Minutes of the October 1872 General Conference

Minutes of the Forty-Second Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 6-10, 1872. Approximately 10,000-12,000 in attendance. First Presidency: Brigham Young, George A. Smith, Daniel H. Wells. Quorum of the Twelve: Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jr., Joseph F. Smith. ¶

President Brigham Young noted that "but a few of the people were able to bear prosperity" and addressed various worldly influences leading Saints away from gospel principles. President George A. Smith warned that "an increase of wealth had not produced a corresponding increase of faithfulness" and addressed neglect of tithing obligations. President Daniel H. Wells testified that "the Almighty had restored...the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood." Elder Orson Hyde delivered discourse on Isaiah's prophecy regarding the latter-day gathering. Elder John Taylor presented an extended discourse titled "Choice of Rulers—Headship—One Man Power—The Yoke of Jesus." Elder Erastus Snow addressed "Zion—The Duty of Its Citizens": "Zion shall be as a city set upon a hill, whose light cannot be hid." Elder George Q. Cannon on "Gathering—Its Spirit—Its Object—Duties of the Gathered Saints": "union, love and harmony...is beyond the power of man to bring about—it is the power of God." Elder Wilford Woodruff emphasized that "continued revelation from the Almighty was necessary." Elder Lorenzo Snow discussed the Savior's peaceful mission. ¶

Key themes: tithing compliance, the gathering, priesthood authority, maintaining righteousness amid prosperity, education of the rising generation, cooperative economic order. ¶

Brigham Young on education: "send your children there, and bless the men who are engaged in this work. Live your religion yourselves." ¶