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Show QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. The regular Quarterly Conference of the Cache Valley Stake of Zion was held in the Tabernacle at Logan city, Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 1880. There were present on the stand, President Franklin D. Richards, Bishop E. F. Sheets, Elder David M. Stuart, and the Presidency and several Bishops of the Stake. The services were opened with singing by the choir. Prayer by Councilor Merrill. Singing. President Preston made a few introductory remarks and then asked the Bishops to give the reports of their wards. In pursuance of his request, representatives from different points gave much interesting information concerning the affairs of the Church and condition of the people under their direction. Benediction by Councilor C. O. Card. SATURDAY AFTERNOON. Singing by the choir. Prayer by Elder James A. Leishman. Singing. Superintendent C. O. Card read a report of the Temple donations of this Stake of Zion to Dec. [December] 31st, 1879, and also a recapitulation of all donations from the several Stakes of Zion in Logan Temple district, a condensation of which is given below: Free will offerings from Logan Temple District to Logan Temple, from May 28, 1877, to Dec. [December] 21, 1879: BOX ELDER STAKE. Brigham City -- $ 8,330.70? Calls Fort 1, 334.34? Malad City 1,270.56 Portage 1,768.51 Mantua 3,307.91 Samaria 3, 154.95 Bear River City 1,321.04 Willard City 3,376.04? Snowville 528.17? Plymouth 2.65 Deweyville 684.84? Three Mile Creek 1,190.47? Indian Farm 1,103.69 Honeyville 961.52? Total $28,643.09. BEAR LAKE STAKE. Paris -- $ 7,681.41? St. Charles 3,717.73 Montpelier 2,547.27 Ovid 1,265.77 Soda Springs 133.09 Bennington 1,167.48 Bloomington 5,869.72? Lake Town 2,318.23 Fish Haven 1,039.80 Meadowville 1,222.21 Bern? 378.66? Georgetown 507.89 Liberty 1,532.72 Randolph 2,153.77? Bear Lake Stake 1,277.81 Total -- $31,283.27? CACHE VALLEY STAKE. Logan 1st Ward -- $ 6,489.43? 2d 5,282.37 3d 3,233.81? 4th 7,470.11 5th 4,180.51 Hyde Park 5,841.03? Smithfield 7,331.89 Richmond 9,934.73 Lewiston 4,049.99 Franklin 3,451.83? Mink Creek 1,031.97 Mound Valley 1,041.49 Clifton 1,309.71 Weston 2,946.03 Clarkston 5,235.28? Newton 2,837.04 Benson 1,033.19? Mendon 4,693.81? Wellsville 2,817.01 Providence 4,012.87 Oxford 1,393.97? Marsh Valley 347.64 Logan Sunday Schools 60.34? Total $107,720.73? Other sources 21,646.26 Grand total -- $102,109.87 He then made a few remarks concerning the wards reading their reports from time to time, that mistakes may be corrected n the time thereof, and suggested many proper things relative to the building of the Temple. He encourages the saints to do all in their power to prosecute that labor to completion; and set forth that the Temple would benefit not only the saints but all the human family, and urged these who had not yet done anything for the building up of that House to do so. Councilor Merrill read the statistical Report of the is Stake, which showed the total number of members to be ?, exclusive of one ward not reported. The report showed that the increase during the past three months, including the saints at Worm Creek, amounts to nearly 500. Councilor Merrill then made some remarks regarding the taking of a new report once a year, made many pertinent remarks touching the getting up of a proper report and set forth that the servants of God did not wish to do anything that the Lord did not want us to do. He said that those who can remember their prayers, and do their duty rarely have any trouble from the fact they have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. President Preston expressed his satisfaction in saying that the Saints of this Stake were increasing in the work of God, and set forth the object of our gathering up here to keep the commandments of God and building up Zion. He made reference to the goodly reports we had heard and encouraged the Saints to be diligent and energetic in attending to their labors that will conduce to our welfare. He recommended that those who wanted to move somewhere should go to Snake River Valley, where they can obtain good farms; and invited such to give in their names to their Bishops. He suggested the propriety of many in our wards taking a broad view of the use of the elements, particularly in the use of the water, that they should remember that the streams flow down to us by the power and permission of the Almighty. He urged the importance of having a thorough quorum organization, especially a priests quorum, by which means the Gospel might be preached to those who are necessitated to remain at home, and to those who are indifferent about going to meeting. He thought it necessary to train ourselves and our children to build up Temples and build up the kingdom of God. President Richards arose and said that he was pleased to be here and to feel the good influence here. He referred to the subject of settlers going north, as was mentioned by President Preston. He stated that such a proposition had the approval of the Twelve Apostles, not that they desired to call very