Discourse

It is very delightful to contemplate upon the pleasures we derive from our Conferences, socially and otherwise. Friends, who have been long separated, meet together and rejoice when being reminded of the good times they used to have when the Gospel was first presented to them. It is also refreshing to partake of the spiritual food that has been served out to us during our meetings. ¶

One of the ancient servants of God spoke of the work in which we are engaged, and foretold that a people would come, the prevailing sentiment of whom would be: Come, let us go up to Mount Zion and walk in the paths of righteousness. If we retain this feeling we will always be in a frame of mind to be taught, and we will know that, unless we are humble, we cannot have the ability to live up to the principles of the Gospel. O how many have come together here but forgotten the errand for which they came, and they have gone out into darkness, finally betraying their brethren for less than thirty pieces of silver. ¶

We should retain a spirit of contrition, and remember that we must obey every revealed principle that has been given to us. No man is competent to be a good ruler, unless he has learned to obey good laws and to make all sacrifices necessary for the well-being of the whole body. It is the nature of man to go astray, unless he retains the spirit of the Gospel. Such as have gone away must be called back again to the first principles of the Gospel. ¶

In times of darkness we have need to call upon the Lord, and most of the blessings we have had we have received in times of difficulties. The presence of the Lord has been realized in times of suffering. It is a lamentable fact that the people of God in their prosperity invariably have commenced to feel independent of God. It is forgotten that God is the giver of all good. A man in prosperity is, according to the testimony of history, apt to turn away. This should indeed teach us to walk humbly before God and with each other. ¶

It requires considerable wisdom and watchfulness to guide and direct a people as large as the Saints now have come to be. Every soul must feel for himself or herself that the blessings of God have been promised to them individually on condition of their willingness to walk in the ways of God. But we too often follow out our own ways, not remembering that these sometimes lead to death. If we could so live that we could always have the Spirit with us, we should rejoice under all circumstances. This is indeed a great deal, but it is that “great deal” that the Lord has promised us. If we were not subject to give way so often and to grieve the Spirit within us, we could obtain the grace of God in every time of need. Those who pray with their families and in secret, always supplicating the Lord for His help and guidance, will find the help they seek and be able to rise triumphant above all difficulties. What a happy, joyful, and powerful people we would be if we would live thus! ¶

The various institutions of the Church are competent, if properly carried out, to provide for all the necessities of the Saints. It is natural to grown people, when they watch the little efforts of the children, to think that those are only child’s play. And some even think, when they see women try to do some good, that it is only a woman’s business, and that the women have to take care that they do not come out of their sphere. But we know that a tree, if taken when young and placed in suitable soil, will perhaps yield more and better fruit than if left alone. And also that a twig is easier bent when young. Why, then, do we not take the little twigs and bend them in the shape we wish them to grow? We have now 50,000 children of school age. Why are we not carefully training these before the time comes when they cannot be bent? If we know that we are right we ought to guide our little ones in the right channels, and not leave them to be filled with ideas that will take years to have taken out again before they can comprehend the truth of the Gospel. ¶

After the organization of the Relief Society, it was put into the heart of a sister to organize the small children into Primary Associations. These have become very popular in the Territory, although some Bishops yet leave this work to be done or not to be done, as the case may be. The Savior, when the disciples wanted to know who was the greater—a question that has always been thought an important one—took a little child and said, unless ye become as little children ye cannot enter the kingdom of God. Who comprehends the competency of this statement? To be innocent and to know that we do not know much, and consequently to become teachable; these are the greatest qualities we can obtain. It strikes me that if the Bishops would attend the primaries and take an interest in the children, or encourage the sisters who labor in the good work, great blessings would be obtained from God. The children will grow up right if only started right. ¶

We live in a time when bright spirits are coming into the world. Some of these children we occasionally are so careless about, will live to see the Savior come and never die. We do not realize that we are rearing a nation of prophets. Satan has no power to tempt these children before they reach the years of accountability. They might be kept and live almost without sin. We have a work of regeneration on hand, but unless we induce our children to take hold of the work and advance beyond us, there will not be much of regeneration. ¶

The Lesser Priesthood has a particular work in this Church. We have now some twenty-five Stakes; we have also over 300 Bishops, presiding over the Priests, Teachers, and Deacons. Many of our members cannot attend the conferences and other meetings. But such members should not be left to languish for the bread of life. It is the duty of the Lesser Priesthood to visit every house; preaching the Gospel, expounding the Scriptures, and exhorting the people. Many homes have no prayers offered in them. What an example is that to the children! No wonder that they get to light speaking and vulgarity. It is, therefore, important that the Priest should meet every family and impart the truth, not in a dictatorial manner, but humbly, pleading with the wayward to return. The sick and afflicted should be visited, and the emblems of the Sacrament carried to them. These things we are apt to forget. But we must remember that for all these we are finally to give an account. I wish the Bishops would stir the matter up and see that young men are appointed Priests and Teachers, to be assisted by older brethren who have experience. ¶

The revelation on the subject says that the teachers shall see that there is no iniquity in the Church. Where is the ward where this has been carried out? Yet, this is the duty of the teachers. This is a time when the Priesthood should be busy. And if we are not, we cannot have the approval and favor of our heavenly Father. But if we will do our duties He will make bare His arm. ¶

Our prosperity has been so great that we have not appreciated it. While many of the human family perish through various disasters, we are prosperous. It is a strange fact that while many influences have been brought to bear upon us to distress us, we are a happy people, knowing that God will never forget us, whatever may happen. ¶

We should put off all bad habits, and, amongst others, the reading of idle literature. We ought to read good books, and let all our conversations be in the love of God. ¶

I rejoice in the Gospel, and wish that we all may be diligent in keeping the commandments of God. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you, and particularly upon the young. ¶