In Harmony with the Spirit

I have been very much interested and instructed by the remarks of the brethren who have addressed us. I rejoice exceedingly in their testimonies in regard to the truth of the work that we are engaged in, because it corresponds with my testimony. The ideas that they have expressed correspond with my ideas, and it is a satisfaction to every one to feel that they are in harmony with those who know that this work is true, and that we are engaged in the work of the Lord. ¶

I know of no other people who take as large a view of the Gospel, and that which the world calls religion, as do the Latter-day Saints. We believe that we ought to be in harmony with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ all the time. We believe that if we are not in harmony with the Spirit of the Lord all the time, there is something lacking, or something we have left undone. I do not know how it is with others, but with myself I find there are times when I feel that I am not altogether in the way that I should be; but I am striving constantly to place myself in the position of a saint, that I may enjoy the spirit of the Gospel, because I have tasted its influence and found that it brings happiness and peace. ¶

In our conferences, especially in our general conferences, when we meet three or four days successively, we have a wide variety of instruction, pertaining to our welfare, and not only to our individual welfare but also to that of our fathers and mothers, and of our children and our children's children. The Gospel is so broad and so strong that it will reach every individual that has ever lived upon the face of the earth. All men, whether they live in this age of the world or not, will have the privilege of receiving or rejecting the principles of truth and salvation. The great responsibility that has been placed upon us is that we live in accord with this broad scheme of salvation that has been delivered to the children of men. The Lord announced in the beginning of this work that He was about to establish a marvelous work and a wonder. The further we go, and the more insight we have into the work, the more we wonder at the broadness and depth of the Gospel, the importance of the labor that has been assigned unto us, and realize the character of men and women that we ought to be, in order that we may meet the requirements of the Lord in this regard. ¶

I wonder at the actions of men, and sometimes I wonder at my own actions, weaknesses, failings, and inability to stand as firm and as square as I ought to stand. I was born and reared, and educated in the Church, and am still learning; as Brother Cannon has said, here a little and there a little. I find that the more truth I learn the more firmly my conviction becomes fixed that the Lord is directing the work, and is at the head of this organization; and that it is necessary for each individual to have a testimony of the Gospel. ¶

We are getting to be a numerous people. We are spreading out and scattering abroad, and building up the waste places of the earth. Our fame has gone out all over the world as colonizers, as a people that are undaunted in their colonization of countries, and especially of desert countries. They say, "The Mormons are not afraid of any proposition; they take hold of the most discouraging conditions, and make a success of them." ¶

Many people who are prejudiced against us say that we are serfs and follow our leaders, who are shrewd, keen men. Would to God that we did follow them closer than we do. As I said, we are scattering abroad. We do not get together as closely as we used to. I remember the time when this assembly hall would hold all that were in Salt Lake City, and it doesn't seem so very long to me either. We could all hear the voice of the prophets every few days, or every week or two, and we were constantly under their instruction. But it is not so today; we are scattered abroad. If some of the people hear the voice of an apostle once or twice a year, they consider themselves very fortunate indeed. Therefore, the more necessity there is for us to live near unto God, that we may understand the Spirit of the Lord, which is the Spirit of the Gospel, that we may receive that light, knowledge, and understanding that is necessary for us in order that we may stand alone in the world, if needs be, and declare the truth of the Gospel without fear of contradiction. We should know assuredly and positively that this is the work of the Lord, that He has established it upon the earth, and that it shall remain forever. It shall remain upon the earth until the purposes of God are accomplished, until our Savior shall come and reign upon the earth. We ought to know these things, and the time is coming when we must depend, not altogether upon the voice of an apostle, or the presidency, because we do not hear them often enough; but we must depend upon the inspiration of the Spirit of the Lord unto us, and that Spirit will not lead us astray. That Spirit will lead us into all truth. ¶

A marvel has come to pass in the earth. Men and women are brought from all nations, not being able to understand each other's language, yet they all comprehend alike; they have accepted the same Gospel and the same Spirit is their instructor. There never was and perhaps never will be a parallel to the wonderful work that the Lord has done. I rejoice in this work. I rejoice in the small service that I am able to render. I rejoice in the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice in the association of my brethren and sisters, and in listening to their testimony. I rejoice in all these things, and no doubt we all do. May the blessings of the Lord be with us, and His Spirit be upon us, that we may eternally serve God and keep His commandments, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. ¶