Dependence Upon the Assistance of God

I feel, my brethren and sisters, as if there was an intense anxiety in the minds of the people to see me, and perhaps some curiosity to hear my voice; consequently, I feel somewhat embarrassed. ¶

All I wish to say at this time is that I accept the call that has been made upon me, and I thank the Latter-day Saints for their endorsement of it. I feel that the brethren of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency are responsible, under the Lord, for this call. It is my desire, inasmuch as I have been called and sustained by the Latter-day Saints, to do everything in my power to sustain my brethren and the Latter-day Saints. I hope I will always be found, in season and out, defending the faith which we all have espoused. A testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was born in me, and it has grown with me. I have felt it all my life. I have been proud and glad to be counted a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ¶

Today I have witnessed the most imposing and impressive ceremony I ever saw, namely, the way in which we have done our voting. It seems to have been a confirmation of my testimony. I could not describe the feelings I had while witnessing the voting. ¶

Brethren and sisters, I feel for the first time since I have been called to this position to be firmly and soundly on my feet again. Nobody knows, save those who are called to undergo the same experience, just how I felt and do feel. But I have thrown myself entirely on the will of the people and my brethren; and I have determined in my heart to go forth and to the best of my ability and with the power God gives me, justify my brethren and the Latter-day Saints in calling and sustaining me in this position. I ask for a continuance of your confidence. I hope and feel that all who have voted for me and for my brethren have voted as I voted myself, not only with the hand, but with the heart, in sincerity and in truth. I purpose, with the help of the Lord, and the assistance of my brethren and sisters, by every word and act, to live consistent with the action of rising on my feet and raising my hand as I have done this afternoon. I pray the Lord's blessings to rest upon you and upon me. May you pray for me and all whom you have sustained this day. I ask it of you and of the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