President of the Lost River Stake of Zion

I feel, my brethren and sisters, somewhat like Paul of old said, probably one of the weakest or the least of you. I appreciate more than words can express my fellowship and membership in this great work. ¶

I have not had the privilege as some have had of being born under the covenant, but I have had the privilege of studying for myself. Therefore, in my mature age, I became a convert to this Church, and I can say, as the scriptures say, that the little seed which was sown within me has developed and grown. Wherefore we know, if that be the case, that we are not in error but are continuing in the light. I, too, with the rest of you, in another sense, make the same statement as did Paul: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man, neither did I receive it of men, but by and through the revelations of Jesus Christ." ¶

That is why we are all here. We have not received this gospel of man, but through the revelations of Jesus Christ. Not perhaps through a direct message, but by the influence that he has left us. ¶

I always appreciate hearing someone speak concerning the Book of Mormon. That book is the reason for my standing before you today. I believed it to be the word of the Lord, and in reading it, said to my wife: "If the Bible is the word of the Lord, there is no question in this world that this book is also the word of the Lord." As the Bible is the history of the hand-dealings of the Lord with the people on the eastern hemisphere, so the Book of Mormon is a history of his dealings with the people on the western hemisphere. One substantiates the other, and together they give us a strong testimony. ¶

I bear you my testimony that the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price are true and from the Lord. No wonder we gather here as a host. No wonder men live and want to live worthy lives that they may continue to grow in this great work, that when we have finished our mission here we may take with us the intelligence which we have gained here. We should, therefore, be thankful to each other and continue to work in the Lord's cause, spending our means and living in such a way that our brethren who are not of our faith may see our good works and join with us. ¶

A young woman from New York City made the statement that it was foolish for the people in this intermountain country to build such a house as we are gathered in, that as far as religious worshipers are concerned it would be impossible for those who are residing in this city to fill it. And yet here it is filled to overflowing every conference. Why is it? It is because we all grow together in this Church. One is not greater than the other, only we respect, of course, our brethren who are over us in authority. But we grow together, we grow in intelligence, and we all take part. That is the reason that we are here today enjoying the Spirit of the Lord and the great testimonies that have been borne. ¶

It is my testimony that this is the work of the Lord, and that it will grow, and that we will be exalted in our Father's kingdom if we continue faithful and do our bit by taking part in this great organization. May the Lord bless us in our righteous undertakings, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