Remarks

I have rejoiced exceedingly, my brethren and sisters, during this great conference, and I feel it a privilege to have the opportunity to come here upon this great occasion to listen to the inspired instructions that are given from the servants of the Lord. ¶

When we contemplate the wonderful things that have been accomplished in the short period of time since the organization of the Church, ninety-five years ago, we cannot help but realize, it seems to me, that some divine power has operated and guided the Church from its earliest organization until the present time. ¶

In listening to the reports of the advancement and progress that have been made, as in the report that was made by President Grant at the opening session of this conference, and the reports that were made last evening in the Sunday School conference, and the reports that have been made of the Mutual Improvement organization, and in short in every organization of the Church, it has seemed a wonder. It is a wonder to the world, and they cannot understand how it is that a people who have met opposition all the way along the line have been able to advance and progress as they have done. To us, my brethren and sisters, it is clear, because we are engaged in the work of the Lord, and the Lord has guided and directed the movements of this Church and has inspired its leaders from the earliest organization to the present time. So we are not depending upon the wisdom of men; we are not depending upon the strength of men, but we realize and know that we are in the service of the Lord, and that we are working to accomplish the great purposes that he has established in this day and age of the world. ¶

I have been associated with the Church all my life, so to speak. I came to this country in my early boyhood. Though I was born in a foreign land, I have been associated with the people in these valleys of the mountains for more than sixty years, and I have had a little ¶

experience and observed a few things that have transpired during that length of time, and I want to say, my brethren and sisters, that every word that has been spoken in this conference has found an echo in my soul, which makes me think that I am somewhere near right. ¶

I rejoice in the testimony of the truthfulness of what is called "Mormonism."I know that it is the work of the Lord; I know that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that if we will live up to our privileges; if we will live up to our duties, brethren and sisters, there is no power can stay our progress, our advancement and our exaltation finally in the kingdom of our God. I rejoice to be here to partake of the spirit which comes to us through these wonderful gatherings. I rejoice to bear my testimony to the truthfulness of this work of the Lord to the world, for I know it is true; I know it is for the uplift and the advancement of the children of God, and I pray that the Lord will help every one of us that we may remain faithful and true, that we may be found valiant workers in the cause of righteousness and help to build up his kingdom upon the earth, which I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