tell me the reason?
It is very difficult sometimes to explain some of these matters to the
human mind. You heard this morning about Moses appearing in the Temple at
Kirtland, committing to Joseph Smith the Keys of the Gathering
Dispensation, over which Moses presided anciently, and over which he
presided to-day. Unless those keys had been restored and you had partaken
of that influence and spirit, would you have been here to-day? No, you
would not. When the Gospel went forth among the people, after the
appearing of Moses in the Temple, and the committing of the Keys of the
Gathering, when you Latter-day Saints received the Gospel of baptism for
remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy
Ghost, you also received the spirit of the gathering. You Elders before
me to-day might have preached nntil [sic] your tongues had cleaved to the
roof of your mouth, but if the Spirit of God had not accompanied your
administration in this regard, you could have accomplished nothing of any
worth. At the time this messenger came, there appeared another, even
Elijah, whose mission was to turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest (says the
Lord) I come and smite the earth with a curse. He committed these keys.
But before they were committed, what was done in the Temple? Did we
baptize for the dead there? No, we did not. Why? Because the keys were
not given. When they were given and afterwards when the Temple was built
in Nauvoo, then that spirit accompanied it, and we began to feel after our
fathers behind the vail, and they likewise began to feel after their
children. Brother Woodruff, who has been ministering in the St. George
Temple, could relate to you if he had the time, many things of great
importance, associated with these matters. Suffice it to say that the
purposes of God pertaining to the human family, which he had in his mind
before this world rolled into existence, or the morning stars sang
together for joy, all have to be accomplished in the salvation of the
living and in the redemption of the dead. These things you are acquainted
with: it is not necessary for me to talk much upon these subjects. But I
merely wish to refer to the spirit and influence and power that have
operated upon the Saints, and which are operating upon them throughout the
length and breadth of this Territory. That comes from the Priesthood
which existed before; it comes because the keys of that Priesthood have
again been restored to man. What is the result? Why, a desire to build
Temples. What for? That we may administer therein in those ordinances in
which they and we are so greatly interested. You heard through brother
Woodruff how many more administrations there had been for the dead than
for the living. This is because Elijah has been here and has delivered
the keys that turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, and we are
beginning to feel after them. Hence we are building a Temple here, one in
Sanpete, another in Cache Valley, and we have one already built in St.
George, all of which I think will be quite creditable buildings, which the
Lord and holy angels will accept. Do we devote our labor and our means?
Yes, we do; and it is this spirit which rests upon us that is prompting us
to do it, and it will not let us rest until these things are done. Why?
Because the keys of the Priesthood have brought us in connection with the
Priesthood in the heavens, of which we are a part, belonging to the Church
of the First Born, whose names are written in heaven. They are interested
in their children, whose children are our fathers. We have been called
together for the purpose, among other things, of operating with them in
this work; for they without us are not made perfect, as the Scripture
tells us. Therefore it is necessary that we should be here, building
Temples and ministering therein, that their seed and posterity may be
hunted up and looked after. We without them cannot be made perfect, for
we need the help and assistance and the power of God to sustain and guide
and direct us in our labors and administrations.
This is the thing Prest. Young has been engaged in with all his
might, mind and strength; this is the thing my brethren cf [sic] the
Twelve have been engaged in, and what we are engaged in to-day. This is
the thing that all Israel ought to be engaged in, for we are living only
for a short time here, and by and by we shall pass away, as our President
has done but it will only be to associate with another Priesthood, or the
same, if you please, in the eternal worlds, for the one is combined and
united with the other. The Priesthood that has lived before, and that
which lives now are eternal, and administer in time and in eternity; and
the principles which God has revealed to us draw aside the curtains of the
eternal worlds, giving us a glimpse within the vail, where Christ, our
Forerunner, has gone. We are gathered together, "one of a city and two of
a family," as the Prophet said they should be. And he says, `I' will
bring you to Zion." What will he do with them when he has brought them
there? "I will give them pastors after my own heart, which shall feed
them with knowledge and understanding." Again, "Saviors shall come up on
Mount Zion, to judge the Mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the
Lord's." Some talk about empires and kingdoms being built up by man.
This is the Lord's kingdom and not man's. The Lord is our God, he is our
king and our lawgiver, and he shall rule over us; and we will seek for and
obtain his help and power.
Saviors shall come up on Mount Zion, say the Scriptures. What is a
Savior? One who saves another, is it not? How could any man save people
if he knew not how, and how could he know except the Lord teach him? The
world often finds fault with us. There are no greater benefactors to the
world in existence than the Latter-day Saints are. There are no persons
who have done more for the benefit of mankind, according to their number,
than this people have. President Young, who is dead, and a number of
others who have passed away, as well as the Twelve and thousands of others
who still tarry, have traveled the length and breadth of the earth,
without purse or scrip, to preach the glad tidings of salvation which
heaven revealed to them. Do you find anybody else that has done it, or
that is doing it, outside of this Church? No, such a thing is unheard of.
We have gone forth, as the Scriptures say, bearing precious seed, and have
returned again rejoicing, bringing our sheaves with us. Is this anything
to hurt anybody? Does it interfere in the least with the rights of any?
No. Are there any in this city, who are not of us, that can show that
their religious rights, privileges, or principles have been interfered
whit or infringed upon by the Latter-day Saints, or by the authorities of
this Church? No, not one. If I knew of any that were in any way being
interfered with, I would be the first to protect them. These are our
feelings towards the world, and to those who say all manner of evil
against us.
We have expended millions upon millons [sic] in gathering the poor to
this land, by what is known as the Perpetual Emigration Fund. We may ask
why did this people in these valleys expend such large sums? Was it
because they were sending for relatives and friends? No, but because they
were of the family of Christ, the sons and daughters of God, and desired
to come to Zion. We have sent as much as five hundred teams at a time to
help out the poor. You have done it, and many of you have either sent
your sons or gone yourselves, and you have carried provisions for them as
well as bringing them here. I do not think there is very much harm in
that. And what then? When these same men who had received the message of
truth in far off lands, and who had been gathered there, had been further
instructed, we have sent them back again to the nations from whence they
came, to proclaim to their kindred and friends, to their tongue and
nation, what God had done for them. After fulfilling their missions they
return again. What to do? To slumber and sleep away their time? No, but
to continue their work in reclaiming the waste places, and to build
Temples in the interest of humanity, as the friends of God and of the
world.
There are, to-day, engaged working on our Temple, one hundred and
fifty men. What for? That a place may be found that will be acceptable
to God, and in which we may administer, in the name of the Lord, for our
dead as well as for our living. We do not want to do this grudgingly, but
with willing hearts, desiring to operate, with the Priesthood behind the
vail, in building up and establishing the kingdom of God upon this earth.
These men, after preaching and returning again, can then go into these
Temples and minister in them as representatives of the nations form whence
the came, and in the interest of these nations we are operating. Will God
be pleased with this work? Yes, if we continue faithful in well doing.
There are not less, I presume, than 500 men at work on the Temples now
being erected in this Territory, and probably more than that. This seems
foolish to the outside world; but we know in whom we have believed, and we
know the work in which we are engaged--and who is injured by it? None.
Some of our brethren feel sometimes that these things draw heavily
upon them. Of course they do; and God expects to try us, to see what we
are made of, and see whether the right ring of metal is in us or not, and
whether we are prepared to stand up to the rack and walk forth in the name
of Israel's God. Is it the desire to oppress anybody? No, never, nothing
of that kind. In speaking on this, I would say to the Presidents of
Stakes, and to the Bishops, see that there is no oppression of any kind,
or anything approaching arbitrary measures, or anybody interfered with;
let everything be done righteously, properly, and voluntarily. Instead of
oppressing the poor, feed them. Instead of taking from the naked, clothe
them. Be merciful to the widow and the fatherless and the orphan, and all
who may be in distress; dry up their tears, and pour balm into their
wounds, and be full of compassion, and kindness, and the love of God, and
let it bubble and flow from you like a river of life. These are the
feelings that ought to exist among the Saints; nothing like oppression or
wrong of any kind should find place in our hearts.
Let me pass from this to another thing which was touched upon this
morning, which is, but which I really wish was not, true. Many of these
my brethren have sent out their teams, and have subscribed their means to
send for the poor, bringing them to these valleys. According to the
provisions of the Perpetual Emigration Fund, the people who are thus
assisted are expected to repay the means advanced to them when they have
earned it, so that others may be helped with the same money, and thus that
the fund in its operations, as was desired, may be perpetual. I am told
that there is upwards of a million dollars of indebtedness to this fund
to-day. This is a sad reflection upon the gratitude of men thus assisted.
I am afraid the heavens will not smile upon such proceedings, and that God
will not sanction it. It is time we waked up and attended to these
obligations and duties, and felt that there was somebody else in the world
besides our own selves; and if we have been assisted that we will be at
least honest enough to meet that amount, and others who need its
assistance may find it through the proper channel.
We are engaged in this place in building a Tabernacle, in which we
can meet during the Winter season. We do not call upon you outside
brethren to assist us in this undertaking, because it is local and belongs
to this Stake. This is a matter that was designed by President Young
before his death; and we have been desirous, as brother Cannon said this
morning, to carry out the views of our venerated President, as far as we
can. We have commenced to build this house, we want to put it up without
delay. In this, as in every other matter, we do not wish anybody to
contribute his means or labor towards it, unless he feels free to do it;
for there are plenty that will do it willingly, and it will be built; and
we shall have a nice, comfortable place to worship in through the Winter,
and it will serve the Priesthood for all necessary purposes, as well as
the public. The building will be 116 x 64 feet inside, with gallery all
around. It will be a little larger than was at first contemplated; and we
have also departed a little from the original intention respecting the
kind of building material. Instead of adobie, we have concluded to use
rock. I now invite the people of this Stake and the masons especially to
come forward and exert their energies, and let us do the work. It will be
done by voluntary donations and by utilizing labor tithing. Some people
may say, Why do it by voluntary donations? Why not use the tithing for
all such purposes? Is not that sufficient? Yes, if all of you strictly
paid it, but then you do not all do this, and consequently we have to
resort to other means. But, as I have before said, in this and everything
else, we do not wish to press the people, nor place any in unpleasant
positions; but as we sometimes sing, it's "all frie [sic] grace and all
free will."
I wish to make a few remarks in relation to what we term the United
Order. We are united to-day with God, and with the holy Priesthood that
existed before us, with Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant, and with
the ancient Prophets and Apostles and men of God, in building up the Zion
of God upon the earth. They, in their different spheres and callings, are
operating with us, and we with them, and the whole thing is a grand
Co-operative Society; and everything we do here should be with the view of
uniting our earthly interests, that we may be one in things temporal and
one in things spiritual, one on the earth and one with those in the
heavens, helping with our united efforts to roll on the Kingdom of God
according to his purposes, and not according to our erratic notions. In
speaking of these things I would address a few words to our sisters of the
Relief and of the Mutual Improvement Societies. You are performing a good
work in Zion. I am pleased with the paper you publish, and have been very
much interested in the reports you have made, in witnessing the energy and
zeal you display in endeavoring to introduce home-manufactured goods and
articles of different kinds, in looking after the poor and necessitous,
and in trying to elevate the community generally. To our Young Men's
Mutual Improvement Societies I say, God bless you, and all who are
operating in the interest of Zion, forever.
Now let me say to parents, let us see that our youth are properly
cared for and taught, and that honesty, truthfulness, virtue and good
morals are inculcated, that they may grow in the faith of the Gospel and
in the fear of God, to be useful in their day, to carry on the great work
in which we are engaged. We already perceive a great improvement among
our young men in their administrations; they are stepping forth,
manifesting an excellent spirit, and many of them promise to become mighty
men in Israel, who will roll forth the work when we get through. I will
say to the Presidents of Stakes, encourage and foster these institutions;
and to all the people I would say, love God and fear him and keep his
commandments. Be honest with yourselves, honest before God. Be virtuous,
be truthful and full of intregity [sic], and fear the Lord your God in
your hearts, and his blessing will be with you, and his Spirit will attend
you, and your generations after you, worlds without end. Amen.
TOP
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered in the Provo Meeting House, Sunday Morning, Oct. 14, 1877.
(From the Territorial Enquirer.)
GOD IS AT THE HELM--ORGANIZATION ACCORDING TO THE REVELATIONS--HISTORIC
STATEMENTS--SOCIETIES CONNECTED WITH THE CHURCH--TEMPLE BUILDING.
It is the first time that I have been permitted to meet with you
since the death of our beloved President and Prophet. We all feel sad and
sorrowful on account of our bereavement. He had been our guide, director,
Prophet, Seer and Revelator for the last thirty-three years, and his
departure caused feelings of gloom and sorrow throughout all the
Territory. We all felt to appreciate our President and mourn his loss,
and we still have some feelings of sorrow lingering about us; yet, at the
same time, we cannot ignore the fact that there are certain duties and
responsibilities resting upon us that call into operation our best
energies, thoughts, reflections and actions. And while we mouru [sic] his
loss we are impressed with the responsibilities that rest upon us as
individuals, in connection with the work of God, and are led to reflect
upon the changing vicissitudes of human life and the various events that
have transpired among us.
There is a satisfaction in the reflection that God is at the helm and
guides, controls and dictates nccording [sic] to his own plans and
designs, and that the Priesthood is not confined to this earth alone, but
that, after having performed our various duties here and passed away, we
shall be called upon to operate for the same grand purpose in another
sphere. The Priesthood we have received on the earth is everlasting, it
administers in time and eternity, and to that Priesthood are we indebted
for the revelations of God's will to man; for with the introduction of the
Priesthood to men on the earth came the development of the principles of
truth and, by that means, light, knowledge and intelligence were
communicated to this people. We cannot do anything of ourselves, unless
aided by the spirit of the Lord. We are in communion with not only the
Prophets and Apostles who lived anciently, but with brother Joseph,
brother Brigham, brother Heber C. Kimball, brother Geo. A. Smith and
others who held the holy Priesthood and have passed away, and are
operating with them in behalf of fallen humanity, in behalf of the people
who live now on the earth and the myriads of dead who have left us. We
are engaged in a work that nothing but the combined action of the
Priesthood on the earth and in the heavens can bring about. It is not in
the power alone of any one man, whether it be brother Brigham, brother
Joseph or any that exist, to accomplish the redemption of the human
family, unless aided by the Almighty. We are not only working in our own
interests, but in the interests of mankind, and we should seek that light,
intelligence and knowledge necessary in the carrying out of the designs of
Jehovah, and associate ourselves with that grand combination and union
between heaven and earth for the accomplishment of His purposes.
We have lately been organizing ourselves according to the revelations
of the Almighty. Our organization is not entirely perfect, but we shall
continue to approach nearer to that condition until every man is placed in
his right position and we are properly organized, whereby all matters
connected with the work of God can be placed in their proper workiug [sic]
order, all of which will be accomplished if we follow the dlrections [sic]
of our late venerated President. By continuing in this good work we shall
go on from intelligence to intelligence, and from knowledge to knowledge,
until we shall see as we are seen and know as we are known. These
organizations of Stakes and Wards are not made for the purpose of putting
men in positions, neither are positions in the Priesthood given to men to
enable them to strut about and lord it over their fellows, but in all
their administrations, men should have the fear of God, understand His
mind and realize their responsibility to Him for their acts and doings.
Men holding the Priesthood should not be governed by personal ambition,
but feel full of the love of God, the Holy Ghost, light, revelation,
mercy, kindness and long-suffering toward all with whom they are
associated. These are the kind of feelings that ought to be expressed and
manifested by all those holding the Priesthood. We are not to act as
lords over God's heritage, but ought to act in the fear of the Almighty,
aided by the Holy Spirit, in seeking to carry out the various duties
devolving upon us, for little or inignificant [sic] as these things appear
to us, they are of the greatest importance. God understands better the
wants of the people than we do, for he has had experience that we have not
yet acquired. In all his operations He is governed by love, and he
desires to see those who hold his authority here on the earth exercise it
for the welfare of the human family, and to act as he would, with the same
parental solicitude. For this purpose He has delegated his authority to
man, as described in the Scriptures, "first, Apostles, secondarily
Prophets," etc,, [sic-punc] that the Saints might be perfected, "until we
all come to the unity of the faith." This was said iu [sic] former times
for the organization of the former-day Saints, and is applicable to the
case of the Latter-day Saints. Through these ordinances come the
blessings of the Gospel, and without them the power of God cannot be made
manifest to man in the flesh. Now there is more in this than is apparent
to the superficial observer.
We have and have had various organizations of the holy Priesthood.
We have had a First Presidency, and sometimes we have not. It was
sometime before a First Presidency was organized in the early days of the
Church, and then it was quite a number of years before the Twelve Apostles
and the several quorums now in existence were organized. The Lord has
been developing us in these matters, and there is a beauty and a harmony
in the organization of the Church that cannot be found any other community
in the world. Before the Prophet Joseph departed,he said, on one
occasion, turning to the Twelve, "I roll the burden of this kingdom on to
you," and, on another occasion, he said their place was next to that of
the First Presidency, and he wished them to take their place that he might
attend to other duties, such as translating, etc. At the time he was
taken away he was in the bloom of life and the vigor of health, and
although his departure was sudden and unexpected our organization rendered
it no difficult matter to decide who should assume the leadership of the
Church. There was no difficulty in the matter; it was understood that the
duty rested on the Twelve. Why? The revelation stated that the Twelve
were to hold the keys of the kingdom in connection with the First
Presidency, which were handed down under various circumstances. You will
find in the history of the Prophet Joseph Smith, that this matter is made
perfectly plain. He said there was no authority or power of presidency
over the Twelve except the First Presidency, and where he was not there
was no presidency over the Twelve. Hence President Brigham Young said,
when the Prophet Joseph was taken away, "Thank God the keys of the kingdom
are not taken from us," and being head of the Twelve, he assumed his
position and so acted on the authority he held and according to the rules
laid down. Thus there was no scattering, confusion or difficulty that
might otherwise have existed if the organization of the Church had not
been perfect. When President Young was taken away the same condition of
things were presented again, the circumstances being similar. There is no
contention, strife or difficulty, because we all understand the principles
that God has ordained for the government of his people. The Twelve have
not assumed the Presidency of the Church to suit themselves, but as a duty
which they could not ignore. Men of the world cried out "The Mormons are
all scattered now," but they don't know anything about the character and
mission of this Church. I don't think we have been much scattered. Our
last General Conference in Salt Lake City proved how much scattered we
were. Our voting on that occasion showed a cementing--a uniting together
of the people, that could not be equalled by any other people on the
earth. It may be asked why we voted at Conference in the manner we did.
Because it was the way that God ordained. Under the inspiration of the
Almighty, Joseph Smith organized this state of things at a General
Assembly held in Kirtland, when the people were called upon to vote, and
they did so in the same manner that we did at our last General Conference.
You will recollect that about the 19th of January, 1841, a revelation was
given defining the various positions of men called to act in the
Priesthood. First, the Lord gave to the Church Hyrum Smith to be
Patriarch, then Joseph Smith, Jun., to be Prophet, Seer and Revelator to
the people, and Sidney Rigdon and William Law for his Counselors, Brigham
Young as President of the Twelve, which Twelve he called by name--then the
High Priests, Seventies and Elders--then again the Bishops and lesser
Priesthood. Now, says he, at the next General Conference present this
organization to the Conference for its acceptance or rejection. At the
next Conference the various quorums were presented in that form and the
people voted as quorums and with uplifted hands. Some of these men that
the Lord had named, however, were rejected: One man named Hicks, and
another Bishop Ripley. John E. Page, one of the quorum of the Twelve, was
also rejected, but after a hearing was afterwards restored. The Prophet
Joseph told the people to vote in that manner, as the majority of the
several quorums would form a quorum or authority that would be decisive.
This manner of voting was observed at Far West also; and even after
Joseph's death this same rule was observed, though not with the same
unanimity as at our General Conference. There is no log-rolling--no
seeking for office, but our idea is that the voice of God should dictate
and then the voice of the people. He respects our rights, as he did the
rights of the people thousands of years ago, when the congregations of
ancient Israel stood up and said Amen to the voice of God through his
Prophets. There is no compulsion--no forcing the human mind--no driving;
but every one should have a full, frank, free and unfettered opportunity
of expressing his wish for or against, but we always ought to consent to
that which is right. I never saw more unanimity on the part of the people
than was displayed at the General Conference two weeks ago; there could
not poss hly [sic] be more. The Twelve stand as they did after the
Prophet Joseph was taken away. I and others of the Twelve, now living,
were with them. Now a second time it devolves upon the Twelve to take the
presidency of the Church. Will there be anything else? I cannot say;
there may be, when the Lord deems it necessary. We should feel as Jesus
did when he exclaimed, "Lord, not my will, but thine be done." It
devolves upon the Twelve to attend to the duties the Lord has placed upon
them, but they need the faith and confidence of the Saints and the
sustenance of the Almighty, for they will not be able to do anything of
themselves.
I would like to have been at the High Priests' meeting held here
last evening, but could not attend in consequence of ill-health. There is
a quorum of High Priests in this Stake, and it is proper that they should
fully understand the duties of their office and calling, which the Book of
Doctrine and Covenants plainly states. It is an ordinance, as therein
shown, that has been instituted for the purpose of qualifying men for
Presidents of the different Stakes scattered abroad. Many circumstances
have occurred since the commencement of our recent organizations which
show how little prepared the High Priests were to take upon themselves the
duties of their office, in presiding over Stakes, Wards, etc. We have had
to take hundreds from the Quorums of Seventies and Elders and ordain them
High Priests and make Bishops, Bishops' Counselors, Presidents of Stakes
and High Councilors of them. Now it seems to me that if the High Priests
had understood and performed their duties, we should not have been in the
posi- [sic-missing] we were and compelled to go outside of these quorums
to find men suitable for presiding. I draw their attention to this
matter; and you Presidents of High Priests should instruct your quorums on
the principles of Presidency, that when called upon they can be used in
positions of that character. Let us not be negligent in time to come. I
say, get your people together, instruct them in the duties of their
calling, have them seek after light, knowledge and intelligence as to the
requirements of their exalted positions, that when we want qualified and
capable men we may know where to find them. Now, then, is it wrong to
take others? If one, who by the Priesthood be holds has a priority of
claim in a case of this kind, is otherwise unqualified, we must select the
wisest and the best, whether he be a Seventy or an Elder, to fill such
position and to administer correctly in the things of God.
Now let us go on to the Seventies. There are large nnmbers [sic] of
them, and there has been a great desire to push men into quorums, without
regard sometimes to their worth and fitness. Now what is their duty?
Why, to go abroad and preach the Gospel to all nations. How many do this?
Very few. Well, say some, we go when called upon. That is all true; the
Seventies have, as a rule, been on hand to go forth and preach; but I am
speaking more particularly, of the nature of the Priesthood they hold and
the duties which devolve upon them. They should be always ready, a kind
of minute men under the immediate direction of the Twelve, to go forth as
the messengers of life and salvation to all nations on the earth. Are you
Seventies preparing yourselves for this? Are you prepared to stand forth
as men of God, clothed upon by the power of the Holy Ghost, to go into the
world to warn the people, calling them to repentance? A great deal has
been accomplished for the salvation of the human family, but we are only
starting in. We have sent a few here and there, and although we think we
have done a great work, there is but a small handful of people to show for
it. There will be great and wonderful changes on the earth; war,
bloodshed and desolation will stalk through the land, and we have got to
pursue our work and seek after the light of revelation to guide us. We
talk about and wonder who the biggest man is--the Seventy or the High
Priest? Let us seek to know who of us is living nearer to God and acting
in such a manner as to call down upon us the power of God, and angels will
administer to us. We cannot tell which member of the body is most useful
to us, which we can best afford to spare--the leg or the arm, the eye or
the nose. All are necessary to render the body perfect.
Moses appeared to the Prophet Joseph to confer upon him the keys for
the gathering together of the dispensations and the house of Israel from
all portions of the earth. We have got to preach to the Lamanites, to the
house of Judah and by and bye the ten tribes. We must be prepared for
thee things and realize the importance of this duty and the
responsibilities resting upon us as God's holy Priesthood. Now, Elders,
you ought to be diligent in observing the laws and keeping the
commandments of God. These are the leading features of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, including the Patriarchs. In England we ordained a few
Patriarchs, and I remember that the people on occasions used to get
together and have a feast, and then the Patriarch would bless them. This
is the way some of the ancient Patriarchs did. The people ought to be
liberal with them, but men holding the Priesthood should be governed by
higher and more exalted feelings than that of using their callings for the
purpose of merchandizing. The Elders should stand in their positions as
men of God. We are really to-day a kingdom of Priests, and ought to wield
a powerful influence for good in the earth. We should get our spirits
right and act in righteousness.
The Presidents of Stakes have important positions; they preside over
all the interests ef [sic] the Church where they are placed, and they
should feel like acting for God, and they and their counsel should have
continually with them the light of revelation, be full of the Holy Ghost,
and quick to discern. There is no officer in the Church, who acts with a
single eye to the glory of God but what will have wisdom given him
according to his capacity. The President of the Stake presides over the
High Council, a set of men appointed and ordained to adjudicate all
matters in dispute that may come before them, and they should act in all
meekness, humility and wisdom, seeking intelligence from the Foundation of
Light, so that they can act in righteousness and give righteous judgment.
Then the Bishop is a common judge in Israel, acting in the interests of
the people; his duty is to put down evil and root out iniquity. What is
the duty of the Priests? Only to hold office? No; it is to visit the
members of the various Wards, and to see that there are no hard feelings,
troubles or difficulty among the people, to anticipate the occurrence of
anything of that sort, put things right and see that the ordinances of the
Church are carried out. Then the Teachers, who are helps to the Priests,
whose duty it is to go among the people and talk to them on their
duties--not like so many parrots, but full of the spirit of God. And
where there may be difficulties to settle, and it is not within the power
of the Teachers to satisfactorily adjust them, report them to the Bishop,
who sits as a common judge in Israel, and to adjudicate all such matters.
If thy brother offend thee, go and say to him, "Brother, you have done so
and so," and if he will not listen to you nor ask forgiveness for the
offense he has given you, take another man with you--one whom you think
has influence with him, and one whom you think he will listen to--and let
him talk, and if the offending person will not listen to him, report him,
to be dealt with according to the order of the Church, and if he continues
obdurate and stubborn, then he does not belong to us. Let us always feel
like operating together for the good of each other and for the kingdom we
are identified with.
We have other societies,--the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual
Improvement Associations and the female Relief Societies. A great deal of
credit is due to our sisters. God has provided them as helpmates to their
husbands, and it is the duty of the latter to cherish and protect those
whom God has given unto them, and show them how to make themselves
happy,--teach them--our wives and daughters--the pure principles of the
Gospel, that the daughters of Zion may be lovely and shine as the light
and glory of the age in which we live. Sisters, put away from you the
vanities and frivolties [sic] of the world, administer to the poor and the
afflicted. The sisters know how to sympathize with and administer to
those who are poor, afflicted and downcast; and let the brethren help them
in their kindly ministrations. The young men should be encouraged in the
work they are engaged in, and their Mutual Improvement Associations ought
to be nourished and their interests promoted. The Lord has encouraged
these things from the commencement. The first sisters relief society
instituted in the Church was presided over by sister Emma Smith; sister
Whitney was her Counselor, and sister Eliza Snow was the Secretary.
The spirit of Temple-building seems to have taken possession of
the people. One Temple has already been built, and it is designed to
build three more. We are prompted by holy influences to embark in this
labor. The Lord said he would send his servant Elijah to turn the hearts
of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their
fathers, and this matter of Temple-building is in fulfillment of his word.
We are seeking not only to administer for the living, but for the dead.
There are many queries come up in relation to the manner in which the
various works we are now engaged in shall be accomplished. Shall we pay
our Tithing? Yes. Shall we sustain the building of Temples? Yes. And
anything outside of this? Yes, we should do the best we can to build up
the kingdom of our God. A case came up recently in Cache Valley, where a
leading man wanted to know if he could not have the Tithing for putting up
the Temple in that Stake. Now, if this privilege is given to them in
Cache County, they will want it in Sanpete, and if they have the privilege
there, they will want it in other places where Temples are being erected,
and what next? What are we going to do to meet all the expenses, and they
are various, which occur in the carrying on of the work? By and bye the
Tithing may be sufficient to meet all requirements. We do not wish to
oppress and crush the poor and faithful of God's people,--we would rather
say, "Break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free!" There is nothing
contributed for the work of God but what should be accounted for. We
intend to tell you all what becomes of your Tithes and offerings. Through
these ordinances come the blessings of God. Brotherly love should prevail
among all the people of God, and we should be more united in our temporal
and spiritual matters, and thereby claim the promised blessings.
May God bless you and lead you in the paths of right. Amen.
TOP
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at the Quarterly Conference, Held in Ogden,
Oct. 21. [sic-punc] 1877.
(From the Ogden Junction.)
THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL--TEMPLE BUILDING--THE HIGH PRIESTS AND
SEVENTIES--TO THE BISHOPS--TO THE SISTERS.
[This report is from long-hand notes, and though not verbatim, is as
nearly so as possible.--ED.]
I am happy to meet my brethren and sisters at this Conference. Since
I was last here, we have had to mourn the loss of our venerated President,
Brigham Young. It has cast a gloom over the Saints throughout the
Territory, and all feel sorrowful. He led Israel for a long time--the
past 33 years, and in leaving uswe have felt his loss. His demise was
among the events necessarily associated with human affairs, for the Lord
manages such things by his own will. I remember when Joseph was taken,
but his death was not like that of Brigham Young, but by the hands of a
ruthless mob. It was a matter of great importance to us relatively, but
not great with the work in which we are all engaged. When the Lord
revealed the Gospel unto Joseph Smith, and unfolded His purposes and
designs to the earth--when He gave us a knowledge of the laws, ordinances
of the Gospel and doctrines, it was not for the object of elevating him as
a man, but was done in the interest of society and the world in which we
live--in the interest of the living and the dead, according to the decrees
of Jehovah before the world was rolled into existence, or the morning
stars sang together in joy. In the last days He saw it was proper to
restore the new and everlasting Gospel--new to the world because of its
traditions, follies, weaknesses, etc., but everlasting because it existed
with God, with Him before the world was, and will continue when change
shall succeed change, and when all things are made new the things of God
will endure on and on forever. So it is an everlasting Gospel, though new
to the world. It was introduced in the interest of humanity: our
fathers, the Prophets and men of God who once administered on the earth
and are now administering in the heavens, had a hand in introducing this
work. To-day they feel interested in rolling forth the work and purposes
of God assigned to them before the foundation of the world. It is to
them, to God, to Jesus, that we are indebted for the light, life and
intelligence communicated, and we shall look to them throughout all time
for instructions to sustain and direct us. We talk about the organization
of the Church being better attended to lately than formerly; but from whom
did we receive it? What did we know about the Apostles till God revealed
it? Nothing. We talk about the Patriarchs, the First Presidency; who
knew of them till God revealed it? No one? The High Priests, Seventies,
Elders--who knew about them or their calling, duties and labors till God
revealed it? No one. It is the case with the Bishops, Counselors, High
Councilors, the Lesser Priesthood, and with all the organizations and
Quorums; the light was all from God, and not from man. It came through
revelations from God to Joseph Smith, the Prophet of God; hence we are
indebted to the Lord for all these things, for all the knowledge we have
in relation to those principles. Who taught the gathering principle and
why are we here to-day? Under what influence did we come? Many
Latter-day Saints themselves hardly realize it. We read in the history of
the Church that at a certain time there was a revelation given in the
Temple which was built at Kirtland, Ohio; when Joseph Smith and Oliver
Cowdery were seated in it, several important personages appeared and gave
certain keys, powers and privileges; among them was Moses, who represented
what is termed the Gathering Dispensation, which was to gather Israel from
the four quarters of the earth; you will find it in the edition of the
Doctrine and Covenants, and I refer you to that, where it is positively
stated. Why did we gather? Because the keys of this dispensation were
given to Joseph Smith, and conferred by him on the Twelve, the Seventies
and others, and they received this as a part of their ministry, their
endowments, if you please, and when they called upon the people to repent
and be baptized, and they did so, they received the Holy Ghost, and among
other things received was this principle of gathering, and I defy all
Israel to have so gathered without these keys and been brought together as
they are to-day. But we had no trouble in gathering because we had the
keys. I have seen the time when the people were almost willing to sell
themselves in order to get here, and you know this to be true; it is all
from God.
Our Temple building is of the same nature; we are living in the
dispensation of the fulness of times, embracing all the powers,
principles, doctrines and covenants since the world was, and among the
rest is Temple building. The speaker here read from the Doctrine and
Covenants, concluding with, "Before the great and terrible day of the Lord
shall come, I will turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, and of
the fathers to the children, etc., lest I come and smite the children with
a curse." Did Elijah hold these keys." [sic-punc] He did. Did he give
them to Joseph? He did. You will find it in the same revelation as that
quotes; a feeling of that kind sprang up in the breasts of the Latter-day
Saints, till we hardly know sometimes why we do so, but we do. We built
our first Temple in Kirtland, then one at Nauvoo, and laid the foundation
for one at Far West, Missouri; we have also built one here at St. George;
it is a beautiful building, and we are performing the ordinances there for
the living and the dead. Do any of us regret the part we have taken in
it? I think not. Then we have been doing work on another in Salt Lake,
another in Sanpete, and another in Cache Valley, all of which will be
magnificent buildings when completed; not less than 500 men are at work on
them. It looks odd to some people who don't know what it means, but we
know because God revealed it to us; we are always on hand.
The year past, 1876, feelings were stirred up in the mind of the
President, and he called on the Twelve, the High Priests, the Seventies
and Elders to subscribe to build the Temple at Salt Lake. Did they do it?
Yes. You, here, did your share and gave means freely, as thousands did
throughout the Territory. Why did he feel like this? Because the spirit
of God prompted him. Why did the Seventies, Priests, Teachers, etc.,
respond so promptly? Because the spirit of God rested on them and all
hands wanted to help build the Temples to the name of God, that we might
administer the ordinances necessary to be performed for the living and the
dead. If we turned our Temples over to the world to-day, they would not
know what to do with them; they could not administer in the ordinances,
and we should not know if God had not taught us; but the Gospel brings us
light and places us in communion with the heavens through time and
eternity; they tell us to build Temples and then instruct us how to
administer in them for the living and the dead--that men who are placed
here are for a certain work, and they are helping us to do our work and
are operating with the Gods in the heavens in our behalf, and we for
them--they without us are not made perfect, nor are we perfect without
them. It requires union--union cemented by indissoluble ties; it unites
us to each other and to them, and enables us to act intelligently, and
when we get through with our affairs, to assist others in the
accomplishment of theirs in the interest of God and humanity. This is not
our work, nothing that we have done; God has done it. He wants us to help
Him and He will help us. We can do nothing in and of ourselves, for we
are weak and frail and need the guidance and revelation of God to uphold
us.
We have had a Conference here to-day, and you are more perfectly
organized than before. The Lord some time ago wrought on the mind of
President Young to have a more complete organization in the Church, and
the Twelve were called on to visit the settlements and explain the order
of the Priesthood, etc.; to organize the Stakes with all the
officers--President and Counsel, the High Council and Priests under the
President and the Counsel over the Stake--Bishops, Elders, the Lesser
Priesthood, and all those called local authorities in their several
places, and have everything in order; the Twelve went through the
Territory, and assisted by the Presidency, the work was aceomplished
[sic], and has been for some time. The quorums before you to-day are the
result of their work. What did he know of this only as God revealed it?
Nothing. Did Brigham Young or Joseph Smith know it? No, only as God
revealed it. But the necessary information has been given, and to-day the
Church is more perfectly organized than ever before, perhaps with the
exception of the general assembly at Kirtland, but in some things now we
are more stable and complete than they were even then. It is proper at
the present time to refer to such things for iustruction [sic], though
brother Richards is well posted in respect to these matters, and has
taught you much in relation to them.
In Kirtland, Ohio, we had many things revealed through the Prophet
Joseph; we had the First Presidency over the High Council, and another in
Missouri. Joseph Smith and his Counsel presided over that in Kirtland;
hence some things at times took place that were peculiar to some people;
when they were at a loss to find out anything pertaining to the principles
and doctrines, the Presidency inquired of the Lord, and would get the
desired information. Now, I would make a remark in regard to these things
here. All the High Councils and all those holding the Priesthood, the
Presidents and all the Bishops and their Counsel, and all holding
positions in the Church and kingdom of God that are faithfnl [sic],
honest, diligent and upright, if they seek unto God they will have wisdom
imparted to them under all circumstances and on all occasions, as to what
course they should pursue, and it is the order of God that all should have
His Spirit in proportion to their integrity and faith; and if one does not
have it is because he is not diligent in seeking after such things. As
brother Joseph F. said this morning he could have revelation for himself,
though not to regulate the Church; it would be the privilege of the
President of the Twelve to regulate all things in relation to Zion; but
the other principle extends to all grades and all men in the Church and
kingdom of God, each in his place, if he lives his religion and is
faithful and prepared to receive the truths from God so that he can
instruct the children of men. There appears at times to be a discrepancy
among all of us, for we are all weak and infirm; and God made it so on
purpose, that man might not glory in himself but in the God of Israel.
I will say something in relation to High Priests, and what their
place is in the Church. They came conspicuously before us in the late
organizations. The speaker again read from the Doctrine and Covenants,
"And, again, I give unto you John C. Smith," etc. What are they organized
for? The purpose is set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants. They are a
sort of normal school to prepare the people to preside; they have hardly
fulfilled this; perhaps if they had been more active, and become
acquainted with priuciples [sic] for which they are organized, we should
not have to ordain so many High Priests from the Elders' Quorum to make
Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, High Councils, etc.; but as it was we had
to pick up the material where we could, and I hope we will have better
material next time.
I hear a great deal said about which is the "biggest" man. The
"biggest" man makes no difference whatever. I think that the man who can
be most like a little child will be the greatest in the kingdom of God.
Greatness does not consist of talking of things, but in doing them. We
are now just beginning to move; Zion is stretching forth and lengthening
out her cords; we want no more baby's play, but let us have wisdom, light,
revelation, and let the power of the Priesthood of God burn in the hearts
of the people to waken them to a knowledge of truth; then when other
Stakes are to be organized we can apply to this normal school and get men
prepared. We have got a great number of Seventies, and the question has
often arisen, Which is the biggest, they or the High Priests? I say I
don't think it makes much difference as to which is the greater or
smaller. I think the body of Christ was not one member, but composed of
many parts. Now which member of your body would you like to be without?
An arm or a leg? No, you want both. So does the Church. But which is
the most useful? If you can tell me which of those members is most useful
to you, I will let you know which is the most useful to the Church, the
Hight [sic] Priests or Seventies. We ought to magnify the Priesthood we
hold, and be satisfied with the positions we hold. We have sent a number
of Elders on missions, whose duty it is to preach to the people of the
earth. They go when they are called, but it is often hard work; they make
a great many excuses--they have debts to settle, families to support, etc.
In meeting they will talk about who is the "biggest," and when they are
gone for a while they get home sick and want to return; they say "there is
no place like home." They meet difficulties among the people, who don't
believe much that is told them. Did they ever? Not much. We don't
expect to gather all, we will take one of a city and two of a family, and
bring them to Zion; and if our Elders abroad would be more particular, and
realize that they are messengers of the Lord--exhibit more of the
Apostolic power, and have the light of the Sprit [sic] of God, they would
realize that they are sent to teach, not to be taught; they would
measurably control circumstances, not be controlled by them altogether.
Here are the Lamanites to attend to; when we are through with them, then
the Jews, then the Ten Tribes, and then the earth is to be redeemed and
the power of God prevail, and we must take a part, for we are not here to
look so much after our own affair as to build up Zion. The Elders ought
to reflect and say, "What can I do to help on the work? God inspire my
heart and mind and soul, that I may help to build up the kingdom of God."
That is the way to feel. Then to the High Councils of Stakes and to the
Presidents of Stakes I would say, you ought to feel that you are servants
of the living God, that the eye of the great Jehovah is over you, and be
working in the interest of the Gospel. We are not here to build up
ourselves, but to build up Zion and the kingdom of God on the earth, that
we may magnify our calling and honor our God. As brother Joseph F. Said,
we should not allow ourselves to be bartered or sold, but work for the
interests of Israel.
The Bishops of the various Wards have their place; it is their duty
to attend to the interests of their Wards, to look after the temporal
affairs principally, not for their own benefit, but that of the people.
They should set patterns of all that is good and praiseworthy; their duty
is to do justice and adjudicate in all matters pertaining to a Bishop's
court, as a common court in Israel, and they ought to judge in all
righteousness, fidelity, and truth. The Priests ought to be full of the
Holy Ghost, and should be full of intelligence to act as watchmen over the
people, trying to stop ill feelings, evil actions, etc. The Teachers
ought to assist them, and visit from house to house, and see that no
iniquity prevails. The Deacons should assist the Bishops in temporal
affairs, and be faithful in their calling.
Let us act together as a family in the interest of the Church and
kingdom of God, for thereby come the blessings promised. We are now
operatiug [sic] for these things, and these organizations are for that
purpose. The Deacon who honors his calling is more honorable than the
Apostle who does not. Can we find High Priests, Seventies, and Elders who
don't pray? Yes, I am afraid so. And further, in relation to the
Teachers, I will tell you my rule. When they come to me, I call in my
family and ask them to instruct us and impart such information as is their
duty. That is the way I feel towards the men who come in that capacity.
They have a perfect right to do it, it is their duty, and they are always
at liberty to visit my household.
We all have a great Priesthood if we magnify it, and there is no
little Priesthood. In relation to the young men, I would say that in
their associations a good spirit is growing--they are waking up. The
Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations and other organizations of our
young men are very praiseworthy. Young men, the burden of the kingdom
will yet roll on your shoulders, and you must prepare for it. If you will
go to God and ask for wisdom, he will give it to you. Get the best books,
the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and read our own publications,
you will find such intelligence as you never dreamed of. Ask God for
faith. Get all the sciences, arts, and useful learning you can from
schools; get nothing false, but the things pertaining to earth and the
elements, and how to use them; when you meet let it be in the fear of God,
and he will bless you.
A word to the sisters. They have their associations and
societies--all of which are good and praiseworthy. They form a part of
us, for the man is not without the woman, nor the woman without the man.
It takes a man and a woman to make a man; without woman, man is not
perfect; God so ordained it. We are aiming at celestial glory, and when
we reach that exaltation, will we have our wives? Yes. The women have to
manage household affairs; they must rear the children properly, and
cultivate those principles which exalt and beautify, that all may move on
pleasantly and harmoniously. In the Relief Soeieties [sic] they discharge
their duties better than we could, because of their tender sympathies and
gentler natures. Joseph Smith organized a Relief Society in Nauvoo as far
back as that; Emma was president, sisters Whitney and Cleaveland were her
counselors, and eliza R. Snow secretary, who has visited you often, and
whom you well know. They allowed the society to sleep for a while, but
they are now waking up. What should they teach? I can't go into details,
but they should teach dress, speak and act aright, diffuse correct
principles, and let us have sisters growing up fit to associate with the
angels of God. I want you to make home a heaven for your husbands, that
when they come there they will feel happy, cheerful, and comfortable in
their households. Do away with evil speaking--let love, kindness, and
friendly feelings prevail; and if the sisters want the brethren to give
them a few bushels of wheat to take care of, let them have it, it is not
much, and we may some day be glad we did so. I have read of an
extravagant man, whose wife proposed that he give her so much--ten or
twenty dollars to keep house with, and instead of spending it she saved it
in the Bible. Finally a financial crash came, and he went to his wife for
consolation. She told him to read the Bible for comfort, and when he
opened the leaves the money dropped out. What does this mean? he said.
His wife said, you were careless, and I took care of the money you gave
me; and this money saved him from ruin. Therefore let the sisters take
care of the wheat.
The speaker here referred to the question of using the Tithing for
Temple building, saying if it were all paid in that was owing, we need ask
nothing further, but such was not the case He then referred to the
Perpetual Emigration Fund, saying there was over $1,000,000 due it from
those who had been emigrated, and he hoped it would be paid without
further delay. At present no radical changes would be made in the matter
of Temple building. May God help Israel and prepare us for an inheritance
in his kingdom, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered in the Ogden Tabernacle, on Sunday Afternoon,
October 21, 1877.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE GOSPEL REVEALED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WORLD--WITNESS OF THE
SPIRIT--PRIESTHOOD,--HIGH PRIESTS AND SEVENTIES--ENERGETIC
MISSIONARIES--DUTIES OF PRESIDENTS, BISHOPS, ELDERS, PRIESTS, TEACHERS
AND DEACONS--RELIEF SOCIETIES--TITHING--P.E. FUND--COMMON SCHOOLS.
I am happy to meet with the brethren and sisters at this conference.
Since I was last here we have had to suffer the loss of our venerated and
beloved President Brigham Young, which cast a gloom over the feelings of
the Saints throughout the Territory, and made us feel sorry. His demise,
with that of others, however, is among the evidences that are necessarily
associated with human affairs, and is something over which we have no
control, for the Lord manages such things according to the counsel of his
own will.
I remember the time very well when Joseph Smith was taken from us,
not however in the manner that President Young was, but by a ruthless mob,
meeting his death at the hands of assassins. But these things are
matters, although of great importance to us, yet relatively they have not
a very great deal to do with the building up of the Church and kingdom of
God upon the earth, and with His work in which we are all engaged.
