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Show QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. The Stake conference held in Logan, April 30th and May 1st was very numerously attended, and was profuse of excellent instructions, and a beneficent spirit. The conference opened Saturday, April 30th, at 10 a. m.<br><br> Present on the stand, Pres. John Taylor, Geo. [George] Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith; Apostles W. Woodruff, Brigham Young, F. D. Richards; Patriarch John Smith; Stake Presidency, W. B. Preston, C. O. Card.<br><br> Prayer by Elder Wilford Woodruff. Singing by the choir.<br><br> Clerk of the Stake read the statistical report for the quarter ending April 30th, 1881. Bishop Edwin Woolley addressed the congregation. Expressed his pleasure at having the privilege of attending conference here for the first time. Compared our present conditions and prospects as a people, with what they were some thirty years ago. The contrast can scarcely be realized except by those who have experienced it. Said he thought our faithfulness is the only means by which we can continue to enjoy the blessing of God. Said the time is short when the power of Jehovah will be exerted in behalf of his people more strikingly than ever in the past. Acknowledged His hand in all things, and asked His assistance.<br><br> Bishop Jardine of Clarkston, gave a report of the condition of the people over whom he presides. Said some were striving to serve the Lord, but others were careless and indifferent.<br><br> Bishop Maugham of Wellsville, said the people took much interest in meetings, Sabbath schools, etc., and were in good health and spirits.<br><br> Bishop Liljenquist of Hyrum, was pleased to meet the Saints in conference. Said we were exceedingly blessed with health and prosperity and if we remember the commandments of God, we will continue to be blest. Thought the temple donations this spring were rather behind, but in other respects the people of Hyrum had done well.<br><br> Bishop Pitkin of Millville gave an account of his labors in Virginia while absent for about a year. Said he was well treated and his experience has made him more desirous to keep the Lord's commandments. Did not baptize many, but had sown good seed and removed much prejudice. In the due time of the Lord, they would be glad to hear our elders. In most instances the people were opposed to letting them preach in the churches, but frequently they found churches whose deeds were made out in such a manner that all denominations had a right to use them. In such cases they claimed the use of their buildings and preached to the people.<br><br> Bishop Davidson of the 3d ward reported. Said the people responded well to calls for the temple generally, but some did nothing.<br><br> Bishop Sidemore? Skidmore? of Richmond, said the Saints of his flock would compare favorably with those in other parts of the Territory. Tithing and temple donations are paid liberally. The Sabbath schools and associations are well conducted and accomplishing a good work. <br><br> Pres. Taylor made a few remarks. Said it is well to hear the reports of the different wards, to know how many officers, members, births, deaths, etc., there are, and thought it would be well to enquire how many officers and members are alive to their duties, and seeking to promote the welfare and purity of the Saints of God. Was pleased with the spirit manifested by the bishops that gave reports. Said we should try to bring all men up to the standard of truth and improve the moral and religious condition of mankind as far as lies in our power. Said he and those with him wished to visit with the Saints at their own houses and with the help of God tends and strengthen the people. Prayed that the Saints would be blessed and instructed during the conference.<br><br> Choir sang and the meeting was adjourned with prayer by John Smith.<br><br> Saturday 2 p. m.<br><br> Opening exercises, Prayer by Pres. Jos. F. Smith.<br><br> Clerk read the amounts donated to the temple by the Stakes in this temple district.<br><br> Wilford Woodruff addressed the meeting. He disliked to hear elders called upon to preach begin a discourse with excuses; they should have the spirit of God, then they need no apology. They should be guided at all times by that spirit. Few, compared with the great number of inhabitants of the earth are willing to be governed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is very unpopular and always has been, we have to encounter opposition and persecution, because we reprove sin and rebuke iniquity and they do not like it. We are the only people that have the gospel and are looking for the fulfillment of prophecy. The inhabitants of the earth now are as wicked as those in any generation of whom we have an account. The writings of the Christians to day tend to infidelity and skepticism. Great responsibility rests upon us as a people and particularly the officers of the church, and there was never a generation that God will hold to a greater responsibility, than this generation. The Judgements of God are about to be poured out upon the wicked, and blessed is that man who is faithful in bearing a testimony to the world. Angels and spirits are scrutinizing our movements and labors with great interest. When any nation is ripe in iniquity it will be cut off, especially those upon this choice land