urgently for volunteers, but should any feel to move there to better their condition they were at liberty to do so, under proper supervision. He said that many of us were inclined to go off by ourselves away on the frontier, yet nevertheless the shepherd of Israel desired to have a watchcare? Over the straggling sheep of the fold. He made reference to the preaching of the Gospel at our homes; and contrasted the converts abroad with the children born at home; and showed how easily the latter could be good Saints. He narrated an incident in the life of Joseph the Prophet. When his enemies were after him some of the police asked him what to do for his protection, and remarked to Joseph that the people were anxious for his safety and that the children were praying for him. Joseph replied, if that was so, they might all go home. Benediction by Elder D. M. Stuart. SUNDAY MORNING. The service were opened by singing, "Truth reflects upon our senses," by the choir. Prayer by Elder Elijah? F. Sheets. Singing, "Great is the Lord." Elder D. M. Stuart then addressed the congregation. He said he felt his weakness in speaking to the Saints. Not because of his ignorance with regard to the order of the kingdom. He was in the presence of his dear friends brethren and sisters who were acquainted with the voice of the Holy Spirit; and his fear was that he might say something which would not edify the people. He wanted to be under the influence of the Spirit because no man can speak the things of God without having that blessing. He spoke of the time when, while he was traveling as a missionary he first met President Preston in California, before Brother Preston had joined the Church. He saw then the great ability which Brother Preston possessed, and he then prayed for the Spirit to come to his aid in teaching him the things of God. Brother Preston had been very kind to him; and he was glad to see him here presiding over one of the greatest Stakes in Zion, teaching the people and building a Temple to the Most High. He contrasted Brother Preston's labors now with what they were when he was in California building log cabins and raising chickens, living without a knowledge of the truth. It requires that a man shall be great in order to be? a Latter-day Saint; because it is necessary that he shall face the whole world in obeying his religion. The doctrines of this Church attempt to teach men how to live here upon this earth as life is in the heaven; and when that is accomplished we will have a heaven upon the earth. And we must all work under the direction of the Priesthood as a band of brothers, until we come to a unity of the faith, see as we are seen and know as we are known. In hearing the reports read yesterday his soul was filled with joy. He could see that people were doing their duty, and that the Priesthood was being honored. He knew that a communication was open between heaven and the earth here in this Stake, because a Temple was being so gladly built. The spirits in the other world were being instructed in the Gospel, by Joseph and his fellow-laborers. They were not far away only a thin veil separates them from our sight. In California he had heard an eloquent sectarian minister tell the people "How to become a Christian," and advance this doctrine: "You can do nothing for yourselves. Jesus died on the cross, and that accomplished all which could be reached of salvation." The doctrine of Christ is that God can be reached by those who obey His commandments. The devils believe with sincerity in Jesus, but that belief without works will not save them. We are called to repent of our sins, and live in purity. This is eternal life, to know the only true and living God; and this knowledge will lead us back to the time when Adam fell. When Jesus appeared after His resurrection, He told His disciples to go forth and proclaim the Truth, and those who believed should be saved; but those who would not believe should be damned. Yet the disciples could not go forth until the Holy Ghost had come upon them. When asked, "What shall we do to be saved?" peter said, "Repent of your sins and be baptized for the remission thereof." The man who honors the Priesthood in himself will honor the Priesthood back to Father in Heaven. If a man will honor his calling, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit and always have a companion with him to guide him through the world unto all truth. A man may say, I respect the authorities and all the Priesthood, but if that is all, his lamp will go out. Let us awake. There is a great work to be done; because the Church itself is not fully organized yet. When this is accomplished all will be in harmony. United Order is the order of heaven; and when we live in that correctly we shall have attained unto perfection. It is the duty of parents to show their children proper examples, so that they may become great and powerful. We read of a plural wife, who prayed for a man child; and the Lord granted her prayer. She consecrated the boy to the service of Heaven, and he, Samuel, the son of a polygamist became a mighty man whose fame is known in all the Christian