Remarks

Apostle Marriner W. Merrill, addressed the assemblage speaking substantially as follows: ¶

It has occurred to me that it would be a grand thing if all the brethren could have heard the remarks made last evening at the priesthood meeting concerning the duties of the Elders. The Gospel has done a great deal for us. This can be seen at once when we compare our former situation with the circumstances now surrounding us. Our condition has been greatly improved. As a rule the Saints when ungathered did not own much. They did not possess the farms they cultivated, nor the factories they worked in. Now, as a rule, they are prosperous, through the gathering and the operations of the principles of the Gospel. This material progress has been exhibited at home, as well as in the case of those from abroad. In other respects the Saints have been blessed. Great privileges have been and are enjoyed. For instance, the people have had the opportunity of going into holy places and doing a work for their dead. But many of us have forgotten the pit from which we were dug. We imbibe the spirit of the world and are too eager after riches. We occasionally neglect our prayers and forget to teach our families the principles of light and truth. When we neglect our duties it gives our children license to do the same. Some years ago it was revealed through President Taylor that we should set our houses in order. Have we done so? If so all is well with us and peace reigns in our habitations; the son is willing to look to the father and the daughter to the mother for counsel and advice. Such a condition is a happy one. I remember when people wishing to engage in any enterprise could go to President Young for his advice. Is this done to any extent now? If we do this and can go forth with the blessing of our leaders we would feel great satisfaction and would have greater faith in the ultimate success of our undertakings. The genius of this work is the spirit of humility, we should aim to do things by common consent, seek humility of spirit and to promote union. It is in keeping with the plan of salvation. ¶

Remarks have been made regarding the young people. Many of our youth have never been ordained to the Lesser Priesthood, and they appear at the Temple without having had any ordination until they are made Elders. They should be graduated in the Priesthood, from the office of Deacon upward. They could be given charge of our meeting houses and assigned other labors. It is not necessary to hire janitors to do this labor. The people should not only be visited by the Teacher but likewise by the Priest. Those who labor in these callings should, before engaging in them, not fail to go before the Lord in private and ask that the Spirit of Truth may manifest what is necessary to be said at the time when it may be needed. Sisters who are alone should gather families together and pray with them. Never allow yourselves to find fault with the Priesthood. It is a dangerous thing. Beware of faultfinding with those who are over you. Don’t judge each other unless you are appointed to do it. Be honest with each other. All our agreements, no matter who they may be made with, should be strictly fulfilled. If we do this all people will have confidence in us. The Latter-day Saints should not forget their dead, millions of whom are waiting for us to do a work for them. We will meet them in the future and the question may be asked as to what we have done for them. If we cannot make a satisfactory explanation we will be ashamed. This is an important and mighty work. It pertains to us and our kindred. These things should be remembered, for there is a reality behind the veil as there is here. How joyful we will be if when we meet our dead we have done all we could in their behalf. ¶