The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1885-09-09
AT THE TABERNACLE.
Elder Stewart and Bishop Whitney
Address the Assembly.

Lord, we come before the now,
AT thy feet we humbly bow.
Elder Henry W. Naisbett offered the
opening prayer, and the choir sang an
other hymn
We h re approach thy table, Lord,
At thy command through chosen men
The Sacrament was administered by
the priesthood of the Eighth Ward.
Elder Joshua B. Stewart addressed
the congregation and said The Gospel
which we believe in, is one of life and
salvation. Not gospel or work to be
thought of only on the Sabbath, but one
that should affect our lives on every day
of the week. One that will make those
who practice its principles, honest to
wards their neighbors, brethren and
friends and even to these opposed to US.
| We claim the right to worship God, az
cording to our own dictates, for we are
responsible to God for our actions and
conduct. Men and women can only be
judged from their actions, and when the
results or fruits are purity their motives
must be pure. Persons who are temper
ate, well behaved, and have lived lives
free OF any crime, save that of fulfilling
the greatlaw of the Creator to multiply
and increase" are made criminals be-
cause they have a plurality of wives.
Such persons are worthy of example in
stead OF condemnation, for their lives
have been one of purity. Humanity has
| its weaknesses. but we who know these
men can admire them for their upright
| ness. Our fathers and mothers have
borne many prosecutions, and withstood
the heat and burden Of the day. They
have been enabled to do so. through the
protection God has extended to them.
We depend upon the Almighty to-day,
and although we have been constantly
warned in the past by our leaders, that
us, YET, being human, we feel the effects
of the trials We are enduring. Those
who deprive others of their rights, are
certainly perpetrating wrong and will
have to answer before God. What are
we going to do, why continue to en-
deavor to do His will understandingly,
and continue to rely upon His care.
Our mortal lives are as nothing compar
ed to eternal life that awaits the faithful.
Every one is their own free agent TO do
right or wrong, to serve God, or disobey
His commands.
Bishop Orson F. Whitney said the
previous speaker had set forth one rea-
son why We are called in question. 1t
was evident however that everything
the Latter Day Saints do, is called in
question and made plea of excuse for
our destruction. Everything we do or
say is misinterpreted. Our position is
very plain 10 all who are inclined TO lie
fair and just, and Numerically opposite
to that which those who oppose us as
sert it to be. We claim that God his
revealed His gospel through Joseph
Smith, the prophet and that Israel must
be saved. The promises made thou
sands of years ago and recorded in the
Holy Bible, must and are being fulfilled.
We claim to be ineal descendants OF the
house Of Israel, with many others who
are now scattered through the earth
and who will Yet hear and obey this
gospel. We are commanded to prepare
Tor the second coming OF the Son of God.
who will reign over the earth as King oil
Kings. This is said TO be treason, ana
that secretly we are conspiring for the
downfall of the United States govern
ment and nation. The assumption is
childish and foolish, for our record
shows to the contrary, and that our
history IS but q repetition of that of
previous efforts to benefit and bless hu-
mainly. Why through prejudice the
Jews misinterpreted the actions OF Jesus
Christ, which eventually led to their
crucifying Him. They were afraid He
would destroy their government and
subjugate them to the Romans, absurd
and ridiculous charges were brought
against HIM, they accused Him of being
a wine bibber and friend of publicans
and sinners. The self-rghteous of that |
day accused Him of blasphemy, and of |
many other i'll fact of nearly every |
crime. This was only fulfilling the pur-
poses of God. So to day, misrepresen- |
tation is the weapon used against us, |
very few care to investigate fairly and |
honestly our pretentions and teachings.
We are but handful of people, and the
rest of this world is against US, but we
are in the majority when it Is under
stood that other worlds are peopled by
hose in sympathy with us in our efforts
or the redemption of this world. God
8 with US, and "God and one good man
make q large majority. No matter
what we say, or what we do, it is mis-
represented, andweare constantlyrefused
to tell the truth of our
position through the press of America,
or the newspapers do not care to pub
ish anything favorable to the Mormops.
When we have protested against the
wrongs done us, we are said TO be trea
enable. The United States have
damned to offer freedom to religious
Worship to all, but their recent actions
owards US repudiate such. Our oppon-
nts are determined to destroy US, but
iod viii not permit them. He knows
Iur motives, and will Judge the bitter
ARTISANS who clamor against US. We
'elieve that God win fulfil His promises
nd carry out His work. We cannot
ford to boast, for we know that this
Iation and all other nations and our
elves are in His hands. We have al
rays had oppo ;ition, we expect it, and
o gain salvation through much tribula-
ion. We do not fear man, but God,
tho will require at the hands of our
nemies for all the prosecutions brought
pom us. Everyone will be held ac-
ountable for the talents gwen them and
he opportunities afforded them. Every
alton Will be held accountable for its
ecord, BY the Lord God of Sabbath.
We ldrejoice TO see our own nation
repare for the coming of the Son of
ian, and avoid the destruction which
waits them fthey oppose the purposes
( God.
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