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Show SPECIAL CONFERENCE. l'KESIDEXT LORENZO SXOW AM) PAItTY A1SIT SAINT GEORGE STAKE. A special conference of this Stake of Zion was held in the Tabernacle, St. George, Wednesday and Thursday, May 17th and 18th, commencing at 10 a. m. and 2 p. m. each day. There were present on the stand besides the stake Presidency, Presidents Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith, Apostles Franklin D. Richards, Francis M. Lyman, and Abraham O. Woodruff, Elders Seymore B. . Young, LeRoy Snow, and others. The meetings were well attended, many of the Saints coming com-ing long distances to hear the visiting brethern speak. WEDNESDAY 10 A. M. Services commenced by the choir singing "We thank thee, O God for a. Prophet." Prayer by Elder James G. Bleak. Choir sang: "All hail the glorious day." President Lorenzo Snow expressed the great pleasure he felt in again meeting with the Saints in St George, it was thirteen years since he last had this privilege. He believed the Saints in this stake Of Ziori were more united and paid their tithing better Iti pre portion to their means than any other stake Some young meil had left for the purpose of be!iefitfcini; themselves materially, but those young men that remained Were in a better condition spiritually. We wera here to do the1 work df tile Lord, and it was for a short time only, we should be prepared at all tinies to obey the Lord's calling. A large number would be called to go to Jackson county, the central stake of Zion, where the United Oi'der would be observed when the Lord's' people were fit for it; the United Order failed before because the people thought more of the dollar than serving the Lord and doing His will; ffe believed a large number would be called from St. George for that purpose, as they Were better fitted for it than those of other stakes; they should be prepared. Poor people generally paid a more generous tithing in proportion to their means than the rich people; the records showed that the people of this stake pay the highest tithing according ac-cording to their means of any stake of Zion. The Lord is coming very soon, and the people should be prepared for him in Zioii. The choir sang an anthem; "Praise the Lord, 6 my soul." Prayer by Elder Charles Smith. Choir sang: "Should you feel inclined inclin-ed to censure." Elder Arthur Winters was the first speaker at the morning session, his remarks re-marks being generally upon the blessings bless-ings enjoyed by the Saints that obey the word of the Lord in its fullness. Apostle Francis M. Lyman stated that he first passed through this south' ern country in 1S51, and had been here several tinies since his first visit, when he was about eleven years old. He was here when President Erastus Snow was living in a tent in 1RG2; he remarked remark-ed on the charges made since that time! he was also here when the Temple was dedicated over twenty-two years ago. He placed Erastus Snow second to President Brigham Young as a frontiersman front-iersman and settler. The people here had a blessed country, and were a thrifty and prosperous people who would enjoy the blessings of Abraham, the 1 ,ord is caring for his people and improving the country for them. The Latter-day Saints we're essentially a peaceful people, not only iu the matter of warfare, but in litigation also; they settled their disputes according to the laws of the laud, bt1 according to the laws of the Church, We have no objection ob-jection to other people establishing their ddctl'i'iiis here, in fact' we welcome wel-come thelh( if they will only refrain from making war upon us; we want them to come and dwell among us in the spirit of brotherly love. He strongly strong-ly e:-hotted the brethren to pay their debts, and keep out of debt; if any of the brethren ate in debt, let them ask the Lord to help them to get out of debt and then work to do so. Death is easy and welcome to the Saints who are prepared; be better, do better, keep on improving, and make the best use of the time remaining for your stay upon earth, and you will welcome. death and the celestial glory that awaits you when your work is done hem Misses Mary Thompson and Nellie Woodbury sang a duet. Apostle Richards among other things said that the Lord had given to his pcj!e the most perfect form of government govern-ment upon earth, and we should all appreciate this blessing. In speaking of the duties of the Saints, he remarked remark-ed that it was not enough that we should love one another, but the . Savior Willed that we should love those that persecute and despitefully use us. He also spoke of the law of tithing, and the blessings that would accrue to those who observe the law in its fullness. The choir sang an anthem: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof." ' Benediction pronounced by Patriarch Patri-arch Stillman Woodbury, 2 P. M. The cli6ir sang-; "Come, O thou King of Kings! Prayer by President David .H. Cannon. Choir sang: "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning!'' Elder William Dougall spoke of the duties of the Saints. President Lorenzo Snow then addressed ad-dressed the assemblege on the joys of the celestial life. Spoke of plural marriages, mar-riages, saying that none had occured during his presidency. Miss Mary Morris sang: "Jerusalem." President Joseph F, Smith advised the people of these valleys not to leave their inheritance: the settlement of these dry, barren, desert places had been hard, but the Prophet Brigham Young was not mistaken in his choice of this place for the first Temple in Utah to be built. He promised the people blessings that remained here, and were faithful. The choir sang an anthem: "Like as a father pitieth his children." Benediction was pronounced by Apostle Francis M. Lyman. Apostle Woodruff said he was pleased pleas-ed to again be with the Saints of St. George, but as they had others come to visit them who had not been here for years, he would speak briefly. He believed be-lieved the Latter-day Saints of St. George stake to be one of the most faithful bodies of Saints in the Church, which was accdunted for by the difficulties diffi-culties and hardships they had endured in making homes in these valleys; they had recognised the help of the Lord in their trials and tribulations, and to Him had given the honor. The speaker believed the faith of the Latter-day Saints was increasing, and that it would continue to increase. President Franklin D- Richards followed, fol-lowed, hia relndrks btsiilgf chiefly nbt.'Ut the Temple of the Lord mid the attendant attend-ant blessings. Elder LeRoy Snow, son of President Snow, was the next speaker. His remarks re-marks being principally upon the blessings bles-sings and privileges of the Gospel re--, stored to the Saints in these latter days. Choir sang: "How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord." Benediction was pronounced by President Pres-ident Erastus B. Snow, 2 p. M. Afternoon services commenced by the choir singing, "Lo! the mighty God appearing." Prayer by Elder William Dougall. President Joseph F. Smith addressed the congregation. He strongly advised the Saints to stay with the land of their inheritance, but if they decide to leave, he counseled them to seek the advice of their brethren before doing so, and be guided by them. Bishop W. B. Preston spoke to the Saints assembled on the law of tithing, and upon the duties of priests, teachers, etc. He strongly advised the payment of an honest tithing, and blessings would follow. Apostle Seymor B. Young's remarks were upon the subject of self-denial, and Was a very instructive sermon. Choir sang an anthem: "Lift up your heads. O ye gates." Benediction by President Daniel D. McArthur. THURSDAY 10 A. M. Clioi-snng: "Arise, Og-loriousZion." |
