Western States Mission Report

There is only a few minutes remaining and I sincerely pray for the inspiration of this occasion, and desire the same good spirit that has accompanied the remarks of the former speakers, for my heart has been touched by their fervent testimonies, and the words of exhortation and counsel they have given. ¶

It was not my good fortune to be in attendance at the morning service in the tabernacle, as I did not arrive until the noon hour. I ¶

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feel that I missed something, for the opening sessions of our conferences have always been a wonderful inspiration to me. Usually the key note of the conference is sounded by the prophet of the Lord, the doctrines of the Church are expounded to the understanding of the Saints, and where reproof is needed, it is given. ¶

I have listened with much interest to the remarks of my brethren. The conditions they find in their various fields of labor are much the same as prevail in the Western States mission. My heart is filled with joy when I meet the Saints in the various branches of the Church, and also with isolated families far removed from any Church organization, and listen to their fervent testimonies, a band of faithful, self-sacrificing Latter-day Saints into whose lives has come a knowledge that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of the living God, men and women who not only welcome the elders, but pray for their coming. ¶

Elder Pratt's remarks with reference to Trinidad interested me. I recently visited our Church members there, for we have a few honest-hearted people there who have accepted the gospel, and who tread unswervingly the pathway of duty, undeterred by doubts, singleminded, and straight forward. There is rejoicing in their hearts and a feeling of salvation has come into their lives. They, like Job of old, testify, "I know that my Redeemer lives." Christ to them is the very Redeemer of the world, and Joseph Smith is his prophet. ¶

The gospel taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the power of God unto salvation. Joseph Smith came not as did Luther, Calvin, Knox, Wesley and many other reformers, whose lives have influenced so many people in various parts of the world, and whose teachings have done so much to break the shackles that bound the people throughout the dark ages, but he came as a restorer of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and gave unto the world the gospel in its fulness. ¶

The tendency in the world is to humanize religion, eliminating all Divinity out of it. One of the so called "Advanced" churches of New York City, according to Leslie's Weekly, has resolved to abolish all reference to "sect, class, nation, or race," and has a new bond of union to be signed by all its members. To do this it deems it necessary to adopt a new "statement of purpose" from which mention of Christ and Christianity is omitted. Public announcement is made that the "church has dropped Jesus." ¶

We have people in Denver who follow the teachings of the Marlein Bible, written by Rev. Marley, the head of the church, in which men are forbidden to mention God or Jesus in their prayers, and to do so would be considered heresy and sufficient cause for excommunication from the church. Indeed, sample prayers for all occasions and the blessing for food are given without a single reference to our Father in heaven or his Son Jesus Christ. It may interest you to know that their church government is planned after our own, with a president and twelve apostles, six of whom are women. Also a high council of twelve persons, half of whom are women. The leader con- ¶

fesses be is acquainted with the doctrines and organization of the "Mormon" Church. Truly, they have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof. ¶

How different with our people, the Latter-day Saints, who have implicit faith in God and his Son Jesus Christ. They believe that be really is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him, that through the Holy Ghost they may know him. Paul the apostle writing to the Corinthian Saints, (I Cor. 12) declared, "Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." Latter-day Saints receive this witness, and many of them would sacrifice their lives, as did the Mexican brother referred to by Elder Pratt, rather than deny the truth that had become a part of their lives. The beauty of it all is, God is no respecter of persons, and all men everywhere are invited to partake freely of these wonderful gifts. In Doc. and Cov. 1:35 it is recorded: ¶

And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth, I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh, for I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion; and also the Lord shall have power over his Saints, and shall reign in their midst; and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world. Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself: and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same; for behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. ¶

I rejoice in the opportunity that has come into my life to bear witness of these things to the people of the earth, it brings peace and satisfaction to my soul; and I pray that so long as I have power to lift my voice, it may be in defense of this great Latter-day work, known to the world as "Mormonism." It is bound to succeed. It cannot be overcome by the powers of darkness. God has so decreed. We meet with a great deal of opposition from certain quarters, and I am rather glad of it, it not only advertises us, but it puts the missionaries on edge, makes them aggressive, and more determined to deliver their message to the people. The elders of the Western States mission are crying repentance unto the people, and inviting all to come unto Christ. I thank God for them, and for their faith and devotion to this great cause. I pray that the spirit of peace may abide in your hearts, that God will abundantly bless you, with the Holy Spirit that you may have implicit faith in this great Latter-day work, and power given you to live its principles, I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. ¶

The chorus sang."Do What is right." ¶

Benediction was offered by Elder Joseph S. Barker. ¶

SECOND [DAY ¶

Conference continued in the Tabernacle, Monday April 5, at 10 a. m. Congregation was called to order by President Heber J. Grant, who presided. ¶

The choir and congregation sang, "We thank Thee, O God, for a prophet." ¶

Elder Peter G. Johnston, member of the general auditing committee, offered prayer. ¶

The choir and congregation sang, "How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord." ¶