world. The next speaker was Elder Franklin S. Richards. He said he was proud of his standing in this Church, although he felt diffident? in addressing the Saints. There were many things probably which men might do, with a reasonable degree of success, even though not prompted by the Holy Spirit; but preaching the Gospel of Christ was not one of them. Therefore, in order that he might edify the people and be edified himself, he desired the influence of that spirit. God has established His work in the earth for the last time; and we are instruments in His hands for the performance of His work. We do not believe that we, who have accepted the Truth, are His only people who will be saved; but that every honest hearted man and woman, of whom there are thousands in the world, will receive a salvation. Not the same salvation which will be given to those who have made covenant with the Father, but still a reward in proportion to their merit. The Saints who hold faithfully and sincerely to their belief, and have been persecuted and derided by the whole world, are the chosen children of God, and will receive His choicest blessings. But they must not seek to glide smoothly down the stream of life without trouble. They must gird up their loins and engage valiantly in the battle with Truth against error; and to work for the salvation of the living and dead. We have a mighty labor to perform for those who have gone behind the veil without ever having heard the Gospel. He said that his father, Apostle Richards, had secured the names of thousands of their ancestors, all of whom had had ordinances performed for them in the House of the Lord. He felt already to love these relatives although he had never seen them; and he knew that when a reunion should take place behind the veil, the released spirits would bless their friends who had performed this work for them. Singing, "O, be joyful." Benediction by Elder Thos. [Thomas] Wallace. SUNDAY AFTERNOON. The services opened by singing by the choir. Prayer by Elder John B. Thatcher. Singing by the choir. The sacrament was administered under the direction of Bishop Thomas X. Smith. The general authorities of the Stake were presented by President Preston, and unanimously sustained by the Saints assembled. Elder O. C. Ormsby, Superintendent of Sabbath Schools for this Stake gave the following condensed report: Number of Sunday schools, -- 21 Reported, -- 19 Schools with libraries, -- 13 Number of male officers and teachers, -- 333 Number of female officers and teachers, -- 214 Total number of officers and teachers, -- 547 Average attendance of officers and teachers, -- 813? Number of male pupils, -- 1544? female -- 1737? Total of pupils, -- 3385 Average attendance of pupils, -- 2479? Total number of officers, teachers and pupils, -- 3932. Elder Ormsby said that the schools are on an increase continually, and are more than up to the average. Superintendents and teachers are alive to their duties, and parents seem to have a desire to give their children the advantage of attending and receiving the benefits of the careful training. Referred in glowing terms to the good work which is being done, and spoke of the glorious destiny of the youth of Zion. They should be taught to love the Sabbath school and to find a joy in attending regularly, because there they will receive instruction of the best character. They will be enabled to lay a true foundation for becoming good and useful men and women in the Kingdom of God. Elder Thomas Wallace said that he felt great pleasure in meeting for the first time with the Saints of Cache Valley in their beautiful Tabernacle, built through their generosity and by their labor. The report of the Sunday schools seemed very encouraging. The time may come when the Saints will not be hemmed in as they are now, when their toll will not be so onerous, or their trials so severe. But until that time we must give a portion of such Sabbath day to the education of our youth. Why should we separate our spiritual interests from our temporal interests. The spirit thinks, but the body as a result must act, and then the spirit must also act. Hence it is that men will be judged for the deeds done in the flesh. When we go back to the time of old, man was a perfect being; he communed with God and angels were his constant companions. Man left Eden to go out into the cold world and we are here as a result. Not by compulsion, but from choice. We believed ourselves noble enough and true enough to win our salvation by living worthily here; crowding back the tide of evil, and keeping our tabernacles the pure receptacles for the Holy Spirit. Our children come at our behest, and we are responsible for their condition and their moral training while under our care. We heard this morning of Samuel the boy, a son of a plural wife. After he was consecrated to the service of the Temple he heard the voice of God calling to him again and again, and telling the youth that His priest ? was not fulfilling His commandments, and that the sons of Ell? were disobedient. They were therefore to be slain, and Samuel was required to Eli? of this the father who was