President Joseph F. Smith (Funeral of Lorenzo Snow) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1901, p.96 My beloved brethren and sisters, we are under the necessity of moving promptly, and as the time is very limited I will not attempt to make any remarks, except to say that President Lorenzo Snow was the last among the Apostles who were, in their mature years, intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith; and with the exception perhaps of the Prophet Joseph Smith himself, there has never stood a man upon the earth in this generation who has borne a more clear-cut, positive and direct testimony of the divine mission of Joseph Smith and the divinity of this great latter day work than President Lorenzo Snow did. I was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph in the days of my childhood. With the exception of Brother Brigham Young and myself, there is not now any member of the quorum of the Apostles who had the privilege and honor of being acquainted with the Prophet in his lifetime. I knew President Brigham Young, and I bear my testimony to the world that not only was Joseph Smith inspired of God and raised up to lay the foundations of this great latter day work, but Brigham Young was raised up and sustained by the power of Almighty God to continue the mission of Joseph and to accomplish the work that he laid out during his lifetime. I have been connected with President John Taylor, and I testify that he also was a man of God. He was indeed God's mouthpiece. He was a martyr with the Prophet Joseph, for his blood was shed with Joseph's and Hyrum's, but the Lord preserved his life, that he might fulfil the mission unto which he was called, to preside over the Church for a season. I was intimately acquainted with President Wilford Woodruff, and I bear testimony to the mission of that gracious, good man. I have also been more or less intimate with President Snow, and I bear testimony that his work was of God. You who understand what he has done can testify to his good work; but there are some things he accomplished which may never be known or seen; save perhaps in the subdued spirits and increased devotion and faithfulness of those who were immediately associated with him. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1901, p.96 I now desire to say just one word tn the widows and the sons and daughters of the Prophet Lorenzo Snow. As your husband and father bore the Melchisedek Priesthood and knew whereof he testified--for he was not deceived nor misguided in his knowledge of the mission of Joseph Smith and of the divinity of this great latter-day work, but possessed an absolute knowledge from the Source of all truth--I plead with the sons and with the daughters of President Lorenzo Snow to so shape their course in the future that they may follow in his footsteps in connection with this great work, so that when their mission in this world shall be finished and they shall be called hence to meet their father, they may do so proudly, joyously, and with an upright mien, having an assurance in their souls that they have obeyed his counsel, followed in his footsteps, and to their latest breath have been true to the cause of Zion. That God may grant this to the offspring of President Lorenzo Snow from generation to generation, and that the blessings, peace and consoling influence of the Holy Spirit may rest mightily upon the widows of this good man, to comfort their hearts, to buoy up their spirits, and to open up their way, that they may not lack while they shall remain with us, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.69 The course the Saints should pursue--Necessity of complete organization--The order and authority and functions of the Priesthood. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.70 My brethren and sisters, I do not expect to occupy very much time this morning, but I feel that it would be proper for me to make a few remarks, as we are gathered here in the capacity of a special general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the purpose of acting upon matters that may be presented to us, in the regular order of the Church and of the Priesthood. It is only recently that we held our semi-annual general conference, which was largely attended, and at which, on the last day, we were privileged to hear the voice of President Lorenzo Snow, who spoke to us for the last time in the flesh, and left with us his instruction and counsel in relation to some of the most important matters that pertain to the continuance of the ministry and the labor of the Apostles of Jesus Christ throughout the world. We little supposed then that it would be the last time he would appear before us, or that we would be favored with his presence, his counsel and wisdom; but the Lord has taken him from our midst. He has finished his mission here, and the labor now devolves upon us who survive. It is our duty to take hold of the work vigorously, with full determination and purpose of heart to carry it on, with the help of the Lord, and in accordance with the inspiration of His Spirit, as it has been done in the past. It is our privilege to live nearer to the Lord, if we will, than we have ever done, that we may enjoy a greater outpouring of His Spirit than we have ever enjoyed, and that we may advance faster, grow in the knowledge of the truth more rapidly, and become more thoroughly established in the faith. All this, however, will depend upon the increased faithfulness of the people--of those who have made covenant with God by sacrifice, who have come before the Lord with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and with unshaken determination in their souls that they will fight the good fight, that they will keep the faith, that they will work righteousness and that they will defend the cause of Zion by their example as well as by their professions. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.70 We can make no advancement only upon the principles of eternal truth. In proportion as we become established upon the foundation of these principles, which have been revealed from the heavens in the latter days, and determine to accomplish the purposes of the Lord, will we progress, and the Lord will all the more exalt and magnify us before the world and make us to assume our real position and standing in the midst of the earth. We have been looked upon as interlopers, as fanatics. as believers in a false religion; we have been regarded with contempt, and treated despicably; we have been driven from our homes, maligned and spoken evil of everywhere, until the people of the world have come to believe that we are the offscourings of the earth and scarcely fit to live. There are thousands and thousands of innocent people in the world whose minds have become so darkened by the slanderous reports that have gone forth concerning us that they would feel they were doing God's service to deprive a member of this Church of life, or of liberty, or the pursuit of happiness, if they could do it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.70 The Lord designs to change this condition of things, and to make us known to the world in our true light--as true worshipers of God, as those who have become the children of God by repentance, and by the law of adoption have become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; and that our mission in this world is to do good, to put down iniquity under our feet, to exalt righteousness, purity and holiness in the hearts of the people, and to establish in the minds of our children, above all other things, a love for God and His word, that shall be in them as a fountain of light, strength, faith and power, leading them on from childhood to old age, and making them firm believers in the word of the Lord, in the restored Gospel and Priesthood, and in the establishment of Zion, no more to be thrown down nor given to another people. If there is anything that I desire above another in this world, it is that my children shall become established in this knowledge and faith, so that they can never be turned aside from it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.70 We have met on this occasion to confirm or reject, as we feel disposed or as the Spirit of the Lord in us may direct, the action that has been taken by the leading councils of the Priesthood since our last conference and since the death of our beloved President Lorenzo Snow. I desire to state to this congregation one or two things that may be proper to mention, in order that you may understand why we have acted as promptly as we have done in these matters. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.70 After the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Twelve Apostles continued as the presiding quorum of the Church for a number of years; but finally they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit to reorganize the First Presidency of the Church, with Brigham Young as President, and Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards as his counselors. In reality this organization might have been effected within twenty-four hours after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, but their action was delayed, until they found by experience that the exercise of the functions of Presidency and the government of the Church by twelve men at the head was not only cumbersome, but was not fully perfect in the order of the Holy Priesthood as established by the Lord. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 On the death of President Brigham Young, President John Taylor followed in some measure the example of his predecessor. and it was some time before the Presidency of the Church was organized. The Presidency was finally organized, however, with John Taylor as President and George Q. Cannon and myself as counselors. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 At the death of President Taylor, president Woodruff hesitated, and he allowed a little time to pass before the Presidency was again organized. When at last he became convinced that it was his duty, and necessary in order to carry out the purposes of the Lord, he reorganized the Presidency of the Church. At that time he gave a solemn injunction to his fellow servants in relation to this. He desired it understood that in all future time, when the President of the Church should die and thereby the First Presidency become disorganized, it would be the duty of the proper authorities of the Church to proceed at once, without any unnecessary delay, to reorganize the First Presidency. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 As soon as the news reached us of the death of President Woodruff, who was in California at the time, President Lorenzo Snow said to me, "it will be our duty to proceed as soon as possible to reorganize the Presidency of the Church." As you are aware, after the burial of the remains of President Woodruff, he proceeded at once to do this. In this connection I may tell you another thing. President Snow said to me, "you will live to he the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and when that time comes you should proceed at once and reorganize the Presidency of the Church." This was his counsel to me, and the same was given to the Twelve Apostles. In accordance with this principle and with the injunction of President Snow, within one week after his death the Apostles proceeded to designate the new Presidency of the Church, and we did it strictly in accordance with the pattern that the Lord has established in His Church, unanimously. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 I desire to read a little from the revelation in relation to the order of the Holy Priesthood, that you may understand our views concerning adhering as nearly as we can to the holy order of government that has been established by revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the dispensation of the fulness of times. We cannot deny the fact that the Lord has effected one of the most perfect organizations in this Church that ever existed upon the earth. I do not know of any more perfect organization than exists in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today. We have not always carried out strictly the order of the Priesthood; we have varied from it to some extent; but we hope in due time that, by the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we will be led up into the exact channel and course that the Lord has marked out for us to pursue, and adhere strictly to the order that He has established. I will read from a revelation that was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, at Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, January 19, 1841, which stands as the law of the Church in relation to the presentation of the authorities of the Holy Priesthood as they were established in the Church, and from which I feel that we have no right to depart. The Lord says; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 "First, I give unto you Hyrum Smith, to be a Patriarch unto you, to hold sealing blessings of my Church, even the Holy Spirit of promise, whereby ye are sealed up unto the day of redemption, that ye may not fall, notwithstanding the hour of temptation that may come upon you." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 It may be considered strange that the Lord should give first of all the Patriarch; yet I do not know any law, any revelation or any commandment from God to the contrary, that has ever been given through any of the Prophets or Presidents of the Church. At the same time we well know that this order has not been strictly followed from the day we came into these valleys until now--and we will not make any change at present. But we will first take it into consideration; we will pray over it, we will get the mind of the Spirit of God upon it, as upon other subjects, and be united before we take any action different to that which has been done. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 The revelation continues: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 "I give unto you my servant Joseph, to be a presiding Elder over all my Church, to be a Translator, a Revelator, a Seer, and Prophet. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.71 "I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon and my servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First Presidency. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 to receive the oracles for the whole Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "I give unto you my servant Brigham Young, to be a President over the Twelve traveling Council, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "They are--Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George A. Smith; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "David Patton I have taken unto myself; behold his Priesthood no man taketh from him; but, verily I say unto you, another may be appointed unto the same calling. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a High Council, for the corner stone of Zion; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "Viz., Samuel Bent, H. G. Sherwood, George W. Harris, Charles C. Rich, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, David Port, Dunbar Wilson; (Seymour Brunson I have taken unto myself, no man taketh his Priesthood, but another may be appointed unto the same Priesthood in his stead, and verily I say unto you, let my servant Aaron Johnson be ordained unto this calling in his stead), David Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntington. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith, to be a president over a quorum of High Priests; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "Which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those who shall be appointed standing presidents or servants over different Stakes scattered abroad. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And they may travel also if they choose, but rather be ordained for standing presidents, this is the office of their calling, saith the Lord your God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "I give unto him Amasa Lyman, and Noah Packard, for counselors, that they may preside over the quorum of High Priests of my Church, saith the Lord. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And again, I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse Baker, which Priesthood is to preside over the quorum of Elders, which quorum is instituted for standing ministers, nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers to my Church, saith the Lord. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And again, I give unto you Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield, Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James Foster, to preside over the quorum of Seventies, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "Which quorum is instituted for traveling Elders to bear record of my name in all the world, wherever the traveling High Council, my Apostles, shall send them to prepare a way before my face. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "The difference between this quorum and the quorum of Elders is, that one is to travel continually, and the other is to preside over the churches from time to time; the one has the responsibility of presiding from time to time, and the other has no responsibility of presiding, saith the Lord your God." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 The Seventies have no responsibility of presiding. It is not the calling or duty of their office to preside. They are traveling Elders, and they are to preach the Gospel to the world, under the direction of the Twelve Apostles, who constitute the traveling High Council of the Church, and who are special witnesses of Jesus Christ to all the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And again, I say unto you I give unto you Vinson Knight, Samuel H. Smith, and Shadrach Roundy, if he will receive it, to preside over the bishopric; a knowledge of said bishopric is given unto you in the Book of D&C. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And again, I say unto you, Samuel Rolfe and his counselors for Priests, and the president of the Teachers and his counselors, and also the president of the Deacons and his counselors, and also the president of the Stake and his counselors; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "The above offices I have given unto you, and the keys thereof, for helps and for governments, for the work of the ministry, and the perfecting of my Saints; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 "And a commandment I give unto you that you should fill all these offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them at my general conference." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.72 These are the offices of the Priesthood as the Lord has given it, and we propose to follow it as near as we know how in the future; but we will take such other measures as may be deemed. proper and right in due time. These things shall be presented from time to time to the general annual and semiannual conferences of the Church, that all the business of the Church may be done in accordance with the law of God, that the people may have the privilege of sanctioning or disapproving that which is suggested to them by the mind of the Spirit through those who are placed to preside, and that all things may be done by common consent. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.73 This afternoon it is intended to present before this conference the necessary changes that have been made within the last few days. All the authorities of the Church will not be presented to you at this conference, for the simple reason that they have already been sustained at the regular semi-annual conference of the Church. We shall present, in the main, only those who have been called to fill vacancies, and put before you that which has been done in order to perfect the organization of the Priesthood. These matters, and as little as possible that is unnecessary, will be presented before this conference for your action. We intend that the Priesthood shall vote upon these questions by quorums. The Presidency of the Church will first express their mind, thus indicating, at least in some degree, the mind of the Spirit and the suggestions from the head. Then the proposition will be submitted to the Apostles, for them to show their willingness or otherwise to sustain the action of the First Presidency. It will then go to the Patriarchs, and they will have the privilege of showing whether they will sustain the action that has been taken; then to the Presidents of Stakes and counselors and the High Councilors; then to the High Priests (that office in the Melchisedek Priesthood which holds the keys of presidency); next, the traveling Elders--the Seventies--will be called to express their their feelings, and then the Bishoprics of the Church and the Lesser Priesthood, and after them the whole congregation. All the members of the Church present will have the privilege of expressing their view in relation to the matters which shall be proposed, by a rising vote and by the uplifted hand. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.73 We propose to follow this order of the Priesthood this afternoon. We would like the people to be punctual in coming together, and for all to observe the regulations that shall be made. If each one will do his or her duty, there will be no confusion, but there will be order in the house of God. The house of God is a house of order, and we expect that this house, which is a house of God, will be a house of order, and we will have things done in their proper order if we can. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.73 God bless the Latter-day Saints. The Lord Almighty bless His servants the Apostles, and His servants the Presidency of the Church, and all those who labor for the welfare of Zion and for the establishment of righteousness in the hearts of the people. God bless the poor and the needy, the fatherless and the widow, and those that sorrow and are bowed down because of affliction and the loss of loved ones. May the Lord bless and comfort them, buoy up their spirits, and give them hope, joy and consolation in anticipation of the glorious future that awaits them, both in time and in eternity; for no man can foretell or foresee the glorious things that await the people of God, if only they are faithful. It hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive, neither has eye seen nor ear heard, the magnitude and fullness of the glory of God that awaits the faithful beyond the veil. God bless you, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.82 Duties and responsibilities of the First Presidency. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.82 I desire to make another remark or two before we close our conference. I will call your attention to the fact that the Lord in the beginning of this work revealed that there should be three High Priests to preside over the High Priesthood of His Church and over the whole Church, (Doc. and Cov. 107: 22, 64, 65, 66, 67, 91 and 92.) He conferred upon them all the authority necessary to preside over all the affairs of the Church. They hold the keys of the house of God, and of the ordinances of the Gospel, and of every blessing which has been restored to the earth in this dispensation. This authority is vested in a Presidency of three High Priests. They are three Presidents. The Lord himself so calls them. (D. & C., sec. 107: 29.) But there is one presiding President, and his counselors are Presidents also. I propose that my counselors and fellow Presidents in the First Presidency shall share with me in the responsibility of every act which I shall perform in this capacity. I do not propose to take the reins in my own hands to do as I please; but I propose to do as my brethren and I agree upon and as the Spirit of the Lord manifests to us. I have always held, and do hold, and trust I always shall hold, that it is wrong for one man to exercise all the authority and power of presidency in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I dare not assume such a responsibility, and I will not, so long as I can have men like these [pointing to Presidents Winder and Lund] to stand by and counsel with me in the labors we have to perform and in doing all those things that shall tend to the peace, advancement and happiness of the people of God and the building up of Zion. If at any time my brethren of the Apostleship shall see in me a disposition to depart from this principle or a forgetfulness on my part of this covenant that I make today before this body of Priesthood, I ask them in the name of my Father, that they will come to me, as my brethren, as counselors in the Priesthood, as watchmen on the towers of Zion, and remind me of this covenant and promise which I make to the body of the Church in general conference assembled at this time. The Lord never did intend that one man should have all power, and for that reason He has placed in His Church Presidents, Apostles, High Priests, Seventies, Elders and the various offices of the Lesser Priesthood, all of which are essential in their order and place according to the authority bestowed on them. The Lord never did anything that was not essential or that was superfluous. There is a use for every branch of the Priesthood that He has established in His Church. We want every man to learn his duty, and we expect every man will do his duty as faithfully as he knows how, and carry off his portion of the responsibility of building up Zion in the latter days. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, November 1901, p.83 I felt like I wanted to say that much to these my brethren who bear the Holy Priesthood--men who wield influence for the salvation of souls, who set good examples before the people among whom they dwell, who teach them the right way, admonish them for sin, lead them in the path of duty, and enable them to stand firm and steadfast in the faith of the Gospel, wherewith they have been made free from sin and from the grasp of Satan. God bless all Israel, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.1 OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.1 Righteousness increasing among the Saints--Purposes of God will be fully accomplished-- His kindness and mercy to the Saints--Encouragement and blessings for for the people. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 It is certainly gratifying to see so many of our brethren and sisters assembled here at the opening session of this the Seventy-second annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Everything seems propitious for a time of rejoicing and profit in instruction and admonition and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the servants of the Lord who may speak and upon those who shall assemble to hear from day to day. The weather is delightful, and I believe that the spirit of the people is good, and that there is an earnest desire in the hearts of the Latter-day Saints to promote all the interests of the kingdom of God in the earth and the welfare of the Saints of the Most High. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 I believe that the desire in the hearts of the people to serve the Lord and to work righteousness in the earth is steadily--although it may be slowly, yet steadily and surely--increasing; and I do believe with all my heart that this desire will be more and more earnest and more and more pronounced in the hearts of the people of God from time to time and from year to year, as we grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, until the coming of the Son of Man. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 The kingdom of God is here to grow, to spread abroad, to take root in the earth, and to abide where the Lord has planted it by His own power and by His own word, in the earth, never more to be destroyed or to cease, but to continue until the purposes of the Almighty shall be accomplished, every word that has been spoken of by the mouths of the holy prophets since the world began. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 I rejoice exceedingly in the truth. I thank God every day of my life for His mercy and kindness, and loving care and protection that has been extended to all His people, and for the many manifestations of His peculiar mercy and blessing that have been extended unto us throughout all the length and breadth of the land and through all the years since the organization of the Church, on the 6th of April, 1830. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 The Lord about that time or soon after, decreed a decree which He said His people should realize: That they should begin from that very hour to prevail over all their enemies, and, inasmuch as they continued to be faithful in keeping His laws which He had given unto them, it was decreed that they should prevail until all enemies were subdued--not subdued by violence or the spirit of contention or of warfare but subdued by the power of eternal truth, by the majesty and power of Almighty God--and by the increased power of the righteous and of the upright covenanted people of God should be magnified and increased, until the world shall bow and acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, and that there is a people preparing for His coming in power and glory to the earth again. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 We carry to the world the olive branch of peace. We present to the world the law of God, the word of the Lord, the Truth, as it has been revealed in the latter day for the redemption of the dead and for the salvation of the living. We bear no malice or evil toward the children of men. The spirit of forgiveness pervades the hearts of the Saints of God, and they do not cherish a desire or feeling of revenge toward their enemies or those who hurt or molest them or seek to make them afraid; but, on the contrary, the Spirit of the Lord has possession of their spirits, of their souls and of their thoughts, and they forgive all men, and they carry no malice in their hearts toward any, no matter what they have done. They say, in their hearts, let God judge between us and our enemies, and as for us, we forgive them and we bear no malice toward any. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.2 I sincerely hope that, during this conference, which will necessarily be brief, or at least will last but three days, with the exception, possibly, of some of our Priesthood meetings that may be held later--I trust that this conference will be one signally marked by the presence of God's influence and power, and that it will be one in which all that assemble will rejoice and be exceeding glad, in which their hopes will be encouraged and strengthened their faith increased and their power for good enlarged, that they may go hence from this conference rejoicing more than ever in the truth of the Gospel, and more and more determined to fight the good fight and keep the faith and establish righteousness in the earth; that it may be like a well of pure and living water, ever springing up unto eternal life. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.3 God bless the people, the Saints of the Most High, wherever they may be, whether in the vales of these mountains and the regularly organized Stakes of Zion or in the missions in the earth, in our own land and abroad in foreign countries, and upon the islands of the sea. May God's blessing be poured out upon those that yield obedience to the truth throughout all the world, and may the power of truth, the power of testimony, and the witness of the Holy Spirit, rest mightily upon His servants who are sent forth to preach the Gospel to the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.3 I have to say this to my brethren and sisters: That I believe conscientiously, from all that I know, that the day never has been when Zion was more thoroughly equipped, more thoroughly furnished in good works, when there was a better spirit or a more united feeling existing among the people of God than exists today. I believe that the people of the Lord are more prosperous today than ever they have been. I believe they are more firmly established in the truth than they ever have been before. I believe, in other words, that we are continually growing and increasing in the knowledge of God and in good works, and in faith, power and determination to carry out and consummate the will and purpose of God in the earth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.3 I want to say to the people here that there never has been a time, within my knowledge at least, or within my knowledge of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when the Saints paid a better tithing than they did during the year 1901. I have this to say as a word of encouragement and congratulation to the people throughout all the Stakes of Zion. You have done better than you have ever done before, and we hope that you will continue to do better in this respect, and that you will continue to do better in all other respects throughout the year 1902, and so continue on and on, from year to year, until we shall be perfect in the sphere in which God calls us to act, as the Father and the Son are perfect in their more exalted and glorious sphere in which they act. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.3 May the Lord bless Zion, and may the Spirit of the Lord rest mightily upon His servants that shall address you during this conference, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.85 Ennobling rules of conduct--Man's indebtedness to God--The only pathway to exaltation---Good-will toward all men--Unity a principle of power--Parental power Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.85 I desire to express my sincere gratitude to God my Heavenly Father and to all the Latter-day Saints assembled here for the unanimity of faith and feeling which exists among them, and for the confidence that they have shown in the presiding authorities of the Church, and also in observing the laws of God as far as they have done. There are laws which we do not observe as we should; there are principles of the Gospel which are perhaps too pure and exalted for us to live them as we should; but I believe with all my heart --I cannot consistently believe otherwise--that we are growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, and that the day will come, and I pray that it may be hastened, when the people of God will not only be faithful in keeping the law of tithing, but that they will be faithful also in observing the Word of Wisdom, which is a law of God, and that we will be faithful in observing that most sacred and most important law of God--the law of chastity, wherein we may preserve the purity of our own persons and the chastity of our neighbors and associates as we would preserve our own lives. I would to God that the time may come, and that it is not far distant, when the Latter-day Saints will live up to the golden rule taught by the Son of God, (than whom none so perfect has ever sojourned in the flesh upon the earth,) to do unto others as we would have others do unto us; and in this way stop all faultfinding, all bickerings, all jealousies, all contentions, and all strife, and, as far as practicable, remove every possible chance for misunderstanding amongst us, that we may see as we are seen and know as we are known, that we may be true men and women in the cause of Zion and of human redemption, that God may put His holy name upon us and we bear that holy name acceptably before Him. The object of our being here is to do the will of the Father as it is done in heaven, to work righteousness in the earth, to subdue wickedness and put it under our feet, to conquer sin and the adversary of our souls, to rise above the imperfections and weaknesses of poor, fallen humanity, by the inspiration of Almighty God and His power made manifest, and thus become indeed the Saints and servants of the Lord in the earth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.86 Let us sustain the cause of Zion. Let no man speak lightly of the principles of the Gospel. Let no one treat lightly the ordinances of the house of God. Let no one hold in derision the Priesthood that the Lord has restored to the earth, which is the authority that He has given unto men. Let no man look contemptuously upon the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it has been established in the earth through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith, whom the Lord raised up when he was but a child to lay the foundation of the same. Let no man treat these things lightly or doubtingly; but let every man seek earnestly to understand the truth and teach his children to become familiar with those truths of heaven that have been restored to the earth in the latter day. I believe with all my soul in God the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe with all my might, mind and strength in the Savior of the world, and in the principle of redemption from death and sin. I believe in the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I believe in all the truth that I know, and I believe that there are many principles of eternal truth that still lie hid from me and from the understanding of men, which will yet be revealed by the power of God unto His faithful servants. I believe that the Lord has revealed to the children of men all that they know. I do not believe that any man has discovered any principle in science, or art; in mechanism, or mathematics, or anything else, that God did not know before he did. Man is indebted to the source of all intelligence and truth, for the knowledge that he possesses; and all who will yield obedience to the promptings of the Spirit, which leads to virtue, to honor, to the love of God and man, and to the love of truth and that which is ennobling and enlarging to the soul, will get a clearer, a more expansive, and a more direct and conclusive knowledge of God's truths than anyone else can do. I tell you this, because I know it is true. The Lord Almighty lives; He made the heavens and the earth, and the fountains of water; and we are His children, His offspring, and we are not here by chance. The Lord designed our coming, and the object of our being. He designs that we shall accomplish our mission, to become conformed to the likeness and image of Jesus Christ, that, like Him, we may be without sin unto salvation, like Him we may be filled with pure intelligence, and like Him we may be exalted to the right hand of the Father, to sit upon thrones and have dominion and power in the sphere in which we shall be called to act. I testify to this doctrine, for the Lord has made me to know and feel the truth of it from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I love good, honorable men--even men who may be mistaken, as far as their judgment is concerned, but who try to do right; I love them for the reason that they are my brethren, the sons of my Father, and I would that they might all see the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, and accept it, and receive all the benefits of it, in time and throughout all eternity. If the Lord has revealed to the world the plan of salvation and redemption from sin, by which men may be exalted again into His presence and partake of eternal life with Him, I submit, as a proposition that cannot be controverted, that no man can be exalted into the presence of God and attain to a fulness of glory and happiness in His kingdom and presence, save and except he will obey the plan that God has devised and revealed. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.86 My brethren and sisters, I feel in my heart that we have had a time of rejoicing during this conference. I wish we had a place big enough to hold the Latter-day Saints at conference. I do not know but we will have to build some boweries or something else on this temple block, to accommodate by overflow meetings the multitude of people who come to conference in the performance of their duty, many of whom cannot be accommodated in this Tabernacle. But We will visit you; we will come to you who cannot come to us, and we will carry our spirit and testimony unto you and exhort you in your homes, if the Lord will give us the strength to do it. Provided my strength holds out and my brethren do not object, I propose, the Lord being willing, to visit the Saints a little, and encourage them in their homes; let them know what we are, what we believe in, and how much we love them for Christ's sake, that they may receive His truth, and be exalted by it and eventually return into His presence. We want to visit St. George, and all the settlements between. We want to visit the northern settlements, as far as we possibly can, and see you in your cities. When we come, brethren and sisters, we hope that you will receive us in the same spirit that we take to you--the spirit of love and of earnest desire for your welfare and happiness and for the happiness of all mankind. We have no ill feeling in our hearts toward any living creature. We forgive those who trespass against us. Those who have spoken evil of us, and who have misrepresented us before the world, we have no malice in our hearts toward them. We say, let God judge between them and us; let Him recompense them for their work. We will not raise a hand against them; but we will extend the hand of fellowship and friendship to them, if they will repent of their sins and come unto the Lord and live. No matter how malicious they may have been, or how foolish they may have acted, if they will repent of it we will receive them with open arms, and we will do all we can to help them to save themselves. I cannot save you; you cannot save me; we cannot save each other, only so far as we can persuade each other to receive the truth, by teaching it. When a man receives the truth he will be saved by it. He will not be saved merely because someone taught it to him, but because he received and acted upon it. The Gospel is consistent; it is common sense, reason, revelation; it is almighty truth from the heavens made known to man. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.87 The Lord bless you. We propose to do our duty according to the light we possess, by the help of the loving Father. I propose to do nothing that I have not the most positive assurance is right, through the unanimity of my counselors, Our seeing eye to eye, and our understanding alike together with as many more of the leading brethren as possible. I do not propose to do anything, or suffer anything to be done or sanctioned which will affect the kingdom of God in the earth, except by common consent, or unless we can see eye to eye upon it, then I know we shall have strength behind us, that the power of God will be with us, and the Saints will uphold and sustain our hands. Now, I want to hear from Presidents Winder and Lund. God bless Israel. May peace and prosperity goodwill and holy love for the truth abide with you and be multiplied upon you, is my earnest prayer. And oh! my brethren, be true to your families, be true to your wives and children. Teach them the way of life. Do not allow them to get so far from you that they will become oblivious to you or to any principle of honor, purity or truth. Teach your children so that they cannot commit sin without violating their conscience. Teach them the truth, that they may not depart from it. Bring them up in the way they should go, and when they get old they will not depart from it. If you will keep your boys close to your hearts, within the clasp of your arms; if you will make them to feel that you love them, that you are their parents that they are your children, and keep them near to you, they will not go very far from you, and they will not commit any very great sin. But it is when you turn them out of the home, turn them out of your affections s out into the darkness of the night into the society of the depraved or degraded; it is when they become tiresome to you, or you are tired of their innocent noise and prattle at home, and you say, "Go off somewhere else." It is this sort of treatment of your children that drives them from you, and helps to make criminals and infidels of them. You cannot afford to do this. How would I feel to enter into the kingdom of God--(if such a thing were possible)--and see one of my children outside among the sorcerers, the whore-mongers and those that love and make a lie, and that because I had neglected my duty toward him or had not kept the proper restraint upon him? Do you think I shall be exalted in the kingdom of my God with this stain and blot upon my soul? I tell you, No! No man can get there until he atones for such crime as this--for it is a crime in the sight of God and man for a father to carelessly or willfully neglect his children. This is my sentiment. Take care of your children. They are the hope of Israel, and upon them will rest, by and by, the responsibility of bearing off the kingdom of God in the earth. The Lord bless them and keep them in the paths of righteousness, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.90 I hope that the congregation will be patient just a few moments more. We have a little matter of business to bring before the conference by way of a notice for action in the future, probably at the next October conference. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.91 The Latter-day Saints generally are familiar with the book called the Pearl of Great Price. The old edition of it has been accepted by the Church as an authentic doctrinal work. It has now been re-published, with some improvements. It has been divided into chapters and verses, with references on the bottom of the pages. This has been done, under the sanction of the Presidency of the Church, by Elder James E. Talmage. We have eliminated from the Pearl of Great Price those revelations it formerly contained which are to be found, and always were, in the Book of D&C, believing that it was unnecessary to publish revelations in the Pearl of Great Price that were included in the Book of D&C. These changes have been made in the book, and it is now ready for the use of those who desire to obtain it; and at the coming October conference the book will be presented to the conference for their acceptance in its revised and changed form. General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.97 I have been requested to make a few remarks, and I shall certainly try to be brief. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.98 There is one point that has rested upon my mind in relation to the Sabbath Schools, and it is this: I think there is nothing in the Sunday School work more necessary or essential than that all the teachers of the Sunday Schools should win the love and the confidence of their pupils. I believe that greater good can be done in the Sunday Schools by the teachers where they have the absolute affection and confidence of their pupils than under any other conditions. You may teach them, you may drill them in concert, and you may have them commit to memory, and labor in every other way that you possibly can to accomplish the good that you desire with your children, but in nothing, in my opinion, can you succeed so well as when you possess their undivided love and confidence. If a child thinks a teacher is harsh with him or her, or unkind toward him, or does not feel a real, genuine love for him, if he feels that the teacher is not taking a real interest in him as one who loves him, he can never be led to possess the right spirit; but when he feels that the teacher loves him, is trying to do him good and to teach him that which will be for his everlasting welfare, then you have an influence over that child, that when he studies he will study with a purpose and with an earnest desire to be benefitted and to please the teacher; because he knows and feels in his little heart that the teacher loves him and is seeking to do him good. I have entertained this sentiment from the beginning and in relation to the instruction of little children. It is a principle that obtains at the home as well as in the Sunday School. If you can only convince your children that you love them, that your soul goes out to them for their good, that you are their truest friend, they, in turn, will place confidence in you and will love you and seek to do your bidding and to carry out your wishes with your love, or are harsh or speak concerning them. But if you are selfish unkindly to them, and if they are not confident that they have your entire affection, they will be selfish, and will not care whether they please you or carry out your wishes or not, and the result will be that they will grow wayward, thoughtless and careless, and although you may drill them, like a parrot, to repeat verses and to speak in concert, and all that sort of thing, they will do it mechanically, without affection, and without its having that effect upon their souls that you desire it should have. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.98 I felt to say that much, in relation to the influence of the Sunday School teachers. Be good and kind to the children; win their affection. You can do more that way than you can with the rod; you can do more than you can by tyranny or by any forceful means. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.98 May the Lord bless the teachers of the Sunday Schools, and give them, the spirit of meekness and kindness, that they may be able to convince the children entrusted to their care that they love them and are seeking for the welfare and happiness of their souls, and the children, in turn, will love them and strive to learn and to do good. God bless you. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.1 Greeting--Causes for thanksgiving-God's blessings increase through faithfulness--More Temples to be built--Great responsibility resting upon the Saints. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.1 My beloved brethren and sisters. I greet you heartily this morning in your attendance at this the 73rd Semi-annual Conference of the Church. I am pleased to see such a good representation here this morning. Especially am I pleased to see so many of the presiding authorities of the Church--the Apostles and the presidents of stakes, and also many of the presidents of the various missions of the Church. It is indeed gratifying to see these our brethren assembled here, on whom rests so great a responsibility, they having been entrusted with the proclamation of the Gospel to the nations of the earth and with the care of the flock of Christ in the various Stakes of Zion. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 During this conference we desire, as far as the time will permit, to give an opportunity to as many as possible of the Elders who are presiding abroad, and of the presidents of the stakes of Zion, to express themselves; and in order that we may reach as many as possible, we desire that the brethren who speak shall have that portion of the Spirit of God that will enable them to speak clearly, pointedly and briefly up. on those subjects that may come to their minds. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 We have here the Apostles, the Presidents of the Seventies, and the Presiding Bishopric, who are practically travelling Elders in the Church, visiting the stakes of Zion and the various mission fields, from time to time, and they are especially posted in relation to the condition of the work of the Lord in the various fields that they have visited and will be able to speak to us in relation to those subjects and matters that will be most interesting and necessary for the general enlightenment of these who have come to the conference, and to the edification of the whole people. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 We desire to say to the people that we feel very grateful to the Lord for His continued mercy unto us, and, notwithstanding the drouth of the past season, which has been almost unprecedented in many parts of the country, we feel that the Saints have been greatly blessed, and that there will be no necessity for any great lack or want among the people in consequence of the drouth, but we feel that all will be blessed with sufficient for their needs. In many parts of the country we have been exceedingly blessed. There has been an abundance of water, and in some sections our people have been visited by unprecedented rains, resulting in great floods, which have done more or less damage to the people; but this, of course, is not to a very great extent. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 We feel in our hearts that Zion is prospering, and that all is well with the people of God at large; still, we realize that there is great room for us to improve, and that the opportunities for advancement are very extensive. We hope that all the Latter-day Saints will continue their diligence and faithfulness before the Lord in the work in which they are engaged, that Zion may continue to flourish in the tops of the mountains, and that the purposes of God Almighty concerning His people and His work in the latter days may be consummated and fully realized. We feel that the Lord will bless His people and the earth, for their sake, in the future more abundantly than in the past. In proportion as we renew and redouble our diligence and faithfulness before the Lord in keeping His commandments and walking in all righteousness and acceptableness before Him, so will His blessings be increased upon the people, and upon all their substance, and upon the earth which they inhabit. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 We congratulate you, brethren and sisters, on your appearance here this morning, and we pray God to pour out upon you and upon all of us His Holy Spirit during this Conference, that we may have a time of rejoicing, and that we may be able to act intelligently and wisely on all matters of business that may be presented before us; that we may have the spirit of union, love and devotion to the cause of Zion abiding in our hearts; that we may have no feelings of dissension, but that we may be one, that we may be indeed the people of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 It is not my purpose to prolong my remarks this morning, but I desired to express my gratitude to my Father in heaven for all His mercies and blessings unto us. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.2 We will say to the people that we have no reason to complain of the diligence of the Saints, so far as we are able to Judge, In keeping the law of tithing. We believe that the Latter-day Saints are observing that law as faithfully as they have ever done, and we beseech of you that you will continue to do this until our hands shall be freed from all obligations, and until we shall have means in the storehouse of the Lord with which to accomplish greater works, which may be necessary to be done. We feel there is much that can be done and much that ought to be done in the interests of Zion and for the benefit of the people of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.3 We feel that an effort should be made to preserve the Temples of God, those houses that have been erected for the purpose of administering the ordinances of the Gospel therein for the living and the dead. We desire that these buildings shall be preserved and kept in repair and in a wholesome condition, so that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in them, and that those who minister therein, may feel the presence and influence of His Spirit. We also feel that when the time shall come and our hands shall be free from the obligations that now rest upon us, other places should be prepared for the convenience of the Latter-day Saints in more distant stakes, in order that those who are living at great distances from the center may have the privilege of receiving the ordinances of the Gospel without being put to the great expense and loss of time that is necessary now in journeying from 500 to 1,000 miles in order to reach the houses of God. We hope to see the day when we shall have temples built in the various parts of the land where they are needed for the convenience of the people: for we realize that one of the greatest responsibilities that rest upon the people of God today is that their hearts shall be turned unto their fathers, and that they shall do the work that is necessary to be done for them in order that they may be joined together fitly in the bond of the New and Everlasting covenant from generation to generation. For the Lord has said, through the Prophet Joseph, that this is one of the greatest responsibilities devolving upon us in this latter day. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.3 God help us to do this work and help us to be faithful, one and all, that we may have means with which to accomplish it, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.30 Appreciation of faithful labors--A spirit of restlessness not desirable. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.31 It may be appropriate at this moment for me to say a few words relative to the Alberta Stake of Zion. Most of the Latter-day Saints are aware of the fact that President Charles O. Card was the pioneer of that country, and for long years has been acting as the president of the Alberta Stake of Zion. We desire to say to his numerous friends and acquaintances that no man who has been called to such a position has been more valiant and faithful in the performance of his duty, according to his knowledge and ability, than President Charles O. Card. He has been indeed a pioneer, a faithful, energetic man, and has been instrumental in laying, to a great extent, the foundations of the prosperity of the Alberta Stake. But on our late visit we found that his health was so greatly impaired that it became necessary to honorably relieve him from the great responsibilities of presiding over that Stake; and I think you will all bear me witness, if Brother Allen will continue to maintain the spirit that he possesses today, we will not have made any mistake in selecting Brother Card's successor. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.31 I would also say that we do not desire the people to get in their minds a spirit of restlessness or a desire to migrate from one place to another. We would like our brethren and sisters to remain where they are, as long as they can consistently, and only those go to the newer Stakes who have a necessity to go. We desire to maintain our foothold and to continue to establish ourselves in the central Stakes of Zion. We realize the necessity for this, and we hope that the brethren and sisters of all the Stakes will continue to abide where they are and contend for the success of the people in the locality where they live. There are a few places where our people have settled which need no words of commendation to induce settlers to go there, because they plead their own cause; but we desire to keep the foothold we have. We do not intend to retrograde, or to yield up. We believe that there has been no mistake made in the past in forming settlements in the south and in the various places where our people are located. We believe that the hand of the Lord is in it all, and that those who directed the locating and settlement of those places were inspired by that wisdom which comes from above. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.73 Possession of Priesthood not confined to a few. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.73 Although we may enjoy a little advantage over the rest of the congregation, for my part I could stay here a week longer to hear the testimonies of my brethren, and to give to the world an opportunity to see and know that the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not confined to one man, nor to three men, nor to fifteen men, but that there are thousands of men in Zion who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God, and who possess keys of authority and power to minister for life and salvation among the people of the world. I would like to give the world an opportunity to see what we are, to hear what we know, and to understand what our business is and what we intend to do, by the help of the Lord. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.83 "I hold in my hand a copy of the revised edition of the Pearl of Great Price. The Pearl of Great Price, as it originally existed, was presented before the general conference and accepted as one of the standard works of the Church. Since then the book has undergone a revision; that is to say, all the revelations that it formerly contained which were also in the Book of D&C, have been eliminated from it, as we thought it unnecessary to have revelations published in this book which were already published in the Doctrine and Covenants; therefore, these revelations have been eliminated from the Pearl of Great Price as it now is, and you will find them in the D&C. In addition to this, Professor James E. Talmage has gone through the work and divided it into chapters and verses, making it a far more convenient book of reference than it was before. He has also supplied copious footnotes or references, which will be an aid in the study of the book. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.83 These are the, changes that have been made in the book, and we now present this book in its revised form--the original matter being preserved as it was before, only divided into chapters and verses--for your acceptance as a standard work of the Church." Conference Report, October 1902, p.83 It was moved and seconded that the book be accepted as a standard work of the Church, and the motion was carried unanimously. Conference Report, October 1902, p.83 President Smith then presented the authorities of the Church, first remarking that "we desire that the brethren and sisters will all feel the responsibility of expressing their feelings in relation to the propositions that may be put before you. We do not want any man or woman who is a member of the Church to violate their conscience. Of course, we are not asking apostates or non-members of the Church to vote on the authorities of the Church. We only ask for members of the Church in good standing to vote on the propositions that shall be put before you, and we would like all to vote as they feel, whether for or against." Conference Report, October 1902, p.85 President Smith read the following and in suitable remarks gave it his hearty approval: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.85 Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 6, 1902.--An organization has recently been effected under the direction of the general board of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which Sister Emma A. Empey was sustained as general supervisor of the Relief Society nurses, with Sister Phebe Y. Beatie as secretary and treasurer, and Sister Margaret C. Roberts as instructor. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.85 It is desired that the Relief Society of every stake of Zion shall send as many young women as possible to study nursing, and that the presidents of stakes shall interest themselves with the Relief Societies and young ladies that the good work that has been started here may be carried on, and that the sick and needy throughout all the settlements may have proper attention. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.85 The class will start Monday, Nov. 3. For further information see Relief Society pamphlet, or write to Sister Phebe Y. Beatie at 55 North West Temple street, Salt Lake City. Emma A. Empey, general superintendent. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.85 Honor the Priesthood in their respective callings--Sustain the Church publications--President Snow's great and good work--Commendation of the auxiliary organziations--Closing admonitions. