My beloved brethren and sisters : I do

My beloved brethren and sisters : I do not expect to present anything that is new, in fact we have not heard anything that is new during this conference, but we have heard the simple truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which have been from the beginning and which never grow old. I trust that what I may add may find a response in your hearts, that I may leave some impression that will abide with you when you return to your homes. ¶

god's marvelous work ¶

As I have listened to the most excellent testimonies and instructions that we have received during the sessions of this conference, my mind has turned to a prophecy given hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, by one of the prophets of Israel: ¶

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men": ¶

"Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder : for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." ¶

Thus prophesied Isaiah, speaking of these latter days. The Lord by revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the year 1829, before the organization of the Church, declared that this time was at hand, and that he was about to commence his great and marvelous work among the children of men. I think it is a great privilege to have the opportunity to live in the world when this work is established — this marvelous work which is recognized not only by those who have come into the Church, but by many who are not in the Church. I look upon the kingdom of God, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as being the corner stone of this great and marvelous work which the Lord was to perform. And as I look over this vast assembly into the faces of men who hold the Priesthood, it is impressed more deeply upon my mind that there is great significance in this organization, and in this Priesthood which has been restored for the salvation of the human family. ¶

WE LIVE IN A MOST WONDERFUL AGE ¶

We are living in a marvelous age, a most wonderful age. The Lord is fulfiling his purposes very rapidly, both among the Latter-day Saints and among the peoples of the earth, everywhere. I am fully convinced that the time is now here that was also spoken of by another of the prophets, who said : ¶

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions : ¶

"And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." ¶

GREAT MODERN INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES ¶

Of course, it was those who held the Priesthood and who were members of the Church, who had made covenant with God, that should prophesy and see visions, but the Lord was also to pour out his Spirit on others beyond the borders of modern Israel. ¶

I remember sitting in a meeting some thirty or more years ago when that meeting was being addressed by one of the members of the ¶