Closing Remarks: Dead Missionaries and Blessings of Heaven

CLOSING REMARKS. ¶

Faithful Elders who have died recently in mission fields. — The blessings of heaven invoked on the Saints. — Admonition to serve God. ¶

It is with feelings of great sympathy, on the part of the brethren who preside, and the Saints everywhere, that I have to announce that since the October conference the following deaths have occurred in the mission field : ¶

Brother Charles Mortenson, of Koosharem, Utah, died in Scandinavia, on January 12, 1909 ; cause appendicitis. ¶

Brother George Edwin Morris, of Mesa, Arizona, died December 12, 1908, in Samoa; cause, sunstroke. ¶

Brother Oliver Hansen, of Bear River City, Utah, died November 28, 1908, in Scandinavia; cause, leakage of the heart. This brother died at Chicago while en route home from his mission. ¶

We felt that it was our duty to mention the names of these our brethren who have fallen in the ministry, while devoting their time and the gifts the Lord bestowed upon them, in the mission field. They were faithful and true, and their memories should ever be held clear by their kindred and all the Latter-day Saints, in that they laid down their lives in the Master's service. We pray God to bless and comfort those who are bereaved more especially by their loss ; and their hearts may not faint, but that they may be buoyed up in the hope of the glorious resurrection awaiting them when they and their loved ones shall be reunited in the life and light which will never perish or again grow dim. ¶

I desire to express my gratitude to the Latter-day Saints who have so faithfully attended this conference. I feel to give to you, my brethren and sisters, my blessing, and to ask humbly of the Lord to bestow greatly upon you all His favors, His blessings and protecting care, that you may be prospered in your temporal labors, and that you may also be prospered abundantly in your spiritual labors and efforts to build up the kingdom of God in the earth. I trust that we may all return to our daily duties rejoicing in the spirit that has been manifested during our conference and in the excellent instructions and counsels that have been given to us by those who have spoken. Let us bear these things in mind, and go home determined more than ever to serve God and to keep His laws ; to work righteousness in the earth, that our light may indeed so shine that the world may see it, and that men may be led to glorify God. ¶

It was announced that Prof. John J. McClellan, and assistants, will give recitals at 12 m. daily hereafter, on the great Tabernacle organ, to which the public will be admitted free, as heretofore. ¶

The choir and congregation sang the hymn : ¶

We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet, To guide us in these latter days; We thank Thee for sending the Gospel To lighten our minds with its rays ; We thank Thee for every blessing Bestowed by Thy bounteous hand; We feel it a pleasure to serve Thee, And love to obey Thy command. ¶

Benediction was pronounced by Elder John G. McQuarrie, and Conference was adjourned for six months. ¶

Prof. Evan Stephens conducted the singing of the choir and congregation at all the conference meetings in the Tabernacle, and Prof. John J. McClellan played the accompaniments, interludes, etc., on the great organ, assisted by Edward P. Kimball. ¶

The stenographic reports of the discourses were taken by Elders Franklin W. Otterstrom, Frederick E. Barker, and Fred G. Barker. D. M. McAllister, Clerk of Conference. History of Church Have you secured Vols. I, II, III and IV Volume FIVE is Under Way Procure them as they are issued The History of the Prophet Joseph, written by himself with, introduction and notes by B. H. Roberts. Low prices have been fixed by the First Presidency, that the work may secure the widest possible circulation. dEvery Association, Sunday School, Quorum and private library should have it. ¶