Remarks on Building the Temple, Wheat, and Appreciating the Saints' Blessings

Prest. Young remarked:— ¶

I expect, in all probability, I shall be able to say very little during this conference. My lungs are in such a state, that as soon as I talk long enough to entertain a congregation, they severely afflict me. ¶

I have a few texts to give to the brethren, who may speak upon some of the items, I wish to be laid before this conference for your contemplation. ¶

The first I have noted is a question: Shall we commence to build a Temple next spring, in order that we may receive our endowments more fully…are aware, that we do not give all the endowments, neither can we, legally, until we build a Temple. Again; those parts that are already given, and will be given, in the place that we at present use, will be given over again in the Temple, when it is finished. The endowments we now give, are given merely by permission; as we have not a house in which to officiate in these ordinances of salvation, that is legal; though we have got a comfortable place, in which we have dedicated to the Lord, and the brethren who go therein, know, and can bear testimony whether the Spirit of the Lord is there, or not. ¶

The next thing I present is: We want workmen; masons, to erect a wall around the Temple Block. We wish to have a wall to secure the block, that when we commence the Temple, we shall not be under the necessity of being thronged and overrun by spectators. A portion of the wall on the north side is already built of stone, and rises about four feet above the surface of the earth; and we anticipate placing about 10 feet of adobie work upon that—the whole to be crowned with a picket fence of 6 feet, making the entire wall about 20 feet high, above the ground. ¶

The next item or text is: We want 100 families to go to Iron county; where we expect to manufacture iron. I will say, for the consolation of those who love money, and feel as though they cannot do without it, as soon as these iron works are in successful operation, that will be a monied place. ¶

We also want 100 families to go to Millard county; that is the intended seat of government for this Territory; it is a beautiful valley, and one of the best we have yet settled. ¶

The next that I will notice, is, we want some 20 missionaries, to travel through these settlements. One hundred have already been appointed to go into all the world, and the number may be swelled a little more, previous to the departure of that part of the mission that is to proceed south. We think those brethren whom we shall appoint to travel at home, can be as useful here, as in any part of the world, to instruct, comfort, and build up the saints in the most holy faith. ¶

The next thing I have noted, may perhaps be to some, a novelty. What was said here last Sabbath by Br. Call, and others, gives rise to this text, which I put forth for the brethren to preach upon. It is for the idlers and loafers to build me a good house. These men complain about me living on the tithing, but the truth is, I have never asked for one bushel of wheat, a single load of wood, or for the Church to build me a house. If any complain about the first Presidency living on tithing, I want these men to build me a fine, commodious house, worth about $25,000. ¶

My next text is, for this people not to poddle away their wheat, as they do at present, and as they did last year: not to sell your wheat for fifty cents per bushel, for in all probability, you will have to buy it back again from the same men at four or five dollars per bushel. I will say still further upon this subject; if this community do not appreciate the blessings of the Lord, given to us from our Mother earth; for our heavenly Father causes it to bring forth in her strength, for the brethren and sisters who come here from far off countries. I tell you in the name of the Lord God, I know the gate of plenty will be shut down, and your wheat and corn will be blasted: the earth will cease to yield in her strength; if this people do not appreciate their blessings, and improve upon them. Further, if this people appreciate these blessings, we will see the time yet, in these mountains, when the people will come from our native countries for bread. If we are faithful, if we are true, if we are humble, and appreciate the blessings of heaven that are poured upon us, and improve upon them, strangers will seek bread at our hands; but, if we neglect our duty; if we become proud, idle, selfish, or covetous, and forget our God, the earth will cease to yield her fruits, they will be blasted, and we will be in poverty; that, you may be assured of, brethren and sisters. ¶

These texts I have given to the brethren, and I will say to the congregation; if there is any man who feels that he wants to pour out his soul, here, before the people, come into this pulpit, we are your brethren. If your heart fails you, if you have not confidence to come to the stand, you have the privilege of rising upon your feet in the congregation. We have come together to worship the Lord, to build up his kingdom. This Conference is for the purpose of contemplating, not directly upon that which concerns us in the present tense, but to lay plans for future life; we are endeavoring to lay the foundation for future exaltation and happiness. This is the place to contemplate those things that our physical energies can act upon, for our future course, administration, labors, &c. We are gathered together, in this Conference to talk over the things of God, and what will be for the best interest of his kingdom on earth; to thank and praise him for what he has done, and is doing, and will do for us, if we are faithful; God bless you, Amen. ¶