A Testimony of Priesthood Power

I thought while our Patriarch was talking that he had one advantage over me, in that this was not the first time he has been called upon to face such a congregation. Sunday, President Penrose stated that he approached the task of speaking with grave concern. I tried to imagine what my feelings would be if I should be called upon to occupy this position. I can now assure you that my imagination paints a very poor picture. ¶

I rejoice, my brethren and sisters, in the opportunity I have had of attending this conference and of hearing the testimonies that have been borne to us, and I bear witness to you, this day, that I approve of all that has been said, that in my heart it finds a lodging place. It is not difficult for me to know in my soul that Joseph Smith did, in very deed, see the Father and the Son. It is not difficult for me to understand that he did, under the hands of Peter, James and John, receive the holy Priesthood. You might say, How do you know? I find an answer to that when I am called upon to act under the authority of the Priesthood which has been conferred upon me, and I lay my hands upon the heads of the sick and bless them by that authority, commanding disease to depart and health to be restored, and I see the blessing almost instantly fulfilled. I then know whence that power comes, for I have no right in and of myself to cast out disease. When I exercise the right which has come to me through the Priesthood to act for God, who acknowledges that right, it is not difficult for me to understand these things. ¶

Some time ago we had a brother come from the islands, away ¶

down in the South Sea. I had the pleasure of taking him through the hospital. I started at the boiler room. He was very much interested in the mechanical workings of the institution. I showed him the placing of coal in the fire box, the turning of the water into the boiler, the creating of steam through contact with the heat and water. I explained to him how the steam, going through a dynamo, produced electricity, which was carried into the building on wires. He could not understand how that could be, so I tried:to explain further. I showed him as we approached the operating room the cotter iron, how it became red hot when the electricity was turned on. I showed him the electric light; the operation of the elevator, and many other things for which electricity is being used. We finally ended with the ioe machine. I drew my hand along one of the pipes and scraped off some snow. As I put it into his hand, he looked at me and said, "Take me away quick, you are driving me crazy." He quit; he was unwilling to investigate further. Had he studied diligently and faithfully 'he could have known for himself how these things were done. ¶

I know, my brethren and sisters, that this is the work of the Lord. I know that the men who have been chosen as leaders in Israel are men of God, that they have authority to act for him, here on earth, and that they do so act under his guidance and his direction. I bear testimony to you that I have faith in this work. I have faith in the gospel, and I know that just so far as I am faithful and diligent, exerting myself to keep him commandments, I will be given strength and ability to overcome evil. ¶

May God bless us, my brethren and sisters. May we be faithful in this work, is my prayer and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