The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-10-06

It is pleasure for me to meet with the
Saints in their present capacity. This is a
time of refreshing--a spiritual feast. BY
it we are renewed. Our faith is increased
in the great work of the last days. l have
not had the pleasure of mingling to any ex-
tent with the saints in these valleys for
the last few years. My labors have been
among the nations of the earth, proclaim
ing the gospel. 1 have, however, observed
closeI;; the .,,---ass Of events and the drift
Of circumstances,
It would seem from remarks made by
brethren who have had ample opportunl-
ties for an understanding of the subject,
that there is tendency toward dlsunlon
Still, as Apostle Lyman stated, it is proba-
bly, of local character. But whether local
or general, it should not exist. 1t is com
plicated disease. When it prevails there is
lack of faith and confidence. If there is
any stake where discord is, those who pre-
side in the locality should exert all their
powers to remove the causes of division,
and increase the faith and confidence Of the
people.
IP THERE EVER WAS TIME
when our front should be unbroken, it is
now. 1t is time when parents and the
community should throw around the youth
protection from the insidious attacks of the
enemy Of souls. When the enemy Is on
the watch for weak points in our ranks, 1t
is no time to be segregated.
In crossing the Atlantic recently we were
overtaken by a severe gale and the officers
lost their reckoning. An attempt at taking
an observation was made, but owing to
moving clouds 1t was imperfect In con-
sequence it was necessary to take sound
ings 1t would be well for us to make
reckonings, that we may ascertain where
we stand.
We have been proclaiming the restoration
of the gospel in these times through a
prophet. The charge of presumption has
! been made against US on this ground.
! It may appear presumptuous to take
such a position, but it is true. The
Lord saw the necessity of establishing
! faith through testimony. That that might
be accomplished He brought from the
bosom of this continent the Book OF Nor
mon-the testimony of an entire people.
In addition the Lord sent one of his ancient
servants again to earth, and he laid his
hands upon the heads of Joseph Smith and
Oliver Cowdery and ordained them to the
| Aarouic priesthood. Subsequently Peter,
James and John appeared and bestowed
upon Joseph Smith the keys and authority
of the Melchisedec priesthood Suisse
quently Peter, James and John appeared
and bestowed the keys which turn the
! hearts OF GU6 " lbO AobACLol oASA
the hearts of the latter to the children.
This turning of hearts has begun, proving
the efficacy of this restoration. Moses also
brought to earth in these days the keys OF
the gathering of Israel in the latter times.
WE HAVE AMPLF EVIDENCE
in our own experience that these keys have
been committed to man. These being great
truths what right have the Saints to be
rebelIious and to withdraw themselves
from the oracles of God. We cannot
afford to be so lost to our interest as to for
felt the right TO the Holy Spirit, by in
dulging in the spirit of the world. Better
lose all our substance than slacken our
hold upon the great work of the last days.
We have not only heard these things
taught, but we have right to know them
| for ourselves Christ laid down this prin-
ciple when he said that any man who
would do the will of the Father, should
"kpow of the doctrine whether it be OF
Cod or not If there are any among US
who are not in possession of this know
ledge, it is shame Paul, in his day, thus
characterized an absence of knowledge OF
the things of God. If there is disunion
among US, it is a shame that it should be SO
This work cannot be destroyed; for the
forces of heaven stand behind 1t and viii
carry it to a successful contamination
After singing by the choir and benedic
ton by Counselor D. H. Wells, conference
adjourned until pm.