of promise. We would not be noticed were this work not of God, but as it is we are an object of interest to all nations, and God has decreed that we should grow and increase until we fill the whole earth. We lived with our Heavenly Father and mother before we came here, and many were ordained to hold certain positions and accomplish certain labors here on the earth, and we should be faithful and accomplish the work given us. We should exert ourselves to build the temple as the dead are anxious for us to begin the work of their redemption. The speaker bore his testimony to the truth of the gospel, and knew the revelations were true. God has said he would sustain His people, and Zion would never be moved out of her place, and those that have opposed her have fallen, and woe be unto that nation or people that lift their hands to oppose this people; they shall waste away and be destroyed. Exhorted the people to study the revelations of God and be faithful to the covenants they have made during their short sojourn on earth, that they may inherit eternal life in the kingdom of God.<br><br> Apostle Franklin D. Richards next addressed the congregation. Said, in speaking, he had no other desire than to edify those who might hear. He did not know when the people of God were more blessed than we are at present, except when the ancient people on this continent all sought to serve the Lord and God blessed them and no people could be more happy. Some cannot appreciate the things of God because their heads are set too much upon the things of this world. The great work which mankind came here to do, is to make their calling and election sure, and secure the authority and blessings that have been conferred upon us. Spoke on the subject of temples as one great object of our lives. The ordinances of the gospel should be performed in proper places and in the proper manner, that they may be ratified and effective in heaven. We do not realize the importance of this subject nor work as diligently as we should. It is reasonable to believe that those of our leaders who have passed away will soon return and assist in breaking up the nations and establishing universally the power and authority of the gospel of Christ. When we were poor we were humble and obedient, and now we are blessed with worldly goods let us not be less faithful. God knows how to humble us. Let us not incur his displeasures. The temple is advanced almost enough to put in the the baptismal font, that the work for the dead may commence; then let the elders take their name and work on the temple rather than working away from home for the Gentiles. The coming of our savior is nigh, and we should repent or atone for the sins that cannot be forgiven without an atonement. We should be preparing for His coming for we are laden with responsibility and labor to perform. As soon as we are ready the power of God will be manifested as it never has been before. The world is trying to introduce wickedness among the Saints as the most effective way of opposing us, and leading away the children of the Saints. Let us be careful.<br><br> Elder Lorenzo Snow said we would enjoy more of the blessings of the gospel if we would live better. All the powers of darkness cannot prevent us from enjoying these blessings if we live as we should. When surrounded with cares, our understandings become somewhat darkened and we do not have the spirit of God as we should. In our pursuit of the things of this life we should not loose sight of the spiritual labors that devolve upon us. The elder that imparts freely the knowledge he has received will increase in knowledge as will his influence in the heavens. On the same principle, let the man who has plenty of temporal blessings impart freely to others, and give of his substance without fear, for the advancement of God's kingdom, then will he be temporarily blessed. Spoke of the law of tithing and the principles of the United Order. The law of tithing is upon every member, and which the people observe this law and the principle of the United Order, God will bless them in a most generous manner.<br><br> Temples will be reared, and the poor will be gathered and taken care of.<br><br> Choir sang an anthem, and meeting adjourned until Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. Benediction by Elder Brigham Young.<br><br> Sunday, 10 a. m.<br><br> Present on the stand, Prests.[Presidents] John Taylor, Geo. [George] Q. Cannon, Jos.[Joseph] F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Wm. [William] B. Preston, C. O. Card, M. W. Merrill, Elder Geo. Reynolds and others. <br><br> Opening exercises. Prayer by Elder Geo. Reynolds.