When the Lord revealed the everlasting Gospel to Joseph Smith, he
unfolded unto him his purposes and designs in relation to the earth
whereon we live, and gave unto him a knowledge of his law and the
ordinances of the Gospel and the doctrine thereof. It was not for the
object simply of elevating him as a man, but it was done for the interest
of society, in the interest of the world, and in the interest of the
living and the dead, according to the decrees and designs of Jehovah which
he formed before the world rolled into existence, or the morning stars
sang together for joy. The Lord had his designs in relation to the earth
and the inhabitants thereof, and in these last days he saw proper to
reveal and restore, through his servant Joseph Smith, what we term the new
and everlasting Gospel; new to the world at present, because of their
traditions, their follies and weaknesses, and their creeds, opinions and
notions, but everlasting because it existed with God, and because it
existed with him before the world was, and will continue when change shall
have succeeded change upon this earth, and when the earth shall have been
redeemed and all things made new, and while life and thought and being
last, and immortality endures. Therefore, although the Gospel is new to
the world, it is everlasting. And it was introduced, as I have stated, in
the interests of humanity--our fathers, the ancient Prophets and Apostles,
and men of God who have lived in the various ages of the world, who have
administered in the holy Priesthood while they lived upon the earth, and
who are now administering in the havens [sic], and who had a hand in the
introduction of this work, together with God our heavenly Father, and
Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant; and to-day they feel interested in
the rolling forth of this work, and in the accomplishment of these
purposes which God designed before the foundation of the world. And it is
to God and his Son, and to these men, that we are indebted for the light
and the intelligence that has been communicated to us, and to them we
shall be indebted through all time for the same kind of knowledge and
intelligence to sustain and direct us.
We talk sometimes about the organization of our Church, and about a
First Presidency, and about Apostles, and Patriarchs, and High Priests,
and Seventies, and Elders, etc.; but who knew anything about any of these
offices, their rights and privileges, etc., until God revealed it?
Nobody. And this is not only so with regard to the several offices of the
Melchizedek or higher Priesthood, but it is also the case with those of
the Aaronic or lesser Priesthood. These are things that were not
originated by man, they came to us through revelation from God, and hence
we are indebted to the Lord for them, and also for all the knowledge we
possess in relation to them. Who taught us anything about the Gathering,
and why are we here to-day? What brought us here, and under what
influence did we come, and by what principle were we united as we find
ourselves at the present time? You who are familiar with the history of
the Church know that there was a Temple built in Kirtland, Ohio, and that
while the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were seated in their
proper places in that Temple, there were several important personages
appeared to them, and gave unto them several keys, powers and privileges,
and that among these heavenly beings was Moses, who represented what is
termed the Gathering dispensation. His mission to earth was to restore
the keys of the Gathering dispensation, which should gather Israel from
the four quarters of the earth, and also restore the ten tribes. You who
have not read this for yourselves, you will find it in the new edition of
the Doctrine and Covenants; I refer you to it and recommend you to read
it. Moses conferred these keys of authority upon the prophet Joseph
Smith, and he afterwards conferred them upon the Twelve Apostles and
others, who when they were ordained received them as part of their
ministry and priesthood, to prepare them for the work that was to be done.
And when these elders went forth in the performance of their duties,
calling upon the people among whom they traveled to repent and be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins, promising
believers that they should receive the Holy Ghost, in obedience to the
gospel requirements, they laid their hands upon their heads confirming
them members of the church and also conferred the Holy Ghost, and they
received it; and among other things they received was the principles of
the Gathering. And it was universally the case, and they hardly knew why
it was, that among their first desires after their confirmation, was a
wish to gather to Zion; and no one that remains faithful to the cause ever
remained satisfied until he did gather with the saints. I would defy the
world and all the Elders of Israel to have gathered this people together,
as we now are, unless these keys of the Gathering had been restored to
earth, and the people had received the spirit of it through the proper
channel. But as is was, there was no trouble at all, so far as their
willingness was concerned. I have seen many of them after baptism almost
ready to sell themselves in order to have the chance of coming to Zion.
And you elders, who are my hearers to-day, have witnessed the same, and
many of you were doubtless numbered among those of whom I speak, who were
so extremely anxious to gather.
We are living in what ancient men of God have been pleased to term
the dispensation of the fulness of times, which embraces all previous
dispensations and all the priesthood that has ever before existed on the
earth. And among other means that God will make use of to accomplish his
purposes is that of Temples; and the spirit of Temple-building comes in
the very same way as that of gathering together, and this accounts for our
desire to assist in erecting Temples. The Lord, through the prophet
Malachi, in referring to this feature of the great Latter-day work says
"Behold, I will send, you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the
great and terrible day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the
fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers,
lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Did Elijah hold these
particular keys of the priesthood? He did. And did he confer them upon
Joseph Smith? Yes, he did. An account of this too will be found in the
reference I have already yiven [sic] you. Did the Latter-day Saints
generally manifest any particular desire to build Temples before the
prophet Elijah came? No; but ever since this desire and feeling has
existed in the minds of the Latter-day Saints. It might appear very
foolish to other people, but to us it is both consistent and necessary.
The first Temple we built was in Kirtland, Ohio; the next was in Nauvoo,
Illinois, and a foundation of a third was laid in Far West, Missouri.
Since our coming to Utah, we have built one Temple in St. George and a
beautiful building it is; and in that Temple are now performed ordinances
for the living and the dead. And let me ask, if any present in this large
assembly to-day regret in the least having contributed to it. I do not
think for a moment that there is a man or woman that does. We have
already expended a large amount of means on the Temple now being
constructed in Salt Lake City; and still we have commenced two other such
buildings, one in Manti and the other in Logan, all of which will be
magnificent buildings when completed; I suppose there are not less than
five hundred men employed on these buildings, in this Territory. It looks
odd and simple, the world does not know what it means; but we know, for
God has revealed it to us; and he has not only revealed it, but he has put
it here (pointing to the heart), and we cannot get rid of it.
In the year 1876, President Young was strongly impressed with this
feeling, and he requested the Twelve to call upon the High Priests and
Seventies, and the Elders to subscribe towards carrying forward the Temple
in this city. Was the call responded to? Yes; the various quorums
throughout the length and breadth of the Territory willingly contributed
and a very material advance has been made in the construction of that
building. Why did President Young feel so? Because the spirit of God
rested upon him, prompting him to move in this direction. Why did the
brethren of these several quorums so readily respond to the call? Because
the same spirit rested upon them; and hence we find that the First
Presidency, the Twelve, and the Saints generally, are all interested in
this movement, evincing the same desire to accomplish this work of Temple
building, as the saints of foreign lands do to gather to Zion. What
object have we in view in doing this? That we may administer the
ordinances which the Lord has revealed unto us, and which, according to
his command, must be done in Temples built to his name. If we were to
turn over today these buildings to the religious world, they would know no
more how to use them legitimately, than a baby would know what to do with
algebra; neither would we had not the Lord taught us by revelation from
heaven. The Gospel brings life and immortality to light; it places us in
communion with the heavens, the Priesthood there and the Priesthood here
working harmoniously together, we being taught of them are enabled to
accomplish what the Lord required of us.
We, as intelligent beings, made in the image of our Creator, are
placed here upon the earth to accomplish a certain work, that we may
operate with the Gods in the eternal worlds, through the light of
revelation that God has given unto us, and that he will continue to give
us, until all things designed by him pertaining to this earth and its
inhabitants shall be accomplished. In other words, they are helping us to
do our work, by communicating to us principles we require to know, and
also by operating in our behalf, while we are operating for them, and
their children, who are our fathers. As the Scriptures say, "that they
without us should not be made perfect," it is requiring a union of the
heavens and the earth, forming a grand co-operative society, if you
please, connected together by indissoluble ties, by the gift of the Holy
Ghost, the light of revelation and the power of God. Thus we are united
to each other and to them, and are able to act intelligently, doing works
that will be approved in heaven which are connected with the interests of
God and the interests of humanity.
It is not our work, it is not anything we have done, but it is God
that has done the whole of it, he having called upon us to help him a
little in our weak way; and inasmuch as we seek continually to do his
will, he will help us, for in and of ourselves we can do nothing, no not
any of us, for we are all poor, weak, erring human beings, constantly
needing his sustenance, aid and guidance.
The various quorums of the Priesthood, which have been presented to
you this afternoon, give a more perfect representation of your Stake than
has been given before. And I am pleased to say that this extended
organization of the Priesthood exists among all the Stakes--some twenty in
all--throughout the Territory. It may be proper on the present occasion
to refer to some things connected with the organization of our Church for
our information; although I presume a good deal of similar instruction has
already been given you by brother Richards, who is very conversant in such
matters. Yet it is very desirable that the Saints generally, as well as
the Twelve and leading Elders, should become familiar with these things
and have a correct understanding of them; and it will do no harm to again
talk on some of them.
In Kirtland, Ohio, a great many things were revealed through the
Prophet. There was then a First Presidency that presided over the High
Council, in Kirtland; and that High Council and another which was in
Missouri, were the only High Councils in existence. As I have said, the
High Council in Kirtland was presided over by Joseph Smith and his
Counselors; and hence there were some things associated with this that
were quite peculiar in themselves. It is stated that when they were at a
loss to find out anything pertaining to any principles that might come
before them in their councils, that the presidency were to inquire of the
Lord and get revelation on those subjects that were difficult for them to
comprehend. And I would make a remark here in relation to these things,
that all High Councils, and all Presidents of Stakes and Bishops, and in
fact all men holding the Priesthood, who are humble and faithful and
diligent and honest and true to the principles of our religion, if they
seek unto God with that faith that he requires of us, he will give them
wisdom under all circumstances and on all occasions, and the Holy Spirit
will never fail to indicate the path they should pursue. This is the
order of God in relation to these matters, that every man holding any
position in the Church, through his faithfulness, shall have his Spirit
commensurate to the duties devolving upon them, to enable them to magnify
their calling to the acceptance of God and their brethren. And if such
men do not enjoy this blessing, this divine assistance, it is because they
do not "live godly in Christ," because they do not seek unto him in
humility and lowliness of heart, making it their daily study to observe
the laws of God and the rights of their fellow-men. It is true, we all of
us have certain infirmities and foibles, and as you heard this morning,
God has placed them upon us that man should not glory in himself, but that
he might depend upon and glory in the God of Israel; but it is our duty to
overcome them, and learn to subject our will to that of our Heavenly
Father, and continue on in the way to perfection.
There is a matter that has of late become a subject of a good deal of
conversation, and it occurs to my mind to refer to it, namely that of the
High Priesthood, or the place and calling of a High Priest. In the
revelation on this subject I find these words: "And again, I give unto
you Don C. Smith, to be a President over the Quorum of High Priests, which
ordination is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those who shall be
appointed standing presidents or servants over the different Stakes
scattered abroad." What are they organized for? It is instituted for the
purpose of qualifying those who shall be appointed standing presidents
over the different Stakes scattered abroad. A sort of a normal school, if
you please, to prepare men to preside, to be fathers of the people. Have
they fulfilled this? Hardly; perhaps many of them have not thought about
it; but if they had reflected more upon these things, and humbled
themselves before God, and met together often to talk over the principles
of the Gospel, manifesting an eager desire to become acquainted with
doctrine, and using due diligence in seeking for wisdom from the best of
books and every available source, I do not think we should have taken so
many men from among the Seventies and Elders to make of them Presidents
and Bishops and Councilors, as we have been obliged to do. But instead of
the High Priests pursuing this course, many of them have indulged in much
unnecessary talk about which was the biggest, a High Priest or a Seventy.
I can answer that question for you, my brethren: If you will take a
little child among you, and on comparing yourselves with it, can find the
one most like unto it--the one who is the most honest, truthful and
child-like, such a man should be classed among the greatest in the kingdom
of God. It is not talking about these things that qualifies men for
positions, but doing them.
We are only just starting in on the great work before us. Zion is
bound to spread and grow; her cords will be lengthened; but we must be
energetic and alive to the duties devolving upon us, always keeping in
mind the object to be accomplished, and in order to facilitate things and
to meet the mind and will of God, and that his work may be cut short in
righteousness, we must operate together. And not, what? "Lullaby baby on
the tree top, when the wind blows the cradle will rock." We have had
enough of that; let us now begin more earnestly to seek after the wisdom
and power of God and the light of revelation, so that the love of God may
burn in the hearts of the people, and awaken them up to an understanding
of the principles of eternal truth. This is what we want. And if they do
this, magnifying their calling, then when other Stakes are to be organized
and other changes made, all we will have to do will be to go to the High
Priests for such persons to fill such offices that rightly belong to the
High Priesthood. And the question that has agitated the minds of the
Seventies and High Priests will no longer trouble them, for all will then
more clearly perceive that Church or body of Christ is as the body of man,
composed not of one member, but many. For instance, there is the head,
there are the eyes, there is the nose, the mouth, there are the ears, the
arms and hands, the legs and feet, all of which are members of the human
body; which of these would you like to be without? Supposing you had to
part with one of your legs, or one of your arms, you would of course want
to retain the most useful of the two; but if you will tell me which of the
two is the most useful to the human body, then I will tell you which is
the most useful to the body of Christ, the High Priests or the Seventies.
I do not think, however, we need discuss this question; but rather let us
magnify the Priesthood we hold, seeking to acquire a proper fitness for
the positions we occupy.
Now, I will tell you something I have noticed lately. We call upon
Seventies, and sometimes upon High Priests to perform missions abroad, but
how is it with them? They generally go, but it is often a hard squeak.
One man has a roof to put on a house, another is perhaps building a new
house, or his business is in such a flourishing condition as to need his
personal superintendence; another has perhaps "bought five yoke of oxen,"
and he must needs "go to prove them; and another has perhaps "married a
wife, and therefore" would like to be excused. And still such men
generally have quite an opinion of themselves, and they are ofttimes
anxious to know which is the biggest, they or somebody else. And when
such men do go upon missions, they are of very little account, they are
ready to find excuses not to go, and just as ready to find excuses to
return, and are soon reconciled to the fact that "there is no place like
home," and that "Jordan is a hard road to travel;" they have all kinds of
difficulties to encounter, meeting with lions in their way, etc. Did you
ever remember the time when the Elders felt a desire to preach the Gospel,
and men were ready with open arms to receive those who proclaimed it? I
believe the Scripture to be true to-day which says, "I will take you one
of a city and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion." We profess
to be Apostles of the Lord bearing his Gospel message to the nations of
the earth; then let us exhibit a little more of the apostolic power and
zeal when we go out among our fellow-men, realizing that we have got the
light and life and power of God with us; and that we are sent to teach and
not to be taught of men, to control circumstances, in a great measure, by
the power of the Priesthood, instead of allowing ourselves to be
controlled so much. We have not got through with the work, we have only
just commenced it. Here are our fallen brethren, the Lamanites. What an
extensive work opens up among them, which must yet be done, but which will
not fairly commence until we approximate to the consummation of our
mission to the Gentile world. And when we shall have introduced more
fully the Gospel, and developed the purposes of the Almighty to this
Branch of Israel, the Jews will be ready to receive the servants of God
and the Gospel, which will then be proclaimed to them. And when we get
through with Israel, there will remain the ten tribes to be restored, the
earth to be redeemed and the kingdom of God to be established thereon; all
of which must be done in order that the Scriptures may be fulfilled, and
the designs of God consummated. Our work is mapped out before us, it is
all designed and planned by him who rules above, and it is time that every
Elder in Israel fully understood this fact that the Latter-day Saints have
got to take a part in all this work, and that we are not here to attend to
our own personal affairs merely, but, we are called to look after the
interests of God, to build up his Zion and establish his kingdom on this
his earth.
There is another class of men--the Elders of Israel--that play a most
important part. They are very numerous, and it is time that they
commenced to feel after God, and to think and reason and reflect: "What
can I do to help to build up the kingdom of God temporally and
spiritually. O God, inspire my heart with light and revelation, that I
may magnify my calling, honor my position, teach the principles of
righteousness, and help to build up thy kingdom on the earth." This is
the way they should feel.
And I might refer to Presidents of Stakes and to our High Councils;
how ought they to feel? That we are the servants of the living God; that
the eye of the great Jehovah is over us, and that we are operating in the
interests of Zion and for her welfare in all things pertaining to time and
eternity. If they do not do this, God will be after them, and they will
feel his hand upon them. For as I have said, we are not here to build up
ourselves, but to build up Zion and establish the principles of
righteousness upon the earth. That is our calling, that is what the
Priesthood is conferred upon us for, and it behooves us to magnify it and
honor our God. Be governed by integrity and truthfulness, and never allow
yourselves to be bartered or sold in the interests of anybody, but operate
for Israel, doing justice before God and the angels and all good men.
And then we have our Bishops; they have their place in our midst, to
attend to the interests of their several Wards, to look more particularly
after the temporal affairs of the people, and act and counsel them as
fathers for their good; and not in their own interests, but for the good
and benefit of the hole. And then, in the capacity of High Priests, to
take charge of meetings, and instruct and counsel those of their wards,
always setting a pattern in all that is upright, good and noble, saying to
the people, Follow me, as I follow Christ. And as common judges in
Israel, they should be jealous of the people's rights, adjudicating all
matters that may come before them in all righteousness.
Then we come to our Priest, and what are they to do? I do not think
I need tell you, for I have heard brother Richards tell you. They should
visit from house to house, and see that there are no hard feelings
existing in those households, or between the inabitants [sic] of different
households; and such men ought to be full of the Holy Ghost, standing as
watchmen over the flock committed to their care, trying to put things
right, and to keep them right. The Teachers should be their assistants,
whose duty it is to see that there is no iniquity of any kind, and that
righteousness and truth prevail among the people. And then, the Deacons
should be active in their place and calling, standing side by side with
the Bishops, assisting them in all their temporal duties, operating
together as one family. And then everything will move on harmoniously and
pleasantly, for through these ordinances come the blessings, we are told
in the revelation; and without them the power of godliness is not
manifested to men in the flesh. God placed in the Church, Apostles,
Prophets, etc., for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; that we may all grow
together to a perfect man, to the full measure of the stature of Christ.
This Priesthood and our Church organization are introduced for this
purpose, not to make big men of some, and little men of others; for I tell
you, I would rather see a deacon magnify his calling, than an Apostle who
treats his indifferently. We must seek to magnify our offices, and not
expect our offices to magnify us.
I will here refer to the young people. I find a very good spirit
growing up through the Territory, associated with the Young Men's and
Young Women's Improvement Societies. It is very gratifying, and we trust
that the youth of Zion will continue to search after God and a knowledge
of his ways, for I want to say to you young men, that by and by the burden
of this work will fall on your shoulders, and it is pleasing to God and
all good men, that you should prepare yourselves for the labor and
responsibility to which you are fast approaching. And I wish to say to
you further, that if you will go before the Lord in all humility, and ask
him for wisdom and intelligence, your prayers will be herd. You are
commanded to search after wisdom from the best of books, and also through
faith; and I will promise you that diligent study of our own works will
place you in possession of a fund of knowledge that you never dreamed of.
And then devote your leisure time to the acquisition of such useful
knowledge as can be obtained through the schools, and from works on the
sciences; but do not be led by their nonsense, and skepticism, and false
theories. And in doing this, seek earnestly for the Spirit of God to aid
you, to enlighten your mind, that you may the better comprehend truth, and
be able to discard error. And when you meet together, let your hearts be
set on the worship of God, and you will grow up in his fear, and your
delight will be in doing good and laboring in the interest of his cause on
the earth.
Now a few words to the sisters. They have their Relief Societies and
Retrenchment Societies, and their Mutual Improvement Societies, all of
which are very laudable and praiseworthy. You heard quoted this morning
that the man was not without the woman, nor the woman without the man, in
the Lord. Or in other words, it takes a woman and a man to make a man.
Did you ever think about that, that without a union of the sexes we are
not perfect? God has so ordained it. And therefore do we expect to have
our wives in the future state? Yes. And do wives expect to have their
husbands? Yes. Are we engaged in building up the kingdom of God? Yes.
What have we to do? Why, our sisters have to learn to manage their
household affairs in a proper manner, and to train their daughters in such
a manner as will prepare them to become mothers in Israel, competent to
attend to the various duties and responsibilities which must sooner or
latter devolve upon them in the household, and also cultivate their nobler
qualities, calculated to elevate and exalt woman in the estimation of God
and man; and not only your daughters, but sons also; begin early to teach
them meekness, kindness and gentleness, and withhold not from them such
training as will give them an acquaintance with the common branches of
education, and, if possible, afford them a knowledge of science, and of
music, and everything that will have a tendency to lead their minds to
find enjoyment in the development of the mind, but be sure and have for
your base, or foundation, the early cultivation of the virtues, and a due
regard to their superiors, as well as reverence for God an sacred things.
And what next? Teach others who lack the opportunity that your children
may possess. Sisters, you are eminently constituted for this work. God
has given you both the desire and ability to do it; you can enter into the
sympathies of others, and you can better appreciate their feelings than we
men can, and you are altogether more competent to minister in such
affairs. Hence the Prophet Joseph Smith, in his day, organized a Female
Relief Society; some of you sisters now before me I remember seeing
present on that occasion. Sister Emma Smith was President of that
Society, sister Whitney, now of Salt Lake City, was one of her Counselors,
sister Cleveland was the other Counselor, and sister Eliza Snow was
Secretary. This movement, under the auspices of the Relief Societies, was
allowed to sleep for a while, but it has again began to awaken, and great
good is being accomplished. And what do we want to teach our good
sisters? I do not propose to go into details, but will merely say they
should be things most elevating and useful. Teach them to cook aright, to
dress aright, and to speak aright; also to govern their feelings and
tongues, and unfold unto them the principles of the Gospel. Let the
elderly ladies teach the younger ones, leading them on in the paths of
life, that we may have sisters growing up, whose goodness and praiseworthy
principles will make them fit to associate with the angels of God. And if
you persevere in this good work, God will bless you and your efforts. Let
male and female operate together in the one great common cause. Sisters,
let it be your daily study to make your homes comfortable, more and more
pleasant and agreeable, in fact, a little heaven on earth. And brethren,
let us treat our wives properly, and prepare proper places for them; be
kind to them, and feel to bless them all the day long. Do away with
unkind or harsh words, and do not allow hard feelings to exist in your
hearts, or find place in your habitations. Love one another, and by each
trying to enhance the welfare of the other, that element will characterize
the family circle, and your children will partake of the same feeling, and
they in turn will imitate your good example, and perpetuate the things
they learn at home.
There is another subject I wish to refer to, which was introduced
this morning by brother Joseph F. Smith. He said, in speaking on Tithing,
that if all of the brethren would pay their Tithing, there would be no
need to call for donations. I am precisely of the same opinion. But then
all of you have not done this, neither do you do it. "But are you in
hopes that something of that kind will be accomplished?" Yes, of course
we are. Well, how is it now with our Temple affairs, there has been a
change made in relation to these matters? The High Priests and Seventies
were called upon to contribute in this direction, and they did it, and did
well, which is praiseworthy. If I remember correctly, the whole amount
subscribed during the year was some sixty-three thousand dollars, and this
act not only facilitated the building of the Temple, but also rendered
employment to a great many of our brethren. Now, President Young, before
he left us, said that after the Stakes of Zion were organized, these
subscriptions should be made through the Bishops, instead of through the
Presidents of these several Quorums. Some would be ready to suggest that
we do away with that, and use the Tithing instead. I am, as I have said,
in hopes that we will be able to do that by and by, but I do not think you
can to-day. We wish to take a steady, even course, and advance in
improvements gradually, as our way shall open. I will show you what
effect these sudden changes has. We talk about the Seventies, and the
High Priest and Elders, and what they have done. But it is not generally
known that the result of that sudden change was that Bishop Hunter had to
furnish supplies for 50 or 60 men out of the Tithing Office. And our
experience convinces us that any sudden changes in relation to these
matters, might prove disastrous, causing perhaps the stoppage of some of
our works.
I find there is considerable means owing by the Church, and I will
speak a little about that, believing as I do that in making such things
public, that all may have an understanding of our position. There were
some propositions made to the Twelve, when they were in Cache Valley,
lately, the substance of which was in the form of a request that the
Tithing of that Temple District, comprising three Stakes, be used on the
Temple now building. This, doubtless, seemed very desirable to them, but
some of us thought, and so expressed ourselves, that if this request were
granted, then the people of the other two Temple districts would, of
course, want the same favor extended to them, which could not well be
denied. And if this were done, how could we meet all the other expenses?
Perhaps some of you wise men can tell me; the brethren of Cache Valley
could not. There are thousands of dollars owing in different directions,
which I am constantly called upon to meet, and if our resources were
stopped, we could not carry out certain public labors required of us, and
should be unable to pay our debts. But, with the hearty and continued
co-operation of my brethr [sic], I am in hopes that we will so work things
before very long, that we shall be able to ease up in some of these
matters, and have things move along a little more agreeable. We do not
wish anybody to feel oppressed or crowded, but, on the other hand, we want
to feel as we sing sometimes--"We are the free-born sons of Zion," etc.;
and that it is "All free grace and free will." I mention these things to
show you that there are responsibilities that many of the people little
dream of.
Bro. Joseph mentioned one thing this morning to which I think I
should have demurred a little, and I think you will when I tell you. In
speaking about the poor people, that they seemed to get along very well,
etc., and that it was necessary sometimes for the Lord to humble the rich,
etc., which things are spoken of in the "Doctrine and Covenants." But
what of some of the others--those who cannot be said to be either rich or
poor? I want to refer to an item. There is owing to the Perpetual
Emigrating Fund Company, upwards of a million of dollars; the nature of
this indebtedness you are acquainted with. Certain brethren have been
assisted here and you have joined in rendering that assistance. They have
since come in possession of means and property of various kinds, but they
have not settled for their emigration indebtedness. And this debt has
increased to this enormous sum, and it hangs in this position to-day. Is
this right? Is it just? I am inclined to think, with the president of
the company, that if we only have the patience, the thing will be
completely hung by and by, it is only a question of time. But then this
state of things I look upon as an outrage to the community, and a greater
outrage to the good and worthy poor who are ungathered, who are crying for
assistance. And the Church has listened to these cries, and has advanced
a large amount of means, at one time and another, to do what these
once-poor people should have done, but have not done. Now I would ask,
shall these things continue? I hope not; I trust that those who are
indebted to this Fund will have more "bowels of compassion." How anxious
you were, when in foreign lands, to get to Zion; and you felt when
assistance reached you, that one of the first things you would do, would
be to extend the same to others. Let us be reminded of these obligations,
and see that they are paid.
There is another subject I want to speak on, that is our school
operations. You have elected me Superintendent of Common Schools, and I
feel a good deal of interest in the welfare of Common Schools, and also in
all of our institutions of learning, where good education can be had, for
I feel interested in our youth, and I take this opportunity to speak to
the whole country in relation to this matter. I can perceive quite an
interest in educational matters, manifesting itself in our brethren who
preside here; and I am much gratified in it. I hope that this whole
county will go at this matter in all good faith, and where you lack good
school-houses put them up; and when you have already the school-house, but
lack the furniture, get it and try to make the school-house comfortable
for the children; and then good teachers who are good Latter-day Saints.
Shall we have them, or shall we employ teachers that will turn the infant
minds of our children away from the principles of the Gospel, and perhaps
lead them to darkness and death? Some say, "You ought to be very
generous, quite as liberal and generous as others." I think so. But if
some of these liberal people, who talk so much about liberality, would
show a little more of it, we would appreciate it a little better. I would
like to know if a Methodist would send his children to a Roman Catholic
School, or vice vevsa [sic]? I think not. Do either send their children
to "Mormon" schools, or employ "Mormon" teachers? I think not. Do we
object to it? No, we do not; we accord to all classes their rights, and
we claim rights equal with them. Well, shall we, after going to the ends
of the earth to gather people to Zion, in order that they may learn more
perfectly of His ways and walk in His paths, shall we then allow our
children to be at the mercy of those who would lead them down to death
again? God forbid! Let our teachers be men of God, men of honor and
integrity, and let us afford our children such learning as will place our
community in the front ranks in educational as well as religious matters.
But would we interfere with other religious denominations? No. Prevent
them from sending their children where and to whom they please? No. Or
from shipping where they please? No. I would not put a hair in their
way, nor interfere with them in any possible way; they can take their
course, and we want the same privilege.
With regard to some of these other things which I have referred to, I
would say: We wish to continue on as we have done, and as soon as we can
see our way out, we will make things more agreeable. These are my
feelings; but in the meantime, there will be no radical changes. We
started in with the intention of carrying out the views of President
Young, and we purpose to do it; but should we, by and by see a better way,
one that suits us better, that would be more pleasant all around, we will
then adopt it. In the meantime, we will stick to the rod of iron, and
humble ourselves before God, seeking to do His will in all things; and by
and by, when we shall have done our work on earth, will obtain an
inheritance in the celestial kingdom of our Father. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered in the Fourteenth Ward Assembly Rooms,
Sunday Afternoon, Nov. 14, 1877.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
GATHERING THE RESULT OF REVELATION--TEMPLE BUILDING SIMILAR--THE
RESTORATION OF THE PRIESTHOOD--MINISTERING FOR THE DEAD--THE
GOSPEL, GOD-SUSTAINED.
There is something novel as wel [sic] as interesting in the
contemplation of the subject that has been referred to by brother Folsom.
The ideas entertained by the Latter-day Saints are different from those
believed in by any other people upon the face of the earth; and there is a
feeling and spirit resting upon the Saints that is not known nor
experienced among any other people. The way we have been led is very
peculiar and differs entirely from anything else that exists anywhere in
the world. Our gathering together, the kind of Gospel that is preached,
the disposition and feeling to build Temples, a strong impression that
seems to rest upon all the people, is something in itself very remarkable.
Now in relation to our gathering, who is there anywhere else in the
world that feel as the Latter-day Saints do? Yon [sic] do not find it
anywhere, and nothing but the Spirit of God operating upon the minds of
the people could have induced them to gather together as they have done.
This spirit was imparted, as the Holy Ghost is, by the laying on of hands,
through the medium of the Priesthood. And this peculiarity seemed all the
more striking at first, for as soon as the principle of the gathering was
first preached, the people needed no convincing argument, for the Spirit
of the Lord had revealed it to them, and they knew it was true. And it
mattered not where people heard it, or in what language it was preached,
they immediately had a strong, fervent desire to gather to Zion, to
assemble with the Saints and worship with them. And however foolish many
of us have acted since that time, yet these were the feelings that welled
[sic] up in our bosoms; and they came because of certain principles having
been developed through Joseph Smith. You that are acquainted with the
history of Joseph Smith well know that in the Temple in Kirtland, among
other visions, manifestations and administrations he received was one in
which the Prophet Moses appeared to him, who committed to him the keys of
the gathering dispensation. It was he who led the exodus of Israel in
former times, and like all other men who have held the holy Priesthood and
have been faithful in the discharge of their duties, he not only
administered in time but continues to minister in eternity. And holding
the keys of this Priesthood, he was the proper person to confer them upon
the Prophet Joseph; and on doing so, he told Joseph, that he had bestowed
upon him "the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the
earth and the leading of the Ten Tribes from the land of the north." And
this was in fulfilment of a significant scripture which says, "That in the
dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all
things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth; even in
him."
Hence, after men had been baptized for remission of sins, and had
hands laid upon their heads for the reception of the Holy Ghost by those
holding this Priesthood and authority, of which this was one of the
principles, they began immediately to have the feeling to gather to Zion.
This has been spoken of by ancient men of God as one of the events of the
latter days. One of the Prophets referring to it says, "I will take you
one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I
will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with
knowledge and understanding." It was through this principle and this
ordination, with the spirit attending it, first conferred upon Joseph
Smith, and afterwards upon the believers of the Gospel by obedience
thereunto, through the administration of baptism and of the laying on of
hands by the Elders, that brought the people together as they are to-day.
Wherever this Gospel has been preached, believed and obeyed, this desire
to leave the lands of their nativity, to gather with the Saints, has been
strongly manifested; and so strong has it been, that I have had men offer
to bind themselves to my service for quite a length of time, or willing to
do anything required of them, provided they could be assisted to the
gathering place of the Saints. And it was to meet this universal want
that the Perpetual Emigrating Fund was gotten up, which has been the means
of bringing out to this country thousands of people, the majority of whom,
perhaps, by their own exertions, never could have accumulated the
necessary amount of means to have brought themselves here; and as each one
was required, after being assisted, to refund the amount received for this
purpose, others could realize its benefits in like manner, and thus the
fund became perpetual.
Temple building is another characteristic associated with this Gospel
that is in itself peculiar. We are here, as Jesus was, not to do our own
will, but the will of Him who sent us; and, as he was, so we are expected
to do and perform such things as may be required of us by the Almighty.
This is really the position we occupy as Latter-day Saints, if we could
fully comprehend the situation. There are certain powers and privileges,
rights, immunities and blessings connected with this Gospel that do not
exist anywhere else, and this is one of them. We are told that the Gospel
brings life and immortality to light, and without it there is no correct
knowledge of life and immortality. We did not understand either our own
position, nor the position of the world; we could not comprehend anything
of God, or the laws of God, or the laws of life, until we became
acquainted with the Gospel. Every good and every perfect gift proceeds
from God, in whom there is no variableness or shadow of turning. And the
world generally are ignorant of God. Why? Because we are told that no
man knows thethings of God but by the Spirit of God. And if they cannot
obtain a knowledge of God only by the spirit of God, unless they receive
that Spirit they must remain ignorant of these priuciples [sic]. And it
matters not what the learning, what the intelligence, what the research,
the philosophy, or religion of man may be, the things of God cannot be
comprehended, except through and by the Spirit and revelations of God.
And this can only be obtained through obedience to the principles which
God has and shall ordain, sanction and acknowledge. And hence, in these
last times, he first communicated a knowledge of himself to Joseph Smith,
long ago, when he was quite young. Who in that day knew anything about
God? Who had had any revelations from Him, or who knew anything in
relation to the principles of life and salvation? If there were any
persons I never heard of them, nor read of them, nor never met them. But
when the Lord manifested himself to Joseph Smith, presenting to him his
Son who was there also, saying, "This is my beloved Son, hear ye him;" he
then knew that God lived; and he was not dependent upon anybody else for
that knowledge. He saw him and heard his voice, and he knew for himself
that there was a God, and of this he testified, sealing his testimony with
his blood. The evidence of the existence of God that he received, none
but God could impart. Well, what was the result? He told him how others
might obtain the same knowledge [sic] of him and of his laws; and he made
him acquainted with a medium through which he could obtain a knowledge of
these things. And how did he do it? By communicating unto him a
knowledge of the everlasting Priesthood, and sending that Priesthood to
reveal unto him the laws and the ordinances thereof. Hence, as early as
September 21st, 1823, an angel said to Joseph Smith, "Behold, I will
reveal unto you the Priesthood." He was informed there had to be a
certain ordinance attended to, viz., baptism. And as John the Baptist had
held the keys of that Priesthood, in generations gone and past, he was
sent to confer upon him and upon Oliver Cowdery what is known as the
Aaronic Priesthood, which authorized them to baptize each other for the
remission of sins. And this heavenly messenger did come and did so ordain
them, on May 15th 1829, saying--"Upon you, my fellow servants, in the name
of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the
ministering of angels, and of the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism for
the remission of sins; and this shall never again be taken from the earth,
until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in
righteousness." (D C., page 100) And what next? It was necessary then
that other institutions should be introduced and other principles
developed; and consequently the Apostles Peter, James and John appeared,
bringing, and conferring on their heads the Melchisedek Priesthood, which
holds the keys of the mysteries and revelations of God, and by which they
could lay their hands upon men for the reception of the Holy Ghost. And
when they received this gift, it "brought things past to their
remembrance, let them into all truth and showed them things to come;" it
opened up communication between the heavens and the earth, whereby others,
as well as Joseph Smith, could know that God lived, and obtain for
themselves through the administration of theordinances, a knowledge of
their acceptance with him, and of their relationship to him, and also
obtain a knowledge of heavenly as well as earthly things. So that first,
Joseph Smith having received this knowledge that God lived, and others
through the medium that God ordained were accorded the same privilege.
Thus there was opened up a communication with the heavens; not only with
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and those immediately associated with
them, but with those also who received the Gospel; and as the Scriptures
say, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe in his name; which were born, not
of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
And they received that Spirit whereby they were able to comprehend the
principles of truth;" and as the Apostle John says, "But ye have an
unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. But the anointing
which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man
teach you: but, as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is
truth and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in
him." How did they receive this anointing? By repenting of their sins,
by being baptized by one having the authority of God for the remission of
sins, and by having hands laid upon their heads for the reception of the
Holy Ghost. They received this spirit precisely in this manner, and hence
they had this knowledge for themselves; which knowledge all Latter-day
Saints have who are living their religion, walking humbly and obediently
before God. Hence, this is a part of what we term the Gospel; it is part
of what we call the principles of life, or the laws of life, for it leads
to life, it leads to God, it leads to a knowledge of the laws of God, and
a knowledge of the principles of truth, and to an acquaintance with those
principles which are calculated to exalt and ennoble mankind both in time
and through all eternity. There is nothing new in it, and yet there is.
It is called the new and everlasting Gospel. Singular, that an
everlasting thing should be new. But it is a principle that has existed
with God, or with the Gods, if you please, in the eternities, and it has
been communicated from time to time to the children of men. And although
we have a great amount of intelligence, learning and science, and
everything else considered worthy among men, yet we have nothing in all of
this that gives a knowledge of the laws of life. It needs a development
from God to unravel these things, and make us acquainted with our true
position. Hence although it is new to us, it is nevertheless an
everlasting principle. We are mortal and immortal beings, we have to do
with time and also with eternity. And as the things of the future are
hidden from men and can only be known through the medium of the Gospel,
this means was made use of by the almighty for the introduction of the
principles of truth and the placing of mankind in the position to acquire
a knowledge of him and his laws. Having been put in this position, we,
every one of us, men and women who are living our religion, preserving
ourselves in the purity of the Gospel and acting honorably and honestly
before God and man, have a right to know and understand for ourselves the
principles of truth which we have embraced. I well remember a remark that
Joseph Smith made to me upwards of forty years ago. Said he, "Elder
Taylor, you have been baptized, you have had hands laid upon your head for
the reception of the Holy Ghost, and you have been ordained to the holy
Priesthood. Now, if you will continue to follow the leadings of that
spirit, it will always lead you right. Sometimes it might be contrary to
your judgment; never mind that, follow its dictates; and if you be true to
its whisperings it will in time become in you a principle of revelation,
so that you will know all things." That agrees precisely with some of the
remarks of John in the passage I have quoted to you. "Yes, have an
unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things, and need not that any
man teach you; but the same anointing teacheth you all things." Now, that
which John taught was the everlasting Gospel, and that which Joseph Smith
taught was the everlasting Gospel. That which John taught has been
forgotten long ago by the people, they are not in possession of it and
consequently they cannot comprehend it. And hence when Joseph Smith
revealed it, he preached the new and everlasting Gospel; new to the
generation that lives, and everlasting because it has existed in all ages
and times when God has revealed himself to the human family.
But to return to this singular thing of Temple building, which I will
refer to again. Why do we want to build these Temples? Some of us hardly
know; but we do want to build it. What a most singular thing! Just
consider the amount of labor that has already been performed throughout
this Territory. Surely the people have some motive in view. The mechanic
or the laborer does not go to work unless he gets a recompense of some
kind. When men devote themselves to any kind of labor, whether mental,
physical, mechanical or scientific, they have some particular object in
view. So it is also in relation to these matters. I have already
referred to it; but many of us can hardly realize why it is that we are
engaged in these things.
I will go back again and refer to another manifestation. We find,
among others that appeared to Joseph Smith was Elijah the Prophet; and
what did he come for? His special mission was to "turn the hearts of the
fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers."
And the same scripture informs us of his coming "before that great and
terrible day of the lord." What is meant by this, say the world? It
means that we are the offspring of God; it means, as the scriptures say,
that God is the Father of the spirits of all flesh; it means that we have
to do with eternity as well as time; it means that we have to do with
things past, with things present and with things to come; it means that
being the children of our Heavenly Father, we are or ought to be under his
government, yielding obedience to him, and that we ought to operate with
him in extending mercy and love and salvation to the living and the dead,
according to certain laws unknown to men generally; but known unto God and
now revealed again by him for the salvation of our race. It means that
God is the Father of the human family and is interested in the whole of
his progeny, these that now exist and those who have passed away. It
means that there are certain laws in the heavens that all men have to do
with that must be complied with, if not in time in eternity. It means
that all men who have lived and died without a knowledge of the Gospel,
shall be placed on the same plane as ourselves through the plan he has
provided, giving all of his children, whether living or dead, and equal
chance to avail themselves of the means of salvation; and that we are to
operate in their behalf, working out certain ordinances for them which
they are now incapable of doing for themselves. It means that as God
feels interested in the welfare of all his family, men in the flesh who
are in possession of his spirit and the light of eternity, having come to
a knowledge of him and his eternal laws, should co-operate with him in the
accomplishment of this object. And it means too that if he has conferred
the Gospel and the power thereof and the Aaronic and Melchisedek
Priesthoods, sending his messengers from the heavens for this purpose,
that it is not for a phantom, it is not for a plaything to be trifled with
at pleasure; but it is that we should operate with God and wlth [sic] the
Priesthood who lived before us, in the accomplishment of the things of God
on the earth. That is what it means. And hence, says he, when Elias
comes he will "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children," etc. It
is not for mankind to come and live and exist a little while to be blotted
out and nothing more of them; but it is that they should be enlightened by
the Spirit of God, that they should sympathize with and have regard for
all the human family living and dead, feeling desirous to promote their
happiness and welfare, as he himself does. How often when abroad
preaching this Gospel have I heard men say, and you have heard the same
sentiment expressed, "If this is true what has become of our fathers? are
they to be lost forever?" And then you know they have certain peculiar
ideas about hell and damnation, the lake of fire and brimstone into which
a certain portion of the human family are to be cast to be forever burning
and never to be consumed. And if our doctrine be true they think it would
be cruel that this state of things should exist. Why, God is more
merciful than man is, he possesses more sympathies with human nature than
man does or ever did, one with another. The Lord has been feeling after
the welfare of mankind all the day long, from the first commencement of
the world to the present time. But there are certain eternal laws among
the Gods in the eternal worlds which render if necessary that mankind
shall go through certain ordeals and observe certain ordinances and be
governed by certain laws before they can be exalted in the kingdom of God.
And as Satan has been operating in opposition to the Lord's designs.
[sic]-punc] and having so far succeeded in drawing men after him, it
became necessary that these ordinances that God has instituted should be
introduced and that man should be governed by them. Hence it was
necessary that a Redeemer should be provided, which was perfectly
understood by one of the Prophets who said "Deliver him from going down to
the pit: I have found a ransom." Who was he? When Jesus appeared, says
John, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." He
was the ransom.
What about the others, they who have died without a knowledge of the
Gospel? They are amply provided for. The Lord has shown us that we must
build Temples in which to officiate for them. We have commenced to do so,
and our fathers have already commenced to feel after us, manifesting
themselves by dreams and visions, and in various ways to those most
interested in their welfare. And having inaugurated this state of things
for our guidance that we have to-day, with Presidents, Apostles,
Presidents of Stakes, High Councils, High Priests, Seventies, Bishops,
Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons and the various organizations of the
Church; it is for us each one to operate in our sphere under the direction
of the Almighty; and feel not only for ourselves, but for others, as
Abraham did, and as Isaac and Jacob did, we should have a desire to bless
our posterity after us; and God has shown us how to do it, and has
bestowed his Patriarchal authority with power to bless. He has appointed
this through the Priesthood and sealing ordinances. That which is joined
together no man can put asunder, and what is bound on earth is bound also
in heaven; and also a great many other things of a similar nature in
relation to ourselves. The moment a man gets enlightened by the Spirit of
God and begins to comprehend himself, he begins to feel for the welfare of
others. "I have a wife, what shall I do to save her? I have children,
what can I do for them?" And by and by his comprhension [sic] expands,
and he commences at once to reach after his father, and his grandfather,
and friends and relatives, who have passed away; and his feelings if they
were expressed would be, What can I do for them to help them? Yes, he has
revealed to us that we can render valuable aid to our dead friends and
ancestors, and, as I have said, the Lord has shown us that in order for
them to receive the benefit of our services, Temples must be built, and
they must be dedicated to God and accepted of him; and through the medium
of those sacred structures and the ordinances performed therein, there is
to be a uniting and welding together of all principles and peoples, and
without them this great work cannot be done.
Brother Folsom, who has just been speaking to you of his recent
labors in the Manti Temple, says he never felt better in his life than
when engaged there. What is the reason? He has been engaged in the
service of God; and there is no happiness among men to be compared with
the joy and satisfaction that the Gospel imparts; it lifts us up from the
sublunary things of time and sense, and we feel that we are gods, even the
sons of God, and that he is our Father; and we know that we have a hope
that blooms with immortality and eternal lives, and we feel that we are in
the hands of God, and that he will guide and direct us and sustain us and
bear us off triumphant under al circumstances; and we feel joyous and
happy in the contemplation of these things. And then it is necessary that
the Lord should have introduced this Gospel, or shall I say he never could
have saved the human family that have gone? Yes, I will say that; because
there are certain laws in relation to these things which must be obeyed;
the Lord himself is governed by them, and we must be governed by them.
And hence when Elijah came and laid his hands upon Joseph Smith,
conferring upon him that Gospel which was to turn the hearts of the
fathers to the children, he received it, and the spirit of it we have
received; and that is why we want to build Temples. And in this regard we
are associated with those in the heavens in carrying out the plan that was
contemplated and designed by the gods before the world was, in relation to
the formation of the earth, and in relation to peopling it, and then with
regard to its redemption and the salvation of its inhabitants and
everything pertaining to it, until it shall be celestialized and celestial
beings inhabit it. And we are operating, or should do so, and we will
when we know ourselves, operate with the holy angels and with the holy
Priesthood, that has existed before, doing our part on the earth while
they are performing theirs in the heavens. Could we do anything unless
God helped us? No, we could not. You might preach until the tongue
cleaved to the roof of your mouth, urging the people to build Temples, but
unless the spirit of Elijah rested upon them they never would do it. And
sometimes people think now that it interferes with the dollars and dimes
and their monetary calculations; but what of that? God is interested in
these things, and he does not care much about the dollars, for the gold
and the silver, and the cattle upon a thousand hills are his, the earth in
its fullness belongs to him; the heavens are his throne and the earth his
footstool, and he manages and directs according to the counsel of his own
will. And as we send our ministers to the nations of the earth to perform
certain missions designed by the Priesthood on the earth; so does God in
the eternal heavens employ those of his servants around him in the
accomplishment of the same grand object.
