Remarks

I feel very keenly the responsibility that rests upon one who attempts to address a congregation of this size. In fact my heart has been beating very rapidly ever since President Grant announced that I would be one of the speakers this afternoon. To be Latter-day Saints means service. We must be prepared on all occasions to defend the gospel; to speak upon it whenever we are called. We sometimes feel that we have not anything to say, which may be true in some cases. I think as Latter-day Saints, we depend more upon the Spirit of the Lord to actuate our remarks than does any other denomination upon the face of the earth. I am very grateful for this. The Lord knows what is best to be said; what is best to be done. If we will act in accordance with the dictates of that spirit, we will not go wrong. Whatever we do will be for the advancement of this great work. ¶

About five years ago, or a little more, I was called upon to preside over the Hyrum stake. I felt wholly incapable of performing that great work. But I want to bear testimony to you that this work is indeed a wonderful work, and if we will put forth the efforts necessary in order to carry the responsibility that is placed upon us, we will be able to accomplish this work. One of the greatest testimonies I have of the divinity of this work is the very rapid growth it has made since first established, through the prophet Joseph Smith, despite the great obstacles that confronted him, and by which the people have been confronted from that time up to the present. If it had not been for the help and work of the Lord, it would not have endured; nor advanced from six members to more than about five hundred thousand, the present population of the Church. President Grant gave a report this morning of the wonderful work that we are doing throughout the nations of the earth; of the spiritual growth and development of this Church. No greater privilege can come to a Latter-day Saint than to be called to perform a service in this Church. A short time ago I was checking upon the number of people in the wards and in the stake who are holding office, and I find that over 50% of the entire stake population hold offices in this Church. We know that in order to advance we must work. Success is dependent upon continuous work. We have an opportunity to work all the time, if we only will to do it, and the advancement that we would make in the future would be wonderful if 75% or 80% of those who held office in this Church would only respond to the calls that are made of them in a whole-hearted way and be absolutely dependable. We could not do otherwise than grow and flourish. ¶

Our organization embraces all truth. It covers every good thing. The people of the nations, the people of the world today are seeking after organization. They find that it is necessary to organize in order to protect business, and to protect themselves in a social way, in order that men may succeed in any undertaking. We have this great organization, and we could apply it, if we desire, to any line of business, and I believe it would be effective. I do not think there is any other organization in a business way that would be quite as effective as this one. ¶

I do not wish to continue my remarks, but I want to bear my testimony. I know this is the work of the Lord; and I know that if we will perform the duties of Latter-day Saints, we cannot but advance, gain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding; we cannot but be prosperous, if we will heed the instruction of those who preside over this Church. I pray that this may be our happy lot, and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶

The Metropolitan Singers, W. F. Robinson, director, sang two selections: (a) "Prayer Perfect;" (b) "Holy Art Thou." ¶