responsible for his children. Let us treasure our talents, our children that they may be kept pure and holy; let us give them careful training that they may become useful; and in their youth, let us consecrate them to the service of our God. Apostle Franklin D. Richards the addressed the Saints and said: I have rejoiced in contemplating many of the principles which have been introduced for our consideration. Men and women cannot labor spiritually, any more then they can temporally, without sufficient nourishment. Sometimes there is too much temporal food given, when the spiritual food is not furnished by the Priesthood, and then the spirit flags with weariness. We have been very much gratified to learn of the progress which has been made in the matter of building the Temple here. Many of you, who are before me, will be called upon to erect cities, stakes and Temples to the Lord, over the length and breadth of this goodly land. We are in these mountains today as shrubs are in a nursery until sufficient life and strength are attained to justify removal to a broader field. I will call your attention to what our late president said at the time ground was broken on the hill near us, where the Temple now stands til? course of construction. This temple should be built by the free-will offerings of the people; and too much should not be said about wages and pay, but the labor should be done by the people as an offering freely returned unto the Most High. The speaker then made lengthy reference to the building of Solomon's Temple, showing that the structure mentioned and that others of a similar character in this last dispensation, were not built by tithing but from donations for that especial purpose. There is a law to which I wish to call your attention. We are required to pay tithing. It is found that it is an inclination to employ different people to work on the Temple. But now there is a necessity that a steady set of men be employed who are accustomed to work of a special character ? the great height of the walls. Now if you have money, grain, produce or labor to donate, place all under the direction and subject to the order of the superintendent, Brother Card, that he may secure competent assistance and that the work may not be impeded by the frequent changing of workmen. This is a most important subject. Joseph, Brigham, and others who have gone before are laboring diligently behind the veil. The care of our children is something of moment, growing as they are to become prophets and the favored children and servants of God. Do not get frightened if they are full of vivacity. There is no sin in that. But guide them that they shall not be perverted to evil, but that their energies shall be devoted to good. Take early care of them and they will not sow so many wild oats, and you and they will be preserved from the trouble of harvesting this detestable crop. You are very much blessed here and your energy is much to be commended because you have the liquor evil under restraint, and are enabled to keep your sober? senses. There is something which mush be deprecated. Some Elders get hobbies. They take particular thought of some special doctrines or ordinances to the neglect of all others. Such actions or thoughts are not proper. Like a watch which does its work in all perfection when all its parts are in equally correct operations, so the work of the Lord progresses in absolute harmony when all of the doctrines and principles of the Gospel are considered and obeyed with proportionate carefulness and attention. Take the main spring from a watch and it is worthless so far as telling the time is concerned; so it is useless to attempt and impossible to attain salvation through the observance of only one ordinance; but when we heed all that has been given to us of Truth, and observe carefully all the ordinances and laws, both temporal and spiritual of the Gospel, we are living in that complete and holy way which will eventually lead us unto Eternal Life. President Preston gave out several notices of meetings and said, in speaking of the Board of Trade, that he would be pleased if the people would observe this matter in order that all may work harmoniously. He said he would be pleased if the Saints would aid in sustaining the ordinance which had been put in force for the suppression of the liquor traffic. We are under considerable pressure from evil minded individuals here on the subject, but so far we have been successful to a gratifying extent. Instead of using our taxes for the punishment of people who drink, we have been able to build school houses and give to our people other great and beautiful improvements. We have many applications by men in the liquor business for license here, but my answer to such people is, "We will not Receive this evil until we are obliged to." President Preston then asked for a vote of all those who were willing to assist the municipal authorities and the Priesthood in this work. The response was unanimous. President Preston stated that the conference was adjourned for three months. Singing of an anthem by the choir. Benediction, by Elder D. M. Stuart. |