Do you think that this Gospel would have stood the opposition it has
met with, and that this people eould [sic] have lived under the calumny
and reproach, the vituperation, hatred and persecution that has been
raised against them by men, unless God had been with us? No; we should
have been scattered like the chaff before the wind, long, long ago. But
God has sustained us, and has said to all men and will continue to say,
Thus far shalt thou go and no farther, and here shall thy power be stayed.
Our strength is in God, and not in man. Many and many a time have I seen
the wrath of man turned away, when it was thought its power would crush
us, and that too by one principle. What was that? Jesus, when in the
flesh, taught his disciples how to pray; and the Lord has also instructed
us how to pray. And we have the consolation of knowing that our prayers
have availed with him, for we have seen our enemies foiled, frustrated,
discomfited and scattered, who sought our destruction, and their plans
utterly fail, and that too when to all human appearances we were going to
be submerged and overwhelmed by their fury. And so long as we continue to
fear Him, observe his laws and keep his commandments, all their plans will
fail from this time henceforth and forever [the congregation said, Amen],
for God is on our side, and He will uphold us and never forsake us.
To return again to the subject of Temple building. I may talk about
it from now until to-morrow, and then not get a quarter through, for there
are so many things connected with it. But we feel now that we want to
build Temples that we may administer in them. Brother Woodruff has been
operating a long time in the Temple at St. George; and you have perhaps
heard him testify of visits that he has had from the spirit world, the
spirits of men who once lived on the earth, desiring him to officiate for
them in the Temple ordinances. This feeling is planted in the hearts of
the people; and the Priesthood in the heavens are watching over us; they
are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs
of salvation, says the Apostle; and if we were not the recipients of their
ministrations and watchful care, we should be in a poor condition. They
are operating in the heavens, and we are on the earth; they without us
cannot be made perfect, neither we without them; it requires the combined
and united efforts of both parties, directed by God Himself to consummate
the work we are engaged in.
I will here show you the difference between the operations of men and
those of the Lord, in regard to the human family. Men make war one upon
another, they kill and destroy and make waste. This work of killing and
destruction is even now going on among the Russians and Turks. And it is
only a short time since the Germans and French were doing the same thing;
and it almost seems like the recollections of yesterday, when our own
nation were imbrueing [sic] their hands in each other's blood, when the
cries of widows and orphans, of bereaved fathers and mothers, brothers and
sisters were heard throughout our land, and when want and misery, pain and
sorrow were depicted on the faces of so many because of man's inhumanity
to his fellow man. What do the Scriptures say? "Whoso sheddeth man's
blood, by man shall his blood be shed." What right has any man to
interfere with the life of another man?
Now I will go back to show you how the Lord operates. He destroyed a
whole world at one time save a few, whom he preserved for his own special
purpose. And why? He had more than one reason for doing so. This
antediluvian people were not only very wicked themselves, but having the
power to propagate their species, they transmitted their unrighteous
natures and desires to their children, and brought them up to indulge in
their own wicked practices. And the spirits that dwelt in the eternal
worlds knew this, and they knew very well that to be born of such
parentage would entail upon themselves an infinite amount of trouble,
misery and sin. And supposing ourselves to be of the number of unborn
spirits, would it not be fair to presume that we would appeal to the Lord,
crying, "Father, do you not behold the condition of this people, how
corrupt and wicked they are?" Yes. "Is it then just that we who are now
pure should take of such bodies and thus subject ourselves to most bitter
experiences before we can be redeemed, according to the plan of
salvation?" "No," the Father would say, "it is not in keeping with my
justice." Well, what will you do in the matter; man has his free agency
and cannot be coerced, and while he lives he has the power of perpetuating
his species?" I will first send them my word, offering them deliverance
from sin, and warning them of my justice, which shall certainly overtake
them if they reject it, and I will destroy them from off the face of the
earth, thus preventing their increase, and I will raise up another seed."
Well, they did reject the preaching of Noah, the servant of God, who was
sent to them, and consequently the Lord caused the rains of heaven to
descend incessantly for forty days and nights, which flooded the land, and
there being no means of escape, save for the eight souls who were obedient
to the message, all the others were drowned. But, says the caviller, is
it right that a just God should sweep off so many people? Is that in
accordance with mercy? Yes, it was just to those spirits that had not
received their bodies, and it was just and merciful too to those people
guilty of the iniquity. Why? Because by taking away their earthly
existence he prevented them from entailing their sins upon their posterity
and degenerating them, and also prevented them from committing further
acts of wickedness. And was it just to send them to hell, to be eternally
burning up in fire, never to be consumed? We do not know anything about
that part of it, that is sectarianism, and is no part of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. Suffice it to say, they were put into prison and the doors
were so securely locked that they could not be unfastened until the right
time had arrived. The Prophets understood this, and spoke of it.
What next? God still felt after them; and he said, in speaking of
the Savior, that he was to come. And what to do? "To bind up the
broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of
the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the
Lord." This was the nature of his mission to the earth. And what do the
Scriptures tell us he did? "Being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit; by which also he went and preached unto the
spirits in prison, which sometime were disobedient when once the long
suffering of God waited in the days of Noah." Were they redeemed? Yes,
if Jesus preached the Gospel to them, and which he most assuredly did. If
a man kill another, does he know how to redeem him afterwards? No, he
does not; therefore men have no right to assume the prerogatives of God,
and hence the Scriptures say that "no murderer hath eternal life abiding
in him." You may get the priest or priests to pray for him and pack him
off to heaven the moment he breathes his last here; but such prayers avail
not; he will never get there, but will go to the place appointed unto him.
Here then is the difference between the dealings of God with man, and the
dealings of man one with another.
We are moved upon to build Temples. There is one now building in
Logan, Cache Valley. I was up there two weeks ago, and was much gratified
to find the work being pushed forward so energetically and so spiritedly.
Since the early part of June, I think upwards of $30,000 has been expended
by the people of that and two other Stakes in making the necessary
arrangements for the building of this Temple. We find the same spirit
existing among them as we found in St. George, and in Sanpete, and here,
and, in fact, as we find everywhere among the Latter-day Saints; and I am
much gratified to see the people thus moved and acted upon. In the
Millennium, a duration of one thousand years, we shall be actively engaged
administering for the dead, and assisting God to fix up accounts with the
inhabitants of the earth.
Before closing I wish to add a few words in regard to matters
associated with our position here, which is a very important one before
angels and the people. We stand in an important position in this respect,
we are the sons and daughters of God; if we obey his laws and keep his
commandments, proving ourselves valiant and true to his cause, we shall be
heirs, "heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus Christ; and if we suffer
with him we shall also reign with him, that all may be glorified together
in the eternal worlds." Now, then, if we can perform a work of this kind,
and secure the approbation of God, and the co-operation of the holy
Priesthood, then we will be doing something that will not only be
acceptable to Him and to the holy angels, but to our name, and fame, our
honor and happiness and glory, and to the increase of our dominion there
will be no end. But if we give way to folly and to vanity, to
covetousness and pride or to evil, to wickedness or corruption of any
kind, the hand of God will be over us, our candlestick will be removed out
of its place, the light within us will take its departure, and darkness
will take its place; and oh, how great will be that darkness! How often
have I seen men whom I have known in this Church, and whom I have
respected as honorable, make shipwreck of their faith, lose the Spirit of
God and go into darkness. When they turn aside, after having received
certain light and intelligence, can you lead them back? No, you cannot.
They have no desire for it, and you cannot implant that desire within
them. What does Paul say? "For it is impossible for those who were once
enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers
of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of
the world to come, if they shall fail away, to renew them again unto
repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God." We do not
want to be in that fearful condition. Let us be careful, then, what we do
and what we say, and how we act and live. Let us treat one another in a
right and proper manner, not seek to oppress and defravd [sic], or rob one
another of property, or of honor, or of character, or anything else; but
let us all copy after the Son of God, walking in all humility and
meekness, feeling rather to suffer wrong than do wrong, and ever be
desirous to promote each other's happiness and welfare. Do not let us be
censorious, or oppressive, or tyrannical, or exacting; but cultivate the
spirit of kindness and charity, and seek continually for the Spirit of God
to lead and direct us. Every morning that we arise, dedicate ourselves to
God, and ask his blessing upon us through the day, that we may be
preserved from evil, folly and vanity. Let us be governed and influenced
by the counsels we receive from our Bishops and presiding authorities; and
let us pray for them, that they may be kept pure and holy; and fail not to
supplicate the father in behalf of tht [sic] Twelve, for we are poor, weak
creatures, and need the faith and prayers of the Saints, and the help and
favor of the Almighty, and we ask an interest in your prayers, that we may
be led in the paths of life; for none of us can do anything unless God be
with us.
Brethren and sisters, God bless you, and lead you in the paths of
life, that you may be prepared for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom
of God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at the Conference, Salt Lake City,
Sunday Afternoon, April 8th, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
NO MAN CAN DIRECT THE KINGDOM OF GOD--THE GOSPEL DID NOT ORIGINATE
WITH JOSEPH SMITH OR BRIGHAM YOUNG.--THE SAINTS OPERATING WITH GOD
AND THE ANGELS--THE GRAND ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH--OTHER
INSTITUTIONS OF ZION.
I shall feel very much obliged, while I attempt to address you; if
you will keep as quiet as possible; because it is quite a labor to speak
to so large a congregation, and unless quiet and order is preserved, it is
impossible for all the people to hear.
I have been very much interested and edified in listening to the
remarks made by the brethren since we have assembled together in this
Conference. And I have been very much pleased in witnessing the union and
general feeling of interest manifested among the people to attend these
meetings. It is evidence to me that the people feel interested in these
great and eternal principles developed through our holy religion, and that
they have a desire to yield obedience to the law of God and to keep his
commandments. And in that alone is our safety, our happiness, our
posterity, and our exaltation, as a people; for we derive every blessing
we enjoy, whether of a temporal or of a spiritual nature from our heavenly
Father; and without him we can do or perform no good work, for in him "we
live and move and have our being," and from him, and through him we
receive all blessings pertaining to this life, and we shall hereafter, if
we possess eternal lives, inherit them and obtain them through the
goodness, mercy and long-suffering of God our Eternal Father, through the
merits and redemption of Jesus Christ our Savior.
It is not in man to direct, to manage and control affairs of the
Kingom [sic] of God. No man ever did possess that power, nor will he,
unaided by the power of the Almighty. All nations and all peoples are
more or less under his direction and control, although many of them do not
know it. He raises up one nation, and puts down another, he debases the
proud and exalts the humble at his pleasure, and he pursues that course
among all the peoples and nations of the earth, as seemeth best unto him;
and all nations and all peoples are his offspring and he is the God and
Father of the spirits of all flesh, and feels an interest in the welfare
of all the human family. He has been in the ages that are past, and he is
in the present age doing all that he can to promote the happiness and
well-being of the human family. This does not always appear to men of
superficial minds, the dealings of God with man are not always
comprehended. But he nevertheless does control the destinies of all
peoples; and if in many instances it does not seem for their present
benefit, yet as mankind are eternal beings, having to do with eternity as
well as time, when the secrets of all hearts shall be developed and the
actions of gods shall be made known and fully comprehended in the future
destinies of the races of men, it will be found that the Judge of all the
earth has done right.
The Lord has in these last days, for his own special purpose, and
also in the interest of humanity, revealed himself from the heavens, made
manifest his will to man, sent his holy angels to communicate and reveal
unto us his children certain principles as they exist in the bosom of God,
and he has pointed out the way whereby we may secure our happiness and an
eternal exaltation in the celestial Kingdom of God. He has been pleased
to restore again the everlasting Gospel in all its fullness, with all its
riches, and blessings, and power, and glory. He has organized his Church
and Kingdom upon the earth; he has chosen men as he did in former times to
be the bearers of his message of life and salvation to the nations of the
earth. He has, through these instruments, instructed us, and gathered us
together, as we are found here today, from the different nations where the
Gospel reached us. He has brought us here according to certain eternal
principles which he had in his mind before the world was, and according to
certain councils that existed in the heavens among the gods, who have been
operating upon and with the human family from the commencement to the
present, and will until the winding up scene.
The work that we are engaged in is not the work of man, it did not
originate with man, it was not found out by him. It is the work that has
been prophesied of by all the holy prophets that have lived on this
continent, on the continent of Asia, and in the various portions of the
earth. As the Apostle Paul describes it, it is "the dispensation of the
fulness of times spoken of by all the holy prophets since the world was."
Andanything that we may have received--any light, any intelligence, any
knowledge of the things of God, have emanated and proceeded from him. He
saw and comprehended the fitting time for this work to commence; he
prepared the way by once more opening the heavens, by revealing himself
and his Son Jesus, and by afterwards sending holy angels to communicate
his will and his purposes and designs to the human family. It therefore
did not originate with us, nor with any sect or party or people, for
nobody, not even Joseph Smith, or Brigham Young, or any of the Twelve
Apostles knew anything about the great principles that were stored up in
the mind of God. It was the mind and will and revelations of God, made
known to the human family, in the first place to Joseph Smith, and through
him to others. And when the Elders of this Church went forth to the
nations of the earth, as bearers of the gospel message, if they had gone
upon their own responsibility they could have accomplished nothing. But
having been chosen and set apart of the Lord, they went forth as his
messengers, without purse or scrip, trusting in Him. And he opened up
their way and prepared their path, as he said beforehand that he would.
"Behold," said he, "I send you forth to the nations of the earth, and my
Spirit shall go with you, and my angels shall prepare the way for you." I
send you forth not to be taught, but to teach, not to be instructed by the
world of mankind or the intelligence of the world, but by the wisdom and
intelligence and power and spirit which I shall give you, and it is
through and by this influence that we have been gathered together. And
why are we gathered? These Elders could not have gathered you unless God
had been with them; they could not have influenced you to come here unless
the Spirit and power of their mission had been with them. But the Lord
said in former years through his prophets, "I will take you one of a city,
and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you
pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding." And through the operation and influence of the Spirit of
the living God, manifested through the priesthood, God's ministers on the
earth, you have been brought together as you are to-day. But why should
we be thus gathered together? That there may be a body of people found to
whom God can communicate his will, that there might be a people who should
be prepared to listen to the word and will and voice of God: that there
might be a people gathered together from the different nations who, under
the influence of that spirit should become saviors upon Mount Zion; that
they might, under the inspiration of the Almighty, and through the power
of the Holy Priesthood which they should receive, go forth to those
nations and proclaim to the people the principles of life, that they might
indeed become the saviors of men. And if we could fully comprehend our
position, we should see things very differently from what we now do. If
we could comprehend our relationship to God, to each other, to his church
upon the earth, and also the greatness and magnitude of the work in which
we are engaged, and the responsibilities that devolve upon us as Elders in
Israel, as Saints of the Most high God, we should see things in a very
different light from what we now do. We are not here, as they say in the
Church of England, to "follow the devices and desires of our own hearts;"
we are not here to pursue our own individual interests and emoluments, we
are not here merely to attend to our own secular affairs, but to learn the
laws of life, and then teach the people the way of salvation. There was
an old saying among ancient Israel: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is
one Lord, and thou shalt worship the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with
all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and him only
shalt thou worship." And Jesus, in after time, added a little more to
this: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." God is one, and they
who dwell with him are one. Those who will inherit the celestial kingdom
will be one when they get there; and we, as a people, ought to be one--one
in faith, one in principle, one in practice, one in our interests, one in
our associations with each other and in our families, one with God, one
with the holy angels, one in time, and one in eternity.
To bring about a union of this kind, the principle of baptism has
been introduced that we all might be baptized into one baptism, by the
laying on of hands, and through the various orders of his Priesthood, we
all partake of the same spirit; and being brought into union and communion
with God, that we all might feel after God, that the tens of thousands,
and hundreds of thousands might be brought into connection with the
Almighty, whose prayers could ascend into the ears of the Lord of
Sabbaoth. And for the accomplishment of this purpose, he selected Joseph
Smith to be the first Apostle in his Church: he was called "not by the
will of man," nor by the power of man, nor by the intelligence of man, but
by God who revealed himself unto this young man, as also the Savior,
committing unto him a mission to perform to the inhabitants of this earth.
He was endowed with power and authority which was given him for that
purpose, that he might be the legitimate representative of God upon the
earth. He also taught him how to organize his Church, and put him in
communication with many of the ancient Prophets who have long since passed
away, who also communicated with him, and revealed unto him further the
plan and design of the Almighty in relation to this earth, and the
salvation of all who would listen to the principles of truth.
The nations of the earth have their representatives, their ministers,
their plenipotentiaries, empowered and sent forth by the recognized
authority of the several nations. He was the representative of God, his
credentials came from God, and his mission extended not to one nation
only, but to all nations; and he was authorized to establish and organize
what was termed the Church and Kingdom of God upon the earth. And every
step that he took, every principle that he inculcated, and every doctrine
that he taught, came from God by the revelations of God to him, and
through him to the people. He selected others by revelation--Apostles,
High Priests, Seventies, Bishops, Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons,
also High Councils, and Bishops' Councils, and Patriarchs, and all the
various authorities and organizations of this Church. Joseph Smith
neither knew how to select men, whom to select, nor what their offices
should be until it was communicated by the Lord. And yet we find that
these principles revealed to him, agree with those that existed in former
ages whenever God had a Church or people on the earth. And hence the
ushering in of the Gospel simply means the revelation of the will of God
to man; it simply means the placing of mankind in communication with the
Lord that he may not be governed by his own follies or notions or
theories, but by the will and word of God. And the examples that you
heard referred to here, of our Stakes, with their Presidencies, together
with the Bishops and their Council, etc., is a part of the system of
heaven, as it exists in the eternal worlds; and the Priesthood that we
hold is the everlasting Priesthood, and it administers in time, and it
will administer in eternity; and a knowledge of the works that we are now
engaged in, in regard to the building of Temples and administering
therein, all came from God, and are a part of the eternal system. Who
knew about them until God revealed it? Nobody. Who knows how to
administer acceptably in these Temple without revelation? Nobody but
those to whom it has been communicated, it came from God. And our
preaching to the living, and our administering for the dead are all of
them parts and parcels of the same concern,[sic-punc] The fact is, we are
in a state of probation; we have enlisted under the banner of the
Almighty; we have dedicated ourselves to him for time and for eternity,
and he expects it at our hands that we be true to the trust conferred upon
us, that we be faithful to our obligations and fulfil them, that we honor
our God, that we magnify our callings and Priesthood, and that we stand
forth among the people and before the nations, as the representatives of
God upon the earth. We have a similar view to that of the Apostle Paul,
who said when addressing himself to the Corinthians: `[sic-punc]Ye are
not your own, for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in
your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." We have enlisted in a
work, have engaged in a warfare that will last while time shall be, and if
we live our religion and keep his commandments, the principles that we are
in possession of will bear us off triumphant over death, hell and the
grave, and land us among the just, among the celestial host that dwell
with our Father in heaven. We really have no time to attend to those
trivial affairs, that some people seem to think ought to occupy so much of
our time. I wish now, while we are together to talk upon some general
principles associated with the Priesthood which has been couferred [sic]
upon us.
It was said of ancient Israel, if they had kept the commandments,
that he would have made out of them a kingdom of Priests. We are
literally a kingdom of Priests to-day. Our business is not to follow our
own will, our own desires and plans, but to seek to know and to do the
will of God, to carry out these principles which he has revealed, and in
this is our happiness and exaltation in time, and will be throughout the
eternities that are to come.
We ought to be operating with God, and with the holy angels; we ought
to be feeling after them, we ought to be operating with the ancient
Priesthood that have lived before--the Patriarchs, the Prophets, the
Apostles, and all those men of God who have lived and died in the faith
who act with God our heavenly Father, and with Jesus the Mediator of the
new covenant. We ought to be operating with them in establishing
righteousness throughout the earth, not nominally, but really; we ought to
be laboring in conjunction with them in saving the living, not to make it
a hardship and a trouble and a toil; something that we can hardly endure
to go through; but on the contrary, feeling it an honor to be associated
with the interests of God and bearers of the message of life and
salvation, and also seeking for wisdom, and intelligence, and power, and
revelation from God to carry out his will and designs, and to accomplish
his purposes upon the earth.
Will his purposes be accomplished? They will. Will the Gospel grow,
spread and increase? I tell you, in the name of Israel's God, it will.
will the time come when every fictitious thing will be removed, when light
and truth shall prevail, and when the kingdoms of this world will become
the kingdoms of our God and his Christ? I tell you it will, and God will
hasten it in his time. And this priesthood and this people are to be the
instruments, in the hands of God, in connection with the priesthood who
have gone before, who are now operating in their sphere, as we are in
our's. The Lord hath so ordained, says the Apostle, "that they,
(referring to the dead) without us should not be made perfect;" neither
can we without them be made perfect. There needs to be a welding and
uniting together, that in all of our doings as God's servants and
representatives, we may be influenced and directed from above, being
united with the Gods in heaven we may become one in all things upon the
earth, and afterwards one in the heavens. And says the Lord, "If ye are
not one, ye are not mine." Everything that tends to divide the people, as
you heard this morning, proceeds from beneath, and those that are engaged
in it are the emissaries of the devil; for as he is the father of lies, so
he is the father of division, strife and discord. But union, peace, love,
harmony, fellowship, brotherhood and everything honorable, noble and
exalting, proceeds from God; these are the principles that we ought to
seek after and to disseminate as far as we can everywhere and among all
peoples. And then when we have done that work, turn our attention to the
building of temples and minister in them for the dead, that we may operate
with the fathers in the interest [sic] of their posterity, helping them to
perform that for their posterity which they were not able to do.
And in regard to the world, what ought our feelings to be towards
them? A feeling of generosity, a feeling of kindness, a feeling of
sympathy, with our hearts full of charity, long-suffering and benevolence,
as God our Father has, for he makes his sun to rise on the evil as well as
the good; he sends his rain on the unjust as well as the just. And while
we abjure the evils, the corruptions, the fraud and iniquity, the
lasciviousness and the lyings and abominations that exist in the world,
whenever we see an honorable principle, a desire to do right, whenever we
see an opening to promote the happiness of any of these people, or to
reclaim the wanderer, it is out duty to do it, as saviors on Mounr [sic]
Zion.
Will they have trouble? Yes. Will there be tribulations? Yes.
Will nation be arrayed against nation? Yes. Will thrones be cast down
and empires destroyed? Yes. Will there be war, and carnage, and
bloodshed? Yes. But these things are with the people and with God. It
is not for us; we have a mission to perform, and that is to preach the
Gospel and introduce correct principles, to unfold the laws of God as men
are propared [sic] to receive them, to build up his Zion upon the earth,
and to prepare a people for the time when the bursting heavens will reveal
the Son of God, "and when every creature on the earth and under the earth
will be heard to say, blessing and glory, and honor, and power, and might,
and majesty, and dominion be ascribed to him that sits upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb forever."
Will this people grow and increase? Yes. And the time will come--it
is not now, we are not prepared for it--when calamity and trouble and
bloodshed, confusion and strife will spread among all the nations of the
earth. The time will come, and is not far distant, when those who will
not take up the sword to fight against their neighbors, will have to flee
to Zion for safety. That was true some time ago, and it is nearer its
fulfilment by a great many years than at the time it was first uttered.
What are we here for? To build up or aggrandize ourselves? No, but
to build up the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth, and to spread
the light of truth among the nations. That is our duty, and also to pray
for the revelations of God, that the Spirit and power of God may rest upon
us, that we may comprehend correct principles and understand the laws of
life, to guide and guard and protect the ship Zion from among the rocks
and shoals and troubles that will sooner or later overcome this nation,
and other nations, and prepare ourselves for the events that are to come.
We ought to be men of honor, of honesty, of integrity, having our eyes
single to the glory of God. That is the duty of these Apostles, and not
to act with a view for their own aggrandizement, and for the obtainment of
filthy lucre, or anything else pertaining to this world. We brought
nothing into this world, we can take nothing out. It is for us to operate
for God and in the interests of his Church and kingdom.
And what of these other brethren, the High Priests? They have a
mission to perform, and that is to make themselves acquainted with the
laws, doctrines, ordinances and government of the Church of God upon the
earth, that they may be prepared, when called upon, to fulfil the duties
and responsibilities devolving upon them. I will here read part of a
revelation which indicates the nature of these duties. "And again I give
unto you, Don C. Smith, to be a President over a Quorum of High Priests,
which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those who
shall be appointed standing Presidents over the different stakes scattered
abroad." Hear it, O ye High Priests! This is the prominent duty
devolving upon you. The position you occupy is a sort of a normal school,
if you please, to prepare those who are in it and are taught in it, that
when they shall be called to hold official places in the various stakes of
Zion, they may be prepared to magnify them. How was it when we were
engaged organizing these stakes, were these brethren prepared? No, many
of them were not by any means. One was engaged on his farm, another was
tied up in his merchandising, another had bought five yoke of oxen and had
to prove them, and another had married a wife and he could not come. And
we, therefore, had to go outside of the High Priests, whose legitimate
business it was to occupy these positions, and call other men and ordain
them High Priests, and set them apart to preside in these stakes, as
Presidents and Bishops and Councilors, having to take them from among the
Seventies' and Elder's Quorums, because the High Priests were not prepared
to magnify their legitimate calling; whereas, if they had been doing their
duty, living their religion, and meeting together in prayer, and examining
the doctrine of Christ, instead of being enegaged [sic] almost exclusively
in many of these other matters, they would have been prepared to step
forward and magnify their calling. There are many other stakes to be
organized. Prepare yourselves, you High Priests, for the duties and
responsibilities that may devolve upon you, that the Church of God may be
strengthened in all its parts, and every man in his place, all prepared to
magnify their calling.
Then, again, there are seventies; I think there are some seventy-six
quorums of seventies. Does their duty consist merely in making their own
plans and calculations, such as to go on a farm and live there all their
life time, attending to their own individual affairs, or pursue any other
avocation without considering the obligations they are under by virtue of
their Priesthood, and calling? I tell you nay. We have something else
to do. I read in the revelation touching this matter, when the seventies
were ordained, "they were to ordain more seventies until there should be
seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard required it." They were
to do this if the labor in the vineyard required it." In whose vineyard?
Their orchards and farms? I do not read it so. Does this refer to their
merchandizing? It does not so read. In looking after their own affairs
or emoluments? That is not what I read; but for the labor of the
vineyard. Whose vineyard, then? The vineyard of the Lord. But it seems
that a great many of the Seventies have no more idea of going into the
vineyard of the Lord, than if they held no such Priesthood or calling;
they do not seem to comprehend their duties, nor their responsibilities.
Hear it, O ye Seventies! you are called and set apart by the Priesthood,
to act under the direction of the Twelve, to go forth as His messengers to
the nations of the earth. Do you believe it? This is your calling.
Prepare yourselves for it. I do not want Elders coming to me, as some
have been doing, after having been called upon missions saying, I pray
thee have me excused. And I call upon the first President of the
Seventies to instruct the various Presidents of Seventies, and they in
turn the members of their several quorums, in regard to their duties; and
to live themselves so that the spirit of the living God may rest down upon
them, that they may indeed be qualified to teach their brethren what their
duties are, that they may prepare themselves to magnify them. Instead,
therefore, of every one seeking his own individual gain from his own
quarter, let every man feel that he is a servant of the living God, a
messenger to the nations of the earth, and that when the Lord calls upon
him, through the proper authority, to do a certain work, he must obey, and
that readily and willingly! These are the duties and responsibilities
that devolve upon you, my brethreu [sic] of the Seventies.
And it is the duty of the Elders also to magnify their callings; to
feel after God and to seek instruction from Him, and to magnify their
calling and Priesthood at home or abroad, being governed by the Holy
Priesthood, in regard to their duties, that they may be acceptable to the
Lord, and magnify their callings with all diligence and fidelity, and then
it is the duty of the Presidents of Stakes to look after the interest and
welfare of their own people under their Presidency, not in a formal
manner, but as interested in their welfare, having a lively desire to
benefit and build them up, both spiritually and temporally, and perfect
them in righteousness, purging out when necessary the ungodly, lifting up
and exalting the poor, and blessing and benefiting everybody according to
the principles of righteousness and truth, guarding their virtue and their
honor, and see that men are honorable, that they regard their word of more
value than their bond, that all people may rely on them; men who, in the
language of the Prophet, will swerve to their own hurt and change not, and
who will do that which is right and equitable before God. It is their
duty, and the duty of the Bishops and also that of the High Priests and
Seventies and Elders operating with them, to look after the poor and see
that they are provided for. Do not let us have anybody crying for bread,
or suffering for the want of employment. Let us furnish employment for
all, divide up our farms and plan and devise liberally that all who need
work, and want to be employed, may find labor. And I now call upon the
Presidents of Stakes throughout Zion to give this matter their serious and
earnest attention. We have land in abundance, water in abundance, and
means in abundance; let us utilise them for the common weal. Talk about
financiering! Financier for the poor, for the working man, who requires
labor and is willing to do it, and act in the interest of the community,
for the welfare of Zion, and in the building up of the kingdom of God upon
the earth. This is your calling; it is not to build up yourselves, but to
build up the Church and kingdom of God; and see that there is no cause for
complaining in all your villages and cities and neighborhoods. Let us
take hold together for the accomplishment of this object, and pray God to
give us wisdom to carry it out, and he will pour upon us blessings that
there will not be room enough to contain.
Again, we have what is called a Perpetual Emigration Fund. I wish to
draw the attention, not only of the Presidents of Stakes but of the
Bishops of the various wards, and of the whole people, to the
responsibilities that devolve upon us in relation to this matter. We seem
to be dwindling down in some of these matters, and I am sorry to say that
there is a great lack of that integrity and interest that we would like to
see manifested among our brethren. There are those here who have assisted
with their means to the amount of upwards of a million dollars, which is
unpaid by those who received the benefit of it. It was the calculation
that this means should be used to bring those of our brethren to this
land, who needed and were worthy of this assistance, and when you who were
thus assisted were in distant lands praying and wishing to be gathered to
Zion, this help came to you and you were brought here; and instead of
paying this your honest debt, you go to work and build up yourselves,
without meeting your obligations, what is the result? Those of your
brethren who still remain, who are just as worthy as you to be gathered to
Zion, are left to cry for assistance. I am daily in receipt of letters
from different parts of the earth, asking to be thus assisted pleading:
"we want to gather with the Saints, can't you help us?" Yes, we can if
you who owe the Fund will pay your honest debts, we can then meet all
these requirements. And I call upon the Presidents of Stakes and upon the
Bishops to look after these things, and see that these obligations are
met, that the poor from abroad may not cry in vain; but that we may help
them, and then they return the amount advanced to them to assist others,
and thus keep the work rolling in the same direction. And if this duty is
not performed, how can we expect the blessing of God to rest upon us?
We are engaged quite extensively in the erection of Temples. We are
building one here, and also one in Cache Valley, and another in Sanpete,
and if we had time, and it was considered advisable, we could read the
report read setting forth the receipts and disbursements of these places;
and I presume we shall, before the Conference adjourns. Suffice it to
say, with all our backwardness in some other things, there are a great
many of the Latter-day Saints who are doing all they can in every laudable
enterprise. I presume at the present time there is not less than 500 men
engaged in rearing the walls of these Temples. And men are taking hold of
it with energy, doing all they can in many instances, but not in all by a
great deal.
Then in regard to our Tithing operations, Bishop Hunter informs me
that many of the people are very negligent in regard to this matter. Now,
I would say in behalf of the people, that perhaps there may be a partial
excuse for some of these things. We have had a very stringent time for a
number of years past, a financial crisis has prevailed in the eastern
States for some years now, and almost every paper reports the failure of
mercantile and business institutions--of the failure of one firm after
another; and we have been subject, more or less, to these depressions.
The fact also must be considered that great exertions have been made in
the building of the St. George Temple, and also the three Temples now
under way, which have already exhausted considerable means furnished
chiefly by the people residing in those Temple districts. I must give the
people credit for their zeal and energy in this direction, which we must
all acknowledge is very commendable and praiseworthy. And, perhaps, in
the performance of this labor may have done the best they could, and
possibly circumstances have so overruled that they find themselves hardly
able to meet their Tithing, for as a rule it is those who take delight in
observing the law of Tithing that subscribe to these other calls. We do
not wish to crowd or press upon the people; but rather let us take things
easily and deliberately, seeking always to break off the yoke of him that
is bound, letting the oppressor go free. And let our sympathies be
extended towards the widow and the orphan; and while we are building
Temples, paying our Tithes and offerings, and doing the best we can before
God and man, we will let that go for the present, and when we get into
more favorable circumstances we will do better. At any rate, we will keep
doing with a long pull and a strong pull, and a pull altogether, as one in
the interests of all Israel. But we must not forget our duties to the
Lord.
I would say in this connection that there are three of the Twelve
appointed to superintend the erection of these edifices in these outside
districts, and then there are those residing here attending to home
affairs. And we are seeking to act in concert and do the very best we
can. Some people have an idea that these Temples ought to be built from
the proceeds of the Tithing; I do not object to it in the least, providing
you will only pay your Tithing. But we cannot build Temples with
something that exists only in name. You deal honestly with the Lord,
handing over in due season that which belongs to his storehouse, and then
we will show you whether we can not build Temples, as well as do
everything else that may be required with it. In the mean time, we have
got to do the best we can in these matters; and as we are personally
interested in these things, as well as our brethren, the departed dead who
have gone before us, and who depend upon this being done, we feel a strong
desire to carry out these projects; and this feeling, I am happy to say,
exists throughout all Israel.
We want also to be alive in the cause of education. We are commanded
of the Lord to obtain knowledge, both by study and by faith, seeking it
out of the best books. And it becomes us to teach our children, and
afford them instruction in every branch of education calculated to promote
their welfare, leaving those false acquirements which tend to infidelity,
and to lead away the mind and affection from the things of God. We want
to compile the intelligence and literacy of this people in book-form, as
well as in teaching and preaching; adopting all the good and useful books
we can obtain; and what we need and cannot obtain, make them. And instead
of doing as many of the world do, take the works of God, to try to prove
that there is no God; we want to prove by God's works that he does exist,
that he lives and rules and holds us, as it were, in the hollow of his
hand. For it is very unfair for man to take the works of God to try to
prove that there is no God. But then it is only the fool that has said in
his heart, there is no God. I would like to talk upon this subject if
time would permit.
I am pleased to see the exertions made by the young men's and young
women's mutual improvement associations, to benefit and bless the rising
generation of our people. And I am also pleased to witness the degree of
intelligence and studiousness manifested by our young people; it is
creditable and praiseworthy. We want to lead them on and encourage them
in the study of correct principles, so that when the responsibility of
bearing off the Church and Kingdom of God shall pass from us to them, they
may be prepared for it, and carry on the work to a glorious and triumphant
consummation. And that we may stand in regard to education and literacy,
the sciences, the arts and intelligence of every kind, as high above the
nations of the earth, as we do to-day in regard to religious matters.
And before closing I would refer briefly to the ladies' relief
society. We are told that, "The man is not without the woman, nor the
woman without the man in the Lord." She is spoken of as a helpmeet to her
husband. I remember the organization of the first Relief Society in
Nauvoo, by the Prophet Joseph Smith; to-day we find them spreading all
over the land, and the benefits of their labors are widely realized. Our
sisters are doing a noble and commendable work in writing and publishing,
in visiting the sick and needy, and ministering to their wants, and
showing kindness and benevolence towards the suffering and distressed, and
also advocating principles that are honorable and praiseworthy before God
and man, calculated to elevate and bless their sex. And I say to the
sisters, God bless you in your labors of love, and in your enterprise,
continue to press forward in your good work, and the Lord will bless you
and your posterity after you; for you are mothers in Israel who are
raising up kings and priests unto the Most High God. See that your
children are taught aright, and that they grow up in virtue and purity
before the Lord. Teach them good principles, never mind so much about the
fashions; but let economy, industry, charity, kindness and virtue be early
impressed upon their minds, and try to love your sons and daughters, and
to lead them in the paths of life. I should like to speak of our Sunday
Schools and other institutions, but time will not permit. I have talked
long enough. God bless you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
REMARKS
Made at a Meeting Held in Nephi, on Wednesday Evening,
May 15, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
PREST. JOHN TAYLOR.
I am pleased to have the opportunity of meeting with the brethren in
this place. As we are only making a passing visit, being on our way to
Sanpete, we have not time to make very long speches [sic]. I have been
interested in the remarks which have been made, and I presume you have
been also.
In regard to our religion and our feelings about tithing, and in fact
everything else, we need to act conscienticusly [sic] before God, and as
honest men, without any equivocation of any kind. In regard to our
doctrine and the principles we believe in; in regard to our deal and
intercourse with all men everywhere; in regard to our associations with
our families and with one another, we ought to really be what we profess
to be--Latter-days Saints. And not only have the profession, but seek to
posses the principles that all good Latter-day Saints ought to be in
possession of, and which are our privilege to possess. It is quite
possible that we may deceive one another; but it is not always that we
succeed in doing that. We often try, but we make a poor out at it, for
people generally are not so much deceived as we may think. It is true
they may not say anything, but at the same time they keep up a loud
thinking about it. But if we do manage to deceive each other we cannot
deceive God. And what is the use of making a profession of anything
unless we carry it out. Why are we here? Because we embraced the Gospel,
and because we believe this was the land of Zion. Why do we attend to
Temple ordinances? Because we believe they are ordained of God, and are
necessary for our welfare and the welfare of our progenitors. Why do we
build temples? Is it to appear liberal towards these institutions, in the
eyes of our brethren? It should not be. But it should be because we
believe it to be a duty devolving upon us, and because, as Elders in
Israel, the Lord expects us to do it, because it is a part of the plan of
salvation ordained of God for the living and the dead; and because it is
expected to carry out his purposes in regard to the world in which we
live, and that we should operate and cooperate with the Priesthood behind
the veil, in all sincerity and honesty before God in all that we do to
this end, for as one of old said, in contemplating these things, "hell and
destruction is without a covering before thee," and how much more so are
the hearts of the children of men. And how pleasing it is to operate with
our Heavenly Father in all sincerity; how pleasing it is to feel that God
is our Father, and that we are his children, that we are his covenant
people, and that we are engaged doing his work. We should be honest with
ourselves, honest with our families, honest with each other and honest
with our God, and in all the various relations of life.
The subject of tithing has been referred to. We profess to believe
in it, and therefore we should carry it out. If we do not believe in it,
let us be frank enough to say so, and quit. We profess to have faith in
God, and that it is our duty to call upon him morning and evening.
[missing] I did not believe that the Lord would hear me, I would not
trouble myself about calling upon him. But I do believe that the Lord
says: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and
he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or
what man is there of you, who if his son ask bread, will he give him a
stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? etc." Jesus
tried to impress this principle upon the people in his day; but it is
difficult for us at times to realize it. And again he instances the widow
and the unjust judge, showing that by continual prayer, importuning the
Father, in the name of Jesus, in faith that he will hear us, our prayers
will not be in vain. We should feel that God is our father and that we
are his children, and that he has promised to listen to our prayer, and
that we are called upon to be obedient to his will and to carry out his
designs. And then we ought, in order that our prayers may be effectual
perform the various duties devolving upon us, such as have been referred
to, and we should be honest and honorable in our dealing one with another.
If we try to defraud our brother, how can we expect God to bless us in
that, for he is a child of our Heavenly Father just as much as we are.
And being his child he feel interested in his welfare, and if we try to
take advantage to the injury of the Lord's child, do you think he would be
pleased with us? Formally, according to the Mosaic law, if a man stole
anything he would make him restore it four fold. That was a law of carnal
commandments and ordinances. And we are living under a more elevated law,
and occupying a higher position than the Children of Israel did. We want
to be just and generous to each other, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with
all thy strength. This we are told is the first commandment. And the
second is like unto it, namely, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Do we do this? If we did, then how pleasantly we could come before the
Lord. Yet, if we were living our religion, possessing the light and
intelligence of God, we would do so. But, to go a little further, quoting
from the injunction of Paul: "Be kindly affectioned [sic] one to another
with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another." Could you go that,
do you think? There would first have to be a little change among some of
us. Yet those were the principles taught by some of the former-day
Apostles, and it is just as true to-day as it was then. There is
something very pleasing in these things; and if we could only carry them
out how pleasant it would be; we would have confidence in every man. We
sing sometimes something like this--and we sing it quite glibly too:
"When every man, in every place shall meet a brother and a friend." Do
you ever remember hearing folks sing that? If we were one and all, so
united as to inspire that confidence in all our acts and doings, so far as
we were concerned in our immediate vicinity, every man would meet a
brother and a friend; and the same would also be said of our sisters.
These are the kind of feelings the Gospel ought to inspire in our hearts:
love for one another, a feeling of interest in one another's welfare and
so fulfil the law of Christ--the law of the Gospel.
And then men should feel right towards their wives and treat them in
kindness and with regard, not allowing our love to wear out. We might
have been a little foolish in our younger days, when doing our courting,
paying to much attention to the object of our affection, whereas, by and
by, we pay too little attention. We should so live that our love for each
other can increase all the time and not diminish, and have charity in our
bosoms so that we may bear with one another's infirmities, feeling that we
are the children of God, seeking to carry out his word and will and law.
And then treat everybody right. What, the Gentiles? Yes, certainly; it
would be a pity if we could uot [sic] afford to treat everybody honorably
and right. These "damned Gentiles," as you are sometimes pleased to call
them, are the children of our Heavenly Father. What was the Gospel
introduced into the world for? What was the promise made to Abraham? "In
thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed," not cursed.
What was the mission that Jesus gave to his disciples? "Go ye into all
the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." What, to the
Gentiles? Yes; were not you among that class when the Gospel reached you?
Yes, you were, and if the elders had not gone out to preach the Gospel you
would not have been here? Well, shall we treat men aright here.
Certainly; but that is not to say you shall be governed by any of their
meanness or corruption. God sends us to teach, not to be taught or to be
influenced by anything improper or impure; he sends us to elevate the
standard of truth and to act the part of a friend to all men, but not to
be partakers of their sins, or mix up with them in their vice and
coutentions [sic]; but preserve our bodies and spirits pure together, that
we may be the children of God without rebuke in the midst of a corrupt and
perverse generation. What would I do with the hungry? I would feed them.
What if they were not good people? Yes, you and I can well afford to
treat everybody right. God makes his sun to shine on the evil as well as
the good, and he sends his rain on the just and the unjust. But do not
descend to their evils and wickedness and corruptions, nor to the evils
and wickedness of those who call themselves Latter-day Saints, who are
not, who do not keep the commandments of God.
I am a believer in the things the brethren have been speaking about,
they are matter of fact principles. There are some Christian people in
this world who, if a man were poor or hungry, would say, let us pray for
him. I would suggest a little different regiment for a person in this
condition: rather take him a bag of flour and a little beef or pork, and
a little sugar and butter. A few such comforts will do him more good than
your prayers. And I would be ashamed to ask the Lord to do something that
I would not do myself. Then go to work and help the poor yourselves
first, and do all you can for them, and then call upon God to do the
balance. So with the building of our Temples and everything else. Never
mind so much about the prayers; prayers are all very well in their place.
There is an old saying which is not without meaning; it is "Yankee doodle,
do it." Let us do something and feel that we are men among men, and that
we are prepared to fill the various responsibilities devolving upon us,
and then things will move along right enough. We get excited sometimes
and want to do everything in a rush. Why the world was not built in a
day, neither does winter change into summer in a day, it takes time. When
it begins to get a little warm in the spring you begin to plow, and when
you cast in the seed you do not expect to reap on to-morrow; but you wait,
and by and by the grain begins to shoot, and everythings [sic] looks
beautiful and green, and when it commences to head out, you begin to talk
about the harvest. There is, however, an overwhelming power, which is the
power of God, at the back of it, which gives life and vitality to all
nature; and it moves gradually and slowly, but surely. We want to grow in
grace and in the knowledge and love of God in the same way.
We have commenced to built up the Kingdom of God, and like the grain
of mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds, it will grow and
extend until the whole earth shall be full of the knowledge of God, and
the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ
and he will reign forever.
We will try to be united, and purify ourselves and purify our
families, and purge out iniquity from our households. We will try to have
a conscience void of offence towards God and man. We will try to magnify
that priesthood God has conferred upon us. And we will go on from truth
to truth; from intelligence to intelligence, and form wisdom to wisdom
until we see as we are seen and know as we are known. We will operate
together, and with all Israel and with the gods in the eternal worlds, and
with the patriarchs, prophets and apostles, and all the holy men of God
who have lived before us, in assisting to bring to pass all the designs of
God of which the prophets have spoken, aud [sic] in building up the Zion
of God, in redeeming the earth and establishing the kingdom of God theron
[sic].
May God bless you and lead you in the paths of life, in the name of
Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY ELDER JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City,
Sunday Afternoon, June 16,1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE HEAVENS FULL OF INTELLIGENCE--GOD HAS REVEALED PORTIONS OF
THAT FOR THE WELFARE OF HIS CHILDREN--REASONING FROM SCIENCE TO
SACRED THINGS--ALL DIVINE LAW UNCHANGABLE [sic].
As has been remarked by one of the speakers, a great deal might be
said upon the principles of the gospel of the Son of God. The heavens and
the earth are full of intelligence, and God ruler over and directs the
affairs of nations as well as those of individuals and people; and
whatever may be our peculiar notions or ideas of other men and their
profession, the time will come, and is not far distant when the secrets of
all hearts will be revealed, and when all of us, Latter-day Saints and
others; Jews and Gentiles, peoples who now live, those that shall live and
those who have lived, will be judged, not according to their peculiar
theories, ideas, or notions, but according to the principles of eternal
truth as it exists in the bosom of God, or is manifested by his eternal
laws.
He has from time to time revealed his will to mankind, and he has in
these last days revealed himself to the human family and the men to whom
he has revealed himself in the different ages, comprehend all the
principle of truth and the laws of God alike, so far as they were
understood by them, having been taught by the same Lord and instructed
from the same source, and had intelligence from the same fountain, they
have comprehended, according to the positions which they have occupied,
and so far as revealed unto them, alike, whether they were things
pertaining to the living, or the dead, or to the various kingdoms that
exist in the eternal worlds, telestial, terrestrial or celestial as the
case might be, and as it may have been revealed unto them; but no man in
any age of the world has understood anything pertaining to God and
godliness only as it has been revealed unto him by the Lord. "For what
man knoweth the things of a man, save by the spirit of a man which is in
him: Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but by the Spirit of God."
