Elder W. Woodruff: The question may be asked, "What object has our President in visiting this people every year?" It is to prepare the Saints for the Lord to rule over them; and the devil is preparing the wicked for des- truction. Look abroad and see the great events that have taken place since Joseph Smith was sent with the full- ness of the gospel to the world. See the great change that has taken place in our nation. It is painful for us to reflect on the increase of crime. It seems that all civilization is departing from the world; but the Lord has said "I will rule over my Saints," and the kingdom shall be the Lord's. We can all see the necessity of the instructions which we receive from His servants, day by day. They are given to prepare us that the devil may not have domin- ion over us. A Latter-day Saint who lives his religion sees the kingdom of God going forth; he can understand the signs of the times, and will live by the principles that are taught unto us, and he will see the advantage of building up this kingdom. The wicked do not see this. They are not quickened by the same spirit which quickens you. The Spirit of God is withdrawn from them, and they are groping in darkness and are being prepared for the damnation of hell. They permit the devil to govern them, and they are given over to his power; but the Lord will take care of His Saints. We all expect to have an inheritance on this earth; then why not begin to improve the earth and make it beautiful, and sanctify our- selves and the earth? The Spirit of God is with us; the same Spirit that was in Abraham and in all the ancient fathers, to whom promises were made and from whom a royal seed has des- cended; we have the same Spirit in us, and a like work to perform. The speak- er gave an account of Abraham's des- troying the gods of his fathers, reason- ing that as the Lord had sustained him in his righteousness, so would He sus- tain us in the performance of like works.