<br><br> Pres. Jos. F. Smith addressed the meeting. The Lord has blessed us wonderfully in these vallies and we have increased in numbers, wisdom and knowledge. We have been protected against our enemies, and their wicked schemes have been overturned for our good. In ?? God promised this people that from that day the kingdom and people of God should triumph over their enemies, and continue to do so as long as they keep His laws. According to the prediction of the prophet Daniel, we shall continue to grow and increase and triumph and will continue until this "stone cut out without hand" shall break in pieces all other kingdoms. We must look forward with unfaltering faith for the consummation of the promises of God. Man may fail, but God's word will never fall to the ground. Blessed is he that has faith to overcome all his faults and trials, and strives God in times of trouble and in times of wealth and prosperity. There is greater danger in the trail of wealth than in poverty. God gave us all we have, and we are as much in His hands to day as at any time in our lives, and all we possess belongs to Him. When we become rich we are in danger of forgetting God and our covenants and allow our minds to be absorbed in obtaining more wealth. But no man can enter into the celestial kingdom of God unless he can endure the possession of wealth, and not forget his duties. How wonderfully God is blessing us! Zion's cry to day is, "give us room that we may dwell." We should increase in faithfulness as fast at least as we increase in the possession of earthly blessing. And unless we show to God our appreciation of His blessings, he will visit us with scourges and show us that He has not forgotten us, if we have forgotten Him. Every member of the church should be a shining light, an active worker in the kingdom of God, and an example to the world. I have no time to idle away on street corners, in billiard halls or in other places. The only way I can keep the spirit of God is to apply my utmost energies in serving God. I would that I could impress upon the minds of all the appreciation of time as it is impressed upon mine. Our existence on this earth is short, and should be economized in preparing for our future state. The Savior declared that we would have to render an account of every little word. Within the soul of every living man or woman is a self acting register that records every act and word, and when aroused by the quickening influence of the power of God in the last day, the thoughts, words and acts of our lives will be brought vividly before us and we have to give an account of them all. The earth is to become as a sea of glass that will act as a Urim and Thummim and show to its inhabitants all things that are beneath their glory. Hence the saying that the deeds done in darkness would be brought to light. We cannot blot out the records made in our memories, neither can we prevent our acts being recorded, therefore let us make a good record. We are making other records, as those of baptisms and the ordinances and covenants we take upon ourselves, and let us beware that our mental records agree with those kept in the church and be not hypocrites. Let us serve God in purity of heart, then will baptism truly wash away our sins, and other ordinances be effected. We cannot trifle with those holy principles. We should dedicate ourselves and all we have to God for the advancement of his works, and be diligent in training the children property and promoting the welfare of the Saints.<br><br> Pres. Geo. [George] Q. Cannon said his feelings in associating with the Saints was beyond description. There is a great contrast between the spirit of the world and that enjoyed by the Saints. It seems that the work of the Lord is progressing more rapidly than ever before. I have enjoyed myself while absent, and with regard to my position as a member of Congress, I have not had a moment's uneasiness since I left home; and in the nature of things, we must be victorious for truth is on our side and the acts of our enemies will be overturned for the advancement of God's work. Contests with our enemies bring us before the eyes of nations more fully than we could do ourselves. We feel sometimes so angry that if we had the power we would take away the agency of our enemies, and prevent their hostile acts towards this people. This is wrong. We should pity them rather than injure them. They can only go as far as God permits, and we should feel to let them have the same privileges that we claim is man's right to enjoy. Let us view calmly the acts of the wicked. Why should we be uneasy at their acts? God watches over us and they cannot injure us only as he permits. Then do not lie disturbed at the acts of our enemies, but rather at our own acts. God revealed to me what the result would be, and I have know all the time how the contest will end. There is one thing that affects me more than all other things; it is the fact that there exists among Elders in Israel division and contention. This should not be. Union should characterize the Saints. IN noticing the statistics I observed that if there were 45 more elders in this Stake every tenth person would be an elder. Think of it. Ought not the peace and blessings of God to hover around you. It is your fault if they don't. You are liberal in paying tithing and donations as shown by your reports. And in looking around I see you are greatly blessed, proving the old saying of Bishop Hunter, "Pay your tithing and be blessed." The care that is now being taken in the disbursement of tithing is stimulating the Saints to be more liberal in that direction. If we set a good example before our children in this law there will be a more righteous generation raised up. You should use the advantages now afforded for educating your children by giving them as thorough an education as they may have access to. I am now writing a work upon the Book of Mormon which I am going to publish. There is one thing that shows how different two fathers may raise their children, referring to Laman and Lemuel, showing how they raised their children. If a man be prayerful his family will be apt to follow his example. Or let a man chew tobacco and drink whisky and the children will be apt to grow up in the same ways. Let a man be prayerful and set a good example before his children, and it will be felt to the latest generation.