And hence it is impossible under certain circumstances, for mankind to
judge correctly of these principles. For although the Lord has given unto
every man a portion of his Spirit to profit withal, no matter who he may
be, or what clime he may live in, yet at the same time, if he does not
improve ugon [sic] this manifestation of the Spirit of God, aud [sic]
cultivate correct principles, it would be impossible for him to comprehend
the things of God.
Jesus, when upon the earth, said, "My sheep hear my voice and know me
and follow me; but a stranger will they not follow, for they know not the
voice of a stranger." It may appear singular, and it does to the minds of
many when they reflect upon the various dispensations of God to man, and
the position that the various nations of the earth have occupied in the
different ages of time. All men have knowledge, more or less, and feel a
reverence for the Divine Being, which is manifested in various forms of
worship. But there are few men, comparatively, who have understood
correctly the relationship, that exists between God and man. Such has
been the power of the adversary, and so profound has been the darkness of
the human mind, and so great the disparity between God and his creatures
here upon the earth, that the light, effulgence, glory and intelligence
that exists with him and with those by whom he is surrounded, has been
little understood by man upon the earth, grovelling in the midst of
darkness, weakness and imperfections. Combatting continually with evil
and with the powers of the adversary it seems almost impossible for man to
foster and maintain these high aspirations and feelings which the gospel
alone can inspire, placing man in his true position before God, and
causing his anticipations and hopes to ascend to those high, magnificent
and glorious principles that exist in the bosom of God, and in the bosom
of those intelligencies with whom he is surrounded. Nothing but light and
revelations, nothing save the manifestations of the Spirit of God, nothing
but communication from him can bring man into relationship with him. It
is impossible. And hence the theories, wild notions, erratic views and
peculiar feelings that prevail among men, yes, among the wisest of
men--among statesmen, and kings, and emperors, and potentates, and
governors, and rulers, as well as well [sic] as among divines, priests and
people; and how different the sentiment! How widely apart are the
religious beliefs, forms of worship and ordinances of all of them! What
peculiar darkness is manifested in relation to these things, in comparison
to many other things with which we are acquainted!
When we talk about practical matters of fact, the laws of nature and
of matter, the motions of this and other planets; or when we reflect upon
the various organizations of matter, and of man, and of the brute
creation, we see and comprehend in part concerning the laws by which they
are governed. And although we may speak in different languages, yet at
the same time we arrive, in a great measure, at the same conclusions in
regard to most of these prominent facts; we agree in regard to these
matters. But when we come to Jesus and God, we are altogether dissimilar.
What is the matter? We do not comprehend the law, we have not been taught
by the same rules, the principles of instruction are not within our reach,
we wander in the dark and act foolishly and ignorantly in relation to
these matters. But if we were taught in these schools as we are taught in
the schools of science, and art, and literature, we could comprehend
things alike; and not until we have a teacher, not until we have those who
are competent to teach, who understand the laws of life and the principles
of salvation, can we, no matter what our intelligence otherwise may be.
Until then we shall have to grope in the dark, live in the dark, and when
we leave this world we must, according to the saying of an eminent
philosopher, "take a leap in the dark." We comprehend nothing of our
origin, of the object of our existence, or of our destiny; neither can we
comprehend it unless God reveals it.
He has, as before stated, in different ages of time manifested his
will to certain individuals, and he has sent them forth to make known his
will to the human family. And they declare certain principles, simple in
themselves, yet emanating from God, which are calculated to enlighten, to
impart intelligence; to bring him into relationship with the Almighty, to
give him a knowledge of God, of the Savior, of his own being and the
object of God in creating the earth and man upon it, and also of the
destiny of the earth, the world in which we live, and all its inhabitants.
These things, however, are almost too simple for the human mind,
mystified and befogged by false theories and notions; they are almost too
simple for them to bow unto. What is it? Jesus said to his disciples in
former times, "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every
creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned." He gave unto them power to lay their
hands upon believers and impart to them the Holy Ghost, which placed them
in communion with God, and whose faith, as we are told, "entered within
the veil, whither Christ their forerunner had gone." And still the words
that these men preached, as Jesus himself expresses it in referring to the
same thing, were not his own, but the Father that dwelt in him; he did the
works. And we are told that when those ancient men of God preached, their
words went with power and with much assurance, and the Spirit of God and
with the Holy Ghost, to the convincing of those who desired to know the
truth and be governed thereby. What was the result? This confusion
heretofore existing among them departed; they were no longer split up into
sects and parties, but they had "one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one
God, the Father; of whom are all thing;" precisely the same as we have in
all the works of nature, in all organized matter. There are certain
eternal, unalterable, unchangeable laws by which it is governed; and no
chemist or philosopher can change these laws; they are eternal,
inexorable, and always produce the same results.
We think these things correct upon natural principles; why not in
regard to these higher principles which God has revealed to the human
family? We read of men in former times who said they gazed upon the Lord;
they saw him, and his train filled the Temple. But says one, "I do not
believe it." Who cares whether yes do or not? that does not invalidate
the fact. Your ignorance in regard to these matters does not affect in
the least, the great truths of God. And unless you yourselves have had
some revelation to show you that this statement is incorrect, it is
foolishness in any man to dispute these principles thus communicated. We
understand these things, having obeyed the law. What do you understand?
What does man know? Nothing, only some few principles pertaining to the
laws of nature. Who organized these laws? That very being whom we affect
to despise. Who organized the universe? Who makes this planet and other
planets revolve in their several orbits, and by what influence and power
are they governed? By a power far greater than we know anything about.
What can we do? Where is there a philosopher that can organize a blade of
grass, or a grain of sand producing the material to make it from? You
cannot find them. The great Creator, who governs and regulates these and
other systems, has given a law to man telling him how to approach him, and
showing him the means whereby he can obtain intelligence from him; and he
is able to carry out that law, for he comprehends it. And what is it?
Why, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus
Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost."
And what shall that do for you? It shall take of the things of God and
show them unto you. But you would learn it in some other way, would you?
You cannot do it. That is the way God has appointed, and man may exert
all his influences and bring into requisition all his talents and powers,
but he never can obtain it only in the way which God has appointed. I
have a watch. The man who made it tells me if I would keep it going, I
must wind it up every day. But suppose I should want it to go in some
other way, would it go? No. Should I blame the maker then? Certainly
not; in fact, you might consider me a fool for not carrying out the
maker's instructions. And when God points out a path whereby we can
obtain a knowledge of him and of his laws, that is the way to receive it,
if we receive it at all.
The laws of matter and of mechanism are unchangeable, and so are the
laws pertaining to life, and also the medium of communication between God
and man. And hence Paul, after speaking some time to a congregation that
he was addressing, said the words that we speak unto you, we speak by the
power of God and by the Holy Ghost, and with much assurance. And then in
speaking of these things, he says, Ye are my witnesses. Who? Those who
received his word and obeyed it. You are my witnesses, as also is the
Holy ghost that bears witness of us. He had the living witness within
him; and they among themselves had this evidence. And John, in speaking
to some of his disciples said, "But ye have an unction from the holy one,
and ye know all things." "Ye need not that any man teach you; but the
same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie." And
in speaking to the people, Paul said, "Which hope we have as an anchor of
the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the
veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered."
This, Latter-day Saints, is your privilege. You have embraced the
same Gospel; you have been baptized into the same baptism, have partaken
of the same hope, and are in possession of the same spirit. Do not allow
your feelings to be overturned; do not give way to the follies and
delusions of men, nor to the powers of darkness, but maintain your
integrity before God in all fidelity; and live your religion, keeping the
commandments of God, and your faith will be as the faith of the just, that
shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
God bless you and lead you in the path of life, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
DISCOURSE BY ELDER JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Sunday, July 7, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
AN IMPORTANT AGE--CLOSE QUESTIONS--A WORD WITH THE BISHOPS--ALSO THE
SEVENTIES--HONOR THE SABBATH.
I have been very much interested, as no doubt all of you have who
have attended this Conference, in the principles that have been taught
here. It is true a very great many have not been present to hear the
things that have been spoken of by the Elders of Israel, and the Apostles
of the Lord, during this Conference. There has been a number of
reflections, no doubt, in relation to principles advanced by the various
speakers; a great many plain truths have been enumerated; but we need, as
has been stated, continual awakening up to a sense of our duty, and to a
realization of those great responsibilities which devolve upon us.
We are living in a very important age of the world, when great events
are about to transpire, and the Lord has called upon us to perform a very
great work in our day and generation. He has sent forth a revelation of
his will; He has restored the ancient, the everlasting Gospel; he has
restored the Holy Priesthood; He has manifested himself by the opening of
the heavens and communicating his will, by the ministration of angels, by
the organization of his Church and kingdom, by the continuous
manifestation of his Holy Spirit, daily imparting faith to the human
family who are humbly and diligently seeking to observe his laws and to
keep his commandments.
The Lord has a work to perform upon the earth; and the ancient
Priesthood who have lived upon the earth and who now live in heaven have
also a work to perform. And this Gospel and this kingdom has been
introduced that there might be a Priesthood upon the earth to operate with
God and with the Priesthood in the heavens, for the accomplishment of his
purposes, for the redemption of the living, even all who desire to love
truth and work righteousness, and for the salvation and redemption of the
dead; that the purposes of God from before the foundation of the world may
be carried out, and that the laws, principles, rules and government as
they exist in heaven, may be taught to man upon the earth; and that
through the operation and co-operation of the heavenly Priesthood and the
earthly Priesthood, and God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new
covenant, an organization may take place, a union be formed, truth
developed, and a kingdom established that the will of God may be done upon
the earth as it is done in heaven. And this is what Jesus taught his
disciples to pray for. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as
it is in heaven." But we cannot do the will of God as it is done in
heaven, until he reveals it; we cannot know the will of God in heaven,
until he reveals it to man on the earth. And then, as it requires the
powers and the spirit and wisdom of God to manage and direct and eontrol
[sic] the affairs in the heavenly worlds, and to regulate his kingdom
there, so it requires the same power, and same wisdom, the same light and
intelligence to carry on this purposes here, and to establish his kingdom
on the earth. And hence, for this very purpose, he has commenced to
reveal himself to the human family, and also for the purpose of organizing
the everlasting Priesthood. Do we know what that means? A Priesthood
that administers in time and through all eternity; a Priesthood that is
under the guidance, direction and control of the Almighty; a Priesthood to
whom he will communicate his will, make known his designs, through whom he
will accomplish his purposes, build up his Zion and establish the kingdom
of God on the earth. And it is for this purpose that the kingdom of God
is established; it is for this purpose that the various organizations of
the Priesthood are put in order; it is for this purpose that men are
ordained and set apart to fulfill the various duties and responsibilities
devolving upon them, at home or abroad as the case may be. It is not to
seek after our own gain, or interest, or emolument, or to satisfy the
devices and desires of our hearts; we are here as Jesus was here, not to
do our own will, but the will of him who sent us--not to speak our own
words, but the words of life, under the inspiration of the most High, so
that Zion may be instructed in the principles of righteousness, and that
she may comprehend the laws of life, and be able to fulfill her destiny on
the earth.
Ye Latter-day Saints, this is why this Church was organized; this is
why the Priesthood was organized; this is why messengers have been sent,
and are now being sent, and will continue to be sent more abundantly to
the nations of the earth. And it is proper and right, in our Conferences,
to reflect upon these things, and upon the duties and responsibilities
devolving upon us, and to ask ourselves, Are we fulfilling the
requirements of the great Eloheim? It has been asked here by brother
Brigham, who has just spoken, whether this kingdom will fail. I tell you
in the name of Israel's God it will not fail. I tell you in the name of
Israel's God it will roll forth, and that the things spoken of by the holy
Prophets in relation to it will receive their fulfillment. But in
connection with this I will tell you another thing: A great many of the
Latter-day Saints will fail, a great many of them are not now and never
have been living up to their privileges, and magnifying their callings and
their Priesthood, and God will have a reckoning with such people, unless
they speedily repent. There is a carelessness, a deadness, an apathy, a
listlessness that exists to a great extent among the Latter-day Saints,
and there never was a stronger proof of this than that which was exhibited
here yesterday. I asked myself, as I looked over the empty benches, Where
are all the Bishops? Have they not time to attend the Quarterly
conference? Oh, shame on such men! are they worthy to hold a place in the
Bishopric, and associate with the Holy Priesthood of God? They are
desecrating the holy principles by which they ought to be governed. Where
are their Counselors, I asked myself, and where are the Priests and
Teachers and Deacons? Is there no interest manifested in the Church and
kingdom of God, or in the Zion he is about to establish? Not much with
many of them. Where were these thousands of Seventies and High Priests
and Elders? The great majority of them were not here; but to-day they
are, and I thought I would talk to them while here, and not when absent.
Are the things of God of so small importance--are the issues of life, the
destinies of the world, and the salvation of the living and the dead of so
small importance, that we can not afford time to spend a day once a
quarter in attending to the duties of our office, in representing our
different districts, and in fulfilling the duties of our Priesthood, and
the obligations God has placed upon us? I tell you, ye Elders of Israel,
who neglect these things and who shirk your duties, God will remove your
candlestick out of its place, and that speedily, unless you repent. And I
say so to the Bishops, and I say so to all Israel who hold the Prieshood
[sic]. We are not here to do our own will, but the will of our Heavenly
Father who sent us. God has placed an important mission upon us; he
expects us to fulfill it. If we treat it lightly and neglect our duties,
he will remove us and others will take our crown. But he is not going to
allow His kingdom to be overthrown, for it will roll forth and spread and
increase until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our
God and His Christ and he will rule for ever and ever.
I was reminded, yesterday of a parable made use of by the Savior in
his day.
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins which
took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps and tsok [sic] no oil with
them:
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried they all slumbered and slept."
I thought that part of it was very pretty nearly fulfilled; for very
nearly all of the people belonging to this stake were caught napping. By
and by, or to quote the words of the text:
"And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh:
go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our
lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for
us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were
ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut;" and the
others did not, and--that's all. And there is another Scripture to which
I will refer. Jesus says: "Many are called, but few are chosen." And
there are many other peculiar Scriptures in relation to this matter. I
will refer to another one. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils?
and in they name done many wonderful works?
"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me,
ye that work iniquity." Or in other words, Depart from me, I never
approved of you. Who, my brethren and sisters, do you think these
Scriptures refer to? Some will say to the Gentiles; but I have quite
another opinion about it. There are men before me to-day who have
prophesied in the name of God, who have cast out devils in the name of
God, who have healed the sick in the name of God, and done many wonderful
works in the name of God; but they are not keeping his commandments, nor
magnifying their priesthood; they are tampering with sacred things, and
God will hold them to an account for it; and if they expect they can serve
mammon, the world and the devil, at the same time, they are making a grand
mistake. God will say to them, "I never knew you." Now I shall be there,
and you will be there; and I warn you, in the name of Jesus, to repent of
your sins, and humble yourselves, and from henceforth magnify you
priesthood and honor your God.
How is it with our various quorums and authorities, and how is it
with many of the Bishops? They do not care much about things whichever
way they go. They have time to attend to their merchandizing and trading
and business operations and pleasures, but they have not time to attend to
the cause of God nor the interests of the flock, over whom he has placed
them. But if they cannot find time, God will find a people that will find
time to attend to his affairs. We have been engaged for years, but more
especially of late years, in organizing the church more perfectly. And we
have been ordaining men in the various quorums for the last 40 years and
what for? Merely to give them a place and position and the priesthood?
No, I tell you nay; but that holding the holy priesthood you may magnify
it and become the saviors of men. But is it not the case with a great
many of our Elders and Seventies, that they are trying how little they can
do to save themselves and preserve a standing in the church; instead of
how much they can do? Why, all the heavens ware waiting for our
operations; the Gods are in the eternal worlds and the fathers of the
departed spirits--the holy priesthood behind the vail, are all waiting for
our operations, to see what we will do. And we are found slumbering and
careless and indifferent, willing that anybody should perform the work of
the Lord, if we will be left out. I tell you, in the name of God, that he
will give you your wish; he will leave you out, unless you speedily
repent. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting." But what are the duties of these
Seventies, so many of whom are before me to-day? As I read it, it is to
be under the direction of the Twelve, and to be on hand to go to the
nations of the earth, as messengers, and to prepare themselves for that
purpose. We sometimes talk about the work we have done. A very few men,
comparatively, have done this work, and the great majority have done next
to nothing. How many nations are yet unwarned, and know nothing about the
principles of salvation? Our fathers are anxious about them, looking to
us to carry the word to them. O shame upon the Elders of Israel,
especially upon the Seventies who are called specially to this work. I
received a letter from one of our Elders a short time ago, who is out
laboring in the ministry, faithfully and diligently, in which he writes
something like this: "If you can send me two or three Elders here, I
shall be very much obliged; if the Seventies or Elders would not consider
it to much trouble to come here." What? Too much trouble for the Elders
of Israel to proclaim the words of life and salvation to their fellowmen,
and to magnify their calling and priesthood? O shame on such Elders and
such Seventies and such High Priests; shame on them. God, I tell you in
the name of God, will hold you responsible for these things. And yet that
man's statement was pretty nearly true. If a man goes on a mission, he
thinks he is accomplishing a wonderful thing. We used, in former years,
to think it our duty, regarding it as one of the things which God required
at our hands. We held ourselves in readiness all the time. And some of
us who have never been abroad will begin to talk of the great work we have
performed. How we apples swim, don't we? To tell what we have done, when
perhaps hundreds and thousands of brethren who have never been abroad on a
mission in their lifetime would consider it a great calamity to be called
to go on a foreign mission.
I am talking plainly, but it is true before God, and you know it its
true, and I know it is true. And I say to you Seventies and you Elders,
Awaken up! God has placed the priesthood upon you, and he expects you to
magnify it, and not be all the day long, and year after year, singing,
"Lullaby baby one the tree top
When the wind blows the cradle will rock.
we want something else; we want some manhood, and some priesthood and
power of God to be manifested in Israel, and the Spirit of God to be
poured out upon Israel and upon the Elders thereof. And I pray God, the
Eternal Father, to waken up these Elders, that the spirit of their mission
may rest upon them, and that they may comprehend their true position
before God.
Now, I would not have said these things before a public congregation,
if I had not said them before you frequently in your priesthood meetings.
But it is time we were waking up to a sense of the position we occupy
before God; for the day is not far distant when we will hear of wars and
rumors of wars; not only rumors of wars, but wars themselves--nation
arrayed against nation and seizing one another by the throat, and blood
will flow, and general carnage will be spread through the lands, and if
you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those
whom you might have saved had you done your duty. How many of you can
say, My garments are clean from the blood of this generation? I speak in
behalf of the nations and the people thereof, and the honest in heart who
are ignorant of God and his laws. He has called upon us to enlighten
them, and to spread forth the truth, and send forth the principles of the
Gospel, and point out the way of life. And it is for us to attend to
these things, that we may secure the smiles and approbation of God.
But we are careless and thoughtless; and, as has been already
remarked, we pay very little attention to the Sabbath day. Some would
rather go on these Sunday excursions and take their families with them
leading them in the paths that lead to death, then they would bring them
to the house of God. But let me say to all such, that as sure as you do
these things you will have to feel, and that keenly too, the result of
your acts, and they will follow you in time and all eternity. And I call
upon you, ye Latter-day Saints, to repent of your iniquities, and keep the
Sabbath day holy, set it aside as a day of rest, a day to meet together to
perform you r sacraments, and listen to the words of life, and thus be
found keeping the commandments,and setting a good example before your
children. Let us do that which is right, honor our God and magnify our
calling, and the spirit and blessing of God will rest upon us. BUt if we
do not these things, his Spirit will depart form us, and we be left to
ourselves. God will not be mocked by his people, or by any other people;
but we shall reap the reward of our doings.
We talk about being a good people. Well, we are when compared with
the rest of the world; but we ought to be twenty times better than we are
to-day. And if we, as Latter-day Saints, were to strictly observe the
Sabbath day, and pay our tithes and offerings and meet our engagements,
and be less worldly minded, be united in temporal and spiritual things,
Zion would arise and shine, and the glory of God would rest upon her. And
it would not be long before all nations would call us blessed. but we are
slothful and careless and indifferent and we neglect our duty and the
responsibilities that devolve upon us.
I pray that god may enlighten our minds, and lead us int he paths of
life; and that we may honor our calling and our God; that we may be found
worthy to be associated with the just on the earth, and with them obtain
an inheritance in the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at Logan, Sunday Afternoon, August 4th, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
GOD'S POWER IN ALL THINGS--KINGDOM OF GOD--CO-OPERATION, A STEPPING STONE
TO
THE UNITED ORDER--POLITICAL ECONOMY--NATIONAL TROUBLES--MISSIONARY
LABORS--SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
I have been a good deal interested in the remarks made by my
brethren; and in connection with them, I am very much pleased to see you
meet in this beautiful house, and in possession of the privileges you
enjoy; and you have a right to enjoy them, because you have made them
yourselves. And then again, you did not make them yourselves, only as God
assisted you. I think there is a modern Scripture which reads: "Against
none is His wrath kindled, save those who do not acknowledge his hand in
all things." And there are some other principles connected with these
matters that are of a good deal of importance to us. One of the old
prophets, in speaking of the people and their relationship to God, says:
"The Lord is our God, the Lord is our king, the Lord is our judge, the
Lord is our law-giver, and he shall rule over us." If we could really
place ourselves in this position, and feel that we live in God, that we
move in God, and that from him we derive our being, and that he holds the
issues of life, and every blessing we enjoy whether of a temporal or
spiritual nature, either referring to this world or the world to come,
proceeds from God. If we, as a community, could comprehend our position
in regard to this grand, leading, and very important feature of our faith,
we should be prepared to receive greater blessings at the hand of the
Almighty, and be prepared also to magnify that great and holy priesthood
which he has placed upon us. We should be prepared more understandingly
to build temples, and to operate in them; we should be prepared to stand
as saviors upon Mount Zion, and to operate with God and the holy angels,
and with apostles and prophets who have lived before, and with the holy
priesthood in the eternal worlds, as well as in this world, for the
accomplishment of the purposes of God for the redemption and salvation of
the living and the dead; for the salvation and exaltation of ourselves,
our progenitors and our posterity. But we need to realize and comprehend
our position and relationship to the Almighty.
Some of the brethren who have addressed you have spoken upon our
political rights, which is all very correct. It would be a poor thing
indeed, if, after God has gathered us from among the nations of the earth
to place his name upon us, and to establish and build up His kingdom upon
the earth, we should be under the necessity of calling in the devil to
help us to do the Lord's work. It is one of those incongruities which the
reasonably intelligent and reflective mind will necessarily disown. We
are gathered here, not in the interests of any political party or any
essential organization, other than that which God dictated and ordained.
Why are we here to-day? It is because the heavens have been opened,
because angels have appeared, because the revelations of God's will have
been made known to man, it is because God and holy angels, with the
eternal priesthood, have thought proper to manifest in these last days the
fullness of the everlasting Gospel, which Gospel has been proclaimed to us
in the different nations from whence we came. And having yielded
obedience to its first principles we have gathered here. We did not come
here as being associated particularly with any colonization scheme; we did
not come here because of the richness or fertility of the soil, we did not
come here because there was gold and silver in our mountains. We had no
such idea. We came here because we believed that the Lord had restored
the everlasting Gospel; because he had renewed the everlasting covenant;
and because he had sent forth the proclamations, "Gather my people
together, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice," and
because we had been baptized into Christ, and put on Christ. This is the
reason of our being here; and, therefore, as Latter-day Saints, it becomes
our first and most paramount duty to build up the church and kingdom of
God upon the earth.
Now, we all believe this. And there is a number of duties that seem
to devolve naturally upon us, such as to prepare buildings like this, that
we may meet in to attend to the worship of God; and to build temples in
which to administer the ordinances of God. Who for? The living and the
dead: for ourselves, our progenitors, and our posterity. And that we
might operate and co-operate with the priesthood behind the vial, in the
accomplishment of his purposes toward the human family. This is the kind
of labor we are engaged in. But I occasionally think we are something
like the disciples who lived in the days of the apostles on the Asiatic
Continent. It is said of them, that they saw in part, and prophesied in
part, and of course comprehended in part. But they thought then, and we
think now, that when that which is in part is done away, and that which is
perfect is come--and which the Lord is trying to introduce as fast as he
can--then shall we see as we are seen, and then we shall know as we are
known; then we shall comprehend as God comprehends in relation to all of
these subjects which we have been reflecting upon and praying about. But
we only comprehend in part at the present time. We are something like our
little children--when they begin to walk a little, they make awkward
stumbles, oftentimes falling down and scratching themselves. Our Father
watches over us, the same as our mothers did when we were babies. You all
know what watchful care a fond mother bestows upon her little child; how
anxious she is about its safety and welfare. But our children frequently
think they are much smarter than their parents. They would think nothing
at all of taking hold of a razor and cutting their fingers with it, or
running over rough and dangerous ground. We are, in many respects, a good
deal like them. We see in part and comprehend in part; and some of us
have been so long steeped in the superstitions and traditions of the age,
and are imbued with false religions and political ideas and notions, and
so inoculated by the world, that we hardly know what is right and what is
wrong. We want a little of God in the kingdom of God, a little of man,
and, I am sorry to say, a little of the devil in the kingdom of God, so
that we might all mix up together and be hail fellows will met, God and
all creation together. That is not the calculation of the Almighty. He
has called us together; what to do? Let me tell you what the prophet
said: "I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will
bring you to Zion." And what will he do with those he gets there? "And I
will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with
knowledge and understanding." Who would give them pastors? The Lord.
One of the prophets, in speaking of this time, when people should be very
much better than we are to-day, says: "And they shall be all taught of
God." But some of us would like a little infidelity with it, a little of
this world's politics, a little of the theories of men, and a little false
tradition with it; and it is difficult for us, with all our traditions and
erroneous training which we have inherited from our forefathers, and which
we have been brought up in from our early childhood, to divest ourselves
from them, and listen to the pure word of God, and be governed by the laws
of life.
We talk sometimes about the thing we call the kingdom of God. Now,
if it is the kingdom of God, it is not the kingdom of man, it is not our
kingdom only so far as we are subject to its laws, which are the laws of
God. We have made attempts lately, under the direction of our venerable
and respected President Young, who has left us and gone behind the vial,
to organize the church of God, and this organization has spread, more or
less, through the Territory. But it is a good deal with us as it was with
the boy in Salt Lake City. A stranger, walking along, said, "Boy, are you
a Mormon?" The boy answered: "No, sir, I am not, but dad is." "Oh, he
is?" "Yes, sir; but he does not potter much at it." It is a good deal so
with many of us. We have our individual affairs and our own operations,
which occupy our attention, and we have little time to attend to the
things of god. We have an organization of our priesthood; we have our
stakes organized with President, and High Council, with Bishops and their
Counselors, and Priests, Teachers and Deacons; and we have our Seventies'
quorums, our High Priests' Quorums, and our Elders' Quorums; all of which
are in accordance with the order that exits in heaven. But how little
many of us think of this. Yes we are doing pretty well, as has been
remarked here. I have no feeling of complaint in my mind about the doings
of the people generally. I think that yon [sic] have manifested a zeal,
liberality and generosity in the building of this house, that is
praiseworthy and commendable; and I think you have manifested the same in
the progress that is exhibited in the building of your temple here. But
these are only very small parts of the duties of this priesthood which we
have taken upon us; very little parts indeed. How many of our Bishops are
there who do not comprehend really and truly that they hold their
priesthood from God? that they administer in the cities of Zion, or ought
to, by virtue of that priesthood; and therefore ought to be fathers over
the people over whom they preside, having self and its interest in
abeyance, laboring as good shepherds in the interests of their flocks, and
thus operating in it according to their ability; but a great many do not
comprehend the position of things in relation to these matters. If a man
is appointed a Bishop, is it that he may aggrandize himself? No. Is it
that through his position he may monopolize certain interests? No. It is
expected of him that he will operate in the interest of the Church of God,
and more especially in the interests of the community over whom he
presides. That is the way I nnderstand [sic] this matter; and these are
some leading features by which a Bishop ought to be governed. And in our
Bishop's Courts, when cases are brought before them, they ought to be as
free from partiality in their judgments as the Gods of the Eternal worlds
are, and feel to administer justice and righteousness, and seek for the
Spirit of God to actuate and govern them in all of their decisions. And
the same spirit and feeling ought to actuate in the High Council. They
are making a record of which there is a record kept in heaven; and so are
the Bishops. And when you arc [sic] administering in any of these
offices, God will hold you to an account, and the priesthood on the earth
will hold you to an account; and you are now writing a history in
indelible characters that never can be erased. If for every word and
secret act all men shall be brought to judgment, how much more will the
public acts of public men be brought into account before God and before
the holy priesthood.
Here, for instance, is the President and his Counselors, who preside
over this Stake. They ought to feel interested in the welfare of every
man, woman and child in the Stake, so far as they come under their
observations; and these men, by virtue of their high calling, ought to be
full of life and the spirit and revelations of God, to comprehend things
as they are presented to them and that they may administer justice in
righteousness, and rule over the people in the way and manner that will
secure the favor and approbation of the Most High; always seeking first
the interests of the kingdom of God and the flock that God has given them
the oversight of.
Now I will maintain some things here that my attention has been
called to, in regard to union, and union of effort. We have had a great
deal said about the United Order, and about our becoming one. And some
people would wish--Oh, how they do wish, they could get around that
principle, if they could! But you Latter-day Saints, you cannot get
around it; you cannot dig around it; it will rise before you every step
you take, for God is determined to carry out his purposes, and to build up
his Zion; and those who will not walk into line he will move out of the
way and no place will be found for them in Israel. Hear it, you
Latter-day Saints for I say to you in the name of Israel's God that it is
a revelation from the Most High, and you cannot get around it. There
seems to be difficulties in the way at present; but we shall surmount
these. The only way for us to do now, in consideration of the weaknesses
and infirmites [sic] with which we are surrounded is to do the very best
we can, and advance those interests as near as we can, practically and in
their spirit and essence, until we can bring about the things that God
designs, for men are not prepared for these things yet in full. But we
are in part, as they of old prophesied in part, and understood in part;
and by and by that which is perfect in relation to these matters will be
introduced. Joseph Smith tried to introduce this order, but such was the
corruption, covetousness, fraud and injustice of men, that he found it
almost impossible to do it. This was the idea he conveyed, if not the
precise words that he used in speaking upon this subject. We have made
various attempts to do what the Prophet Joseph tried to do. In some
places they are doing very well, and in other places very poorly; I can
tell you this much about it, it is pretty hard work to make sheep out of
goats. Did any of you ever try it? Let me quote yon [sic] a passage of
our Savior's: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow
me."--"A stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they
know not the voice of strangers." And he prayed to the Father concerning
them: "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast
given me, that they may be one as we are." "That they all may be one, as
thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Or, in other words,
"God sent him, and his people knew it and knew him, but the world believed
it not; but when this oneness should be brought about, the world would
know it. And when we become one in all things, our condition will be a
spectacle for God, angels and men to gaze upon with delight: and the
world then will know that God is with us, and that we are his Israel, and
that he is our guide, our shield, our deliverer.There are some things that
Brother Lorenzo Snow is doing that are very creditable; but it is not the
United Order. He is working with the people something after the same
principle that the sisters teach the little ones how to walk; they stand
them in a sort of chair which rolls along, and the babies appear
delighted, they think they are walking. But we have not learned how to
walk yet. And then there are other institutions scattered throughout the
Territory, having the same laudable object in view, many of them have most
excellent principles among them, and they manifest a most admirable
spirit; but they only see in part, and know and comprehend in part. And
you here are doing pretty well in some things; but some of you are like it
was said by President Young of Brother Snow, that he had got the folks
into the United Order without their knowing it. You have hardly got one
foot in yet, but you are aiming at progress, and are making some little
advancement. For instance, I hear you have a kind of commercial busiuess
[sic] here in connection with some other interests that you are trying to
unite on. This is very proper, and it is proper that your president
should dictate in such matters; it is his businesa [sic] to do it, and it
is your duty to be governed by such principles and follow such
instructions as may be given in regard to these things; and keep together,
and let this individnalism [sic] be held in abeyance, and let us feel that
we are all holding the holy priesthood, and that we should, as brethren,
operate in the interests of the church and kingdom of God. I suppose
these things could go on and increase, and everything in regard to your
commercial relations could be operated with one common consent, under the
proper authority and administration of the priesthood, and you all labor
unitedly, with singleness of heart before God. And what would be the
result? You could not be preyed upon by outsiders; you would have no
middle-men living off you, and what speculations might be entered into
would be in the interest of the community. And then you could operate in
regard to your farming interests, and the disposing of your grain, and
cattle, sheep, etc. And operating and co-operating together, you will be
able to form a phalanx in this valley that will become a power in this
part of the land. And then if you could go to work and manufacture your
own leather and cloth, and make your own boots and shoes and harness, and
your own wearing apparel, men's and women's wear, as they are doing in
Brigham City, a great deal for remunerative employment could be furnished
your own people and it would be the means af [sic] putting trades in the
hands of many of your boys; and by and by you could become a
self-sustaining people. The people of the world comprehend this principle
that we are striving to comprehend among ourselves. There has been quite
a talk lately about something that has existed in France. You will
remember that in thelate war with Germany, the French nations was badly
beaten, and an enormous debt was the result, which the French Government
has since paid. And how? The first Napoleon, in his day, introduced what
was called at that time the "Continental System," which meant nothing more
nor less than home manufacture. Every encouragement was extended to the
people of that nation to raise and manufacture everything possible, that
they might become independent of other nations for their sustenance. And
this was the secret of their success in paying their indebtedness incurred
by the late war. We have had enough talk about these things; the only
thing left is to contrive in all our various settlements, to introduce
such things, gradually and according to circumstances, as will subserve
the interests of the people and make them self-sustaining. And then let
the people throughout the Territory do the same thing, and we shall be
progressing in the march of improvement and get, by and by, to what is
called the United Order. But I will tell you one thing you can never
do--unless you can get the United Order in the hearts of the people, you
can never plant it anywhere else; articles, and constitutions amount to
very little; we must have this law, which is the law of God, written in
our hearts. Many men associated with these institutions do not act in
good faith. I have seen men unite with them, thinking that they could get
a very easy living by preying upon the people who were more confiding and
honorable than themselves. Will such men be blessed? No, they will not
but the curse of God will rest upon them for trying to pervert his
purposes; and it would have been better for them never to have entered
into such connections. These have been some of my reflections in relation
to these matters.
We have here Seventies and Elders. I wish to talk a little upon some
things associated with their callings, for there are a great many of them
present to-day. I suppose the great majority of the brethren here are
either Seventies, High Priests, or Elders--three prominent quorums in the
church and kingdom of God. Now then, what are we called to do? What, for
instance, is the duty of an Apostle? We used to understand it to be our
duty to go to the ends of the earth and preach the Gospel; and I may say
we have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to accomplish that object.
But some of us are getting whiteheaded. As I was saying to one of my
wives a little while ago, Your head is getting a little grey, but mine is
not (it is white). And it is so with many of the Twelve; they have got
past that some time ago. But the Twelve went out, and were always ready
to go out, and are to-day if required. And I will say of my brethren who
are around me, I do not know of a better set of men in existence, nor
could I tell where they can be found. I will bear this testimony
concerning my brethren of the Twelve. They are ready to do what God
requires of them at any time. Now, we have had a great many honorable men
among our Seventies, our High Priests and Elders who have gone forth with
alacrity, as have the Twelve, filled with the spirit and power of their
calling, feeling to rejoice all the day long, and sing, hallelujah, the
Lord is our God; they have been the means of gathering the House of
Israel, as they are to-day in these mountains. Shall they have credit
among Israel? Yes, and so will they have credit before God and the holy
angels. But the Presidency or the Twelve, or the Seventies, or the High
Priests, or the Elders, never could have done it, unless God had been with
them. They went forth in the name of God, bearing precious seed; and they
returned again rejoicing, bringing many sheaves with them. And God will
hold all such men in honorable remembrance in time and through all
eternity. But a great many are getting like myself, they are getting old;
and we cannot expect them always to be going. But then, they have a lot
of boys growing up, and we expect the boys to step forward and take the
place of their fathers, and try to do something in the interests of the
church and kingdom of God upon the earth.
We have been passing through quite a scene for some time past, and
the world generally has, especially the European nations, since about
1873. There was, as was termed, a financial panic, and it has grown worse
and worse until the present time; and trouble seems to be spreading and
going among the nations, and is permeating the nations with which we are
associated. It is now workmen against employer--labor versus capital, and
vice versa, instead of union, harmony, fellowship, and sympathy, which
ought always to exist between man and man. And we have felt a little of
the effects of the monetary crises here. Then the grasshoppers have paid
us a visit now and then; and the codling moth is among us, and some parts
of our valleys have suffered considerably from winter frosts. And I have
thought sometimes that if the people did not understand that God ruled,
they would find out by and by; for I believe that all these things are
used by the Lord to bring the people to reflection. And if I read my
Bible aright, judgments are first to begin at the house of God. And if
judgments are to commence at the house of God, where are the wicked and
ungodly to appear? There is a terrible time approaching the nations of
the earth, and also this nation, worse than has ever entered into the
heart of man to conceive of--war, bloodshed and desolation, mourning and
misery, pestilence, famine and earthquakes, and all those calamities
spoken of by the prophets will most assuredly be fulfilled, and they are
nearer by forty years than they were forty years ago. And it is for us,
Latter-day Saints, to understaud [sic] the position we occupy, [sic-punc]
Among the honorable men I have referred to, there are some things that
make it extremely difficult for men sometimes to perform the kind of
missions that they did formerly, owing to age, infirmities, and
circumstances. Yet I have frequently felt ashamed when I have seen the
acts of many in these quorums to which I refer, when they have been called
upon to go on missions. One has one excuse, and another, another. It was
easier some twenty years ago to raise two or three hundred men than it is
now among all those thousands in Israel. How do you account for this?
Partly in consequence of an apathy that exists in the different organisms
of the priesthood; and partly from circumstances with which we have been
surrounded. We have been grappling with these difficulties in common with
others; and the Lord has placed us in this position to try us to see what
material we are made of. Or, to use a common saying to see who would be
found at the rack, hay or no hay. But the general feeling seems to
be--and I suppose it is so with us in Salt Lake and other places--that we
would rather go to the rack when there was plenty of hay. But there is
such a thing as having faith in God, I will tell you how I have viewed
these things. A great many have been thrown into circumstances that
without distressing their families it would be extremely difficult to pick
themselves up and go on missions. We did not use to think about this; but
there should be in this, as in other things, a co-operation, a united
order if you please. We have found, in looking over some of our affairs,
that these pinching times have reached to England. And lately when our
Elders have returned home after having been absent two or three years,
they themselves not having the means to pay their way home, have had to
give their notes for the money; and the consequence was they would return
with a load of debt upon their shoulders. The Council have considered
this matter, and decided to cancel such indebtedness; it amounted to some
$50,000; and then we contrived with Brother Staines and the Presidency in
Liverpool, to try to make such arrangements that when our brethren
returned home from missions, they shall come free. How do you feel? All
who are in favor say aye. [The songregation [sic] said aye.] We do not
want Elders to feel pressed down or embarrassed, but, if possible, to be
relieved; and we are aiming to accomplish this. And when they are away,
it is not proper that they should feel worried and concerned about their
families at home; and therefore we will call upon our brethren here who
preside, to see that the families of the missionaries are looked after,
that they may not suffer. I hear men sometimes pray God to bless and
provide for the families of those on missions, and in their prayers they
are ever mindful of the poor. This is all very well as far as it goes,
but it does not go very far. My feelings are, never ask the Lord to do
anything I would not do myself. If I were a woman--but then I am not, you
know and I do not know much about it; but if I were a woman, the wife of
one of our missionaries abroad, I would much rather have a sack of flour;
a little meat, some butter and cheese, a little fire-wood or coal, and a
little cloth for myself, and family, than all the prayers you could offer
up for me. And if you want to see these folks taken care of, you must see
to it yourselves. And you sisters of the Relief Society, do not give your
husbands any rest until these families are all provided for. And do not
spare the Bishop if they are not provided for but go after him and "ding"
it into him; and perhaps by your continued teasing and worrying him, he
may hearken to your prayers. And I will risk it, if the sisters get after
him.
Now after making excuses of that kind, we cannot excuse everybody.
There are lots of able-bodied men who, if they could only have a little
more faith in God, and could realize the calamities that are coming upon
the earth, and the responsibilities of that priesthood that God has
conferred upon them, they would be ready to break all barriers and say,
Here I am, send me; I wish to benefit the human family. If Jesus came to
seek and save those who are lost, let me be possessed of the same spirit.
And if the Twelve, the High Priests and the Seventies, who are now aged,
have done these things, let me also do it: I am willing to enter into the
harness and do all that Gcd [sic] requires at my hand. I tell you, my
brethren, in the name of God, that right among the nations of Europe,
where many of you have come from, there will be some of the bloodiest
scenes that you ever read of; and God expects you to assist in warning the
nations, and in gathering out the honest in heart. Then when you come
back, having accomplished a good mission, you can say, "My garments are
clean from the blood of this generation." Many of you cannot say that
now, therefore I wish to remind you of these things, that you may reflect
upon them, and prepare yourselves for the work that is before you.
Another thing that has been referred to here--about our schools and
education. God expects Zion to become the praise and glory of the whole
earth; so that kings, hearing of her fame, will come and gaze upon her
glory. God is not niggardly in his feelings towards us. He would as soon
we all lived in palaces as not; but he wants us to observe his laws and
fear him, and standing as messengers to go forth to the nations; clothed
upon with the power of the priesthood which has been conferred upon us;
seeking "first the kingdom of God and his righteousness;" seeking first
the welfare and happiness of our fellow-men, and God will add unto us all
the gold and silver and possessions an everything that may be good for us
to receive. I was going to say, perhaps more than would be good for us.
But all these things shall be added, for no man that forsakes father and
mother, houses and lands, wives and children for God and his kingdom, but
what shall receive in this world a hundred fold, and in the world to come
life everlasting. This was true anciently, it is true to-day. This being
the case, we ought to foster education and intelligence of every kind;
cultivate literary tastes, and men of literary and scientific talent
should improve that talent and all should magnify the gifts which God has
given unto them. Educate your ehildren [sic], and seek for those to teach
them who have faith in God and in his promises, as well as intelligence.
I was talking with Bro. Maeser, who is principal of the Brigham Young
Academy, in Provo. I saw the students go through their various exercises
in the several classes, and I was congratulating him upon the success,
when he remarked--"There is one thing, Pres. Taylor, I will guarantee,
that is, that no infidels will go from my school." He would teach them
the Gospel, and inculcate its principles, which are so far advanced of
infidelity, that it would have to hide its hoary head in shame before the
light, glory, and intelligence that comes from God, and that exist in all
his works, and that fools do not comprehend. I am pleased to know that
Pres. Young made arrangements before his death for the endowment of a
college in this neighborhood, and the brethren acting as trustees in the
matter are feeling interested, and are taking steps for the accomplishment
of that object. And that object is, as I understand it, to afford our own
children greater facilities to become learned, and that they also have the
privilege to learn trades, and agriculture, and horticulture, and become
progressive, intellectual and informed in regard to all these things, and
that they may comprehend the earth on which we stand, the materials of
which it is composed, and the elements with which we are surrounded. And
then, by having faith in God, we might stand as far above the nations in
regard to the arts and sciences, politics, and every species of
intelligence, as we now do in regard to religious matters. This is what
we are aiming at; and if there is anything good and praiseworthy in
morals, religion, science, or anything calculated to exalt and ennoble
man, we are after it. But with all our getting, we want to get
understanding, and that understanding which flows from God.
Bro. Smith said his time was up; mine is more than up.
Brethren and sisters, God bless you. Let us love one another; let us
seek to promote one another's welfare. And let the Bishop's and the
Relief Societies, and the Young Men's and Young Women's Associations, and
our mechanics and manufacturers,and also our merchants, and all hands,
operate in the interests of the whole for the welfare of Zion and the
building up of the Kingdom of God upon the earth; and the blessings of God
will begin to rest upon us, Zion will begin to arisc [sic], and the glory
of God will rest upon her. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at the Regular Priesthood Meeting of the Weber Stake
of Zion, Held at Ogden, on the 21st September, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
CO-OPERATION AND THE UNITED ORDER--THE SAINTS SHOULD BE GOVERNED
BY THE LAW AND WILL OF GOD--THE APPROACHING CALAMITIES UPON THE
WORLD--SHOULD BE WILLING TO FORSAKE EARTHLY INTERESTS FOR THE
GOSPEL'S SAKE.
I have been desirous to meet with the priesthood of this Stake, and I
have invited a number of the presidents of Stakes within this district of
country to be present at this meeting, for the consideration of certain
questions that have been pressing themselves upon my mind for some time,
that I want to lay before the people here.
