Remarks

It is now time for the dismissal of this meeting, but let me take just a minute to give one or two more thoughts for consideration. ¶

During the last half hour many have left this building, undoubtedly for the purpose of avoiding the crowd they would encounter when the meetings now being held are dismissed. Many of them have been standing for the past two hours and perhaps feel justified in leaving. To my mind this should not be. We should enter a house of worship with a spirit of reverence. We should endeavor to keep order and should consider others above our own personal desires. In leaving a service before its conclusion we do not show this consideration, for we disturb the congregation and make it difficult for the speaker to follow his subject. It is hardly fair to remind you of this, for those who really need this reminder are on the outside, but I am sure we can all render a service to the Church by trying to encourage one another to avoid making such disturbances when attending a religious gathering. ¶

During this conference; a number of the mission presidents have called our attention to requirements for missionary work. President Young has just reminded us that there is a tendency on the part of parents to send missionaries more money than is actually needed for their missionary labors. The Savior's admonition to the Twelve was to go into the world, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. ¶

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give. ¶

"Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, ¶

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat," ¶

The records of the missions justify the statement that those engaged in this work of preaching the gospel, and who follow as nearly as possible this admonition, are doing the best work. This should be an evidence that the Lord is willing to assist his missionaries and will reward their faith and diligence. Let me suggest to those of you who have sons and daughters in the mission field that you communicate with the president of the mission and ask that he advise you as to the amount needed for those you are supporting. If you will then follow the advice given and endeavor to impress upon your son or daughter the importance of doing so, too, the burden now placed upon many who are struggling to maintain missionaries, who are laboring with companions who have more than they need, will be greatly reduced, and ¶

a condition of equality will be more nearly brought about in the mission field. ¶

One more suggestion and I am through. The First Presidency have caused to be established a home where missionaries about to leave for the mission field may receive a course of instruction before their departure, and where returning missionaries, who stay in Salt Lake City to report their labors, may find lodgings. Although this home has been in operation for only a month, we find that some of the out-going missionaries, especially the young men, find it difficult to adapt themselves to the discipline and regulations, apparently not being accustomed to having their freedom curtailed. This, in my opinion, is a reflection upon their home training. ¶

The examinations given and the course of instruction pursued indicate that many are reporting for missionary work who have bodily defects which could and should be corrected before the missionary reports to Salt Lake City. ¶

We are also led to believe that the courses of study prepared especially for the lesser priesthood are not being followed with a view to preparing young men for missionary service. It is not sufficient that they meet in class once a week to study an outline, but we should also provide daily, or weekly, labors for them to perform. Young men and young women should not be called to the mission field until they have labored in the Church organizations, and have become familiar with the principles and ordinances of the gospel. I hope mothers and fathers will not leave this training wholly to the officers of the wards, but will cooperate with them and endeavor as far as possible to see that their children take advantage of every opportunity given to prepare themselves for the great missionary service. ¶

Now, may the Lord bless you and help you in your efforts to serve him, which we should do in the spirit of faith and humility. We cannot serve the Lord without serving our fellow men. May we always be united in our efforts to advocate his gospel and always have his holy Spirit to guide us, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,"was sung by the choir and congregation. ¶