The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1884-12-17

large congregation of Saints hold up
their hands TO sustain the servants OF
God proposed to Officiate in different
positions. And although this is done
at each Semi-annual conference and
quarterly stake conferences, it should
not be done as a matter of form. 1t
should mean that we vote proposing to
sustain with our faith, prayers and
actions, those members of the priest
hood who are voted for. The result is a
power experienced by the officers Of the
church, and an influence which suStainS
them In the performance of their duties.
On the contrary, vote reSclndlng an
appointment for unfaithfulneSS when
Justly sustained would have depreSs-
ing and Ill influence. Many men have
become bright consultations in the
church, who have subsequently fallen
because of transgressions. Some say
the voting by appraised hands of the con
gregatonS is an empty form. Not so,
when men are selected and proposed by
the spirit of God prompting the presid-
ing authorities the men so voted for are
blessed and prOspered in labOring to full
I'll their appointments. 1t is a remark
able fact that the enlightened so-called
religiOnistS of to-day deny the necessity
ofrevelatiOn in the appointment of men
to carry on the work of God. The Bible
cOntradicts this position, in giving num-
erous instances of the power of God
manifested in pointing out the choice
of the prophets and leaders OF ancient
Israe:. This testimony is evident in
the dealings of God with His people at
all times. In every age, and in all in
stances, he has manifested in the out
pouring OF His spirit and power, that all
who endeaVOr to serve him might be
assured OF his divine care and power.
Notably was this the case in the
appointment of Saul as a successor
to Samuel to be king OF Israel. This
particular instance is an illustration OF
how God shows his power in favor of
those whom he appoints by revelation
through his servants and who receive
the sustaining vote of those who serve
God. Another instance is that of Elijah
and Elisha, when the power and spirit
of God rested upon Elisha, and enabled
him TO manifest the gifts OF a great and
mighty prophet. He received his gifts
and power from God through the ever
lasting priesthood. Read the comforting
of that power by the Savior upon his
disciples, Transforming men of humble
life, and lack of worldly education, into
men OF great power, chosen before the
foundations of the world to be the COM
panions of the Savior. The power OF
God and the Holy Ghost descended upon
them after their ordination. Hence
their names and fame have been handed
down through ages of apostaSy and
gloom, causing them to be reVered and
hOnOred to-day. The spirit and power
of God will rest upon men, if they viii
70 TO no a.
tO.eyery emergency when they hold g
pc ton OF the priesthood of God. The
prophet Joseph Smith came of the most
humble and obscure origin. Yet those
who were intimate with him, vealize how
the power of God was made apparent
through him, humble uneducated
youth. The organization of this church
is marvel OF perfection. so complete
| in its every detail and wOndrous work
ings. 1t could only have been establish
ed through the influence and power q
God. Joseph Smith conferred that
power on others, and when he was re
moved from this life, the power remain
ed whereby a shepherd was provided
to lead this church. The power does
not now rest upon one man, but upon &
body of men. Brigham Young WAS
selected by God in such a manner that
all those who possessed the spirit of Goo
knew without question of his being
chosen to be the successor of Joseph
Smith. | appeal to this congregation
for testimony that God did frequently
manifest his power through Bri CHAM
Young, as an evidence that he was
chosen OF God TO lead his people, So
with our present leader and prophet
John Taylor. who holds the keys of the
eternal priesthood. He, together with
all the officers of the church under him.
are now receiving the blessings and
manifestations of divine approval. And
thus God manifests his power in our be-
half, and will so continue until the end
and second coming of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. God is not work
ing in vain. He will manifest his gifts
and blessings to all that are diligent and
seek TO magnify their priesthood No
matter how great a mans ability. God
will not empower him, unless he i
sought after. Every person has the
right to enjoy the spirit of revelation, if
they live for it. All can prOphesv If thew
will but seek the inspiration of God.
Let every man and woman press for
ward in the paths of Righteousness. tax
ing care to remain humble and nothing
can levent their progress. Gifts can
only come from God through faithful
ness and the priesthood God has or
ganized his church, and placed one man
at time at the head to receive revela-
tiOns for the guidance and control of the
church. But every member of the
church can receive revelation TO them
selves for their own private instruction.
There is but one way, so the scriptures
tell us, and "he that climbeth up by
any other way is wrong" so tie same
Bible tell us. The church since its res
toration and organization has never
been without a prophet and leader TO
receive the revelations of God for the
guidance of his church. His servants
have an influence and power, when they
proclaim his word, that carries testi-
mony to those who are our witnesses of
the truths of God. You have received
: he spirit of testimony, which tells YOU
your, elves that this i true. Some profess
to be astrolOgerS, to cure witchcraft and
see into the future, and possess gifts
outside of the power of the priesthood
Avoid them, they only seek to work
uDOn your fears and superstitions.
Those who live faithfully cen defy all
evil influences. The absurdities of such
influences are evident, to all true Latter
day Saints. -. Those who listen to their
pletentions are placing themselves in
great danger. Seek for the spirit and
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