We have met here in a capacity of the holy priesthood, and all of us
profess to be elders in Israel, and to be disposed at least to walk
according to the order of God, and to seek to establish the principles of
righteousness as far as lies in our power, and to try to build up his
kingdom on the earth. That, at least, is our profession, and I believeis
the sentiment of the hearts of most of the brethren now assembled. At the
same time we have different ideas about many things, particularly things
of a temporal nature, so called, We go in a good deal for what is called
"free trade and sailor's rights"--we want to enjoy a large amount of
liberty. All these things are very popular and very correct. But in our
acts and doings it is necessary that we be governed by certain laws and
principles which have been given unto us by the Lord. We all concede to
this. But there are some things we seem to be very much confused about,
in regard to our temporal matters. During the lifetime of President
Young--several years ago, it seemed as though he was wrought upon to
introduce co-operation and the United Order, to quite an extent. He told
us at the time that it was the word and the will of God to us. I believed
it then; and I believe it now. And yet, at the same time, every kind of
idea, feeling and spirit has been manifested. In many places co-operation
and the United Order have been started under various forms; in some they
have succeeded very well, and in other places people have acted foolishly
and covetously, seeking their own personal, individual interests under the
pretense of serving God and carrying out his designs. Others have been
visionary and have undertaken things which were impracticable, while
others have not acted in good faith at all. There has been every kind of
feeling among us as a people, that is possible to exist anywhere. And I
have thought sometimes in regard to our co-operative institutions, that
some of those who are engaged in them and sustained by them are as much
opposed to co-operation and United Order as any other class of people we
have. At least, I have noticed feelings of that kind. I do not say they
are general. But there are certain reflections in relation to these
matters that have been pressing upon my mind for some time. And let me
here ask myself a question--a question not of a personal nature; I have
not come here to talk about any personal matters at all, but upon
principle and upon some of those principles that we as Later-day Saints,
and as elders in Israel, profess to believe in. The question would be and
my text would be to-day, if I wanted to take a text: Shall we sustain
co-operation and the United Order, and work with that end in view in all
of our operations, or shall we give it up as a bad thing unworthy of our
attention? That is where the thing comes to, in my mind. At any rate, we
wish to act honestly and honorably in this matter. If we believe that
these principles are true, let us be governed by them; if we do not, let
us abandon them at once, conclude that we have made a mistake and have no
more to do with them. For we, all of us, profess to be at least honest
men, and to act conscientiously. If there is anything wrong in these
things, let us know the wrong; and if it is not a command of God, and not
binding upon us, let us quit it. And then the question naturally arises,
Are we prepared to do this? And, on the other hand, if we believe that
these are principles that are inculcated by the Lord, then let us be
governed by them. In fact, whichever way we decide let us carry out our
decisions in good faith, and not have our sign painted on one side in
white and on the other black or some other color. But let us feel as the
prophet Elijah did on a certain occasion, "If the Lord be God, follow him;
but if Baal, then follow him." There was a disposition in ancient Israel
to have a part of God and a part of the devil or Baal--an idolatrous god
which was worshipped by them. I sometimes think that in some respects we
are a good deal like them. Do we believe our religion? Yes. Do we
believe in the holy priesthood and that God has restored it to the earth?
Yes. Do we believe that God has established his kingdom? Yes. And do we
believe that the holy priesthood is under the guidance of the Lord? O,
yes; but still we would like a good deal of our own way. If we must
introduce something that the Lord has commanded, we would like to put it
off just as far as we can, and if we cannot do it any other way we will
fight against it, according to circumstances, and how things move and
operate. We often wish the Lord would not exact certain things of us; we
would rather have our own way. But let us look at things calmly and
dispassionately. As I understand it, the Lord has gathered us together to
do his will, to observe his laws and keep his commandments. And we have
certain obligations devolving upon us in the holy priesthood which God
requires at our hands. He requires, for instance, of the Twelve to go,
when called upon, to the nations of the earth and preach the Gospel to
those nations. If they were not to do it, would they be justified? No,
they would not; God would require the blood of the people at their hands.
That is the way I figure up these things. I do not know of any half-way
house. As one of the Twelve, I do not want to dodge any of these
questions, but meet them fairly and squarely. And I think I have done it;
and I think the Twelve generally have. They have always been on hand to
go anywhere when the Lord has required them to go, whether in sickness or
health, in poverty or abounding in means; no matter what their
circumstances, or what individualism would have to be sacrificed, their
object has ever been to do the will of God. And so it has been with a
great many of the seventies, high priests and also with a great many of
the elders. Their feelings have been: Let the Lord speak, and here am I,
ready to do his will and carry out his designs. And this feeling exists
to-day in the hearts of a great many; but there are also a great many who
do not feel so, who want to dodge these questions. Here is Brother
Eldredge, who is one of the presidents of the seventies; he knows how
extremely difficult it is to get men, as we used in former years--"at the
drop of the hat," as it was termed, to go on missions. However, I do not
wish to dwell upon that; I merely refer to it in passing along.
We are here, as I understand it, as Jesus was, "Not to do our own
will, but the will of our Father who sent us." If God had not felt after
you, and his spirit operated upon you, you would not be here in these
mountains to-day. What does Jesus say about these things in speaking of
them? "I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which
thou hast given me; for they are thine." You have been in the same
situation; you have seen the elect of God gathered together through the
medium of the holy priesthood, by the opening of the heavens and the
revelation of the will of God to man and the restoration of the holy
Gospel. You have been gathered together in this way, and we all have.
What to do? Is it, as they used to say in the Church of England, to
follow the devices and desires of our own hearts? Isit to follow out some
petty scheme of our own? I do not so understand it; I understand that it
is to build up the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth, and to
prepare the earth and the people of the earth for the things that are
coming on the earth; and to prepare ourselves, as a people, to receive
further intelligence, wisdom and knowledge from God, that he may have a
people in whom he can place confidence, and whom he can bless, and through
them confer blessings on mankind. He expects us to build up his kingdom,
and that is the first consideration with us. And this is what he told his
disciples in former days "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things"--referring to our temporal concerns,
which comparatively are like so many chips and whetstones--"shall be added
unto you." But these things, too, enter into our daily life and our
intercourse one with another, and into the purposes of God associated with
the gathering of his people together, that they may be one, that through
them he can communicate his will to the human family, that there may be a
nucleus formed around with the honest in heart form all the world may
rally; and be in possession of the word and will of the Lord, and the
light, intelligence and revelations of God our Father; that the secret of
the Lord might be with those who fear him, and that they might fear him
and understand the things which are approaching, and prepare the earth for
those things that are coming. We appear here, as it were, in a normal
school, to prepare ourselves to carry out the purposes of God upon the
earth. Can you find a people anywhere on the earth that will listen to
the word of God? No, you cannot; neither can you find anybody to whom God
could communicate his will. We talk a good deal, and often preach a good
deal, about the judgments which are to come upon the earth: wars,
pestilence, famine, and distress of nations, and testify that a calamity
will follow so continuously that by and by it will be a vexation to hear
the report thereof. We have talked about these things for years. I have
myself for upwards of forty years; and as I have said before, so I repeat,
that these things which await the world, are forty years nearer than they
were forty years ago. God did not mock us when he told us of these
things; but all that he has said concerning them through ancient prophets
and through Joseph Smith are true, and as sure as God lives they will take
place. I will prophecy that they will take place as sure as God lives,
and they are approaching very rapidly upon us. We are told that the day
will come when he that will not take up his sword against his neighbor
must needs flee to Zion for safety. And is that true? Yes, it is. If
that should take place today, are we prepared for it? I think not. If we
should go on for years as we are now going on shall we be prepared for it?
We are not, to-day, all of us, preparing for these things. We can hardly
manage a few miserable apostates and a few Gentiles, and we feel very
creepy sometimes about anything that transpires, not knowing how or what
may be the result; instead of being clothed upon with the spirit of God
and being filled with the Holy Ghost, the light of revelation and the
power of God. But we do not have this kind of feeling, and we are divided
up in our interest, one man pulling against another, so much so, that we
have to-day all kinds of Gentilism among us. Even our newspapers give
circulation to certain classes of advertisements which are a living lie,
and it is a shame and disgrace that such things should be seen in Zion.
Some call it Gentile trickery, the tricks of trade etc., but I call it
chicanery and falsehood, and it is so in regard to many other things.
Does this comport with the position we occupy as men holding the holy
priesthood? I do not think it does. I think we ought to occupy a more
elevated and honorable position; I think we ought to be governed by other
influences, and be actuated by other motives. I think that our lives, our
desires, our feelings and our acts ought to be to try to build up Zion and
establish the kingdom of God upon the earth; that we should be united in
our temporal as well as in our spiritual affairs, for God says: "If you
are not one you are not mine." Do you believe it? You elders of Israel,
do you believe that saying? And if we are not the Lord's then whose are
we? We have our own plans, our own notions and our own theories; and as
one of old expressed it, we are seeking for gain, every one from his own
quarter. And we are governed to a very great extent by selfishness, and
too much by our own personal feelings, and allow these things to influence
us instead of being governed by those high, noble, dignified and glorious
principles that dwell in the bosom of God, which emanated form him, and
which dwell also in the bosoms of those who in sincerity fear God and keep
his commandments.
Now, I know what many of you will say, in speaking of co-operation:
"there has been a great many abuses." Yes, I admit it--numbers of them.
"What and under the name of the United Order also?" Yes, any quantity of
them. Joseph Smith in his day said it was extremely difficult to
introduce these things because of the greed, covetousness, selfishness and
wickedness of the people. I wish here to refer to one or two things
connected with this subject. I spoke about the Twelve, the seventies, the
elders and the high priests; and stated that a great many of them had been
out preaching the Gospel, and that some of them felt as though it is hard
work. It is, no doubt, very up-hill business for a man to be a Saint if
he is not one; and if he has not the principles of the Gospel in his
heart, it must be very hard work, I may say an eternal struggle, for him
to preach. But if a man has got the pure principles of the Gospel in his
heart, it is quite easy for him to expound the truth. Well, now, I will
take the words of Jesus: "Except a man can forsake father or mother, wife
and children, houses and lands, for my sake, he cannot be my disciple."
And let me say to you, my brethren, that that Gospel is just as true
to-day as it was then, that except a man is prepared to forsake his
earthly interests for the sake of the Gospel of the Son of God, he is
unworthy of it, and cannot be a true Saint. Now, this is where the
hardship comes in and it also accounts for this eternal rubbing and
bumping. "How much can't I do, and how little can I do to retain
fellowship with the Church; and how much can I act selfishly and yet be
counted a disciple of Christ?" Did you never feel as Paul describes
it--the spirit striving against the flesh? I guess you have, and you
doubtless know all about it; for these are plain matters of fact. This is
the position the Gospel has placed us in; and it is a very difficult thing
to serve two masters, in fact it is useless for any man to attempt to do
it, "for (as the Savior says) either he will hate the one, and love the
other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot
serve God and mammon." And therefore Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest
unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
But to return to the principles of co-operation and United Order.
Supposing a man had come to you elders, when you were out on missions,
requesting baptism at your hands, without having repented of his sins,
would you have baptized him? No, you would not. But supposing he claimed
to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but not in baptism; would you receive
him into the Church? No, you dare not do such things. But supposing
again that he believed in baptism and in the Lord Jesus Christ, and had
repented of his sins, but did not believe in the laying on of hands for
the reception of the Holy Ghost; would you baptize him? No. And further
supposing he had complied with all these requirements, and he had the
opportunity to gather to Zion but did not improve the opportunity, would
you consider him a very good Saint? No. Now, beside all these, the Lord
has given us a law pertaining to tithing; and if he did not comply with
that would you consider him a good Saint? No. And we are told to build
temples, and the man who would refuse to do this work, you would consider
a very poor specimen of a Latter-day Saint. Referring to the United
Order, the Lord has given us to understand that whosoever refuses to
comply with the requirements of that law, his name shall not be known in
the records of the Church, but shall be blotted out; neither shall his
children have an inheritance in Zion. Are these the words of the Lord to
us? I suppose there are none here to day but would say, Yes. How, then
can I or you treat lightly that which God has given us? It is the word of
God to me; it is the word of God to you. And if we do not fulfil this
requirement what is the result? We are told what the result will be.
These things have not taken place now; but we have been wandering about
from place to place, and the Lord has blessed us in a remarkable degree.
And we are gathered together, as I have said, for the purpose of building
up Zion, and we are supposed to be the servants of God having engaged to
perform this work; and individually, I would say, I do not want to profess
to be a Saint, if I am not one, nor if the work we are engaged in is not
of the Lord; if the principles we believe in are false, I do not want
anything to do with them; on the other hand, if they are true then I want
to be governed by them, and so do you. We must carry out the word and
will of God, for we cannot afford to ignore it nor any part of it. If
faith, repentance and baptism and laying on of hands is right and true and
demands our obedience, so does co-operation and the United Order. Some
may say, here is such and such a man has been connected with the United
Order, and how foolishly he has acted, and others have gone into
co-operation and made a failure of it. Yes, that may be all very true,
but who is to blame? Shall we stop baptizing people and make no further
efforts to establish the kingdom of God upon the earth, because certain
ones have acted foolishly and perhaps wickedly? Do the actions of such
people render the principles of the Gospel without effect or the doctrines
we teach untrue? I think you would not say so. What do we do with such
cases? We purge them out, we cut them off according to the laws God has
laid down; but we do not stop the operations of the Gospel, such a thought
never enters our minds, for we know the work already commenced is onward
and upward. Shall we then think of putting an end to these other
principles because men have acted foolishly and selfishly and done wrong?
No, I think not; I do not think we can choose one principle and reject
another to suit ourselves. I think that all of these things, as we have
received them, one after another are equally binding upon us, Jesus said,
"Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out
from the mouth of God." This is as true to-day as it was when spoken.
I have seen a disposition among many of the brethren to pull off in
every kind of way, and this spirit and tendency is spreading and growing
in every part of our Territory. We have co-operative stores started, and
we have the eye of God painted over the doors, with the words "Holiness to
the Lord" written overhead. Do we act according to that? In a great many
instances I am afraid not. But what of that? Shall we depart from these
principles? I think not. What was the principle of co-operation intended
for? Simply as a stepping stone for the United Order, that is all, that
we might be united and operate together in the interest of building up
Zion. Well, having started, what do we see? One pulling one way another
pulling another way; every one taking his own course. One man says: Such
a one takes his own course, and I will take mine. Using the same line of
argument, because one man commits a wrong unworthy the calling of a
Latter-day Saint, his doing so is to be an excuse for my doing the same
thing. As I understand it, I am called to fear God, whether anybody else
does it or not; and this is your calling just as much as it is mine. We
may indeed shirk it and violate the covenants we have made. The Lord has
blessed us with endowments and covenants of which the world know nothing,
neither can they know anything about it. And he has given unto us these
things that we might be brought into closer union with God, that we might
know how to save ourselves, our wives and children, as well as our fathers
and progenitors who have gone before us. Having done this, what next?
God has revealed certain things to the children of men now as he formerly
revealed the Gospel to the children of Israel. But could they stand it?
No, they could not. Moses succeeded in leading seventy of the elders of
Israel to the presence of God; he would have lead all Israel into his
presence, but they would not be led; they turned to idolatry, to evil and
corruption, and hence they became disobedient and unmanageable. And when
the Lord spake to them they became terrified and said, "Let not God speak
unto us lest we die." God wants to bring us near to him, for this purpose
he has introduced the Gospel with all its ordinances. Has he been true to
us? Yes. And when you elders have been out preaching and baptizing
people for the remission of their sins, and when confirming them members
of this Church, you have said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost, have they
received it? They have, God bearing witness of the truth of your words
and of his ministry conferred upon you.
Now then, he calls upon us to be one. What for? Because we
areassociated with his kingdom. With what? With his kingdom. What is
his kingdom? It is his government, rule, authority, dominion, power, etc.
God has introduced his kingdom after his order, and it is for him to guide
that kingdom and direct it, and manage it, and manipulate it in the
interest of the honest in heart, and of all nations. He has commenced it
among us that he might have a little nucleus where he could communicate
and reveal his will, composed of such as would carry that will out, and do
his bidding and obey his behests. That is what we are here for, and not
to do our own will, any more than Jesus came to do his will, but the will
of his Father. What do we know about building up the kingdom of God?
What do we know about the calamities that are to come? I can tell you
that while we have peace to-day and everything runs smoothly and quietly
on, the day is not far distant before the Lord will arise to shake
terribly the earth, and it will be felt in this nation more keenly and
more severely than any of you have seen it by a great deal, and I know it,
and I bear testimony to it. We have no time to experiment in following
our own notions and ideas; we have something else to do, we have got to
build up the kingdom of God; and in order to do this we must of necessity
unite ourselves together, and seek to know the mind of God to carry it
out. And all that we do should be done with this object in view. We have
all kinds of individual interests and enterprises among us; some men are
operating quite considerably one way and another, and some are not.
Brother Jennings, for instance, who is present with us to-day, besides
owning stock to the extent of $90,000 in Z. C. M. I., is, with others,
engaged with other pursuits of a manufacturing nature, which are very
laudable. Such enterprises tend to give employment to the people, and
this is what we want, and what we must have sooner or later. There is one
thing, however, I would here say about forming unions and partnerships in
any line of manufacture: Let them be formed with the understanding that
when the proper time shall arrive they can merge into co-operation, or the
United Order. It is very important that in all of our undertakings we
should have at heart this feeling and work to this end, and then we may
reasonably expect that it can be but a question of time to bring out a
grand consolidation of all individual interests. I have been impressed in
my feelings upon these subjects for some time, therefore I speak about
them as I do. How many years is it since this was started, and how little
we have done! I tell you if we go a little further in our drawing off,
and each taking his own course, God will leave us to ourselves. But he
will not leave us as long as we manifest a desire to do right; and I am
pleased to say there is a feeling generally among the brethren to listen
to counsel, yet at the same time we are apt to get confused, forgetting
the object we have in view, amidst the variety of things that present
themselves. Shall we, my brethren, give up co-operation? or shall we
consider men in good fellowship who are pulling off in either direction,
or shall we not? What shall we do? Shall we be true to our religion,
true to our faith, true to the principles that God has commanded; or shall
we forsake them? We will not forsake them, and the brethren generally do
not feel like doing it; but there are a few now and then who get off the
track. We want to get together and untie our hearts and sympathies into
one, placing ourselves under proper direction, holding ourselves in
readiness to perform any work required by God at our hands. I will tell
you in the name of Israel's God that if you keep his commandments you will
be the richest of all people, for God will pour wealth upon you; but if
you do not, you will have to struggle a good deal more than you have done
for the Spirit and blessings of God will be withdrawn from us, just in
proportion as we withdraw ourselves from God. We are living in an
eventful age, an age in which many wonderful changes are to be wrought.
We are told many other things of a similar nature, that he who will not
take up his sword against his neighbor, must needs flee to Zion for
safety. The Latter-day Saints will see the day when people will flock to
Zion, and many of them will say, we do not know anything about your
religion, but you are an honorable, just, industrious and virtuous people,
you administer justice and equity, and the rights of man are protected and
maintained. You maintain good government, extending protection to
everybody, and we want to live with you and be one with you. We want to
prepare ourselves for these things, for they are coming as sure as God
lives. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at Ogden, on Sunday Afternoon, September 22, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE CHURCH PARTIALLY IN THE UNITED ORDER--PERPETUAL EMIGRATION FUND--BEING
EDUCATED TO A FULLNESS OF THE UNITED ORDER--CO-OPERATION AT
BRIGHAM CITY--UNION IN ELECTIONS--EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG.
As has been remarked, by others, I have been very much interested in
the remarks which have been made. They are things in which we are all
concerned. They are part of our religion, part of our faith, part of the
principles of the Gospel which we have embraced; and as I stated at the
priesthood meeting yesterday, so I repeat now, for my part I do not know
how to get around them if I would. I cannot find any loop-hole whereby I
can be excused. It is true, as remarked by brother Snow, we are not now
called upon to enter into these things in their fullness and perfection,
but we are called upon to make steps towards it. We have been partly in
the United Order, many of us but we have not known it. For instance, I
remember the time, and many of you do, so far back as Far West, in
Missouri, when we were surrounded with difficulties and had to leave the
State in consequence of persecutions and the intolerant feeling and
persecntion [sic] that existed there. We agreed among ourselves to help
one another, to use all the means, all the teams and all the property we
had to help each other out of the State, until there should not be a
person left there, that wished to come away. We fulfilled it; and yet,
properly and technically speaking, we were not in the United Order, but we
were stimulated by the principles of union, liberty and communion, if you
please. We did the same thing, when in Nauvoo, after the Prophet Joseph
was killed, and mob-violence again prevailed, and prosecution, tyranny and
persecution were rife. We had to leave that country. Was it because we
had injured any one? No. Because we had violated any law? No. Because
we had interfered with any body's right's? No. Because we were
troublesome in the community? No; but because we were Latter-day Saints
and because we chose to believe in a religion revealed to us by God, and
which the people would not let us do and live in peace among them. What
next? We met in the Temple of the Lord, and there, with uplifted hands
before God, we entered into a covenant that we would help one another out
with our means, as we had done in the State of Missouri; and as we were
coming to this country we would not rest until there should not be a
Latter-day Saint there who desired to come to this land. Did we fulfill
that? We did; we carried it out to the very letter; we fulfilled our
covenants and sent our teams back year after year, until there was not one
left in the country that desired to come to Zion. Was not this a United
Order? Yes it was, in part, and we have done a great deal of the same
kind of thing since we came here. So soon as we fulfilled that covenant,
we organized a Perpetual Emigration Fund Company, under the direction of
President Young, having for its object the gathering of the poor from
distant lands; and thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars were
subscribed and used for that purpose. It was organized on a wise
principle, not exactly what you would call the United Order; yet it was an
order calculated to benefit our poor brethren to bring them from their
distant homes to unite with us in Zion. Many of your present remember
when we sent our boys with our teams, loaded with provisions to bring them
from the frontiers. I am very sorry to say that a great many of them have
not lived up to the principles of that order in making good their
indebtedness, as it was calculated they would do in order to make the fund
perpetual in its operations, using the same means to bring others here who
were situated in a condition similar to that of themselves. I say again,
I am very sorry to have to say that a great many have failed thus far to
repay the amount used to emigrate them, although in very many cases they
were abundantly able to do so,. Brother Carringtou [sic], who is
President of the Fund, informs me that there is now due to the Perpetual
Emigration Fund the sum of about one million dollars, without interest,
and if the interest were added it would be about double that amount. That
is one thing where in we have failed in part to make good our agreement;
but a great many have met their obligations promptly and honorably. I
wish we could say the same of all those who have been assisted by this
Fund. I hope that those who are still owing for their emigration will be
led to reflect upon these things, and consider the situation of the
brethren who are now in the same position as they themselves were some
years ago.
This is a principle of union which has been abused; but it is right,
and shall we cease our endeavors in this direction because it has been
abused by thoughtless or dishonest men? No, we will try and do what we
can, with the aid of the Lord, to deliver scattered Israel from the
oppression and poverty under which many are suffering. I would remark
that of this sum now due to the Fund, there is quite a large amount that
has been advanced by the Church to help out the poor. And if you were to
hear the letters that I receive, if you were addressed and supplicated and
importuned as I am from time to time in relation to these things,
describing the terrible condition and poverty under which the people ar
laboring, you would feel that if common honesty could not induce you to
meet you obligations, that at least the sympathies of human nature would
prompt you to extend to others that same kindness that has been extended
to you. We should reflect upon these things, and at least try to make
them right.
But to return to the United Order; when the Bishops in those days
came around to you and informed you that so many men and teams,with the
necessary provisions, were needed to go east to bring in the poor Saints,
they were furnished. The Presidency and Twelve made the calculations and
apportionment of those teams. They were then handed to the Bishops, and
they called upon you, and you furnished from one to two hundred, and as
many as five hundred started out in one season. I think this looked very
much like the United Order. Many of you, perhaps, have gone yourselves,
or else you have sent your boys to perform this labor; and you did not let
praying for them suffice, but you sent them food, and you felt as we ought
always to feel for one another. We have done a great many such things.
Now we are called upon to build temples. Are we doing it? Yes. I
suppose there are to-day upwards of 500 men engaged in building temples
throughout the Territory. So taking the temple at Manti, in Sanpete
Valley, the Temple in Salt Lake City and the temple in Logan, Cache
Valley, all these things are going on just about as well as we could
reasonably expect, and the people are contributing of their means and
their substance quite as liberally as we could expect. Is this the United
Order? Why, yes. What are we doing it for? For ourselves? Yes. For
anybody else? Yes; for our fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, and for
those we do not know anything about. We are building them because God has
commanded it, and because the ordinances of God will be performed in these
houses; and so far as this is concerned, we are in the United Order. Now,
then, we have tried to introduce home manufactures, a combination of
effort, not, as has been remarked, strictly according to the plan laid
down in the Doctrine and Covenants; we have not got to that yet, we are
not prepared for it, we are not educated to that standard yet; but we are
aiming at it, and in some places the people are entering into it, not
exactly according to any particular law laid down in the Doctrine and
Covenants, but approaching it as near as circumstances will admit of it,
in the present state of society and with our present surroundings. The
great majority of the people to-day who have gone into Arizona are
approaching as near as they can to what we term the United Order. Brother
Snow has been operating for quite a while in that way, and the result is
that to-day in that little out-of-the-way settlement, Brigham City,
notwithstanding the many difficulties it has had to cope with, having had
its woolen factory burned down as well as quite a number of other damaging
misfortunes, there is not a man, woman or child that wants labor there but
what can get it. I wish we could say the same of all the settlements of
this Territory, I think we should be in a better position than we are
to-day. In Brigham City the people make their own cloth, their own boots
and shoes, and almost everything they need to sustain themselves, having
upwards of forty industrial departments all in running order. Well, but
you say, "the prices they have to pay for their goods are altogether to
high, and what a pity that is." Shall I tell you why they fix their
prices at a high rate. It is because the people are desirous to have big
wages. If they all agree among themselves to fix the prices of their
goods at certain rates, who is injured by it? I can tell you how it is
with them. The carpenter says to the shoemaker. See there, you have
charged me very high for those shoes, and the shoemaker says, Yes, but
then you charged me very high for my doors and sash; while the farmer
charges very highfor his wheat and flour. It makes no material difference
whether they charge fifty cents or ten dollars, so long as they agree
among themselves. A man working there is asked how much he gets a day;
Oh, three and a half and four dollars a day. That is pretty good wages
for a common hand, especially for these times, you know. And he feels
pretty well in telling you this part of it; but he does not tell you how
much the other folks get. Can a man get a house built? Yes. Why?
Because they have the masons and carpenters, etc., and the expense
attending it is charged to his account. Then, if he wants to get butter,
he does not put his hands in his pockets to feel for the money, for
perhaps there would not be any there if he did; but he puts his hand in
his pocket for an order, which procures him his butter. Then, if he wants
a hat, he can get it; and the same may be said of furniture, and so on all
through the chapter. I think this is a pretty good united order, and I
think if we could have these things all over the Territory, we should be
doing much better than we are. And I certainly cannot but praise the
course the Brother Snow has pursued in relation to these matters. In a
place called Orderville, too, they are doing very well; they have things
pretty much in common, and there is a good, kind and a generous spirit
prevailing among them. I remember talking to a sister, who was quite an
accomplished lady, and on seeing an old man there, who was quite infirm
tottering along, I said to her, What kind of employment do you put such
people to. She answered, that she did not think it necessary to put such
a man to any employment; he has seen a great many years of hard toil, and
if we can feed him and clothe him and take care of him in his declining
years, perhaps somebody with the same spirit will take care of us when we
get old and infirm. Is not that a good spirit? It think it is; I think
it a right kind of feeling, a feeling we should all have one towards
another, all being bound together by the bonds of the everlasting gospel,
which makes us love one another as God loves us; and feel for one
another's welfare, and pursue that course which will tend to bring about
these results. In Cache County, in Davis County, in Tooele County, and
other places, they are trying to establish the same order of things as
fast as they can. Here is Brother Farr, he went to work, with others, and
built a factory; he ought to be sustained by the Latter-day Saints. They
should take their wool to him; and if he charges you a big price for his
cloth, do with him as they do in Brigham City; you charge him a big price
for your wool. But let us sustain one another, and place things on a
proper basis, and not be governed by the rules of the Gentiles.
Gentileism and Mormonism do not fit very well; the things of God and the
things of the Devil never did and never will fit well. Tanneries are
being introduced in many places among us; and a very good article of
leather is being manufactured, from which boots and shoes and harness are
made. The first thing started in relation to these things was
co-operation. President Young told us it was the will of God that we
should enter into it; and we did, but we made awful bungling at it, the
same as we have done with a great many other things. But is it right to
co-operate? Yes. But we find people beginning to pull off in their own
interests. If we go on a little further in the way we are going, we shall
take a retrograde path, instead of going forward. But the ship of Zion is
onward; the "little stone" is hewn out of the mountain without hands, and
will roll until it fills the whole earth; and under the direction of God
we have a duty devolving upon us as his Priesthood, to carry out his will
upon the earth. And shall we, because of individual interests and
personalities draw off from things that God has ordained? I say no,
never! No, never! But let us unite closer together, and harmonize our
temporal interests, until we shall manufacture everything we need to make
us independent of the world.
We took a vote at the Priesthood meeting, yesterday, and so far as I
could discern, the brethren all voted to sustain co-operation, and that
those in the merchandise business will purchase of the co-op.
But some may say, have not the co-operative organizations made many
blunders? Yes, they have, and in many instances acted very foolishly.
But shall we give up the principle of co-operation because of the unwise
acts of a few individuals? We do not act thus in regard to other matters.
We baptize men into the Church, and lay our hands upon them that they may
receive the Holy Ghost, and after they have thus been blessed with light,
spirit and power of God, many of them act very foolishly, violate their
covenants, and transgress the laws of God. Shall we, therefore, repudiate
baptism and the laying on of hands because of their folly and wickedness?
Certainly not. The Lord has provided a way to purge the Church, and those
men are dealt with according to the laws of the Church, and are rooted
out. This is the way that we ought to manage our temporal affairs. If
the people do wrong, deal with them according to the laws of the Church,
and if the co-operatives do wrong, professing to be governed by correct
principle, deal with them in the same way, and let those wrongs be righted
and evil eradicated.
But we do not want to find fault nor cast reflections on our brethren
in the Co-op., nor on those out of it; but merely to touch upon some
important principles necessary for building up of the kingdom of God upon
the earth. As I have said, we took a vote yesterday, and the brethren
agreed to sustain co-operation, and I would like to know from this
congregation, whether you will sustain co-operation as directed by the
Priesthood or not. All that are in favor of doing so, hold up the right
hand. [The congregation voted unanimously.] Let us stick to our
covenants, and get as near to correct principles as we can, and God will
help us. We want to be united in other things as well--in our elections,
for instance, we should act as a unit. Other men are not ashamed to use
their influence and operate in behalf of their party; why should we? As
American citizens, have we not the same right? Yes, we have. Then let us
be one and operate as one, for God and his kingdom. And let us, as we are
told in the Doctrine and Covenants, select the wisest, the most prudent,
intelligent men, and put them in office, and maintain them in it. That is
the way for us to do; not be pulling apart, each one pursuing the devices
and desires of his own heart. The members of the Church of England pray
to the Lord every Sunday to forgive them for following the devices and
desires of their own hearts. Are we in the Church and Kingdom of God?
Are we instructed of God? If we are let us honor our calling, and show to
God, to angels, and men, that we are true to our trust that he has
conferred upon us; and go on in the good work and aim at more union. And
while we have done a great deal of good, let us try to do more. And in
regard to schools and the education of the young, I would endorse most
emphatically what brother Cannon has said in relation to this matter. We
have committed to our care pearls of great price; we have become the
fathers and mothers of lives, and the Gods and the Holy Priesthood in the
eternal worlds have been watching us and our movements in relation to
these things. We do not want a posterity to grow up that will be
ignorant, depraved, corrupt, and fallen, that will depart from every
principle of right; but one that will be intelligent and wise, possessing
literary and scientific attainments, and a knowledge of everything that is
good, praiseworthy, intellectual and beneficial in the world, and become
acquainted with the earth on which we stand, and the elements of which it
is composed, and by which we are surrounded, and know how to control them
and manage them, and how to put to the best use everything that comes
within our reach. And above all other things, teach our children the fear
of God. Let our teachers be men of God, imbued with the Spirit of God,
that they may lead them forth in the paths of life, and warn them against
the various evils and iniquities that prevail in the world, that they may
bear off this kingdom when we get through, and be valiant in the truths of
God. Teach them how to approach God, that they may call upon him and he
will hear them, and by their means we will build up and establish Zion,
and roll forth that kingdom which God has designed shall rule and reign
over the nations of the earth. We want to prepare them for these things;
and to study from the best books as well as by faith, and become
acquainted with the laws of nations, and of kingdoms and governments, and
with everything calculated to exalt, ennoble, and dignify the human
family. We should build good commodious school-houses, and furnish them
well; and then secure the services of the best teachers you can, and thus
"train up your children in the way they should go." Solomon said, if you
do, "when they are old they will not depart from it."
I am very pleased to find ont [sic] that there is a great deal of
interest manifested in regard to our youth. I see three of our brethren
here--brothers Goddard, Evans, and Willes; they have been out visiting
some of the settlements in the interests of the Sunday Schools; I wish to
encourage such men in their labors, for they fully realize that a great
mission has been committed to them, to teach the youth of this people.
And then, there is our Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations; they
are very good institutions, and we have some very excellent young men,
that are rising up and going among the youth, calling upon them to study
and understand the laws of God. And all the Elders of Israel ought to
sustain such men in their operations. And then the ladies associated with
the Relief Societies have rendered themselves very efficient. Let them
operate for the good of all, and as mothers in Israel, let them be united
and lay aside every petty jealousy and little feelings that are wrong, and
be one; and let the Bishops assist them, as well as the Young Ladies
Mutual Improvement Associations, in their labors in the interest of the
female portion of society, and all objects of mercy and charity, or
anything that comes within their reach. And I say, God bless you,
sisters, and lead you in the paths of life that you may prove yourselves
worthy of the highest trust committed to your care. And throughout all of
our institutions, let us sustain the right and put down the wrong and be
valiant for the truth, asking no odds of this world, for God is on the
side of Israel, and he will defend us if we obey his laws and keep his
commandments. Are we going to be broken up? Will this plan of our
enemies, spoken of by brother Cannon, be accomplished? No. Will this
people fail of their mission? No, but many of them will, and many of them
will be rooted out. But the work of God will go on, and Zion will
progress; and if we can put ourselves in the harness to fulfill the
various obligations devolving upon us, God will be with us, and will lead
us in the right path. We want everybody to perform their duties, in all
the various branches of the Priesthood, every man to operate for God, and
not in his individual interests. This is what we ought to strive for, and
to be on the side of Zion and operate for the welfare of Israel and for
the establishment of righteousness. We want our Seventies and High
Priests to wake up, and our young Elders and middle-aged Elders to feel
the responsibilities of the mission that rests upon them. The world has
to be evangelized, the Gospel has to be proclaimed to all nations. God
has laid it especially upon the Seventies, with the others to assist them.
And we call upon the Seventies and High Priests to wake up, to assume the
responsibilities that devolve upon them, and prepare themselves to do the
work of God. For instead of being through and having finished our work we
are only just beginning to prepare ourselves for the conflict. Wars and
rumors of wars are beginning to sound in our ears; the terrible day is
fast approaching, and God requires it at our hands that we prepare to go
forth to the nations of the earth to proclaim to them the words of life.
Never mind what people can do among us, we ask no odds of them. God is
with Israel if Israel will only be with God. And if the world will only
treat us fifty per cent as well as we have treated them, it is all we ask
of them; and if they won't, we will still continue to do them good. And
when the day comes that all men will be brought to justice, we want to
feel conscientiously free from the blood of this generation. Do we want
the aged and infirm to go and preach the Gospel. No. Had there been time
yesterday, I would have very much liked to have heard the brethren of the
priesthood express their feelings; but I would say to you, High Priests,
get together and humble yourselves before God, seek unto Him for wisdom to
guide you in all your operations, and prepare yourselves to magnify your
offices in the various duties of your calling, which is really that of
presiding, that when changes may take place in the present Stakes, or
other Stakes may be organized, you may be prepared as President and
council, as Bishops and council, as High Councils, or whatever office you
may be called to fill, and I would say the same to the Seventies and also
to the Elders, prepare to magnify your callings; let us humble ourselves
before God, and purify ourselves and walk in uprightness before him and
live our religion and magnify our calling, and be quick and active and
diligent and energetic in the performance of our duties, and the power of
God will rest upon the Priesthood, and they will be prepared to go to the
nations to proclaim the Gospel message to all peoples.
I do not know how many we will want to call at our approaching
conference; I have had applications for twenty to fill missions in the
Southern States, besides a great many other places, but whether few or
many be needed, we must be in readiness at all times and under all
circumstances to magnify our Priesthood and to do everything required of
us. We will build our Temples and be Saviors on Mount Zion, and the
kingdom will be our Lord's
God bless you and lead you in the paths of life. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at Bountiful, Davis County, on Sunday Afternoon, December 1,
1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
ALL THINGS GOVERNED BY LAW--ALL INTELLIGENCE AND BLESSINGS HAVE EMANATED
FROM GOD--MAN'S FREE AGENCY SHOULD NOT BE INTERFERED WITH--THE OPPONENTS
OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO TEACH OUR
CHILDREN--NECESSITY OF ALL BEING SUBJECT TO LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY.
I am pleased to meet with the Saints in this place; and I have been
very much interested in the remarks that have bee made by the brethren who
have spoken to us this morning as well as this afternoon. I think they
have laid before us many good and precious principles which will result in
our good, if we can only appreciate them and be governed by them.
We are living in a very eventful day, in a time that is pregnant with
great events; and it is necessary that we prepare ourselves so that we may
be able to conform ourselves to the circumstances with which we are
surrounded, and to fulfil the various duties that devolve upon us
individually and collectively.
The brethren who have addressed you have spoken more particularly
upon temporal things--a subject which is very appropriate and important,
because, although we may believe it is right, proper and profitable for us
to be united in temporal matters, whatever our faith may be we do not
quite carry it out. We make a stagger at it, but we do not seem to
appreciate fully the position we occupy, and it is very difficult for men
to comprehend these things. We have established organizations in the
several Stakes, which are all very well so far as they go; they are the
frame-work--the bones, and sinews and arteries and flesh (comparing them
with the human body); they are very beautiful and symmetrical in all their
parts. But they need the Spirit of God to breathe upon them to quicken
them; with its life-giving vitality, energy and power, that they may
fulfil their various functions as living, breathing and intelligent
powers, that we may truly comprehend the position which we occupy in these
various stakes, both officers and people, and we all of us may be active
and alive and energetic in the pursuit of those principles which God has
developed as necessary for our present and eternal happiness.
There is order in all the creations of God. The planetary system by
which we are surrounded and with which we are associated is governed by
the strictest principles of law; all those magnificent bodies move in
their several orbits in the midst of the power of God, sustained and
directed by his Almighty hand. And everything in nature is also governed
by law.
To-day we can talk of railroads and steamboats. I remember the time,
and many of you old people also remember, when there were no such things
in existence. Well, but did not steam possess the same properties five
thousand years ago as it does to-day? Yes, it did, the properties were
precisely the same but we did not understand it, that's all. The
principles were the same, and there is an eternal law by which all these
things are governed. The same thing applies to electricity. Your
remember very well when it took several months to send a message to
Washington and receive an answer; now we can do it in as many minutes.
But did not that principle always exist? Yes; but man did not know how to
avail himself of it. I remember the time, too, very well when there was
no such thing as gas, when whale oil was used, which produced a light that
just about made darkness visible. We knew nothing about kerosene, or
gasoline, or gas or any of these superior artificial lights; but then the
principles existed then as they do now, but we did not understand them.
We did not comprehend the position of things and it is only quite recently
that some of these discoveries have been brought into operation. The art
of photography has not been long known. When I was a boy people would
have laughed at you if you had talked of taking a man's likeness in a
minute's time; yet it is done. Did not light always possess the same
properties? Yes, but man did not understand it. The same thing applies
to the mineral world, the vegetable kingdom, the animal creation, and all
the works of God. They are all governed by certain laws. The vegetables
which you grow here, how were they organized? God organized them and
placed them upon the earth, and gave them power to propagate their
species; so also with regard to the animal creation, as well as birds,
fishes, insects, &c.
We talk sometimes about our temporal things. If we could understand
things as God does, we should not be much troubled about them. If for a
moment we reflect upon all creation that live upon this little
globe--those that move in the air, the waters and on the land, we find
there is a wisdom, an intelligence that provides for all. There is a
prescient and an omnipotent power that governs, controls and shapes the
affairs of this world according to the counsel of his will, and especially
so in all matters pertaining to the human family. As one nation rises up
and another falls, it is by his power that it is done. Nations and people
may be in prosperity for a short time, but one touch of the finger of the
Almighty and they wither, crumble and decay. Change succeeds change in
human affairs, but the laws of God in everything are correct and true, in
every stage and phase of nature, everything on the earth, in the waters
and in the atmosphere is governed by unchangeable, eternal laws. There
are some bodies that will unite; there are others that will not unite.
You cannot, for instance, mix oil and water; you may shake them up
together, but soon each one adheres to his own element. The sisters
sometimes say they have good or bad luck, as the case may be, in the
making of soap; but in reality there is no luck about it, for you would
find that if you have the same properties equal in strength and quantity,
using the same process, that the same results would be reached ninety-nine
times out of every hundred, and you would find that you could afford to
throw the other one in too--the conditions being the same. And so it is
with the various minerals in all their organizations and conditions. They
assume certain forms and they are known by geologists by their shapes,
etc., and they are always true to them. And so it is with all the
elements with which we are surrounded in the atmosphere, in the earth and
in the water. We think we have learned a great deal, but if we did but
know it we are only at the foot of the hill; and when we are able to
comprehend things as God does we shall comprehend a great many principles
that have never entered into our hearts to conceive of, although we are
surrounded with those materials and are even treading them under our feet.
To speak of these laws, God himself is governed by law, and the Priesthood
in the eternal world are governed by law, just as much as his works are.
Our earth rolls upon its axis and we have day and night, summer and
winter, seed-time and harvest. When men comprehend the laws by which the
planets are governed, they can tell you to a quarter of a second when an
eclipse will take place, and when our earth will be in conjunction with
other planets. Why? Because they are governed by eternal laws. There
are a great many things by which we are governed of which we know very
little and with which we have very little to do. For instance, I will
mention the flowing of the blood; What has man to do with that? Nothing;
still it flows and courses through the body. I have noticed an aged
person, and seen his pulse begin to falter, as though the machinery of
life were about to stand still, after having been in motion for perhaps
sixty or one hundred years, during which time the pulse had continued to
beat without any action on his part, day and night, asleep or awake.
There is another principle that God has planted within us, which we call
breathing. We continue to breathe, and what effort of the will does it
require? No more that it does to cause the blood to flow. We are
machines; God has made us and he is our Father. He has planted within us
the breath of life and we continue to inhale and breathe day after day,
month after month, and year after year. And when that stops, what then?
Just the same as when the blood ceases to circulate in our veins--we pass
away. And yet these emanate from God, and they are planted within us and
we have nothing much to do with them. We have organs, and it seems as if
the Lord plays in them; in his hands in the breath of life, and in him we
live and move from day to day and from year to year, because he suffered
us to. He once said to his disciples: "Take no thought for your life,
what you shall eat; neither for your body what you shall put on. The life
is more than meat, and the body is more that raiment. Consider the
ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor
barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?"
He watches over all, he cares for all, he is interested in all; and in him
we live, move and have our being.
What next? Are we mortal? Yes. Are we immortal? Yes. Have we to
do with time? Yes. We have also to do with eternity. We are the
offspring of God; and God in these last days has seen fit to place us in
communication with himself. He has, through the revelations of himself
and his Son Jesus Christ, by the ministry of holy angels and by the
restoration of the holy priesthood which emanates from God, and by which
he himself is governed, placed us in a position whereby we can fulfil the
object of our creation. The world generally are not situated as we are;
they do not comprehend things as we do, and hence in many instances they
feel very bitter and acrimonious towards us. What is the matter? They do
not understand our position; and we did not understand these things until
they were communicated to us by the Spirit of the living God, and we could
not, nor can any man obtain a knowledge of these things only by the laws
which God has laid down. There may be lightning in abundance, but it
cannot be used for the conveying of intelligence from place to place only
as it is governed by law. If you communicate to any part of the world
through this means, you must have the wires laid and the instruments
properly connected and adjusted, and then you must know how to operate
them; if you don't know how to do this your labor is in vain--the wire,
the instruments, etc., are useless. You might possess a most magnificent
steam-engine, but unless charged with steam of what use could it be? But
let the fire and water be put to it, and have a good engineer to manage
it, and you may then travel from your settlement here to Salt Lake City or
to Ogden quite rapidly. But without these things would the engine be of
any use? None whatever.
There are certain eternal laws that have existed from before the
foundation of the world. There has been a priesthood also in existence
always, and hence it is called the everlasting priesthood, and it
administers in time and in eternity. That priesthood has been conferred
upon man together with the right of the Gospel; and we are told how man
can get into possession of the Holy Spirit of God, and how he can be
placed in communication with God, just the same as you would place one
town in communication with another by means of the electric wire. We are
told how to do that, and that is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; by
repentance and baptism for the remission of sin, and by having hands laid
upon our heads for the reception of the Holy Ghost. This is a way which
God has appointed--an eternal law which man can not gainsay nor depart
from any more than they can from any other law of God. He has given us
other views in relations to these matters. He has revealed things
concerning the relationship that exsists [sic] between husband and wife
between children and parents and between the various quorum organizations
of his Church. He has placed in our power certain principles which are
the offspring of God, which have emanated from him, in regard to
endowments and anointings and other intelligence which it would not be
proper to speak of at the present time. Where did all these originate?
In the first place in the one great principle that God had revealed
himself to the human family and had restored the everlasting Gospel, and
that with it came all these other things--apostles and high priests and
elders and patriarchs and bishops and high councilors and all the various
organizations of the Church and kingdom of God as they now exist upon the
earth, all occupying their own peculiar place and position. What for?
For the building up of a something that is called Zion or the pure in
heart. What for? For my aggrandizement? for yours? for my individual
interests or for yours? No. But in the interest of God and of Jesus the
Mediator of the New Covenant, of Adam and of all the ancient patriarchs
and apostles and men of God who have lived before, both on the Asiatic and
American continent, with the powers that exist in the heavens that may be
revealed through the medium which He has appointed to men who dwell upon
the earth; that we might stand in and occupy our true position before God,
not acting and operating of ourselves or by ourselves or by anything
inherent in us or by virtue of any intelligence with which we individually
may be endowed, but by that alone which God communicates. To whom are we
indebted for the light we have to-day? Some might say to Joseph Smith.
