The Hand of God is Over This Church

I am pleased to meet with the Saints in Conference once more. It is a surprise to me to be called to speak thus early. I regard it as my duty to respond to every call made by the Presidency of the Church. I hope the day will never come when any other sentiment will animate me. President Woodruff and his counselors are actuated by the Spirit of God, to which we would do well to take heed. We look to these brethren as having the spirit of revelation, when they are united. When Christ realized His time had come He asked His Father if it were possible for the bitter cup to pass to let it be so, nevertheless that the will of the Father be done and not His. We should sustain by our faith, prayers and works those whom God has appointed to preside over the Church. When men write under the influence of the Spirit of God it is revelation. In order to reveal the mind of our Father in heaven, it is not necessary that He should come down on earth personally to make a communication. Many of the revelations given through Joseph Smith were obtained by that prophet listening to the whisperings of the “still, small voice” within him. ¶

It has been remarked about some men that they suddenly become absorbed in some line of ideas. The impressions of the Holy Ghost come like flashes of light, and without the presence of doubt and darkness. They have to be acted upon forthwith. I bear testimony that President Woodruff and his Counselors are prophets, seers and revelators; and the people should remember that, especially in these times, they should not live by sight. Circumstances are of such a nature that the righteous must live by faith. ¶

The hand of God is over this Church, and no power can destroy it or impede its progress. I pray however that it may not be necessary for us to be chastened in order to bring us into a disposition of obedience. I believe in implicit obedience in temporal and spiritual things to the light of heaven, as given through the Priesthood. If this principal were taught us more frequently it would be better for us as a community. We cannot retain the Spirit of God and yet be constantly finding fault with the Priesthood. We should not expect perfection from those who hold that authority. They are mortal as other men, but they are called of God. We must learn not to judge men by what we see, nor on the basis of the limited opportunities we have of what transpires. When we have an impression derogatory of our brother, it is our duty to go to him personally and in that way get an understanding of the matter involved. We should be possessed of the spirit of unity. We should not criticize the authorities. Our enemies seek to sow among us the seeds of dissension; they wish to segregate the Saints into factions. In this endeavor they turn truth into semblance of falsehood, and virtue into vice. Hasty conclusions are dangerous and should not be arrived at. There are many honorable men and women who respect our rights but the great majority do not. ¶

I have been associated with the authorities of the Church for years, and I have never seen in their deliberations any disposition toward unrighteousness. I bear testimony that they have acted in the spirit of their calling as well as any men on earth could have done. ¶

If a duty is required of us and it is not diligently performed, instead of having a spirit of light and comfort we are possessed of a sentiment of heaviness. When I acted as Teacher it was a great trial for me to visit the houses of some of the people. When this feeling was overcome, and the obligation discharged, joy was the result. When it overcame me and I have been neglectful, then I have had heaviness of spirit. So it is in all the labors that are required at our hands. ¶

We should not be afraid to speak our feelings freely at this Conference. May the fire of the Spirit of God increase as this Conference progresses. This will be the case if we lay aside our cares of a worldly character that are liable to fret and annoy us. Let us center our prayers and faith in a desire that the servants of God may speak those things that will be adapted to the wants of the people. If this is done, the result will be all that could be desired. The speaker concluded by bearing testimony to the truth of the work of God. ¶