Discourse 1856-11-25
Bro Woodruff said I have been edified this evening, and
am interested in the building up of this kingdom.
Upon this quorum (the Bishops) rests great responsibility.
I would like to know why this people go to our enemies
to make their purchases, and those who hold the priesthood
may sink, and all this, right under the eyes of the first Presi-
dency; Another is, why so many pretending to be saints,
make promi[s]es, without caring whether they fulfil them
or not, and why they run in debt, regardless of ever paying.
I see such men in Israel, and am ashamed of it; I
despise such folly. Why in the name of almighty God,
do not this people shake themselves free of these sins.
I call upon you Bishops to help relieve Prest Young of
some of these duties, and not let him be borne down
with these things.
Use your influence to restrain the
flood of wheat and Flour from going to these Gentile stores—
we shall have a famine if it is not stopped. I keep a debtor
and Creditor account with the Lord in my tithing, of all
that I produce, or consume as I would with a Gentile
store, or any other; when can a man pay his tithing so
well, as at the time of raising, or harvesting!
If every man kept a book account of his tithing and expenses
the Bishops would find it an easy matter to settle the
tithing with them. Prune your quorums, it is better to
prune them than that the Tree should rot. If israel do
not do their duty, we shall lose the Presidency. May the
spirit and power of the priesthood rest upon the Bishops,
for upon them rests great responsibility. May God
bless you with every blessing you need &c