Yes, as the instrument, but primarily to God and the Priesthood behind the
vail. Could Joseph Smith have revealed anything if it had not been
communicated to him? No. Could Brigham Young? No. Could anybody else?
No; no man can reveal anything pertaining to these matters only as it is
given to him and he is permitted by the Lord, who is the Author of all
light, intelligence and knowledge which we, his children, possess. And he
has gathered us together for the purpose of instructing us that we may
operate with him and by him and through the intelligence which he imparts,
in building up his Zion of the last days. The world say we are exclusive.
We cannot help that. Are we exclusive? To a certain extent, yes. For
instance, I know there is a law which God has given. Can I ignore that
law and expect blessings from God? No. Can you? No, you cannot. Can
men climb any other way into the favor of God than that which he has
appointed? No, they cannot. What will you do? We will try and help the
Lord to do the very best he can for them; and we will do the best we can
for them. One thing we can do, and we are set apart many of us for that
purpose, and that is to go and preach the Gospel to every creature. This
the Lord requires at our hands, especially we Seventies, Elders and
Apostles. We can do all that is in our power for the people in this way.
And what next? Can we make them believe? No. Can we make them obey
the Gospel? No. We would not if we could, because if there was any force
made use of for the accomplishment of that object, it would only result in
evil instead of good. We are told by Joseph Smith that "No power or
influence can, or ought to be maintained, by virtue of the Priesthood only
by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love
unfeigned; by kindness and pure knowledge." They are not to be exercised
by force. This is the way I look at these things, and I take the same
view of our temporal affairs of which we have heard so much to-day.
Should I wish to control any man? No, I would show him the right way.
Should I feel indignant at the follies of men and wish to destroy people?
No. David, we are told, prayed to the Lord that his enemies might be sent
to hell quickly; Jesus said, when suffering at the hands of cruel men all
that human nature could endure, "Father, forgive them, for they know not
what they do." I like the latter better than the former. Who are the
people of the world? They are the children of God. If they are not heirs
with God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, they are all his offspring.
And what is he going to do with them? The very best he can; and we will
try and help him do it. We will set them good patterns; we will teach
them by precept and example better ways, and seek to the Lord for wisdom
to govern us, and then try and benefit them. But shall we allow them to
destroy us? No. Shall we allow our children to be taught by them? No,
never by them, for they know not the way of life, and are enemies to God
and his laws. God has given unto us children, and he not only expects
obedience from us, but expects us, as he did Abraham, to command our
children after us to obey the Lord. Then do not let us give them over to
the powers of darkness to be taught by the enemies of God and his people.
But let us study their interests, both for time and eternity, and set them
good examples, and keep them from the contamination of the world. I heard
a statement of a circumstance said to have transpired in one of those
schools in Salt Lake City which was something like this; A teacher
interrogating the children of a certain school asked--Who is the great
false prophet of the 19th century? In answering a child mentioned John
Taylor. I was a little amused at it; although I suppose it was intended
that they should have given the name of Joseph Smith, but the little one
made a mistake. But what of the idea of our children attending the
schools of people who teach and catechise them in this way? Don't you
think it rather humiliating? I think we are descending very low when we
can submit to their tuition. We do not want to partake of their feelings
nor contract their ways, nor to be degraded with either their social or
religious principles, but at the same time we wish to do them all the good
we can. If they lie about us, never mind that; we can stand all they can
say about us. Would we want to injure them? I hope not. We ought to
deal with and treat everybody aright, acting justly and honorably with
all. But then we do not want them to be our teachers. They would think
they were doing God's service if they could by any influence lead us
astray. What will the Lord do with them? He will put the more worthy of
them in the Terrestrial kingdom, and the other class will inherit a
telestial kingdom, but they will never get into the celestial kingdom,
unless it be through the medium of that priesthood conferred upon us by
the Lord. Then do we wish our children to be taught by those who would
seek to degrade and lead them to another and a lower place than that we
hope to enjoy? Certainly not. What was said of Abraham, speaking of his
children? the [sic] Lord says, "I know Abraham." What do you know?
"That he will fear me and command his children and his household after
him, etc." We want to be very careful about training our children, we
should act honestly before them; for if they see father or mother act
dishonestly, the children will be likely to follow their example. We
should be careful too not to be found speaking harshly or using hard words
in their presence. But rather do as the old lady used to do when teaching
school; when the children would come to a word they could not pronounce,
she would tell them to skip it and call it "hard-word." Let our lives and
actions and conduct bespeak that we are men of God, that we are acting
uprightly and righteously and performing the will of God upon the earth.
Well, now, a little further in relation to these things. Shall we
benefit? Yes, we will do all the good we can. But if men lie and become
fraudulent, and delight in abominations and are void of principle, then we
will say, with him of old, "My soul enter thou not into their secret, and
mine honor with him be not thou united." We are gathered here for the
express purposes of God; the world, however, do not understand it. But I
tell you what they will do, by-and-by. You will see them flocking to Zion
by thousands and tens of thousands; and they will say, "We don't know
anything about your religion, we don't care much about religious matters,
but you are honest and honorable, and upright and just, and you have a
good, just and secure government, and we want to put ourselves under your
protection, for we cannot feel safe anywhere else." There is a
scripturewhich says, the time will come "when he that will not take up his
sword to fight against his neighbor, must needs flee to Zion for safety."
And they will come. But we must prepare ourselves; we have got to have
the invigorating influence of the Spirit of God to permeate all of our
organizations, all feeling that we are under the guidance and protection
of the Almighty, every man in his place, and every man according to the
order of the priesthood in which God has placed him. Does a Bishop expect
the members of his ward to be subject to him? Yes. Then if the President
of a Stake expects obedience from those under him he must be subject to
those over him. The Priests, Teachers and Deacons in their place, the
Bishops in theirs; the Presidents of Stakes in theirs; the High Priests,
Seventies, and all others, magnifying their respective callings, filling
the positions they occupy, holding themselves as minute men, clothed upon
with the power of God and the holy priesthood which rests upon them. And
when more of that spirit is in existence among the elders of Israel, they
will feel the word of God like fire in their bones, and they will desire
to go forth carrying the word of life and salvation to their fellowmen who
are scattered throughout the earth. A good many are beginning to feel
like that now, the fire is beginning to burn a little more, and if we
continue to fulfil our duties--and do not go and ask people to believe
something we can hardly believe ourselves; but go full of faith, seeking
all the while unto God for more intelligence, his Holy Spirit will beam
upon the altar of our hearts; the revelations of God will be unfolded and
we shall feel in our hearts to exclaim, O, God, let me go forth to lift up
a warning voice for thy judgments are approaching, the nations are
shaking, thrones are tottering and will be cast down, and wars and
commotions are spreading abroad, and I want to go and snatch those who are
honest "as brands from the burning;" so that when I have accomplished my
work I can feel that my garments are spotless from the blood of all men.
This is the kind of feeling we should have and be governed by. As for
these other matters of a temporal nature before referred to, if we cannot
co-operate together and do it honestly and in good faith, as this is one
of the very best things that can be required of us, it is a very little
that we can do. We should cultivate the Spirit of God ourselves; we ought
to drink freely of that water which the Savior told the woman of Samaria
that he was able, to give to her, even that water that would, "be in her
as a well springing up to everlasting life." We have drank already at
that well; it remains now for us to permit it to bubble and burst forth,
to flow and spread its revivifying influence all around. We ought to have
a heaven upon earth--to be really the Zion of our God, the pure in heart,
each one seeking another's welfare. "Thou shalt love the Lord they God
with all they heart, with all they might, with all thy soul, with all they
strength, and thy neighbor as thyself." We have hardly got to that yet;
but supposing Paul were to come along and say a little further--each one
preferring his neighbor. That part of it we will let alone awhile. But
if we could feel we are the children of God, all animated by that same
Holy Spirit, producing peace and joy, and all welded together in one
common brotherhood, in the bonds of the everlasting Gospel, all operating
with God and the holy priesthood who have lived in other ages, to carry
out his purposes upon the earth, and assisting to redeem the earth and
establish his kingdom, never more to be thrown down. If we could feel
like this, we should drop our individnality [sic] and self-esteem a
little, we should seek to do not our own will, but the will of Him who
sent us.
I find that the time is passing. In conclusion let me say, brethren,
love one another, be kind to each other; if you have difficulties, settle
them honorably. I do not know a man upon the earth that I have a solitary
feeling against. I would not entertain such feelings, because they make
one feel miserable. Forgive one another; bear with one another's
infirmities. We are not all alike. Our faces are different, our habits
are different, although made of the same material and possessing the same
kind of an organization. So disssimilar [sic] are we that you can hardly
find two people alike. I do not want everybody to think as I do. I am
willing to grant every one a great amount of leeway in regard to these
things; but I would like to see everybody do right and cleave to God. And
as for a great many other little things I care very little about them.
Let men treat their wives kindly; and then you wives can afford to treat
you husbands the same, can't you? Let all cultivate charity and
forbearance, and how much better it will make you feel! Children, obey
your parents; and parents treat your children kindly, and let us all seek
to do the will of God upon the earth. May God bless you, brethren and
sisters, and lead you in the paths of life; and may God help us all to do
right, and may the fear and blessing of God rest upon all Israel and upon
all that love the truth everywhere, and may our enemies be confounded in
all their plottings against Zion, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at Ogden, on Sunday, December 8, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE PERPETUAL EMIGRATING FUND--HOW TO SETTLE DIFFICULTIES--SHOULD
BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF GOD--CO-OPERATION AND BROTHERLY
KINDNESS--THE PROPER TRAINING OF CHILDREN.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Saints here;
and I have been quite interested in the remarks you have heard this
morning from Bro. Joseph F. Smith [sic-punc] There are a great many
principles associated with the Gospel of the Son of God; and Bro. Joseph
has presented some things that are quite interesting and then there may be
a few things said on the other side of the question that are equally true.
Those doctrines he has taught are true; they are in accordance with the
spirit of Gospel. We ought always to live with reference to eternity,
feeling full of kindness, benevolence, charity and long suffering to all,
respecting always the motives and circumstances of others. Then on the
other hand while we do that, it is not right for others to take advantage
of that benevolence because a man is a good man and an honorable man, a
man that fears God and who is lenient, kind, merciful and forgiving, it is
not right for others to take advantage of such goodness and praiseworthy
actions; there are two sides to all these matters, the question of debtor
and creditor is not all on one side. I will mention a thing here which
has been alluded to before, and which will serve to make plain my meaning,
I refer to the operations of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund. There has
been a very large amount expended for the gathering of the poor Saints to
this country. Have any been pressed by that Fund for the payment of what
they owe it. No. Yet there are many of you who have gone with your
teams--if you have not gone, you have sent them--to assist these people.
What for? Because you felt it in your heart to do it, and because you
were called upon to do it, and because your were doing it in obedience to
a command of God. You not only furnished teams, but you furnished
provisions for the emigrating Saints. Now they, on the other hand,
covenanted and gave their notes for the payment of this indebtedness,
which if paid according to promise, would have been used to emigrate other
Saints similarly situated. Was it right for you to bring them here and to
supply them with food, etc.? Yes. It is right of us to engage in such
enterprises? Yes, because the Gospel requires it at our hands, and the
love of God and the love of our bretheen [sic]. This was donein good
faith. Should not this be met? There are a million of dollars due to-day
on this account. Is it right that it should be so? No. Have these
debtors been pressed, or has anybody seized them by the throat, saying,
pay me what thou owest? Not that I am aware of. Have they been dragged
before courts of justice? No. But still the debt remains unpaid; and
there is a question that arises in my mind. Will it remain there, until
it removes itself or not? This is a little on the other side of the
question, and this is not a small thing either, and it is something we are
all familiar with. If this matter has not been pressed, it makes the
obligation none the less sacred. We are told to pay our debts, to meet
our obligations, to deal justly and righteously one with another. And I
wish we had no debts to pay; I wish we could so live as to keep out of
debt and meet our obligations day by day. But then we do not do this; if
we did we should be much better and more pleasantly situated and feel more
comfortable in our feelings and dispositions. And if people do not do
these things, what then? There is a way appointed by the Lord, and that
is to adjust them before the bishops' courts. We as Latter-day Saints
ought to be governed by the laws of the church and not by the laws of the
land, until the law of God is complied with. How far would you take them?
Just as far as the law of God prescribes. If a man sin against another is
it good and charitable and kind to forgive him? Yes. Now, I will speak
of myself. I never sued a man either before our own courts or any other
courts. Why? Because I never thought the thing worth enough; I never
thought money and property worth enough to go to law about. I think so
yet, I think it rather too small an affair to break up those fraternal
relations that should exist between brother and brother. Then do you
believe in owing people and not paying them? No, I do not. I believe in
meeting engagements honorably and honestly before God. But will men be
blessed for being forgiving? Well, I think so. And I think that, as
Latter-day Saints, we will have a good chance of obtaining quite a
blessing on account of our forbearance in relation to those having
obligations before referred to; for there is, as I have said, a million of
dollars owing among the people, and I do not think they have been pressed
to pay it. But I wish people would do nearly right. I wish they would
act honorably and uprightly and consistently and properly, and all meet
their obligations and pursue an upright course. But there is again
another question to be adjusted in this matter. It is not the value of
the money alone nor how it will affect me; but how are others affected by
it? A perpetual fund was established, which fund contemplated a continual
help, a continual return of the money loaned and perpetual fund kept
always on hand, for the assistance of those requiring aid. This fund was
not designed as a gift, but as a loan; but now it happens that this fund
is crippled, because men have not returned their loans. It is not
therefore a matter as between ourselves, but one that affects hundreds
that are very much worse off than those who owe these debts. The cry is
continually coming to onr [sic] ears for help. The poverty, distress, and
trouble in Europe are on the increase, and we have continually to hear the
wails of the poor; they look to us for help, but those debtors have got
their means and are using it. There is another cry; it is not those
debtors being oppressed by us; but the ungathered poor being defrauded by
those who have borrowed money and do not return it. It may become quite a
question as to how far we are justified in permitting those who have been
assisted, by this public fund by withholding what they justly owe, to
block the wheels of the institution and deprive others, who may be more
meritorious than themselves, of obtaining that relief which is justly
their due. But do you believe in being grasping? No. Do you believe in
covetousness? No, I do not. I think that as Latter-day Saints we ought
to have our minds fixed on something else--something more elevating, more
exalting, more honorable, and more in accordance with the position we
occupy and the principles we profess to believe in.
As this subject has been broached, I wish now to speak a little in
regard to our manner of doing business. We are mixed up a good deal at
present--you, here in Ogden, are especially, and we in Salt Lake are
too--with Gentile institutions, and their practice is strictly upon the
ground referred to by brother Joseph, "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for
a tooth, pay me that thou owest," etc., which in one sense is all very
correct; but there is a better way to settle difficulties, which is by
mixing up with it a little charity and benevolence, and then it does very
well. But when we talk about "popping men through" the courts who do not
do thus and so, as has been referred to, I tell you what you should do,
whenever a man would attempt to "pop" you through the courts of the law of
the land, you should "pop" him through the courts of our Church; you
should bring him up for violating the laws of the Church, for going to law
before the ungodly, instead of using the means that God has appointed. We
think, as Latter-day Saints, that the laws of God are a little in advance
of the laws of the land; and, in fact, it is not an unfrequent thing for
men not belonging to our Church to express themselves desirous to bring
their cases for trial before our High Council, believing they could get
better justice than they could before the courts of the world; I believe
it with all my heart. Latter-day Saints, we ought to be controled by
correct principles; and if anybody is sinned against, we have our remedy.
If the brother that Brother Joseph F. Smith has referred to, instead of
cherishing and harboring those unpleasant feelings, had gone to his
brother who had given him offence, and told him that his feelings were
hurt at some word he has spoken, and he thought he would come and talk the
matter squarely to him, that little affair would have been settled, and
good feelings, would have existed between them. But then, supposing after
being so waited on, your brother would not hear you, it would then be
proper to wait on him again, taking with you another brother; and if he
still persisted to manifest hard feelings, it would then be proper to
report him to the Church, and let the matter be brought to the notice of
the Teachers or the Priests, as the case might be. If he refuse to
hearken to their counsel, let a charge be preferred against him to his
Bishop who, with his counselors, should hear and decide the case according
to the evidence, with all long-suffering and humility and justice and
prayer before God, to guide him in his decision. And when they operate
together in this way, such things will be disposed of aright. And if
either party should be dissatisfied with the decision, an appeal could he
[sic] taken to a higher court--the High Council. And when that body of
men sit upon the case and render their decision in the matter, and if the
brother refuse to hear them, what then? He is cut off the Church. "But
(a man may say) it is a matter of dollars and cents, and if a man owe me
$,5,000 [sic], I cannot afford to lose it, and what recourse have I?"
Bring him up before the Church, and if he will not listen to the counsel
of the Church authorities, let him be dealt with by this council. And
what will be the result? He will be severed from the Church. "And am I
to lose my money?" No, not necessarily so; he is outside of the Church,
and now you can "pop him through" by the law, if that be the term you use.
And this is why we take such pain in electing our representatives to our
legislature. We try to select good men in order, that we may have good
laws enacted, and then we try to get good Probate Judges. Brother
Richards here is a Probate Judge, and is he a good man? I think he is.
Is he an Apostle? Yes. Well, would it be right to take your case to him
as a Probate Judge? No; if you were to, we would deal with you for your
fellowship. You say, "That's a curious doctrine." You have agreed to be
governed by the laws of the Church, and I mention this to show you what
would be right in regard to principles of that kind. And if after
summonsing the parties referred to before the Bishop's Court, and from
there the case be carried before the High Council, and then we would not
do right, the consequence would be that he would be cut off from the
Church, and then you would be at liberty to summon him before Brother
Richards, as a Judge of Probate. But there possibly might be an appeal
from the High Council, and Brother Richards, in a Church capacity, might
be one to consider the case, then that would be all right.
I speak of these things to show what our duties are, and the position
we occupy. Do you remember what the Apostle Paul said when talking to
some of the former-day Saints on this subject? The people to whom he
addressed himself were doubtless like some of our easy-going brethren, who
are always in trouble a good deal, and are always wanting to "pop 'em
through." Says he, in the 6th chapter of Corinthians, "Dare any of you,
having a matter against a brother, go to law before the unjust? Do you
not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be
judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not
that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this
life? I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man
among you? No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
Now, therefore, there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law
one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather
suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" etc., and is it not said too, in
speaking of the Twelve, that they shall sit upon twelve thrones, and shall
judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel? And does not the Church to-day possess
the same officers as it did anciently, and are they not set apart by the
revelation of God, and ordained by the holy Priesthood to occupy this
position? Are these men not competent to judge of the comparatively
trivial things associated with this life? and yet you will take your
brother before ungodly men to be judged of them. I tell you the hand of
God will follow you if you do it. And we do not want any such thing done
by any calling themselves Latter-day Saints; and Israel cannot do such
things with the approbation of God, or the councils of his Church. And I
will give you fair warning, and I call upon Brother Peery here, who is
President of this Stake, to carry it out, that when he finds any
Latter-day Saint under his jurisdiction going to law with his brother
before the ungodly, to bring him up and deal with him for his fellowship.
This is a correct principle before God; and as Saints of God we should be
governed by his laws, and not by the laws of the world. But these laws
are made and provided for our protection, and when it is proper and right
we can make use of them in common with other citizens. But we have laws
among ourselves, and all honorable men among us will submit to the
decisions of our Church authorities, and those who are not honorable we do
not want, and we will cut them off.
I attended your monthly priesthood meeting yesterday. I find there
has been a little feeling about the districting of your city, which ought
not to exist. We sometimes get a little zealous in those local matter,
each has his own ideas, and is desirous of carrying them out. I do not
know that I have any idea of my own about these matters. I am desirous to
ascertain the will of God, and if I know that, I want to do it regardless
of my opinion, that does not amount to much. But if we can know the will
of God and understand the principles of life, and then abide by them, all
will be well. And as to what imaginary line or district you live in, I do
not think it makes much difference. We want a little of this good feeling
of brotherhood about which Brother Joseph has been speaking so pleasantly.
Jesus says: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they
shall be filled. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
That is of more value a great deal than dollars and cents, if you could
but understand it. It is worth ten thousand million times more, for they
perish with their using. You brought nothing into the world; you can take
nothing out. By and by, and a little space of ground six feet by two is
all you will want, and your money and your property you will leave for
others to handle. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness, for they shall be filled." Blessed are whom? The liar,
the hypocrite, the thief, the rogue, the debauchee? No; but "Blessed are
the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Let us hunt after these
things, and seek to possess more of these principles which were taught and
inculcated by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We have introduced among us the kingdom of God. What is meant by it?
The law, the rule, the government of God. Now, the Lord has laid down a
perfect law in relation to our temporal affairs and we would not see so
much squabling among us if we could carry it out. I refer to what we call
the United Order. But we cannot bear it, it seems to much for us, as much
as we talk and boast of our intelligence we cannot come to some of these
little principles of the Gospel. Some of us can manage to pay our
tithing, and some of us cannot. And then some of us can believe a little
in co-operation, and we think that it is a terrible stride; to me that is
one of the least things that God ever instituted among men and I sometimes
think if we cannot do that we had better quit. Talk about being Gods and
organizing worlds; why if we fail in such a comparatively small
undertaking, I do not think we have faith enough to drag a sitting hen
from her nest. If we cannot be united in some of these little things, how
can we in greater things? We were talking about the principle of
co-operation in our priesthood meeting; and I thought I would refer to it
here. And we are getting up County or rather Stake organizations
throughout Zion. And we want in all of our temporal affairs to deal
justly one with another. We want to sustain co-operation, and then we
want co-operation to sustain us. It is not all on one side; there are two
sides. If we sustain co-operation, we will call upon co-operation to
sustain us, and all the settlements throughout the Territory will be
represented, just the same as the Saints to-day are represented in the
Church through the President of Stakes, and we will try to do right
ourselves, and then we will try and see that they do right. We will
sustain them with good, honest efforts, and we want square up and down
operations on both sides, carrying out the principles of co-operation
honestly and truthfully before God and men. That is what we expect and we
expect it from your President, his counselors and also from the Bishops
and from all the people. And if you cannot do this never talk about
making worlds.
The world is opposed to us. They say they are not. Well, would you
injure them? No; I would not hurt a hair of their heads or deprive them
of any right they enjoy, either religious or political. We want to treat
all men kindly and with due respect; but we do not want to be governed by
their religious views, nor put our children under their teachings. We
want to look after the education of our children and see that they are
placed under proper teachers and receive proper training, and not be
placed in the hands of the enemies of the Church and kingdom of God.
Now brethren if we are Latter-day Saints, let us be consistent with
our belief and profession. I profess to be a Latter-day Saint, and I
believe in the doctrines that the Lord has revealed to us with all my
heart; and I do not care who knows it. Now I am told in the revelations
to bring up my children in the fear of God. I believe that this kingdom
which the Lord has set up will grow and increase until the kingdoms of
this world will become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ. And this
you believe as well as I do. We believe in celestial glory; and we
believe in terrestrial and telestial glory; or in other words, we believe
there will be a separation finally of the good from the bad. Now we are
engaged gathering together, or separating ourselves from the world and
building our temples and administering in them for the living and the
dead, and we spend millions of dollars in the accomplishment of this
object, that we may become united and linked together by eternal covenants
that shall exist in all time and through out eternity. And then, when we
have done all this go and deliberately turn our children over to whom? To
men who do not believe the Gospel, to men who, according to your faith,
are never going to the celestial kingdom of God. They will get as big a
glory as they are prepared for, but they are not going there. And you
will turn your children over to them. And you call yourselves Latter-day
Saints, do you? I will suppose a case. You expect to be saved in the
celestial kingdom of God. Well, supposing your expectations are realized,
which I sometimes doubt, and you look down, down somewhere in a
terrestrial or telestial kingdom, as the case may be, and you there see
your children, the offspring that God had given you to train up in his
fear, to honor him and keep his commandments, and perceive that between
you and them there is a great gulf, as represented by the Savior in the
parable of the rich man and Lazarus. And supposing they could converse
with you--which, however, they could not do--but if such were the case,
what would be their feelings towards you? It would be, Father, mother,
and you are to blame for this. I would have been with you if you had not
tampered with the principles of life and salvation in permitting me to be
decoyed away by false teachers, who taught incorrect principles. And this
is the result of it. But then I very much question men and women's
getting into the celestial kingdom of God who have no more knowledge about
the principles of life and salvation than to go and tamper with the sacred
offspring, the principle of life which God intrusted to your care, to thus
shuffle it off to imbibe the spirit of unbelief, which leads to
destruction and death. I very much doubt in my mind the capability of
such people getting there. We had better look after ourselves a little.
God has given us light and he expects us to be governed by it. In
speaking of Abraham he says, "I know him." What do you know of him? That
he will fear me. What else? "That he will command his children after
him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. To do justice and judgment;
that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."
Well, the time is passing, but before closing, I wish to say a word
or two in regard to this co-operation in temporal things. They are very
little thing,s but they form a kind of stepping stone towards other and
more important events. A closer union which we shall expect to inaugurate
by-and-bye, but which we are not prepared to yet. But for the time being
it is expected that as honorable men and women, we will honestly and truly
carry out our covenants in regard to these little temporal things; and let
us be one, for the Lord has plainly told us, if ye are not one, ye are not
mine. If ye are not mine, whose are ye? You can figure that up just as
you please. These are the facts in relation to this matter, we are
desirous to bring about these things. What for? For the sake of making
money? No. Money is of little importance where truth is concerned. I
would not care if all the money was out of existence, but I do care about
the principles, and the laws of God, about men being what what [sic] they
profess to be, and not hypocrites, be-lying their profession. We expect
to see these things carried out in honesty and truth, because it is the
order which God has introduced as a stepping-stone to something in the
future. We build temples and administer in them. How? Precisely
according to the revelations which God has given to us; but when it comes
to our temporal affairs, we would ride over and almost totally ignore the
laws which he has given to us to govern them. Jesus says, "In vain you
say to me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say." And I say, In
vain you will say, Lord, Lord, if you cannot attend to these little
things; and those who will not, God will shake out from among his people.
Now hear it, ye Latter-day Saints! and be not deceived: God is not
mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that
soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that
soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting." We
should be governed by correct principles in the fear of God; and should
righteously, uprightly, and virtuously preserve our bodies and spirits
pure and keep all the laws of God and seek to comprehend his will in
regard to all things, and feel that we are here to build up the kingdom of
God and not ourselves, to establish the principles of righteousness and of
truth and the laws of heaven, and not our ideas and theories; for through
the ordinances of God and through obedience to his laws come the blessings
of God to Israel in time and through all eternity.
God bless you and lead you in the paths of life, in the name of
Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at the 17th Ward Meeting House, on Sunday Afternoon,
December 15, 1878.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
ALL INTELLIGENCE COMES FROM GOD--LIFE AND IMMORTALITY BROUGHT
TO LIGHT THROUGH THE GOSPEL--GATHERING--TEMPLE-BUILDING--THE
ELDERS MESSENGERS OF SALVATION TO THE NATIONS.
We meet together from time to time to attend to the worship of the
Almighty, because we think it is proper for us to pay due respect unto the
Lord God, our heavenly Father; we assemble ourselves for the purpose of
praying to him, of singing his praises, of speaking of principles,
doctrines, ordinances and other matters in which we are individually and
collectively interested, all of which is more or less connected with the
worship of our God.
There is something associated with our religious views that differs
materially from those of many others. The Lord has revealed unto us his
will, or law; he has given unto us a knowledge of the principles of truth
and righteousness; and he is seeking by the means he has appointed--the
medium of the everlasting Gospel, to prepare us for the events that will
necessarily take place in a short time, and to enable us to introduce
among men those pure, holy and heavenly principles which exist with the
Gods in the eternal worlds, and to prepareus, through the medium of the
Gospel, to operate with him and with the holy priesthood that has existed
in former ages, in the development of the purposes of God upon the earth.
It is a great and important work in which we are engaged, and we need
continually the direction and the guidance of the Almighty; for it stands
to reason, when we reflect upon it, that no man, as is spoken of in the
Scriptures, can know the things of God unless they are revealed to him by
the Spirit of God. We talk of these things sometimes rather flippantly,
and probably, in many instances without due reflection. But when we look
upon man as he is organized, and the limit and bounds of his intelligence,
and then reflect upon the position that he sustains to the Almighty, we
shall find that there is nothing very mysterious in these remarks, but
that there is a great amount of truth and reason associated therewith.
For instance, men know very little about themselves, or about the things
of man or how to control their passions and habits and the various evils
with which they are surrounded and have to combat. They know very little
about the true condition of man and his relation to God, to the world, to
the past, present, or future, as is evidenced by the position of the world
everywhere wherever we turn our attention. We are beginning to find out
some few things in relation to the laws of nature and the earth on which
we dwell, but our knowledge of these things is very small comparatively,
and yet we boast sometimes quite freely of our intelligence. But when we
reflect on our true position, we know very little in reality even about
the world in which we live, or about the properties of matter or the
elements with which we are surrounded; and yet a few years ago the world
knew much less than we know to-day. I can remember the time very well
when there was no such thing as steamboats. I remember sailing across the
Atlantic more times than one when no such thing as a steamboat was used
for that purpose. I remember the time, too, when there were no such
things as locomotives or railroads; and many of you know very well how it
was in regard to the telegraph, the photograph and a great many other
things. They are simply certain principles that exist in the laws of
nature that have been unveiled to us; but there are thousands of other
things that we know very little about. And then what do we know about the
future? What do we know about the heavens that are above us? We can get
some scanty ideas and we boast very much of them, but really there is not
very much to boast of when we reflect upon these things. These things are
simple principles that we have become acquainted with through study and
research by chemical analysis and the development of eternal laws. We are
simply becoming acquainted with some of the principles that exist in
nature. The question necessarily arises, who placed those principles
there? Who organized this earth on which we dwell and man upon it and all
creation as it exists? Some superior intelligence, or power--we call it
the power of God. "By faith we understand that the worlds were made by
the power of God, so that things which are now seen were not made of
things that do appear." There is not a particle of the human system but
what is full of intelligence and displays forethought, prescience, design,
skill and creative power; and everything bespeaks the handiwork of a wise,
intelligent, omnipotent Creator, or God. When a little boy I used to ask
myself, Who am I? Where did I come from? What am I doing here? And why
am I here? etc. These things still puzzle us, at least many of them do,
yet these are thoughts we cannot help reflecting upon. We see children
born into the world, and we see spring and summer, autumn and winter
follow each other in regular succession, and we ask ourselves, By what
power were these things brought about? Why are we here, and what is the
object of all these things which we see around us? not to say anything
about the worlds with which we are environed. For speaking of ourselves,
we are only a speck in creation; there is nothing to or of us scarcely, or
in the world we inhabit, in comparison to the myriads of worlds with which
we are surrounded.
Now we frequently want to know the object of our existence and why we
are here; and the Saints will still go a little further by asking, Why
have we to battle with the affairs of this world, and to struggle, to be
tried and tempted? And we go still further and ask, when we see our
friends pass away from this state of existence one after another, and the
body that was once full of life, animation and vitality now lying helpless
and void of life, and our minds reach back into the years that are past
and we think of the thousands of millions, yea, of myriads who have
inhabited this earth and who have gone into another state of existence,
and we are led to ask ourselves, Why is it thus? And we are led to ask
ourselves further, Why are we thus situated? And why should we thus come
into life, have an existence and then fade and decay? And it is proper
that we should have such thoughts and such reflections. Who can unravel
these things? Who can tell us upon natural principles the meaning of this
strange phenomena, the whys and wherefores in relation to these matters?
Nobody. We have peculiar feelings and sensations in common with all men
in regard to the future. But what are the views, ideas and feelings of
men generally in relation to these matters? And if they have views, what
is the source of their intelligence? What scientist philosopher, or
divine can unravel to us many of these mysterious principles which we see
every day exhibited before us? It is very difficult for man to
comprehend, and nothing as I said before, but the Spirit which organized
the creations of God can reveal those principles and give us a knowledge
of that fitness of things as they exist in the mind of the Creator, of our
relationship to God and to each other and the world in which we exist and
the worlds that are to come. Nothing but superhuman intelligence, even
the inspiration of the Almighty, can reveal these things. We have ten
thousand ideas, notions and feelings; the world is full of ever kind of
theory in relation to these matters. But what does it amount to? We may
theorize as much as we please, but unless we receive some communication
from the beings possessing intelligence superior to anything mortal, that
are associated with these vast creations and know something of their
origin and object, what can we know? We need communication with and
revelation from God enlightening us thereon, or we shall still be in the
dark and know nothing concerning the future and many things of the present
and past. Some of our poets in rather beautiful metaphor point us to some
place "beyond the bounds of time and space," where we are to look forward
to a heavenly place, the Saint's secure abode. There is something very
pleasing about such reflections, but at the same time there is something
very foolish. I do not know how or upon what principle we are to get
beyond the bounds of time and space; it is beyond my comprehension, and I
very much question whether the person who wrote it could; in fact I know
he could not. We sing sometimes, too, about "singing ourselves away to
everlasting bliss." What is this and were is it? How shall we enjoy it
and under what circumstances? Certainly those who talk about these things
display no intelligence. We can never comprehend anything about these
things but by the revelations of God either made directly to us or to us
through others.
Now we Latter-day Saints are indebted--I was going to say to Joseph
Smith, for what knowledge we have; but this would not be strictly true,
for we are not indebted to him or any other man for the knowledge we
possess; we are indebted to the Lord, and the Prophet Joseph was made use
of by him as the medium to reveal, in the midst of the chaotic mass that
existed in the world, the principles of life, light and intelligence and
the laws by which the Gods are governed in the eternal worlds, to teach us
what course we should pursue, that we might act wisely, prudently and
intelligently, and comprehend the position we occupy here upon the earth,
and the relationship that subsists between man and his Maker, and that we
might understand things pertaining to the future as well as things
pertaining to the present. And the religion we have had unfolded to us is
to prepare us to take part in these things both in this world and the
world to come; to teach us how to approach our Maker and to get further
knowledge of his laws and the principles of truth that have been revealed
to us. The world generally treat these things very lightly. The reason
is they do not comprehend them, and therein lies the difficulty. And we
only know them in part and see them in part and comprehend them in part;
but without communionwith the Almighty we certainly should not have
understood anything at all about these things. There is something very
peculiar in the world and we as well as others are sometimes apt to be
quite narrow and contracted in our ideas pertaining to the world in which
we live and the people with whom we are surrounded. We are told that
'[sic-punc] the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to
profit withal." And I would state further that all true intelligence
which men possess in regard to the laws, nature and their operations, as
well as any moral, scientific or philosophical ideas we may form that are
correct proceed from the same source, whether acknowledged by men or not.
And furthermore, whatever correct religious ideas that the world possess
in relation to the future state, proceed from that portion of the Spirit
that is given to every man to profit withal--not unto us only, but to
every man, and to the influence of that Spirit all men are indebted for
the degree of honor and integrity that exists among men. It is true there
is very little comparatively, but for the amount there is they are
indebted to God just as much as we are. The Apostle Paul, on a certain
occation [sic], said that God had not left himself without witness. This
is a general principale [sic] that exists everywhere and among all
mankind. But there is another principle which is separate and distinct
from that, and that is the principle that brings men into closer communion
with the Almighty. And what is that? It is the Spirit of the Lord in a
more eminent degree, and is called in the Scriptures the Holy Ghost. How
do men obtain that? Through a certain medium that God has appointed,
viz., by faith, repentance, baptism administered by proper authority and
laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now the Lord has had
his "witness" upon the earth in different ages of time. When he has had
this witness the Gospel has generally been associated therewith; it is a
part and parcel of the great programme. There is a very foolish idea
prevailing in the world, that there was no such thing as the Gospel until
Jesus came. It is the greatest folly in creation. No Gospel until Jesus
introduced it! Say you, "Do not the Scriptures say that life and
immortality are brought about through the Gospel?" Yes. "And did not
Jesus introduce the Gospel?" Yes. "Well, then, if he came and introduced
the Gospel, why do you say that they had the Gospel before?" They always
had the Gospel whenever men had a knowledge of God. It is the Gospel that
brings life and immortality to light; it is the Gospel that places man in
a position to obtain a just knowledge of God and of the eternities to
come, of their position on the earth, and of their position as it will be
hereafter. It is that very principle that brings, as we are told, life
and immortality to light. And if you will trace out the records of either
the Book of Mormon or the Bible or those of any people that have lived
upon the earth, and anywhere a people that had a knowledge of life and
immortality, then I will point you out a people that had the Gospel. It
was through that principle that men before the flood had a knowledge of
God and had communication with him. It was through that that Enoch
understood the principles of heaven, and applied those to his position,
and it was by that power and through that principle that he, with the
cities in which he lived, was translated, as well as the thousands who
lived then and also after that time were translated; it was through the
principle and power of the Gospel that brings life and immortality to
light. It was through the same principle that Noah was saved; he had
communication with God, who revealed to him what was coming on the earth
and the results of it. God warned him and prepared him and told him what
to do and how to do it, and he pursued the course given him, and he
received his reward. It was through that principle that Abraham
comprehended God and had revelation and communication with him, for
without it he would have known nothing about God. But he understood,
through the records of his fathers, of certain privileges that are
mentioned in his history--certain privileges pertaining to himself and his
progenitors, which he traced clear back to the days of Adam, by which he
learned that he was an heir to the holy priesthood; and when he
ascertained this he sought an ordination from the Lord. And when he was
persecuted for his faith he left the land in which he lived, and he did so
at the instance of the Lord: "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee."
And the Lord greatly favored him and blessed him, and said unto him: "I
will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in
thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Was that so? Yes,
it has been fulfilled. Let us look at this for a moment and see whether
it has or not. Who were Isaac and Jacob? Did they have communication
with God? Yes. How did they obtain it? Through the medium of the Gospel
and through the promises made to their father Abraham. And when Israel
was in Egypt who delivered them? Moses. And who was Moses? A descendant
of Abraham. Did he lead the people out of Egyptian bondage? Yes; God
manifested his power in their behalf. Did Moses have the Gospel? Yes,
and so did Abraham. The Apostle Paul says, in his epistle to the
Galatians, "that God foreseeing that he would justify the heathen through
faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all
nations be blessed." The Israelites had the Gospel preached to them in
the wilderness; but, as the Apostle says in speaking of them, "The word
preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that
heard it." But Moses did lead some of them into the presence of
God--those who were prepared to receive it; the others, when they heard
the thunders and saw the lightning and heard the voice of God, they said
unto Moses, "Speak thou unto us and we will hear; but let not God speak
with us, lest we die;" we are not prepared for this glory, for this kind
of manifestation which has been given unto us.
Well, they were foolish; they departed from correct principles, they
violated the laws of God and therefore incurred his displeasure, and his
Spirit was withdrawn from them, and the Gospel was taken from them and
they were left under a law of carnal commandments, and the law was given
them as a schoolmaster, we are told, until Christ came. And what did
Christ do? He restored the fulness of the Gospel that they had forfeited,
because of their former transgressions. What next? We go to the promise
made to Abraham, which was that in him and in his seed all the families of
the earth should be blessed. Moses, as I have said was of his seed, and
he was the deliverer of the whole of that nation. And who were the
prophets that existed among ancient Israel? They were descendants of
Abraham; and to them came the word of God and the light of revelation.
Who was Jesus? After the flesh of the seed of Abraham. Who were his
Twelve Apostles? Of the seed of Abraham. Who were the people that came
to this continent--Lehi and his family, about 600 years B. C.? Of the
seed of Abraham. Who were the Apostles they had among them that spread
forth among the millions that then lived upon this continent? Of the seed
of Abraham. Who was Joseph Smith? Of the seed of Abraham; and he, we are
told, was to be the son of Joseph, and should himself be called Joseph.
And he was raised up for what purpose? To injure or destroy mankind? No;
but to bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel. He, like
other prominent men of God, came in the fulness of times to do the work
which the Lord had appointed unto him, being called of God and taught of
God; and being thus taught he possessed an intelligence second to none on
the earth. He introduced principles, that no philosopher, or scientist,
or all the wisdom of this world combined was capable of developing;
neither was it possible for anybody to bring to light such principles,
unless through the revelations of God--principles of truth, principles of
intelligence, principles which affect man in time and in eternity;
principles which affect the world in which we live; principles which
affect thousands and myriads that have lived before; principles of
salvation that extend to all nations and all peoples living or dead,
pertaining to time and pertaining to eternity.
In what manner were these principles to be made known? How were men
to get acquainted with these things? By being brought into communion with
the Lord. And how was this to be done? Jesus, when upon the earth,
ordained and set apart others and told them to go into all the world and
preach the Gospel. What Gospel? That Gospel that brings life and
immortality to light; that Gospel that brings men into communication with
their Maker; that Gospel that will show us who we are and what we are, and
why we are here, and the object of our existence, and what lies before us.
Jesus said to his disciples in his day, "Go ye into all the world, and
preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these
signs shall follow them that believe: in my name shall they cast out
devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents;
and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay
hands on the sick and they shall recover. And lo, I am with you always,
even unto the end of the world." Was he with them? Yes. How did they
preach? They called upon the people to repent and be baptized for the
remission of their sins, Who did? Men authorized of God and commissoned
[sic] of him, and not by somebody else. And what then? If they did this,
they should receive the Holy Ghost. And what should that do for them? It
should take of the things of God and show them unto them; it should bring
life and immortality to light; it should place them in communication with
the Lord; it should enable them to comprehend principles that no man could
comprehend nor ever ought to comprehend, without the Spirit; it should
bring to their remembrance things that were past; it should lead them into
all truth, and it should show them things to come. Was it so? Yes. Did
they have that Spirit? Yes. The spirit of prophecy? Yes, The spirit of
revelation? Yes. Did they have the ministry of angels? Yes. Was the
vision of all truth open to their mind? Yes. They comprehended the
manifestations of God until the winding up scene, and until the dead small
and great shall stand before God, and until this earth shall not only be
redeemed but become celestialized, and celestial beings inhabit it. They
understood these things and prophesied and wrote about them. Is it so
with our Gospel? Precisely the same. Have we had these things
communicated to us? We have. Have the Elders been called upon to go
forth to the nations of the earth to call upon people to repent and be
baptized as in former times? They have. Have most of you heard this
Gospel preached among the different nations of the earth? You have. Have
you received it? Have you obeyed it? Yes. Did you receive the Holy
Ghost accompanying it? You did, and you know and can bear testimony of
it. It is the self-same Gospel: and why the same? Because it is the
everlasting Gospel, not something started eighteen hundred years ago.
Says John, "I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth etc." What
Gospel? The everlasting Gospel; the Gospel that existed with the Gods
before this world rolled into existence or the morning stars sang together
for joy; the Gospel that was preached to Adam and which he preached to his
posterity; the Gospel that was preached by Enoch and Noah, by Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob, and all the ancient prophets; the Gospel that was
preached by Jesus and his Disciples when he commanded them to go and
preach it to all nations; in fine, the Gospel that brings life and
immortality to light. It can be said of us as of them of whom it was
said, "Ye have been baptized into one baptism, and have all partaken of
the same spirit." Did they? Yes. It was not many baptisms, it was not
many faiths and many ideas and many notions; but it was "one faith, one
Lord and one baptism and one God who is above all and through all and in
you all."
There are a great many things associated with these principles in
which the children of men are very deeply interested and in which more
especially the Latter-day Saints are very, very deeply interested. The
Lord has gathered us from among the nations of the earth, just as he told
some of his ancient prophets, who wrote it, that he would do. And one of
them while wrapped in prophetic vision gazed upon the purposes of Jehovah
in relation to this generation, and saw the people of God gathering
together, exclaimed: "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves
to their windows?" and another says: "I will take you one of a city, and
two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:" what will you do with
them when you get them there? "I will give you pastors according to mine
own heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
"Saviors shall come upon Mount Zion," says another, "and the kingdom shall
be the Lord's." Very peculiar expressions and very significant some of
these remarks are. Yet they were made by men when under the influence of
the Holy Ghost, the spirit of revelation which unfolded to their view
things that should transpire in the Latter-days which is emphatically,
what is called in the Scriptures, "The dispensation of the fulness of
times," when he would "gather together in one all things in Christ, both
which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him." He would
gather his people in one to commence with, and hence our position to-day
in these valleys of the mountains. Why are we here? We came here because
it was according to the eternal purposes of God that we should gather
together; and because God has restored this principle among other
principles through the ministration of holy angels, and by the
manifestation of his power by the revelation of his will through the
ancient priesthood that existed upon the earth. And what made us gather
together? you could hardly tell, many of you, if I were to ask you. I
know very well that when you received this Gospel in foreign lands you
could not rest until you gathered to Zion; and there was a correspondent
feeling among the Saints here to help to bring about these things. Before
the railroad across the plains was built, you used to send out your teams
as many as five hundred at a time. What made you do it? It was the
spirit of the gathering that associated itself with the latter-day
dispensation, if there were time I might tell you how peculiarly some
people were moved upon.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery baptized each other.
Why? Because John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon them this
priesthood, and they went and administered in it. Why did Joseph Smith
and others lay hands upon men for the reception of the Holy Ghost?
because Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the priesthood and of
this Gospel in former days conferred that power upon them and they
operated in it. Why did the people feel inclined to gather? because
Moses who was at the head of the gathering dispensation and to whom the
keys of this dispensation were given, came and conferred upon them the
power to gather the house of Israel and the ten tribes from their
dispersion; and when you received this Gospel you received this as a part.
This dispensation of the fulness of times embraces all other dispensations
that have ever existed upon the earth, with all their powers. That is the
reason you desired so to gather together, and for these peculiar impulses
which many of you could not account for.
Why do we build temples? because Elijah appeared and conferred the
powers of his priesthood which were to "turn the heart of the fathers to
the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers." And why do
you expend so much--even your enemies are complaining because of the
millions of dollars that are used in the erection of temples. Why do you
do it? Simply because God has commanded us to do it and we know it and
because the spirit attending this peculiar work rests upon us until we
feel its impulses in our very bones. And is it a trouble to do it? No.