<br><br> Singing. Benediction by Patriarch John Smith.<br><br> Sunday, 2 p. m.<br><br> Opening exercises. Prayer by Elder Lorin Farr. The sacrament was administered and the authorities of the church and of this stake were presented and sustained by the people. <br><br> Apostle Brigham Young said he rejoiced to meet with the saints here having been absent from them for some time. The instructions given this conference are good and prompted by the spirit of God. The saints know whom they serve and have knowledge that the world knows nothing of. Had Had visited the people in the southern settlements and found them trying to serve the Lord. The people of Arizona do not have the advantages that we enjoy in some respects. Still the climate and soil are good, and there are many places well suited for homes for the saints. The saints have to endure opposition and rascality from our enemies in that territory. Through fraud their representatives have been thrown out and those of their enemies have been sent to the legislature. They are cultivating the principles of the United Order. Great events are at our door and we should prepare ourselves for them. Our enemies will soon be brought on their knees to us for protection and help while war devastates the lands around us. The signs of the times are as plain to the inspired mind as the development of the buds into leaves and blossoms. It is our privilege to know concerning these coming events and prepare ourselves for them. These vallies [valleys] will be thickly settled and sustain many more than now dwell here and the armies of the Lord will become great and terrible.<br><br> Pres. John Taylor next addressed the congregation. We should thank God for his goodness and blessings, and when we live so as to enjoy the spirit of God as we should, then will we be blessed in a much more remarkable manner. We are living in a great age, and should understand the relation which we sustain to the priesthood, our families, the world, and to God. We should understand the laws of God and what will be our destiny. We have heard some of our duties from the brethren that have spoken. Among other things the training of our young has been mentioned and this is an important subject. They are to be God's representatives on the earth and great care should be taken in their training and education. Good and evil has always existed opposed to each other. Even in heaven we have an example of these conflicting principles, when the plan for creation of a new planet and the redemption of mankind was being discussed. Lucifer rebelled against God and wished to save all and take the honor and power of God. Jesus, however, took upon himself the great work of the Father and hence became "the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the earth." Satan wished to bring all God's family into bondage by taking away their agency. But he was cast out with his followers, and Christ wrought out an infinite atonement. Adam's fall was all arranged before hand. Rebellion commenced on the earth with the children of Adam, and Cain killed his brother who was a representative of God. The opposition of the two powers still exists. The Bible tells but little of the wickedness introduced in Adam's day, but the gospel was also taught that mankind might obtain an exaltation. The coming of the Savior and the work be accomplished was taught and ordinances introduced as symbols of his death and suffering. Enoch, being clothed with the power and spirit of God, gathered the portion of the people who would listen to him, and they were taken up to heaven, while the wicked were drowned and went to prison. Jesus opened their prison door after his death. We need opposition; it does us good, if we overcome. We now have the priesthood of God and are building up another Zion like the one of Enoch and the time will come when we will ascend and meet and mingle with the people of Enoch's city and rejoice. The church is organized with its officers and we are commanded to preach, baptize, build temples, etc., and prepare for the final contest of Michael and his hosts against Lucifer and his army, in the great last contest of evil with good. If we were in possession of the spirit of God, we and all we own would be upon the alter for the use of God. The life of our Savior was characterized by humility and willingness to do the will of God, and He is our pattern, which we will follow if we are led by the spirit of the Lord. One thing I would say before closing; Don't go off to work on railroads and mingle with the most degraded of mankind nor allow your sons to become corrupted by doing so. If you engage in anything of that kind, let it be under the direction of your presiding officers, and organize your companies so you can worship God as well as when at home. <br><br> The home missionaries were appointed and their folds assigned.<br><br> Elder Geo. [George] Q. Cannon thanked the Saints for their faith and prayers for him.<br><br> The regular priesthood meeting was postponed until the first Saturday in June.<br><br> Conference adjourned until July 30th and 31st.<br><br> Singing. Benediction by Pres. [President] Wilford Woodruff. |