The Necessity of the Spirit in Preaching the Gospel

Sunday forenoon an overflow session was held in the Assembly Hall. It commenced at 10:40 and was largely attended. The presiding officer of the occasion was Elder Rudger Clawson. ¶

Singing "Redeemer of Israel." Prayer by Elder Chas. B. Felt. Singing, "How firm a foundation." ¶

Elder Joseph W. McMurrin spoke of the necessity for a speaker to enjoy the Spirit of the Lord in order to accomplish good. He rejoiced over the instructions thus far given during the Conference, and the testimonies borne as to the divine principles of the Gospel and calling of those who are directing the Church today. This is a day of restoration and of warning — the call is to repentance, the testimony to the world is that the Redeemer's work has again come to earth. ¶

Referring to the dream interpreted by Daniel, showing the setting up of God's kingdom in the latter days, of its perpetuity and that it should not be given to another people — he called attention to our duties; in view of our having received a knowledge of the restoration, that we treasure and cultivate that knowledge and testimony, live in accordance with it, and bear that testimony to the world by word and act. ¶

There seems to be great anxiety among those who are not of us, lest this people are being led astray. The enthusiasm and unanimity of the thousands in attendance at this Conference does not bear out such a theory, but it proves that there never has been more confidence in the servants of God than exists now in the hearts of the people. ¶

He bore testimony that twenty-two years ago, when laboring in Scotland, Bishop McKay told him that he was present when President Wilford Woodruff prophesied that Joseph F. Smith would one day stand in the shoes of his uncle, the Prophet Joseph Smith. That Joseph F. Smith was chosen of God to lead this people, and he invited the people present to write it in their books. He related also another incident when President Woodfuff took Joseph F. Smith by the hand and led him before a congregation, many years ago, and told them that he would become president of the Church. (Brother Henry F. McCune, from the congregation, confirmed the statement, as he was present at the meeting referred to.) President Woodruff spoke on both occasions by the spirit of prophecy. Every Latter-day Saint is entitled to the spirit of inspiration, and such cannot be led astray. ¶

God has given to this people individually the testimony of the Gospel, and through that they have been led here, and are united in the truth, and know they have the truth, and are not led astray. This same spirit rests upon the people today, and it will always be the case. God has manifested to this people where His authority is, and they will never lose this testimony. ¶

"As our days may demand so our succor shall be." ¶

God reigneth! ¶