We feel a pleasure in it. And then when we build our temples we feel a
pleasure in administering in them, not only for ourselves but for our
fathers and mothers and those of our progenitors who have died without the
Gospel and then to help to save all that have been worthy of salvation
that have ever lived upon the earth. And we have got to continue our
labors in this direction, we have only just commenced; and if this little
thing troubles men all the consolation I can give them is that they will
be worse troubled yet. If others know not what we are doing we do; we
know in whom we have believed, and consequently we operate in these
things.
Now then, what shall we do? Continue to do good; continue to live
our religion; continue to carry out the purposes of God; continue to
humble ourselves before the Lord and cultivate his Holy Spirit that we may
comprehend his laws and know his will concerning us. You have received
the Holy Ghost. Now I will tell you a piece of instruction that Joseph
Smith once gave me, and it wont hurt you. Said he, "Elder Taylor, you
have received the Holy Ghost: now follow the leadings of that spirit; and
if you do, by-and-by it will become in you a principle of revelation that
you will know all things as they come along and understand what is right
and what is wrong in relation to them." That is just as applicable to you
if you can receive it and live up to it and enjoy it.
Well, what are we? We ought to be the Saints of God without rebuke
in the midst of a cooked and perverse generation. We ought to be full of
charity, of brotherly kindness and affection and love one towards another
and love towards all men. We ought to feel as our heavenlyFather does.
What does he do? "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." He will save all men to
such a degree of salvation and exaltation as they are capable of
receiving; but he cannot bestow upon people what they are not prepared to
receive. There is a celestial glory and a terrestrial glory and a
telestial glory; "there is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the
moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another
star in glory, so also is the resurrection of the dead." But there is, we
must bear in mind, a celestial glory which is one, and there is a
terrestrial glory which is one, etc. And we want as Latter-day Saints to
comprehend the position we occupy; and while God has conferred many great
and precious privileges upon us, we want to appreciate them and honor
them. Are we Seventies? We ought to be full of light and life and the
power and spirit of the Living God and feel that we are messengers to the
nations of the earth; we ought to feel the word of God burning like fire
in our bones, feeling desirous to go and snatch men from the powers of
darkness and the chains of corruption with which they are bound, and lead
them in the paths of life. We ought to be prepared to go forth weeping,
bearing precious seed that we might come back again rejoicing bringing our
sheaves with us. If we are High Priests, we ought to magnify our calling
in that portion of the priesthood and to prepare ourselves for the duties
and responsibilities that are devolving upon us associated with that
priesthood, that we may be prepared according to the revelations we have
received in regard to these subjects, to preside over and among the
different Stakes when they shall be organized and to be prepared to
operate in all things according to the mind and will of God. If we are
Elders we should seek to magnify our calling in every particular, and put
away from us every evil and satisfy ourselves that we are accepted of God,
living so that it will be a pleasure as well as a duty to carry out the
will of God in all things. If we are fathers, we should treat our
children properly and train them in the fear of God; we should treat our
wives with mercy and tenderness and with love; we ought to bear with their
infirmities and sustain them in the pathway of life, pour joy and
happiness into their bosoms, and help them to bear the struggles and
difficulties that they have to cope with. If we are wives, we should try
to make a heaven of our homes. And as children and as parents and as
Latter-day Saints and as Elders of Israel, we should seek by the prayer of
faith to fulfil the various duties that devolve upon us, that we may honor
our God, magnify our calling and fill the measure of our creation here
upon the earth, and purge ourselves from all unrighteousness, and be full
of love, kindness, generosity and philantrophy [sic], and also full of
honesty, of truthfulness and integrity, feeling in our hearts to say, O
God, search me and try me and prove me, and if there is any evil in me,
help me to purge it out from me, and help me to honor and magnify my
priesthood and every duty devolving upon me. And as fathers and mothers
we should never utter a word or do an act that we should be shamed for
God, or angels, or our children to hear or see. And if we will do right
and cherish and cultivate the spirit of God to the extent that it can
prevail and predominate in our midst, we will see Zion arise and shine,
and the glory of God will rest upon her. God help us to do right and
preserve our purity, keep this laws and lead us in the paths of life, that
while we live upon the earth we may operate with him in the salvation of
the living and the dead, and be saved ultimately in his celestial kingdom,
having fought the good fight, finished our course, and kept the faith. In
the name of Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR.
Delivered at the Quarterly Conference of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion,
in the Salt Lake Theatre, Sunday Afternoon, Jan. 6, 1879.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
WE SHOULD NOT BOAST OF SUPERIORITY OVER OUR FELLOW CREATURES--GOD IS
INTERESTED IN THE WELFARE OF ALL MANKIND--THE RELATION AND AMENABILITY
OF ALL MEN TO THE LAWS OF GOD--WE SHOULD BE COURTEOUS TO THOSE WHOSE
VIEWS DIFFER FROM OURS--THE SERVANTS OF GOD ARE MESSENGERS OF
SALVATION--THE RESTORATION OF THE PRIESTHOOD--THE JUDGMENTS OF THE
ALMIGHTY--ABSURD THEORIES OF LEARNED MEN--ONLY THE RIGHTEOUS AMONG
THE SAINTS WILL BE SAVED IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
I have been interested in listening to the remarks that have been
made by the brethren who have addressed us during this Conference: and I
propose myself to offer a few reflections that have passed through my mind
while listening to the teaching and instruction that has been presented.
There is a feeling prevailing more or less among all the branches of
the human family, that the nation or people to which they belong is
superior in many respects to others, either in government, in morals, in
science, in manufactures, in the arts or in religion, as the case may be,
and the Latter-day Saints are not without this sentiment. We feel that
God has blessed us more abundantly with wisdom and knowledge regarding
himself, his ways, his laws and in relation to eternal things, through our
obedience to his will than he has others, and that we are moving in a
higher plane than the rest of the sons and daughters of Adam. Admitting
this to be correct, there is nothing whereof we as individuals or as a
people ought to boast. If we have received any intelligence or knowledge
pertaining either to the present or the future, it has been solely through
the communications that God has been pleased to make known to us. For
naturally we are very like other men--not much taller, not much shorter,
not much more intelligent, not much more ignorant, than they are. There
is not so great a diversity among peoples as some imagine, other things
being equal; it may be well for us to reflect a little on the position we
occupy in relation to others, in relation to our God, in relation to the
world in which we live and the peoples by which we are surrounded; to
reflect upon the past, the present, and the future; and to comprehend, if
possible, our true status before the Almighty and before all men.
It is indeed true that God has conferred upon us many great and
peculiar blessings for which we are indebted to him; but at the same the
Lord feels interested in the welfare of all men, and all peoples of all
nations, of all creeds and all religions--not in their religions as
religions, but in the people who profess to believe in them; and he is
acquainted with the peculiar ideas, habits, dispositions and feelings of
men everywhere. One of the old apostles in speaking upon these things
says, "God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all
the face of the earth; and hath determined the times before appointed and
the bounds of their habitations; that they should seek the Lord if haply
they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every
one of us." It is further said, "that we are all his offspring," and
again "that he is the God and the Father of the spirits of all flesh;" and
consequently he is interested in the welfare of all the human family,
everywhere--among all peoples, all nations, all kindreds and all tongues.
Now if this be the case, which we have no reason to doubt--then he is
interested in all the human family, and will try to promote their welfare
and happiness so far as he is capable of doing, according to certain laws
by which he himself is governed, as well as all things in creation, and
the learning we have heard so much about is simply a knowledge of some
principles associated with those laws which are generally denominated the
laws of nature. In relation to the nations or peoples the Lord will do as
well by them as they will let him, and as far as the laws by which he is
governed will permit, just the same as we would towards our children. We
fathers and mothers, have children; they do not always do as we would like
to have them do; but we wish to look over their frailties and
imperfections as much as possible; but when it comes to certain points,
then both father and mother have to stop. If our children violate the
laws of the land, they have to be judged by those laws and we can not
prevent it, neither should we try to. Still our feelings are drawn out
towards our families, and it is right and natural they should be, for
these paternal feelings are planted in the human breast by the Almighty.
It is therefore proper that we should have affection and to manifest
kindness, forbearance and long suffering towards all our children and all
those with whom we are associated. God has this kind of feeling towards
his children; and it is a portion of the spirit that emanates from him
that prompts this affection and regard for our offspring.
These things are connected also with other matters. We try to look
after the welfare of our children; we try--that is, those who are not
utterly depraved--to lead them in the right paths, and to influence their
minds and their morals and to teach them correetly [sic] both in relation
to religion, education and morals, as well as secular matters, in order
that they may become intelligent men and women, capable of sustaining
themselves, that they may improve the talents God has given them, and that
they may be able to comprehend some few of the laws, at least, by which
the creations, the worlds are governed and the principles by which we are
surrounded in this world, as also a knowledge of the laws of life. This
is all very proper; and it is also proper that men should cultivate
pleasant relations and have a good kind feeling towards others. One of
the greatest evils alluded to in holy writ that, it is said, would develop
itself in the last days is thus delineated: "in the last days perilous
times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves" instead of
having that kind, brotherly, affectionate feeling towards others, they
shall be "lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural
affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers
of those who are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure
more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness but denying the power
thereof." This is spoken of as being one of the greatest evils that could
exist among men.
As I before stated, we have a regard for our children, and God has
also a regard for us. We wish to train our children in the way we wish
them to go; other people wish to do the same. Talk about the Catholics,
Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists and other denominations, no matter
what their ideas or feelings may be, no matter how inconsistent and
foolish we may regard their manner of worship, yet many of them are quite
sincere in trying to benefit their children. And God is sincere in trying
to promote their happiness and welfare as well as he is ours, both in
regard to this world and the world to come. And hence he will do the best
he possibly can with all peoples. But as I stated before, being governed
by law, he can only treat them "according to the deeds done in the body,
whether those deeds be good or evil." And when that judgment takes place
all men will have to abide its award; there is no appeal from it. No
court to which they can have access whereby they can change the decree of
the Almighty. The Lord knows this and he has prepared certain classes, so
to speak, in his school here upon the earth for his people and for all the
world. And he has provided a means of instruction for the inhabitants of
the earth, looking upon them as eternal, immortal beings, having to do
with time and eternity. But all things, as I remarked, are under the
influence, control and government of law, just as much as the planetary
system with which we are connected is governed by law. It makes no
difference what a few of us may do, or how the world may act, the sun
rises and sets regularly, the earth revolves upon its axis, and so it is
with all the planetary systems; there is no confusion, no disorder in any
of the movements of the heavenly bodies. They are governed by a science
and intelligence that is beyond the reach of men in mortality; yet they
move strictly according to certain laws by which all of them have been,
are and will be governed. And these laws are under the surveillence [sic]
and control of the great law-giver, who manages, controls and directs all
these worlds. If it were not the case they would move through space in
wild confusion, and system would rush against system, and worlds upon
worlds would be destroyed, together with their inhabitants. But they are
governed by a superhuman power, by a spirit and intelligence that dwells
in the bosom of the Gods, about which mankind knows but very little. It
is so with regard to all the forces of nature--the earth on which we
stand, the elements of which it is composed, the air we breathe, the water
we drink, and everything in nature is governed strictly according to
immutable, eternal, unchangeable laws, practical, philosophical, and
strictly scientific, if these terms are preferred; but they are,
nevertheless, placed there by the Almighty.
Now, in regard to the world, and the position we occupy in it. There
is something peculiar about the relationship we sustain to the world of
mankind with which we are surrounded. It is not proper for us to be
censorious, to upbraid people for things that they do not comprehend and
that are beyond their ken; we should be courteous and charitable to all,
and not find fault with men because they do not comprehend things as we
understand them. But try to understand our true position and the
relationship we sustain to our heavenly Father, to his laws, to the
peoples with whom we associate, and to the world in which we live.
We read of many prominent men who have existed in the world in
various ages. For instance, there was Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methusaleh,
Noah, Abraham, Moses, the Prophets, Jesus and his disciples, the people
who came to this continent, Ether, and the brother of Jared, Lehi and
Nephi, Alma, Moroni, and many other prominent individuals who held
intercourse with the Almighty, who were placed by the Lord in a position
whereby they could receive communications from him, could learn his will
and teach it to others. We look upon these men as great men, and justly
too, as wise men, as intelligent and philantrophic [sic] men; as men who
were interested not only in their welfare, but in the welfare of the
peoples by whom they were surrounded and the world in which they lived.
These men did not come as the censors of the world; they did not come to
aggrandize themselves, to build themselves up, nor to control or coerce
others. What was the great blessing conferred upon Abraham? "In thee
shall all the families of the earth be blessed;" not cursed, not
destroyed, not annihilated; but as a messenger of God as the elect of
heaven, as a man whom he had chosen to accomplish his work, and whom he
would use through those principles that existed in eternity to pour
blessings upon fallen humanity. That was the feeling which was
manifested, as I understand it. It is true that Abraham, when a parcel of
thieves came along in the shape of a confederation of kings, and took away
his nephew and others, and despoiled them of their goods, that he gathered
together his household, pursued them and smote many of them, and delivered
those they designed to oppress and brought the captives back again to
their own places. And when he had done it, what then? Why, said they,
Abraham you have done a good deed, you have delivered us and brought back
this spoil, take what you please. But he told them that he did not want
any of it: "You were injured, robbed and despoiled, and carried captive:
these men came upon you and fraudulently despoiled you of your goods; and
here is my nephew, Lot, who is an honorable man and one in whom I am
particularly interested, and I was only doing for you what one man ought
to do for another; I will take none of the spoils. Here are these young
men who were with me, you may give them what you like, but you shall not
have cause to say that you made Abraham rich."
Prominent men who were the descendants of Abraham acted in the same
way; true benevolence makes all cosmopolitans. It has been the feeling,
the design of all good men to benefit their fellow-men; and even the
philosophy of the heathen has advocated this to a certain extent. What
was the message of Moses when he was sent as a deliverer to the children
of Israel, whom the ungodly Egyptians had oppressed and made slaves of?
He, as the sent of God, delivered a message, Thus saith the Lord, let my
people Israel go. A message of mercy to Israel, and not even injurious to
the Egyptians, unless opposed by them. Did he deliver them by any
inherent wisdom or intelligence in him? No, but by the power of the
Almighty, by the revelations of God and by the intelligence that God gave
to him. His labor was especially a message to deliver Israel from bondage
and unjust oppression. He brought them out, and God worked with him. And
when their enemies pursued them, he protected them; he opened the sea and
made the waves stand up while they passed over dry shod. Some of these
philosophical people--I do not call them scientists, but ignoramuses--say,
that is contrary to the laws of nature. But it is not contrary to the
laws of God, nor the power of God, for he can do things just as he
pleases, and manage them according to his own will and purposes, and he is
acquainted with other laws in nature, of which men are ignorant, Moses,
we are told, was a stranger in a strange land, where he saw a bush that
burned with fire and the bush was not consummed [sic] (it might be said
that this was contrary to nature's laws also); and a voice spoke to him
which proceeded from the bush, telling him to take the shoes from off his
feet, for the ground whereon he stood was holy; also telling him that he
was a chosen messenger of the Lord to accomplish a certain work. And the
Lord taught and instructed him. And Moses went before the king of Egypt
and the powers thereof, and delivered the message that God had given unto
him. It was not a very agreeable message for them to hear, nor a very
pleasant one for him to communicate. But he was a man of God and had the
fear of God before him; the Lord had selected him as an instrument, and
although comprehending his weaknesses he shrank not from the
responsibility, but went forth in the name of Israel's God to perform the
commission committed to his care, and he delivered the Israelites. It is
true they were rebellious and ignorant, and it is true they were
self-willed, and many of them were very corrupt; it is true they could not
endure the light of the blessings of the Gospel; and it is also true the
when God would have made of them a kingdom of priests they could not
receive that priesthood, nor be governed by its influence. He then took
from them the Melchisedec Priesthood, leaving them the lesser of Aaronic
Priesthood, because they would not and were not competent to magnify the
duties of the greater, and of that they were necessarily deprived. What
then? God did the best he could with them as he has done with every
nation and every people; he, however, sent prophets among them from time
to time.
Now we will pass on. What was the message that Jesus came to
proclaim to the people, a message of destruction? A message of death? A
message of condemnation? No, no; it was a message of glad tidings and
great joy to all peoples. And what did he tell his disciples to go and
preach? Destruction to all people? No; his commission to them was: "Go
ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature." Where?
To all the world. And what was the nature of that Gospel? Faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ, repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and
the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, which would
place men in a position whereby they could have communication with God
their heavenly Father, having a hope blooming with immortality and eternal
life that entered within the vail, whither Christ their forerunner had
gone. Hence it was a message of mercy, salvation and exaltation to all
people who would receive it. "Go ye into all the world and preach the
Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." If they were
condemned, if they suffered the wrath of God, it was not because they had
not life and salvation held out to them; it was because they rejected that
life and salvation through the preaching of his word and the atonement of
his only begotten Son. Was there anything injurious in this? No, nothing
of the kind. It was in the interests of humanity; it was for the welfare
of the world; it was to teach man, through those heavenly principles which
he had communicated, the laws of God, to put them in possession those rich
treasures of eternal life, opening the kingdom of heaven to the believer
who would obey his laws and be governed by them. This is the message that
God has always proclaimed to the people.
When Joseph Smith came, what did he preach? Just the same as all the
others had done. Was it because of any peculiar philosophy, or any
remarkable intelligence that he had in and of himself in the first place
to comprehend those principles that he revealed. No. It is true that he
was a chosen instrument of the Almighty for that purpose; it is true that
being one of the seed of Abraham, that peculiar blessing belonging to him.
It is true that Abraham in former years through his genealogy was made
acquainted with the rights pertaining to the priesthood, and that Joseph
Smith had those rights in common with Abraham, being one of his seed. And
it is true that he was selected for this purpose; but until the Lord made
himself known unto him and revealed his purposes, he knew nothing about
the things ofGod any more than you or I did. I know this for I have
talked with him upon these subjects. Well, what was the nature of his
mission? It was to restore the ancient Gospel; it was to bring forth the
record of the Gospel upon this continent which the people who lived here
in former years had forfeited, because of their transgressions; it was
that the stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim might be united with the
stick of Judah, in their testimony evidence, prophecies, doctrines and
ordinances, developing correct principles, that things as they exist in
the heavens might be made more plain to men upon the earth, and that in
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word would be established. Was
it to condemn the world? Not unless the world rejected it. What was the
Gospel Jesus taught? Just the same as that which Jesus and his disciples
taught. He called upon the people to repent and be baptized in the name
of Jesus for the remission of sins, and they should receive the Holy
Ghost. And did he and his brethren go forth and preach this doctrine?
They did. And was the promise they made fulfilled to those who believed
and obeyed? It was; and you are my witnesses to-day that these things are
true, it having been made known to us by the Holy Spirit of promise, the
Holy Ghost, which takes of the things of the Father and reveals them unto
man. And is anybody harmed by this? What is injured? Whose rights are
interfered with? Whose principles are trampled under foot. Nobody's! Is
anybody forced to obey this Gospel? No! Has anybody been coerced into
any measure pertaining to these matters? No! It has always been
proclaimed and is to-day, "It is all free grace, it is all free will."
Would you curtail anybody in their religious rights? Not by any means; I
would leave them with their God. If they cannot comprehend, or
comprehending have not the inclination to obey correct principle, I would
leave them with their God, in whose hands we all are, and in those hands
are the issues of life and death. IF men do not live the truth we cannot
help it; if men become corrupt and unrighteous and full of infidelity we
cannot help it, we did not place them in that position, it is their own
act. Can you find a set of men to-day in the wide world, men who are
filled with more philanthrophy [sic] and benevolance [sic], or greater
benefactors to mankind than these Elders who are around me? You cannot
find them on this little earth; you cannot find men anywhere that have and
will make the sacrifices for the principle that the Elders of this Church
have done. I see those around me that have traveled hundreds and
thousands of miles without purse or scrip, in the midst of persecution,
contumely and reproach, to deliver the message of life to the people,
because God had commanded it, and because they were desirous to promote
the weal and happiness of the human family. How have they been treated?
Just as Jesus was treated; just as his Apostles and just as the prophets
of old were treated. Men have always killed the prophets and stoned those
who were sent to them. But then what of that? That is all the worse for
those who did this; they have the hardest row to hoe, for they as well as
we have yet to appear before the Judge of the whole earth, and he will
say, I called but you refused; I stretched out my hand but you heeded it
not; hence, "I will laugh at your calamity, and will mock when your fear
cometh." That is the way he puts it. I offered you light; I offered you
truth; I offered you intelligence; I desited [sic] to promote your
happiness, your well being, but you would not have it, and therefore you
are left without excuse. Are they his children? Yes. Does he feel sorry
to see them act that way? Yes; but he cannot help it, he is governed by
law, and those laws are inexorable and just and they cannot be departed
from.
What next? As eternal beings we all have to stand before him to be
judged; and he has provided different degrees of glory--the celestial the
terrestrial, and the telestial glories--which are provided according to
certain unchangeable laws which cannot be controverted. What will he do
with them? For those who are ready to listen to him and be brought under
the influence of the Spirit of God and be led by the principles of
revelation and the light of heaven, and who are willing to yield obedience
to his commands at all times and carry out his purposes upon the earth,
and who are willing to abide a celestial law, he has prepared for them a
celestial glory, that they may be with him for ever and ever. And what
about the others? They are not prepared to go there any more than lead is
prepared to stand the same test as gold or silver; and there they cannot
go. And there is a great gulf between them. But he will do with them
just as well as he can. A great many of these people in the world,
thousands and hundreds of millions of them, will be a great deal better
off through the interposition of the Almighty than they have any idea of.
But they cannot enter into the celestial kingdom of God; where God and
Christ are they cannot come.
God has made use of various means, in various ages of the world, to
teach and led men in the right path. He sent forth his servants in
different ages into the vineyard, and gathered a few here and a few there
who would obey his law, that they might be saved in his kingdom. And
what, let me ask, have the other people of the world to do with it? They
would not listen to the words of life; can the messengers of God help it?
No, they cannot. Theirs is not a very enviable position. It was not a
very pleasant thing for Moses to go to the Egyptian king to tell him the
message he had to bear, nor to see the plagues roll on one after another.
But God set him to work at it, and he did it. It was the Lord that
managed that matter; he was simply the instrument. Who was it that
inspired the prophets to predict many things that were very unpleasant to
the ear? It was God. Could they have helped it? No. He had either to
do the thing that God required at his hand, or not do it, and have
suffered the consequences; and if he had not done it others would, for
God's work is destined to be performed. But he did his part of it, and
did it well and faithfully, and I know it, for I was there when he was
killed by some of our highly reverend Christian brethren.
You Elders of Israel who meet together in the capacity of a
Conference, you have had the priesthood conferred upon you. Where did it
come from? From the Lord. The Aaronic Priesthood was delivered by John
the Baptist, who held it in former times upon theearth. He communicated
that to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. And then Peter, James and John,
who had operated in the Melchizedek Priesthood in their day, came and
conferred it upon them, then the apostleship was organized, and then the
order of the priesthood was manifested unto us as it exists in the
heavens. Why? That we might be put in possession of principles that
emanate from God, and that we might be able to carry our part in carrying
out the purposes of God; not only pertaining to ourselves, but more
especially to the nations of the earth, and then to operate for the dead
as well as the living. Had we anything to do with it particularly? I did
not introduce it, neither did Brigham Young, nor Parley P. Pratt, nor
Orson Hyde, nor Heber C. Kimball, nor Joseph Smith; no man introduced it
only as God gave it. Joseph Smith was made use of as an instrument in
introducing it; and then having organized the Church in all its various
branches, with Presidents, Apostles, Patriarchs, High Priests, Seventies,
Elders, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, with Bishops and High Councils,
and all the various organizations of the Church. These things were given
us for what? To gratify our ambition? to enable us to ride over and
trample under foot our fellow creatures? to place power and authority upon
us? No, not for any individual affair, not for any man's emolument or
aggrandizement. Although there is nothing more honorable, nothing more
dignified, nothing to which a man ought so much to aspire to, as to be a
servant of the living God, and to be commissioned by him to do his work
upon the earth. And what is it for? To spread correct principles among
men; to combat priestcraft, statescraft, oppression, fraud and iniquity of
all kinds, and to introduce among men those pure and holy principles by
which the Gods are governed in the eternal worlds. It is not for you and
me particularly; the Lord could get along very well without us, if we
could without him. But God, and the holy priesthood behind the vial, that
have lived and operated upon the earth, and who operate in eternity, felt
interested in regard to the things that we were connected with, and
interested in the welfare of the world. We talk about the wisdom of men.
What true wisdom or intelligence has man that he receives not from the
Almighty? I will tell you what the wisdom of men will come to by and by,
and it is not so far in the future as many people think, "when the wisdom
of the wise shall fail, and the understanding of the prudent shall be
hid," their power and glory will fade, and you will see war, desolation,
carnage and death run riot through the nations, plagues, pestilence and
famine depopulating the earth. And then where will their wisdom,
philosophy, and intelligence be? Men get a little smattering of knowledge
and philosophy, and some of the lesser laws that God has planted in
nature, and they give glory to themselves, as did the Babylonish monarch
who said, "is not this great Babylon that I have built?" They do not know
that they are poor, blind, foolish, ignorant, naked, destitute, and in the
way of death. The nations of the earth, with their wealth, their
corruptions, their power and might, will become, by and by, like the chaff
of the summer's threshing floor before the wind, as represented by the
Prophet Daniel. Why? Because eternal justice cries to the great God in
relation to all the people of the earth. That is the reason, and because
of their own acts and of their own corruptions. Hear what the Lord has
coupled with his commission to his servants in this our day, and, when he
said it, he said that which is verily true; Go forth and bear your
testimony to the world; and after your testimony cometh the testimony of
war and of fire, and of sword and bloodshed, and the waves of the sea
heaving beyond their bounds, etc. He gives them fair warning,a and they
heed it not; but these things must and will most assuredly come.
What next? Does he destroy them for their good sometimes? Yes.
After Noah had preached the Gospel to the antediluvian world, and after
their cup of iniquity was full, and Zion and her cities had fled, then
followed the judgments of God; then came desolation and destruction. And
why this wholesale sweeping out of existence of humanity? To stop them
from propagating a corrupt species. Was not that right? Yes it was. He
said, I will cut them off; I will prepare a prison for them, in which they
shall be confined for generations, where they shall not have power to
propagate their species; for these pure spirits in the eternal world shall
not be contaminated with their corruptions: I will take them off the
earth, and I will raise up another people. And he did do it. What then?
He was still merciful. When Jesus was put to death in the flesh, he
remembered them. "He went," said Peter, "and preached unto the spirits in
prison, which sometimes were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of
God waited in the days of Noah, etc." What did he preach? The Gospel.
And what is it he had told us to do to-day? Not only to preach the Gospel
and gather the people, but to build Temples. What for? To administer in
them. Who for? For the dead who have died without a knowledge of the
Gospel, that they might participate with us in the blessings which they
had not the privilege of enjoying on the earth. We are doing this; hence
we are doing more than preaching the Gospel to the living; we are making
preparations for saving the dead, according to the word of God.
Reference was made this morning to the wisdom and learning of the
world. I don't know where it is. I have traveled quite extensively in
various parts of the earth, and I must say that I have not met with their
intelligence. I tell you what I have met with very frequently; I have
witnessed a great deal of ignorance, superstition and wickedness, and any
amount of corruption, and notwithstanding the little advancement that some
few have made in the true principles of science, what do they know of
things as they exist before God? I told a few scientific gentlemen whom I
happened to meet with a few days ago, a few things that Joseph Smith, that
unlettered, ignorant boy told me in regard to the heavenly bodies and
certain things associated with them, and when I had done so, one of them
said, Mr. Taylor, those are some of the most comprehensive ideas I ever
heard in my life. I said these ideas are from Joseph Smith, that
unlearned man; but God gave them to him by revelation. Another remarked:
I have read a good deal and studied a good deal; but I have a great deal
to learn yet. Was it anything I knew? No, I simply told them something
that Joseph Smith told me. We have a great many ignorant, learned fools;
but when you meet sensible, intelligent men, as these were, they will
acknowledge principle when it is presented to them. But many men have not
the understanding to do it. Talking about saving themselves, who among
the philosophers can save themselves? who knows anything of God or heaven?
They know a very little of the earth whereon we dwell, much less do they
know of things pertaining to the heavens or of God or of eternity. And
let me tell them furthermore, that no man knoweth the things of God, save
by the spirit of God--or, to use the text as it is given: "For what man
knoweth the things of man, save by the spirit of man which is in him?
Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of God." And
they cannot get that spirit without first obeying the first principles of
the Gospel of Christ. Talk about their intelligence, it is a curious sort
of intelligence to me. What do they do when they have to grapple with the
sting of death, and when it stares them in the face? Why, they take a
leap in the dark. And this darkness is the end of all their philosophy
and all their science. And the little they do know in divining the laws
of God is only with regard to some very few of the fundamental principles
of the laws that God has planted everywhere throughout the universe and I
do not therefore have that reverence for their theories, notions and
vagaries, nor do I attach that importance to their intelligence that some
people do.
I remember on a certain occasion, while in Paris, France, (I have
referred to this subject before, but it will not hurt to repeat it again)
quite a number of professed philosophers called on me and present so many
foolish, dreamy, intangible, mysterious, incomprehensible ideas and
visionary theories, that I thought of all the ignoramuses I ever met with,
they beat all. They have a certain kind of bread in that city, a kind of
light cake, which they make there. It is so light that you could blow it
away with a breath, and you might eat all day of it and not be satisfied.
A brother who was there visiting me asked if I knew the name of that
bread. I said I did not know the French name for it, but could give it a
name. What name would you give it, he asked? Well, I said, you may call
it philosophy or fried froth, just as you please.
Professor Huxley, in visiting Niagara Falls made some remarks which I
remember were published and copied extensively in the papers, to the
effect that here was another evidence afforded of the many thousands or
millions of years (I forget the number now) that it had taken to wash away
the rocks below these falls. And this evidence was advanced in support of
geological ideas. I thought to myself, yes, professor Huxley is a very
learned man. I wonder if he knew that rock was once in a friable, plastic
condition, when, by the force of the watery element the soft stratum might
be disintegrated, excavated and removed by the washing process in perhaps
a very few days. We have seen large gaps washed away out of some of our
ditches in a few hours. Such are common occurrences here. If a change
were to take place in the elements comprising such washouts, which might
very easily occur here as elsewhere, and they become petrified, the same
condition of things would exist as may be seen at Niagara Falls, and some
other philosopher hereafter might expatiate on the years it took to remove
so much rock. If we have to submit to their theories, we should really be
in a sorry condition. I, for one, will not fall down and worship at any
such shrine.
We talk about our organizations; are they right according to the
order of God? Yes. Will they exist in the heavens? Yes. Are we all
magnifying our calling? No; we are not. We have indeed a sort of
skeleton fixed up; but I think sometimes it needs flesh on the bones and
the breath of life, the spirit of the living God breathed into it. We
need to realize the position we occupy and the duties devolving upon us.
We see this in almost everything around us associated with the Church and
kingdom of God. While many men are diligent and their whole hearts are
engaged in the work of God, there are a great many astride of the fence,
saying Good Lord and Good Devil, know knowing those hands they will fall
into. And yet they are High Priests, and Seventies and Elders. What will
be the condition of such! We are told that "Many will say to me in that
day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in they name have
cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?" Yet to all
such he will say, "I never new you; depart from me, ye that work
iniquity." You say, that means the outsiders. No, it does not. Do they
do many wonderful works in the name of Jesus? No; if they do anything, it
is done in the name of themselves or of the Devil. Sometimes they will do
things in the name of God; but it is simply an act of blasphemy. This
means you, Latter-day Saints, who heal the sick, cast out devils, and do
many wonderful things in the name of Jesus. And yet how many we see among
this people of this class, that become careless, and treat lightly the
ordinances of God's house and the priesthood of the Son of God; yet they
think they are going, by and by, to slide into the kingdom of God. But I
tell you unless they are righteous and keep their covenant they will never
go there. Hear it, ye Latter-day Saints! Hear it, ye Seventies and High
Priests! "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that
soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth
to the spirit shall of the spirit reap life everlasting." You have the
priesthood, and if you do not magnify that priesthood God will require it
at your hands. He expects us all to be alive and energetic, honoring our
calling, our priesthood and our God, for he expects it of all of us. Now
hear it for as sure as God lives it will be so. It will not be "how we
apples swim!" You must swim yourselves; for every man "will be judged
according to the deeds done in the body." If you aim at a celestial
glory, you must have a celestial spirit and be governed by it. You must
be honest, virtuous and benevolent; you must be men full of the Holy
Ghost, magnifying your calling, and honoring your priesthood, if you would
obtain an entrance into the kingdom of God. And so in regard to the
sisters, they stand precisely on the same ground. What are we to do? To
listen to and be guided by the world? No; but to regulate our temporal
and spiritual affairs--things pertaining to time and things pertaining to
eternity, according to the influence, the law, the direction of the
Almighty.
Let us come again to this intelligence. Who would know to-day
anywhere in the world how to build a temple that would be accepted of the
Lord? Nobody. Who would know how to administer in them acceptably to him
when built? Nobody. Let them bring forth their wise men, if they have
any, and tell us how we shall obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of God.
This is something they cannot do. Why? Because they have not the Gospel;
and it is the Gospel that brings life and immortality to light, and this
is the kind of intelligence we are after. To redeem and save the living
and the dead; to build up the Zion of our God, that a people may be
prepared who shall be pure in heart, and prepared to associate with the
intelligences around the throne of God.
These are some things associated with our duties and
responsibilities. Have the apostles duties to perform? Yes. Does God
require it at their hands! Yes. If they do not do it, will he hold them
guiltless? No. Have the Seventies? Yes. What are they? To go to the
nations of the earth as bearers of the Gospel. That is your duty, you
Seventies; and if you do not do it God will remove your candlestick out of
its place. Do you hear it, you Seventies? And you High Priests and
Elders, God has not conferred the priesthood upon you to dream about, to
trifle or tamper with, or treat it with contempt: he will spew you out of
his mouth unless you take another course, many of you. God expects his
message to go to all nations, and the priesthood ought to be seeking after
God and to be clothed upon with the power of God and with the light of
revelation, that they may stand forth as his messengers to the nations:
and then by and by, after having cleared their garments from the blood of
this generation, to go and administer for the dead in the temples of the
Lord, and keep laboring and doing until God shall have accomplished his
purposes.
What else are you going to do? To build up the kingdom of heaven
upon the earth, where the voice of God shall rule and where the law of God
shall have the dominion, and where men shall be instructed with the laws
of heaven and be taught of God. A great many revelations and changes have
yet to take place, we have got to put ourselves in a position to be guided
and directed of the Lord in temporal as well as spiritual things, or we
will never obtain that glory for which many of us are looking.
Well, what shall we do? Do right, following the counsels of those
who are placed over us. Follow the counsel of the Twelve, you whose
business it is to do it; follow the counsel of your bishops, you who live
in the wards, and you bishops follow the counsel of the presidents of
Stakes, and you presidents of Stakes seek for and follow the counsel of
the Twelve. And you people, be taught of your teachers; and you teachers,
get the Spirit of the Lord that you may teach aright, and you Seventies
and Elders prepare yourselves to go to the nations of the earth. Say,
here am I, send me; I am on hand, I am ready to fulfil my duty and to
magnify my calling, and with the help of the Lord I will lift up a warning
voice to my fellow men. And as High Councils to sit in judgment with
honesty, truth, fidelity and integrity, without fear or favor of any man
to act and administer in righteousness. And you Bishops, act as fathers
over the flock of Christ, that you may magnify your calling, and that in
your judgment you may seek for the inspiration of the Almighty, that you
may administer justice among the people; that righteousness may prevail in
Zion, and that it may spread and grow and increase, that the glory of God
may rest upon us, and that we may rejoice together in the fullness of the
Gospel of peace. And will it go on? It will. Will the kingdom spread?
It will, "until the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of
our God and His Christ, and he will reign forever and ever." And about
the wicked and the ungodly, protect yourselves against them as well as you
can; unite yourselves together and be one, and never mind their ideas and
feelings. God has called us to be one, to be united; and that man who
tampers with the Gentiles and with their vices and follies will go down to
death. We are sent to teach the principles of life, not to be taught of
them; and we are required to be governed by the principles, laws,
intelligence and truth that come from God, that we may magnify our
calling, build up His kingdom, gather together the elect, save the living
and redeem the dead, and then when we get through, unite with the
assembled throng in the Celestial kingdom of God; and honor and praise and
glory and power and majesty and dominion be ascribed to him that sits upon
the throne, and to the lamb, forever and ever. Amen.
REMARKS MADE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
At the Funeral Services of Brother Dimick B. Huntington, in the 16th Ward
Meeting House, Salt Lake City, on Sunday Morning, February 2nd, 1879.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
There are a great many things associated with human existence that
call upon people to reflect. We came into the world, and people are
coming into it in a continuous stream--children are being born as all of
us were in our turn; and whilst some are coming into the world giving
pleasure to their parents and friends, there are trials, anxieties, cares
and perplexities attending to the nurture of the babe and the care of
youth until they arrive at years of maturity. Then comes the struggles of
life with all its attendant cares and responsibilities.
With us particularly the greatest thing that we think of associated
with the welfare of our youth is that they become acquainted with the
principles of truth, with the order and organization of the kingdom of
God, that they comprehend in some measure the laws of life and prepare to
live for the future that is before them.
Brother Huntington has lived a great length of time associated with
this church and kingdom, and has arrived to what is often termed "the sere
and yellow leaf," when it is expected, according to the common course of
humanity, that people must leave and go into another state of existence.
For quite a long time it has been known by his more intimate friends that
he was shortly to leave. I visited him not long ago myself, and had a
very pleasant interview with him, and since then I never thought of his
living long; in fact I expected to attend his funeral as we are now doing.
But there was no compunction of feeling--no desire to continue to live;
but the felt as though he had accomplished the work that was assigned him.
Speaking to him, as I sometimes do to our aged brethren on some occasions,
I said, "Well, Brother Dimick, you are about leaving, and, when you, go
carry my best respects to our friends who are already there, and tell them
I will continue to do the best I can in the hope of by and by meeting with
them." And that is about the way that I look at these things. We have
our entries into the world, our struggles in the world, and when we get
through with these, and the weary wheels of life stand still, then we pass
into another state of existence. The Gospel has revealed to us some of
the most glorious, exalting, ennobling and encouraging principles; and
when we are in possession of these principles and the feelings they
produce, there is no terror in the approach of death. I have seen the
time myself when I could have died just as easy as not if my time had
come, and would just as soon have done so as not, and I do not feel much
otherwise to-day.
There is something very interesting in all the affairs of human life,
especially is there associated with us as a people. Brother Huntington
has been with us for a great many years, and has passed through many
trying scenes with the church in Missouri and elsewhere, and while they
are not of the most pleasant nature to contemplate, at the same time they
serve to show the faithfulness and integrity of those who have been
associated with them. I see around me a good many of the brethren who, by
experience, know all about these things, and I see too that their hair,
like mine, is getting--I will not call it gray, but a little white. Some
people felt sorry for us when enduring these things, but we did not feel
sorry for ourselves, nor do we to-day. Some felt as though it was
impossible to bear up under the continued struggles that we had to pass
through; but the Latter-day Saints had no such feelings. They reflected
upon the future and upon those great principles of eternal life which God
has given unto them, and these thoughts stimulate us with hope and joy
to-day; and as the effervescent affairs of time slide and pass away the
Saints of God rejoice in the knowledge that an inheritance which is
incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, is reserved in the
heavens for them. And they feel also that they have been called, and
chosen, and elected by the Almighty to help to establish his kingdom on
the earth, to introduce among men those principles that exist in the
eternal worlds and to maintain them by the Spirit, the power and strength
of the living God. They feel that they have a work to perform, and doing
that work they realize that God is with them and that all will be right,
whether it relates to this world or the world to come; that is the feeling
which the Gospel of the Son of God inspires in the hearts of those who
live up to its requirements, obey its demands, and fulfil the various
duties devolving upon them.
It is not with them simply a personal matter. The Latter-day Saints
feel as though they occupy a peculiar position in the world--that God has
selected them from among the nations of the earth and gathered them
together that he might place his name among them; and that in the coming
struggle, in the great revolutions that shall transpire upon the face of
the earth, it will be for them to manage, to direct, to control and
adjust, and under the influence and guidance of the Spirit of the living
God, to promulgate the principles of eternal truth to all people, that all
mankind may have the opportunity of listening to the great and glorious
principles that God has revealed to them, that they may be inducted into
the laws of life and comprehend the principles of truth as they exist in
the bosom of God; and holding the priesthood in all its various forms,
organizations and powers, they feel that they are associated with the
priesthood on the other side of the vail, who are interested in their
welfare, in the progress of the work in which they are engaged, and in the
accomplishment of the purpose which God has designed from before the
commencement of the world. This is the kind of feeling that the
Latter-day Saints are inspired with who comprehend their true position.
And hence there are organizations of High Priests, Seventies, Elders and
others, whose duty it is to go to nations of the earth to proclaim to all
peoples the glad tidings of salvation. And whilst men ignorantly, and
without knowledge, seek to persecute, proscribe and interfere with the
rights of Israel, the God of Israel stands forth as their defender and
will protect them under all circumstances, and every arm that is raised
against them will fall, and every power that is marshalled against them
will crumble to pieces, for he will assuredly take care of his people, and
protect them in every emergency.
And when we comprehend these things, we realize that we are here not
to do our will, but the will of the Father who sent us. We are here to
introduce those eternal principles that exist in the bosom of the
Almighty; we are here to build up the Church and kingdom of God upon the
earth, and to form a nucleus through which and by which the God of heaven
can work, operate, lead, dictate, and control the affairs of all men. He
has introduced a little leaven which will by and by leaven the whole lump.
And although wars, commotions, troubles, difficulties, bloodshed, plagues,
pestilence and famine will stalk over the earth, the nations totter and
fall, thrones be cast down and the powers of the earth be shaken, yet God
will protect Israel, he will maintain his people, if they will cleave to
him and obey his laws and keep his commandments; and we are here to
introduce and establish these heavenly principles that exist with God, and
to teach the principles of life to the people, that all mankind may have
the opportunity of hearing and knowing of the great things that God has
revealed for the salvation of the human family. We are here, then, for
the accomplishment of these things. We are here not only to proclaim
salvation to the living, not only to introduce the principles of law, and
government, and religion, and everything calculated to exalt and ennoble
man upon the earth, until the kingdoms of this earth shall grow and
increase, and become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ, but we are
here also to redeem the dead, to build temples and administer therein and
to accomplish all the various works that God requires us as his servants
to attend to. And when one after another of our friends passes away, what
of it? It is only the ordinary course of nature, and it makes very little
difference whether a man be on this side of the vail or on the other.
Brother Dimick has gone where paralysis cannot strike him any more, where
sorrow and sighing with him are passed, and where everything is pleasant,
joyous and happifying, and where he can rejoice with his brethren who have
gone before him. Do we feel to sorrow because of the change? No, not in
the least. We feel about this as you, my brethren and sisters, did in
years gone by, when leaving your friends and, perhaps families, to gather
to Zion, and as your friends did in seeing you take your departure. They
would shake you heartily by the hand and say: "Well, I am sorry you are
going and yet I am glad, and I will try to follow you as soon as I can."
That is about the feeling, [sic-punc] It is an ordeal that God has placed
upon all men, and we have got to meet it, and having met it, like all
other things, we are prepared for what follows.
But let us speak of the living, for it is with those actualities we
have now to do in relation to things that are transpiring. Sometimes
people will say, "Don't you feel a little scared about things now?"
referring to inimical legislation. No much; at least I do not. I do not
know that it makes my knees tremble much. I feel as pleasant, joyous,
comfortably and happy to-day as at any other time; all is right. Men
cannot do as they please. God rules in the heavens; and the Prophet has
said, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee, and the remainder of
wrath shalt thou restrain." It is His duty to take care of His Saints,
and why need we trouble much about it? We have children, and it is our
duty to take care of them; and it appears that they are not much concerned
where their dinner or their clothes come from; the believe that "daddy"
will take care of that.
As regards brother Dimick, it is all right with him. I would say to
him, "Peace to his ashes," and I would say to his family and friends, "Be
comforted, peace be multiplied to you, and have confidence in God and all
will be right." And by and by you will pass along, and we will come and
see you if you do not come and see us; that is, we will bury you if you do
not bury us first. And by and by we will all be on the other side of
Jordan, singing "Hallelujah, hallelujah, the Lord God Omnipotent
reigneth."
Let us seek to do right. That is the main thing for us Saints to do.
I do not fear the world, nor any of its affairs or influences, or powers,
or any of its intrigues, nor anything it can devise; for God will take
care of his people if they do right. The only fear that I have is, that
people will forsake their God, and lose faith in him and his promises, and
be found serving the evil one instead of serving the Lord. If we fear God
and keep his commandments, live our religion, and pursue a proper course,
all will be well with us in time and through eternity.
Brother Huntington for many years was associated with the High
Council; he has gone now to associate with the councils above, and with
the various organizations of priesthood that are eternal, endless and
everlasting. And we, by and by, will follow to join our quorums, our
friends and associates who have gone before.
I am reminded of an item in Brother Dimick's written request,
desiring that only his good deeds should be spoken of at his funeral, and
also of a remark by Brother Taylor, in referring to it, that we should not
speak anything but good of our friends whether living or dead. I am
really astonished sometimes to witness the hard feelings and rancor that
exist among men. They come--I do not know where they come from; yes, I do
too, they come from beneath. The fruits of the Spirit of God are love,
peace, joy, gentleness, long-suffering, kindness, affection, and
everything that is good and amiable. The fruits of the spirit of the
devil are envy, hatred, malice, irritableness, everything that tends to
destroy mankind, and to make them feel uncomfortable and unhappy. The
fruits of the Spirit of God are love, and peace, and joy in the Holy
Ghost; and the man that says he loves God and hateth his brother, is a
liar, and the truth is not in him. I do not care who he may be, or what
his name, or where he lives. This is the way I read the Scripture, and
the way the Gospel teaches me. "By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another." Even an outside poet has
sung: "Then speak no ill, a kindly word
Can never leave a sting behind," etc.