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.85 Six months ago we announced to the people in conference assembled that we expected to carry the Gospel and our testimony to the Saints as far as we had power to do it. I desire to say to this conference that we have fulfilled that promise to the best of our ability. Myself and at least one of my counselors, together with a number of the Apostles, have visited many of the settlements between here and Canada, holding conference in Canada and meetings in several of the wards there; and we have been as far south as St. George. We have attended the conferences of the people as far as our time would permit, and there has not been a Sabbath day that we have been idle. We have visited the Saints, borne testimony and declared the truth to them as diligently and faithfully as we had strength and time to do. What remains to be done, we hope, by the blessings of the Lord and continued health and strength, to be able in the future to accomplish it. Between now and next April we will perhaps be able to visit a number of the Stakes of Zion, and Wards, too, which we have been unable to reach up to the present. We cannot afford to be idle. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.86 At this conference we have heard from nine Apostles--all that were in attendance. I regret exceedingly to say that president Brigham young is confined to his room with serious illness; and while we hope and pray that the Lord may be merciful unto him and prolong his life, we feel, from the knowledge we have of his condition and sufferings, that we will have to leave him in the hands of the Lord. If he had been present at this conference, we would have had all the brethren of the Twelve with us, excepting Brothers Lyman and Grant, who are in foreign lands laboring in the missionary field. Besides the Twelve, we have heard from almost forty presiding officers in the Church; and I only regret that we do not have the time to continue this work until we could hear from all the Presidents of Stakes, at least. But, brethren, do not be discouraged; if you will come next Conference we will give you a chance then. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.86 Furthermore, I want to say to the Saints who have listened to the brethren who have spoken unto us, that they are only an average of the Presidents of Stakes. We have not selected the brightest, the wisest and the best to speak to us. We have taken those from the outer settlements, as far as we could, because we desired to have them heard here. We desire to recognize them and we would like their people at home to realize the fact that they are recognized in the general conferences of the Church. I believe it to be the duty of the Church to recognize and acknowledge every man that holds an official position in it, in his sphere and in his calling. I hold to the doctrine that the duty of a Teacher is as sacred as the duty of an Apostle, in the sphere in which he is called to act, and that every member of the Church is as much in duty bound to honor the Teacher that visits him in his home as he is to honor the office and counsel of the presiding quorum of the Church. They all have the Priesthood, they are all acting in their callings, and they are all essential, in their place, because the Lord has appointed them and set them in His Church. We cannot ignore them; or, if we do, the sin will be upon our heads. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.86 We have had some excellent instructions from President Lurid and President Winder of the First Presidency, in relation to the work in the Temple, to discussions and contentions, in the missionary field, to the education of our children, to the maintenance of schools, to religion class work, and other matters. I endorse their remarks. President Lund has also recommended to us the Juvenile Instructor, of which the brethren have given me the honor of being the chief editor. I am not the only editor of this periodical. Brother George Reynolds is one of the editors; indeed he is the worker, the bee in that hive. He is always busy wherever you find him. So far as industry is concerned, I do not know a man in Israel that performs a greater multitude of duties and labors than George Reynolds does he is always at work, and always has plenty to do. I desire to remind you too, that the brethren have done me the honor also of electing me to be the editor of the Improvement Era, the organ of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement association, Elder E. H. Anderson being actively in charge. As the Juvenile Instructor belongs to the Sunday schools, and not to any individual or syndicate of individuals, in like manner the Era is the organ of the young men of Zion. No man has any interest or profit in it more than another; nobody is making money out of it, and nobody is getting any salary out of it, except one or two who have to be constantly employed in the office. We send the magazine to the missionaries abroad, and receive commendations from the Elders with respect to the good that is being accomplished by doing this. We recommend the Improvement Era, as we do the Juvenile Instructor, to the youth of Zion, and we say that you cannot do better than subscribe for it, and have it in your libraries, and still better, read it. Nor do we wish to overlook the Young Woman's Journal, nor the Children's Friend. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.87 Brethren and sisters, we want you to be united. We hope and pray that you will go from this conference to your homes feeling in your hearts and from the depths of your soul to forgive one another, and never from this time forth to bear malice towards another fellow creature, I do not care whether he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, whether he is a friend or a foe, whether he is good or bad. It is extremely hurtful for any man holding the Priesthood and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost to harbor a spirit of envy, or malice, of retaliation, or intolerance toward or against his fellow man. We ought to say in our hearts, let God judge between me and thee, but as for me I wall forgive. I want to say to you that Latter-day Saints who harbor a feeling of unforgiveness in their souls are more guilt and more censurable than the one who has sinned against them. Go home and dismiss envy and hatred from your hearts; dismiss the feeling of unforgiveness; and cultivate in your souls that spirit of Christ which cried out upon the cross, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." This is the spirit that Latter-day Saints ought to possess all the day long. The man who has that spirit in his heart and keeps it there will never have any trouble with his neighbor; they will never have any difficulties to bring before the Bishop, nor High Council; but he will always be at peace with himself, at peace with his neighbors, and at peace with God. It is a good thing to be at peace with God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.87 One year ago today, as near as I can recall, we were honored by the presence, and with the privilege to hear the voice of President Snow. Shortly after he was called home to his final account before the great Judge of the quick and the dead. The Lord preserved his life to a goodly age, and I want to say that the Lord Almighty accomplished some things through President Lorenzo Snow that neither President John Taylor nor President Wilford Woodruff accomplished in their day. Although the same questions had been brought before them, Yet they were never thoroughly decided and settled until President Snow did it. Therefore, I say, all honor and praise be unto that instrument in the hands of God of establishing order in the midst of uncertainty, and certain rules by which we know our bearings. I wish to mention this, because I feel in my heart to thank the Lord for President Snow, and to honor him as the instrument in His hands of accomplishing his mission, for which the Lord preserved him so long in life. He lived to bear his testimony to the world that Joseph Smith the Prophet taught him the doctrine of celestial marriage. He lived to declare to the world that he knew positively that Joseph Smith did receive it by revelation and that that doctrine was true and of God. And if he had done no more than this he would have accomplished a great work, because he was a living witness, an eye-witness and an ear-witness, and he knew whereof he spoke. You and I will have to meet his testimony, and so will the people of the world; and when we go to give an account of that which we have heard and known in the world, we can not dodge this, but will be held to an account for it, just as sure as the Lord lives and President Snow did his duty. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.87 I want to say a few words to the Mutual Improvement associations. You young men and young women, officers of the Mutual Improvement associations, I implore you to go from this conference and do your duty. Look after the wayward, the disobedient, the thoughtless, and the indifferent. It is necessary that they should be guarded and looked after. As it has been expressed here time and again, it is better for us to save our own boys who are being misled at home, than it is for us to go out into the world and spend years of time and endless means in order to gather in a few people from the world, while some of our own boys and girls need redemption as much as they, besides these people of the world are so full of the traditions and superstitions of their fathers when they gather to Zion that it is difficult, if not impossible, for them to entirely overcome these traditions and get down to a full comprehension of the Gospel and a complete reception of the truth. Yet a soul saved out in the world Is as precious in the sight of God as a soul saved at home. But we have work to do right at home, at our own doors; and it will not do for us to neglect the work necessary to be done at our own thresholds, and then go out, into the world to do work that is no more necessary. Let us do our duty everywhere. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.88 I desire to speak a word of commendation of the Primary associations. The sisters who are engaged in this noble work are most worthy women and very energetic in their labors. They are accomplishing a wonderful work. It is soul-inspiring, delightful and encouraging to see the results of the labors of these sisters. I commend this work to the attention of presiding officers everywhere, and would ask that the Bishops encourage and foster not only the Sunday schools and the improvement associations, but also the Primary associations; for theirs is a work necessary to be done among the little children, which cannot be done, it would appear, In any other way. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.88 Furthermore, I desire to commend the work of the Relief Society, an organization that was effected by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The objects of this organization are manifold. It is not designed to look only after the poor and the needy as to their bodily necessities, but it is also intended to look after the spiritual, mental and moral welfare of the mothers and daughters in Zion, and all who are engaged or interested in female work. I commend the Relief Societies to the Bishops, and say, be friendly to these organizations, because they are auxiliary organizations and a great help to the Bishops. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.88 I regret very much indeed that we save not had time to hear from the Seven Presidents of Seventies, but neither they nor you need to feel very bad about it, because we expect to send them out to visit you. If you have not and the privilege of hearing them here, we will let you hear them at your homes. It is their business to preach the Gospel, and another time they may have a chance to preach it to you here. I would love to have heard them and--I was going to say--hundreds of others, whom we would like to have heard, if time would permit. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.88 I now say to the brethren of the Priesthood--the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and the Lesser Priesthood--magnify your callings; study the scriptures; read the 107th section of the Book of D&C, on Priesthood; learn that revelation, which was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and live by its precepts and doctrine, and you will gain power and intelligence to straighten out many kinks that have heretofore existed in your minds, and to clear up many doubts and uncertainties in relation to the rights of the Priesthood. God gave that word to us. It is in force today in the Church and in the world, and it contains instruction to, the Priesthood and the people in relation to their duties, which every Elder should know. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.88 I will say now to all of the Latter-day Saints, Let uS live our religion; let us pay our tithing and be blessed; let us remember the poor and the needy, and sustain and help them; let us visit the sick and afflicted, and administer consolation unto them; let us help the weak; let us do all in our power to build up Zion, to establish righteousness in the earth, and to plant in the hearts of the people the glorious truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God, whom the Lord raised up in these last days to, restore the everlasting Gospel and the power of the Holy Priesthood to the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.88 That the Lord may help us to accomplish this work, and sustain us in every good word and work, is my humble prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.92 My beloved brethren and sisters: I do not intend to say very much on this occasion. There are many brethren present who have subjects upon their minds and I desire to give them as much time as possible. But I feel like saying something in relation to our children. It does not need argument to convince our minds that our children will be just about what we make them. They are born without knowledge or understanding--the most helpless creatures of the animal creation born into the world. The little one begins to learn after it is born, and all that it knows greatly depends upon its environment, the influences under which it is brought up the kindness with which it Is treated, the noble examples shown it, the hallowed influences of father and mother, or otherwise, over its infant mind. And it will be largely what its environment and its parents and teachers make it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.92 The child of the lowest of our native tribes born in a wigwam and the child born in luxury start out almost equal so far as the possibilities of learning are concerned. A great deal, depends upon the influences under which it is brought up. You will observe that the most potent influence over the mind of a child to persuade it to learn, to progress, or to accomplish anything is the influence of love. More can be accomplished for good by unfeigned love, in bringing up a child, than by any other influence that can be brought to bear upon it. A child that cannot be conquered by the lash, or subdued by violence, may be controlled in an instant by unfeigned affection, and sympathy. I know this is true; and this principle obtains in every condition of life. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.92 The Sunday school teacher should govern the children, not by passion, by bitter words or scolding, but by affection and by winning their confidence. If a teacher gets the confidence of a child it is not impossible to accomplish every desired good with that child. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.93 I would have it understood that I believe that the greatest law and commandment of God is to love the Lord our God with all our mind, might and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves; and if this principle is observed at home the brothers and sisters wilt love each other, they will be kind and helpful to one another, showing forth the principle of kindness and being solicitous for each other's good. Under these circumstances the home comes nearer being a heaven on earth, and children brought up under these influences will never forget them, and though they may be in trying places their memories will revert to the homes where they enjoyed such hallowed influences, and their better natures will assert themselves no matter what the trials or temptations may be. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.93 Brethren and sisters of the Sunday school I emplore you to teach and control by the spirit of love and forbearance until you can conquer. If children are defiant and difficult to control, be patient with them until you can conquer by love and you will have gained their souls, and you can then mould their characters as you please. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1902, p.93 Sometimes children do not like their teachers, and the teachers are impatient with the children and complain of them as being very uncouth, uncontrollable and bad. The children In their turn tell their parents how they despise their teacher and say they don't want to go to school any more because the teacher is so cross. I have heard of these things and know them to be true. On the other hand, if children say to father or mother, "We think we have the best teacher in the world in our Sunday School," or "We have the best teacher in our district school that ever lived," it proves that those teachers have won the affections of the children, and the little ones are as clay in the hands of the potter to be moulded in any shape desired. This is the position you teachers should occupy, and if you get their affections this will be the report the children will make regarding you. God bless you. Amen. General Superintendent Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.97 I have been requested to make a few remarks, and I shall certainly try to be brief. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.98 There is one point that has rested upon my mind in relation to the Sabbath Schools, and it is this: I think there is nothing in the Sunday School work more necessary or essential than that all the teachers of the Sunday Schools should win the love and the confidence of their pupils. I believe that greater good can be done in the Sunday Schools by the teachers where they have the absolute affection and confidence of their pupils than under any other conditions. You may teach them, you may drill them in concert, and you may have them commit to memory, and labor in every other way that you possibly can to accomplish the good that you desire with your children, but in nothing, in my opinion, can you succeed so well as when you possess their undivided love and confidence. If a child thinks a teacher is harsh with him or her, or unkind toward him, or does not feel a real, genuine love for him, if he feels that the teacher is not taking a real interest in him as one who loves him, he can never be led to possess the right spirit; but when he feels that the teacher loves him, is trying to do him good and to teach him that which will be for his everlasting welfare, then you have an influence over that child, that when he studies he will study with a purpose and with an earnest desire to be benefitted and to please the teacher; because he knows and feels in his little heart that the teacher loves him and is seeking to do him good. I have entertained this sentiment from the beginning and in relation to the instruction of little children. It is a principle that obtains at the home as well as in the Sunday School. If you can only convince your children that you love them, that your soul goes out to them for their good, that you are their truest friend, they, in turn, will place confidence in you and will love you and seek to do your bidding and to carry out your wishes with your love, or are harsh or speak concerning them. But if you are selfish unkindly to them, and if they are not confident that they have your entire affection, they will be selfish, and will not care whether they please you or carry out your wishes or not, and the result will be that they will grow wayward, thoughtless and careless, and although you may drill them, like a parrot, to repeat verses and to speak in concert, and all that sort of thing, they will do it mechanically, without affection, and without its having that effect upon their souls that you desire it should have. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.98 I felt to say that much, in relation to the influence of the Sunday School teachers. Be good and kind to the children; win their affection. You can do more that way than you can with the rod; you can do more than you can by tyranny or by any forceful means. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1902, p.98 May the Lord bless the teachers of the Sunday Schools, and give them, the spirit of meekness and kindness, that they may be able to convince the children entrusted to their care that they love them and are seeking for the welfare and happiness of their souls, and the children, in turn, will love them and strive to learn and to do good. God bless you. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.1 Opening Address. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.1 Leading subjects for the Conference--Get out of debt while prosperity prevails--How to accomplish it--Saints should live their religion. The young should be taught mechanism and industrial arts generally. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.1 My brethren and sisters, I feel very grateful to the Lord, the Giver of all good, for the privilege that we enjoy this morning of assembling here, where we are wont to gather, at our annual and semi-annual conferences, for the purpose of attending to such business and matters of duty that may present themselves to us during this conference, and for the purpose of giving out, so far as the Spirit of the Lord may dictate to us, the word of the Lord in counsel, admonition and instruction to the people. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.1 I am pleased to see the large number who have assembled on this opening day of the conference, and I sincerely hope that we may all enjoy our coming together as we have enjoyed this privilege in days past, and, if pleasing before the Lord, even more abundantly. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.2 We desire to have the privilege of listening to as many of the brethren as time will permit. We would like to hear from as many of the presidents of stakes as we can, and we shall endeavor to select those who did not have the privilege of speaking at the last conference, among whom were the First Presidents of Seventies. There is a vast field for remarks and for reflection by those who shall speak to the people, which will be interesting and instructive, and which will be beneficial to the cause we are engaged in. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.2 It is not my intention to prolong my remarks this morning, but I desire to mention one or two subjects that I think worthy of the attention of the brethren, who may be led to enlarge upon them and to speak to the people as the Spirit may give them utterance. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.2 One of these subjects is, that in the time of prosperity which we are now enjoying, it is highly proper for the Latter-day Saints to get out of debt. I have unceasingly urged this thought upon the brethren for the past year or more. Wherever I have had the opportunity of speaking I have scarcely ever forgotten to hold out to the people the necessity--that I feel, at least--of our settling our obligations and freeing ourselves from debt in the day of prosperity. Our experience in the years that have past must have led us to the conclusion that we have periods of prosperity, followed by periods of depression. We have now had a long period of success and prosperity, and we may expect, almost at any time, to see these conditions change and a time of depression spread over the land and over the people. I would say, in connection with this subject, that one of the best ways that I know of to pay my obligations to my brother, my neighbor or business associate, is for me first to pay my obligations to the Lord. I can pay more of my debts to my neighbors, if I have contracted them, after I have met my honest obligations with the Lord, than I can by neglecting the latter; and you can do the same. If you desire to prosper, and to be free men and women and a free people, first meet your just obligations to God, and then meet your obligations to your fellowmen. Bishop Hunter used to put the matter in these words: "Brethren, pay your tithing and be blessed;" and that is just what I mean. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.2 It is not necessary, perhaps, for me to say that there never was a time since the organization of the Church when it was more necessary than it is at present for all the Latter-day Saints to live their religion and to keep the commandments of the Lord, to purge from their midst iniquity, folly and sin and the transgression of the commandments of the laws of God unto them. I may add to this that perhaps there never was a time when the work of the Lord in the earth was in greater earnest or reality than it is today. As a proof of this, we need only to open our eyes and see the energy and activity of the enemies of this people at the present time. When the wicked rage and the heathen imagine a vain thing relative to this people, we may set it down as a fact that the devil is not dead, and that the work of the Lord is not dead, either. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.3 We are lacking in much that is good and necessary. One of the things that I think is very necessary is that we should teach our boys mechanism, teach them the arts of industry, and not allow our sons to grow up with the idea that there is nothing honorable in labor, except it be in the profession of law, or in some other light, practically unproductive and, I was going to say, unremunerative employment, but I know of scarcely any employment more remunerative than is the practise of law, to those, at least, who are proficient. But what do they do to build up the country? What do they produce to benefit the world? There may be a few of them who have farms; there may be a few of them who have manufactories; there may be a few of them who may be interested and engaged in other productive labor, something that will build up the country and the people and establish permanence, stability and prosperity in the land; but the vast majority of them are leeches upon the body politic and are worthless as to the building up of any community. There are a good many of our boys who feel that they could not be farmers, and that the pursuit of farming and stock-raising is beneath their dignity. There are some who think it is menial and low for them to engage in building enterprises as masons, carpenters or builders in general. There are but a few of our boys who take to the hammer and the anvil and to those pursuits of labor that are essential to the permanence of any community in the world and that are necessary to build up the country. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.3 I say that we are remiss and slack in relation to these things, that we are not instilling them sufficiently in the minds of our children, and that we are not giving them the opportunity that they should enjoy of learning how to produce from the earth and the materials that are on the face of it or in the bowels of it, that which is necessary for the advancement and prosperity of mankind. Some of us have the idea that it is degrading for our daughters to learn how to cook, how to keep house, or to make a dress, apron or bonnet, if necessary. No. Daughters in families that are blessed with plenty of means are taught to play the piano, to sing, to go out in society and spend their time in idle, useless pleasure, instead of being taught how to be economical, industrious and frugal and how to become good housewives. That is degrading! I would like to say to this congregation, and to the world, that if I possessed millions of dollars I would not be satisfied or content in my mind unless my boys knew how to do something that would bring them in a living, how to handle a pitchfork, or to run a mowing machine or reaper, or how to plow the ground and sow the seed; nor would I be satisfied if my daughters did not know how to keep a house. I would be ashamed of my children if they did not know something of these things. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.3 We need manual training schools instead of so much book-learning and the stuffing of fairy tales and fables, which are contained in many of our school books of today. If we would devote more money and time, more energy and attention to teaching our children manual labor in our schools than we do, it would be a better thing for the rising generation. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.3 There are many subjects of this character, in addition to the principles of the Gospel of eternal truth and the plan of life and salvation, that can be dwelt upon with profit by those who may speak to us. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.3 Now, I do not desire to prolong my remarks this morning. I pray God to bless those who may speak to us and inspire them to say those things that will be instructive and beneficial, and that we may all enjoy that measure of the spirit of intelligence that we may divide rightly the word of truth, and that we all may receive meat in due season. That God may grant us these privileges and blessings is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.72 Satisfactory character of reports--What is expected of the priesthood--Glorious destiny of American Nation--The Church its strong supporter,--Characters of those who misrepresent this community--Saloons and their Keepers--The honorable do not assail the people of God-- Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.73 Brethren and sisters; I have been delighted, beyond my power to express, with the spirit of this conference, with the spirit of those who have spoken to us, with the subjects that they have dwelt upon, and with the reports which they have made to us in general conference assembled. I believe that, in the policy we have pursued, we are carrying out, in a measure at least, the original design and purpose in the Lord of holding these annual and semi-annual conferences. The Lord made it obligatory in former days that conferences should be held frequently, and that representatives from all the various branches and organized bodies of the Church should be present, with power and authority to report their condition and standing and to speak of any matter that would affect the welfare and prosperity of the people they represented. There is another purpose, I think, subserved in the policy that we have pursued, which I consider a worthy one, and that is this: We want the people to understand, and we would like the world to understand, the great fact that it is not the prominent leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that wield all the influence among the people of this Church. We want it understood that we have fewer lay members in this Church, in proportion to the number of our membership, than you will find in any other church upon the globe. Nearly every man in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds the Melchisedek or the Aaronic Priesthood, and may act in an official capacity by authority of that priesthood whenever called upon to do so. They are priests and kings, if you please, unto God in righteousness. Out of this vast body of priests we call and ordain or set apart our Presidents of Stakes, our counselors, our High Councilors, our Bishops and their counselors, our Seventies, our High Priests, and our Elders, upon whom rests the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel of eternal truth to all the world, and upon whom also rests the great and glorious responsibility of maintaining the dignity, the honor and the sacredness of that calling and Priesthood. So that nearly every male person in the Church, who has reached the years of accountability, is supposed to be, in his sphere, a pillar in Zion, a defender of the faith, an exemplar, a man of righteousness, truth and soberness, a man of virtue and of honor, a good citizen of the state in which he lives; and a staunch and loyal citizen of the great country that we are proud to call our home. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.73 This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of His omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.74 If the Lord had not prepared the way by laying the foundations of this glorious nation, it would have been impossible (under the stringent laws and bigotry of the monarchical governments of the world) to have laid the foundations for the coming of His great kingdom. The Lord has done this. His hand has been over this nation, and it is His purpose and design to enlarge it, make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be a strong supporter of the nation of which we are a part, in the accomplishment of this grand purpose. There are no more loyal people to their country on God's earth today than are the Latter-day Saints to this country. There are no better, purer or more honorable citizens of the United States to be found than are found within the pale of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify to this, and I know whereof I speak. We never have been enemies to our nation. We have always been true to it. Though we have been persecuted, we have said, We will put our trust in thee. We have been driven and maligned, not by the nation, but by insidious, wicked, unprincipled, hypocritical, lying, deceitful goats in sheep's clothing, who are jealous and constantly raising a hue and cry against the covenant people of God. Our government would have befriended us, protected us, preserved our rights and liberties, and would have defended us in the enjoyment of our possessions, if it had not been for these infernal hounds who are enemies to morality and to the truth. If there is anything despicable, if there be anything that can never, no, never, enter into the kingdom of God, it is a wilfull liar; and if we have not been lied about, maligned and misrepresented of late, then I do not know what lying is. Well, let the falsifiers go on and lie. Some people are evidently doomed to lie. President Woodruff used to say there were some people in his day who were born to lie, and they were true to their missions. There are some of these born liars still with us and still true to their mission. They cannot, it would seem, tell the truth; they often do not when it would be for their best good. So let them go on and lie as much as they desire. But let us do right, keep the laws of God and the laws of man, honor our membership in the kingdom of God, our citizenship in the State of Utah and our broader citizenship in the nation of which we are a part, and then God will sustain and preserve us, and we will continue to grow as we have done from the beginning, only our future growth will be accelerated and be far greater than it has been in the past. These slanders and falsehoods that are circulated abroad with the view of bringing the ire of the nation upon us will by and by be swept away, and because of these misrepresentations the truth will be brought out clearer and plainer to the world. Thus the word of the Lord will be verified, that they cannot do anything against but for the kingdom of God. This is the Lord's work; it it not man's; and He will make it triumphant. He is spreading it abroad, and giving it deep root in the earth, that its branches may grow and spread, and its fruit be seen throughout the length and breadth of the land. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.74 By their fruits ye shall know them. Men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles; neither does a bitter fountain send forth sweet water. We, as a people, deplore as much as anybody can the existence of evil amongst us. But when our brethren get up here and talk as some have done, "We have saloons; we have all the 'modern improvements'"--WE have them--I wish they would take the pains to distinguish as to who "we" is. If they mean that the Latter-day Saints have saloons, then they are mistaken. It is not the Latter-day Saints that sustain saloons. If they are fostered and sustained in the midst of Latter-day Saint communities, they are sustained by men that are either in bad standing or have no standing at all in the Church. The most of them are sustained by men who do not belong to the Church. I will venture to say that over here in Emery county, where we hear of saloons and "modern improvements," that there is not a saloon run by a Latter-day Saint. But, says one, hold on, Brother Smith, there is one, I believe. There was one, out of the many, that used to be run by a man who claimed to be a member of the Church: I don't know that it is now. I give it out to you, my brethren and sisters, that no man who is a Latter-day Saint, in full faith and fellowship in the Church, will ever keep a saloon anywhere. Therefore, if there is a man claiming to be a "Mormon" running a saloon anywhere, the best thing you can do is to cut him off the Church, and then you will know where he is and who he is. He is not a Latter-day Saint, at all events. Now, when you say WE have this, and WE have that, I hope you will draw the distinction between Latter-day Saints and latter-day devils. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.75 I am not sorry I have made these remarks, because it will give some of our "friends" a chance to say something, and there is nothing like having a little of the spice of life. I rejoice in the Gospel. I rejoice in the mission of the divine Savior, the Son of God. I know it is the power of God unto salvation. I rejoice in the name and in the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith; for I know his mission is divine. I rejoice in the gathering of Israel in the tops of these mountains in the latter days, because I see in it the hand of the Almighty, and not the hand of Brigham Young, nor of any mortal man. No man of himself could ever accomplish that which we see before us. The Lord is behind it, at the bottom and at the top of it, and in and through it, and He will consummate His purpose. The world cannot prevent it either, because it is for good, not for evil. If it were not for good I would pity some of these poor devils that we have amongst us. But we will be patient, longsuffering, and forbearing. We will say, Let God judge between us and our enemies, and award them according to their deeds. We will not harm them. On the contrary, we will protect them. Though they seek to defile us and ridicule our religion, though they lie about us and say all manner of evil against us falsely, we will not hurt them. We will do them good, if they will let us. We will protect them, as we would protect good men in their rights. We will do all we can to protect the rights of mankind, and nothing to break down the liberties of men. This is our mission, and I pray God to help us to be true to our mission, as these poor creatures who lie about us are true to theirs. Now, when I speak as I have done about the lying riff-raft that infests our land, I do not wish it understood for a moment that I refer to honorable men. We have honorable men amongst us, and in this nation. God bless and sustain all honorable men. We will sustain, not only the rights and liberties of the honorable, but we will also defend and help to maintain to the uttermost the liberties and rights of dishonorable men. We have honorable men amongst us, and they are ever in the favor of the people of God. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.80 General Superintendent of Sunday Schools of the Church, said: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.80 I desire to say just a few words. The benefit of our Sunday school work to our children and the rising generation cannot, I think, be too highly regarded by the Latter-day Saints, and more especially by those who are rearing children, and who desire to have their children brought up and to grow up in the way they should go. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.81 One of our brethren, reporting his labors as stake superintendent of Sunday schools, made a remark something like this, that they had everything in excellent condition, but their greatest trouble was to get the boys to attend school. Now it occurred very forcibly to my mind while our brother was giving utterance to these words that this difficulty can be easily overcome, if the fathers and the mothers will take sufficient interest in their boys and in their girls to see to it that they attend the Sabbath school. But if the fathers and the mothers are indifferent to the welfare of their children, and indifferent to the efforts that are being made by the teachers of the Sunday schools for the benefit of their children, and allow their children to roam about unguarded, uninstructed, unwatched, on the Sabbath day as they please, then it is a task indeed to get these children to go to school. It does seem to me that if all who have children would take sufficient interest in them to see that they all attend the Sunday schools, our schools would be well filled and our children would enjoy greater opportunities than many of them do today. It shows a woeful neglect and deplorable carelessness or thoughtlessness on the part of the parents when their children are not encouraged and urged, with all kindness and yet with all parental firmness, to go to the schools that are instituted in the Church for their guidance and instruction, and to help the parents bring up their children in the way they should go. I pray you, my brethren and sisters who have children in Zion, and upon whom rests the greater responsibility, teach them the principles of the Gospel, teach them to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in baptism for the remission of sins when they shall reach the age of eight years. They must be taught in the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by their parents, or the blood of the children will be upon the skirts of those parents. It seems to me so plain a duty and so necessary for them to see to it that their children avail themselves of the opportunities that are afforded them in having them taught and instructed in these principles in the Sunday schools that are established in the Church and conducted Sunday after Sunday for the benefit of their children. I should feel contemptible, I was going to say, in my own mind, in my own feelings, if I had children who were neglected by their parents in regard to these matters. Our little ones are only too anxious to go to Sunday school, no matter what may occur, whether it rains or is cold or pleasant or what not; whether they are sick or well they cannot be kept from the Sunday school unless there is great cause for it. And I will add this, if the Latter-day Saints will take an interest in their children, the interest which they ought to do, some of the conduct exhibited by some of the children, I suppose of the Latter-day Saints, which we have witnessed this evening as we came to this meeting, would never occur, and would not be seen in the cities of Zion. The first thing that met my eye as we came down the street was a crowd of boys puffing tobacco on the sidewalk. Who are they? Are they the children of the Latter-day Saints? No, I hope not--I hope not, for the good name of the Latter-day Saints, for our sake and credit as teachers, as children of God, as parents in Israel, who have the interest and welfare of our children at heart. I should pray that these boys that I saw on the street with their mouths and their breath be-fouled by tobacco smoke are not theirs. I hope they are not the children of Latter-day Saints. Maybe they are. If they are, I am sorry for it. Language was heard, profanity, taking the name of God in vain, on the Sabbath day, by this Temple block, near the walls of this sacred building, where we meet to worship God and today our deference to Him and to acknowledge His hand and His mercies toward us here tonight. We heard the voice of profanity from the lips of children. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.82 Who are they? Are they yours, Latter-day Saints? Are they the children of men and women that have embraced the Gospel of eternal truth? If so, shame upon their parents as well as upon the children. That is my judgment and my verdict upon them. And if these children were taught and kept under proper influences and under the proper guiding eye of their parents they never would be left to do such things as these, nor would they ever do it, because they would be ashamed, and they would think too much of their parents to do it. But of course where children see their parents do those things, where children hear their parents do such things, you cannot blame the children so much for following in the footsteps of their parents or for emulating their example. The object of our Sunday schools and the object of our Church schools, the great, the paramount object, is to teach our children the truth, teach them to be honorable, pure minded, virtuous, honest and upright, and enable them by our advice and counsel and by our guardianship over them until they reach the years of accountability to become the honorable of the earth, the good and the pure among mankind, the virtuous and the upright, and those who shall be worthy to enter the house of God and not be ashamed of themselves in the presence of angels if they should come to visit them. Now I felt to make these few remarks, my brethren and sisters, tonight; and I say it is my judgment, and I think it must be the judgment of every intelligent man, that if the parents of children in this community would see to it that their children were kept under proper restraints and were properly admonished and taught, properly guarded in their youth, and sent to school under the influence of good teachers, which it is their duty to do, and is the best thing to do, the only thing to do for our children, that the evils of which I have spoken would not be witnessed in our midst. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1903, p.82 The Lord bless you and those who labor in the Sunday school cause, as well as in all departments of education for our youth, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.1 OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.1 Latter-day Saints should work in harmony--Obedience to the Gospel makes man free--Progress of the community--Instructions about colonization--Division of Stakes--Prosperous Condition of missions--Recent prosperity--Trades versus professions for the young--Educational Interests--Suggestions to parents in the training of children. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.1 I am gratified to see the large attendance present at the opening of this semi-annual conference, and I sincerely hope that throughout the sessions Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.1 our people may continue to attend and participate in whatever duties or labors may be necessary to be performed during this conference. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.2 I would like all Latter-day Saints to feel in their hearts that the work in which they are engaged is not only the work that God has instituted in the latter days, but that it is a work in which each individual member of the Church is deeply and vitally interested. Every man and every woman should feel a deep and abiding interest in the work of the Lord, in the growth and development of the great latter-day cause, which cause is intended for the redemption of all men from the powers of sin, from all its contaminating effects, for the redemption of man from his own weakness and ignorance, and from the grasp that Satan holds upon the world, that men may be made free; for no man is or can be made free without possessing a knowledge of the truth and obeying the same. It is only the possession and observance of the truth that can make men free, and all those who do not possess and obey it are slaves and not freemen. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.2 It is only by obedience to the laws of God, that men can rise above the petty weaknesses of mortality and exercise that breadth of affection, that charity and love, that should actuate the hearts and the motives of the children of men. The Gospel as it has been restored is intended to make men free indeed, free to choose the good and to forsake the evil, free to exercise that boldness in their choice of that which is good, by which they will not shrink from doing that which they are convinced is right, notwithstanding the great majority of the people of the world may point at them the finger of scorn and ridicule. It requires no especial bravery on the part of men to swim with the currents of the world. When a man makes up his mind to forsake the world and its follies and sins, and identify himself with God's people, who are everywhere spoken evil of it takes courage, manhood, independence of character, superior intelligence, and a determination that is not common among men; for men shrink from that which is unpopular, from that which will not bring them praise and adulation, from that which will in any degree tarnish that which they call honor or a good name. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.2 The Latter-day Saints are a people who have been and are still familiar with the ways of the world. They have been gathered from nearly all the nations of the earth, and were formerly associated with the various religious denominations extant. Hence they are familiar with the various religious creeds existing in the world, and they have had the courage, in the face of all the opposition that they have had to meet, and the contumely that has been heaped upon them, to forsake their former creeds, to sever their former ties and relationships, and to forsake their kindred, their homes, and everything that they have held dear, for the Gospel's sake; and they are not cowards; they are not slaves; they are not bondsmen, but they are freemen, because the Gospel has made them free. It is a knowledge of these things that will make a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints an entity in the Church to which he belongs--a living factor, an active participator in the cause in which he is engaged; one who feels, deep down in his soul, the truth of the Gospel; and the love of it moves him to works of righteousness and causes him to desire to become more and more united with those who are seeking to bring to pass the establishment of the kingdom of God and a reign of righteousness, that wickedness may be destroyed and truth prevail from sea to sea. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.3 It was not and is not my intention to speak long this morning. I desired to make a few opening remarks at this conference, and the thought that seemed to be impressed upon my mind was that every Latter-day Saint here today should be here tomorrow, and should continue to attend this conference until it shall conclude on the 6th of this month, which is the semi-anniversary of the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the latter days. I would like all to feel that interest in this work and the duties and responsibilities that rest upon them during this conference, that they will be prompt in attending here, as they have been today. I felt that it would be useless for me to speak of this tomorrow, when it is possible that many might be absent, attending to business or pleasure. I take this occasion, therefore, while all are here to hear my voice and the voices of those who shall follow me, that you may know what we desire, and that you may feel prompted in your hearts to carry out this desire. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.3 I desire to say to this congregation that the work of the Lord, to the best 3 of my knowledge, has continued in grow and spread since our conference last April. I can see no evidence of weakness, or of weakening among the Latter-day Saints. Everywhere that I have had the pleasure and opportunity of traveling to visit the people we have found them earnest in their work, earnest in their faith, earnest in their devotion to the cause of God in the earth, and living according to the knowledge that they possess, agreeable to the will of the Father, as it has been made known to them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.3 There have been great improvements. We have built, completed and dedicated many houses of worship throughout the various stakes of Zion during the six months that have passed. There are many more in course of erection, and many will no doubt be completed and dedicated and ready for the service of the people before we shall assemble again six months hence. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.3 The stakes of Zion continue to increase in numbers and in strength, save, perhaps in the larger cities. We find that there is a disposition on the part of some of our people to desert the cities and those parts of the state that are more densely settled, and they are spreading out into newer countries and building up other settlements and other stakes of Zion. While we feel that this is a necessity, to a great extent, we also feel that it is unwise for our people to scatter abroad or leave their present homes, except when it becomes absolutely necessary for them to do so for their own good and for the good of their increasing families. And yet, we would advise such as have no homes, say in Salt Lake, or in Ogden, or in the larger towns and cities of our state, and who have no prospects of ever being able to obtain homes for themselves in these more crowded centers--to turn their eyes and their course toward the newer settlements, where they may have the privilege of obtaining homesteads and building up homes for themselves and their children. When you do this we would advise you to move under the direction and counsel of those who have these matters in charge, that instead of scattering abroad you may gather abroad and establish yourselves in communities where you can have the advantages of schools, of meetings, of Mutual Improvement associations, and of all the other auxiliary organizations of the Church, and where you will be able to associate together in a community for self-protection and for self-culture and advancement in all that is good. We find that it is not those who desire the welfare of Zion who are disposed to scatter abroad; those who love the truth and who are interested in the work of the Lord are always desirous of being associated with the Saints, wherever they may choose to locate. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.3 We have been under the necessity of dividing the Alberta stake of Zion, because it had grown to such dimensions that it was a very great burden upon the presidency of the stake, in its undivided condition, to attend to all the duties that devolved upon them and to visit all the people. They had grown until they had spread for a hundred miles or more from one point to the other. We divided it recently, making two stakes out of the one. There are other stakes that are growing, and we have already had appeals from the people and those who are in charge to establish other stakes out of the present existing ones, because of the increase of the people and the extent of those stakes: and in the near future it will be necessary, no doubt, to make other divisions of stakes in order that the people may be visited by their presiding officers and all may be kept in touch with the spirit of the Gospel and the work of the Lord. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.4 Our missions are almost universally in a prosperous condition. The work is progressing in Europe and upon the islands of the sea. There has been some little difficulty in the German mission, of late, but matters there have quieted down and our Elders continue to prosecute their labors there as they are doing in other missionary fields. We have succeeded in completing and dedicating a very commodious and appropriate building in the city of Copenhagen, and also in Christiania, Norway, since the last conference, thus giving to these missions a permanency that they have not enjoyed to the same extent in the years that have gone by. Other meetinghouses for our people in other missions are in contemplation, and, perhaps, in the near future we may have headquarters for our Elders, and a meetinghouse, or church, if you please to call it that, in other mission fields, where we can advertise our name and our principles, and where we can have a permanent foothold and exhibit our works to those who are requiring after the truth, and not leave the people, as in years gone by, under the impression that we are constantly on the wing in these distant lands, having no permanent abiding places there. Our mission in Great Britain, for instance, has continued for the last 60 years or more, and yet we have never attempted to build houses of worship there, and many of the people have supposed that our work there was only temporary. But we desire it distinctly understood that "Mormon-ism," as it is called, has come to the world to stay. We expect to proclaim this Gospel to the nations of the earth until every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall have the privilege of hearing the sound thereof and the voices of the servants of God, lifted up in warning and in testimony to them that judgments will come upon the world and that righteousness has been made known and proclaimed from the heavens in the latter day. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.4 We have unfortunately lost some three or four of our Elders, by the hand of death, in the mission field. We regret this very much, and we are impressed with the thought that it is largely due, in some instances at least, to the lack of caution and proper care on the part of the Elders themselves. I shall be most thankful and happy myself if after I have done all that I have the power and wisdom to do for my own protection, the Lord will preserve me by His power. Still I will give to Him the honor and the glory for all. If a man receives wisdom to guard himself against evil and dangers, it is because God has bestowed the gift of wisdom upon him. It is said that faith is a gift of God, and so it is; but faith does not come without works; faith does not come without obedience to the commandments of God. Men do not receive the gift of faith, nor the gift of wisdom, nor the gift of understanding, nor a testimony of the Spirit of the Living God in their hearts, without they seek for it. The principle is: Thou shalt knock and it shall be opened unto thee; thou shalt ask and receive; thou shalt seek if thou wilt find; and if you want wisdom, ask for it, as Solomon did; if you want knowledge and the testimony of the spirit in your hearts, seek for it earnestly. Put yourself in a position whereby you will be worthy to receive it, then it will come to you as a gift of God, and His name should be praised for the same. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.4 I am grieved to say to this congregation and yet perhaps I should not express myself so--that since our last conference we have been deprived of the presence, counsel and influence of one of our beloved brethren, one of the Twelve, President Brigham Young. Of course you are all aware of this, still I mention it here, that you may know that we do not forget those with whom we have been associated in life from boyhood to old age, those, especially, who have been faithful in all their callings and in the missions to which they have been appointed. We revere their memory and we regret their absence from us today. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.4 I am delighted with the return and presence of Brother Heber J. Grant from Japan. He has been honorably released from that mission to return and to resume his labors here, or elsewhere, as he may be called and appointed. Brother Horace S. Ensign has been placed in charge of the Japan mission. Those who were laboring with him there are faithful, devoted, young men; but Brother Heber can speak of them more fully than it is possible perhaps for me to do. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.5 There are many subjects, which should, perhaps, be dwelt upon and 5 thought of during this conference. I desire to renew, in brief, what I said to you six months ago. Notwithstanding we have had six months more of prosperity in the land--our crops have been unusually good this year, and the labor of the husbandman has been crowned with abundant harvests--yet, while prosperity has abounded throughout the length and breadth of the land of Zion, I want to tell you that there has not been so much prosperity abroad. We frequently hear of financial failures and difficulties. We hear of labor troubles in various parts of our land, and of wars and rumors of wars; but here in the midst of these mountain valleys, inhabited by Latter-day Saints, the Lord has given us peace and has made us secure. Our business relations are healthy; our business institutions are prosperous, and everything looks promising for the future; but, notwithstanding the promising outlook that we behold, I desire that my brethren and sisters will not become over-confident in this condition of affairs. I tell you that it is better for us to be out of debt, free from obligations and mortgages, than it is for us to have mortgages plastered upon our homes, or upon our farms, or upon our stocks, or anything that we possess in the shape of values. I again admonish the Latter-day Saints to aim and diligently endeavor to free themselves from debt. Get out of debt and keep out of debt, and then you will be financially as well as spiritually free. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.5 I desire again to say that I would be pleased to see more of our young men learning trades instead of trying to learn professions, such as the profession of the law, or of medicine or other professions. I would rather a man would become a good mechanic, a good builder, a good machinist, a good surveyor, a good farmer, a good blacksmith, or a good artisan of any kind than to see him follow these other kinds of professions. We need, however, those who are capable of teaching in the school, and I would like to see a greater interest manifested by our young men and women in normal training, that they might become proficient teachers and look forward to following this profession, because it is a most important one, and great results will follow the faithful performance of the duties and labors of those who are engaged in it. The training of our young, the giving of proper instruction to those who are seeking education, and creating facilities in our midst for all who desire not only the common branches of education, but the higher branches; that they may obtain these privileges and benefits at home instead of being compelled to go abroad to complete their education. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.6 Some of our friends took very grievous offense at what I said in respect to some of these things last April, I believe. I was sorry to hear what they said in relation to this. Why, bless your soul, the counsel that I gave last April in relation to these matters was in the interest of all parties and of all professions. I did not speak a disrespectful word of any profession. I simply advised, and I still advise, the young men of Zion to become artisans rather than to become lawyers. I repeat it; and yet I would to God that every intelligent man among the Latter-day Saints was able to read law and to be his own lawyer. I wish that every man could and would study and become familiar with the laws of his state and with the laws of his nation, and with the laws of other nations. You cannot learn too much in these directions; but I think there are too many trying to be lawyers, for the good of that profession. They are eating one another up, to some extent. Not long ago a young man who had studied law and hung out his shingle here, after waiting for business, trying to stir up business, for some length of time, came so near starving himself and family that he came and wanted to know what to do. He could not make a living in the profession of law. I asked him if he knew how to do anything else. He said yes, he was a good printer. Well, then, I said, abandon the profession of law and take up the profession of printing; do something that you can do and that you can make a living at. If he had any practise at all in law my counsel to him, if he had obeyed it--and he did--would have been a benefit to those who remained in the profession. There are some men, most honorable, most genuine and most intelligent who are following the profession of the law. I wish I could say that much of all. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.6 Then, my brethren and sisters, get out of debt. My young friends, learn to become skilful in the arts and in mechanics and in something that will be material, useful in building up the commonwealth where we live and where all our interests are centered. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.6 O, my brethren and sisters, I admonish you to look after your children, that they may grow up with proper habits, keeping the Word of Wisdom, keeping themselves morally clean and pure, avoiding the temptations and the allurements that beset them on every hand, that they may grow up to be men and women without spot and without blemish. This is the great desideratum of life, almost, at least to me. For me to see my children following in the ways of sin, departing from the ways of uprightness, would be the most grievous affliction that could befall me. Death itself would be more tolerable. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.6 Now, I feel that it is not wise or proper for me to occupy more of the time this morning. There are many other things that might be said, and probably will be said by those who will address us during this conference. I trust that proper attention may be given to their counsels, and that we may be built up and strengthened in the faith and encouraged in our determinations to serve the Lord, to keep His commandments, work righteousness and try to do good to all men, whether they be Latter-day Saints or latter-day sinners. Let us do good to all men; that is our mission. It is our especial business to lift up those who are drooping, to strengthen the weak, to encourage those who are in doubt, and to lead on and up in the path of righteousness and of usefulness among men in the world, that we may be in deed and of a truth saviors upon Mount Zion. That God may grant this to every one of us is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.78 While I realize, as you all do doubtless, that it may be wholly unnecessary for me to say what I am going to say, yet I feel prompted to say it, and let it go for what it is worth. I have been delighted with the most excellent discourse that we have listened to; but I desire to say that it is a wonderful revelation to the Latter-day Saints, and especially to those who were familiar with the Prophet Joseph Smith, to learn in these latter days that he was an epileptic! I will simply remark, God be praised, that there are so many still living who knew the Prophet Joseph well, and who are in a position to bear testimony to the truth that no such condition ever existed in the man. He was never troubled with epilepsy. Of course, this may be unnecessary to say, after the magnificent arraignment made by Brother Roberts of this fallacious, foolish, nonsensical theory--this "fried froth"--gotten up by vain philosophers to account for something they would like to destroy from off the face of the earth, but are impotent to do it. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.84 Latter-day Saints a free people. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.84 We will now present before the conference the names of the general authorities of the Church, with the earnest desire that all the members of the Church present, who by reason of their good standing before the Lord are entitled to the privilege, will express their will according to the God-given agency that every man in the world enjoys, and which is not lessened, but rather increased, in all those who have made covenant with God by sacrifice and through obedience to the principles of the Gospel. The freedom of the Latter-day Saints has never been curtailed or lessened one whit by their becoming members of the Church of Christ. Rather has it been enlarged. There are no freer people upon the face of the earth today than the Latter-day Saints. They are bound to the Church by no ties or strings, but their own conviction of the truth. And whenever a man makes up his mind that he has had enough of what is called "Mormonism," all he has to do is to make it known and we will sever the bond that unites him with the body, and let him go his own way, only bearing toward him the feeling of sympathy and of true brotherly kindness, and wishing him still the mercies of God. We will cry, Father, have mercy upon him, because he knows not what he is doing. For when a man denies the truth, when he departs from the right way, when he rejects the right of God to counsel in the affairs of men, he is either ignorant or wilfully wicked, and it only excites our pity for him. As the Savior cried upon the cross, so will we cry in the same spirit, Father, forgive him; have mercy upon him; for he knows not what he does. Therefore, we expect only those to vote at this time who are members of the Church in good standing; but all such we do expect to vote, according to their own free will, whether it be yea or nay. However, we wish it distinctly understood that no questions upon these matters will be discussed in this conference; for this is not the place to discuss questions of difference or of feeling that we may possess one towards another. Still we can manifest our approval or our disapproval by the uplifted hand; and if there are any disapprovals, we will have them heard and adjusted later on, but not here. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.86 How the will of God can be known--All offices, railings and authority embraced in the holy Melchisedek Priesthood--Material affairs of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.86 If I regret anything at all, it is that we have not time to hear the testimonies of many more of the brethren who are in attendance at this conference. Nothing would delight me more than to have the privilege of remaining here and listening to a score or two of presidents of stakes, presidents of missions, and other prominent men who are at this conference representing the different interests of the Church. I regret more than anything I can think of in connection with our conferences, that we do not have more time, and that we cannot hear from more of our brethren. But I think the time so far has been well employed, and I trust that all that has been said, all the counsel that has been given, the exhortations that have been offered and the admonitions that have been voiced, will be blessed and sanctified through the spirit of truth to the good and encouragement of all who have heard them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.86 The one thing now that I desire to impress upon the minds of my brethren of the Holy Priesthood is that we should live so near to the Lord, be so humble in our spirits, so tractable and pliable, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that we will be able to know the mind and will of the Father concerning us as individuals and as officers in the Church of Christ under all circumstances. And when we live so that we can hear and understand the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of God, let us do whatsoever that Spirit directs, without fear of the consequences. It does not make any difference whether it meet the minds of carpers or critics, or of the enemies of the kingdom of God, or not. Is it agreeable to the will of the Lord? Is it compatible with the spirit of the great latter-day work in which we are engaged? Is the end aimed at likely to advance the Church and to strengthen it in the earth? If its trend is in that direction, let us do it, no matter what men may say or think. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.87 I know, as I know that I live, that this is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I say this, I say it with a full understanding of the meaning of the term. It is the Church of Jesus Christ. It is not the church of man. The Lord laid the foundations of it. It was He who inspired the boy Prophet, Joseph Smith, and gave to him wisdom and understanding to organize the councils of the Priesthood and to establish His Church upon the foundation of prophets, apostles, evangelists, and inspired men. It was the Lord Jesus who restored the Holy Melchisedek Priesthood, through the instrumentality that He used; and all blessings, all offices, all callings, and all authority in this Church come under and are embraced in the holy Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God. There is no office growing out of this Priesthood that is or can be greater than the Priesthood itself. It is from the Priesthood that the office derives its authority and power. No office gives authority to the Priesthood. No office adds to the power of the Priesthood. But all offices in the Church derive their power, their virtue, their authority, from the Priesthood. If our brethren would get this principle thoroughly established in their minds, there would be less misunderstanding in relation to the functions of government in the Church than there is. Today the question is, which is the greater--the High Priest or the Seventy, the Seventy or the High Priest? I tell you that neither of them is the greater, and neither of them is the lesser. Their callings lie in different directions, but they are from the same Priesthood. If it were necessary, the Seventy, holding the Melchisedek Priesthood, as he does, I say IF IT WERE NECESSARY--he could ordain a High Priest; and if it were necessary for a High Priest to ordain a Seventy, he could do that. Why? Because both of them hold the Melchisedek Priesthood. Then again, if it were necessary--though I do not expect the necessity will ever arise--and there was no man left on earth holding the Melchisedek Priesthood, except an Elder, that Elder, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and by the direction of the Almighty, could proceed, and should proceed, to organize the Church of Jesus Christ in all its perfection, because he holds the Melchisedek Priesthood. But the house of God is a house of order, and while the other offices remain in the Church, we must observe the order of the Priesthood, and we must perform ordinances and ordinations strictly in accordance with that order, as it has been established in the Church through the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successors. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.87 I am aware of the fact that there are those who in the past have held different views to this. They may still hold different views; and if they do, they will have to change them by and by, if they ever get a correct knowledge of the Priesthood. No office of an Apostle, no office of a President, no office of a High Priest, or a Seventy, or an Elder, is greater than the Melchisedek Priesthood. I hope you will understand that. If an Apostle has any authority at all, he derives it from the Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after God's order, and he cannot have it in any other way. There is no authority except it comes from that Priesthood. It holds the keys of the administering of blessings, ordinances and promises upon the heads of all the members of the Church. Out of the Melchisedek Priesthood grows the Lesser Priesthood, which is called the Priesthood after the order of Aaron. This is an appendage to the Melchisedek Priesthood. The office of an Elder, of a High Priest, of a Seventy--all the offices in the Church are simply appendages to the Melchisedek Priesthood, and grow out of it. You can read the revelations regarding this in the Book of D&C, and you must see it just as I have told it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.89 Now, I think I can say, without any reservation, that the brethren who are placed in charge to look after the interests of the Church are doing their whole duty to the utmost of their ability. Brother Clawson, in his discourse, alluded to the condition of our books, and records of tithing. Never since the Church was organized were they in so perfect a condition as they are today. We can tell you the name of every man, woman and child in the Church who pays tithing, and we can tell you exactly what they pay. Not only so, but we have records by which we can show the names and the number of the members of the Church who are not tithepayers. Furthermore, we can tell you that not one dollar of the tithing of the Church is used for any purpose except that which is legitimate and proper, according to the necessities of the Church. I say to you, too, that we are paying the debts of the Church, and the tithing is being used carefully and exclusively at present to meet all current expenses and to cancel our obligations, both bonded and note. I am happy to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that the people are doing as well in this direction, if not better than they have ever done before, with the exception, perhaps, of one year. There was one year wherein more tithing was paid than has been in any one year since; but we presume that was the result of unprecedented prosperity, and we are not disposed to measure subsequent years by that one, but rather to compare them year by year, on a consistent basis. It gives me pleasure to say to you that if you will continue to do your duty in this matter, it will not be long before the Church will owe nobody except God. So far as I am concerned, I have not cared particularly whether I shall live a long or short time; still I may say it would be pleasing to me if I could have the privilege of living until every dollar that the Church owes shall be paid, and a handsome surplus remain in the treasury. I want to see that day, if the Lord is willing. But if He is not willing for me to live till that day shall come. I intend at any rate to carry out that purpose to the best of my ability, and to work to that end so long as I do live and am permitted to occupy my present position. Moreover, I say to you that I have two strong, staunch, faithful counselors to assist and encourage me in this endeavor--Presidents Winder and Lund. I think if there is one of the three of us more inclined to be liberal than the others, perhaps it is Brother Lund. His generous, large soul sometimes expands a little farther than Brother Winder's or mine. We do not disagree about it, but we try to be economical and prudent, and eke out that which we have. We are endeavoring to assist the widow and the fatherless, and, as far as our means will go, the different wards and stakes of Zion, in the erection of their meetinghouses. We are trying to do the best we can for the maintenance of our temples and for the continuance of the work that is going on in them. And this requires considerable means. According to our means and the obligations resting upon us, we are doing handsomely, I think, for our Church schools, of which we have a number and they are a credit to the people and to the cause of education. We have at last succeeded in completing the Deseret News building, the foundations of which were laid by President Lorenzo Snow. We have also completed the Deseret News annex. These buildings are truly a credit to our city, but they have been a source of great expense to the Church. They are both costly buildings, especially the main one, built solidly and in the most expensive way, and will stand as a monument to the city for many years to come. They are now paid for, and that obligation is off our hands. Now we have undertaken to assist--not to do it all--in the erection of a Latter-day Saints hospital in this city, where the sick and unfortunate of our people may be taken in an emergency. It will be conducted under the auspices of the Latter-day Saints, and we hope to be able to assist in completing that and still go on paying our debts. But if anybody possessing a surplus of means is generous enough to voluntarily contribute towards the erection of that hospital, we will be glad to receive it from him. Others do such things, but we have not many rich among us, and therefore we do not expect so much from our brethren; but where men have abundance of means and desire to put some of it where it will do good, if they will offer it freely to this hospital, we will accept it with our blessing, and with the blessing of the sick and unfortunate that may be taken there in time to come. The blessing of all will be upon the generous giver. Still we expect to be able to go on with the building until it is completed--that is, the main part. By and by, doubtless, it will have to be enlarged to meet our necessities. Then again, we want the good sisters who have contributed means in the past for the erection of a woman's building in this city, for which a piece of land was designated, to understand that their efforts in this direction are not in vain. Inasmuch as you have contributed your means and have it in safe keeping, it will come in very nicely when we begin to lay the foundations of a memorial building to the name and honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in that building the Relief society, the various quorums of the Priesthood and the general Authorities of the Church will have official habitation and offices. We will erect a building, I hope, that will be creditable to the Church--not, however, until we pay our debts. We do not want to begin to incur new debts until the old ones are wiped out, nor then if we can avoid it. But when we get the means and are otherwise in a position to do it, we hope to put up a building on the old Deseret News corner that will afford headquarters to the presidency of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, the presiding Bishopric, the Seven Presidents of Seventies, and the general and auxiliary organizations of the Church. So we do not want you sisters to be discouraged because you do not see the work going on just at present. We have not used your money; in fact, you control it, and it is where you have put it. It will be there, and perhaps bring you in a little interest, until we get ready to use it. When that time shall come, we will then call upon you to help build yourselves and us a home. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.89 I feel happy in this work. I know it is good. I feel it in every fibre of my being. I am satisfied that the Lord's hand is over His people for good, and that He is lengthening the cords of Zion and strengthening her stakes. I have not been able to travel as much as I would like, but I have had the pleasure of visiting, this summer, our settlements in Canada, in Oregon, and in the Big Horn Basin; and wherever I have gone I have seen unmistakable evidences of God's blessing and approval upon the people. On all sides there are evidences of progress, of increase, of the development of the resources of the land, and of building up and strengthening the stakes of Zion. I feel in my heart that the Lord will continue to bless and prosper Zion. As an evidence that He is doing so, we see that the devil is not dead yet, and he won't die as long as the work of God is alive in the earth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.89 The Lord bless Zion. Peace be unto you, my brethren and my sisters, and in all your habitations. The peace and blessing of God be upon your families, upon your flocks and your herds, your substance, and all that He has made you stewards over, that these things may be sanctified unto the Lord and blessed of Him to your good and continued happiness in time and to your exaltation in eternity. God bless these faithful men who preside over the stakes of Zion, with their counselors and the members of the High Councils, and the Bishops and their counselors. God bless the presidents of Seventies, the Presiding Bishopric, the Twelve Apostles, and all those who are engaged in the labor of the ministry, until the Saints shall be brought to a knowledge of the truth unto the perfect stature of a man in Christ Jesus; that we may know as we are known, and not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine and by the cunning craftiness of men whereby they lie in wait to deceive. God deliver us from the snares of the adversary, and from the traps that are set for our feet and the pits that are dug for our destruction, and make us to prosper in the land now and forever, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.98 I think all have been delighted during this meeting with the remarks that have been made, the testimonies that have been borne, and the reports that have been given, and with the delightful music that has gratified our ears. I endorse all that has been said, and I commend it to all the Sunday School workers within the sound of my voice. I hope that we will struggle on and upward to attain the highest mark of excellence that it is possible for us to attain, by diligent effort, by study and preparation on the part of the teachers, that they may be able to assist their pupils in their labors and studies to attain a higher excellence. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.98 I desire to commend to this congregation the Juvenile Instructor, for I think I may do so without any egotism on my part, for it is not the little that is said in the Juvenile Instructor, over my own signature that I commend particularly, but the articles that are written by our correspondents, such as have been named here this evening, by those who are cultured and who are studious and experienced. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.98 I was startled a few days ago when a very prominent man in one of our stakes began to flatter me a little, over something that had been published in the Era, in relation to card playing. After he had given me a little taffy, I said to him. "But have you read my articles in the Juvenile?" "Oh, no, I quit taking the Juvenile." "Why so?" "Oh, it shoots over the mark." I began to wonder how long since he had been reading the "little letters" and the communications found in the Letter-box in the Juvenile. I came to the conclusion that my good brother had not been reading the Juvenile for some time past--for a long time past. I am afraid he quit reading it before he quit subscribing for it. Now I will say that the brethren associated with me who are more actively connected with the publication of the Juvenile, because the duties that otherwise devolve upon me, are doing their utmost, and are exerting themselves in great wisdom to publish matter that will be instructive, interesting and profitable to all who read. I desire to say at this time to this congregation that, I have felt very strongly of late a desire, a responsibility, I may say, resting upon me, to admonish the Latter-day Saints everywhere to cease loitering away their precious time, to cease from all idleness. It is said in the revelations that the idler in Zion shall not eat the bread of the laborer, and there is vastly too much, in some parts--not universally; but there is far too much precious time wasted by the youth of Zion, and perhaps by some that are older and more experienced and who ought to know better, in the foolish, vain and unprofitable practice of card-playing. We hear of card parties here and card parties there, and entertainments where the playing of cards is the principal amusement; and the whole evening is thus wasted. The whole precious time of those that are gathered together on occasions of this kind, aggregating many hours, absolutely wasted. If there was nothing else to be said against this practice, that alone should be sufficient to induce Latter-day Saints not to indulge in this foolish and unprofitable pastime. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.98 Read good books. Learn to sing and to recite, and to converse upon subjects that will be of interest to your associates, and at your social gatherings, instead of wasting the time in senseless practices that lead only to mischief and sometimes to serious evil and wrongdoing, instead of doing this, seek out of the best books knowledge and understanding. Read history. Read philosophy, if you wish. Read anything that is good, that will elevate the mind and will add to your stock of knowledge, that those who associate with you may feel an interest in your pursuit of knowledge and of wisdom. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.99 I endorse most heartily the remarks that were made here tonight by Brother Jackson. How can a man or a woman as a teacher in the Sunday school or as one occupied in any other ecclesiastical duty, who is in the habit of playing cards, say to the children, "You must not do it, because it is a waste of time and it may result in your ruin?" Who can give such advice who is in the habit of doing it himself? Who can say to the drunkard, the tippler, the frequenter of saloons, "You must not tipple; you must not frequent saloons you should not darken the doors of such places," if he is in the habit of doing those things himself? What good mother can say to her daughter, "You must keep the word of wisdom," when she does not do it herself? What good father can say to his son, "My son you must not gamble, you must not play games of chance, you must not venture upon unholy ground," when the father himself is guilty of the same practices? It cannot be done, or, if it is done, it will be without force and without effect, except, perhaps, to brand with hypocrisy any such parent who gives such advice to his children and it breeds contempt in the minds of the children when the parents undertake to teach them to be better than they are themselves, or not to do things which they themselves indulge in. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.99 One of the essentials to a good Sunday school is to have good, pure-minded, intelligent, noble, true, and faithful teachers. If you will have a child develop to what he should be, he that teaches the child should be developed to what he ought to be; and until he is developed in intelligence, in faith, in works of righteousness, in purity of heart and mind and spirit, he is not in a very good position to elevate others to it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.99 Take the Juvenile. Remember the Nickel fund. The Lord is blessing Zion. It is but little that is necessary or needed from each when all will do their duty. Now regarding tithing, which is only a just claim upon us. If all the Latter-day Saints will pay an honest tithing of that which the Lord gives to them year by year, the trustee-in-trust, the presiding bishopric and others who are entrusted with the care of the funds of the Church, will have ample means to meet every requirement that is made of them. We shall have plenty to pay all the debts that were incurred during the persecutions of the last few years, and we shall have means on hand, instead of being behind, and we shall have plenty, and the earth will teem with plenty, and the Lord will open the windows of heaven and bless His people. Let me tell you for your consolation, if it is any consolation to those that are reluctant in paying their tithing, that the sectarian preachers of the world are seeking to adopt, in their churches, the principle of tithe paying as the scriptural doctrine and as the most consistent and proper way of raising funds for the maintenance of their church work, instead of having to pass around the hat every time they have a meeting. Tithe paying is according to the law of God, and it will not be a great while, I will venture to say before almost all the sectarian churches that have any tendency towards progress will have adopted the principle of tithing. And I am happy to say that the Latter-day Saints, through the revelation of this principle to the Prophet Joseph Smith, set this example to the world. It is the proper thing to do. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.99 I hope to see the time when we shall not have to ask you for assistance, save it be to pay your fast offerings and your free will offerings, that which you offer for the benefit of the poor or for the accomplishment of some special work in the ministry; that beyond that we shall not have to ask you for anything but your tithing, and that day will come, if we will only do our duty. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1903, p.99 Now, my brethren and sisters, let us do our duty--I do not say, "Do your duty." I say, Let us do our duty, all the time, and God will bless us. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.1 OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.1 Guiding care and mercy of the Almighty--His requirements of the Latter-day Saints--Condition of the unbelieving--Nature of the Holy Priesthood--The government of God means freedom--The Saints look forward to and long for its establishment. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.1 Feeling very greatly dependent upon the mercies of the Lord for the guiding influence of His Holy Spirit, I am delighted this morning to welcome this vast congregation of Latter-day Saints to the opening meeting of this seventy-fourth annual conference of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.2 We begin our conference on this beautiful morning, I firmly believe, under the divine approval, blessing and favor of Almighty God, who has guided the destiny of His people from the organization of the Church until the present, and whose overruling power has preserved us from the hands of our enemies and guided us in our footsteps and in our journeyings into the tops of these mountains. Here, by His blessing, we have had a measure of peace for lo these many years. We have been permitted to grow and increase in numbers, and, as I believe, in faith, intelligence and in a better and broader understanding of the principles of life and salvation which have been restored to the earth in the latter day, through the administration of divine messengers to man and through the divine calling, appointment and inspiration of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his colaborers in this work, whom the Lord prepared in the beginning and fitted, by the power and influence of His Spirit upon them, for the ministry which they were called to fill and perform in the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.2 It has not been by the wisdom of man that this people have been directed in their course until the present; it has been by the wisdom of Him who is above man and whose knowledge is greater than that of man, and whose power is above the power of man; for it is unto God, our Father, we are indebted for the mercies we have enjoyed and for the present prosperous condition of the people of God throughout this inter-mountain region and throughout the world. The hand of the Lord may not be visible to all. There may be many who can not discern the workings of God's will in the progress and development of this great latter-day work, but there are those who see in every hour and in every moment of the existence of the Church, from its beginning until now, the overruling, almighty hand of Him who sent His Only Begotten Son to the world to become a sacrifice for the sin of the world, that as He was lifted up so He, by reason of His righteousness and power and the sacrifice which He has made, might lift up unto God all the children of men who would hearken to His voice, receive His message and obey His law. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.2 My heart swells with gratitude to God, my Heavenly Father, for His loving kindness and mercy to His people and to the people of our nation and, indeed, to the people of the whole world. I can see the hand-dealing of the Lord not only with us, a little handful of people in the midst of these mountains, but also with the great nation of which we are a part--I was going to say an insignificant part, but I will not qualify this remark in that way. I think also that I can discern the hand of the Lord in His dealings with other nations of the earth, and I fully believe that He, and not the wisdom of men, is shaping the ends or destinies of the nations of the earth for the accomplishment of His purposes in the latter days. Not only are we the people of God, but all the inhabitants of the world are His children, and all men in every land and in every clime who will humble themselves before the Lord and acknowledge Him are entitled to a measure of His blessing, favor, mercy and protection. The Lord will look after them and will overrule circumstances for their good, as He has overruled, in a greater measure, circumstances for the good of His people who have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice, who have obeyed the voice of the Spirit unto them, and have yielded submission to the laws of the Gospel and become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by faith, repentance of sin, and the ordinances of the Gospel that have been instituted by which mankind may be initiated into the family of God and become His sons and His daughters, heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.3 I desire to express to you, my brethren and sisters who are here today, my firm and fixed conviction that God, the Eternal Father, is constantly mindful of you. He is mindful of His people throughout all this land, and he will reward you according to your faithfulness in observing the laws of righteousness and of truth. No man need fear in his heart when he is conscious of having lived up to the principles of truth and righteousness as God has required it at his hands, according to his best knowledge and understanding. I do not suppose that you think or that anyone will think that we esteem ourselves as perfect, or as different and apart from other people of the world. We are, indeed, I am sorry to say, altogether too much like the rest of the world in many respects. We are people with like passions, like weaknesses, like imperfections--no, doubt, results of human nature--as the rest of mankind. But the difference lies here: We have made a covenant in our hearts with God, the Eternal Father, that we will forsake sin; that we will eschew the 3 very appearance of evil, as far as we possibly can; that we will overcome to the utmost our weakness and proneness to evil and wrong-doing, that we will seek light from all sources of light and intelligence; that we will seek knowledge that comes from above, and hold our ears open to listen to the words of truth, to the voice of understanding, and to the voice of inspiration that comes from the Lord, or that may come from man, inspiring men to do better, to improve, to advance in the scale of righteousness and of intelligence in the world; and that we will keep ourselves, as far as it is possible for us to do so, clean and pure and unspotted from the sins of the world. That is the difference. We have covenanted with God that we will do this, and we expect that God will require us to keep this covenant that we have made with Him, and that we will strive with all our might to live consistent lives before the Lord and keep His laws. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.3 It is hard, very hard indeed, to make the blind see or the deaf hear; and it is a truth laid down in the doctrines of the Gospel as taught to the ancient Nephites upon this continent, that there are none so blind as those who will not see, and there are none so deaf as those who will not hear. There are those who will not see and who will not hear, and it is vain to attempt to open their eyes, for they will to keep them shut. It is vain that we attempt to open their ears to hear, for they have closed their ears against the everlasting truth and they will not hear it. What are we to do under such circumstances as these? Are we to grieve about it? Shall we slacken our effort in the least because these conditions exist in the world? Shall we turn back from the plow to which we have put our hand because there are those in the world that will not see the truth and will not hear the voice of the Spirit of God calling them to repentance and to obey the commandments of the Lord? Verily no! He would be a weak and vacilating and an unprofitable servant who would turn away from righteousness because there are those who will not repent of their sins and turn unto righteousness. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.3 Our duty is to keep steadily on--on and upward in the direction that the Lord Almighty has marked out for us to pursue. Keep the faith; honor the name of God in your hearts; revere and love the name of Him whose blood was shed for the remission of sins for the world; honor and hold in the highest esteem him whom God raised up in his childhood to lay the foundations of this great latter-day work; honor that power and that authority which we call the Holy Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God, and which has been conferred upon man by God Himself. Honor that Priesthood. What is that Priesthood? It is nothing more and nothing less than divine authority committed unto man from God. That is the principle that we should honor. We hold the keys of that authority and Priesthood ourselves; it has been conferred upon the great masses of the Latter-day Saints. It has, indeed, I may say, been bestowed upon many that were not worthy to receive it and who have not magnified it and who have brought disgrace upon themselves and upon the Priesthood which was conferred upon them. The Priesthood of the Son of God cannot be exercised in any degree of unrighteousness; neither will its power, its virtue and authority abide with him who is corrupt, who is treacherous in his soul toward God and toward his fellow-men. It will not abide in force and power with him who does not honor it in his life by complying with the requirements of heaven. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.4 Some people think it is a dreadful sin for a people like the Latter-day Saints to claim that they believe with all their souls that the world would be better if only the laws of God could be enforced in the world. Some people think that if God's authority, if God's law, if God's righteousness were to be enforced among the children of men that it would deprive men of their liberties, it would bring them into bondage, and that it would debase and degrade them. We do not look at this in this way. We believe that God's will is to exalt men; that the liberty that comes through obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest measure of liberty that can come to man. There is no liberty that men enjoy or pretend to enjoy in the world that is not rounded in the will and in the law of God and that does not have truth for its underlying principle and foundation. It is error that makes bondsmen. It is untruth that degrades mankind. It is error and the lack or knowledge of God's laws and God's will that leaves men in the world on a par with the brute creation; for they have no higher instincts, no higher principle, no higher incentive, no higher aspiration than the brute world if they have not some inspiration that comes from a higher source than man himself. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.4 I believe in God's law. I believe that it is His right to rule in the world. I believe that no man has or should have any valid objection in his mind to the government of God, and the rule of Jesus Christ, in the earth. Let us suppose, for a moment, that Christ were here and that He was bearing rule in the world. Who would come under His condemnation? Who would be subject to His chastening word? Who would be in disharmony or unfellowship with God? Would the righteous man? Would the virtuous man? the pure and virtuous woman? the pure and the honest in heart? the upright? the straightforward? those who do the will of heaven? Would they be in rebellion to Christ's rule if He were to come here to rule? No. They would welcome the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in the earth. They would welcome His law and acknowledge His sovereignty, they would hasten to rally to His standard and to uphold the purpose and the perfection of His laws and of His righteousness. Who would then be recreant to the rule of Christ? The whoremonger, the adulterer, the liar, the sorcerer, he who bears false witness against his neighbor, he who seeks to take advantage of his brother and who would overcome and destroy him for his own worldly gain or profit: the murderer, the despiser of that which is good, the unbeliever in the eternities that lie before us, the atheist, perhaps, although I think that he would not be so far from Christ as some that profess to be teachers of His doctrines and advocates of His laws. It would be the rebellious, the wicked, those who would oppress their neighbors and enslave them if they could. Such as these would be the people who would not welcome the reign of Jesus Christ. Are there any who profess to be Latter-day Saints in this class, and would fear to have Christ reign and rule? Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.4 Now, we do not claim that God rules in the sense that the world charge us with believing. We do not claim nor profess that Jesus reigns in the earth as the world charge us with believing. We say that we would welcome His reign. We say and we feel in our hearts that we would love to have Him come and reign and rule among men. We say and we believe in our hearts that so far as we overcome our weaknesses, our imperfections and our rebellious nature which is against the will of the Father, so far as we are able to subdue the carnal mind and the wickedness and the weaknesses of human nature with which we are beset, so far as we are able to rise above the groveling condition of fallen man and attain a higher plane, of virtue, honor, purity and righteousness, that so far, and no farther, does Christ, the Son of God, reign in our hearts. And we would to God that we were in such a condition that He would reign supreme over our souls and all that we possess. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.5 who shall gainsay this? Who shall say that it is wicked to obey Christ? that it is wrong to follow in His footsteps and obey his laws? We will not say that, and we will not, if we can help it, permit ourselves to be crowded into the corner, by which we will have to confess that we would rather that hell should reign on earth than that heaven should reign. We would rather that God would reign, that heaven would 5 smile, that righteousness should prevail, that truth should cover the earth as the waters cover the mighty deep. We would rather that every man and every woman on earth were a child of God and an heir indeed and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. We prefer that. We are working for that; we pray for it; we preach the Gospel for this purpose, and we hope, by the blessing of the Almighty upon our efforts and labors in the world, that before this work shall have completed its mission and the object of its existence in the world, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ, to the honor and glory of God and to the redemption of the world. We are going to keep right on in that line as long as God will give us our liberty and permit us to live in the flesh; and when we shall have finished our mission here and go behind the veil, with the Priesthood that has been conferred upon us here and its keys, authority and power, we will continue to administer for the redemption of those that have died without a knowledge of the truth, in the world of spirits, until every son and daughter of God that has lived upon the earth shall have had the privilege of hearing the sound of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of embracing it, that their prison doors may be opened, and that liberty may be proclaimed unto them, the liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, wherewith we are made free. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.5 God bless you. May He pour out His Spirit upon His people and help them to be wise and prudent in their words and in their actions. We say to you keep the laws of God, and you should honor and keep the constitutional laws of men. That is what we say. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.5 We say to you, pay your debts and get out of debt. Pay your obligations and free yourselves from the bondage of obligation, if you can, and as soon as you can. We say to you, protect your own faith by Godly lives. We say to you do unto others as you would have them do unto you--in righteousness. We say to you, keep the faith delivered to the Saints in the latter-day. We say to you, honor God in your lives; honor and love Christ, the Son of God, in your hearts; uphold in honor and maintain respect for the name of Joseph Smith the Prophet of God who was instrumental in laying the foundation of this great latter-day work. Do not turn away at every wind of doctrine or be swayed by the cunning and craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Know the truth for yourselves. Walk in the light as Christ is in the light, and you will have fellowship with Him, and then the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse you from all sin. God bless you to this end is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.73 A profitable and enjoyable Conference--Privilege Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.73 of the people-- The Gospel includes temporal as well as spiritual salvation--Official statement sustained. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.74 I have been delighted throughout with the spirit of our Conference and with the instructions that have been given to us by those who have spoken. The Spirit of the Lord has been manifest through His servants who have addressed this Conference. I feel that we have had a precious time, and that the Lord has blessed us abundantly by the outpouring of His Spirit, by the beautiful weather we have had in the main, and by the glorious opportunity we have enjoyed of mingling together, of meeting many friends, of witnessing, by our presence here, our interest in the work of the Lord, and of taking part in the transaction of such business as may properly come before this Conference. It is well understood that we meet together in general Conference twice a year for the purpose of presenting the names of those who have been chosen as presiding officers in the Church, and it is understood that those who occupy these positions are dependent upon the voice of the people for the continuance of the authority, the rights and privileges they exercise. The female members of this Church have the same privilege of voting to sustain their Presiding officers as the male members of the Church, and the vote of a sister in good standing counts in every way equal with the vote of a brother. The presentation of the Church authorities is part of the duty that remains to be done before this Conference is brought to a close. Other business will also be presented to the Conference, which may be considered by some as of greater importance than the rest. We desire that the Latter-day Saints will exercise the liberty wherewith they have been made free by the Gospel of Jesus Christ; for they are entitled to know the right from the wrong, to see the truth and draw the line between it and error; and it is their privilege to judge for themselves and to act upon their own free agency with regard to their choice as to sustaining or otherwise those who should exercise the presiding functions among them. We desire the Latter-day Saints at this Conference to exercise their prerogative, which is, to vote as the Spirit of the Lord prompts them on the measures and the men that may be presented unto them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.74 It is not my purpose to prolong remarks. We are living in peculiar times. The situation in which we are placed calls for peculiar wisdom and understanding, and for the full exercise of our rights as Latter-day Saints, who should enjoy the spirit of discernment and inspiration that belong to those who are born of the water and the Spirit, and who, because of this birth, are in a position to see the kingdom of heaven. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.74 At this point President Smith gave out notice of an important meeting of cattle and sheep men to be held in the city, and then spoke as follows: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.74 We may be pardoned for giving out a notice of this kind upon this occasion, but it will not be amiss for me to say that the Latter-day Saints believe not only in the gospel of spiritual salvation, but also in the gospel of temporal salvation. We have to look after the cattle and the sheep and the horses, the gardens and the farms, the irrigation canals and ditches, and other necessary things for the maintenance of ourselves and our families in the earth. In this respect this Church is different from many other denominations. We do not feel that it is possible for men to be really good and faithful Christian people unless they can also be good, faithful, honest and industrious people. Therefore, we preach the gospel of industry, the gospel of economy, the gospel of sobriety. We preach that the idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer, and that the idler is not entitled to an inheritance in Zion. We preach that those who are industrious, those who work, those who through their integrity and industry are good citizens of the kingdom of God, are better citizens of the country in which they live than those who are not so diligent in this regard. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.74 Let me say to the brethren and sisters before we part: When you go home do not only be faithful in your prayers, in secret and in public; do not only be faithful as good church-goers; but be faithful to your families, be faithful to your flocks and to your herds, be faithful in the management of your farms, and in the promotion and conduct of every enterprise in which you are engaged. I would to the Lord that we had a thousand good engineers, mechanics, surveyors and other skilled workmen among us. We could find employment today for hundreds of our people where honesty and faithful devotion to labor are demanded, if we only had the men who were skilled in the work that is required; but we do not have them. When we are applied to for men as boiler makers, as engineers, as builders, as skilled workmen in other directions, and we send out inquiries for them, we cannot find them. The boys are learning something else instead of the arts of labor. I have heard it said that science is what we know, and art is what we know how to do. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.75 Brethren and sisters. Of course you cannot help but have noticed that some of our brethren have been absent from us. I regret very much the absence of a number of the Apostles. We are all sorry that circumstances have prevented them from meeting with us. Elder John Henry Smith has been suffering for some time from inflammatory rheumatism and is still confined to his room. Elder George Teasdale received permisison to retire from active duty over two months ago, and when he left us was in feeble health. Elder Marriner W. Merrill has been prostrated for some time in his home at Cache valley. These brethren have our sympathy and our prayers for their recovery. I regret also the absence from this conference of Elders John W. Taylor and Mathias F. Cowley. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.75 Now I am going to present a matter to you that is unusual and I do it because of a conviction which I feel that it is a proper thing for me to do. I have taken the liberty of having written down what I wish to present, in order that I may say to you the exact words which I would like to have conveyed to your ears, that I may not be misunderstood or misquoted. I present this to the conference for your action: OFFICIAL STATEMENT Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.75 "Inasmuch as there are numerous reports in circulation that plural marriages have been entered into contrary to the official declaration of President Woodruff, of September 26, 1890, commonly called the Manifesto, which was issued by President Woodruff and adopted by the Church at its general conference, October 6, 1890, which forbade any marriages violative of the law of the land; I, Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hereby affirm and declare that no such marriages have been solemnized with the sanction, consent or knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and "I hereby announce that all such marriages are prohibited, and if any officer or member of the Church shall assume to solemnize or enter into any such marriage he will be deemed in transgression against the Church and will be liable to be dealt with, according to the rules and regulations thereof, and excommunicated therefrom. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.75 "JOSEPH F. SMITH, " Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.75 President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.76 They charge us with being dishonest and untrue to our word. They charge the Church with having violated a "compact," and all this sort of nonsense. I want to see today whether the Latter-day Saints representing the Church in this solemn assembly will not seal these charges as false by their vote. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.76 President Francis M. Lyman presented the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION OF ENDORSEMENT Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.76 "Resolved that we, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in General Conference assembled, hereby approve and endorse the statement and declaration of President Joseph F. Smith, just made to this Conference concerning plural marriages, and will support the courts of the Church in the enforcement thereof." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.76 The resolution was seconded by a number of Presidents of Stakes and prominent Elders. Elder B. H. Roberts, in seconding the resolution, spoke as follows: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.76 "In seconding the resolution that has just been read--which I most heartily do--I desire to state at least one reason for doing it. As remarked by the president, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been accused of being covenant-breakers with this nation. Of course, there never was, and could not be, any compact between the Church and the general government of the United States. But there could be a compact between the State of Utah and the United States, and there was such a compact made in the Constitution of our state, by and through the Constitutional Convention. And now I am pleased with the opportunity of the Church saying in its official capacity that the Latter-day Saints not only now are, but have been, true to the compact between the State of Utah and the United States, and that they are true to the Constitution of the state, which, by express provision, forever prohibited plural or polygamous marriages, and made that irrevocable, without the consent of the United States. The adoption by the Church of this resolution should put to silence those who have accused us of being covenant-breakers." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.76 The resolution was then adopted, by unanimous vote of the Conference. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.81 Observing this choir of children, it would not appear that Zion is growing less, and it would seem to me, too, that so long as we can preserve with us Brother Stephens and a few others of his associates who are engaged in this glorious work of teaching music, both to the adults and to the children a desire and love for the musical will also increase in the midst of our people. I feel that the parents of these little children owe much to the effort of Brother Stephens in his labor of love, in teaching them how to sing and developing the talent for music which lies dormant within them and needs but the instruction, the teaching, the guiding hand and voice of Brother Stephens to develop the talent that they have. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.81 It delights my heart to see our little children learning to sing, and to see the people, our people everywhere, improving their talents as good singers. Everywhere we go among our people, we find sweet voices and talent for music. I believe that this is a manifestation to us of the purpose of the Lord in this direction toward our people, that they will excel in these things, as they should excel in every other good thing. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.81 I do not arise to make any special remarks. I feel gratified at seeing this vast concourse of people here this evening, interested in this Sunday School work, and I hope, my brethren and sisters, that you and all of us may continue to keep awake our interest in the Sunday School cause. It is a very important branch of our spiritual work, the training of our little ones, the training of our Sunday School children and all parents should take a deep interest in this work, and should not spare any pains in making ready and in giving encouragement to their children to attend the Sunday schools. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.81 God bless you as teachers and as Latter-day Saints, as fathers and as mothers of these precious little children who have been given to us to succeed us, eventually, in the great labor of building up Zion in the latter-day. Bring them up in the way that they should go that they will not depart from that way when they grow old; and if you will only see to it carefully that your children are taught in the ways of righteousness, that they are brought up in the paths of virtue and peace and honor." God will magnify you before the nations; of the world, and His work will be hastened in its time. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1904, p.81 God bless you and all who are associated in the work of the Sabbath schools, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.1 (Opening Address.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.1 General prosperity in settlements of the Latter-day Saints--Reference to their Spiritual condition--Organization of the Priesthood and their duties--Ruling objects of the Church the salvation of Mankind. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.1 I am happy in the privilege that I enjoy of being present at the opening of this, the seventy-fifth semi-annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I am pleased to see the number of brethren and sisters who are present. We realize the difficulty in the way of many of the people attending conference on a weekday like this, as they are compelled to labor; business is in full operation, not only in this city and county, but in every other part of the country, and many are busy attending to secular duties, which makes it difficult for them to leave their homes to attend conference on the week days. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.2 It is gratifying, however, to see the number who are here today at the opening meeting of our conference, and I congratulate you, my brethren and sisters, upon being present, and upon the blessings, both temporal and spiritual, that have been poured out upon the people since our last conference. Taken as a whole, the season has been a prosperous one throughout the land, though some localities have suffered more or less. The forepart of our season was seriously injured by drouth, and many people in the southern part of this state and in Arizona, New Mexico, and in old Mexico especially, as also in our colonies in Canada, have suffered seriously because of the protracted drouth that has been upon the land. But the prospect is that the long continued spell of drouth has been broken by copious rains that have descended upon the land, making the fields and the plains and the mountains luxuriant with the growth of herbs and grasses for the sustenance of the flocks and herds of the people, and also for the supply of abundant water for irrigation purposes on their farms. Taking a retrospect of the whole condition, throughout the length and breadth of the land, we feel that it is favorable and that the blessings of the Lord and His merciful hand over all the interests of the people have been visible, and we know that we are indebted greatly to His mercy and kindness for the favors and blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.2 I trust that the spiritual condition of the Latter-day Saints has continued to be as good as the temporal conditions have been, and that we are progressing and growing in the knowledge of the truth and in faithfulness before the Lord in keeping His commandments and His laws as much as He has prospered us temporally; for after all the great desideratum is the faithfulness of the people to the covenants that they have made with the Lord and with each other in righteousness. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.2 Reflecting over the condition of the Church at the present time, since I have been sitting here, I have jotted down a few little items that I wish to refer to briefly. I find that we have now in the United States, Canada and Mexico 55 organized stakes of Zion. As a matter of course, therefore, there are 55 presiding officers over these various stakes, and 110 counselors to the presidents of stakes. In each of these stakes, is an organized High Council, consisting of 12 High Priests, which aggregates 660 High Councilors in the Church today as it is organized, who possess the authority of the Holy Priesthood to minister for the salvation of the souls of men, and who sit as judges, with the presidents of stakes and their counselors, in all the affairs of the Church, and who are called upon and are expected to be exemplars before the people, setting before them examples that are worthy of imitation and of emulation --fathers indeed to the people and judges of righteousness in their midst. This, of course, constitutes quite an army of official workers-men who are expected to be instant in season and out of season; men upon whom rests great responsibility; wise counselors, assisting the presidencies of the various stakes to regulate the affairs of their churches and to set in order the houses of the Saints and the stake organizations throughout the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.2 In connection with the 55 organized stakes of Zion we have in the neighborhood of 20 different organized missions throughout the world, presided over by presidents and counselors, and these missions are supplied with Elders and Seventies that are sent out to preach the Gospel, numbering at the present time in the neighborhood of 1,500 Elders. Of course these Elders are not only traveling throughout the United States, but throughout Europe, in the islands of the sea and in New Zealand and Australia; also in the Holy Land, where we have an organized mission and Elders are there preaching the Gospel to those people. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.3 I am informed also that we have 626 organized wards. Of course, these organizations vary from time to time; that is, they frequently increase, and occasionally a ward is disorganized, being joined with another ward, making two into one. Over these wards there are 626 Bishops presiding, and 1,252 Bishops' counselors, who are a mighty power in the midst of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The officers of these organizations are the officers of the Church who come in immediate contact with the people and who are in direct intercourse with them. It is expected that the Bishop of a ward with his counselors will understand the necessities of every member of his ward. Then they have as assistants and helpers a large corps of Elders, and Priests, Teachers and Deacons of the Lesser Priesthood, who render assistance to them in the temporal as well as the spiritual affairs of the Church. It devolves upon the Bishopric of the ward to look after the poor, to minister unto the sick and the afflicted and to see that there is no want nor suffering among the people in these organized divisions of the Church. It is also the duty of these presiding officers in the Church to look after the spiritual welfare of the people, to see that they are living moral, pure and upright lives, that they are faithful in the discharge of their duties as Latter-day Saints, that they are honest in their dealings with one another, and with all the world. It is their business to see that spiritual light exists in their hearts, and that the people under their presidency and direction are living the lives of Saints, as far as it is possible for men and women, in the mortal body, beset by the weaknesses and imperfections of mankind, can be Saints. Great responsibility rests upon these, and we have at work in the Church, in this relation, a vast corps of efficient men who are laboring diligently for the welfare of mankind. And all these labor without salaries. They are not paid officers. It is true that they receive assistance from time to time, as they may need, in a small way, but not one obtains what the world would esteem as a salary, nor can they be called paid officers of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.3 We have also in the Church today. I am informed, 146 quorums of Seventy. These constitute a body of Elders of somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 men, whose special duty it is to respond to the call of the Apostles to preach the Gospel, without purse or scrip, to all the nations of the earth. They are minute men. It is expected that they will be ready, whenever they are called, to go out in the world, or to go out to the various organizations of the Church to fulfill missions and to perform such duties as shall be required of them, in order that the work of the Lord and the work of the ministry may be upheld and sustained and carried on in the Church and throughout the world. These councils or quorums of Seventy are not always full, a full council being 70 Elders. But there are approximately 10,000 Elders who now hold that position in the Church. They are called to an apostolic calling. They are required to be special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is expected of this body of men that they will have burning in their souls the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy; that they will be full of light and of the knowledge of the truth; that they will be enthusiastic in their calling, and in the cause of Zion, and that they will be ready at any moment, when required, to go out into the world, or anywhere throughout the Church and bear testimony of the truth, preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and set examples before the world of purity, love, honesty, uprightness and integrity to the truth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.4 In addition to these organizations we have in each stake of Zion an organization called the High Priests' quorum, to which all High Priests of the Church belong, including the presidency and high councilors of the stake, and also the Bishops and their counselors, all the Patriarchs and all others who have been ordained to the office of High Priest in the Church, which office is the office of presidency in the Melchisedek Priesthood, not that every man who holds the office of High Priest is a president. Only he who is called, appointed and set apart to preside among the High Priests holds the presiding authority and office. But it is the duty of these quorums of High Priests to act in their calling; not to sit idly down and be indifferent to the interests of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor indifferent to the saving of the souls of men. It is expected that this quorum of Priesthood in the various stakes of Zion will look after all the interests of the stake; that is, that they will look after the moral condition of the people; that they will teach righteousness; that they will see that those who are acting in presiding authority in the stakes of Zion, are upright, honest, pure and humble men, and fit for the positions in which they are called to act. Thus this council of the Priesthood constitutes a council of power and influence in the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.4 "Then we have the Elders' organizations. A council or quorum of Elders is composed of 96 Elders. There may be a number of councils or quorums of Elders in each stake. I am not prepared to state how many Elders we have in the Church; but they are very numerous. It is the duty of this body of men to be standing ministers at home; to be ready at the call of the presiding officers of the Church and the stakes, to labor in the ministry at home, and to officiate in any calling that may be required of them, whether it be to work in the temples, or to labor in the ministry at home, or whether it be to go out into the world, along with the Seventies, to preach the Gospel to the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.4 "We have a number of Patriarchs in the Church, whose duty it is to bestow blessings upon the heads of those who seek blessings at their hands. They are fathers. They hold the evangelical office in the Church. It is their business and right to bestow blessings upon the people, to make promises unto them in the name of the Lord, as it may be given them by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to comfort them in the hours of sorrow and trouble, to strengthen their faith by the promises that shall be made to them through the Spirit of God, and to be fathers indeed of the people, leading them into all truth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.4 "Then we have the Lesser Priesthood, which attends to the different temporal matters of the Church, consisting of Priests, Teachers and Deacons, who labor under the direction of the Bishopric in the various wards in which they dwell, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, the unifying of the people and bringing them up to the standard of righteousness that they should reach in the flesh, according to the light they possess and the ability and talent which the Lord has given them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.5 "This, my brethren and sisters, is a very brief outline of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been organized by the wisdom of the Almighty, and not by the wisdom of man. It has been organized to accomplish the purposes that the Lord has in view to be accomplished by it. The people are organized that they may be taught righteousness; that they may be faithful before the Lord in keeping the covenants that they have made with Him in righteousness. Among these covenants are that they will cease from sin and from all unrighteousness; that they will work righteousness in their lives; that they will abstain from the use of intoxicants, from the use of strong drinks of every description, from the use of tobacco, from every vile thing, and from extremes in every phase of life; that they will not take the name of God in vain; that they will not bear false witness against their neighbor; that they will seek to love their neighbors as themselves; to carry out the golden rule of the Lord, 'Do unto others as they would that others should do unto them.' These principles are involved in the covenants that the people have made in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it is expected that these officers and presiding authorities in the Church, whom I have curcorily named, shall see to it that the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day' Saints will keep these covenants that they have made with the Lord, and that they will observe these principles and adapt them to their lives and carry them out, that they may be indeed the salt of the earth; not salt that has lost its savor and is good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men, but salt that has its savor and that is wholesome; that the people of God may be a light unto this generation and unto the world; that men may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven; and that notwithstanding enemies, who are filled with the spirit of persecution, and who say all manner of false things against the Latter-day Saints, those who have entered into the covenant of the Gospel will keep the commandments of the Lord, will obey the dictates of the Spirit of the Lord unto them, will work righteousness in the earth, and will go right on in the path that Almighty God has marked out for them to pursue, fulfilling and accomplishing His will and His purposes concerning them in the latter day. It does not make any difference to us what the world says about us, we know what our mission is, and we propose to fulfill that mission by the help of Almighty God, and that mission is to save men from the errors of the world, from darkness, from unbelief in the true and living God and in the redeeming sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, that men may not fall into infidelity, that they may not abandon the truth nor the paths of righteousness God has marked out for them to walk in. That is our mission. It is to save men from error, from wickedness and from apostatizing from truth and righteousness, and that men might believe in the true and living God, and in Jesus Christ whom he has sent into the world, whom to know is life eternal. Our mission is to save men from the powers of darkness and from the snares and pitfalls of Satan wherein they are tempted from paths of truth to commit sin, and bring degradation, sorrow and shame upon themselves by transgressing the laws of God and the laws of life. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.5 "We are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which we have received; for we know that it is the power of God unto salvation unto all that believe and receive it in their hearts and live it according to the will and purpose of God. Now, my brethren and sisters, I rejoice in these principles. I praise God with all my soul that He has restored the Priesthood. And what is the Priesthood? It is nothing more nor less than the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, not borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given in this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God, who have come to the earth in our day and restored the Priesthood to the children of men, by which they may baptize for the remission of sins and lay on hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and by which they can remit sin, with the sanction and blessing of Almighty God. It is the same power and Priesthood that was committed to the disciples of Christ while He was upon the earth; that whatsoever they should bind on earth should be bound in heaven, and whatsoever they should loose on earth should be loosed in heaven, and whomsoever they should bless should be blessed, and if they cursed, in the spirit of righteousness and meekness before God, God would confirm that curse. But men are not called upon to curse mankind; that is not our mission: it is our mission to preach righteousness to them. It is our business to love and to bless men, and to redeem them from the fall and from the wickedness of the world. This is our mission and our special calling. God will curse and will exercise His judgment in those matters. Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay. We are perfectly willing to leave vengeance in the hands of God and let Him judge between us and our enemies and let Him reward them according to His own wisdom and mercy. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.6 "Now, may the Lord bless us throughout this conference. I can feel that I am doing injury to my voice in continuing to speak. I have been suffering for the past two or three weeks with a very severe cold, which has greatly affected my voice, and I am only just recovering from it. But I am pleased that I have had the privilege of speaking a few words to you at the opening of this conference. I pray God to bless the people that shall come here, and pour out His spirit upon them, to make their hearts warm up and burn with affection toward Him for His abundant mercies unto them, and with love for one another and for all mankind; for it is our mission to save the world from sin and darkness and to lead all to a knowledge of God and His truth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.6 May the Lord help us to consummate the mission He has given unto us, is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.42 Preservation of Health of Missionaries. It may be proper for me to state at this time, for the information of the Elders, and also for the information of the local authorities of the Church, as well as the fathers and mothers and kindred of the Elders who are out in the world preaching the Gospel, that the Presidents of all the Missions are under strict instructions from the Presidency of the Church to guard carefully the health of the Elders that are laboring under their direction. These Presidents of Missions are also under instructions to send home any and all Elders whose health or whose other circumstances may make it necessary for them to return. We are frequently enquired of by parents relative to the health of Young men who are out preaching the Gospel, and we invariably inform them that the Presidents of Missions are carefully guarding the welfare of their sons, and if anything serious occurs to them, making it necessary for them to return home, it will be promptly attended to, and they need not worry about their boys on that account. And while I am on my feet, I would like to exhort the Elders who are upon missions, and those who shall go upon missions in the future, not to allow the thought to enter their hearts that they will be criticised or be made to suffer in their character or their standing in the Church because their health will not permit them to fill a two or three years' mission abroad. We would like them rather to feel in themselves a wholesome aversion to coming home without having filled an honorable mission, when their health and other conditions will permit them to do so; and if they have any reluctance about coming home at all, before completing their missions, it should be based upon this principle. These men that are appointed to preside over the missions are men of intelligence and of heart, men who are filled with affection for their fellow laborers, and they will see to it that none of the Elders are left in their fields of labor to suffer, if it can be avoided. So, brethren, and sisters, you need not worry at all in regard to these matters. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.75 It gives me pleasure to announce that, so far as my eye could detect, the voting has been unanimous in favor of sustaining the officers whose names have been presented before the conference. I now only need to express the hope that we will sustain by our faith and prayers, by our good works and words, and by our confidence and love, all these men and women who are called to officiate in these responsible positions in the Church, as we have sustained them this day by the lifting-up of our hands. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.76 May God help us to be united and strong for in union there is strength, and our strength will be made more and more manifest among men in proportion as we manifest our union and our love one for another, and for the children of men, and especially for the cause of Zion. God bless the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God bless good and honest men everywhere. May the blessing of peace rest upon our great nation. May the favor of the Lord accompany our people throughout the length and breadth of our broad land, and upon the islands of the seas, where the benefits of our glorious government are being extended for the uplifting of the heathen and for the civilization of nations which have for ages dwelt in barbarism and ignorance. May God bless those who bless our nation and our people, and may the mercies of our Heavenly Father be extended unto our enemies and those who would overthrow us and wipe us out of existence if it were in their power. May they repent that He may forgive them, open their eyes and soften their hearts, that they may foresee the pits into which they are hastening, and that they may turn away from their sins in time to receive the clemency and mercy of our all-forgiving Father, and be saved at last in His Kingdom. These are my prayers and my earnest desires in behalf of the people of God and of all the peoples of the earth, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.87 I do not desire to occupy very much time. I am delighted always to have the privilege of meeting with that class of our people who are so deeply interested in teaching the children and in taking part in the work of the Sabbath Schools, and I sincerely hope that we shall succeed in impressing upon the minds of the rising generation a sincere regard, not only for themselves, to keep themselves pure and unspotted from the world, but a sincere regard for the rights and privileges of others. Our children should be taught to respect not only their fathers and their mothers, and their brothers and sisters, but they should be taught to respect all mankind, and especially should they be instructed and taught and brought up to honor the aged and the infirm, the unfortunate and the poor, the needy and those who need the sympathies of mankind. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.88 We too frequently see a disposition on the part of our children to make fun of the unfortunate. A poor cripple, Or a poor, weak-minded person comes along, and the boys will poke fun at him, and make unbecoming remarks about him. This is entirely wrong, and such a spirit as this should never be witnessed among the children of the Latter-day Saints. They ought to he taught better at home. They should be thoroughly taught better than this in our Sunday schools, and in all the schools, as far as that is concerned, that our children attend. Our children should be taught to venerate that which is holy, that which is sacred. They should venerate the name of God. They should hold in sacred veneration the name of the Son of God. They should not take Their holy names in vain; and they should also be taught to respect and venerate the temples of God, the places of worship of their fathers and mothers. Our children should be taught also that they have rights in the house of the Lord equal to their parents and equal to their neighbors or anybody else. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.88 It always pains me to see our little ones disturbed in this right. I witnessed a little circumstance in our meeting this afternoon. The house was crowded in every part. A person was standing in the aisle, and a little child was sitting by its mother on a seat. Somebody came along and took the little child off its seat, and took the seat himself, leaving the child to stand. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that that act sent a pang to my heart. I would not, for anything in the shape of remuneration of a worldly character, grieve the heart of a little child in the house of God, lest an impression should be left upon its mind that would make the house of worship a distasteful place, and it would prefer not to come within its walls, than to come and be offended. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.88 I once witnessed a circumstance of the kind in one of our most popular meetinghouses, I may say. A little child had come in, in good season, and taken a seat. By and by a lady came in. The seats seemed to be all occupied. She took the child by the arm, jerked it off the seat, and sat down upon it herself, leaving the child to stand. I had all I could do to hold my tongue and my temper when I witnessed the circumstance. I had half a mind to get up, and ask that lady to get up off that seat and let that child sit there. It had more right to sit there than she had, for it came and had it first, and was in the house of the Lord. The child was made to feel that it had no right there. It was made to feel that that person that came in later had a better claim to the seat than the child itself. That is wrong. Our children have just as much right to come into the house of God as any person has and we should respect them in that right ourselves, and in turn the children will respect us. But when we cease to respect the rights of little children, it is a lesson to them which we inculcate in their minds, that they are not bound to respect us. But when we respect them, treat them as intelligent beings, treat them as our successors in life and entitled to responsibilities in life, they will grow up to respect us and hold us in reverence, and respect our rights just as we respect theirs. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.88 I desire that we will inculcate this principle of esteem in the hearts of our children for their parents, for their brothers and sisters, for their neighbors and their associates, and especially for those whom the Lord has called and clothed with authority to administer in the midst of the people. I think our children should be taught these principles, that they should be instilled into their hearts, and as we have been hearing tonight from Brother Morton, it should be a part of their nature to love one another and respect one another, to respect that which is sacred, that which has been consecrated to the worship of the Lord or to sacred purposes. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.89 Our children should be made and taught to respect these things in the Sunday schools. There is where you can teach them, and in our religion class work they can be taught these principles, more especially in these organizations; and also in the primary associations, better perhaps than they can be anywhere else, because they are taken in these associations at the ages when they are most impressionable, and when these things can be made permanent in their minds. The things that are impressed upon the minds of children take stronger hold than in after or later life. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.89 Well now, my brethren and sisters, let us respect one another. Let us respect that which is sacred. Let us honor the name of the Father and of the Son. Let us speak kindly of one another. Speak no ill of any man, no matter if such men are not what they should be; it does no good for us to promulgate and publish abroad and keep alive in our memories or tn the memories of others the imperfections, the sins and the wrong doings of others. We had better strive to amend and improve that which is not good. Always seek that which is better, and that which will purify the heart and ennoble the mind, and that will lead men to higher thoughts, higher aspirations and better and purer work in the world, that they may become more and more like the Son of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.89 May the Lord bless all those who work in the Sunday schools, and help them in the performance of their duties, and bless the children of Zion, that what has been said tonight, and what was said today, may indeed be true of them, that they are not ashamed of their parents, that they are not ashamed of their religion, that they are not ashamed of the work their parents have done in the land, but that they are proud of these things, and that they venerate their parents because of their fidelity, and because they have been firm and true and steadfast in the midst of persecutions and in the midst of hatred that has been manifest against them by the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1904, p.89 God bless you, and bless our children, and all Israel, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. (Opening address.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.1 Condition of General Contentment Among the Latter-day Saints.--What Tithing is Used For.--Unhealthy Excresences Must be Removed.--Zion is Established, and Will Remain.--The Church Not Led by Man.--The Lord Has Made the Nation Great. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.1 My Brethren and Sisters--It is certainly a great satisfaction and pleasure to me to see this large assembly of Latter-day Saints, gathered here on the opening day of our seventy-fifth annual conference. I am pleased to see you and meet with you; and with the blessings of the Lord and the guiding influence of His Holy Spirit I trust that I shall also be pleased in the opportunity afforded me at this moment of speaking to you for a short time. I feel exceedingly dependent upon the promptings of the Spirit to my mind. You may think it strange for me to say that I have had no moments to bestow upon any forethought with reference to what I shall say to you this morning. I stand before you without premeditation or forethought as to what I shall say. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.2 I believe that I can say to you with all confidence that so far as my knowledge extends, the Latter-day Saints throughout this intermountain region and the adjoining country, and so far as I know throughout the world, are in excellent spiritual condition. I believe that the Latter-day Saints enjoy as much today of the true spirit of their religion as they ever have enjoyed; I believe there is as much union among our people throughout the length and breadth of the land as has ever existed in the church. I think I can confidently say that there are as few local difficulties and troubles among the people, coming before the church courts, before the Bishops and before the High Councils, as I have ever known before within the scope of my remembrance and knowledge. We are perhaps never entirely free from little misunderstandings among neighbors and members of the church one place or another, and it is often the case that these little misunderstandings, arising among our brothers and sisters, are brought before the teachers and perhaps before the Bishops for adjudication and reconciliation, but I think I will be justified in saying, and that the truth will verify the same, that within my knowledge and according to my best understanding, there never was, since I can remember, any less of these little misunderstandings and difficulties than exist today. Indeed I may say that misunderstandings have been far more pronounced in years that have gone by than they appear to be now. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.2 I believe that there is a feeling of general contentment among the Latter-day Saints, and of satisfaction in their minds and hearts with reference to the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith and to the divinity of the great mission and atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In other words I believe that the Latter-day Saints are today as devoted, fervent and firm in their convictions of the truth and in their knowledge thereof, as they ever have been at any period of the church's history from its beginning down to the present time. I believe that these statements can be seconded and vouched for by the presiding authorities of the church throughout the length and breadth of the land. We have these brethren here before us,--presidents of stakes and their counselors, the Bishops and their counselors and the presidents of our various missions; and I am satisfied that they will, one and all, verify the statements that I have made with reference to the present condition of the church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.2 Not only is this so, but I believe that the time has never been when the financial, or the temporal condition, of the Latter-day Saints was better or more encouraging than at the present. I believe that our people are generally prosperous and I am satisfied that there is still greater prosperity in store for them through their continued faithfulness. I believe that the Lord will bless the earth for their sake, that He will temper the elements for their good, that He will prosper them in the labor of their hands and in the thoughts of their minds; that He will guide them by the power of His Spirit into all truth and into the possession of those temporal blessing that are so necessary to make a people happy, contented and blessed in the land. With reference to this matter I desire to say that we have I believe a very correct criterion by which to judge the spiritual and temporal condition of the church. The records of the church will show at the closing of the accounts for the past year that the tithing and the offerings of the Latter-day Saints have been a little above what would be called the average. We have had one or two more prosperous years in the past judging by this criterion, the tithings of the people, but last year was a little above the average, notwithstanding the fact that during the last few years our people in many parts of the country have been suffering from a protracted drouth, in which they have come short in their crops, and have suffered materially in their flocks and in their herds. In many places the drouth has been so severe that the people have been under the necessity of borrowing means with which to secure for themselves seed grain for the present year. I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, and especially to those who preside over the church, that it is a matter of pride and of satisfaction to my mind that the church is in a condition to assist those that are in need of this kind of assistance, and we have done, so. If anyone should feel dissatisfied with the action of the Trustee-in-Trust and his counselors and associates, in extending aid to the Latter-day Saints in such matters of extremity as this, they know where to make their complaints, and I should be glad to meet them and consider these questions. We wish it distinctly understood that while the Lord preserves us in the positions to which we have been called, the positions which we did not seek, but which, by the providence of God, have been brought upon us, we will hold ourselves responsible before God and before His people to render material and financial aid to the Saints in every direction where we feel that it is necessary to do so. Our people in the south have been unfortunate to some extent in having their dams washed away by floods. For a long series of years they have had drouth, the earth became parched and dry, and when the late rains and floods came they washed away some of their dams, and the people sent up their cries to us for help, and we have helped them. We thank God that we are in a position to help them, and so far as I am concerned I would be pleased if I could know that every dollar of the tithing that I pay to the church is employed in some good work of this kind by which the Saints are strengthened in building up Zion, in establishing their settlements and in "holding the fort" if you please. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.3 In addition to this I am happy to say to this congregation and to all the world so far as my words may go, that we have taken the liberty, and we have taken pride, and still feel proud of the opportunity that has been afforded us, and of the ability that we have possessed to accomplish it--to render aid to many of our missions abroad in the Purchase and in the establishment of mission headquarters and the building of churches in which they can meet to worship God, and to which they will not be ashamed to invite the stranger to come and join with them. We have used some of the tithings of the people for this purpose, and we think that when the church desires to call us to an account for matters of this kind there is a way by which they can reach it which will not occasion any noise or confusion and I trust without any misunderstanding whatever. I believe we can come to a perfect understanding with reference to these matters. We have been able, too, to purchase quite a tract of land in Jackson county adjacent to the site that was chosen by the Prophet Joseph Smith for a temple, to be built some day; and some few of our people have generously contributed specially for the accomplishment of this purpose, but the most of the means that have been employed for the accomplishment of this object have necessarily been taken from the general tithing funds of the church. By this means also we have been able to secure elegant headquarters for our people in the Northern States mission; we have been able to assist the Southern States mission to obtain headquarters; and we have also been enabled to assist the British mission to obtain a comfortable home and headquarters, where the "Star" that has been published for so many years, can continue to be published for the advancement of the work the Latter-day Saints and of the Elders in the British mission. We have been able to assist largely in the erection of a commodious house of worship in Copenhagen, Denmark, also in Christiania, Norway, and also in Stockholm, Sweden; and we have assisted also in obtaining headquarters for our people who live upon many of the islands of the sea. We have secured a tract of land upon the Islands of Samoa for the purpose of gathering our Saints where they can receive the benefits of church organization, the benefits of Sunday schools, Mutual Improvement associations and Sabbath worship, and where they can be taught the arts of industry and self-support. We have assisted our people in Australia and New Zealand in a similar way. And withall we have met more than one-half of the bonded indebtedness of the church; and we are in a condition, when the time shall be ripe for it, provided the Saints continue to meet their obligations in their tithes and offerings, to pay off the remaining portion of the church indebtedness; when, I trust, by the blessings of the Almighty, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will see a day in which it will be absolutely free from debt and under obligation to no man; and it will not be long before this consummation is realized if we continue our work in the future as we have done it in the past. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.4 Now, my brethren and sisters, it is not my purpose to continue my remarks very long. I desired briefly to refer to these matters of which I have spoken, and it just occurs to my mind that in addition to the few things I have named--and I have not named them all--that it would be very proper for me to state that the church with a very small assistance from the estate of Dr. William H. Groves, has been able to erect a first-class, well appointed hospital in this city, fire proof in every way, and equal to the best that can probably be found in any part of the world. We have been found fault with for this, that is to say, we have been charged with (hesitating)--pardon me if I do not mention that it is too small a matter. However, we have cranks, you know, among the Latter-day Saints as well as among the people of the world; and every once in a while you come across an individual who is all one-sided, who can only see out of one eye and out of a very small corner of the one eye, too, who is not capable of comprehending more than one thing at a time, who selects a certain little hobby--a certain little idea, a single thought, and straddles that idea and that single thought and commences to ride it, and it is impossible to unhorse him from his hobby, because his mind is not capable of grasping more than that single little thought. We have such individuals as that, and it was from one of these individuals, one of these cranks, that we received not long ago solemn objection to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints putting any of its means or tithing into a hospital. It was wicked and wrong to build hospitals according to his idea. Well, we will let such people go for what they are worth; they are scarcely worth noticing, and I feel that I should not have noticed it at all; but we have such individuals among us more or less. We have a variety of curiously formed creatures, rising up amongst us occasionally, who are filled with the spirit of evil and hatred towards the truth and the people of God. It is only natural that this should be so. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.4 It has occurred to me somewhat in this way; that the body of the church is likened to the body of a man, and you know men do sometimes get their systems a little deranged--that is to say, sometimes they are flea-bitten. Fleas bite them and mosquitoes bite them and cause little swellings to rise on their faces and hands. Sometimes they have boils upon them, and carbuncles, sebaceous tumors and other excresences, that only need the application of the lance to let out the humor from them or to excise them from the body, or cut them off and let them go, so that the body may be cleansed from their poisonous effects. It is so with the church. From time to time there are characters who become a law unto themselves and they follow the bent of their own "sweet will" until they get themselves into a condition mentally and spiritually that they become a menace to the body ecclesiastic. In other words, they become like a boil, tumor or carbuncle on the body, and you have to call in the surgeon to apply the knife to cut them out, that the body may be cleansed from them; and this has been the case from the beginning. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.5 From time to time these conditions arise and we have them to meet, and they will continue to arise from time to time, and we shall have them to meet; but they will never amount to more than a pimple or a little sore on the surface of the body, and no one need to be alarmed at all for the consequences. Zion is established in the midst of the earth to remain. It is God Almighty's work, which He Himself, by His own wisdom, and not by the wisdom of man, has restored to the earth in the latter days, and He has established it upon principles of truth and righteousness, of purity of life and revelation from God, that it can no more be thrown down nor left to another people, so long as the majority of the church of Jesus' Christ of Latter-day Saints will abide in their covenants with the Lord and will keep themselves pure and unspotted from the world, as all members of the church should keep themselves. Then it will be as God has decreed, perpetual and eternal, until His will is accomplished and His purposes fulfilled among the children of men. No people can ever prosper and flourish very long unless they abide in God's truth. There is nothing, no individuality, no combined influence among men that can prevail over the truth. The truth is mighty and it will prevail. It may be slow in the consummation of its purpose, in the accomplishment of the work that it has to do, but it is and will be sure; for the truth cannot and will not fail, for the Lord Almighty is behind it. It is His Work, and He will see to it that it is accomplished. The kingdom is the Lord's, and the Lord is capable of taking care of it. He has always taken care of it. I want to say to you that there never was a time since the organization of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when a man led the church, not for one moment. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.5 It was not so in the days of Joseph; it was not so in the days of Brigham Young; it has not been so since; it never will be so. The direction of this work among the people of the world will never be left to men. It is God's work, let me tell you, and I hope you will put it down in your memoranda, and do not forget that it is the Almighty that is going to do this work and consummate it, and not man. No man shall have the honor of doing it nor has any man ever had the power to do it of himself. It is God's work. If it had been the work of man, we would have been like the rest of the world, and it would not have been true of us that God had chosen us out of the world, but we would be a part of it and "Hail fellow, well met" with it, but it is true that God has chosen us out of the world; therefore we are not of it; and therefore they hate us and they will fight us and say all manner of evil against us falsely, as they have ever done from the beginning. And they will continue to seek the destruction of the Latter-day Saints, and to feel toward us in the future as they have felt in the past. Now don't you forget it my brethren and sisters. When you go home, if you have not been in the habit of doing it or if you have neglected your duty, when you go home today or to your homes in distant settlements, carry this injunction with you: Go into your secret chambers--go into your prayer rooms and there by yourselves or with your families gathered around you, bow your knees before God Almighty in praise and in thanksgiving to Him for His merciful providence that has been over you and over all His people from the inception of this work down to the present. Remember that it is the gift of God to man, that it is His power and His guiding influence that has accomplished what we see has been accomplished. It has not been done by the wisdom of men. It is proper we should give honor to those who have been instrumental in bringing to pass much righteousness. They are instruments in God's hand, and we should not ignore that they are such instruments, and we should honor them as such; but when we undertake to give them the honor for accomplishing this work and take the honor from God, who qualified the men to do the work, we are doing an injustice to God. We are robbing Him of the honor that rightfully belongs to Him and giving it to men who are only instrumental in the hands of God in accomplishing His purposes. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.6 Now, may the Lord bless you, my brothers and sisters, and keep you in His holy keeping. But let me say, referring again to the last remarks, when you go home see to it that you observe this duty that devolves upon all members of the church, to go before the Lord in prayer. Then when you rise up in the morning, before you go out into the world to engage in your daily avocations, bow yourselves before Almighty God with a heart full of gratitude and with thankful spirits before Him and unto Him, for His mercy, which endureth forever, and for His loving kindness, not only to us as individuals but to the whole people and to the whole people of our great nation. The Lord has blessed the people of our nation. The Lord has given to them the choicest of all lands upon the earth, and He has made them a great and a free people. He has blessed them with wealth and with power, not only in our own land, but power among the nations of the world. The Lord Almighty has made this nation great and He will continue to preserve it in its greatness and He will magnify it before the world so long as the people of the nation will observe honest laws, virtue, purity of life and equal justice to be meted out unto all men. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.6 I feel proud of the nation of which we are a part because I am convinced in my own mind that there is not another nation upon the face of the globe where the Lord Almighty could have established His church with so little difficulty and opposition as He has done here in these United States. This was a free country and religious toleration was the sentiment of the people of the land. It was an asylum for the oppressed. All the people of the world were invited here to make homes of freedom for themselves, and under these tolerant circumstances the Lord was able to establish His church, and has been able to maintain it and preserve it up to this time, that it has grown and spread, until it has become respectable--not only by its numbers, not only by the few years of age that it possesses, but respectable because of its intelligence, respectable because of its honesty, its purity, union and industry, and for all its virtues. It has become respectable before those who are intelligent enough to study it and who come to see and understand the truth for themselves. It is true there are those in the world who are so prejudiced shine upon them. They close their ears and will not hear, though the truth is spoken unto them, and they shut their eyes so they cannot see and close their hearts that they may not understand. Though you declare unto them the truth they will deny it and reject it. We cannot help this. God will deal with them in His own time and in His own way, and we only need to do our duty, keep the faith ourselves, to work righteousness in the world ourselves and leave the results in the hands of Him who overruleth all things for the good of those who love Him and keep His commandments. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.6 Now may peace be and abide in your hearts. May the union that has hitherto characterized our associations continue among us. May our people continue in their love for the truth and in their love for one another. May they continue in their honesty of purpose, in their uprightness, in their industry, in the spirit of non-complaint and in the spirit of rejoicing and thanksgiving to God for the blessings that we receive, the blessings of the earth, the blessings of the Spirit of the Lord that is given to us. And I hope that we will continue during the sessions of this conference to have a good attendance, and that we may have a peaceable spirit of love unfeigned in our hearts, one for another, joy inexpressible for the opportunity we have of meeting together in this house that has been built for this purpose and to attend to the duties that devolve upon us as members of the church, and that we may go hence at the close of this conference strengthened in the faith, encouraged in our good endeavors, and with a renewed determination that as for us and for ours we will serve God and let the world do its worst. May God bless you is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen." Prest. Jos. F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.46 Attendance Exceeding All Previous Conferences, an Evidence of Increasing Faith.--Blesses All Who Desire to Do Good and Establish Peace.--Strong Declaration of Loyalty to the Nation and to the Government. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.46 I would like to say to this vast congregation that I am delighted to see you here and to note the interest which is manifested by the Latter-day Saints in this conference. I sincerely hope that the same calm, peaceful spirit which has pervaded the meeting hitherto will continue to be with us until the close of this seventy-fifth anniversary of the organization of the Church. Let every man and woman holding a membership in the Church exercise that faith which it is their right to exercise, and let them remember that the Lord hears and answers the prayers of those who petition Him in faith, nothing doubting, for the peaceable influence of His Holy Spirit, for the light thereof to shine upon their understanding, and for the strengthening of their good resolutions to serve God and keep His commandments. Thus far I do not think this conference has been surpassed for the number of those in attendance, and for the warmth of fellowship that has been manifested on the part of all that have assembled here. I pray God, my Heavenly Father, that this spirit of union, fellowship and love may continue to the end of the conference, and that this spirit may spread to the uttermost bounds of the Church, that the people may be renewed, strengthened, built up, and established in the truth of the Gospel of the Son of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.46 I feel from the depths of my heart to bless the Latter-day Saints, and I cry for blessings upon the heads of all people who have in their hearts a desire to do good and to establish peace and goodwill among the children of men. I pray not only for the prosperity of Zion, but for the prosperity of our nation. We must always bear in mind that we are not only citizens of the Kingdom of God, but we are citizens of the United States, and of the states in which we dwell. We have ever been loyal both to our State and Nation, as well as the the Church of God, and we are at the defiance of the world to prove to the contrary. We have been willing to fight our country's battles, to defend her honor, to uphold and sustain her good name, and we propose to continue in this loyalty to our nation and to our people unto the end. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.46 Now, I did not design to speak this morning. May God bless you. May peace dwell in your soul. May the love of God pervade your hearts and minds. May light and truth shine upon your understandings. May wisdom be given unto you. Be prudent in all your acts. May you be devoted to the cause of Zion and to the upbuilding of the Church and people of God throughout the length and breadth of the land. Let every officer of the Church be loyal to his calling, loyal to his people, and loyal to everything that is good, pure, noble and godlike. Let no man shrink from his duty for fear of consequences, nor from the responsibility that rests upon him by reason of the calling which he has received through the holy Priesthood. Let us remember that the Gospel has come to stay, and to be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. We have ourselves and mankind to save from the errors and sins of the world, and from those evils to which men are prone, that they may come o to the marvelous light of the Gospel of Christ and be made free from the law of sin and death, in the glorious liberty of the children of God. May He bless you, and may peace abide in your hearts, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus, Amen President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.83 I shall not attempt, particularly, to dwell upon any subject. I shall perhaps make but a few remarks. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.83 I desire to say a word or two in praise and commendation of the Ogden Tabernacle choir. In looking at the faces, especially of the brethren, I find that the choir is largely composed of young men, of youths; and this has made an impression upon my mind which is highly commendable to the people of Ogden and to the Ogden Tabernacle choir. I wish I could say as much for the Salt Lake Tabernacle choir, although we have a number of young men connected with the Tabernacle choir; yet we have a very heavy sprinkling of the good old fathers and stand-bys who have been associated with it almost from time immemorable. I am glad to see them there, but I would like to see a greater interest manifested in the art of singing by our young men, and I am glad to see the example that is set before us this evening in the choir from Ogden. I have not looked at the ladies so much. I am naturally a little timid about looking at the ladies, but I notice that there is a large number of them that are also quite young, and I am proud of it, and I am proud to say that I discover that I have a few kinswomen myself in the choir from Ogden. I recollect on one occasion attending a conference, and we had a nice choir, in fact, I think about one of the nicest choirs I ever did see, because they were all ladies except one. There was one middle-aged man connected with the choir, who was present during a portion of the conference, but he wasn't there all the time. And the choir was led by a lady, and the singing was all done by the sisters, and it was very beautiful, very delightful and enjoyable Indeed. But I happened to inquire why it was that we did not have some of the young men in the choir, and I was informed that the young men of the community thought it beneath their dignity to sing, and it reminded me of a saying of Dr. Talmage (not our Dr. Talmage, but the wonderful Dr. Talmage of New York)--a particular friend of the "Mormon" people, you know. (Laughter.) The gentleman who was going to herd all the "Mormon" people in to the Tabernacle and Temple and then open the guns of Fort Douglas and put an end to them. Nevertheless, he said one good thing while he was lecturing here in the Theater. He said something like this, that a man that could sing and wouldn't sing ought to go to Sing Sing, and I always remembered it. And I am greatly pleased to see our young people taking an interest in choir singing, and I congratulate Brother Ballantyne in having the beautiful voices that he has to assist him in his choir. Certainly not only the citizens of Ogden have occasion to be proud of the Ogden Tabernacle choir, but all the Latter-day Saints have; and I need not repeat here what I have said many times before, that all Israel have reason to be proud of the Salt Lake Tabernacle choir. And then there are a great many more choirs among the Latter-day Saints who deserve the praise and the pride of the Latter-day Saints. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.83 I am sorry to be under the necessity of expressing my deep regrets at the departure from among us, since the last meeting of this conference six months ago, of one of our most faithful, energetic and intelligent laborers in the Sunday school cause. We have been called upon to part with one of our best men, one of our truest men, a man in whom all men could place confidence and have no fear that they would ever be deceived or feel that they had misplaced their confidence. It is but recently that we have carried to his last resting place our beloved brother, Leonard John Nuttall, who was one of the most faithful workers in the Sabbath school. I sincerely hope that we shall not be called upon to part with any others that are still here among us until we shall have the pleasure of meeting again in this building six months hence. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.84 The attendance at this conference and the attendance at this meeting is phenomenal. I do not remember ever before seeing so many people together on an occasion like this. The body of the hall is almost filled, besides the great numbers in the gallery. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.84 I sincerely hope that the instructions that have been given us by Dr. Talmage and by Brother Joseph M. Tanner, will sink deep into our hearts, and that we may be able to draw the distinctions that have been so clearly defined by these able speakers, that we may understand the difference, the real difference, between true religion and undefiled before God, the Father, which is "to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" and the theology of the world; theology, speaking of it in words used by the learned divines of the present day, in which they profess their faith in that which they call energy, and call it God. Now, surprising as this may be to you, and surprising as it was to me to learn this fact, I had an opportunity of sitting In the tabernacle of Henry Ward Beecher in Brooklyn--since his death--and listening to the Revelation Lyman Abbott deliver one of the most eloquent discourses I ever listened to, eloquent in words, eloquent in figure, and very beautiful in expression; and the summing up of the whole discourse was, that the thing that he worshiped and the thing that he called God was nothing more and nothing less than energy. Now that may be theology, but it is not true religion. It is false religion, if you can call it religion at all. Then the difference between the practical religion of Jesus Christ, based upon the doctrine, "Whosoever heareth these words of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a man who built his house upon a rock, and when the storms descended and the winds blew and beat upon the house it fell not, for it was rounded upon a rock." This is true religion, and it is very different indeed from the religion of the people of the world, who worship the Lord only knows what, for they themselves do not know. The fact of the matter is, they have confessed it as a part of their religious belief, that to know God would be to destroy God. God, in order to be God, must be incomprehensible to man, and therefore the moment that a man could comprehend Deity, He would cease to be God. I read that many years ago as being the thought of some very learned theologians. And yet it is said in the scriptures, "To know Thee, the only true and living God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent, is life eternal." And if we can only attain life eternal by knowing and understanding the only true and living God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent into the world, we must not worship energy. Neither must we come to the conclusion to rest on the idea that God is something incomprehensible, not describable, something that fills the immensity of space, without form or fashion, and yet so Small that He can dance a Jig on the point of a cambric needle. Now that may be theology, but it is not religion. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.84 Just a word or two in relation to our children and to their training at home, as also the training that they should receive carefully in the Sabbath schools. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.85 Parents, in the first-place, whether they do it or not, should love and respect each other, and treat each other with respectful decorum and kindly regard all the time. The husband should treat his wife with the utmost courtesy and respect. The husband should never insult her, he should never speak slightingly of her, but should always hold her in highest esteem in the home, in the presence of their children. We do not always do it, perhaps; some of us, perhaps, do not do it at all. But nevertheless it is true that we ought to do it. The wife, also should treat the husband with the greatest respect and courtesy. Her words to him should not be keen and cutting and sarcastic, She should not cast slurs or insinuations at him. She should not nag him. She Should not try to arouse his anger or to make things unpleasant about the home. The wife should be a Joy to her husband; and she should live and conduct herself at home so that the home will be the most joyous, the most blessed place on earth to her husband. This should be the condition of the husband and the wife, the father and the mother within the sacred precincts of that holy place, the home. Then it will be easy for the parents to instill into the hearts of their little children, not only love for their fathers and their mothers, not only respect and courtesy toward their parents, but love and courtesy and deference between the children at home. The little brothers will respect their little sisters. The little boys will respect one another. The little girls will respect each other, and the girls and boys will respect each other, and treat each other with that love, that deference and respect that should be observed in the home on the part of the little children. Then it will be easy for the Sunday School teacher to continue the training of the child under the hallowed influence of the Sabbath school; and the child will be tractable and easily led, because the foundation of a correct education has been laid in the heart and mind of the child at home. The teacher can then help the little children brought up under these Proper influences, to render respect and courtesy to all men and especially to the unfortunate, the aged and the infirm. If we could only bring up our children in this way at home, and this home influence be extended in the Sabbath schools as well as in the day schools, it would not be long before children would meet a cripple in the street with reverence and pity. They would express the very picture of sympathy in their faces, and their souls full of love and sympathy would go out for the unfortunate. How is it today? Too often it is the case that we see a poor half-demented Person, the poor cripple, the aged and infirm, perhaps the ill-clad and uncanny passing along and the boys in the street are abusing them, throwing snow balls at them, perchance throwing stones at them, and doing anything in their power to annoy and make their miserable lives still more miserable; and this because of the want of respect, of sympathy and love that they should feel for the unfortunate. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.85 We have too much of such conduct amongst us; there is too much of it in the world, and there is too little training of children toward respecting all men. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.85 I believe in the example that was set by the illustrious father of our country. On one occasion, it is told of him, as he was passing along with some of his aides, dressed in his uniform as general of the armies of the United States, that he met a colored man. The colored man, most reverently and courteously took off his hat and made a low bow to the general. The general took off his hat and bowed as courteously to the colored man. His associate generals remonstrated with him. They said, "General, it is beneath Your dignity to bow to a negro." General Washington turned to them and said, "Gentlemen, I cannot afford to have a negro outdo me in courtesy," So it would be well for us as Latter-day Saints, and as the children of the Latter-day Saints, and as the teachers of the children of this people, to teach courtesy and respect toward all mankind, and implant kindness in the hearts of our children towards the unfortunate especially. There is too little of it. I go along the street here and I see little boys with cigarettes in their mouths; I actually see young men, just budding into manhood with nasty stinking old pipes in their mouths, or with cigars between their teeth, as they walk along the streets. I see boys walk with beautiful young ladies on the sidewalks, smoking their cigars. I think it is contemptible to see boys with cigarettes and pipes and cigars in their mouths, puffing their infamous smudge into the faces of beautiful women. It is abominable. And when I see a man, a boy especially, with a cigar or a pipe in his mouth--the pipe is the worse, it stinks worse and it is more poisonous, a great deal, than the cigar is, although I have never tried either of them very much; but when I meet a youth with these attachments, I feel that if I could be justified under any circumstances in passing anyone by with contempt, they are the fellows that I would pass with contempt. I never like to bow or take off my hat to a boy or a young man with a cigar or a cigarette in his mouth. I don't like to bow to a cigarette. I don't like to bow and pay deference to a nasty old stinking tobacco pipe. I think that is more condescending by far than to bow to a courteous gentlemanly man who is unfortunate enough to be colored with a black skin. I have seen many polished gentlemen in my life who have been unfortunate enough not to be white, that is in their skin; but in their hearts and in their manners, in their courtesy and conduct, they were far superior to many of their boasting white brothers. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.86 Teach your children not to smoke. Persuade them not to do it. Watch and look after them, and try to teach them better, and to be courteous and kind. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1905, p.86 May the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters, in your most important duties as teachers in the Sabbath Schools of the youth of Zion. May the Lord guide you by His Spirit. Remember this, that the great difference between the theology that we have been hearing of and true religion is this, that the fruits of the Spirit of God--the fruits of the spirit of true religion--are peace and love, virtue and honesty, and integrity, and fidelity to every virtue known in the law of God, while the spirit of the World is vicious. Read the fifth chapter of Galatians, and there you will discover the difference between the fruits of the Spirit of God and the fruits of the spirit of the world. That is one of the great and chief differences between "Mormonism," so called, and the theology of the world. If "Mormonism" is anything at all more than other religions, it is that it is practical, that the results of obedience to it are practical, that it makes good and that it takes even bad makes good ones of them. That is "Mormonism" will do, if we will only permit it to do it, if we will bow to its mandates and adopt its precepts in our lives it will make us the sons and the daughters of God, worthy eventually, to dwell in the presence of the Almighty in the heavens. God bless us and help us to become so worthy, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. (Opening Address,) Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.1 Reasons for thanksgiving to God.--General condition of the Church highly satisfactory.--Injunction urgently repeated, "Get out of debt."--Many more missionaries needed.--"Zion is growing;" more and larger buildings needed for Church schools, etc.--The tithing accounts can be seen by tithe-payers.--Satan and his agents cannot stop the progress of God's work. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.2 I desire to say, welcome to all the Latter-day Saints, and to our friends and the stranger within our gates, at the opening of this seventy-sixth semiannual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am pleased to be with you, and am exceedingly grateful to the Lord for His kind mercies and preserving care that have been extended to us all during the past six months, in that we have been blessed with life, health and prosperity, and have been preserved to attend this conference in the enjoyment of so many precious gifts and blessings. I think we may consistently congratulate ourselves on the great goodness manifested toward us by Him from whom all blessings come, in preserving us in the truth, putting into our hearts and continuing within us that earnest desire which we all must feel for the upbuilding of Zion, the spread of truth, the accomplishment of the purposes of the Lord, and for the establishment of righteousness in the carts of our children, our associates and of the people of the world; and that earnest desire also which we all should feel for those who are misled and are sitting in darkness and know not the truth, that we may become instrumental in the hands of the Lord of extending to all such, as far as it nay be possible, a knowledge of the Gospel which we have embraced, that they too may see the light, if they choose to do so; and if they choose not the light, but prefer to remain In darkness, that they may be left without excuse. I feel thankful every day of my life for that desire in my heart, and I would fear that the Lord was withdrawing His Spirit from me if I did not entertain that feeling, and did not have an earnest desire in my soul for good, and not for evil. I am thankful to the Lord that He gives me the desire to do good, and not evil; that He leads my thoughts in the channels of honor, virtue, uprightness, and integrity to those principles which I have espoused. And I believe that all Latter-day Saints possess that spirit and feeling in their hearts, and that they have reason to be grateful to the Lord every day of their lives that their ambitions, their hopes and their desires are for good, and not for evil. The Latter-day Saints possess the spirit of salvation, and not the spirit of destruction; the spirit of life, not the spirit of death; the spirit of peace, not of disunion; the spirit of love for their fellowbeings, not the spirit of hate. And for the enjoyment of this spirit by the saints of the Most High we all have great cause to render praise and thanksgiving to Him who has so ordered it, and who has given to us humility to receive and that measure of His Spirit which inclines our hearts to good and not to evil. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.2 Since our last general conference, the general authorities of the Church, I believe, have been performing their duty to the best of their ability, according to their strength and the gifts of God that they possess. They have been diligent. Not one of them has declined to respond to any call that has been made upon him. The Apostles and the Seventies have been faithful in attending to the various quarterly conferences of the Church: and from all the reports that we have heard of their labors, we are given to understand that the people have not only been satisfied with their ministrations, but the Apostles and Seventies, and the Elders who have accompanied them, have reported most satisfactorily of the condition generally of the Latter-day Saints where they have visited. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.2 The reports that we have received from the various missions are most encouraging, with this one exception: the demand from the missionary fields for Elders to preach the Gospel to the world seems more than we can fill. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.2 The harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few. It seems impossible for us to meet the requirements that are made of us for missionaries. In this connection it may be proper for me to say that in some instances --far too many--these who have been invited to go on missions have replied that while they felt honored with the call they regretted to say that their circumstances were such that they could not see their way clear to go as they were involved in debt. They had assumed pecuniary responsibilities that they could not discharge at that time, and they were obliged to ask for further time in order to liquidate their indebtedness and prepare themselves to go into the world to preach the Gospel. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.3 For three years and more my text and the text of my brethren, to the Latter-day Saints and to ourselves, has been, pay your debts; get out of debt, and then remain out of debt, by living economically by being prudent with means by saying up and gathering in our resources thus preparing ourselves to meet our necessities with ready means, instead of being inclined to go to the stores, to the implement shops, and to the various establishments, to purchase goods on credit--goods which it might be possible for us to do without, at least until we could pay down for them and get the cash price. Reports have come to us from various parts of the Church that many of our people are still being gulled by traveling agents, and persuaded to enter into obligations for wagons, for agricultural implements, for sewing machines, for stoves and heaters, and for almost every imaginable thing, giving therefor ironclad notes, at highest prices, with agreements compelling them to surrender the goods whenever they fail to pay interest and principal as specified, under which they are liable to have the goods taken from them and lose all they have paid thereon. Many of our people are unwise enough to deal with men in this way. If they would only save their means, and live so that they will have means on hand instead of being obligated to others, it would be far better for them, and there would be fewer excuses on the part of Elders who are invited to take missions in consequence of their being involved in debt. Besides it would not cost them so much to live. We do not mind when a young man is not able to take a mission because he is building a home for his wife and is under contract for it. That is all right. We will excuse him, he is at liberty to remain until he has accomplished his home work, and when he is ready he can report himself as prepared to take his mission. Now, I repeat to the people present at this conference: My injunction, and the injunction of my brethren of the Presidency and of the Twelve, is, Get out of debt; pay your honest obligations, free yourselves so that you will be at liberty to perform any duty that you desire or that may be asked of you for the upbuilding of Zion and the spread of truth. We do not care what the world says with reference to our preaching the Gospel, nor with reference to the necessity of young men being asked to go out into the world to preach the Gospel. In nine hundred and ninety-nine times out of a thousand the young men who are asked to take missions to the nations of the earth respond cheerfully and gladly, and rejoice that they are considered worthy to go out bearing the message of life and salvation to their fellowmen. It is a privilege, it is an honor to them to be accounted worthy to bear the name of God and the message of life and salvation to the world, and no amount of ridicule, no amount of false accusations and malicious charges, will ever change their thoughts and feelings with respect to this work. They know what they are doing. And there is no coercion used in matters of this kind. It is all free will, all free grace. Never was there a man required to go on a mission to the world, or sent on a mission, who had any objection to going or who declined to go. Those who have gone out to preach the Gospel have gone willingly, cheerfully, gladly, because they have felt it was to their own advantage and a great honor. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.3 Then I repeat, the only difficulty we have to meet now with reference to the preaching of the Gospel in the various missions in the earth is that we are unable to furnish the number and the character of the help required. We would like the young men to prepare themselves, financially and intellectually, and above all spiritually, having the testimony of the Gospel in their hearts, that when they shall be called to go upon missions they will be ready to go, so that we may be in a position to supply the Elders necessary to preach the Gospel to the world. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.3 A large amount of means has been expended in the erection of meeting-houses in the various wards and stakes of Zion, and the Trustee-in-Trust has been called upon to furnish large sums of money to assist; and also, in many instances, to assist the people in the erection of church schoolhouses and houses of amusement. We would like all the world to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aims not only to provide houses of worship for its members, but it also aims to provide houses of instruction and houses of amusement as well, that the people of the Church, old and young, may have places where they can assemble in the dance, in concerts, in musical festivals, and in intellectual feasts, that they may have scope for the enjoyment of every desire of their hearts in righteousness. I will say to you that the Church has been as liberal in these matters as it was possible to be in view of the obligations that still rest upon the Trustee-in-Trust. Our Church schools are increasing, and the demand is increasing continually for means with which to keep them going, and also for the purpose of erecting additional buildings to accommodate the children. When we tell you that almost every Church school throughout the land is filled to overflowing, you may perhaps discern the growth of the people of God and the progress and advancement of our educational institutions. No sooner is one building completed than it is discovered that it is too small, and that more room is required. From time to time, therefore, we have to assist ill enlarging and in providing accommodation for our children. I think that the Latter-day Saints will be able to discern in this fact a glorious truth. Zion is growing, and interest is being increased in the hearts of the people in proper education and training, to the end that our children may go to schools where the Bible is not excluded, where the Book of Mormon and the Book of D&C are admitted, and where true religion may be taught as well as letters and the sciences and arts. The Trustee-in-Trust has also assisted largely in procuring mission houses in Scandinavia, in Great Britain, in the islands of the, sea, and in our own land of America. We are now helping to build a place of worship and a dwelling-house at Papeete, Tahiti. We have done the same in Samoa. Assistance has also been rendered to the New Zealand mission for a similar purpose, and to Australia as well. In these island missions we are extending aid to our people in order to give them a better standing and wider influence, that they may gain the respect they merit; for, as a rule, the people of those islands are very poor. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.4 Since our last conference the Scandinavian mission has been divided in two, for the convenience of the people. Sweden has been organized into a mission of itself, with headquarters at Stockholm; and the Scandinavian mission now consists of Denmark and Norway. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.4 Casting one's thoughts over all the field, we cannot come to any other conclusion than that the work of the Lord is alive, healthy and vigorous, in every land where the Gospel of the son of God is preached by the Elders of the Church. It is spreading abroad, and the power and influence of the people is growing for good. The strangers who visit us see the contrast between the false and slanderous representations that are sent abroad with reference to the Latter-day Saints and the actual conditions existing here, and they go away agreeably disappointed, delighted with what they see and hear, and convinced that no people, perhaps, upon the earth are so much villified as are the Latter-day Saints. I sometimes feel that I can see the hand of Providence in the work that is going on in the world; for surely it only takes an eye, half open to discover the fraud and misrepresentation, the slanders and the lies that are circulated throughout the world with reference to the Latter-day Saints. If people will only come and see for themselves, if they will only take the pains to inform themselves of the truth, and compare conditions here with the false reports that are circulated, the very contrast will make the truth more forceful to their minds. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.4 Brother Horace S. Ensign, who has presided for a number of years in the, Japanese mission, has returned, and the presidency of that mission has been turned over to Brother Alma O. Taylor. A number of young men have recently been sent to that mission. The Elders that have been there have succeeded in learning the language, as Is the case In other foreign missions. Wherever the Elders of the Church go they are remarkable in acquiring speedily and thoroughly the language, of the people to whom they are sent. Everywhere the Spirit of the Lord whispers to the honest in heart who are faithful and gives to them the assurance, that His hand is stretched out continually over His people; that as, in the past, He has preserved them and delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, so in the future He will continue to preserve and deliver them, and he will make the wrath of the wicked to praise Him and to accomplish the more speedily His purposes. We have every evidence to convince Us that the work of the Lord is a reality, a living, active, progressive work in the earth. Let me say to you that the Latter-day Saints throughout the length and breadth of the land have faithfully and honestly, I believe, as ever they did in their lives, observed the law of tithing. I am happy to say to you that the tithes of the people have not diminished, but they have increased, notwithstanding the disasters that have occurred in some portions of the land. In some Darts hailstorms have destroyed portions of the crops; in other parts there have been more or less drouth, and Insects, which have cut short the crops in some, degree; but this has only been to a limited extent; the most of the Products of the land have been blessed and are abundant, and the majority of the People have reaped bounteous harvests, through the blessing of God upon their labors. I am happy to say this to you. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.5 I want to say further to the Saints, that your brethren to whom you have entrusted the care and management of the finances of the Church stand ready and willing, any moment, to answer to you--to Latter-day Saints, to tithe-payers, to those who are in the faith of the Gospel--for our stewardship. We can give you an account of our doings to the last senine; and I defy any man on earth to point his finger to a dollar that is willfully wasted, or stolen by the servants of God. The tithing books are kept as accurately and as perfectly as any books kept in any bank. Every man that pays a dollar tithing gets his credit on the books; and if he wants to see that his credit is there he can go and see for himself. But we do not Propose to open our books and show your accounts to every Tom, Dick and Harry in the land that never did pay any tithing. We do not propose to do that, if we can help it. But you Latter-day Saints who pay your tithes and your offerings, if you want to see for yourselves that you may be eye and ear witnesses, the books are open to you and you can come and examine your accounts any business day you want. Joseph F. Smith. Conference Report, October 1905, p.5 Now, we are thankful to the Lord that we are counted worthy to be taken notice of by the devil. I would fear very much for our safety if we had fallen into a condition where the devil ceased to be concerned about us. So long as the Spirit of the Lord is enjoyed by You, so long as you are living your religion and keeping the commandments of the Lord, walking uprightly before Him, I assure you that the adversary of souls will not rest easy; he will be discontented with you will find fault with you, and he will arraign you before his bar; but that will not hurt you very much if you will only just keep on doing right. You do not need to worry in the least, the Lord will take care of you and bless you. He will also take care of His servants, and will bless them and help them to accomplish His Purposes; and all the powers of darkness combined in earth and in hell cannot prevent it. They may take men's lives; they may slay and destroy, if they will; but they cannot destroy the purposes of God, nor stop the progress of His work. He has stretched forth His hand to accomplish His purposes, and the arm of flesh cannot stay it. He will cut His work short in righteousness, and will hasten His purposes in His own time. It is only necessary for us to try with our might to keep pace with the onward Progress of the work of the Lord, then God will preserve and protect us, and will prepare the way before us, that we shall live and multiply and replenish the earth and always do His will; which may God grant is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. (Closing Address.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.93 Love, goodwill, and devotion manifest by the people.--Blessings pronounced upon all the faithful, Priesthood and Saints.--Words of blessing, commendation, and encouragement for the singers, their leader, the organist etc.--The Apostles, Patriarch, and veteran workers for Zion blessed.--Earnest prayer for mercy upon his slanderers and enemies of the Church--Appeal to the Saints to be living witnesses, that "Mormonism" is God's work. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.93 I desire, very briefly, as me time is already spent, on behalf of myself and my counselors, and also on behalf of the Quorum of the Apostles, the Presiding Patriarch, the Presiding Bishopric and others of the general authorities of the Church represented at this conference, to offer to you, ye men and women of Israel, our most sincere thanks and gratitude, both to you and to our Father an heaven, for your prompt, faithful and numerous attendance at this conference, for the splendid spirit you have manifested, for the union that has characterized all our assemblies, for the love and goodwill shown by all Who have met here in the name of the Lord; and I say, in the name of the Lord, be ye blessed, in your basket and in your store, in your outgoing and in your incoming in the labor of your hands and in the labor of your minds, and in your prayers and your devotion to the cause of Zion. May the Spirit and power and light of the living God shine upon you, and move you to acts of righteousness, of truth, of union, or strength and of power in the Priesthood or God which you hold, and which blessings have been pronounced upon you in sacred places by those who hold the keys and authority to bless on earth and you will be blessed in heaven, to bind on earth and it will be bound in heaven, and to loose on earth and it will be loosed in heaven. God bless you. These mighty men who sit before this stand, clothed with power from Almighty God, they are not self-called. They have not been chosen by man. They have not chosen themselves. But they have been called by the power of the Almighty to stand in high places in the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as Presidents, as fathers to the people, as counselors, as judges, and as leaders, walking in the way that the people of God should follow them Into all truth and into the possession of greater light, greater power and wisdom and understanding. God bless you, my brethren. And while you stand united, as you have stood in the past, and as you have manifested your union here during this conference, so God will magnify you before your flocks and in the midst of your people, and will Increase your power and your strength to do good and to accomplish His purposes, until you shall be satisfied with your labors and have exceeding great Joy therein; and your people will rise up and call you blessed, they writ pray for you and sustain you by their faith and good works. Let us go home strengthened, built up, encouraged, and more determined than ever before to serve God and Him obey. No matter what the world thinks or anybody says, let us do our duty; and in the language of Joshua let us say, "as for me and my house, we will serve God." Let this be the sentiment of every heart represented at this vast conference. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.94 In behalf of you who are assembled here, my brethren and sisters, I desire to extend thanks and gratitude to Evan Stephens--a man gifted of God, talented in music, in poetry and in song, and above and beyond all that, a man gifted with humility and with faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who is not only diligent in his labors here with this great choir, but who is faithful in his soul to the cause of Zion. He bears testimony to the truth in song and praise. I want to say, in behalf of this vast assembly, Brother Evan Stephens, God bless you and keep you long in the service In which you are engaged for the people of God and for the cause of Zion, and in behalf of this great choir. And then, in behalf of this congregation, too, I extend our appreciation and our gratitude to Brother John J. McClellan, and his assistants. We thank God that He has given us boys and girls, born and reared in our midst, that possess talent equal to that possessed by any men or women born in the world. We will not admit that they are second to any. I thank God also, in your behalf, for this choir, who have devoted hours, days, weeks and months, aye, and years, in the service or the people; who have won a name that is enviable, not only among the Latter-day Saints and the people of Utah, but a name that has extended beyond our borders to the uttermost parts of the earth. God bless you [speaking to the choir], you men and boys or Israel and you daughters of Zion. Peace be unto you. May your voices ever ring clear and true in the songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God for His mercies and kindnesses unto His people. The Lord preserve you. Be not discouraged easily. Attend to your duty, follow your file leaders, be united, and seek to make melody in the worship of Almighty God, who has given to you your precious voices and has put it into your hearts to labor in the capacity of a choir for the benefit of Zion. The Lord bless you, and He will bless you; and in the name of Israel's God, as a servant of the Lord. I bless you. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.95 Again, in my own behalf, and in behalf of my counselors, President Winder and President Lund. I want to thank these my fellow-servants in the Apostleship. They are true men. They are honest men. They are God's servants, and I know it. I am intimate with them, I live with them, I labor with them, and I know their hearts and their works. Their lives are open unto me, and unto the living God; they are true men, and I bless them. God bless these my brethren. They are true to the Father, and I know that so long as they are true to Him they will be true to all the interests or His people, and true to His servants, and no power can turn them from God's cause. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.95 God bless and preserve my brother, the Presiding Patriarch of the Church. May the Lord lend unto Him the enlightening, invigorating power of the Holy Ghost, that in his administrations as a Patriarch to the people he may speak the truth, and only the truth, and that his words may be words of soberness and knowledge, words of comfort and consolation to those on whom he lays his hands, that they may go away from his administration blessed in very deed. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.95 I want to bless some of my veteran friends who are here. I say, God bless you, brethren. You and I have grown grey in the cause of Zion. You have ever been on the frontiers of danger, as protectors of the rights of the people and as protectors or the servants of the Lord from those who would injure and do them harm. I say, God bless you, and He will bless you, and I bless you in the name of Israel's God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.95 Let the Lord God have mercy upon those that seek to hurt the cause of Zion. O God, pity the misguided, the erring, the foolish, the unwise. Put Thy Spirit in their hearts, turn them from the error of their ways and from their follies, and bring them back into the way of righteousness and into Thy favor. I ask mercy for my enemies--those that lie about me and slander me, and that speak all manner of evil against me falsely. In return, I beseech God my Heavenly Father to nave mercy upon them; for those who do it not knowing what they are doing are only misguided, and those who are doing it with their eyes open certainly need, most of all, the mercy, compassion and pity of God. May God pity them. May He have mercy upon them. I would not harm a hair of their head, for all I am worth In the world. I would not throw a block in their way to prosperity. No; and I beseech my brethren that they keep hands off the enemies of our people and those who are paving their own road to destruction and will not repent, who are sinning with their eyes open, who know that they are transgressing the laws of God and villifying and lying against the servants of the Lord. Have mercy upon them. Do not touch them; for that is just what they would like. Let them alone. Let them go. Give them the liberty or speech they want. Let them tell their own story, and write their own doom. We can afford it. They do not hurt us, and if it affords them any amusement, I am sure they are welcome to it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.95 I feel like blessing the quorums of the Priesthood, every one of them, from the High Priests to the Deacons. I pray God, my Heavenly Father to remember them in their organizations, to help them, that they may magnify the Priesthood they hold and do the will of the Father; that the Seventies may be minute men, instant in season and out of season, ready and willing to respond to the calls that are made upon them to go and preach the Gospel to the world. Gather in from the Elders quorums those who have proven themselves worthy and who nave gained experience, and make Seventies of them, so that the quorum of the Seventies may be replenished; and the aged ones, whose physical condition will not permit them any longer to do missionary duty in the world, let them be ordained High priests and patriarchs, to bless the people and to minister at home. Gather in the strong, the vigorous, the young, the able-bodied, who have the spirit of the Gospel in their hearts, to fill up the ranks of the, Seventies, that we may have ministers to preach the Gospel to the world. They are needed. We cannot now meet the demand. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.96 I feel like blessing the auxiliary organizations, which are so powerful in wielding influences for seed among the youth of Zion. May the Lord bless them, one and all, and make them to continue to be useful in their callings, that they may be able to magnify them in honor before God in all the world. Peace be unto those that preside In all these organizations, that they may be equal to the duties that devolve upon them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.96 God bless you all. May peace abound with you. Let this assembly of His people come up as a witness unto. God and unto the world that "Mormonism" is a living, moving entity; that it is not dead nor sleeping, but that it is alive and awake, growing and advancing in the land; and let the world know it. Amen. General Supeintendent President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.109 We have now been assembled here for about two hours, and I feel that it would be improper for us to prolong our meeting. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.109 I would like, however, to add my testimony to all the testimonies that have been borne this evening, but more particularly to endorse and emphasize the remarks made by Dr. Talmage in relation to the duty of presiding officers, Of course we should follow in our Mutual Improvement associations and In our quorum capacities, and in every way where we have organizations in the Church, auxiliary or otherwise, the pattern, as nearly as we can, that the Lord has given us. A Bishop is the presiding officer of his ward, and where the Bishop is in the ward, his counselors and those who axe members of his ward are subject to his presidency. He cannot yield it up. He cannot give it to another; or, if he does, he violates one of the sacred principles of the government of the priesthood. He may direct his counselors, the first or the second, to do his will, to carry out his wishes, to execute his desires, or his commands; but in so doing the counselor does not act as the Bishop, but he acts under the direction of the presiding authority. He does not act independently of the Bishop, but subordinate to the Bishop, and is subject entirely to the Bishop's direction. This principle prevails, or should prevail, in the Sunday school organization of the Church. We can commission and appoint; that is, those who preside, can call upon their aids for assistance, they can direct them to accomplish labors, but in every instance when they do, it is by and with and under the consent of the presiding authority, and by his advice, but not independently. Our missions have not always been organized strictly according to the pattern that the Lord has given. In a great many instances the presiding Elder has been the sole presiding officer of the mission. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.110 But in recent years, in many instances, it has been deemed wise, not only to have a presiding Elder in the mission, but also assistants to the president, or counselors, that they may render him such assistance and counsel as he may need. In all these things the presiding officer is the head, should be regarded in his place, and his place Should be held sacred in the minds of his associates. And no man possessing a correct understanding of the spirit of the Gospel and of the authority and law of the holy priesthood will attempt for a moment to run before his file leader or to do anything--assume to do anything that is not strictly In harmony with his wish and the authority that belongs to him. The moment a man in subordinate position begins to usurp the authority of his file leader, that moment he is out of his place, and proves by his conduct that he does not comprehend his duty, that he is not acting in the line of his calling, and is a dangerous character. He will set bad examples, he will mislead, he will lead others into error having fallen into error himself; indeed, he is in error the moment he acts contrary to and independent of the direction of his presiding officer; and if he continues in that course he will go astray entirely, and those who follow him will follow him astray. I endorse what Brother Talmage has said. We all understand that principle, I think, and I would like to see my brethren and sisters Who are connected with the Sunday school work observe it-strictly, but in the true Spirit; not with any kind of stiff for-reality or set ways, but in the true spirit of presidency, lovingly subject to divine authority, the authority that God has Instituted, that we may emulate, the example of the Son Himself, who came to earth, and while He possessed majestic power to heal the sick, to restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf and bring the dead to life, and to accomplish wonderful things, walking upon the waves, stilling the storms, casting out devils, and multi-plying the loaves and fishes; by which he fed the multitudes of people, yet in accomplishing all this he declared, over and over again, this great principle, that He came, not to do His own will but the will of Him that sent Him, recognizing in every feature of His message and ministry in the world that God was at the head, and that He did nothing of Himself, but only that which the Father sent Him to do. Thus He was acting under the authority of His president or file leader--of Him who sent Him and commissioned Him to accomplish the work He was sent to do. Let us follow that spirit and example, and adopt that principle, in our lives, then we shall never have presiding Elders and officers in the Church at logger-heads with each other, contending with each other. and at cross purposes. They will always be one. They will see eye to eye, they will understand better the principles of divine government, the principles of the Gospel and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1905, p.110 When I came into the house this evening and saw the multitudes of people here, I felt in my heart what a testimony this is to the. Lord of the integrity of this people, of you, my brethren and sisters, who are connected with the Sunday school work, and of our fathers and mothers that are here with us tonight. What a witness, what evidence, what a testimony to the Lord of your integrity to and love for the Church. You have not come here out of mere curiosity. I believe you have come here in the line of duty, you are here because you are engaged in the work of the Lord, that you have a deep interest in it, and not because there is some curious attraction to draw you here. I congratulate you and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the manifestation of union, love and devotion to duty that is evinced here tonight by the presence of this vast multitude of people. I thank you for your presence, for the interest that you have taken in this work, and may God bless you and continue to preserve your lives, your faith and your love for the truth, from this time, henceforth and forever, which is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith (Opening address.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.1 Prosperity general among the Saints.--Harmony and faithfulness characterize the Quorums of Priesthood, and auxiliary organizations.--Duties defined, and efficiency to be increased.--Mechanical and Agricultural training in Church schools.--Striking example of the advantages of technical education in farming.--1905 the "banner year" for tithing contributions.--Books open for inspection of tithepayers.--Object and purpose of the Church organization.--Wickedness will not be tolerated. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.1 I feel very grateful for the privilege of again meeting with you at one of our general conferences, it being the seventy-sixth anniversary of the organization of the Church, and am pleased to see the number in attendance this morning. I sincerely hope that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in our hearts throughout this conference, that at the conclusion we may feel that our coming together has not been in vain, but that much good has been accomplished and the requirements of the law of the Church fulfilled. We are grateful to the Lord for this beautiful morning, and I trust that we may be blessed with good weather, as well as with a rich outpouring of the Spirit of God, throughout the conference. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.2 It is six months since we last assembled in general conference, and many interesting things have transpired since then. Prosperity seems to have crowned the efforts of the Latter-day Saints throughout the land; and I do not say this bostingly at all, but in the very depths of humility and gratitude. I believe that the spirit of devotion to the cause of Zion has prevailed in the Church during the last six months as much as if not more than ever before in its history. I believe that, speaking in a general way, we have been as united as ever before; and were it not that some might think we were boasting, I would venture to say that in my judgment the Priesthood and the people as a whole have never been more united than we are today. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.2 I can assure you, my brethren and sisters, that, so far as my knowledge extends, the presidency of the Church are united, and the spirit of love and confidence possesses our souls. The Lord has blessed us abundantly with health and with a reasonable outpouring of His Spirit. We have endeavored to meet the obligations that have devolved upon us, to the best of our ability and to the utmost of the strength and wisdom the Lord has given us. We have not shrunk from any duty. We have sought to meet every requirement made of us as best we could, and we have reasonable assurance that so far the Lord has been pleased with our efforts and has accepted our labors. We desire to continue in the labor required at our hands, so long as the Lord shall desire it; and I believe my counselors feel just as I do when I say that whenever the Father is satisfied with our services, we shall bow humbly and gratefully to His will. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.2 With reference to the brethren of the Twelve, with whom we meet from week to week, and often from day to day, in council, I have to say that those of them who have been with us are united together and in full harmony with us. I believe that the brethren of the Twelve who have been at their posts, performing their duty, stand solid for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and are united in their views and labors for the upbuilding of Zion. There are circumstances connected with these matters which are not altogether pleasant, and which are fraught, in some respects, with very serious consequences. But I have no hesitancy in recommending to you, brethren of the priesthood and members of the Church, those members of the Council of the Apostles who have kept within the spirit of their calling, who have sought to magnify the same, and who have been instant in season and out of season in the performance of the duties that have devolved upon them. They are worthy of the confidence of the Latter-day Saints, are valiant in their testimony for the truth, are earnest and vigilant in their watchare over the interests of Zion submitted to them, and have labored diligently in the mission field, at home and abroad, as much as opportunity has afforded. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.2 With reference to the brethren of the presiding Council of Seventy, I desire to express my commendation of them. They have always been on hand, ready to respond to every call made upon them, so far as their health and other important duties would permit. It is understood generally that Brother B. H. Roberts, one of the presidents, is engaged on the History of the Church, and is connected in this labor with the Historian's office. A large proportion of his time is required in this duty. Nevertheless he has responded to the calls that have been made upon him, dropping his work and going out to visit the conferences whenever required. The same may be said with reference to the other members of the Council. Brother George Reynolds another member, is a man much encumbered with duties in connection with the missionary work, the calling of Elders for missions, the keeping of their records, and also the labor of the Sunday school, and other matters associated with the President's office. He is a man who labors from morning till night, early and late, and is most faithful and diligent in the performance of his duty. Moreover, he is most capable, being blessed of the Lord abundantly in the calling to which he is assigned. I mention these two brethren for the reason that they are occupied in clerical work to a great extent, and are therefore not at liberty so much as the others to visit the conferences and labor in the ministry. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.3 I am sorry to say that all the Presiding Bishopric of the Church are not in the enjoyment of perfect health, but they are united, diligent and faithful in the discharge of their duties, and their integrity is unquestioned. With the assistance they have in their office, which is most capable and efficient, the duties and responsibilities of their office are well and faithfully performed. I regret to say that Bishop Burton's health is very poor at present, but I understand he is improving, and I trust he will soon be himself again. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.3 I would like to say a few words in regard to the various quorums of the Priesthood in the Church--the High Priests, the Seventies, the Elders, and the lesser Priesthood. The aim of those in charge of these quorums has been to awaken within the hearts of those who compose them a livelier interest in their work; and I believe it may be said in all candor and consistency that there never has been a time when the various quorums of the Priesthood were more interested in their work, more alive to their duties, looking more directly to their legitimate calling, and paying more attention to the responsibilities that devolve upon them, than they are today. The Presidents of the Stakes are taking up the work of the quorums, especially of the lesser Priesthood, and they are endeavoring to arouse the members of the Priesthood to a realization of the great responsibilities that devolve upon them by reason of the Priesthood they hold and their connection with the quorums thereof. We expect to see the day, if we live long enough (and if some of us do not live long enough to see it, there are others who will), when every council of the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will understand its duty, will assume its own responsibility, will magnify its calling, and fill its place in the Church, to the uttermost, according to the intelligence and ability possessed by it. When that day shall come, there will not be so much necessity for work that is now being done by the auxiliary organizations, because it will be done by the regular quorums of the Priesthood. The Lord designed and comprehended it from the beginning, and He has made provision in the Church whereby every need may be met and satisfied through the regular organizations of the Priesthood. It has truly been said that the Church is perfectly organized. The only trouble is that these organizations are not fully alive to the obligations that rest upon them. When they become thoroughly awakened to the requirements made of them, they will fulfill their duties more faithfully, and the work of the Lord will be all the stronger and more powerful and influential in the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.3 A word or two in relation to the Relief society. This is an organization that was established by the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is, therefore, the oldest auxiliary organization of the Church and it is of the first importance. It has not only to deal with the necessities of the poor, the sick and the needy, but a part of its duty--and the larger part, too--is to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation of the mothers and daughters of Zion; to see that none is neglected, but that all are guarded against misfortune, calamity, the powers of darkness, and the evils that threaten them in the world. It is the duty of the Relief Societies to look after the spiritual welfare of themselves and of all the female members of the Church. It is their duty to collect means from those who have in abundance, and distribute it wisely unto those in need. It is a part of their duty to see that there are those capable of being nurses as well as teachers and exemplars in Zion and that they have an opportunity to become thoroughly prepared for this great labor and Responsibility. I have heard of a disposition on the part of Some of our sisters to become a law unto themselves in relation to these things. I would like to say that it is expected of the Relief Society, especially the general authorities of that great organization, that they will have a watchcare over all the organizations among the women of Zion. They stand at the head of all such; they ought to stand at the head, and they should magnify their calling, and see to it that error is not permitted to creep in, that cabals are not formed, that secret combinations may not get a foothold, to mislead the sisters. They should see to it that the other organizations of women in the Church correspond and are in harmony with their organization. Why should this be? In order that the women of Zion may be united, that their interests may be in common, and not conflicting or segregated, and that the purpose of this organization may be realized and the organization itself be effective for good in every part of the Church throughout the world, wherever the Gospel is preached. We realize that it is impossible for men or women possessing physical weaknesses on account of age or infirmities, to meet every requirement; but we expect that every man and woman entrusted with responsibility in the Church will do their duty to the utmost of their ability. That we look for; that we pray for; for that we labor to the best of the ability and strength we possess. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.4 When I arose this morning I did not design to occupy much time, but I would like to say something in relation to other organizations; and if I do not touch upon all of them, no one need feel slighted, for I feel that the eyes of the Lord and of His servants are over all these organizations. We are cognizant of their existence; we know somewhat of their labors and of the responsibilities that rest upon them; we are not blind to their efforts, nor to the good they are accomplishing. I want to say a few words concerning our Sunday school organization. I do not think any one will claim that at any previous time in the Church the Sunday school organization was any more perfect or efficient than it is today. Do you think so. Brother Reynolds? (addressing him). [Brother Reynolds: "No, sir; I do not."] I believe that those who are connected with this work and familiar with what is being accomplished by it will be unanimous in the claim I make that never before, since the Sunday schools were organized in the days of our early settlement here, has this organization been so perfect and efficient as it is today. The brethren of the Sunday School Union Board meet every week, and they are interested in their work. Some of the members live at a distance and cannot attend, but most of those who are within reach attend their council meetings every week, where matters connected with the Sunday schools are thoroughly considered and weighed, and conclusions are reached, after much careful deliberation and thought, in relation to the work that is sought to be accomplished in the Sunday schools. I feel thankful to my Father in heaven that we have so many efficient, capable workers in our Sunday schools, who are diligent in the performance of their duty, who wield such a wholesome influence over the minds of the pupils, and whose examples are such as to make them worthy of all commendation. I desire to commend to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the laborers in the Sunday schools, and I trust that the parents will sustain them in their callings, strengthen their hands, by encouraging their children to attend the schools on the Sabbath day and to show deference and respect for their teachers. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.4 Our Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations are in as good care and keeping as could be expected. This is an organization which only continues a portion of the year. During the busy season, when young men are required on the farms, these associations suspend for a time; but the work is carried on all through the winter season, from October to April, when the youth of Zion are able to attend to their duties in these organizations. I desire to say that our best missionaries are called from these Mutual Improvement Associations. The young men that make the most efficient missionaries are those who have been faithful in these organizations. It is true we have missionary classes in our Church schools, where the young men who have not paid much attention to religious matters and are not well read in the scriptures, may go for a short season and receive instruction. But this work is only temporary compared with the work of the Mutual Improvement Association. It is altogether too brief, and those who attend these classes are generally pushed for time, in a hurry to get home and go to work again, and can scarcely stay long enough to finish the course. Therefore, I repeat that our best and most effective workers in the mission field are those that have given most attention to the Mutual Improvement work at home. So that it is doing good. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.5 The Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations are also prosperous and doing a glorious work. Yet for both of these organizations the field is broad, and the laborers are indeed few. But they are doing the best they can under the circumstances, I believe, and I have only words of commendation for them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.5 Our Primary Associations are also efficient and doing much good among the little children, and I commend their labor and organization, and exhort them to diligence in the performance of their duty and economy in the use of the means that comes into their hands, as I do the Relief Society. I say to all these organizations that it is expected of them that in all their dealings they operate on business principles, strictly upon honor, so that it may never be necessary to cover a single track they make, but that every step they take may be above board and open to the scrutiny of all who may be interested. It is expected that they will make reports from time to time, as required, both of their financial and their ecclesiastical work. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.5 We have a number of Church schools established in Zion. I have not taken the pains to post myself as to the exact number, but I believe there are about 17. The Brigham Young University in Provo, the Latter-day Saints' University in this city, and the Brigham Young College in Logan, are institutions of which the whole Church has reason to be proud. The Trustee-in-Trust, by and with the advice of the First Presidency and the Council of Apostles, has given as liberally as possible, consistent with other obligations, for the maintenance of our Church schools. We have sought to encourage in our Church schools the establishment of departments of mechanic arts and manual training; and so far as I know, everything possible is being done, at least in the principal schools, for the training of our youth, not only in the regular mechanic arts, but also in the art of agriculture. An agricultural course has recently been started in the Brigham Young University, and one of our most proficient scientists has been called to take charge of the class. I am happy to say that some of our oldest farmers are delighted with the information they have obtained by attending this class. I heard a brother who had been farming for many years, say that he had always been under the impression that when a man could not do anything else, all he had to do was to turn his attention to the plow and cultivate the soil, for anybody could make a farmer, but he had found out since attending his class that it required intelligence and intelligent application to be a good farmer, as well as to be a good artisan. In connection with this I may state a circumstance that came under my own observation years ago. A certain brother had lived upon his farm for some fourteen or fifteen years. He had cultivated it every year the best he could, but it had become so impoverished that he could not make a living off it any longer, and he became so disgusted with the country, especially with his farm, that he concluded, if he could only trade the farm off for a team and wagon that would take him out of the country, he would be glad to go. By and by his man came along, and he sold his farm for a team and wagon, in which he put his wife and children and moved to some other country. The purchaser took possession of this worn-out farm, and within three years, by intelligent operation, he was able to gather from that farm forty bushels of wheat to the acre, and other products in proportion. The nutriment of the soil had been exhausted, and it needed resuscitation; so he went to work, gave it the nourishment it required, and reaped a bountiful harvest as a result of his wisdom. There are too many of our farmers who think it does not need any skill to be a farmer; but this good brother in Provo to whom I alluded found it did. So we are teaching agriculture in our schools, as well as the mechanic arts. The Brigham Young College is putting up a building now wherein are to be taught all sorts of industries; where our youth will be able to learn carpentry, black-smithing, domestic arts, and other things that will be useful to them. Yet we find it a drag to induce anybody that is possessed of means to contribute very largely to it. Some of our wealthiest men felt they were doing their utmost when they donated perhaps a hundred dollars towards a building that will cost eight or ten thousand dollars, if not more. I mention this for the reason that in my opinion the Church schools are laying the foundation for great usefulness among the people of God, and they should be sustained by the people and by the Church. The Church is sustaining them, and as we acquire more means and become more free from obligations which have been resting upon the Church for years, we will be more freehanded to administer to the needs of our Church schools, as well as other requirements of that nature. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.6 The Religion Class work is an adjunct to the Church schools. It is under the direction of President Anthon H. Lund and his associates, and itis a necessary and most interesting adjunct to our auxiliary organizations It was established to assist in the proper training and education of our children, and I commend it to the presiding authorities throughout the Church, and bespeak for it their kind attention, encouragement and assistance, so far as it lies in their power. Let us take care of these things, for they nurture and strengthen our children in the right direction, and there is nothing more important. It is extreme folly for any people to send thousands of missionaries out into the world to preach the Gospel to the nations, and neglect their own children at home. I think our very first interest should be to look after our children, and see that they have every advantage necessary to bring them up in the way they should go, that when they get old they may not depart from it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.6 I want to say to the Latter-day Saints that the year 1905 has been the banner year for the tithings of the people. You can put that down in your memorandum books, and remember it. Never in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the people contributed as much tithing as they did in 1905. And yet they have not done anything more than their duty; in fact, there are a great many Latter-day Saints that have not done their duty, as the books will show. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.6 In this connection I may say that a most thorough and searching auditation of the books of the Trustee-in-Trust, the books of the Presiding Bishopric, and the books of the Deseret News Company, has been made by the auditors that were appointed and sustained at our last conference. Before the conclusion of this conference we will read you their report, and I believe you will be perfectly satisfied with it. The man that complains about not knowing what is done with the tithing, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred is the man who has no credit on the books of the Church for paying tithing. We do not care to exhibit the books of the Church to such carpers and to that class of people. But there is not a tithepayer in the Church that cannot go to the Presiding Bishop's Office, or to the office of the Trustee-in-Trust, if he desires, and find his account, and see to it that every dollar he has given to the Lord for tithing is credited to him. Then, if he wants to be more searching as a tithepayer and find out what is done with the tithing, we will set before him the whole thing, and if he has any good counsel to give us we will take it from him. But we will not--because we do not have to, and it is not the business of the world to require it--open our books to the world, unless we wish to. We are not ashamed of them. We are not afraid for them to be inspected. They are honest and straight; and there is not a man in the world that will look at them, but will say so, if he is honest himself. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.7 I do not know but I have trespassed upon your time, but there are other things that pass through my mind. We are contributing means for the purchase and maintenance of mission houses in the world; and today we have more headquarters belonging to the Church in Great Britain, in Scandinavia, in the United States and in the islands of the sea, where our Elders may rendezvous and find a resting place in time of sickness or distress, and where they may meet for counsel, than ever before. When I say that I do not boast at all; I simply give it to you for information and as a statement of fact. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.7 So we may say that notwithstanding the opposition, the bitterness, the hatred, the falsehoods, the slanders and the misrepresentations with which the public press has been filled for years concerning the Latter-day Saints and the authorities of the Church, there never was a time when the Church prospered more than it is doing today; and I do not know but we ought to be thankful that the Lord lets our enemies expose themselves as they do. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.7 The Lord bless you. I see before me the leaders of the Church, the presiding spirits, in the capacity of Presidents of Stakes, Counselors to Presidents of Stakes, High Councillors, Bishops and their counselors, and those who are engaged in our educational institutions and in other responsible positions in the Church. I honor you all. I love you for your integrity to the cause of Zion. It is the kingdom of God or nothing, so far as I am concerned. I cut no figure personally in this work, and I am nothing except in the humble effort to do my duty as the Lord gives me the ability to do it. But it is the kingdom of God. What I mean by the kingdom of God is the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which Jesus Christ is the king and the head; not as an organization in any wise menacing or jeopardizing the liberties or rights of the people throughout the world, but as an organization calculated to lift up and ameliorate the condition of mankind; to make bad men good, if it is possible for them to repent of their sins, and to make good men better. That is the object and purpose of the Church, that is what it is accomplishing in the world. And it is very strict in regard to these matters. Drunkards, whore-mongers, liars, thieves, those that betray the confidence of their fellowmen, those who are unworthy of credence, unworthy of love and confidence--all such, when their character becomes known, are disfellowship from the Church, and are not permitted to have a standing in it, if we know it. It is true that there are none of us but have our imperfections and shortcomings. Perfection dwells not with mortal man. We all have our weaknesses. But when a man abandons the truth, virtue, his love for the Gospel and for the people of God, and becomes an open, avowed enemy, it becomes the duty of the Church, and the Church would be recreant to its duty if it did not sever him from communion, cut him off, and let him go where he pleases. We would do wrong if we hung on to and tried to nurture such evil creatures in our midst, no matter what the relationship may be that exists between us and them. Therefore, I say again, the Church of Jesus Christ stands for virtue, honor, truth, purity of life, and good will to all mankind. It stands for God the Eternal Father, and for Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent into the world and whom to know is life eternal. This is what the Church stands for, and it cannot tolerate abomination crime and wickedness on the part of those who may claim to have some connection with it. We must sever ourselves from them, and let them go. Not that we want to hurt them. We do not want to hurt anybody. We never have, and we do not intend to, hurt anybody. But we do not intend to be hurt by those who are seeking our destruction, if we can help it. It is our right to protect ourselves. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1906, p.8 Now, God bless you. May peace abide in your souls, and the love of truth abound in you, May virtue garnish all your ways. May you live uprightly and honestly before the Lord, keep the faith. and be valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ; for he that is valiant will receive his reward. God bless you, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.2 The Saints increasing in faith and good works.--Futile efforts of enemies of the Church.--Interesting account of recent trip to European countries.--Historic places in U. S., and reminiscences concerning same.--Be true to the faith, and unite in defense and up-building of Zion. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.2 I feel very grateful this morning for the privilege I have of beholding the faces of my brethren and sisters assembled here at the opening of our Seventy-seventh Semi-annual Conference, and as on all past occasions when we have met in our conferences I sincerely hope that the spirit of peace, the love of truth, and the desire for good may be paramount in all that may be said or done during this conference. It is gratifying also to see the number assembled at this first meeting. It shows an interest in our work and in the cause of Zion which speaks well for those who are present; and I sincerely believe that the faith of the Latter-day Saints is increasing, together with their knowledge and their love for the truth, and the people are becoming more and more established in their convictions of the truth of the Gospel which has been restored in these latter days. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.2 Everything seems to point to the continued advancement of the cause of Zion. The earth has been blessed to a very great extent by the favor of the Lord during the last season, and the most of our people have reaped bountiful harvests and have been prospered not only spiritually but also temporally. I think we possess the evidence that the good works of the Latter-day Saints are not diminishing, but that they are indeed increasing and we--with but very few exceptions--are as determined today as we ever were, or as ever any members of the Church were, to continue to fight the good fight and keep the faith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.2 I desire to express my feelings of welcome to the Latter-day Saints who are here today, and to those who shall attend this conference, and say to you, my brethren and sisters, that we love the truth and the work of the Lord today even more than ever before. We are not disheartened, we are not discouraged, we are not fainthearted. We believe in the Lord, and we know that He is mighty to save that He has guided the destinies of this people from the first moment until the present, and that it is not in consequence of the wisdom of men that we have escaped the plots, schemes and machinations of our enemies, and that we have been permitted to live and grow in the land, to become what we are, but it is through the wisdom, mercy and blessing of Him who rules the destinies not only of men but of nations. We owe all to God; we extend our thankfulness and gratitude to Him for the manifestations of His love and care and protection. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.2 I was going to say that we did not owe anything to our enemies: that was the first thought that sprang up in my mind, but I will bold that back. I think we owe something to our enemies too for the advancement of the cause of Zion; for up to date everything that has been done or attempted to be done to thwart the purposes of God and to frustrate His designs has been overruled for the good of Zion and for the spread of truth. And that will continue to he the case until the end, for they are fighting God's work, and not mine nor that of any man. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.2 Very recently, with the approval of some of my brethren who were present when the thought occurred to me--and it did not occur to me until just a few hours before I came to the conclusion--I started with a friend to visit in the eastern countries a little. The thought first arose in my mind on Saturday evening, and was matured, so far as my determination to leave home for a little while was concerned, on the following day. I left home for a rest--not that I expected to obtain physical rest, but a change sometimes is rest to men who are constantly engaged in duties that are strenuous and at times very burdensome. As it may be interesting to some of my brethren and sisters I would like to briefly outline my visit. When we left here we first stopped at Omaha, and as I traveled the plains in the days of my childhood, again in the days of my youth, with ox teams, mule teams and so forth, I concluded it would be interesting to make a visit to the old camp ground of Israel at Winter Quarters on the bank of the Missouri river, which we did on the 24th of July, Pioneer day. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.3 We had the privilege of meeting with some of the Elders engaged in the mission work there, and the few saints who are living about Omaha and vicinity, and had a royal good celebration of Pioneer day. We met under the old historic tree said to have been planted by the hand of President Brigham Young, and which now is one of the largest trees in the vicinity, and there our friends spread their feast, which we partook of with them. We associated with them with great pleasure, answering inquiries made of us. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.3 We next made a little halt at Chicago and had a very pleasant visit with some of our children who are going to school there, although our stay was very brief. We were not long in New York, as we reached there only a few hours before the sailing of the vessel. Our voyage across the Atlantic was never so pleasant before--not a ripple on the ocean nor anything to make the voyage more unpleasant than sailing upon a lake--a placid, calm sea. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.3 We landed in Antwerp on the 7th day of August, and from there visited the city of Rotterdam, and the next day the city of Amsterdam, in Holland. In Amsterdam we attended a conference of Latter-day Saints, and found there a lively branch of the Church. We had the pleasure of meeting with the young men who have gone out from Zion to proclaim the Gospel to that people, and as some of their parents may be present here today, I desire to say to them that they have great reason to be proud of their boys. I do not think--speaking now of the meeting that we had with all the Elders in the missionary fields that we visited--I do not think there can be found in all the world a like number of equally noble, excellent-spirited young men, as are your boys who are at present out in the missionary field, and I think this can be said of them almost as a whole--extremely few exceptions at the most. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.3 From Amsterdam we returned to Rotterdam anti held another conference with the Latter-day Saints, and some strangers and friends who were invited in, and who availed themselves of the opportunity. We had a most excellent time with them there. Here we found another flourishing branch of the Church, and the Elders, (all of them young men, active, energetic, faithful, virtuous and noble,) are doing all in their power by example as well as by precept, to spread the word of truth among that people. From here we visited Germany, stopping a few days at the city of Berlin. Here again we met with the Latter-day Saints and With the Elders, as many as could get together in that mission, and we had another very enjoyable time. Here we found some excellent conditions existing, but some conditions that were not favorable, which I regretted to find. I will briefly say: Some of our young people who have gone to Berlin to study music or to follow other pursuits, by their negligence to perform their duties, by their neglect to go to the meetings of the Saints, by their holding themselves apart from the Latter-day Saints, they are not wielding a wholesome or good influence upon the people of that country. I want to tell you that, and I say it with regret. They make the excuse that they have to study and practice every day and when Sunday comes, if they do not have to continue their practice, they are so fatigued that they cannot go to meeting. Now if any of you have children in that condition I would advise you to stimulate them to do their whole duty and set a good example before the people of the world in this direction. I really think that the sending of our children to Berlin to study for years is considerably overdone, and I do not believe that as a rule very much good will ever accrue to our children who go there. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.4 From Berlin we went to Zurich in Switzerland and held a conference. From there we went to Lucerne, and from there to Berne, where we again met with the Saints in conference and had a most excellent and interesting visit, not only with our people in general, but with strangers who visited us. We also held meetings with the Elders, in some instances having as many as 50 or 75 present with us at one time. From there we returned to England, landing at Dover on the return, by way of Paris, France, where we remained a couple of days. In London we again met with our people in conference. We also met with many of the Elders of that mission, all of whom, so far as I could judge, seemed to be in excellent spirits and faith, willing, ready and active in the performance of their missionary labors. We bad a good conference in London, and we afterwards had a most excellent meeting with the Elders of the mission. From London we visited Scotland and attended conference in Edinburgh and Glasgow, where we also had an enjoyable time with the people and with the Elders of that portion of the British mission. Returning south from Scotland we called at Liverpool, and attended another conference of our people at Blackburn, in Lancashire, and also held a priesthood meeting there. Here we found the same conditions as far as our Elders were concerned--a noble lot of young men, bright, intelligent active, honorable, upright, clean, pure, and sweet as were ever found in any part of the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.4 After a short visit at Liverpool we returned to London. We spent a few days visiting in that great city the places of interest. From there we returned to Dover and took steamer again for our native land. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.4 On reaching New York, the 18th of September, we made arrangements as hastily as possible and visited Vermont, the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and spent a couple of days there. We found that great improvement had been made under the direction of Brother Junius F. Wells. The grounds have been laid off beautifully, the memorial cottage completed and made ready for occupancy, and everything is looking beautiful and attractive there. Quite a large number of our neighbors who attended the dedication services on the 23rd of December last, hearing that I was there, did me the honor to call upon me and shake hands. They made us a very pleasant little visit. The burden of their conversation was: "Don't take Mr. Wells away from us." They want Mr. Wells to remain with them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.5 From here we visited the historic Hill Cumorah, and the old homestead of the Patriarch Joseph Smith and his family. We also visited the grave where the first childhood prayer of the Prophet Joseph Smith was offered up, and where the first manifestations of the approval of Heaven were made to man in these latter days, with reference to the opening of the dispensation in which the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus should be restored to the world, and the authority of the Holy Priesthood again conferred upon man. To say that the visiting of such places as these does not inspire serious thought and peculiar feelings, at least in my breast, would not be true. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.5 There is something hallowed about those places, to me and to all, I think, who have accepted the divine mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and who are imbued with the spirit of the Gospel that he was instrumental, in the hands of the Lord, in restoring to the earth. To me it is pleasing and inspiring to visit the haunts of that great and good man, and his associates in the early days of the Church, and even before the Church was organized. We visited Palmyra, near the hill where the plates of the Book of Mormon were found and shown to the Prophet Joseph by the angel Moroni, and where they were given to Joseph by him; which is a truth that all Latter-day Saints will have to accept in order to acknowledge the divine authority of the man who has borne this testimony to the world, and who was instrumental in revealing the fulness of the Gospel to the children of men. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.6 From Palmyra we visited Kirtland, Ohio, and looked again over the ground once occupied as a dwelling place of the Latter-day Saints. Where many years ago a prosperous, thrifty people dwelt in somewhat large numbers, today we find a little scattered village. The country is almost deserted. The population at present approximates about 400, or 500 people. The temple still stands as a monument of the sacrifice of this once poor but faithful people, who in that early day sacrificed not only their means and their time, but their comfort and the comfort of their families, for the purpose of building that house in obedience to the command of God. Those who possess it now comprehend little of the objects and purposes for which the temples of God are built. They little understand the maiu principle, main doctrine, or main reason and cause making it necessary to erect temples unto God. Those principles are rejected by those who are today in possession of the building. It is simply used by them as an ordinary meetinghouse and a place for Sunday school. So long as it is used for even this purpose, we have no reason to complain, and we do not complain. We have gone beyond it; we have outgrown that building. Today we have no use for it, as the Lord has shown us even a better and a greater way, and so far as I am concerned, those who possess it are perfectly welcome to it, although the manner in which they came in possession of it, to my mind, is exceedingly questionable. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.6 From Ohio we did not follow down the course of the Church into Missouri and from Missouri into the state of Illinois. We passed over that part of the migrations of the Saints, going direct to Carthage, the scene of the martyrdom. I had a desire to see that place, as I had never seen it before; and I felt that I would like to see the spot where the blood of those innocent men was shed for the testimony they bore to the world of the divine mission to which they were called--a command from God to restore the fulness of the Gospel and the way of life and salvation to the world. I will not attempt to express to you in the least degree how I felt on that ground. We did not remain there long, but came to Nauvoo, the last resting place of the Latter-day Saints in the eastern part of our land, at the time near the western frontier of the United States. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.6 It was a source of great delight and pleasure to visit the scenes of my childhood, and to go around the deserted city and see the various houses which I remembered from my childhood. We visited the place that was once called the "Mansion," the home of the Prophet Joseph Smith, so altered and changed today, internally at least, and so old and dilapidated outside, that one familiar with it in the early days could scarcely recognize it as the same place. The old homestead that was first built on the bank of the river, occupied by the Patriarch Joseph (the father of the Prophet Joseph) and his family in the early days, still stands, but in a most neglected condition, almost ready to crumble to the earth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.6 We visited the spot where the bodies of the Prophet Joseph and his brother were buried, after their martyrdom, and also their brothers, Don Carlos and Samuel. We recognized as nearly as might be the spot in which their sacred remains were deposited after their death, the bodies of the Prophet and the Patriarch having been removed two or three times in order to satisfy a fancy of somebody, in order to prevent their whereabouts being known --the history of which I am thankful to have, as I received it from an eye-witness. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.6 We also visited the Nauvoo House, the place where the original manuscript of the Book of Mormon was placed by the hand of the Prophet Joseph Smith, together with a bound copy of the Book of Mormon, the D&C and other Church publications extant at that time; and with petitions to the governors of the various states, on the part of the Latter-day Saints, for redress for the wrongs they had sustained at the hand of Missouri. These and other relics were deposited there and in after years exhumed and removed by Mr. Bidampon, who was then in possession of the property. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.6 We likewise visited the spot where once stood the house in which the revelation on plural marriage was first written by Wm. Clayton, by dictation of the Prophet Joseph Smith; and also where the Endowments were first revealed and given by him. We also visited the place where the revelation on plural marriage, given through the Prophet Joseph Smith, was first read to the high council of the stake of Zion, at Nauvoo, by Hyrum Smith, and recalled some of the historical facts that occurred within those walls. I pointed out to my friends the spot on the shore of the Mississippi river where the Prophet landed with his brother, from ask if, when they gave themselves up into the bands of the mob to go to their martyrdom at Carthage. We visited other places of interest, but it would be too much for me to attempt to express my feelings in visiting these ancient, now almost obliterated places of interest. Wefound in Nauvoo a very kindly feeling existing on the part of the people whom we met. They all seemed to be friendly to us, pleased to meet us, and we felt very much delighted with the spirit that we found in that once favored and flourishing place. After our visit there we returned by rail home. I want to say to my brethren and sisters that I have returned home physically very much improved over what I was when I went away. Now, I realize of course, this is a very trivial affair and of but very little interest to you. At the same time, it has been a voyage and a trip that has been fraught with very great interest to myself, and has been I think profitable to me, not only physically but spiritually. I return to you, to my home, to my duties and to my labors with the people of the Latter-day Saints, determined as ever I was to be true to the people of God, to my covenants and to all men; to honor the Holy Priesthood that has been conferred upon me; and I do not care for and don't want to pay any heed to the ridiculous nonsense, the foolish twaddle, and the impious slurs that are being cast at me and my people, by wicked hearts and perverted minds. Let God deal with them as seemeth Him good. Don't you allow yourselves to be troubled over these things in the least. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.7 Now, my brethren and sisters, I did not anticipate occupying so much time, when I arose, and I hope you will pardon me for trespassing so long upon your patience. I rejoice in the testimony that I have received and in the assurance I feel in my soul that God is pleased with the most of His people. There may be some who are foolish amongst us, shallow persons who look only to the surface, who do not go down into the truth--into the facts. There may be those who are swayed for a little while by the popular clamor, who may give way to some extent, to the things that seem to pervade certain quarters, but when they wake up to their condition and to the real truth, many of the few that are thus influenced and swayed against the truth and against reason and righteousness, will be willing to repent in sackcloth and ashes. It is not my purpose to stand here and try to make any apology or to offer any defense of my own course, of my own life and labors. I am willing to leave myself and my labors and my life in the hands of God, and to the judgment of my friends and the people of God. If I have wronged any man spiritually or temporarily, in any sense or in any form, I pray him to come to me and let me know wherein I have wronged him or done him any harm, and I will go more than half way--I will go the whole distance if necessary to make it right with him. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.7 I am for the kingdom of God. My brethren and I, I trust, are united in this, and if need be I think we can put aside any difference that may exist between us, and unite in that which is good and right and proper for the defense of the people of Zion and for the continuance of the upbuilding thereof. I do not think that there is any serious breach or any serious difficulty existing among the Latter-day Saints anywhere. I think that all that is necessary is for us to see the light and we will walk in the light; to understand our duties and we will do them, no matter what our private feelings may be. The Lord bless you, peace be unto you. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.8 I want to say to these presidents of stakes who are present: you have my confidence; you have my love. I pray for you every day of my life, and I trust that you remember me and my brethren in your prayers. We understand the responsibilities that rest upon you in the discharge of your duties. You are fathers to the people; that great responsibility rests upon you; your labors are manifold and sometimes very difficult. We realize the burdens that you have to bear, the patience that you have to exercise and exhibit in the discharge of your duty, in order that you may avoid giving offense, and that you may reconcile the people, over whom you preside, to that which is right without using drastic measures. We understand this, and you have our sympathy, our fellowship, our love, and what strength you may derive from our faith and prayers, that you may preside in righteousness over your different stakes of Zion, and that your brethren associated with you may be united with you, and that you may pull together in that which is right and proper for the uobuilding of Zion and the defense of the people of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.8 I see before me a number of young men who have been entrusted with the presidency of missions abroad, and I want to say to you that so far as I have been acquainted with these men, they are men after my own heart, true men, faithful, diligent in the performance of their duties, acceptable and honorable in the sight of God and man. We love them and we admire their courage in absenting themselves from their homes for years at a time, making sacrifices of their personal interests and enjoyment, for the good of the people abroad in the world and for Zion. We admire them and say to them as to the presidents of stakes on whom so much depends, God bless you one and all and strengthen you in the performance of your duties. We look upon the counselors of these men in the same way and we would say to them, one and all, stand together with your presiding officers, be united in whatever will tend to build up Zion and defeat the purpose of her enemies, whatever that purpose may be. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.8 Above all things let me say to the counselors of the presidents of stakes and of missions and to the Bishops and their counselors,--let me say to you all, live exemplary lives, so that you can each say to the people: "Come and follow me; follow my example; obey my precepts; be in union with me, and follow me as I am appointed to lead, advise and counsel, as I follow Christ." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.8 Let every man live so that his character will bear the closest inspection, and that it may be seen as an open book, so that he will have nothing to shrink from or be ashamed of. Let all men who are elevated to positions of trust in the Church live so that no man can point to their faults, because they will have no faults; so that no man can justly accuse them of wrongdoing, because they do no wrong; that no man can point out their defects as "human" and as "weak mortals." because they are living up to the principles of the Gospel, and are not merely "weak human creatures" devoid of the Spirit of God and the power to live above sin. That is the way for all men to live in the kingdom of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.9 We should set an example; we should be true to the faith, as Brother Stephens sings to us; true to the faith! We should be true to our covenants, true to our God, and true to one another and to the interests of Zion; no matter what the consequences may be, no matter what may result. I can tell you that the man who is not true to Zion and to the interests of the people will be the man who will be found bye and bye, left out and in a pitiable spiritual condition. The man who stays with the kingdom of God, the man that is true to this people, the man that keeps himself pure and unspotted from the world, is the man that God will accept, that God will uphold, that He will sustain and that will prosper in the land, whether he be in the enjoyment of his liberty or be confined in prison cells; it makes no difference where he is, he will come out all right. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.9 May the Lord bless my brethren and my sisters who are engaged in the work of the ministry. Here are our sisters engaged in the Relief Society work, with whom I had the pleasure of meeting last evening. Here are sisters who are connected with the Mutual Improvement associations, and those also connected with the Primary work and our Sunday school interests, as well as the brethren associated with these organizations. They all have our blessings, because we have confidence in them. We believe that they know the truth themselves and do not have to borrow light from somebody else. We know that their integrity is unumpeachable; we know they love God and the truth and that they love the work more than their own personal interest. We know many of them and we know these are their feelings. We love them; they have our respect, our full confidence; the blessings of the Lord will attend them. He has done so in the past and He will continue to bless them so long as they continue to sustain the Priesthood of God that has been placed in the earth to guide the Church and to counsel in the affairs of the kingdom of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.9 What I mean by the Kingdom of God is the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, over which the Son of God presides, and not man. That is what I mean. I mean the Kingdom of which Christ is the King and not man. If any men object to Christ, the Son of God, being King of Israel, let them object and go to hell just as quick as they please. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.9 Let us sustain Christ, His people, and His cause of righteousness and redemption; let us sustain one another in the right, and kindly admonish one another in regard to wrong-doing, that we may be friends and saviors on Mount Zion, one for another, and that we may help the weak and strengthen them, encourage the doubtful and bring light to their right understandings as far as it is possible, that we may be instrumental in the hands of God of being saviors among men. Not that we have power to save men. We have not; but we have power to show them how they can obtain salvation through obedience to the laws of God. We can show them how to walk in order to be saved, for we have the right to do that, we have knowledge and understanding as to how to do, it, and it is our privilege to teach it and to enforce it by example as well as by precept among our associates wherever we are in the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.10 I want to say of my Counselors in the Presidency, there are no better men in the world today; and they are loyal to you; they are loyal to the people of God; they are loyal to their covenants and to the interests of Zion, and they are laboring faithfully for the accomplishment of all the good that it is possible to accomplish through their influence and through their agency and faithful labors. I can say the same of my brethren the Twelve, and others associated with us in the Holy Priesthood. The Lord bless them and sustain them in right doing and in upholding and sustaining God's work and the authority that He has revealed and restored to His children in the world. Now, may the Lord bless you, and may peace abound in your hearts and homes; may the blessing of prosperity attend you in your outgoings and incomings and all you put your hands to in righteousness, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 The reading of the hymn by Brother John Henry Smith brought to my mind another hymn, which is something of a sermon in itself; and although I fear I am not as good a reader of hymns as he is, I thought I would take the liberty of reading this one and commending it to the Latter-day Saints, that when they return home, if they are not familiar with it, they may turn to their hymn books and read it well. You will find it in the Latter-day Saints hymn book, on page 434. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Uphold the right, tho' fierce the fight, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 And pow'rful is the foe; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 As freedom's friend, her cause defend, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Nor fear nor favor show. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 No coward can be called a man-- Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 No friend will friends betray; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 "Who would be free" alert must be; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Indifference will not pay. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Note how they toil whose aim is spoil, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Who plundering plots devise; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Yet time will teach, that fools o'er reach Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 The mark and lose the prize. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Can justice deign to wrong maintain, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Whoever wills it so? Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Can honor mate with treach'rous hate? Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Can figs on thistles grow? Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Dare to be true, and hopeful, too; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Be watchful, brave and shrewd; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Weigh every act; be wise, in fact, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 To serve the general good. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Nor basely yield, nor quit a field-- Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Important is the fray; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 Scorn to recede, there is no need Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.26 To give our rights away. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 Left-handed fraud let those applaud Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 Who would by fraud prevail; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 In freedom's name, contest their claim, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 Use no such word as fail; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 Honor we must each sacred trust, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 And rightful zeal display; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 Our part fulfil, then, come what will, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.27 High heaven will clear the way. President Joseph F. Smith. (CLOSING REMARKS.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.125 The time will not permit further delay; but I would like to say just a word. You have listened to the Presidency and to each member of the Council of the Apostles, and to nearly all of the Seven Presidents of Seventies; and we regret exceedingly that we do not have more time, that you might hear others. I need not ask you, after bearing those who have spoken during this conference, if you are satisfied that these men who have borne testimony and who have exhorted and admonished you, are in possession of the spirit of their calling. We leave this to your judgment and the inspiration you have received during the sessions of this seventy-seventh semi-annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been strongly impressed, in listening to all that my brethren have said, that the Lord, who chose them, made no mistake. They possess the spirit of their offices. The testimony of Jesus is in their hearts. They have borne record of that spirit to you, and they stand before you as approved ministers of the Gospel of the Sou of God, and as true witnesses of Him to all the world. From the depths of my heart I bless these my brethren who bear this Priesthood, and who enjoy to this extent the power and spirit of their high and glorious callings. The Lord accepts them, and He will bless them; and the spirit and power of their calling will continue with them so long as they live and maintain the integrity that they exhibit before the people this moment. The people of Zion may rejoice in their instructions and ministrations among them; for they will minister in righteousness, and the Lord will accept their labors, and the people who will not--it will be the worse for them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1906, p.126 The Lord bless Zion. May peace abide with you, my brethren and my sisters. God bless you in every capacity in which you are called to act in life, and be with you by the presence and power of His Spirit, guide you into all truth, put into your hearts the spirit of prayer and true devotion, and that faith which cannot be moved. God lives, and Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God--living, not dead; for his name will never perish. The angel that visited him and declared God's message unto him, told him that his name should be held for good and for evil throughout the world. This prediction was made in the days of his youth, before the Church was organized, and before there was any prospect of that which has since been accomplished. The declaration was made, notwithstanding it then seemed an absolute impossibility; but from the day it was spoken until this moment, and from now on until the winding-up scene, the name of Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the nineteenth century, has been, is being and will be heralded abroad to the nation, of the earth, and will be held in honor or contempt by the people of the world. But the honor in which it is now held by a few will by and by he so increased that his name shall be held in reverence and honor among the children of men as universally as the name of the Son of God is held today: for he did and is doing the work of the Master. He laid the foundations in this dispensation for the restoration of the principles that were taught by the Son of God, who for these principles lived, and taught, and died, and rose from the dead. Therefore I say, as the name of the Son of God shall be held in reverence and honor, and in the faith and love of men, so will the name of Joseph Smith eventually be held among the children of men, gaining prestige, increasing in honor, and commanding respect, and reverence until the world shall say that he was a servant and Prophet of God. The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Peace on earth, goodwill to man, is the proclamation that Joseph the Prophet made, and that is the same as his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, made to the world. That is the mission we are trying to fulfill, and the proclamation we are seeking to make to the world today. It is the mission that these young men have been chosen to proclaim, and be witnesses of to the nations of the earth. It is their duty to see to it that this proclamation and this Gospel of peace and goodwill shall be sent to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people under the whole heavens. God bless Israel, is my earnest prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. ( OPENING ADDRESS.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.1 Congratulations to Saints on abundant blessings.--Fidelity and diligence of the Priesthood and Saints generally. --Priesthood quorum meetings should be educational.--The work of the auxiliary organizations commended.--Faithfulness in paying tithing.--The Church free from debt.--The general authorities of the Church do not receive support from tithing. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.2 I am delighted to greet you at the opening meeting of our general conference. It is certainly assuring and extremely pleasant to see so many assembled at the first meeting. I think it indicates an interest in the occasion on the part, especially of the presiding authorities of the Church and the leading members. We are delighted to see you here, and we have only congratulations to offer to you and to all the Latter-day Saints for the abundance of the mercies and blessings of the Lord upon His people throughout the land. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.2 I do not desire to say anything this morning in a boastful spirit, nor with over-confidence in ourselves, but what I shall say I sincerely hope may be prompted by the Spirit of the Lord, which is the spirit of wisdom, that I may not say anything that the Lord would not approve and that would not be acceptable to you in the spirit of truth. I desire to briefly represent before this vast assembly, as the Spirit may give me utterance, the present condition of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as I see it. I will speak first of the Presidency of the Church and their associates, the Council of the Apostles. I only wish to refer to them very briefly; for we are here before you, and it is probable that you will hear from us during this conference individually, and will be able to judge for yourselves of our spirit, our faith and our works. I am most happy in saying to you that the Presidency are as untied in their spirit, in their faith and in their works as they have ever been since the organization of this Presidency. We leave it to you to judge whether our spirit is right, and whether our faith is rounded in the truth or not. The Presidency and the Apostles are united in their feelings and in their love for one another. So far as I am able to discern, there is not a single thought in the mind of any member of the Presidency or the Twelve Apostles that would not meet with the signal blessing, approval and sanction, of our Great Father and Judge. In saying this much for the brethren who stand at the head, I believe I am only doing them justice and representing briefly but truly the real condition of these two leading councils of the holy priesthood. I am also happy to say that the same goodwill, union love and confidence exist between these two bodies and the presiding Seventies of the Church. The First Seven Presidents of the Seventies are united with us, and we with them. All these brethren are diligent in the performance of their duty. They are willing, ready, and always on hand to meet every call that is made of them. You know them yourselves, they having visited you and preached in your Stakes and Wards, so you can judge of their spirit, and that they are in the faith of the Gospel, to remain forever, if they will continue to enjoy and cultivate the spirit of the Gospel and the love of the truth which pervades their souls today. We expect that; we look for it; and we could not for one moment admit in our thoughts that anything other than that could ever occur with these three leading quorums of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 I am sorry to say that the health and vigor of some of the members of the Presiding Bishopric is not that which we could desire; but they are united, and they have efficient help in their office. They are men who have been tried for years in their bishopric. They are men of God, men of truth and soberness, men of wisdom and judgment, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; and God has been with them, as the presiding quorum over the lesser priesthood of the Church. and they have been wonderfully blessed. They are true men, according to the light and intelligence with which they are endowed. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 I need not say very much about our Presiding Patriarch. He is before the people. He has not been able to travel among the people anti counsel with the patriarchs in the different Stakes of Zion as much as we would like him to do, on account of family illness; but we hope that the Presiding Patriarch of the Church will find himself strengthened and relieved from embarrassments and obligations that tie him down, and be able to exert himself to visit the Saints and administer consolation and blessings to them, to strengthen their faith in bearing testimony of the truth to them, and in this way magnify and honor his holy and high calling; for it is his duty. Indeed it is expected of every man on whom responsibility is placed, and who is called by the voice of the Spirit and sustained by the vote of the people, that he will do his duty to the uttermost, according to his ability and the inspiration that he is entitled to enjoy in the discharge of the duties of his office and calling. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 I can speak heartily and warmly of the fidelity, intelligence and wisdom, strength and influence of those who today are acting as presidents of stakes. With exceedingly few exceptions--and I would hardly desire to admit that there is any exception, but if there are exceptions they are very, very few--the presidents of Stakes and their Counselors are men after God's own heart, true to their callings and their bishoprics, true to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, true to their office, faithful and united in the discharge of their duty, and diligently looking after the spiritual and temporal welfare of the Stakes of Zion over which they preside. They are men in whom we repose the most absolute confidence, men of integrity, of tried faith, of noble character, of pure lives, fathers to the people, whose mission it is to look after the welfare of Zion and the building up of that portion of the kingdom of God submitted to their care. I speak well of the Presidents of Stakes and their Counselors. The members of the various High Councils we cannot speak so comprehensively of, because they are too numerous for us to be individually acquainted with them. But we know the Presidents of Stakes, and we are more or less familiar with their Counselors, and we believe that care is being taken in all the Stakes of Zion to have efficient High Councilors, men who are exemplary in their lives, men of good influence in the Stake in which they are called to be twelve counselors to the Presidency, and twelve judges also, to sit with the Presidency of the Stake and adjudicate and adjust difficulties and differences that may arise in the Stake, and to look after the proclamation of the Gospel, both by precept and by example. We believe that great care is being taken to select and to maintain efficient High Councils throughout Zion. Where there is weakness and any necessity for change, it is our counsel to the Presidencies of the Stakes of Zion to make such changes, to fill up the High Councils, and to be provided with alternates who will be efficient in the discharge of the duty that devolves upon them. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 The same may be said almost universally of the Bishops of the Church and their counselors. Of course, Bishoprics are frequently changed. It is often the case that Bishops remove to other sections of the country, and it becomes necessary to reorganize the bishoprics. Then wards are frequently divided into two or more, and this calls for more Bishops and Counselors. Occasionally men become feeble from age, and after serving many years it becomes necessary to relieve them from the great responsibility of their calling, and to call younger and stronger men to fill their places. In this way our bishoprics are more frequently changed probably than any other council of the priesthood. But we do not know of any particular deficiency in this important part of the priesthood. I do not think there is any organization in the Church of greater importance than that of the Bishopric. They are indeed fathers to the people. It is their duty to look after the widow, the fatherless, the poor, the needy, the sick and the afflicted. They are expected to not only be temporal fathers of the people, but spiritual lathers also. A double duty rests upon them with mighty force. It is their business to look after the erring as well as the feeble, and to feel after those who are inclined to stray from the paths of virtue and honor. It is expected that the Bishoprics of Wards will be in constant touch with their people, and that the Bishop will know every member in his ward, through the agencies that are established in the Church by divine revelation, by means of which every member of the Church can be reached and his or her condition, spiritual and temporal, be known. This is a great responsibility resting upon our Bishops, and as a rule they are faithful men chosen by inspiration. The choice of our Bishops is not made by the body. Let me say just a word in regard to that principle. There is no officer in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chosen by the body. The Lord has given us His way to do these things. He has revealed to us that it is the duty of the presiding authorities to appoint and call; and then those whom they choose for any official position in the Church shall be presented to the body. If the body reject them, they are responsible for that rejection. They have the right to reject, if they will, or to receive them and sustain them by their faith and prayers. That is strictly in accordance with the rule laid down of the Lord. If any officer in the Church has my sympathy, it is the Bishop. If any officer in the Church deserves credit for patience, for longsuffering, kindness, charity, and for love unfeigned, it is the Bishop who does his duty. And we feel to sustain in our faith and love the Bishops and Counselors in Zion. We say to the Bishoprics of the various Wards, Be united; see eye to eye, even if you have to go down on your knees before the Lord and humble yourselves until your spirits will mingle and your hearts will be united one with the other. When you see the truth, you will see eye to eye and you will be united. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.5 The truth will never divide councils of the priesthood. It will never divide presidents from their Counselors, nor Counselors from their presidents, nor members of the Church from one another, nor from the Church. The truth will unite us and cement us together. It will make us strong, for it is a foundation that cannot be destroyed. Therefore, when Bishops and their Counselors do not see eye to eye, or when Presidents and their Counselors have any difference whatever in their sentiments or in their policy, it is their duty to get together, to go before the Lord together and humble themselves before Him until they get revelation from the Lord and see the truth alike, that they may go before their people unitedly. It is the duty of the Presidents of Stakes and High Councilors to meet often, to pray together, to counsel together, to learn each other's spirit, to understand each other, and unite together, that there may be no dissension nor division among them. The same with the Bishops and their Counselors. The same may be said of the councils of the priesthood from first to last. Let them get together and become united in their understanding of what is right, just and true, and then go as one man to the accomplishment of the purpose they have in view. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.5 There is an effort being made (it has come more particularly to our notice in the near Stakes of Zion) by the Presidents of Stakes and the presidents of the various quorums of the priesthood to induce the members of these councils to attend to their priestly duties. The High Priests' quorums should have their regular meetings. They should meet together as often as circumstances will permit or as necessity requires, and grow and unite together. They should establish their schools of instruction and enlightenment; for it is the duty of the High Priests' quorum to teach the principles of government, of union, of advancement and of growth in the kingdom of God. They are indeed the fathers of the people at large. In our High Priests' quorums are numbered the Presidents of Stakes and their Counselors, Bishops and Counselors, Patriarchs, and all that have been ordained to the office of High Priest in the Melchisedek Priesthood. All such belong to the High Priests' quorum. They come under its supervision, and they should have a lively union with it, not a dead connection. They should be united with the quorum in such a way that they give it all the force that they can impart for good. They should give it their individual influence, their hearty support, their confidence, and the benefit of their advice and counsel. They should not pull apart nor be disinterested in these matters. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.6 The same may be said of the Seventies' quorums. I believe that the Seven Presidents of the Seventies have it in their hearts and minds to establish a better system of growth, advancement and instruction in those quorums. The Seventies are called to be assistants to the Twelve Apostles; indeed they are apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, subject to the direction of the Twelve, and it is their duty to respond to the call of the Twelve, under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church, to preach the Gospel to every creature, to every tongue and people under the heavens to whom they may be sent. Hence they should understand the Gospel, and they should not be wholly dependent upon our auxiliary organizations for instruction, neither should they be wholly dependent upon the missionary classes in our Church schools for their knowledge of the Gospel and for their qualifications to preach that Gospel to the world. They should take up the study of the Gospel, the study of the scriptures and the history of the dealings of God with the peoples of the earth, in their own quorums, and make those quorums schools of learning and instruction, wherein they may qualify themselves for every labor and duty that may be required at their hands. The Bishops should take especial charge of the lesser priesthood, and train them in the duties of their callings--the Priests, Teachers and Deacons. Our young men should be looked after. The boys, as soon as it is prudent, should be called to take hart in the lesser priesthood. If it were possible to grade them, from the Deacon to the Priest, and from the Priest upward through all the offices that will eventually devolve upon them, it would be one of the best things that could be done. All these things should be looked after by the presiding authorities of the Church, especially those who preside over the quorums. I will repeat what I said before, it is expected that every man on whom responsibility is placed will do his duty faithfully, and be diligent in the performance thereof. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.7 Our auxiliary organizations, I believe, are in excellent condition. I need only to mention to you that our Sunday Schools probably have never had a better organization than they have today. There never has been a time in the Church when more attention has been given to imparting instruction and to forming outlines for guidance of teachers, in our Sunday Schools than has been given of late; and there is a good, lively spirit and influence felt among the Sunday School workers. I will speak of the Relief Society as one great organization in the Church, organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, whose duty it is to look after the interests of the women of Zion and of all the women that may come under their supervision and care, irrespective of religion, color or condition. I expect to see the day when this organization will be one of the most perfect, most efficient and effective organizations for good in the Church; but that day will be when we shall have women who are not only imbued with the Spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and with the testimony of Christ in their hearts, but also with youth, vigor and intelligence to enable them to discharge the great duties and responsibilities that rest upon them. Today it is too much the case that our young, vigorous, intelligent women feel that only the aged should be connected with the Relief Society. This is a mistake. We want the young women, the intelligent women, women of faith, of courage and of purity, to be associated with the Relief Societies of the various Stakes and Wards of Zion. We want them to take hold of this work with vigor, with intelligence and unitedly, for the building up of Zion and the instruction of women in their duties--domestic duties, public duties, and every duty that may devolve upon them. Our Mutual Improvement Associations are in excellent condition, and doing a good work. I think Brother Heber J. Grant, just returned from the mission field, will bear me out in the statement that the young men who have had training in the Mutual Improvement Associations make the most effective and successful missionaries in the world. We want this work continued, not only among the young men, but among the young women also. The Primary Associations are doing a east amount of good, as are our Religion Class workers also. The Religion Class work has been hampered considerably, in consequence of the prejudice of some people and a disposition to hedge up the way of the Gospel; nevertheless it is accomplishing good. Whatever is most effective of good is most hated and opposed by the enemy of truth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.7 I want to say to my brethren and sisters here this morning, that in my opinion there never was a time when the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were living better lives, were more faithful and more diligent, than they are today. We have various means of judging of this. One very accurate way of knowing is the fact that the law of tithing is being observed. There never has been a time in the history of the Church, I believe, when the law of tithing was observed more universally and more honestly than it has been observed by the Latter-day Saints of late. The tithes of the people during the year 1906, have surpassed the tithing of any other year. This is a good indication that the Latter-day Saints are doing their duty, that they have faith in the Gospel, that they are willing to keep the commandments of God, and that they are working up to the line more faithfully perhaps than ever before. I want to say another thing to you, and I do so by way of congratulation, and that is, that we have, by the blessing of the Lord and the faithfulness of the Saints in paying their tithing, been able to pay off our bonded indebtedness. Today the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owes not a dollar that it cannot pay at once. At last we are in a Position that we can pay as we go. We do not have to borrow any more, and we wont have to if the Latter-day Saints continue to live their religion and observe this law of tithing. It is the law of revenue to the Church. Furthermore, I want to say to you, we may not be able to reach it right away, but we expect to see the day when we will not have to ask you for one dollar of donation for any purpose, except that which you volunteer to give of your own accord, because we will have tithes sufficient in the storehouse of the Lord to pay everything that is needful for the advancement of the kingdom of God. I want to live to see that day, if the Lord will spare my life. It does not make any difference, though, so far as that is concerned, whether I live or not. That is the true policy, the true Purpose of the Lord in the management of the affairs of His Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.8 Before I sit down I would like to make another statement. Our enemies have been publishing to the world that the Presidency of the Church and the leading officers are consuming the tithes of the people. Now, I am going to tell you a little secret, and it is this: there is not one of the general authorities in the Church that draws one dollar from the tithes of the people for his own use. Well; you may say, how do they live? I will give you the key: The Church helped to support in its infancy the sugar industry in this country, and it has some means invested in that enterprise. The Church helped to establish Z. C. M. I., and it has a little interest in that, and in some other institutions which pay dividends. In other words, tithing funds were invested in these institutions, which give employment to many, for which the Trustee-in-Trust holds stock certificates, which are worth more today than what was given for them; and the dividends from these investments more than pay for the support of the general authorities of the Church. So we do not use one dollar of your tithing. I thought I would like to tell you that much, so that when you hear men talking about Joseph F. Smith and his associates consuming the tithes of the people you can throw it back into their teeth chat they do not use a dollar of the tithing for their support. I would like our "friends," if I might be permitted to use a vulgar expression, to "put that in their pipe and smoke it." (Laughter.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.8 A word about our Church schools. Our Church schools were never more efficient than they are today. We have good men at their head, and good teachers, Latter-day Saints, who are teaching your children principles of righteousness, honor, virtue, truth and uprightness, as well as giving them the benefits of a secular education. Hitherto we have had sufficient means to take care of our schools, but there is nothing that I have anything to do with in the Church that has grown so fast in so short a time as our Church schools. I do not know but they will outgrow the Church by and by, if we do not put a little hedge about them. We will have to exercise some judgment and wisdom in their management, for they may grow so big that we will not be able to carry them at all. We may have to curtail them a little, and guage their growth and increase somewhat to correspond with the means available for their support. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.8 Many things come to my mind, but one thing more I will speak of. We have seventeen or more missions in the world, and they are mostly young men who are presiding over them. [There are 23 missions, all told.] My brethren and sisters, let me say to you that these young men are your sons, and they are men after God's own heart. We have absolute confidence in their integrity. We know they are true-born and true metal. We know they can be trusted with the great responsibilities that devolve upon them. They are noble young men, men of intelligence, virtue, honor and integrity, whose word is as good as any man's bond, I do not care how strong the bond may be. Therefore, I commend these young men, and say in my heart, God bless the Presidents of the Missions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world. Elder Charles W. Penrose is presiding now over the European Mission, where he is using the ability the Lord has given him (which we know is of no mean order) in the proclamation of the Gospel, in writing editorials for the Millennial Star, and in exercising his influence and intelligence in the defense of the cause of Zion, and in the advocacy of the principles of the Gospel to the world; and he has a large number of most faithful, energetic and worthy young elders seconding his efforts in that Mission. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.9 I feel that I have really trespassed upon your time. I now wish to announce to you, that the Presidency and the Twelye have prepared a document containing our views, our faith and doctrines, and asserting the truth in connection with the up-building of Zion and the purposes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which document we propose to have read to you this morning by Elder Orson F. Whitney, and then we want to present it to you for your acceptance or rejection, as you desire, that it may go forth from this conference, if approved, as an authoritative statement of our faith, our purposes and our works, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.9 God bless you, is my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.25 I would like to say to the Presidents of Stakes and counselors, and to the Bishops and their counselors, who are present today, that we commend to their careful consideration the subjects that have been treated upon this afternoon by the brethren who have spoken--the observance of the divine law of health and life, the Word of Wisdom, abstinence from folly and from the wild, foolish pleasure resorts that are being so freely patronized by young people in these days. I think that the presiding priesthood everywhere should pay attention to these things, and carefully guard the youth of Zion, as well as the middle aged and aged, against these foolish excesses. President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.39 Important interrogations.--Emphatic response. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.39 I want to give this congregation the opportunity of answering yes or no to the questions that have been read by Brother Heber J. Grant, namely: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.39 "First, Yes or no, do you believe in God, the Father; God a person, God a definite and tangible intelligence--not a congeries of laws floating like a fog through the universe; but God a person in whose image you were made? Don't argue; don't explain; but is your mind in a condition where you can answer yes or no? Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.39 "Second, Yes or no, do you believe that Christ was the son of the living God, sent by Him to save the world? I am not asking whether you believe that He was inspired in the sense that the great moral teachers are inspired--nobody has any difficulty about that. But do you believe that Christ was God's very Son, with a divinely appointed and definite mission, dying on the cross and raised from the dead--yes or no? Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.39 "Third, Do you believe that when you die you will live again as a conscious intelligence, knowing who you are and who other people are?" Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.39 Every man and woman in this congregation that can answer yes to these questions, say yes. (There was a universal response from all over the house.) And every one that bears the name of Latter-day Saint in this vast congregation that cannot say yes, let him say no. (Not a single response.) Brother Heber has told us the truth. There is no doubt in the minds of Latter-day Saints in relation to the existence and personage of the Lord God Almighty, who is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There is no doubt in the minds of Latter-day Saints that Jesus is the Son of God, being begotten of the Father in the flesh. And there is no Latter-day Saint in all the world but knows as truly and as fully as God can impart that knowledge to the soul of man, that he shall live again after death, and that men and women shall be associated together as God has ordained and they have been united by His power, to dwell together forever and forever; and they shall know as they are known, they shall see as they are seen, and they shall understand as God understands; for they are His children. I wanted to say this much in confirmation of the faith of the Latter-day Saints with reference to the questions that have been asked here, and that cannot be answered by the sectarian world, because they have not the faith or the knowledge to answer them. Latter-day Saints can answer them, because God has revealed the knowledge to them in this day through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and by the testimony of the Spirit of God in the heart of every faithful Latter-day Saint. President Joseph F. Smith. (CLOSING REMARKS.) Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.118 I desire to say to you, my brethren and sisters. God bless you. I invoke the favor and protecting care, the mercy, forgiveness and loving kindness of the Father of light, in whom there is no variableness nor shadow of turning, upon all the Latter-day Saints, and upon all the honest in heart and upright in all the world. May the Lord God bless the people of this State and of the nation, as well as the rulers of the nation. May peace reign in the midst of all the people. May the strife, contention and discontent which exists more or less all over our land be settled amicably, that peace may dwell within our borders, and that our people may be prosperous and happy, and continue to grow in power, number and glory in the land. May the Lord God bless the President of the United States, and his Cabinet, and all the honorable men in public life in our nation, and in the other nations of the world, that peace may dwell on earth and good will towards man. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.118 Our mission is to save, to preserve from evil, to exalt mankind, to bring light and truth into the world, to prevail upon the people of the earth to walk righteously before God, and to honor Him in their lives and with the firstfruits of all their substance and increase that their barns may be filled with plenty and, figuratively speaking, that "their presses may burst out with new wine." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.118 May God bless the Presidents of the Stakes of Zion and their counselors, and all the officers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. May He help them to be pure, holy, honest, upright men, after God's own heart, free from the sins of the world, broadminded, full of the love of truth, charity, the spirit of forgiveness, mercy and kindness, that they may be as fathers indeed in the midst of the people, and not tyrants. You, my brethren, are not called to be masters; you are called to be servants. Let him that would be great among you be the servant of all. Let us follow in the footsteps Of our Mas ter, the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is the perfect example for mankind. He is the only infallible rule and law, way and door into everlasting life. Let us follow the Son of God. Make Him our exemplar and our guide. Imitate Him. Do His works. Become like unto Him, as far as it lies within our power to become like Him that was perfect and without sin. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.118 God bless the mothers in Zion, and the sons and daughters of Israel, and keep our children from the ways of the world, from transgression and from temptation that will lead them astray. May the power of God be over all the household of faith. May Israel flourish upon the hills and rejoice upon the mountains, and assemble together unto the place which God has appointed, and there prosper, multiply and replenish the earth, and thence spread abroad throughout the land; for the time will come when we will find it necessary to fulfill the purposes of the Almighty by occupying the land of Zion in all parts of it. We are not destined to be confined to the valleys of the mountains. Zion is destined to grow, and the time will come when we will cry aloud, more than we do today, Give us room that we may dwell! Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.119 Now may the Lord God of Israel bless you, my brethren, my sisters and my friends. May the mercy of God be extended unto our enemies. We wish them good, not evil. They will bring sufficient evil upon themselves by the course they pursue, and we need not wish evil to come upon them for it will come soon enough if they do not repent. May God have mercy upon them. May He turn the erring from the error of their way, and be that wandereth into the paths of certainty and truth. This is my prayer, and I invoke these blessings upon this great congregation and upon all the people of the Lord throughout the land, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. AN ADDRESS: THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS TO THE WORLD Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.1 SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH April, 1907. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.1 "Let facts be submitted to a candid world." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.1 THE ADDRESS Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.1 Which appears on the following pages constitutes part of the official proceedings of the Conference, and its connection therewith is set forth in full on page nine of this report. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 GREETING: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 In the hope of correcting misrepresentation, and of establishing a more perfect understanding respecting ourselves and our religion, we, the officers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in General Conference assembled, issue this Declaration. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 Such an action seems imperative. Never were our principles or our purposes more widely misrepresented, more seriously misunderstood. Our doctrines are distorted, the sacred ordinances of our religion ridiculed, our Christianity questioned, our history falsified, our character traduced, and our course of conduct as a people reprobated and condemned. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 In answer to the charges made against us, for ourselves and for those who, under divine direction, rounded our religion and our Church: for our posterity, to whom we shall transmit the faith, and into whose keeping we shall give the Church of Christ; and before mankind, whose opinions we respect, we solemnly declare the truth to be: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 Our religion is rounded on the revelations of God. The Gospel we proclaim is the Gospel of Christ, restored to earth in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. The high claim of the Church is declared in its title--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Established by divine direction, its name was prescribed by Him whose Church it is--Jesus the Christ. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.3 The religion of this people is pure Christianity. Its creed is expressive of the duties of practical life. Its theology is based on the doctrines of the Redeemer. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 If it be true Christianity to accept Jesus Christ in person and in mission as divine: to revere Him as the Son of God, the crucified and risen Lord, through whom alone can mankind attain salvation; to accept His teachings as a guide, to adopt as a standard and observe as a law the ethical code He promulgated: to comply with the requirements prescribed by Him as essential to membership in His Church, namely, faith, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost,--if this be Christianity, then are we Christians, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 The theology of our Church is the theology taught by Jesus Christ and His apostles, the theology of scripture and reason. It not only acknowledges the sacredness of ancient scripture, and the binding force of divinely-inspired acts and utterances in ages past; but also declares that God now speaks to man in this final Gospel dispensation. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We believe in the Godhead, comprising the three individual personages, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We hold that man is verily the child of God, formed in His image, endowed with divine attributes, and possessing power to rise from the gross desires of earth to the ennobling aspirations of heaven. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We believe in the pre-existence of man as a spirit, and in a future state of individual existence, in which every soul shall find its place, as determined by justice and mercy, with opportunities of endless progression, in the varied conditions of eternity. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We believe in the free agency of man, and therefore in his individual responsibility. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We believe that salvation is for no select few, but that all men may he saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We affirm that to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel, authority must be given of God; and that this authority is the power of the Holy Priesthood. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We affirm that through the ministration of immortal personages, the Holy Priesthood has been conferred upon men in the present age, and that under this divine authority the Church of Christ has been organized. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.4 We proclaim the objects of this organization to be, the preaching of the Gospel in all the world, the gathering of scattered Israel, and the preparation of a people for the coming of the Lord. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.5 "Mormonism" seeks its converts among all classes and conditions of society, and those who accept it are among the best men and women of the nations from which they come--honest. industrious, virtuous, and reverent. In their community life they are peaceable, law-abiding and exemplary. Their instincts, traditions and training are opposed to vice and crime. The religion they have embraced, the Church of which they are members, condemns every form of evil, and their lives, with few exceptions, are exponents of righteousness. Many of the early proselytes to our faith were descendants of the Pilgrims and Puritans. Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other leaders among the Latter-day Saints, traced their lineage to the founders and first defenders of the nation. Joseph Smith was a native of Vermont, and by vocation a farmer. All trades and professions were drawn upon for the membership of the Church. In England, its first foreign mission field, it was mainly the middle and working classes that responded to the Gospel message. All over the world it has been the same,--our converts have been men and women of character, intelligence, and integrity. There is nothing in "Mormonism" to attract the selfish or the vile. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.5 The effort to differentiate the "Mormon" priesthood and the "Mormon" people, by allowing that the latter are a good, honest, though misguided folk, while alleging that their leaders are the personification of all that is bad, is a most futile one. The great majority of the male members of the Church hold the priesthood, and though constituting the official body of the Church, they are a portion of the people. Priesthood and people are inseparable, and vindicated or condemned, stand together. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.6 The charge that the Church relies upon duplicity in the propagation of her doctrines, and shuns enlightened investigation, is contrary to reason and fact. Deceit and fraud in the perpetuation of any religion must end in failure. A system of religion, ethics, or philosophy, to attract and hold the attention of men, must be sincere in doctrine and honest in propaganda. That the Church employs deceptive methods; that she has one doctrine for the priesthood and another for the people; that she teaches one set of principles to her members in Zion, and another to the world, is not true. Enlightened investigation is the very means through which the Church hopes to promote belief in her principles and extend the beneficent influence of her institutions. From the beginning, enlightened investigation has been the one thing she has sought. To secure this, she has sent her missionaries into all parts of the world, especially to the centres of civilization and enlightenment, we her literature has been freely distributed: yet too frequently her claims have been disallowed without investigation, and judgment has been pronounced without a hearing. At the Columbian Exposition, which celebrated the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, the religions of the world were represented in a great parliament, for the purpose of showing "in the most impressive way, what and how many important truths the various religions hold and teach in common; . . . . to set forth by those most competent to speak, what are deemed the important distinctive truths held and taught by each religion; . . . . to inquire what light each religion has afforded or may afford to the other religions of the world." To this gathering the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, though the most distinctively American church, was not invited; nevertheless she sought opportunity to place side by side with the creeds of all the great historic faiths, a presentation of her principles, and to voice to mankind the truths she deemed most important and most helpful. This opportunity was denied the Church, except upon such terms as were humiliating and subversive of the end sought--a wider publication and a more just consideration of her faith. After such an experience, and others of like kind, though of varying degree, we submit that it ill becomes our accusers to charge us with shunning enlightened investigation. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.7 It has been charged that "Mormonism" is opposed to education. The history of the Church and the precepts of its leaders are a sufficient answer to that accusation. Joseph Smith, the first President of the Church, rounded schools, and attended them as a student, as did many of his followers under his advice and influence. Brigham Young, who succeeded Joseph Smith. emulated him as a founder and patron of schools: anti every subsequent President of the Church, his associates, and the people generally, have been equally zealous in that cause. In the course of their exodus from Illinois, our people built log school houses while halting on the Missouri river, then the frontier of the nation: and after they had traversed a thousand miles of wilderness, and planted their infant colony in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, school houses were among the first buildings they erected. Such has been the course pursued in every "Mormon" colony. The State of Utah, now dotted with the schools, academies, colleges, and universities, institutions which have given her marked educational prominence, furnishes indisputable evidence that her people-"Mormons"--are friends and promoters of education. To the Latter-day Saints, salvation itself, under the atonment of Christ, is a process of education. That knowledge is a means of eternal progress, was taught by Joseph Smith:-- It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.--A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge.--The glory of God is intelligence.--Whatever principles of intelligence we attain to in this life, will rise with us in the resurrection.--He who gains in this life more knowledge than another, will have so much the advantage in the world to come. These were aphorisms with the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.7 Neither is it true, as alleged, that "Mormonism" is destructive of the sanctity of the marriage relation: on the contrary it regards the lawful union of man and woman as the means through which they may realize their highest and holiest aspirations. To the Latter-day Saints, marriage is not designed by our heavenly Father to be merely an earthly union, but one that shall survive the vicissitudes of time, and endure for eternity, bestowing honor and joy in this world, glory and eternal lives in the worlds to come. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.7 The typical "Mormon" home is the temple of the family, in which the members of the household gather morning and evening, for prayer and praise to God, offered in the name of Jesus Christ, and often accompanied by the reading of scripture and the singing of spiritual songs. Here are taught and gently enforced, the moral precepts and religious truths, which, taken together, make up that righteousness which exalteth a nation, and ward off that sin which is a reproach to any people. If such conductions are not a sufficient answer to the charge that our homes are un-Christian, subversive of moral influence, and destructive of the state's stability, then we turn to the present generations. "Mormon" American citizens, products of our religion and our homes, for our vindication:--Here are our sons and daughters, submit them to any test of comparison you will: regard for truth, veneration for age, reverence for God, love of man, loyalty to country, respect for law, refinement of manners, and, lastly, in this issue between us and our accusers the crowning test of all, purity of mind and chastity of conduct. It is not inordinate self praise to say of the generations of our people, born and reared in "Mormon" homes, that they will compare favorably, in the Christian virtues, and in all that makes for good citizenship, with any community in this or any other country. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.8 The charge that the Church is a commercial rather than a religious institution; that its aims are temporal rather than spiritual; that it dictates its members in their industrial activities and relations, and aims at absolute domination in temporal affairs,--all this we emphatically deny. That the Church claims the right to counsel and advise her members in temporal as well as in spiritual affairs is admitted. Leading Church officials, men of practical experience in pioneer life, have aided the people in establishing settlements throughout the inter-mountain west, and have given them, gratuitously, the benefit of their broader knowledge of things, through counsel and direction, which the people have followed to their advantage; and both the wisdom of the leaders and the good sense of the people are vindicated in the results achieved. All this has been done without the exercise of arbitrary power. It has resulted from wise counsels, persuasively given and willingly followed. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.8 It has also been the policy of the Church to foster home industries. Where there has been a lack of confidence in some of these enterprises, and private capital has been afraid to invest, the Church has furnished funds that the practicability of the undertaking might be demonstrated; and repeatedly the wisdom of this policy has been made manifest. Thereby the resources of various localities have been developed, community industries diversified, and the people, especially the poor, given increased opportunity of employment and a better chance to become self-sustaining. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.8 We deny the existence of arbitrary power in the Church: and this because its government is moral government purely, and its forces are applied through kindness, reason, and persuasion. Government by consent of the governed is the rule of the Church. Following is a summary of the word of the Lord, setting forth the principles on which the Church government is to be administered: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.9 The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon men, is true: but when they undertake to cover their sins, or gratify their pride, their vain ambition, or exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, amen to the priesthood, or the authority of that man. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy and without guile. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.9 Nominations to Church office may be made by revelation; and the right of nomination is usually exercised by those holding high authority, but it is a law that no person is to be ordained to any office in the Church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of its members. This law is operative as to all the officers of the Church, from the president down to the deacon. The ecclesiastical government itself exists by the will of the people; elections are frequent, and the members are at liberty to vote as they choose. True, the elective principle here operates by popular acceptance, rather than through popular selection, but it is none the less real. Where the foregoing facts exist as to any system, it is not and cannot be arbitrary. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.9 The Church officers, in the exercise of their functions, are answerable to the Church. No officer, however exalted his position, is exempt from this law. All decisions, rulings and conduct of officials are subject to investigation, correction, revision and final rejection by the general assembly of the priesthood of the Church, its final court of appeal. Even the President, its highest officer, is subject to these laws, and special provision is made for his trial, and, if necessary, his deposition. Where these facts exist in any administration of government, it cannot be justly classed as a tyranny, nor considered a menace to free institutions. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.10 The tithing system of the Church, so often denounced as oppressive, and as imposing an arbitrary ecclesiastical tax, is in reality a system of free-will offerings. True, the members, by the law of the Church, are under moral obligation to pay one-tenth of their interest annually. But from the very nature of the principles on which churches exist, they being voluntary associations for the fostering of spiritual life, and the achievement of moral and charitable ends--in which associations membership cannot he compelled--there is no compulsory means of collecting this or any other church revenue. Tithing is a voluntary offering for religious and charitable purposes, and not a scheme of extortion for the enrichment of the higher officials. Service in the interest of the Church is given, for the most part, without monetary compensation; where compensation is allowed it is moderate; the high Church officials are not rich, but in the majority of cases are men of limited means, and where it is otherwise their wealth did not come from the tithes of the people;--these facts are a complete refutation of the slander that our tithing is a system of extortion practiced upon the people for the enrichment of the priesthood. Like the Church government throughout, the tithing system operates upon the principle of free will and the consent of those who hold the faith to be divine. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.10 Neither in mental attitude nor in conduct have we been disloyal to the government under whose guarantee of religious freedom our Church was rounded. The Book of Mormon proclaims America to be the land of Zion; a land dedicated to righteousness and liberty; a land of promise to certain branches of the house of Israel, and also to the Gentiles. It declares that God will fortify this land against all other nations; and "he that fighteth against Zion shall perish." By revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, the Lord declared that he had established the Constitution of the United States through "wise men raised up unto this very purpose." It is also our belief that God has blessed and prospered this nation, and given unto it power to enforce the divine decrees concerning the land of Zion, that free institutions might not perish from the earth. Cherishing such convictions, we have no place in our hearts for disloyal sentiments, nor is there likelihood of treason in our conduct. Were we evil-disposed toward American institutions, or disloyal to the United States, we would be recreant to those principles to which by interest and education we are attached, and would repudiate the revelations of God concerning this land. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.10 In reaffirming our belief in the high destiny of America, our attachment to American institution, and our loyalty to the United States, we declare that these sentiments, this loyalty, have outlived the memory of all the wrongs inflicted upon our fathers and ourselves. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.11 If patriotism and loyalty are qualities manifested in times of peace, by just, temperate, benevolent, industrious, and virtuous living; in times of trial, by patience, resistance only by lawful means to real or fancied wrongs, and by final submission to the laws of the land, though involving distress and sorrow; and in time of war, by willingness to fight the battles of the nation.--then, unquestionably, are the "Mormon" people patriotic and loyal. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.11 The only conduct seemingly inconsistent with our professions as loyal citizens, is that involved in our attitude during the controversies that have arisen respecting plural marriage. This principle was introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith, at Nauvoo, Illinois. The practice was continued in Utah, and published to the world, as a doctrine of the Church, in 1852. In the face of these facts, Brigham Young, whose position in the matter was well known, was twice appointed, with the consent of the Senate, first by President Fillmore, and afterwards by President Pierce, to be the Governor of the Territory. It was not until 1862 that Congress enacted a law forbidding plural marriage. This law the Latter-day Saints conscientiously disregarded, in their observance of a principle sanctioned by their religion. Moreover they believed the enactment to be violative of the Constitution, which provides that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Notwithstanding this attitude and conduct on the part of our people, no decision of the Supreme Court upon this question was secured until 1878, more than thirty years afterthe settlement of Utah; nor were determined efforts made to enforce the law until a further period of five or six years had elapsed. Surely this toleration, under which the practice of plural marriage became firmly established, binds the United States and its people, if indeed they are not bound by considerations of mercy and wisdom, to the exercise of patience and charity in dealing with this question. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.12 If it be charged by those who find extenuation for offenses committed prior to the decision of 1878, that our subsequent duty as good citizens was clear and unmistakeable, we reply that the situation, as viewed by some of our members, developed a conflict between duty to God and duty to the government. Moreover, it was thought possible that the decision of the Supreme Court might be reversed, if what was regarded as a constitutional right were not too easily surrendered. What our people did in disregard of the law and of the decisions of the Supreme Court affecting plural marriages, was in the spirit of maintaining religious rights under constitutional guaranties, and not in any spirit of defiance or disloyalty to the government. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.12 The "Mormon" people have bowed in respectful submission to the laws enacted against plural marriage. While it is true that for many years they contested the constitutionality of the law of Congress, and during that time acted in harmony with their religious convictions in upholding by practice, as well as by spoken and written word, a principle committed to them from God, still, when every means of constitutional defense had been exhausted, the Church abandoned the controversy and announced its intention to be obedient to the laws of the land. Subsequently, when statehood for Utah became a possibility, on the condition that her constitution provide by ordinance, irrevocable without the consent of the United States, that plural marriages should be forever prohibited, the "Mormon" people accepted the condition by voting for the adoption of the constitution. From that time until now, the Church has been true to its pledge respecting the abandonment of the practice of plural marriage. If it be urged that there have been instances of the violation of the anti-polygamy laws, and that some persons within the Church have sought to evade the rule adopted by her, prohibiting plural marriages, the plain answer is that in every state and nation there are individuals who violate law in spite of all the vigilance that can be exercised; but it does not follow that the integrity of a community or a state is destroyed, because of such individual transgressions. All we ask is that the same common-sense judgment be exercised in relation to our community that is accorded to other communities. When all the circumstances are weighed, the wonder is, not that there have been sporadic cases of plural marriage, but that such cases have been so few. It should be remembered that a religious conviction existed among the people, holding this order of marriage to be divinely sanctioned. Little wonder then that there should appear, in a community as large as ours, and as sincere, a few over-zealous individuals who refused to submit even to the action of the Church in such a matter, or that these few should find others who sympathized with their views; the number, however, is small. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 Those who refer to "Mormon polygamy" as a menace to the American home, or as a serious factor in American problems, make themselves ridiculous. So far as plural marriage is concerned. the question is settled. The problem of polygamous living among our people is rapidly solving itself. It is a matter of record that in 1890, when the manifesto was issued, there were 2,451 plural families; in nine years this number had been reduced to 1,543. Four years later the number was 897; and many of these have since passed away. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 In answer to the charge of disloyalty, rounded upon alleged secret obligations against our government, we declare to all men that there is nothing treasonable or disloyal in any ordinance, ceremony, or ritual of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 The overthrow of earthly governments; the union of church and state: domination of the state by the church; ecclesiastical interference with the political freedom and rights of the citizen,--all such things are contrary to the principles and policy of the Church, and directly at variance with the oft repeated declarations of its chief presiding authorities and of the Church itself, speaking through its general conferences. The doctrine of the Church on the subject of government, stands as follows: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 Such is our acknowledgment of duty to civil governments. Again: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 "We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same, and that such as will administer law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people (if a republic), or the will of the sovereign." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 "We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 With reference to the laws of the Church, it is expressly said; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 "Be subject to the powers that be, until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under His feet. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.13 "Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the Church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.14 That is to say, no law or rule enacted, or revelation received by the Church, has been promulgated for the State. Such laws and revelations as have been given are solely for the government of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.14 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds to the doctrine of the separation of church and state; the non-interference of church authority in political matters; and the absolute freedom and independence of the individual in the performance of his political duties. If, at any time, there has been conduct at variance with this doctrine, it has been in violation of the well settled principles and policy of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.14 We declare that from principle and policy, we favor: The absolute separation of church and state; No domination of the state by the church; INTO church interference with the functions of the state; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.14 No state interference with the functions of the church, or with the free exercise of religion; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.14 The absolute freedom of the individual from the domination of ecclesiastical authority in political affairs; The equality of all churches before the law. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.14 The reaffirmation of this doctrine and policy, however, is predicated upon the express understanding that politics in the states where our people reside, shall be conducted as in other parts of the Union; that there shall be no interference by the State with the Church, nor with the free exercise of religion. Should political parties make war upon the Church, or menace the civil, political, or religious rights of its members as such,--against a policy of that kind, by any political party or set of men whatsoever, we assert the inherent right of self-preservation for the Church, and her right and duty to call upon all her children, and upon all who love justice, and desire the perpetuation of religious liberty, to come to her aid, to stand with her until the danger shall have passed. And this, openly, submitting the justice of our cause to the enlightened judgment of our fellow men, should such an issue unhappily arise. We desire to live in peace and confidence with our fellow citizens of all political parties and of all religions. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.15 It is sometimes urged that the permanent realization of such a desire is impossible, since the Latter-day Saints hold as a principle of their faith that God now reveals Himself to man, as in ancient times; that the priesthood of the Church constitute a body of men who have, each for himself, in the sphere in which he moves, special right to such revelation: that the President of the Church is recognized as the only person through whom divine communication will come as law and doctrine to the religious body; that such revelation may come at any time, upon any subject, spiritual or temporal, as God wills: and finally that, in the mind of every faithful Latter-day Saint, such revelation, in whatsoever it counsels, advises or commands, is paramount. Furthermore it is sometimes pointed out that the members of the Church are looking for the actual coming of a Kingdom of God on earth, that shall gather all the kingdoms of the world into one visible, divine empire, over which the risen Messiah shall reign. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.15 All this, it is held, renders it impossible for a "Mormon" to give true allegiance to his country, or to any earthly government. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.15 We refuse to be bound by the interpretations which others place upon our beliefs; or by what they allege must be the practical consequences of our doctrines. Men have no right to impute to us what they think may be the logical deduction from our beliefs, but which we ourselves do not accept. We are to be judged by our own interpretations, and by our actions, not by the logic of others, as to what is, or may be, the result of our faith. We deny that either our belief in divine revelation, or our anticipation of the coming kingdom of God, weakens in any degree the genuineness of our allegiance to our country. When the divine empire will be established, we may not know any more than other Christians who pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven;" but we do know that our allegiance and loyalty to country are strengthened by the fact that while awaiting the advent of the Messiah's kingdom, we are under a commandment from God to be subject to the powers that be, until He comes "whose right it is to reign." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 "Mormonism" is in the world for the world's good. Teaching truth inculcating morality, guarding the purity of the home, honoring authority and government, fostering education, and exalting man and woman our religion denounces crime, and is a foe to tyranny, in every form, "Mormonism" seeks to uplift, not to destroy society. She joins hands with the civilization of the age. Proclaiming herself a special harbinger of the Savior's second coming, she recognizes in all the great epochs and movements of the past, steps in the march of progress leading up to the looked for millennial reign. "Mormonism"lifts an ensign of peace to all people. The predestined fruits of her proposed system are the sanctification of the earth and the salvation of the human family. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 And now, to all the world: Having been commanded of God, as much as lieth in us, to live peaceably with all men--we, in order to be obedient to the heavenly commandment, send forth this Declaration, that our position upon the various questions agitating the public mind concerning us may be known. We desire peace, and will do all in our power on fair and honorable principles to promote it. Our religion is interwoven with our lives, it has formed our character, and the truth of its principles is impressed upon our souls. We submit to you, our fellow-men, that there is nothing in those principles that calls for execration, no matter how widely in some respects they may differ from your conceptions of religious truth. Certainly there is nothing in them that may not stand within the wide circle of modern toleration of religious thought and practice. To us these principles are crystalizations of truth. They are as dear to us as your religious conceptions are to you. In their application to human conduct, we see the world's hope of redemption from sin and strife, from ignorance and unbelief. Our motives are not selfish; our purposes not petty and earth-bound; we contemplate the human race, past, present and yet to come, as immortal beings, for whose salvation it is our mission to labor: and to this work, broad as eternity and deep as the love of God, we devote ourselves, now, and forever. Amen. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 JOSEPH F. SMITH, JOHN R. WINDER, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 ANTHON H. LUND, Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 In behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, March 26, 1907. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 Adopted by vote of the Church, in General Conference, April 5, 1907. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, p.16 SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. President Joseph F. Smith OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.2 Gratifying unity of the Priesthood and members of the Church.--The cause of the Lord should be paramount.--Individual effort and righteousness essential to salvation.--Assurance of eternal felicity imparted by the Gospel.--Admonition to faithfulness and purity of life.--Shun association with wicked enemies, but seek their salvation.--The dead, as well as the living, must repent. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.2 I feel very thankful to see so many of the Latter-day Saints assembled as are here this morning at the opening session of our Seventy-eighth Semi-Annual Conference. I desire to express the feelings of welcome we have to all of you who have come together for the purpose of participating in the business that may be transacted at this conference, and for the purpose of listening to such instructions as may be given to us through the servants of the Lord. It is a source of great satisfaction to me to witness the interest that is manifested in this conference by our people. We welcome you here this morning, and feel to invoke upon you the blessing of the Lord; that His Holy Spirit may rest upon all who are assembled here for the purpose of worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth, and who have come with a desire and purpose in their hearts to fulfill their duty to the Church and to the Lord, who has made it, by His word, necessary for us to assemble together, from thee to thee, to talk over and to consider His work, and the business that pertains to the upbuilding of Zion and the spread of the Gospel to the nations of the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.2 I feel thankful that the Presidency are in the enjoyment of usual health and strength, and that we are united in our labors. I am also very thankful to say to you that the Apostles are also united, not only among themselves, but with the Presidency; and our interest in the work of the Lord is increasing, I believe, day by day. I may say with all truth, that the First Council of Seventies are united with us, and also united with each other; and, so far as I know, (and I think that we have very good opportunity to judge), there is a spirit of union and love existing throughout all the Church, pervading all the people of God. And this is undoubtedly a source of pleasure and of strength, a source of joy and satisfaction to every soul who has an interest in the work of the Lord. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.3 Our duties in the Church should be, I think, paramount to every other interest in the world. It is true that we are under the necessity of looking after our worldly interests. It is, of course, necessary for us to labor with our hands, and our minds, in our various occupations for obtaining the necessaries of life. It is essential that the Latter-day Saints should be industrious and persevering in all the labors that devolve upon them, for it is written that "the inhabitants of Zion shall remember their labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord." Again it is written: "Let every man be diligent in all things, and the idler shall not have place in the Church except he repents and mends his ways." Again: "Thou shalt not be idle; for be that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer." But in all our labors in life, in all the cares that beset us, and the temporal responsibilities that rest upon us, we should put uppermost in our thoughts, and highest in our appreciation and love the Cause of Zion, which is indeed the Cause of truth and righteousness. It is the plan of life that the Almighty has restored to man in the latter days for the salvation of the souls of men, not only in the world to come, but in our present life, for the Lord has instituted His work that His people may enjoy the blessings of this life to the utmost; that they should be saved in this present life as well as in the life to come, that they should lay the foundation here for immunity from sin and all its effects, and consequences, that they may obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of God beyond this vale of tears. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation, and it is absolutely necessary for every man and woman in the Church of Christ to work righteousness, to observe the laws of God, and keep the commandments that He has given, in order that they may avail themselves of the power of God unto salvation in this life. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.3 I do not believe in the ideas that we hear somethees advanced in the world, that it matters but little what men do in this thee, if they will but confess Christ at the end of their journey in life, that that is all-sufficient, and that by so doing they will receive their passport into heaven. I denounce this doctrine. It is unscriptural, it is unreasonable, it is untrue, and it will not avail any man, no matter by whom this idea may be advocated; it will prove an utter failure unto men. As reasonable beings, as men and women of intelligence, we cannot help but admire and honor the doctrine of Jesus Christ, which is the doctrine of God, and which requires of every man and woman righteousness in their lives, purity in their thoughts, uprightness in their daily walk and conversation, devotion to the Lord, love of truth, love of their fellow-man, and above all things in the world the love of God. These were the precepts that were inculcated by the Son of God when He walked among His brethren in the meridian of thee. He taught these precepts; He exemplified them in His life, and advocated continually the doing of the will of Him that sent Him. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.3 He that sent His only-begotten Son into the world to accomplish the mission which He did, also sent every soul within the sound of my voice, and indeed every man and woman in the world to accomplish a mission, and that mission cannot be accomplished by neglect; nor by indifference; nor can it be accomplished in ignorance. We must learn our duty; learn the requirements that the Lord has made at our bands, and understand the responsibilities that He has placed upon us. We should learn the obligation that we are under to God, and to each other, and that we are under also to the cause of Zion, that has been restored to the earth in the latter days. These things are essential, and we cannot prosper in spiritual things, we cannot grow in knowledge and understanding; our minds cannot expand in the knowledge of God, nor in wisdom, nor in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, without we devote our thoughts and our efforts toward our own betterment, toward the increase of our own wisdom, and knowledge in the things of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.4 We labor day by day for the bread that perishes, and we devote but a few hours, comparatively, in seeking to obtain the bread off life. Our thoughts, in great measure, are placed upon worldly things, the things that perish, and therefore we are prone to neglect the higher duties that devolve upon us as the children of our father, and to forget, in some measure, the greater obligations that rest upon us. It is therefore proper, and indeed it becomes the duty of those who are placed upon the towers as watch-men in Zion to exhort the people to diligence, to prayerfulness, to humility, to a love of the truth that has been revealed to them, and to earnest devotion to the work of the Lord, which is intended for their individual salvation, and, so far as they have influence upon others, the salvation of those whom they may have power to influence to move in the right direction; not that I can save any man, nor that any one man can save any other man or fit him for exaltation in the kingdom of God. This is not given to me to do for others, nor is it given to any man to be a Savior in this sense, or in this way, to his fellow man; but man can set an example; man can urge the precepts of the Gospel. Man can proclaim the truth to others, and can point out the way to them in which to walk, and if they will harken to their counsel, listen to their admonitions and be led by them, they themselves will seek the path of life and they will walk in it, and obtain their exaltation for themselves. And thus the work required of us by the Lord is an individual work, it devolves upon each individual alike. No man can be saved in the kingdom of God in sin. No man will ever be forgiven of his sins by the just Judge, except he repents of his sins. No man will ever be freed from the power of death unless he is born again, as the Lord Almighty has decreed, and declared to the world by the mouth of His Son in the meridian of thee, and as He has declared it again in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Men can only be saved and exalted in the kingdom of God in righteousness, therefore we must repent of our sins, and walk in the light as Christ is in the light, that His blood may cleanse us from all sins, and that we may have fellowship with God and receive of His glory and exaltation. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.4 Now, it is not my purpose to occupy very much thee this morning, but I desire, the Lord giving me His spirit, to declare my faith in the divine mission of the Son of God, who spoke as no man ever spoke; who announced principles and doctrine that no man ever enunciated, and who proclaimed in the clearest possible terms, the plan of life and salvation; and gave His own life and name to the world, as the only means and name under heaven by which man can be saved and exalted in the kingdom of God. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.5 I declare to you in all candor, and in all earnestness of soul, that I believe with all my heart in the divine mission of Joseph Smith the Prophet, that I am convinced in every fiber of my being that God raised him up to restore to the earth the Gospel of Christ, which is indeed the power of God unto salvation. I testify to you that Joseph Smith was instrumental in the hand of the Lord in restoring God's truth to the world, and also the holy Priesthood, which is His authority delegated unto man. I know this is true, and I testify of it to you. To me it is all-in-all; it is my life, it is my light; it is my hope, and my joy; it gives me the only assurance that I have for exaltation, for my resurrection from death, with those whom I have loved and cherished in this life, and with those with whom my lot has been cast in this world--honorable men, pure, humble men, who were obedient unto God and His commands, who were not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, nor of their convictions or knowledge of the truth of the Gospel: men who were made of the stuff of which martyrs are made, and who were willing at any moment to lay down their lives for Christ's sake, and for the Gospel, if need be, which they had received with the testimony of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. I want to be re-united with these men when I shall have finished my course here. When my mission is done here I hope to go beyond into the spirit world where they dwell, and be re-united with them. It is this Gospel of the Son of God that gives me the hope that I have of this consummation, and of the realization of my desire in this direction. I have staked all on this Gospel, and I have not done it in vain. I know in whom I trust. I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand upon the earth in the latter day, and, as Job, has expressed it. "Though worms shall destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.5 It is these things that I desire to impress upon the minds of the Latter-day Saints. You have received the truth. No man can prove to the contrary. No man under the heavens knows to the contrary, But you do know that you have received the truth, for God has given to you His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, by whom the things of the Father are revealed unto the understanding of the children of light, and they know in whom they trust. You have received the Gospel of Christ. Live it. Be faithful to it. Honor the covenants that you have made with the Lord in the waters of baptism. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.5 Honor every obligation that you owe to God and to your fellow man. Live so that you can be indeed saviors upon Mount Zion in the sense that your lives will be above reproach, in the sense that no man can justly point to you as transgressors of the law of God, though they may malign you; though they may say all manner of evil against you falsely. Live so that they cannot justly and truly point out in you corruption, wickedness, or misconduct. Let your light so shine that honest men will see your good works and will be led to glorify your Father who is in heaven. Keep away from the haunts of sin. While you may entertain in your hearts a feeling of love, of charity; a merciful feeling toward sinners, those that transgress the laws of God you do not have to take them into your bosoms, nor condescend to their conduct and habits. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.6 I feel in my heart to forgive all men in the broad sense that God requires of me to forgive all men, and I desire to love my neighbor as myself: and to this extent I bear no malice toward any of the children of my Father. But there are enemies to the work of the Lord, as there were enemies to the Son of God. There are those who speak only evil of the Latter-day Saints. There are those--and they abound largely in our midst, who will shut their eyes to every virtue and to every good thing connected with this latter-day work, and will pour out floods of falsehood and misrepresentation against the people of God. I forgive them for this. I leave them in the hand of the just Judge. Let Him deal with them as seemeth Him good, but they are not and cannot become my bosom companions. I cannot condescend to that. While I would not harm a hair of their head, while I would not throw a straw in their path, to hinder them from turning from the error of their way to the light of truth; I would as soon think of taking a centipede or a scorpion or any poisonous reptile and putting it into my bosom, as I would think of becoming a companion or an associate of such a man. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.6 These are my sentiments, and I believe that they are correct. If you can throw yourself in the way of the sinner to stop him in his downward course, and become an instrument in the hand of the Lord of turning him from the way of vice, iniquity, or crime, into the way of righteousness and uprightness, you are justified and that is demanded of you. You should do this. If you can save a sinner from his wickedness, turn the wicked from the course of death that he is pursuing, to the way of life and salvation, you will save a soul from death, and you will have been an instrument in the hand of the Lord of turning the sinner unto righteousness, for which you will receive your reward. Some of our good Latter-day Saints have become so exceedingly good(?) that they cannot tell the difference between a Saint of God, an honest man, and a son of Beelzebub, who has yielded himself absolutely to sin and wickedness. And they call that liberality, broadness of mind, exceeding love. I do not want to become so blinded with love for my enemies that I cannot discern between light and darkness, between truth and error, between good and evil; but I hope to live so that I shall have sufficient light in me to discern between error and truth, and to cast my lot on the side of truth and not on the side of error and darkness. The Lord bless the Latter-day Saints. If I am too narrow with reference to these matters I hope that the wisdom of my brethren and the Spirit of Light from the Lord may broaden my soul. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.7 We have a few people amongst us who are so wrapped up in and so devoted to some of their kindred who have been guilty of every species of abomination and wickedness in the world, that, the moment they are dead they will come and ask for permission to go into the house of God to perform the ordinances of the Gospel for their redemption. I do not blame them for their affection for their dead, nor do I blame them for the desire in their heart to do something for their salvation, but I do not admire their wisdom, nor can I agree with their conception of right and justice. You cannot take a murderer, a suicide, an adulterer, a liar, or one who was or is thoroughly abominable in his life here, and simply by the performance of an ordinance of the Gospel, cleanse him from sin and usher him into the presence of God. God has not instituted a plan of that kind, and it cannot be done. He has said you shall repent of your sins. The wicked will have to repent of their wickedness. Those who die without the knowledge of the Gospel will have to come to the knowledge of it, and those who sin against light will have to pay the uttermost farthing for their transgression and their departure from the Gospel, before they can ever get back to it. Do not forget that. Do not forget it, you Elders in Israel, nor you, mothers in Israel, either, and, when you seek to save either the living or the dead, bear it in mind that you can only do it on the principle of their repentance, and acceptation of the plan of life. That is the only way in which you can succeed. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1907, p.7 The Lord bless you. Peace be unto the House of Israel. Never mind what the world says, nor what the world does against you. Let us serve God, do our duty, live our religion, keep the commandments of the Lord, and work out our salvation in thee and throughout eternity. This is my admonition to the Latter-day Saints, and I pray God that we may all be able to do it, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.1 OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.1 God's protecting care, mercy, and blessings manifested.--Efforts of opponents over-ruled for good.--The Saints' business is salvation of the living and redemption of the dead.-Practical efforts in cause of Temperance.--Important educational movement among Priesthood.--Boys should be actively employed in their callings.--Contention a characteristic of apostates.--Interesting statistics.--Testimony of divinity of the Prophet Joseph Smith's mission. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.2 I esteem it a pleasant duty to attempt to make a few remarks at the opening of this our 78th Annual Conference. I am delighted with the vast number of brethren and sisters who are in attendance this morning. I am glad to look into your faces, to see you, and to realize, as I am made to do this morning by your presence, the interest that you feel in the cause of Zion, and in the work of the Lord in which we are engaged. It is also evidence of the interest you feel in the matters that may be presented to the conference for your approval; we desire and hope that we will be able to present only such matters to you, for your action and acceptation, as will be pleasing to you and acceptable to the Lord. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.3 I believe that we have every reason to feel grateful to our Heavenly Father, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, for His merciful providences and wonderful kindness that have been extended to His people during the past year, since the last general annual session of the Church in conference in this place. The hand of the Lord is over His people, and His eye is upon His work never was it more so than is visible at the present time. It is true that we owe to Him our deliverance from our enemies, from those who have sought our hurt and who are still seeking our hurt. We acknowledge the hand of Him who overrules all things, for we do not Claim to possess the wisdom, the knowledge, or the power, in and of ourselves, to accomplish that which has been accomplished, or to effect the deliverance that has been wrought out for the people of God since the incipiency of this work. We realize that it has been by the favor, and mercy, and protecting care of Almighty God that His people and the work of redemption, established in the latter days through the Prophet Joseph Smith, have been preserved and brought to their present standing, power, and influence in the midst of the earth. We thank God for His mercies and blessings; and I do not know but what we owe in some small degree gratitude to those who have bitterly opposed the work of the Lord; for in all their opposings and bitter strife against our people the Lord has developed His power and wisdom, and has brought His people more fully into the knowledge and favor of the intelligent people of the earth. Through the very means used by those who have opposed the work of God, He has brought out good for Zion. Yet, it is written, and I believe it is true, that although it must needs be that offenses come, woe unto them by whom they come; but they are in the hands of the Lord as we are. We bring no railing accusation against them. We are willing to leave them in the hands of the Almighty to deal with them as seemeth Him good. Our business is to work righteousness in the earth, to seek for the development of a knowledge of God's will and of God's ways, and of His great and glorious truths which He has revealed through the instrumentality of Joseph the Prophet, not only for the salvation of the living but for the redemption and salvation of the dead. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.3 I rejoice as much today--and more, if I am capable of rejoicing more, in the work of the Lord than I ever did before. I feel today as confident and as sure in the continued providences of the Lord, in His continued mercy toward His people, and in the glorious fact that it is His work, that He is directing it and will continue to do so, as I ever felt in my life. Indeed there is not the shadow of a doubt in my mind in regard to these things. I feel confident of the truth of God's work, of the mission of the Prophet Joseph, of the truth and divinity of the precious ordinances of the Gospel that have been restored to man in the latter-day, and I believe that this Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. I feel sure of it. I am convinced of the truth of these things in every fiber of my being. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.3 I feel that it is a great privilege for us to be permitted to come together from time to time in the capacity in which we have met this morning. Here, during our conference, the elders of the Church will have opportunity to bear their testimony of the truth, to exhort and to admonish, to advise and counsel and instruct the people, as the Spirit of the Lord may move upon them and give them utterance. Here we have the opportunity of mingling together, of renewing acquaintances, and of partaking of the spirit of the work of the Lord which pervades assemblies of this kind. I rejoice to see you here and welcome you today. I pray that God's blessings may be extended to every soul present this morning, that life, and health, and peace may be our portion. I pray that the protecting care of the Lord may be upon you, individually and collectively, and upon all that you possess, all that the Lord has given unto you. I trust that we may have a time of rejoicing, and that at the conclusion of our conference we may return to our homes having renewed strength and determination in our souls to continue on and on in faithfulness to the covenants that we have made with the Father of Lights, with Whom there is no variableness nor shadow of turning. Let us strive to keep sacred the covenants we have made with Him in the waters of baptism, and in the ordinances of the Gospel, wherein we have promised to be His children in very deed. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.3 It may be proper for me to say that since our last semi-annual conference, quite a number of our beloved brethren and sisters have been called from this sphere of action Some of them were prominent in the ministry, and all have been beloved and honored for their integrity to the cause of Zion. They have gone to meet their Father, and to render that account of their ministry in the world, as described by Alma the Prophet, by which they shall receive that judgment which will assign them to the paradise of God, where they shall await their resurrection from the dead. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away," and we feel in our hearts to exclaim, like him of old, "Blessed be the name of the Lord." Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.4 I will say to my brethren and sisters who are present that I believe, in all candor and in truth, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now organized in the midst of these eternal hills, was never in a better condition, spiritual or temporal, than today. The people never were more united than they are now. They never observed the laws of God more faithfully, or more truly and honestly than they are doing today, not only upon general principles, or in a general way, but, specifically they are becoming more careful in their observance of the words that the Lord has spoken for their good. I believe that we are coming nearer to the point where we shall be able to observe that great and glorious law of temperance which the Lord Almighty has given unto us, wherein He has said that strong drink is not good, that tobacco is not for the habitual use of man, not for the stomach, but for sick cattle. We are coming to the conclusion that the Lord knew best, when He delivered to the Church, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that "Word of Wisdom," contained in the book of relations from the Lord. Although we see a few, professing to be Latter-day Saints, who are still slaves to the debased appetite for tobacco, and perhaps some with an appetite for strong drink, yet the great majority of the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are coming nearer and nearer to a proper observance of the law which the Lord has given to us for our health, for the preservation of our lives; that we may be in harmony with His Spirit and His will, that we may be clean and undefiled, that we may be nearer like unto Him Who was without sin, Who was indeed pure and holy as God is pure and holy. When I see a man professing to be a Latter-day Saint, or even professing to be a member of the Church, though not making any great professions of being a Latter-day Saint, befouling his breath with intoxicating drink, with the fumes of tobacco, or unnecessarily indulging in stimulants, it grieves my spirit, my soul goes out for him in pity and in sorrowful regret, and I wonder why it is that we, individually, cannot realize our own folly, our own degradation in yielding to these pernicious habits that are neither useful or ornamental, nor in the least degree beneficial, but indeed are harmful. Why cannot we rise to that degree of intelligence that would enable us to say to the tempter, "Get behind me," and to turn our backs upon the practice of evil. How humiliating it must be to a thoughtful man to feel that he is a slave to his appetites, or to an over-weening and pernicious habit, desire, or passion. We believe in strict temperance. We believe in abstinence from all injurious practices and from the use of all hurtful things. Poison, in the judgment of the physician, may be beneficial, under some conditions in life, as a momentary relief; but poison, under any circumstance, should only be used as a temporary expedient, necessary, perhaps, in our best judgment, for the time being, for the instant--for sudden and certain desired relief,--but the continued use of that poison will fasten its fangs upon us, so to speak, in such a way that by and by we will find that we are over-powered by it, and we become slaves of the pernicious habit that becomes a tyranical master over us. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.5 There is a general movement throughout the land looking towards local option and temperance among the people of our state, and of the adjoining states. I sincerely hope that every Latter-day Saint will co-operate with this movement, in order that we may curtail the monstrous evils which exist, especially in our cities. I wish to say that I am in sympathy with this movement, and I know that my brethren are united with me and in harmony with the efforts that are being made to establish temperance throughout the land. We want nothing drastic, nothing that would be illiberal or oppressive, but we do think that the people ought to have their choice as to whether they will permit or have in their midst drunkenness, rioting, and murder--which is too often the result of drunkenness,--or whether they will insist on abstinence from these things, that the people might have peace insured among them, and that their children might not be subjected to the temptations into which they are thrown because of the presence of these evils. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.6 Several very important movements have been inaugurated of late among us for the advantage of the Saints, and especially for the benefit and advancement of those who are associated with the various quorums of the Priesthood. I desire to mention the effort that is being made by our Seventies in their organization of classes and schools for the instruction of the members of their quorums, that they might he qualified for the great work of the ministry to which they are dedicated. Efforts are also being made to organize and put to usefulness the quorums of the Lesser Priesthood. In my judgment, we are progressing rapidly in these directions. It is also understood that those of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the presidents of High Priests quorums, and the High Priests throughout the Church are instituting methods by which those who are members of these quorums may learn their duty and become familiar with the laws of the Church, which should govern their actions, that they may be, indeed, fathers among the people, exercising the functions that belong to their calling as High Priests in Zion or in the Church. They should be examples; they should be teachers. They should understand, above all other men, the principles of government and the order of the Church. They should move forward solidly in the exercise of their influence, individually and collectively, against all evil, against the spirit of indifference, the spirit of neglect and unbelief. Every man who holds the office of High Priest in the Church or has been ordained a High Priest, whether he is called to active position in the Church or not inasmuch as he has been ordained a High Priest, should feel that he is obliged,--that it is his bounden duty to set an example before the old and young worthy of emulation, and to place himself in a position to be a teacher of righteousness, not only by precept but more particularly by example--giving to the younger ones the benefit of experience of age, and thus becoming individually a power in the midst of the communities in which they dwell. Every man who has light should let that light shine that those who see it may glorify their Father which is in Heaven, and honor him who possesses the light and who causes it to shine forth for the benefit of others. In a local capacity, there is no body of Priesthood in the Church who should excel, or who are expected to excel, those who are called to bear the office of High Priest in the Church. From among those who hold this office are chosen the presidents of stakes and their counselors, and the High Councils of the fifty-six stakes of Zion which are now organized; and from this office are chosen the bishops, and the bishops' counselors, in every ward in Zion; and heretofore, of this office are those who have been called to take charge of our stake Mutual Improvement organizations. Those holding this office are, as a rule, men of advanced years, and varied experience, men who have filled missions abroad, who have preached the Gospel to the nations of the earth, and who have had experience not only abroad but at home. Their experience and wisdom is the ripened fruit of years of labor in the Church, and they should exercise that wisdom for the benefit of all with whom they are associated. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.6 The Seventies are laboring for the purpose of qualifying themselves for the work of the ministry abroad among the nations of the earth, which is their legitimate calling. I commend the efforts of our brethren of the Seven Presidents of Seventies in their endeavor to bring about the good results they have in view in this direction. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.6 The Elders' quorums should also be looked after, and those who preside in them should be active in season and out of season. They should be vigilant and faithful in looking after those intrusted to their care, and are subject to their direction and counsel. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 The Bishops and the Lesser Priesthood should be very active and energetic. We should look after our boys who have been ordained Deacons, Teachers, and Priests in the Church. We should find something for them to do in their callings. Let them be appointed to active labors in their several spheres. Put forward those who have not had experience to accompany those who have, and give them something to do. Let the Deacons not only assist to keep the meeting houses in repair and their grounds in proper condition, but let them be set to work to look after the welfare of the widows and fatherless, the aged and the poor. Many of our young men who are idle, languishing for the want of something to do, could be made most useful in helping the poor to clean up about their homes and make them comfortable, and helping them to live in such a way that life would be pleasant to them. There is no reason why the members of the Lesser Priesthood should not be engaged in missions and labors of this kind. Instead of calling upon the Trustee-in-trust for the tithing to pay for planting trees to ornament the grounds of the meeting houses, or to paint the woodwork, or to renovate and cleanse the houses of worship, to make them suitable for the worship of God,--call the Lesser Priesthood to the work. Give them something to do that will make them interested in the work of the Lord, and above all things direct their energies in such a way that they will be helpful to the needy, helpful to the poor, helpful to themselves and to the Church. It will benefit them not only as regards their standing in the Church, and their faith in the Priesthood which they bear, but it will help them to become better boys at home. They will be more dutiful to their parents, more respectful to their brothers and sisters and others. They will become more mindful of their duties at home and abroad. This is in the line of discipline, of instruction and of gaining practical experience. Instead of leaving these young people, who are full of energy, to roam the streets, to congregate upon the corners, or to idle away their time in folly, and in contracting, perhaps foolish habits and practices, give them something to do that will be uplifting, something that will be enlarging to their souls, and that will be an instruction to them that they will remember all their days. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 I want to say also, that so far as I know, and I think that we have the opportunity of knowing pretty well,--the condition of our auxiliary organizations is satisfactory. As a general thing they are in good condition. We may lack in some things, but as a whole our auxiliary organizations are active and energetic and are working constantly for individual and general good. I believe that there is a feeling of harmony existing between all these associations, one with another. There is no strife existing among them. There is no contention. Indeed the spirit of contention is a thing not known among the Latter-day Saints. You find the spirit of contention only among apostates and those who have denied the faith, those who have turned away from the truth and have become enemies to God and His work. There you will find the spirit of contention, the spirit of strife. There you will find them wanting to "argue the question," and to dispute with you all the time. Their food, their meat, and their drink is contention which is abominable in the sight of the Lord. We do not contend. We are not contentious, for if we were we would grieve the Spirit of the Lord from us. Just as apostates do and have always done. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 Perhaps I should not have occupied so much time. I have been suffering a little of late, like a great many others, with a cold, and I find that my talking is affecting my voice somewhat, but I have some data here that I thought I would mention in a general way. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 One item is the number of missionaries laboring in the world,--that is Elders sent out from Zion into the mission field: On the 31st of last December we had 1810 missionaries from Zion out in the various mission fields in the world. There were also forty-four sisters who have accompanied their husbands upon these missions. Besides these there are a number of local Elders working in the ministry. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 We sent out, during the year 1907, into the various missionary fields 927 Elders, who will spend from two to four years on their missions. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 There have returned from the various mission fields, during the year 1907, 707 Elders. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 In this connection I wish to mention the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through their Trustee-in-Trust, have paid the returning fares of all these Elders. They go out into the world at their own expense. They maintain themselves in their missions, at their own expense or by the assistance of their parents or kindred at home, and the little assistance that they may receive from time to time from the people among whom they labor. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 I have another list, which is too long to be given here today, showing the number of Elders in the mission field from each stake of Zion. We can tell you, in a moment, just how many Elders each stake has in the mission field; but I feel that to continue longer would be to trespass upon your time. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.7 I pray God to bless you. I feel joyous and happy in the ministry, in the work of the Lord. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.8 We will hear, during the conference, reports from other quarters. A very careful and exhaustive auditation of the accounts and books, the receipts and expenditures of the tithing, for the last year, has been made by the Auditing Committee of the Church. Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.8 It just comes to my mind that Elder Charles W. Nibley, having been called to the Presiding Bishopric, has been released from the Auditing Committee, and Brother Henry H. Rolapp, of Ogden, has been appointed to act in his stead. I would like to submit the name of Brother Henry H. Rolapp before this meeting for your approval and acceptance to act upon this committee. (Vote unanimous). Joseph F. Smith: Conference Report, April 1908, p.8 The general authorities of the Church will be presented possibly tomorrow, and if not then, the next day. We desire the brethren and sisters who come to the conference to come with their hearts full of the spirit of wisdom and of truth, and if you discern in us any lack of wisdom, or of judgment, any failure in the performance of our duty, we desire that those who have superior experience and knowledge, and greater intelligence, will do us the honor and favor of coming to us individually and letting us know wherein we come short. We will give a thousand errors, if we can find them or if they exist in us,--any moment for one truth; and we will swap off a hundred mistakes, aye thousands of mistakes if they can be found, for one accurate, consistent, and proper action. We are seeking for the truth. We love the truth, and we know when we learn the truth that it is the truth. We believe in the divine mission of Christ and in His great plan of redemption for the living and the dead. We believe in the divine mission of Joseph Smith the Prophet. We believe in every word that he spoke by the inspiration of Almighty God, and not one word that he ever uttered or gave as a God will fall to the ground as error, but it will stand upon its own merit as truth, God's truth, eternal truth,--"While life and thought and being last or immortality endures." This is our testimony to the divinity of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and to the divine revelations that the Lord made, through him, to the world. God help us to receive the truth and abide by it, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. (CLOSING REMARKS) Invokes Heaven's blessings upon the members of the Church, and the people of the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.122 We have now approached the time for the closing of our Seventy-Eighth Annual Conference; and in conclusion, I desire to express my heartfelt gratitude to God for His signal blessings, during the sessions of our conference. The weather has been propitious, healthful, beautiful, and in every way suitable to our need. I presume there has been a larger attendance at cacti session than we have had at any former conference of the Church. I feel grateful to my brethren and sisters who have been in attendance, and I desire to express my heartfelt blessing upon every soul who has come to this conference with a desire to promote the well being and happiness of others, and who has desired to see righteousness and peace prevail. I thank you for your presence. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.122 I feel to bless my brethren who are acting in the important calling of presidents of the various stakes of Zion, on whom rest such great responsibilities, standing as they do at the head of these stake organizations of the Church as fathers and counselors to the people. May the Lord bless their counselors and the members of the various High Councils of the Church who are present. I invoke the special blessings of God our Father upon you, my brethren, that you may be filled, one and all, with the spirit of your callings; that you may have the gifts of wisdom and perfect discernment, that you may be just judges in Israel, and righteous counselors among the people, that all may see that you are indeed the servants of God and true representatives of His work in the earth. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I pray God to bless the Bishops and their counselors and all those who are acting in the Lesser Priesthood; may the spirit of their callings rest upon them. May our Bishops move forward in their great spiritual and temporal mission and in the future so far as possible, give employment to the youth of Zion. Find something for them to do that will give them an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in good works that will be beneficial to the cause of Zion and to themselves. I trust they will not forget this. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon the various quorums of the Priesthood, the Seventies, the High Priests, the Elders, and upon the Patriarchs in the midst of Zion, that the spirit of their callings may rest upon them henceforth and forever. May they all be true men, true to their covenants, true to their God, true to themselves, true to the state and nation of which we are a part. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I desire to invoke the blessings of the Lord also upon all the auxiliary organizations of the Church, that the spirit of their missions may rest abundantly and fruitfully upon them, that they will accomplish the greatest possible good in the spheres in which they act in the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I pray God to bless all our friends throughout the land and in all the world. May He bless and have mercy upon our enemies. May He open their eyes and their understanding, that they may comprehend the nature of the course they are taking and what it will result in to themselves at last. May the Lord have pity upon and turn them from their folly and the error of their way, and lead them into paths of peace and righteousness. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I want to express my appreciation of the labors of Brother Evan Stephens. Brother John J. McClellan and their assistants, also of the devotion of the members of the choir who have been able to attend during the conference, and others who have given us the benefit of their talent and skill. We thank them for their service. God bless our choir. May God bless Brother Evan Stephens, a man full of the love of truth, full of the spirit of song, devoted to the cause of Zion, a man who is wedded to his profession and his work, striving for the uplifting of the children of Zion. May the Lord bless him for it, and I hope by and by, when he gets old enough he will grow large enough to get wedded to a good wife as well as to music. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I ask the Lord to bless all Zion--may He bless you as husbands and wives, as fathers and mothers, as parents and children. May the bless-rags of peace, life and health abound in all your abiding places. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1908, p.123 I ask these blessings, my brethren and sisters, upon you one and all, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.2 The Saints should manifest gratitude for the Lord's blessings.--Large expenditure by the Church for meeting houses, etc.--Futile efforts of the enemies of Truth.--Complete observance of the Word of Wisdom obligatory.--Suppression of saloons strongly advocated.--Evil doers must not be fellowshiped.--Saints should be consistent examples of righteousness. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.3 My brethren and sisters, it is indeed a cause for congratulation, joy and great satisfaction, to see the large number of members and officers of the Church who have assembled here, at the opening of our seventy-ninth semi-annual conference, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. It is remarkable, to say the least, to see so many here as are present this morning, and I feel grateful, in my heart, to the Lord for the feeling and interest manifested by those who are present, for your attendance here today is evidence of your interest in this work. I am glad to see you and to welcome you to this conference of the Church, and I sincerely hope and pray that the true spirit of the Gospel of the Son of God, may pervade all our meetings in this hall, and in other places where we shall be met together. I hope that, at the conclusion of our conference, every soul possessing a knowledge of the Gospel, and a love of truth, will feel amply repaid for attendance here; and to this end I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon every individual who has come here today, and who will attend the conference for the love of the truth and for his or her devotion to the cause of Zion. The Lord has blessed us in a remarkable degree, throughout the past season, with the exception of here and their a partial failure of late crops by frost; generally the season has been fruitful, and the people have been blessed, so far as we have been informed, throughout the length and breadth of the land. We desire that the Latter-day Saints will always, and especially at this time, remember the Lord for His goodness and mercy to them and for His blessings upon their labors; for we do acknowledge the hand of the Lord--or should do--in every thing that we possess and enjoy in the world. It is written that the Lord is displeased with those who will not acknowledge His hand in all things. All Latter-day Saints acknowledge in their hearts that every good and perfect gift comes from God, "from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning." We do not arrogate to ourselves the power to secure blessings, to multiply and increase our possessions and our wealth in the land without the assistance of Him from whom all blessings flow. We should keep in mind that law which makes it our duty to remember the Lord with the first fruits of all our increase, and that He is the giver of all good, not forgetting the duty we owe to Him and to His cause in the world, to provide our part of the means necessary for the carrying on of His work and for the building up of Zion in the latter days. Much has been done during the past season toward the building of houses of worship throughout the land--not only in this state but in Arizona, in Idaho, and throughout the missions of the Church. Much has been done by the Latter-day Saints, and much assistance has been rendered by the Trustee-in-Trust in the erection of houses of worship, schoolhouses, and in the purchase of places that were necessary to the welfare of the Saints. We are continually doing, as far as it is possible, what we may do consistently to assist God's work throughout all the land. It will not be necessary nor perhaps consistent for me to enter into details in relation to the labor that is being performed in these directions. We have the records of these things, and any of the Latter-day Saints who desire to be posted in relation to what is being done for the building up of the Church can come to the head and obtain all the information that they need. Since our last conference, however, we have succeeded in obtaining most excellent headquarters for the British mission, in the City of London. We rejoice exceedingly that, after the lapse of years, we have at last obtained a foothold in that great metropolis where so many have been gathered into the covenant of the Gospel. We have also obtained headquarters, elsewhere, but I will not enter into an account of these things. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.3 The Lord has been prospering Zion, and we rejoice exceedingly in the many and glorious manifestations of His kindness and mercy unto His people. We are grateful for deliverance from those who willfully and wickedly and without a cause seek our hurt. We are grateful in the belief, aye in the knowledge that notwithstanding the efforts they have made to injure this people and to thwart the purposes of the Almighty, they have but been the means, indirectly, of forwarding the work in the world. They have called attention of the world toward us, and that is just what we want, though they have done it with wicked intent. We want to be known as we are. We want to be seen in our true light. We want the world to become acquainted with us. We warn them to learn our doctrine, to understand our faith, our purposes, and the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We would like them to know something about the origin of this work, but we desire that they shall see this work in the true spirit of it, and the only way this can be brought about is by the inquiring, intelligent world coming in contact with us--those indeed who are disposed to love truth and righteousness and whose eyes are not so blinded that they can not see the truth when it is presented before them. There are those who having eyes see not, and having hearts do not and will not understand. There are none so blind as those who will not see, and none so deaf as those who will not hear; and there are none so heartless and so wicked as those who knowing the truth and seeing the light will close their eyes and their ears against it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.4 We are living in a momentous age. The Lord is hastening His work. He is at the helm, there is no mortal man at the helm of this work. It is true the Lord uses such instruments as will be obedient to His commandments and laws to assist in accomplishing His purposes in the earth. He has chosen those who, at least, have shown a willingness and a disposition to obey Him and keep His laws, and who seek to work righteousness and carry out the purposes of the Lord. It is for the Latter-day Saints to judge the standing of these men. They have no occasion to sound their own praise, to bear testimony of their own works; their lives are open books to all the Latter-day Saints and to all the world. You know these men; you understand them; you have seen their labors; you understand the desires of their hearts, for you are familiar with them. The Lord has sustained these brethren in the positions to which He has called them, and He will continue to sustain them in these positions so long as they continue to be faithful before Him. If one of them should cease to be faithful and turn away from the right path, the consequences of his own evil acts will fall upon him sooner or later, and the fruits of his works and the desires of his heart will be made manifest. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.4 When I arose to my feet, I had in mind the thought of presenting before this conference one of the revelations that has come to us through the prophet Joseph Smith, a revelation with which you are all familiar, which has been the text, perhaps many a time, of every officer in the Church. It is a revelation which has been sounded in the ears of all the people for the last seventy years, and yet it is a new theme, practically, for there is still great necessity for it to be held out to the Latter-day Saints and to all the world. We see great reasons for the principles contained in this chapter of the book of D&C being taught to the world, and especially to the Latter-day Saints. It is nothing more nor less than that simple Word of Wisdom that was given in 1833, for the benefit, the help, and the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, that they might purify and prepare themselves to go nearer into the presence of the Lord, that by reason of keeping this law they might fit themselves to enjoy the blessings that He is more than willing to bestow upon them, if they are worthy. I propose to read this revelation to you and, perhaps, make a few remarks upon it: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.4 Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, at Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, February 27th, 1833; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.4 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the Council of High Priests, assembled in Kirtland, and Church; and also the Saints in Zion. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.4 To be sent greeting--not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all Saints in the last days. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.4 Here we are informed that it was not given, at that time, by way of commandment or restraint but by revelation, "a word of wisdom showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days." Subsequently, years afterwards, from this stand, it was proclaimed from the mouth of the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young, that the time had now come when this word of wisdom--then given not by commandment or constraint--was now a commandment of the Lord to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Lord required them to observe this word of wisdom and counsel, which is the will of God unto the people for their temporal salvation. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all Saints, who are or can. he called Saints. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, hut is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 All grain is good for the food of man, as also the fruit of the vine, that which yieldeth fruit, wether in the ground or above the ground. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel, and marrow to their bones. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint; Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.5-6 Now, it may seem altogether unnecessary and out of place, perhaps, to many, for me to occupy the time of this vast congregation in reading this revelation, inasmuch as it is presumable that every man and woman present has access to this book and is more or less familiar with all its contents. I am sorry to say that I do not believe there is another revelation contained in this book, or another commandment given of the Lord that is less observed or honored than this "Word of Wisdom," and that, too, by members and officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, male and female. Go where you will, you see a lack of appreciation of the counsel given in this revelation to the Latter-day Saints, by some of them. Some of our best men disregard in part this law; many do not fully observe it; some of our leading women do not keep the commandment of the Lord that is given here, and they excuse themselves in various ways, and for various reasons, for not observing the law of God. I simply want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that there is no other way--no other course that we can take in the world, in relation to our temporal welfare and health, better than that which the Lord God has pointed out to us. Why can we not realize this? Why will we not come to a perfect understanding of it? Why will we not deny ourselves that which our craven appetites desire? Why can we not observe more closely the will of the Lord as made known to us in this revelation? If we would observe this law or commandment of the Lord,--first given not as a commandment nor by constraint, but afterwards declared by the mouthpiece of the Lord to be in force as a commandment thereafter to the Latter-day Saints--if, I say, the people would observe the principles of this revelation, there could not exist in their midst that most obnoxious institution known as a saloon; it can not exist where only Latter-day Saints dwell. If this commandment were observed by the whole people, the vast amount of money that now goes out to the world for strong drink and these other things forbidden in the word of wisdom, would be saved at home, and the health, prosperity and temporal salvation of the people would be correspondingly increased. No man can violate the laws of God with reference to health and temporal salvation, and enjoy those blessings in the same degree that he could do and would do if he would obey the commands of God. Don't you believe that? Can not Latter-day Saints accept that truth in their hearts? Can there be any room for argument in relation to that proposition? I say to you, my brethren and sisters, that God knows better than we do what is and will be for our best good, and when the Lord speaks to us, as He has spoken to us in this revelation which I have read to you, we should give it attention. We should accept it in our hearts; we should live closely to it; and then, we are promised, we should find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge even hidden treasures; we might run and not be weary, walk and not faint, and when the destroyer should come he would pass by us, as he passed by the children of Israel anciently. If we fail to observe this law of God, we are not entitled to these promises. Those individuals who do not live up to these principles, conveyed to them through this word of the Lord, will fail in rightfully claiming the fulfillment of the promise that is made to them that keep the law. The Lord has said, "If ye will do the things I require at your hands," if ye will do my will, "then am I bound; otherwise there is no promise," for every promise is made on condition that we will observe the law upon which that promise may be justly and righteously fulfilled. We go into the outer settlements of the Latter-day Saints where there are a few non-believers, a few apostates from the Church, probably, and a few who have never belonged to the Church at all, but the majority of the people are members of the Church; and we see planted, here and there, in the midst of these communities, saloons and other places of ill repute, and they are sustained by somebody. In some instances, at least, we know that the outside element, the non-Mormon element is not sufficiently large or wealthy, nor are they so numerous in their patronage of these institutions as to keep them alive or to sustain them. The conclusion, therefore, is that there are some who are members of the Church who are also frequenters of these places This is all wrong--all wrong. No member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can afford to do himself the dishonor or to bring upon himself the disgrace, of crossing the threshhold of a liquor saloon or a gambling hell, or of any house of ill-fame of whatever name or nature it may be. No Latter-day Saint, no member of the Church can afford it, for it is humiliating to him, it is disgraceful in him to do it, and God will judge him according to his works. The man or woman who truly believes in the doctrines of the Church or professing to have membership in the Church, who believes and practices the principles contained in this "Word of Wisdom," will never be numbered among those who will bring this disgrace upon them, upon their neighbors or upon the Church to which they belong; they will never do it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.7 Now there is a great movement on foot throughout the land; its waves have struck us here and are flowing over our state--a wave of temperance. Even the world is moved upon by an irresistible influence and spirit to advocate and to establish among communitites in states and counties and cities the principle of temperance. I am in favor of this movement, I endorse it with all my heart; I know that it is in the right direction, and I believe that the Lord Almighty is moving in that direction upon those who are willing to devote their labor and time to this portion of His good work in the world. The Lord does not delight in intemperance, in drunkenness, nor can He have pleasure in the poverty, in the degradation and ruin that such practices bring upon their votaries and upon those who are dependent upon them, the ruin of manhood, the ruin of family organizations and the degradation of those that are engaged in it and that bring poverty, destruction, and death upon themselves and upon their families. Every member of the Church, male and female, ought to set his or her face as flint against intemperance and against anything that is in violation of the laws of God, that they might never be overcome or yield to the temptation of evil. We ought to have purer communities, communities that are not ridden by vice, by pernicious habits and practices. One cannot walk up and down the sidewalks of our streets, but he will meet young men and boys with tobacco pipes in their mouths, or cigars or cigarettes, smoking in the streets. Perhaps those who are accustomed to these habits think this is a very trivial or very unimportant thing to talk about to a vast congregation like this, but I never see a boy or a man, young or old, addicted to this habit and practicing it openly but am forced to the conclusion to the conviction in my mind that he is either ignorant of God's will concerning man or he is defiant of God's will and does not care anything about the word of the Lord, and that alone is sufficient to bring sorrow to the heart of any man who has any regard or respect for the word or will of the Lord and would like to see it obeyed. We go occasionally to the theaters, and of late years we see it has become very fashionable, or very common, for the actors to puff away at their cigars, pipes and cigarettes on the stage; and they light cigarette after cigarette, and cigar after cigar, right on the stage before their audience. To me such a practice is an insult to the Latter-day Saints at least, and should be to all decent people; and if I had little boys growing up who would be susceptible to the influence of such practices I should not want them to go to our theaters at all, where they would see things in open practice as if it was something commendable. I think it is reprehensible, to say the least; and if I were managing a theater, and could do it, I would have it stipulated that there should be no smoking on the stage nor in the auditorium. Aside from the folly of smoking in a theater, lighted matches, cigars, and cigarettes are dangerous to property. There are other things however, in theatrical performances that are about as disgraceful as smoking on the stage. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.8 Now, my brethren and sisters, the subject that I had in view in reading these words is simply to emphasize, as far as it lies in my power, the Word of Wisdom, given to the Latter-day Saints to all that are or can be called saints to the weakest of the weak, for it is adapted to them, and the weaker they are, if they will observe this principle, they will become stronger by the observance of it. If we will observe this law, we will gain strength, we will have health m our bodies and marrow in our bones; we may run and not weary walk and not faint; and this is most desirable for those that are feeble, or weak, who need strength, and health; they should observe this principle in order that they might obtain the very thing they desire and need most and that they are destroying most by not following the word of the Lord but by practicing those things that are forbidden of Him. We pray God to heal us when we are sick, and then we turn round from our prayers and partake of the very things that He has told us are not good for us! How inconsistent it is for men to ask God to bless them, when they themselves are taking a course to injure and to bring evil upon themselves. No wonder we don't get our prayers answered more than we do, and no wonder our health is no better than it is, when we are addicted to practices that God has said are not good for us, and thereby entail evils upon our life and physical being; and then to turn to the Lord and ask Him to heal us from the consequence of our own folly, and pernicious practices; from the effects of the evil that we have brought upon ourselves and that we knew better than to do. How foolish it is! Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.9 The Lord bless you my brethren and sisters. We endorse any movement looking to temperance, looking to virtue tending to purity of life and to faith in God and obedience to His laws; and we are against evil of every description; and we are, in our faith and prayers against evil doers--not that we would pray for evil to come upon evil doers, but that evil doers might see the folly of their ways and the wickedness of their acts and repent of them and turn away from them. If they will not hearken and repent of their evil ways, then let them pursue their course of evil to the end, and let the judgment of God come upon them and they receive their reward according to their works. Let God judge all men. He will reward them for good or for evil according to their works. We are not here to execute judgment or to impose punishments upon our fellow men except the punishment of withdrawing from those who are unworthy our fellowship in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We find it necessary, sometimes, to withhold fellowship from thosewho have turned away from the truth from the love of God and the cause of Zion--that they might not be regarded as having membership and standing with us. It is an injury to the cause of Zion for any community organization, ward, stake or branch of the Church to permit men or women to retain their membership in that ward or stake or branch, when it is known that their practices and habits are vicious and that their manner of life and unbelief are calculated to sow the seeds of apostasy corruption and evil in the midst of the people where they dwell. It is right and proper that the line of separation should be drawn distinctly between them and the Latter-day Saints. Withdraw fellowship from them cut them loose, let them go to the world, and let the people of the Church understand that they are not held in fellowship and that their conduct is not countenanced by the authorities of the Church. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.9 Now, the Lord bless you, and in the name of the Lord I bless you--this congregation, the covenant people of the Lord, just as truly as ancient Israel were the covenant people of God, for you have entered into the solemn covenant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that you will keep the commandments of God, that you will eschew evil and wickedness. You know what you have done; you know the nature of the covenants you have entered into before God and witnesses and before the angels of heaven; and, therefore, you have entered into the bond of the new and everlasting covenant and are indeed the covenant people of God in the latter days. Therefore, what manner of people ought we to be; what manner of individuals should we be? Should we not set an example worthy of our profession? Should we not live pure lives? Should we not be upright, virtuous, honest, God-fearing and God-loving in our souls every day of our lives and in every position in which we may be called to act; ought we not to set an example for good? Ought we not to be Christ-like, manly, true to every principle of the Gospel, and honorable out in the world and at home so that no man can justly point at us the finger of scorn or of condemnation? That is indeed the kind of people we ought to be. God help us to be such is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.96 Gratifying evidences of faith of the Saints.--Blessings invoked on those devoted to God's work. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.97 We feel to give to God praise and gratitude from our hearts for the manifest interest shown by you, the Latter-day Saints, the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in this semi-annual conference. During the inclement weather of yesterday this building was filled to overflowing, and overflow meetings were held in the Assembly Hall and in the Barratt Hall, and the Spirit of the Lord was enjoyed richly by all who heard. We thank you and the Lord will bless you, my brethren and sisters, for your devotion to His cause, for your love for His truth, for your union and fellowship toward those who are called to labor in your midst and to preside over you in the various organizations of the Church. I feel in my heart to say not only God bless you, but as I may exercise my own right as a witness of the Lord Jesus and as an apostle of Jesus Christ, I bless you with all my soul, because you love the truth, and you manifest it. There is nothing in God's world that draws men and women so near to my heart as that they love the truth and that they love God, that they love the cause of Zion and are devoted to the interests of the Church. This endears men and women to my heart; I love them when they love this work and when they show their interest in it. It lifts my soul to heaven and fills it with joy unspeakable. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.97 God bless you in your bodies, in your minds, in your labors, in your homes, in all your positions and, above all things, pour out upon you His Spirit that you may rejoice more and more abundantly in God's glorious work that He is inaugurating in the world in the latter day. Peace be to you and all that pertains to you and to the kingdom of. God, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. President Joseph F. Smith. CLOSING REMARKS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 Deaths in the missions.--Blessing of Heaven invoked upon the Priesthood and Saints, and upon the Nation.--Thankfulness expressed that Utah is represented in Congress by good men. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 For the benefit of the congregation, I will announce that the following elders have passed away in the various missions since Jan. 1, 1908: Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 Leroy Hall, Southern States mission, typhoid fever. Burdette P. Burdette, Swiss and German mission, drowned. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 Everett Hall, Central States mission, typhoid fever. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 John A. Southwick, New Zealand, typhoid fever. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 Emil J. Huber, Turkish mission, typhoid fever. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 John Leroy Tripp, Netherlands, appendicitis. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 John Loosly, Swiss and German mission, heart failure. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 This is sad news. We are sorry indeed for the kindred and loved ones of these good and faithful elders who have met death while laboring in the missionary field. The Lord prolong their memories in Zion, for they died with the harness on--faithful to the covenants they had made and the commission with which they were sent forth to preach the gospel. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 There are now laboring in the mission fields a little over 2,000 elders. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 (After announcing the special Priesthood meeting, President Smith continued): Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.126 I desire to express briefly the sincere prayer of my heart for all this congregation and for all the faithful Latter-day Saints who have been in attendance here during this most interesting and profitable conference. I feel in my heart to invoke the blessings of the Lord more abundantly upon all the presiding general authorities of the Church and upon all the presidents of stakes and their counselors, the members of each high council, and upon all the bishops and their counselors throughout the length and breadth of Zion. I pray God to bless all our auxiliary organizations and prosper them in the labor that they have been called to perform. May the Lord give them joy and satisfaction in their labors. May they be interested, earnest, devoted, diligent and prayerful, that they may enjoy abundantly the spirit of their callings, and that their labors may be a blessing, a pleasure and a joy unto them, and exceedingly profitable to all the children of Zion for whom they labor. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.127 I pray God, my heavenly Father, to bless you as elders in Israel, as high priests, as seventies, and all the lesser priesthood. May peace abide and abound with you, and oh! may the Spirit of truth, may the enlightening influence of the Holy Spirit, may the power of the living God rest down upon those, one and all, who have been ordained to the holy Priesthood which is after the order of the Son of God, and the appendages that belong to it! May the Lord bless you in your homes; bless you as husbands; bless your wives; bless your children and your children's children to the latest generation! May God prosper Israel in all her abidings! May the Lord bless the earth for your sake and make it fruitful! May He prosper you and bless you! May He multiply your flocks and your herds and prosper you in the labor of your hands; and may you always feel inspired and inclined to honor the Lord with the first fruits of all your increase; so shall your barns be filled with plenty, and the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon you more abundantly! God bless Zion, and the Lord have mercy upon her enemies and those that seek her hurt! I have no fears in my heart, or mind, that that which is called "Mormonism"--which is indeed the gospel of Jesus Christ--will not bear the scrutiny of science and the researches of the learned and literate into all truth. The Gospel of Jesus is founded in truth. Every principle of it is susceptible of demonstration beyond any just reason for contradiction. The Lord is doing His work and will do it, and no power can stay it. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.127 I desire that the blessings of the Lord may be upon our choir here, who have made music for us during the Sabbath day, for they were here then in full number. These days of labor, they are under the necessity of following their various occupations, and they are not able to be present. for they are bread-winners; they have to labor with their hands for their livelihood, but they give their Sabbath day and they give their time for practice for the benefit of the Church; and we ask God to bless them for it. May He unite them together, give them confidence in their leaders, and give their leaders power and influence over them for good. May the Lord bless Brother Stephens, Brother McClellan, and their assistants, and all the members of the choir. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.127 I ask God, my heavenly Father, to bless my counselors. May He bless President Winder, a noble spirit, an honest man, a man of truth, a man of God: and I pray God to bless Brother Lund, who is in all respects equal to Brother Winder in his integrity, in his love for the truth, and in his devotion to the cause of Zion! May the Lord bless us all and preserve us from our enemies until we shall complete our mission in the world; and while we live may He help us to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ, true to our covenants, true to our people, and true to God until we shall finish our work! This is my prayer for you all and for all Israel. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1908, p.127 I pray for the prosperity of our great nation, for the blessing of God to be upon the executive, the judicial and the legislative branches of our government. May the Lord bless our government and lead those that hold the power in their hands to do that which is righteous, pleasing and acceptable unto God, who established this great government by His own will and providence! I thank God, my heavenly Father, that this State of Utah is, and has been, represented in the halls of Congress by honest men, men after God's own heart, men who love their people and who are just and impartial and true to the interests of all the citizens of our state. I thank God that we are blessed with the privilege of representing ourselves rather than being misrepresented by our enemies, in the halls of Congress; and in the name of common sense I deplore the thought that any Latter-day Saint should regret that good and true men have been chosen--not by the Church, but by their own political parties--to represent the State of Utah in the halls of Congress. Thank God for it. That is my sentiment, and I hope that I shall not see the day soon when we will have the misfortune again of being either misrepresented or of failing to be properly represented in the halls of Congress. President Joseph F. Smith. OPENING ADDRESS. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1909, p.2 Man's insignificant individuality compared with God' great work.--Nothing to lose, everything to gain by faithfulness.--True Saints can not be led by false shepherds.--Friends of righteousness are not enemies of Zion.--"Whatsoever the Lord requireth of me, that will I do."--Christ's Church will stand, and its power increase henceforth.--Integrity of early members of the Church a worthy example to the Saints now. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1909, p.2 It is with feelings of gratitude to the Lord that I stand before you this morning, at the opening of our 79th Annual General Conference. I thank the Lord for all His mercies and loving kindness toward all His people and, for that matter, for His continued mercy and kindness unto all men. I am very grateful that we have the privilege of meeting together this morning under so favorable circumstances, possessing as we seem to do many if not all of the blessings of life, health and strength, peace, and the desire in our hearts to honor the Lord by our presence, manifesting our faith by gathering here on this occasion. This is a witness of our devotion to the cause of Zion. My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord, and of love for the Latter-day Saints, and for the Church of Jesus Christ throughout all the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1909, p.2 To me there is nothing in life that can compare with the great work that the Lord is doing in the midst of the children of men, in these latter days. While it may be said, and it is in a measure true, that we are but a handful in comparison to our fellow men in the world, yet we may be compared with the leaven of which the Savior spoke, that will eventually leaven the whole world. We have ample assurance of the fulfillment of this thought in the growth and development of the cause from its incipiency until the present, for it has steadily and increasingly progressed and developed in the earth, from a mere half dozen of men 79 years ago, until today the members of the Church may be numbered by hundreds of thousands We have passed through the stages of infancy and of irresponsible childhood, and are indeed approaching the condition of manhood and womanhood in our experience in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in all the conditions incident to, and that are connceted with, the growth of the Church and the people of God, thus far in the cause of Zion, and also the necessity the people of God are under to uphold and sustain principles of righteousness and of truth against all prejudices of the world, as well as against their own prejudices, and individual likes, dislikes and preferences. We are learning the great truth that man is insignificant in his individuality in comparison with the mighty cause which involves the salvation of the children of men, living and dead, and those who will yet live in the earth. Men must set aside their own prejudices, their own personal desires, wishes and preferences, and pay deference to the great cause of truth that is spreading abroad in the world. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1909, p.3 To my mind there is nothing in all the world so great and so glorious as the work that the Lord Almighty is doing in these latter days. I feel grateful that I have been permitted as an individual to take part, in a humble way, in helping to promote the interests of Zion, and to spread its cause abroad in the world, from the days of my youth until now. I sincerely hope and pray that I may be able to endure faithful throughout the remaining portion of my life. I have lived too long to think of faltering in the least now. I have put my hand to the plow and it is too late to turn or to look back; and, for that matter, there has never appeared to me to be any reason at all why I should look back, or why I should slacken my efforts or my earnest desire to spread the cause of truth and help to build up Zion. Everything has pointed to the great good that has been and will be accomplished. Everything has pointed to the justness and righteousness of the cause and made my duty clear to me, assuring me of advancement and growth in knowledge and understanding by pursuing the cause that I have been pursuing, and that I still intend to pursue, by the help of God to the end. I see nothing to lose by following this course but I think I can see that everything is to be gained by it. I am determined, therefore, to go on and continue as faithful as I can he to my duty, to the trusts that are imposed in me. As far as it lies in my power. I want to he faithful to the work of the Lord, that at last I may he able to give an account of my life and stewardship that will at least be acceptable to the Great Judge of the quick and the dead. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1909, p.4 As it has been said many times in the past. "I am for the kingdom of God, or nothing." Zion, first and foremost. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, that all other things may he added in the due time of the Lord, and in accordance with His pleasure. These are principles that should pervade the minds and hearts of all the Latter-day Saints. We should have gained sufficient experience by this time to realize that no man, no individual, no clique, and no secret organization can combine with force and power sufficient to overturn the purposes of the Almighty, or to change the course of His work. Many and many an individual has arisen in times past, and these individuals have been falsely impressed with the idea that they were going to work a wonderful reformation in the Church; they anticipated that in a very short time the whole people would desert their standard, the standard of truth to which they had gathered and around which they had rallied from the beginning of the Church until then. These persons thought the people would follow the "new shepherds." but the people of God know the voice of the true shepherd, and the stranger's voice they will not heed, nor the counsels of him who assumes authority that does not belong to him. None such will they ever follow. The Latter-day Saints know the spirit of the Gospel: they understand the spirit of truth. They have learned their duty, and they will stand by the truth, no matter what may come. From the beginning until now, we have had to face the entire world; and the whole world, comparatively, is or has been arrayed against the work of the Lord, not all on account of hatred, not solely with the intent or desire in their hearts to do evil or to fight the truth, but because they were ignorant of the truth. and because they knew not what they were doing. Many are deceived by the voice of false shepherds, and are misled by false influences. They are deceived: they know not the truth; they understand not what they do and, therefore, they are arrayed, as it were, against the truth, against the work of the Lord; so it has been from the beginning. From the day that the Prophet Joseph Smith first declared his vision until now, the enemy of all righteousness, the enemy of truth, of virtue, of honor, uprightness, and purity of life; the enemy to the only true God, the enemy to direct revelation from God and to the inspirations that come from the heavens to man, has been arrayed against this work. You have never found the friend to righteousness, the friend to revelation, the friend to God, the friend to truth, the friend to righteous living and purity of life, or he who is devoted to righteousness and is broad enough to comprehend truth from error and light from darkness--I say you have never found such as these arrayed against the cause of Zion. To be arrayed against the cause of Zion is to be arrayed against God, against revelation from God, against that spirit that leads men into all truth that cometh from th