Notwithstanding the anxiety I have had since the

Notwithstanding the anxiety I have had since the commencement of this conference, anticipating the call to speak, I appreciate the invitation extended by the President of the Church for me to occupy a few moments of the time in this, the concluding session of our conference. I realize that I must be very careful not to offend by trespassing upon the time, for I realize there are a number of brethren whom it is desired to hear before the conclusion of the meeting. ¶

I have enjoyed this conference very greatly, notwithstanding the anxiety I have experienced. In fact, I have thought it to be one of the best conferences we have ever had, and as I looked upon the congregations of saints assembled here to receive the word of the Lord, and remembered that by the use of these amplifiers and radios there would be many thousands of other members of the Church and non-members who would hear what has been said, I have been greatly pleased and have been made to rejoice. But when I contrast the number here assembled with the total membership of the Church, which I understand is about 655,000, I am made to realize that there is but a very small percentage of the people that get the benefit directly from this conference. ¶

The Conference Pamphlet

I have a thought in mind that I desire to express, a plan by which these splendid discourses may reach a greater number of our people. The proceedings of these meetings have been kept and will be printed verbatim and appear in a pamphlet or booklet known as The Conference Pamphlet, for distribution. I think that these pamphlets ought to be found more generally in the homes of the saints. I think we should publish a very great many more of them than we have had need for in the past. I have thought, during this conference, that some of these discourses were real gems. The Spirit of the Lord has been poured out upon us. The speakers have been magnified. They have given us the word of the Lord in such impressive, convincing manner that I have felt that we ought to provide means by which these words might have a wider circulation. Take, for example, the talk made by Elder Stephen L. Richards on the subject of tithing, one that is usually spoken of as a very dry subject. — He dressed that subject in such attractive attire that it was made beautiful, impressive and convincing. That discourse should be read in the homes of all the saints by all those who have not had the privilege of hearing it. ¶

The Importance of Tithe-Paying

The subject of tithing has claimed considerable of the time of this conference. A most excellent discourse upon that subject was delivered at the priesthood meeting by President Grant — very impressive indeed. The importance of the subject demands that it have consideration in our conferences and that it have consideration in our homes. I desire my family to be blessed of the Lord. I therefore desire that they pay their tithing. This Gospel which we have received is one of sacrifice all along the line — In order to be disciples, worthy of the Master, we must be willing that all of our substance be used as far as necessary for the carrying on of the work of the Lord. We must be willing to lay down our lives if need be for the Gospel's sake. We may not be called upon to make such great sacrifices but we are called upon to give one-tenth of our interest annually as a tithe with which to assist in carrying on the work of the Lord, looking to the saving of souls; and sacrifices of this kind bring forth the blessings of heaven: I have proved it. Others have proved it. I know it is true. It brings a peace, a joy, a hope, and an assurance of the blessings of the Lord and his favor that scarcely anything else will do. ¶

Now, this places a responsibility upon parents. I have an unmarried son; not because he does not believe in the law of tithing do I want him to read that discourse, because he does believe in it, and practices it to the extent that he has means, interest or income; it is not that I think the young people of Zion do not believe in the principle of tithing or that the saints generally do not believe in it, — but it is that we may have understanding of the obligations resting upon us, and the blessings that may accrue to us by faithfully performing that duty. ¶

Gems of Information

I call attention to another discourse, that delivered by Elder Ballard. I thought it was a wonderful discourse. He never could have delivered it without the help of the Lord, and I endorse it fully. It is what we might call a delicate subject, referring to the subject of sex, purity of life, and so forth; but in a most masterful manner that discourse was delivered, in words that could be understood and yet would not offend the delicate sensibilities of any young woman. I desire that the young people of Zion who are not present shall have opportunity of reading that discourse. The Lord has blessed the Church with some very efficient teachers of his word and will and I appreciate them, and I would like the members of the Church to have the opportunity of receiving these gems of information and truth. If I can leave this word impressed upon the minds of Latter-day Saints in such a way that they will secure the Conference Pamphlet, and possibly in their home evenings consider it with their sons and daughters, then I shall feel that my remarks have not been made in vain. ¶

"A Marvelous Work and a Wonder"

Brethren and sisters, we are reminded that yesterday was the ninety-ninth birthday anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Already preparations are being made for a grand centennial celebration, suited to the occasion to take place one year hence. There have been ninety-nine years of wonderful accomplishments in the earth. A wonderful work, a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men. A reform has been wrought in the minds and lives of many thousands of people. A reform has been wrought in the religious creeds of this world; and the reformation of the future, I am sure, will be very much greater so far as respects the creeds of this world. Think of it. Hundreds of thousands of honest souls have found a life of happiness, joy, hope — yea, assurance of eternal life, — through yielding obedience to the laws and ordinances of this Gospel, and have passed on to their reward; the reward of the faithful; the reward of eternal life. And there are now in the Church, in the neighborhood of 655,000 souls enjoying the blessings of the Gospel, happy in serving the Lord, in making the sacrifices, having a testimony and a knowledge of the truth of this work, so that they are not in doubt. The future is clear before them. If they can but continue true and faithful to the cause and the covenants and obligations they have entered into, the reward of eternal life is certain. Ninety-nine years of accomplishments. These accomplishments will be portrayed in an impressive manner at the end of a hundred years. ¶

Appreciation of Blessings

In your presence, my brethren and sisters, I feel to acknowledge the hand of God and his blessings unto me and unto my people whom I love. For I love the Latter-day Saints and I love the Lord and his great work. I appreciate the Gospel, its blessings and ordinances, as of course you do. I appreciate my membership in the Church, the fellowship I have with the Latter-day Saints, and the association I have with them. I appreciate my association with the leaders of this Church whom I know personally and well, and know them to be servants of God, worthy of their calling. I am thankful to be permitted to labor with them in the midst of this people, to contribute a little, that which I am able to do, towards the advancement of the work of the Lord here upon the earth. I am thankful for his sustaining power that has attended me in my humble administrations. If I could have done many many times more than I have for this cause, I would still be indebted to the Church. The Church owes me nothing. It owes no man anything. No man who ever became a member of this Church has fully paid the debt of obligation that he owes to God and to this Church and his religion, no matter how faithful he may have been. ¶

Diligence and Faithfulness Urged

Brethren and sisters, do not be discouraged with the duties and obligations resting upon you; of paying your tithes, offerings, contributions, necessary in the labor of the ministry at home or abroad. If we attend to these regularly and faithfully, they will tie us closer and closer and anchor our faith and our souls, and we will be sure of salvation as long as we continue so to do. It is only those who understand these things and have not the faith to yield obedience and make the sacrifices that the Gospel entails, who are unhappy or disappointed in any degree. We cannot afford, brethren and sisters, to be indifferent in this great work or to neglect a single duty. ¶

I know that this work is true as I know that I live. I desire to be true and faithful to the end, and in order to be so, I know that I must have the help of the Lord; and the assurance I have is that if I do my daily duty I will have his help and I will be able to remain faithful. I pray the Lord to help me and you, my brethren and sisters, to be faithful and appreciative of his love, kindness and mercy, and I do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