Remarks

The Saints had been called to labor in the interest of our Father, God. It was one of the best desires that could possess us to gain an understanding of the purpose of our coming into the world from our former estate, and to put our whole heart into the labor of carrying it out. We were doubtless a pretty good class of people before we came here, and were innocent when we made our advent to this probation. We were in this stage of life that we might ultimately obtain a fulness of joy. There was in section 101 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants and promise to the effect that a time would come when whatever a man shall desire he shall receive. Before that time shall come a great change should come over the whole face of nature. This would affect the whole animal creation as well as man. All destructive agencies would be banished. These things would take place and the promises gave us joy. We did not have things as we wanted them here. We did not succeed in inducing all of our children to do as we wished them to, but if we proved faithful we could ultimately have all our posterity with us. It might be a great period of time before all this should be realized, but it would surely be if we were obedient. This had been promised to the speaker in the Temple at Kirtland, and he firmly believed that it would be fully fulfilled. He had great faith and confidence in the magnanimity and love of God. They were so comprehensive that we could not fully understand them. ¶

Every man, woman and child could do something toward securing exaltation and glory. The opportunities were exhaustless. It was a mighty work we had to accomplish for ourselves, and when performing it we were also operating in the interest of others. ¶

President Snow related the experience of a young man who wasted all his estate in profligate living and was on the point of suicide, when a supernatural being checked him and urged him to follow his counsel, with the promise that in two years he would govern a kingdom. He was to live a strictly moral life, and his kingdom would be secured. Seeking honest employment, and living faithfully for two years, he found himself a rule over his own spirit and desires. He was informed that this was the realization of the promise. This was the great object of the second estate of men to overcome obstacles and temptations and learn self-control, preparatory to their becoming rulers over others. There was no need of discouragement; though heavy sacrifices might be necessary, and each one could show a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of others. ¶

The work of the Lord in behalf of His people had been wonderful during the past few years, miraculous works having been performed in their behalf. The highest rejoicing should be on account of the spiritual blessings of the Gospel, with the glorious truths it has taught. Born of God, in His image men were to become more like him, through overcoming difficulties and temptations. In this respect the prospects were particularly aright. The Lord would be pleased with one ambitious to attain to spiritual advancement, and to become equal with God, through receiving of His fulness, in accordance with the original design. With the new light thrown upon their condition and prospects by the Gospel, the Saints would certainly not be willing to sacrifice those prospects for any earthly consideration. Even in the family relationships, to be continued hereafter there was sufficient happiness to compensate them for all human losses. ¶

It was a pleasure to the speaker to reflect upon the promise that we should see each other in the next life, when all enmity would be banished from the earth. ¶

It was a pleasure to see this great audience of faithful Saints, who were associated with the work of God. He concluded by invoking the blessing of God upon the people. ¶