Let us be governed by these principles, and cleave to everything that is
ennobling, that we may be associated together in the bonds of fraternity,
love and affection, live our religion, keep God's commandments, and
cultivate his holy Spirit, and the spirit of kindness, affection, and love
and fraternity among ourselves; so that when we get through with our
affairs on this earth, we may meet with joy all those with whom we have
associated on the earth below.
God bless the family of Brother Huntington--his wives and children
and grandchildren, and all pertaining to him. To his children I would
say: follow the example of your father, and God will bless you and save
you ultimately with him in his kingdom. And may God help us all to be
humble and diligent in keeping his commandments, that we may be saved in
his kingdom, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered in the Ogden Tabernacle, on Sunday, March 2, 1879.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE INTEREST OF HUMANITY SHOUD [sic] BE OBSERVED.
I thought I would come down and talk with you a little this morning.
I am pleased to hear the remarks made by Brother Joseph F.; they are very
well worthy of all acceptation by all good men. We indeed, as he said,
are engaged in a great work--the ushering in of the dispensation of the
fulness of times, wherein it has been decreed thousands of years ago, that
God would "gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in
heaven, and which are on earth, even in him." And for this purpose he has
manifested himself; for this purpose the Son of God has manifested
himself; for this purpose those holy prophets, referred to in the
revelation read to you by Brother Joseph, manifested themselves; for this
purpose the heavens and the intelligences around the throne of God are
united; for this purpose the Holy Priesthood that have existed in the
various dispensations of time are interested, and for this purpose those
who held the keys of the several dispensations that have passed, have
brought those keys and conferred them upon the Church of the latter-days,
through the medium of Joseph Smith. The work that we are engaged in is
associated with the interest of all humanity--all men that have ever
lived, those that now live, and those that will live, and the salvation of
the living and the dead is mixed up with these matters.
We are not here for the purpose of looking after our own individual
affairs and interests, or to carry out our own peculiar notions or
feelings associated with any of our interests or the interest of any
particular party or clique, or anything of that kind. But the Priesthood
of the Son of God has been manifested in the interests of God, in the
interests of the heavens, and in the interest of all humanity; embracing
all people and extending to all nations and tongues. The Lord has
gathered us together for the express purpose of forming a nucleus, an
organism, a people to whom he could communicate and reveal his will, and
to whom he could make known his designs, and among whom he could establish
the principles of eternal truth and the light, intelligence, rule and law
of God, as they exist in the eternal worlds. This is why we are gathered
here to-day, if we can comprehend it.
Jesus, when here upon the earth, had a people and called them his
sheep. Said he, "My sheep hear my voice and they know me and they follow
me, and a stranger will they not follow, for they know not the voice of a
stranger." And again he says while supplicating the Father, "I pray for
them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me;
for they are thine. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also
which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one, as
thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:
that the world may believe that thou hast sent me," that they may have
evidence of a union that exists nowhere else in the world of the love and
affection of those godly principles that cement and bind men together,
which nothing but the power and spirit of revelation can do; that they may
have evidence of something more exalting, more ennobling, and which will
unite and associate men together in indissoluble bonds of eternal truth
according to the laws of God; that there may be evidence in existence in
the world that thou hast sent me, and that the principles that thou hast
given me have been revealed to them and that they are to be governed by
them: "thine they were, and then [sic] hast given them me."
That was the feeling that existed in former times among the Saints of
God, and these were some of the teachings unto them. The sheep have been
scattered abroad among the nations of the earth to whom this communication
has been sent, and thousands have heard and obeyed the voice of the good
Shepherd and have gathered themselves together, as we are here and as they
are over this Territory, according to the impulses originating from the
Spirit of God, which has operated and worked upon our minds and brought us
together as we are here to-day.
Now then, what was this for? To preach first the Gospel of
repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of
hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, to be followed by the gathering
together, etc. And what was it for? That we all might be baptized into
one baptism, that we all might partake of the same spirit, that we all
might be brought into communication with the Almighty and derive wisdom
and intelligence from the same fountain, having "One Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, through all, and in you all." When
Jesus sent forth his servants formerly he sent them to preach this Gospel.
When the Father and the Son and Moroni and others came to Joseph Smith, he
had a priesthood conferred upon him which he conferred upon others for the
purpose of manifesting the laws of life, the Gospel of the Son of God, by
direct authority, that light and truth might be spread forth among all
nations. There was a number of men selected by the Savior anciently, to
whom he said: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained
you." What to do? To do the things you have seen me do, as I have come
to do what I have seen my Father do. The words which I speak, I speak not
of myself; but the Father who dwells in me, he doeth the works.
Now then, we have got a priesthood organized here upon the earth, as
there was one organized in the days of Jesus, only with this distinctive
difference,--that that was a dispensation of God to them; this we live in
is the dispensation of the fulness of times, embracing all other
dispensations and times and powers and authorities that have existed upon
the face of the earth, in the various ages, from the commencement to the
present time. Herein it differs from others. Hence we are requested to
gather together, something which they were not commanded to do. We are
told to build Temples: they were not. We are told to administer for the
living and the dead, which ordinances were only performed then to a very
limited extent. We are called upon to build up not only the Church, but
the kingdom of God, and to introduce the rule and government of God upon
the earth. We are here just as Jesus was, not to do our own will, but for
the purpose of carrying out our own ideas or theories, but to do the will
of God who sent us. That is the way Jesus preached: "For I came down
from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
Sometimes it was trying and perplexing, sometimes it was hard to endure;
but he did endure and suffer it, and he accomplished the work he was sent
to do. But sometimes when struggling with the powers of darkness, and
environed with the corrupt and ungodly, he gazed upon and comprehended the
gravity of the situation and things before him, it so operated upon him,
that in mortal agony he sweat great drops of blood. "For it became him,
for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons
unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through
sufferings." "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities; but one who was in all points tempted like
as we are, yet without sin." He endured everything possible for mortal to
endure on the earth. Finally, when the last struggle came, said he,
"Father," if thou art willing, "if it be possible, remove this cup from
me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done." What were his
feelings in the midst of all this sorrow? Did he give railing for
railing, contumely for contumely? No, he did not. David, you know,
prayed that God would send his enemies to hell quickly. He was quite in a
hurry about it, as we are sometimes. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do;" they are ignorant, they are foolish, and
blinded through superstition; they comprehend not the laws, they know
nothing of my mission. Father, forgive them. I admire the sentiments and
feelings of the Savior under such circumstances, very much more than those
of David.
As I understand it we are called upon to be saviors. And as saviors
of men, endowed with the holy priesthood, we should, with one feeling and
spirit, operate together in the interests of Zion; we ought to humble
ourselves before God and seek for His Holy Spirit to lead us in the right
path, that all may comprehend His law, and that we may operate together in
the interests of Israel, and in the building up of the Kingdom of God upon
the earth; and every other feeling and idea ought to be esteemed
subservient to that, and that ought to be the first, leading, guiding, and
controling sentiment of all the elders of Israel, and especially of those
who take the lead in Israel.
We get tried sometimes, and we sometimes try one another; and we
sometimes feel as David did on a certain occasion, when he exclaimed: "For
it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it;
neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then
I could have hid myself from him. But it was tbou [sic], a man mine
equal, my guide, and my acquaintance."
Did you ever know it is necessary that we should be tried in all
things? If you do not you will find it out before you get through, and we
are not through yet quite. In this connection, I am reminded of what I
heard the Prophet Joseph say, speaking more particularly with reference to
the Twelve, "The Lord will feel after your heart-strings, and will wrench
them and twist them around, and you will have to learn to rely upon God
and upon God alone." Has he done it? I think he has pretty thoroughly.
The Prophet himself was tried about as much as anybody I know of, and his
Brother Hyrum had his full share, the Twelve also have been tried as much
as any men that I know of, and a great deal more than you know anything
about. He furthermore said, "If God could in any other way more keenly
have tried Abraham than by calling upon him to offer up his son Isaac, he
would have done it." And as I have said, Jesus himself sweat great drops
of blood, and in the agony of his suffering cried out, "My God, my God,
why hast thou forsaken me?" And why is it thus? We are told by one of
old, "For it became him, for whom all things, and by whom all things, in
bringing many things unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation
perfect through sufferings." "For we have not an High Priest which cannot
be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Oh, what a happy thing it would
be if we could follow in his footsteps in that particular! But we have
our weaknesses and infirmities in common with all men. It is incident to
humanity, and the devourer is at work seeking to destroy, to contaminate,
to corrupt and defile, and to lead men down to perdition, to produce
discord and envy, hatred and strife, and every evil that proceeds from
that source. Shall I tell you its fruits? Envy is one; hatred is
another; malice is another; uncharitableness is another; evil speaking is
another; and so on--all these things proceed from an evil spirit; and it
is said, "That to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants
ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto
righteousness." Men sometimes falter? Yes, sometimes they think they are
strong; but no man is strong unless he be strong in the Lord. No man is
sustained only as God sustains him; and if he do not sustain him, I would
not give much for his ideas or position. We sometimes think we are strong
and that we can do a great deal. So thought Peter on a certain
occasion--at the time when Christ said to his disciples, "All ye shall be
offended because of me this night." But Peter answered him, saying,
"Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be
offended." The Savior doubtless appreciated his feelings, but knowing
better than he the frailty of humanity, he said unto him, "Verily I say
unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me
thrice." Did he do it? Yes he did; but Jesus did not get angry with him,
nor begin to upbraid him and speak angry words to him. He knew too well
the weakness of mortal man, and he knew it before that time. But he says,
"Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him,
Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." If you love me, if you are my
friend and my disciple, "Feed my Lambs." That was not very hard to do; he
had been called for that purpose. "He saith to him again the second time,
Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou
knowest that I love thee. He said unto him, Feed my Sheep." And the
third time the Savior put the same question to Peter, and which on being
answered as before, he said to him, "Feed my Sheep." What is the duty of
the Apostles, the Presidents of Stakes, the High Priests, and Seventies,
especially of those that are generally presiding? If Jesus was here, he
would tell you to lay aside your nonsense, your follies and weaknesses,
and act more like men and Saints, and go to work and "Feed my Sheep."
Said he, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me," not that I will
rule with an iron-hand, not that I will trample upon them, not that I will
let you see that I possess power and authority; but "I will draw all men
to me." That will not be accomplished until the time spoken of when every
knee shall bow, and every tongue shall be heard to say, "Glory, honor,
majesty and power, be unto him that sits upon the throne and to the Lamb
for ever;" but it will be done through the influence of the Gospel,
through its cementing and harmonizing influences, through the aid of the
Almighty and the operations of the holy priesthood combined together,
united as the heart of one man in the accomplishment of the purposes of
God; with kindness and brotherly affections, with long suffering and with
every principle of righteousness that is calculated to draw the feelings
and affections of men, that they may see the truth and know it for
themselves, and that they may know also that we are their friends, acting
for the welfare of all men, living and dead, and in the interest of the
Church and Kingdom of God upon the earth. And where this principle does
not exist, there is something wrong, the principles of the Gospel are not
lived up to. For God is love, and they that dwell in God, dwell in love;
and "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar," so
said the word or God formerly, and it says to-day. God is love, and they
that dwell in God, dwell in love. They are surrounded by that element, it
is the fountain of life within them. Jesus said to the woman of Samaria,
whom he asked to give him drink, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall
thirst again; but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him
shall never thirst; but the water I shall give him shall be in him a well
of water springing up unto everlasting life." If we will live so as to be
entitled to drink of the well streams that flow from the fountain of all
light, all these little, narrow, contracted, by gone influences, will
vanish like the dew before the rising sun, and the light, the Spirit and
revelations of God, will rest upon the priesthood, and Israel will be one
and his priesthood one, and they will fight side by side in the defence of
truth, an in the maintenance of those principles calculated to exalt men
through all time and all eternity.
These things referred to by Brother Joseph F. are too small for men
to have anything to do with. It might be excusable in babies, but for men
to be engaged in such things is a shame upon the priesthood, and an
outrage upon the holy principles that God has been pleased to reveal to
us. That is the way I look at these things. And it is a trick of the
devil to decoy and destroy, to divide and disrupt, and to lead men down to
perdition. What would be the result if these things are carried out a
little further? The whole head would be sick and the whole heart faint.
I say, shame on the Elders of Israel! shame on men holding the holy
priesthood that cannot be united and operate together in the interest of
the Church and the Kingdom of God, but must drag in their mean, low,
contemptible ideas and notions, forgetting the high calling with which
they are called.
What shall we do? Why, lay them aside and repent of your
foolishness, and forgive one another of your hard speeches and words, and
your rash and hard treatment made us of to produce stings, trouble and
annoyance among men; and study from this time henceforth one another's
feelings, and act the part of a brother and friend one towards another,
live your religion and keep the commandments of God. How did Jesus teach
his disciples to pray? When you pray, say, "Our Father which art in
heaven." What? I must tell a little story here. There was a poor man
once called upon a minister for assistance; the minister tried to cheat
him, and would not give him what he had agreed to for some labor performed
by him; the man was not very well suited about it. The minister, it would
seem, was one of those fellows who, if he could squeeze a little out of
the poor man, was quite willing to do it. "Well," said the man, "I will
take what you offer me, although it is not what you agreed to give me,
providing you will teach me the Lord's prayer." To this the minister
agreed and said, "Repeat after me and say, 'Our Father which art in
heaven--'" "What!" says the man, "is God your Father and my Father, too?"
"You must repeat what I say," said the minister, "Our Father," etc.
"What," said the man, "my father and your Father?" "Yes, yes." "Then,"
broke in the man again, "is he indeed my Father as well as your Father?"
"Yes," replied the minister, but you must repeat my words." "Well, what a
rascal you must be to try to cheat your poor brother in this way?" We
should all feel that God is our Father, and that we are all brethren and
sisters. There are none of us very big; in fact we are all very little
when you come to know all about us. None of us can do anything except the
Lord help us, and if he does not help us, we, as a certain lady said, are
"all poor, miserable, independent sinners." There is none of the "big I
and little you" amongst us. We should have a common sympathy one for
another, and feel a kindly regard for the lowest of God's creations, and
especially for the Saints of God, no matter what position they occupy. If
any are in error, try to reclaim them by kindness; if they have a bad
spirit, show them a better one; if any do not do right, do right
yourselves and say, "Come follow me, as I follow Christ." Would not that
be the right course to pursue? I think it would; that is the way I
understand the Gospel. We do not, any of us, have the priesthood for self
aggrandizement, or to be used to oppress, or take advantage of anybody, or
to use improper language; but with all kindness and long suffering and
forbearance and with love unfeigned. I will read from the Doctrine and
Covenants something bearing on this, from page 386.
"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they
not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this
world, and aspire to the honors of men, and they do not learn this one
lesson--"just the very thing I have been talking about--"That the rights
of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and
that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the
principles of righteousness." Do you think that God will give power to
any man only to carry out his own contracted or selfish purposes? I tell
you he never will, never, no never. "That they may be conferred on us it
is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride,
our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion or compulsion, upon
the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold
the heavens withdraw themselves, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and
when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood of that man."
We think sometimes, we are standing in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus; and so we are. But there is no priesthood of the Son of God that
authorizes one man to oppress another or to intrude upon his rights in any
way. There is no such thing in the catagory [sic]; it does not exist; as
it is said--"Behold! ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick
against the pricks; to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God."
We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of
almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose,
they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many
are called, but few are chosen. No person or influence can or ought to be
maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long
suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by
kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without
hypocrisy, and without guile, reproving by times with sharpness, when
moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and then showing forth afterwards an
increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved lest he esteem thee to
be his enemy; that he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the
cords of death. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men,"
not of envy, not of hate, not of fault-finding, but "be full of charity
towards all men and to the household of faith; and let virtue garnish thy
thoughts nnceasingly [sic], then shall thy confidence wax strong in the
presence of God, and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy
soul as the dews from heaven." Then shall you feel the power of the Holy
Ghost resting upon you and its influence penetrating your soul, and then
it will grow and spread until its influence extends everywhere; and then
will men respect, esteem, and venerate you for your fidelity and for your
adherence to the truth. "The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion,
and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth, and thy
dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it
shall flow unto thee forever and ever."
These are great truths for us to reflect upon. And in connection
with this I wish to say, we not only need to have confidence in men, but
we must exhibit that confidence. "Be kindly affectionate one to an other
with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another," not preferring
ourselves, but "in honor preferring one another." This may be a hard
lesson for some to learn, but we have got it to learn, or we never shall
be fitted to hold any important position in carrying out the designs of
God, in building up His Church and Kingdom on the earth. We want to feel
a free interchange of that union one with another, not for one man to
stand up among his fellows as though he were unapproachable, and say to
others, "Stand off, I am holier than thou." Nothing of this kind; but
entertain a kindness, a sympathy and a desire to promote the happiness and
welfare of all men, just as God does. He causes his sun to rise on the
evil and on the good, and he sends his rain on the just and on the unjust.
There is something I thought I would refer to in order that it might
be known and properly understood. There is a feeling generally
entertained that President Young, in his lifetime, got possession of a
certain square here in Ogden wrongfully. Certain things are continually
being originated by certain minds, and rumors get circulated, and it is
too often the case that people do not stop to consider as to their
truthfulness and in many instances conclusions are formed, and I would
venture to say that in nine cases out of every ten such conclusions are
wrong. Brother Lorin Farr is present: he was Mayor at the time this land
in question was transferred to President Young, and is conversant with the
whole transaction. I will therefore call upon Brother Farr to come
forward and relate the same fully, yet concisely, that you may be apprized
of the facts.
Elder Lorin Farr then made the following statement:
President Young spoke to me, as Mayor, either once or twice--I think
it was twice--wishing to know if Ogden City would let him have the "Union
Square" for the purpose of making a Utah Central Railroad Passenger Depot,
saying that if he could obtain it for this purpose he would also make of
it an ornamental square, suitable for a summer resort; which I believe he
fully contemplated doing, and would have done, or have made the necessary
provisions for it to be done, had he known he was so soon to leave us. I
have no doubt in my mind but what he intended to make a very nice public
resort of it, and believing so, I laid the matter before the City Council,
informing that body that President Young had a claim on this city which
arose in this way: when he located Ogden City, between the forks of the
two rivers, there was then a very desirable farm here which was owned by
Father Bingham, containing 160 acres more or less. The President
intimated to Father Bingham his design of locating a city hereabouts, and
that he knew of no situation so good and suitable as that commanded by his
farm and proposed to purchase his farm for that purpose. Father Bingham
consented to the proposition, the purchase was affected, President Young
paying for the land out of his own pocket, and turned it over to the city.
I supposed, as one of the members of the City Council, that that piece of
land belonged to the city and belonged to the Church, as President Young
belonged to the Church. I thought so, and we all thought so, and there
was no thought given to it. It passed along for about twenty years in
that way. It is true, I sent down to President Young at one time the sum
of sixty dollars of City money to apply on the interest then due on the
money he advanced for the purchase of the land,--the money we sent to him
was the proceeds of City lots which we sold at five dollars each, which
about paid the expense of surveying and recording, leaving a small part of
pay for President Young. It was understood that he was to have his pay
sometime. I think I sent down a small amount of money another time, but
the amount I do not now remember. I laid this matter before the City
Council, stating to that body how President Young looked at it, and I told
them I thought it quite right and proper that President Young should have
his pay, but that I disliked very much to give up the square; but, I said,
seeing that President Young intended to make of it an ornamental square, I
would consent; without the other consideration I was in favor of sending a
committee to wait on President Young to ascertain how much he paid for the
land previously owned by Father Bingham, and refund him the money with ten
per cent. interest. I requested the Council to appoint such a committee;
but some differed from me, while a few, I believe, favored my suggestion.
We agreed, however, seeing that President Young had advanced the means to
buy the location of our city, and actually purchased and possessed it,
which probably no other man but he could have done, and that he had
requested the City to deed him the square in payment of his claim, and
that he had proposed to beautify it for the benefit of the public, we
concluded to deed him the square; and when the time of filing the land
came, which was shortly afterwards, President Young filed upon the square
and got his deed for it.
I will here take occasion to remark that when I gave this explanation
at our Caucus meeting lately held in Ogden, that a gentleman, an editor
from the East, afterwards spoke to me about it, and in telling you what he
thought about the matter will illustrate my feelings in regard to it. He
said--that is before this land jnmping [sic]--I think that you did nothing
more than right, I think President Young has done enough for this people,
and he richly deserved that square, and you would not have exceeded
fairness to have given him more than that ten acres for the 160 acres
which you say he purchased and turned over to the city for city purposes.
President Taylor then resumed, the stand. Some people will say "Oh,
don't talk about it." I think a full, free talk is frequently of great
use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and for one I want no
association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear
investigation. I wanted to hear Brother Farr's statement about this
affair, and I wanted you to hear it, because out of such things, unless
properly understood, a great many misunderstandings arise. I have heard
it stated that President Young had exacted too much in getting possession
of this ten acre square; I wonder now if any of you speculating men had
owned this 160 acres of land in this locality if you would have been
satisfied to take ten acres of this swampy land for it? There is no
decent man anywhere that would object to anything of that kind, neither
Jew, Gentile, or Mormon, and such unpleasantness frequently arises from a
miscomprehension of affairs. Had President Young, because he was
President of the Church, no right to have pay for that which belonged to
him? And if he furnished 160 acres of land and got sixty dollars for it,
I think nobody was injured very seriously in giving him ten acres in lieu
of it. Some of you would have thought your toes were trodden on pretty
heavily had you been required to trade on any such terms. I herd a man
say not long ago, when something perplexing occurred, he did not know what
excuse to make about it. I said to him, a right needs no excuse, and an
excuse will not make a wrong right. We want facts, and when we get them
let us appreciate them, and lay aside our nonsense which so frequently
arises from our misconception of things.
There is another thing I wish to refer to pertaining to your local
officers. I have heard it said that the City Council was in trouble about
the land on which the Tabernacle stands, because it was thought the Church
would get the benefit of it. Why? Because they have occupied it so long.
Who for? For the Church generally? No; but for the local church in this
place. The Church, as a Church, has bought a part of that square above
referred to, and has paid the estate for it. Brother Joseph F. Smith and
Brother F. Richards here are cognizant of the fact, as auditors. I refer
to the land where our Tithing Office stands; but this other matter is
something that pertains to yourselves and not to the Church. You have had
this for upwards of twenty years. (Brother Joseph F., addressing himself
to President Taylor, said: "This place was designated by President Young,
when the city was first laid out, as a place to build a meeting house.")
I am informed that this place was designated by President Young, when the
city was laid out, as a place for church purposes. (A voice from the
stand--"That's correct, and Brother D. H. Wells carried the flag when it
was surveyed.") Brother Herrick testifies to its correctness. (Brother
Wells said, "I am also conversant with the fact; I carried the flag-pole
when this square was laid out." Brother Wells also bears testimony to the
same thing, he carried the flag-pole when the Square was surveyed. I want
these matters understood, open and above board; we have nothing to conceal
from anybody. But there was some inattention manifested by your local
authorities--for the general authorities of the Church have nothing to do
with it; this place through neglect, was not entered at the time the city
entries were made, and because of this technicality some of the City
Councilors seemed to object to the Church having two-and-half acres of the
ten acres, which was all they asked for, and that, too, on behalf of the
citizens of Ogden, by paying for it what it had cost the city, the same as
they have done with private individuals, I believe as provided by law.
But somebody seems to think that somebody is injured. Who is injured? If
the Church had ten acres and only desires two-and-half acres, or if they
desired the whole of it, I don't think it any great stretch of liberality
of anybody, and I do not see why any one should be at all exercised about
it. They will say, What will the Gentiles say? No honorable Gentile
would say it is wrong, or take any exception to it, and as for those who
are not so, we do not care anything at all about them. That is my idea.
Somebody said the City Council had given two-and-half acres to some
outside religious sect. Well, if they had it to spare, who cares? We do
not want to be pinched up in a nutshell. But then, I think the Latter-day
Saints have just as much right to lands surveyed and owned by them upwards
of twenty years ago, as the Gentiles to receive a free gift. I do not
know why this kind of feeling should exist, and therefore I speak of it.
We are all one, or ought to be; and therefore I speak of these things as
they have been presented to me. Is there anything wrong in that? Again,
here the Seventies, I understand, have given a large hall over to the
city. Anything wrong in that? No, not if they felt able to do so. I
would not think it very good policy, however, to give such a hall away and
then be left without any place to meet in. But then it belonged to them
and they have done it, and who cares? I don't. But if the city has got
things of that kind from the Seventies, if they have done an act of that
kind, why not the city turn around and be a little generous? Can't the
city be as generous and kind? Who are the city? I suppose you are, along
with a few outsiders. Brother Richards mentioned to me, as
Trustee-in-Trust, that there were five acres of land here, joining the
schoolhouse, in the lane, saying, "We would like to get it, for we wish to
use it for the purposes of a high school or academy." I said, "I will
mention it to the brethren of the Council." We have since turned it over.
Whose business is it? The city is not injured, and the Church is not. I
mention these things that we may have a proper understanding of them, and
not be found talking about things we do not understand. I fee very
liberal towards the liberal class of Gentiles; but do I feel liberal in
any feelings to every miserable "unprincipled man?" No. But to the good,
and virtuous, and upright everywhere.
What was our message to the world? Salvation. What was the promise
to Abraham? "In thee and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth
be blessed," not cursed. The priesthood of God was not given to curse men
or destroy them, but to bless them.
Again, we are told to go and preach the Gospel to every creature; and
there is a great deal of pains being taken to do this. What is it? The
Gospel of life and salvation. Is it free to all? Yes, free as the
streams that pass your city, and all are invited. Some do not like it.
What of that? We cannot help that; we are going to perform the work that
God has set us at, and we will treat all men right. When they come here,
as strangers in our midst, will we treat all men right. When they come
here, as strangers in our midst, will we treat them right? Yes. Do they
treat us right? Not quite. Will we be liberal and generous and kind?
Yes; I would give to every man of whatever name, or creed, or color, all
his rights without his ever asking for them; we need no plot, or intrigue,
or anything of that kind. We expect to build up and establish the kingdom
of God, that will contain in it, admiration, protection of the virtuous
and good among all nations. The time will yet come when he that will not
take up his sword to fight against his neighbor, must needs flee to Zion
for safety. All those who are not fond of blood and carnage and
desolation, if they want to be preserved will flee to Zion. Have we not
got to have a Zion for them to flee to? Yes. And what is Zion? The pure
in heart. We want to organize in such a way, and advocate and maintain
such correct principles, that they will become the admiration of all
honest men, who will flee that they can be protected and find safety and
an asylum in Zion. What of that? Are we going to follow them then? No,
no, no, we are not. Are we going to be governed by their notions? No, we
are not. Are we going to mix up with their Babylonish ideas? No, we are
not; we are going in for Israel and for the Church and kingdom of God, but
we will protect every man in his rights so far as God gives us power to do
so, but we will not mix up with their iniquities, their frauds and
corruptions, that they are seeking in many instances to crowd in upon us;
we want to be free from these evils, and put our trust in the living God
and cleave to the right and the truth. If a man is a good man, won't I
treat him right? Yes; but at the same time, our moral and social ideas
are very different, and while I accord to them all the civil liberties
that any reasonable men should want, I do not wish to be governed by his
standard of morality, nor do I wish him to teach my children. Why?
Simply because I do not wish them perverted. No Gentile or reasonable man
would find fault with me for that. He does not want me to teach his
children my faith. All right, he can keep them away, and I want to keep
mine from his influences. Why? Because we are associated with things
that are eternal in their consequences. We are aiming at the celestial
glory. We believe they will get as big a glory as they are looking for,
but it will not be that which we anticipate; therefore we don't want them
to train our children and lead them down to death. We want to manage
these things ourselves, but injure nobody. Is anybody injured by it? No.
"I cannot see as you see," say some. All right, we cannot help that.
Would I find fault with the City Council because they give a burying
ground to some who prefer to have their dead by themselves? No, not if
you have it to spare; but on the other hand, don't let us shut out our own
people and our own interests, but maintain every right wisely, to the
building up of the kingdom of God. We will be as generous as the world
dare to be; and we expect the principles of the everlasting Gospel will go
on and increase until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of
our God and his Christ.
I say to those men who may have any differences, settle them like men
and don't act the baby any more, but conduct yourselves as servants of the
Most High God. And may he enable you to do so and bless us all and lead
us in the paths of life, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR,
Delivered at Kaysville, on Sunday Afternoon, March 2nd, 1879.
(Reported by Geo. F. Gibbs.)
THE NATURAL WEAKNESS OF MEN--THE NECESSITY OF CHARITY--THE PURPOSE
FOR WHICH THE GOSPEL WAS REVEALED--THE SPIRIT THAT SHOULD PREVAIL
REGARDING CO-OPERATIVE INSTITUTIONS--THE FOLLY OF DISSENSION.
I am pleased to have the opportunity of meeting with the Saints in
this place. I have come to talk with you, and to have a little visit; to
tell you how I feel, and to learn how you feel, and how things are moving
generally.
I desire to talk a while on some of the plain principles of
"Mormonism," as we used to understand them in former times, and as we
understand them to-day when we reflect and use our judgment
dispassionately. Our feelings and ideas are not much different from what
they used to be. Many of us started in this work many years ago, and we
entered into it because we believed it was true, and that the principles
taught and inculcated were from God; and when it came to us, we received
it as a message from God to us. These were about the sentiments that we
entertained some twenty and thirty, and as long as forty-five years ago;
and I suppose the majority of us have still the same ideas of the work
that we then entertained. Before we embraced the Gospel, we were beset
with the weaknesses of the flesh, and after we embraced it, these natural
infirmities still followed us. We have had difficulties and trials, and
have passed through many circumstances calculated to perplex and annoy,
and caused, too, many times, by the unkind acts of others. And then we
ourselves have not always been the most considerate and kind one towards
another. And the we have not always done exactly right, ourselves being
the judges, and the other people were of the sam opinion. And hence we
have experienced, to no inconsiderable extent, little annoyances and
difficulties, for which we have no one to blame but our own folly and
weakness. And this too, in many instances, because when we had done
wrong, we failed to go to God and our brother whom we had offended, making
acknowledgements and asking forgiveness. And in too many instances
difficulties that have arisen have been allowed to run on to our injury
and annoyance, and we have been sometimes ready to ask, "Is this Zion?"
"Yes, this is Zion." What, with all of our infirmities, weaknesses and
follies? Yes. I think that Jesus, when upon the earth, said that "the
kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and
gathered of every kind." That is the way my Bible used to read; how does
your read? Some of those were good fish, fit for any market; others
rather small, poor eating, and perhaps a little bony and horny. And being
gathered together as we are from different nations, with various customs,
habits and traditions, with all our peculiarities and odd notions, we, as
a matter of course, do not agree in many particulars, and hence
difficulties sometimes arise in our midst. Sometimes some of us keep
these things to ourselves, and sometimes they leak out; but if they were
not there they could not come out; could they? When there's nothing bad
in, nothing bad can come out. And I believe Jesus will bear me out in his
saying, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man
out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an
evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil
things." Then again, there is another curious Scripture which James makes
use of: "the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth." It "setteth on fire
the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." That is a peculiar
expression. What do you think it means? "Therewith bless we God, even
the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the
similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and
cursing." And then, reasons the apostle, "Doth a fountains send forth at
the same place sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren bear
olive berries? either a vine figs? So can no fountain both yield salt
water and fresh." And says the Savior, in speaking of men, "Ye shall know
them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles?" I find many curious things, and you must excuse me if I do not
preach a very connected sermon; we will talk over some matters of fact, as
we would in a fireside chat.
We all of us want to be good Latter-day Saints; we all want to secure
the favor and approbation of God, and when we get through with this life,
we all want to be numbered among those who will secure a celestial
inheritance. This is the general feeling of the people I am talking to
to-day. We sometimes pray, "Thy will be done on earth as in heaven." And
then we sometimes make little mistakes in our intercourse one with
another, and we sometimes go to him we have offended, asking forgiveness;
and then we pray the Father, saying, "Forgive our sins as we forgive them
that sin against us." Is not this so, my brethren? And would you like to
be measured in that half-bushel? But if when you pray after this manner,
you do not forgive your neighbor his trespasses, could you feel as your
red brethren say, "honest Injun?" Would it be consistent with your
profession to ask this favor of God, when you yourselves are not willing
to grant the same to one another? I believe you will readily agree with
me in answering that in the negative; but at the same time, if any of you
have any doubt concerning it, you can easily reduce it to a mathematical
basis, and so decide. "But," says one, "there should not be any of these
things in Zion." I agree with you. In the first place, you should not do
wrong, or harbor or sustain it when done; neither should your neighbor.
And what then? Is this Zion? Yes, so we say. Have I got a treasure?
Yes, but we are told that it is held in "earthen vessels," which are
subject to all the weaknesses, infirmities and follies, incident to
humanity. Now this is the fact, and God would exalt us and place us on
high among men, and pour upon us intelligence, and give unto us knowledge
of his will and his law, and he would like to prepare us as a people that
would acknowledge his hand in all things, and be submissive to his will
and who would say, both by precept and example, "Thy will be done on
earth, as in heaven." I would like we should do this, but then we have
not done it. And we feel sometimes as though we cannot do t [sic], and
sometimes as though we won't do it. But if we could submit ourselves to
the law of God, and to the order of God, and to the priesthood of God, and
that Priesthood submit itself to the law of God and all be under his
guidance and direction, Zion would arise and shine, and the glory of God
would rest upon her, and the power of God would be manifested in our
midst, and we would see and comprehend things we never dreamed of.
I find, in examining things, that we are human in every sense of the
word. I look at myself, for instance. Am I perfect? No, not by a long
way; neither are my brethren of the priesthood of the various quorums.
And I look at people, male and female, generally, and am forced to the
same conclusion respecting them. We do not come up to the standard, we
fail to fulfil the requirements which God makes of us.
We have had an idea, which is quite correct, that God has gathered us
from among the nations that he might place his name among us, and that his
priesthood might be organized, that men thus ordained might be prepared to
establish his kingdom and reign on the earth. But we find men in the
priesthood, yes, in all grades of the priesthood who are weak. Is there
anything astonishing in that? Oh, no. Go back, for instance, to the days
of Jesus, and you will read of some men who were rather of an aspiring
turn, and one of them got his mother to assist him. Said she, "Grant that
these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the
left, in thy kingdom." She might just as well have added, that she
herself would like to occupy some important position. But the Savior told
her, saying, "Ye know not what ye ask;" such a position "is not mine to
give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father."
Then there was another circumstance, in which Peter made himself
conspicuous. Jesus was telling them of approaching trouble, and
intimating what would take place the approaching night, against which
Peter boldly demurred, saying, "Though all men shall be offended because
of thee, yet will I never be offended." Whereupon Jesus said unto him,
"Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt
deny me thrice." Peter could not believe it; but he did just as the
Savior said he would do. Was he weak? Yes, after the manner of men. If
he had said, Lord, though all men be offended because of thee, I will not,
according to my present feelings, nor will I at all if thou wilt give me
power to carry them out. But he felt sure that he could stand side by
side with the Savior under all circumstances, but he could not. He did
not look so very valiant when the trial come; it is easy enough to talk
about it in the distance, at least much easier than to meet it and
overcome it. But were these two brothers, whose mother made such a
request of Jesus, bad men? No; but she had a notion that she would like
to see her sons occupying such a position, and probably they would not
have objected to it themselves; this we are not informed of. Then was it
right in Peter to say he would stand by his Lord? How often have we said
it? I will not condemn anybody, but merely speak of that thing to bring
forth for good, and exhibit men as they were and as they are. Was Peter a
weak man? No; but he was not without the infirmities of human nature, and
when the trial came he faltered a little. After all I do not think the
mistake so grievous, all the circumstances considered, for he was
surrounded by, and speaking to, a riotous, corrupt and bloodthirsty
people, only he had said he would not do it, but he did it, that's all.
Was Peter valiant for the truth? He was. Was he imprisoned for the
truth? Yes. Did he proclaim against vice and advocate virtue? He did.
And did he go forth and feed the lambs and flock of God? Yes; and he
acted every way becoming to a man of God, and finally suffered a martyr's
death. Shall we find fault with either of these men? No, we love them
for their good deeds, and for their fidelity and integrity and the great
work which they accomplished in their day, in bringing forth the truths of
the everlasting Gospel. Shall we condemn our brethren here with like
weakness? No. What did you call them? Some of them very weak sisters;
some of them very foolish and some very ignorant. We won't make use of
any hard words at all; but I would rather feel like saying to them, as the
old lady who was teaching school said to her children--"When you come to a
hard word, and you cannot spell or speak it right, pass over it and call
it a hard word." I was a little amused this morning, you know I have
heard of a little of your foolishness, and I find that we are all in the
same box, all tarred with the same stick. And when listening to these
things, one of the brethren remarked to me that this is a good people.
What and still do these foolish things? Yes, there are none of us so very
bad after all, when you come to shake us up, we do not mean to be bad.
But notwithstanding, many foolish things have existed among us. The
Priesthood sometimes have not done exactly right; and then the people have
not been without blame, and consequently we make all kinds of curious
errors. Now, I would like if we could go at it, act "honest Injun" and
get right to the bottom of things, and then go as near right as we can,
being guided by the principles of the Gospel, and not influenced by the
follies of men.
The fact of our having some amongst us who have weaknesses, does not
make untrue any of the laws of God which he has revealed; unto us, neither
does it affect our belief in them. We still believe that the priesthood
emanated from God; and that he has instituted it for the benefit,
salvation and exaltation of the human family. And as a proof of this we
are here to-day, and the reason of our coming here is that God raised up
and inspired men to go forth and preach the Gospel to every nation, and we
heard such men preach and believed their message. Says Jesus, "My sheep
hear my voice, and a stranger theywill not follow, but flee from him for
they know not the voice of strangers." Was it the Priesthood that did it
then? Yes and no. It was they in obedience to the commandments of God
that went forth, but it was the power of God in them, and the power of God
operating upon our hearts that lead us to the truth; and had God not
operated with them they could have done nothing, and unless God had
revealed from the heavens the principles of the gathering and the
priesthood and power thereof and sealed that upon Joseph Smith, and he in
turn conferred the same upon his brethren, they never could have got this
people here, as they are to-day. You all know that this is a fact when
you give the matter thought and reflection. We learn from the Doctrine
and Covenants that on a certain occasion Jesus and other heavenly
messengers appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and among them was
Moses, who conferred upon them the keys of the gathering, which should
extend to all Israel, and also bring back the ten tribes. And my
brethren, let me say to you, that if the Lord had not sent us these keys
in the manner he did, you would not be here to-day. But that principle
was unlocked, and when you received the Gospel you received it, bccause
[sic] it is a part of the Gospel, and the consequence was you wanted to
gather and you hardly knew why. You used to sing the songs of Zion in far
off lands with much earnestness, and the gathering was the theme of your
conversation and also your preaching and in your dreams you have many
times seen yourself among the Saints of God, long before you managed to
get here. The Lord as we well know has an object in thus gathering his
people from among the nations of the earth, but it would take me too long
to talk about that this morning; suffice it to say that the scripture is
being fulfilled, which says, "I will take you one of a city and two of a
family, and I will bring you to Zion: and I will give you pastors
according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and
understanding." And this is why we are here. He designed that here his
Priesthood should be organized, that his will and mind should be made
known here and his power made manifest. And it is expected that we will
not barter away or trample under our feet this knowledge when we get it,
but use it in a proper manner; and in order for us to do so we must
comprehend our position and understand the relationship that exists
between us and God and his kingdom. It is true our organization has been
greatly perfected of late, but then there needs to be a great many other
developments and much more willing obedience and submission to the law and
word of God. It is "not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven." Let me quote a little further. "Many will say to me
in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy
name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? and then
I will profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work
iniquity." Or in other words, you are not my sheep, I have never approved
of your actions. Who does this scripture refer to? Is it the unbelieving
Gentiles? I think not; I don't think they can cast out many devils, at
least I never heard of their having done so, I have never heard of their
having prophesied or done any wonderful thing in His name. No, it does
not mean them at all; it refers to those who once held the priesthood, and
instead of honoring it, tampered with it, losing its power and efficiency
and also the Holy Spirit by treating lightly the things of God and
violating their covenants with him. Although they once enjoyed the power
to work miracles by virtue of their priesthood, they no longer posess
[sic] it; but as "the dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow
that was washed to her wallowing in the mire," so have they turned to
error and wrong doing; and to such men the Savior will thus address
himself.
It is not because a man holds the priesthood or whether he be or may
have been an apostle, a high priest, a seventy, an elder, a president or
bishop, and may have had power with God in former times, doing many mighty
works in his name, but it is they who not only are thus favored and
blessed but who endure faithful to the end, that shall be saved and owned
by our Lord.
There are some things that strike my mind that I will refer to. I do
not know of a time when there was a more perfect organization of the
priesthood on the earth than there is to-day. There may have been in the
days of Enoch, and there may have been upon this continent in those days
when there were no rich nor poor, but when they had all things common
among them, and every one dealt justly on with another; but I do not know,
because there is not among us any record of the fact. And what is this
organization for? Is it for my individual interests? I do not so
understand it. Is it in the interest of the Twelve? I think not. Or in
the interest of the presidents of Stakes or any of the bishops, or any
induvidual [sic]? No, but it is in the interest of God and humanity, to
assist in establishing righteousness upon the earth, and union and
fellowship one with another, and to elevate us to the scale of society,
and that we may stand head and shoulders in all other matters, as we now
do in regard to our religious sentiments, that Zion may be the head and
not the tail, and that God may be honored by us and through us and among
us, and that we may in very deed be the "Zion of God," which means the
pure in heart.
Now if I talk a little plainly upon some of our secular affairs, I
trust you will not be offended, you surely will not as long as I confine
myself strictly to the truth, will you? Well, we have talked one time and
another, a good deal about the United Order, and also about co-operative
institutions; let me ask the good people of Kaysville, what have we done
in that directiou [sic], how much have we entered into them? As the
Indian would say, describing it by the size of his thumb-nail, about so
much. Do we believe in these movements? Some of us do, and some do not
know whether they do or not. Some of us would believe in them much more
readily if they would make us rich, and give us prominence and position
among men. I will tell you, Latter-day Saints, that unless we can enter
into our co-operative institutions and the United Order with singleness of
heart and pure motives, as the Elders do when they go forth to preach the
Gospel, because it is God's command, your efforts will be of small avail.
We do not want to stop and ask, Is their money in it? Is it his will, his
law and principle? When we combine our interests on this principle, and
work to it, we willsucceed and prosper. But in too many instances our
co-operative institutions have jumped the track. What, the big Co-op?
Yes, and little Co-ops too. Have you got a Co-op here? No, you have not.
Do you know of any? We find little institutions they call Co-ops in most
of our settlements, but when you come to inquire into affairs connected
with them we generally find, that, instead of their being run in the
interest of the community, and with a view to build up the kingdom of God,
a few individuals represent the Co-op, who are the ones, who are
benefitted by it. That is the trouble. But is the principle right? Yes,
if you can live it, dealing honestly one with another; but if you cannot,
you need not try it, for instead of giving satisfaction, it will only be a
disappointment. But I will promise the Latter-day Saints that if they
will go into these things allowing God to dictate in the interests of
Israel and the building up of his Zion on the earth, and take themselves
and their individual interests out of the question, feeling they are
acting for him and his kingdom, they will become the wealthiest of all
people, and God will bless them and pour out wealth and intelligence and
all the blessings that earth can afford; but if you will not, you will go
downward, and keep going the downward road to disappointment and poverty
in things spiritual as well as temporal. I dare prophecy that, in the
name of the Lord. That is the way that I look at these things, and that
is the way I figure them up, and not in the light of every man looking for
gain from his own quarter. These things are stumbling-blocks in the way
of the people, and have been for some time. Well, what shall we do? Why,
do the best we can, and keep on trying to improve upon our present
conditions, always keeping in view the object to be gained, dealing
honestly upon a fair basis and correct principles, then we will succeed
and things will move on pleasantly, and we shall be a united people, owned
and blessed of the Lord. It was on this principle that the Nephites
became a prosperous, a blessed and a happy people; it was not because one
was a little smarter than another, or through his smartness taking
advantage of his neighbor; it was not that a man was a good financier,
that he should "financier" other peoples' property into his own pockets
and leave them without. I will relate here an anecdote which comes to my
mind. A smart young man had just returned from college, and at the table
he wished to show his parents what extraordinary advancements he had made.
"Why, father, says he, you can hardly conceive of the advance I have
made." "Well, my son," says the father, "I am sure I am glad to hear you
say so, and I trust you will make a great man." There happened to be two
ducks on the table for dinner, and this young man proposed to give his
father a specimen of his smartness. "Now," he says, "you see there are
only two ducks, don't you?" "Yes," answered the father. "Well, I can
prove to you that there are three ducks." "Can you," says the father,
"That's quite extraordinary really, how can you do it?" "Well," says the
son, "I will show you. That's one?" "Yes." "And that's two?" "Yes."
"Well, two and one makes three, don't they?" "Quite so," says the father,
"It is very extraordinary, and to show how much I appreciate it, I will
eat one of these ducks, and your mother will eat the other, and we will
leave the third for you." Some of our "financiers" have made this kind of
discovery, but when it comes to the practical thing they, live the boy,
have got to fall back on father's duck or mother's duck. This kind of
proficiency may be all very well in its place, but then we have no place
for it; we want to act honestly and begin right, and then carry it out
right. Let the big Co-op. straighten itself out, and then the little
Co-ops. do the same, and let us stick to one another and all act one with
another, and lay aside our scheming; and let us have honest, honorable
men, Elders of Israel who have at heart the building up of God's kingdom,
to do our business, who will act for the welfare of all. That is my
doctrine on that point. I can see plent