Discourse 1882-01-15
PREST. W. WOODRUFF
heartily endorsed all the remarks
made before. He was gratified that
the Latter-day Saints did not enjoy
the fellowship of the ungodly and
wicked of this generation. This is
the last dispensation of the fulness
of times; the devil doesn't like it,
but the speaker does not blame him.
The little handful on April 6, 1830,
has increased to 150,000. Four tem-
ples are being erected, wherein to
redeem the dead. No wonder the
devil fights this work, for he realizes
that his day is at the door.
The wicked don't like us. Neither
does the devil. He never did like
the work of light and truth. There
is universal warfare between Heaven
and hell, light and darkness, truth
and error.
We are here, dwelling in the
flesh, destined to accomplish the
purposes of the Lord, and well may
we be steadfast and truthful in the
cause.
Speaking to the young people,
Prest. Woodruff showed how the
revelations of old had been and are
being fulfilled in these latter days.
Considering the future of the rising
generation, Elder Woodruff empha-
sized the greatness of the work they
are engaged in, in this the greatest
dispensation of all ages, for which
thousands of spirits were reserved
for thousands of years.
Looking back on the past years,
when the Twelve had to go forth,
preaching the everlasting Gospel to
the unbelievers and scoffers, he re-
membered how many times he asked
the question: "Where are the sons
of the prophets?" But now, look-
ing on the rising generation, he was
satisfied that the work would not
lack in staunch expounders and de-
fenders. The speaker here gave a
vivid sketch of the corruption and
abomination of the world, from
which emanate so many would-be
"purifiers" of Utah.
We trust in God. We will obey
His will, dying or living; for we are
not doing our will but His.
Prest. Woodruff concluded with
exhorting the young men to con-
tinue firm in the faith of their fath-
ers, persevering in the pursuit of
knowledge and the practice of all
pure principles. Great are the
judgments which are impending
over the world in their wickedness.
For God has decreed His work in
these last days, and though
earth and hell combine they will not
prevail. Great will also be the pow-
ers with which the young genera-
tion will be clothed in the days of
probation. Prest. Woodruff also
admonished the young men to mar-
ry, and if they marry to do so in the
right way.
The young men are looked to by
the Presideny as the rising glory
of Zion, to carry off the great work
the foundations of which were laid
by the Prophet Joseph.
