Discourse 1882-07-01
STAKE CONFERENCE.
The Semi-Annual Conference of
the Salt Lake Stake of Zion con-
vened in the Assembly Hall this
morning at 10 o'clock.
There were present on the stand,
President Wilford Woodruff, of the
Twelve Apostles; the Presidency of
the Stake, Angus M. Cannon, David
O. Calder and Joseph E. Taylor, and
others. Singing, "Let Zion in her
beauty rise," etc. Prayer was offered
by Elder Lauritz Smith. Singing,
"Glorious things of thee are
spoken."
President David O. Calder was
pleased to meet with the Saints in a
Conference capacity, though there
were but few present. Spoke of the
importance of being punctual, and
where this was neglected in regard
to meetings it was generally an in-
dex of character in other matters
both of a spiritual and temporal
nature. The practice of punctuality
created a feeling of confidence
in us towards those who were
punctual, and as a rule those
who were the busiest and who
valued time the most highly would
be found the most prompt.
He regretted the indifference that
was exhibited by many of the
Saints in regard to such meetings,
as these, seemingly being lovers of
pleasure rather than lovers of God.
It came with a bad grace from the
Latter-day Saints to offer as an ex-
cuse for profaning the Sabbath day,
that they were so much confined
during the week, in view of the
many holidays we had, and the
healthy location and labor in which
the people were generally engaged.
The roll was called, showing two
Patriarchs and four Presidents of
Seventies present.
The 1st, 3rd, 5th, 11th, 12th, 13th
15th and 16th Elders Quorums.
All the Wards of the Stake were
represented by presiding authorities,
excepting the 1st, 14th and 20th
Salt Lake City, and the Mill Creek
and Granite Wards.
The following reports were read:
A Statistical report of the Stake
for the Quarter ending May 31st,
1882, showing a net increase for that
term of 168 souls.
Reports from the 3rd, 11th and
18th Quorums of Elders, and a Sta-
tistical and Financial report of Y.
M. M. I. Association, for the year
ending March 31st, 1882.
President Joseph E. Taylor spoke
of the necessity of such organization
of the Stake being represented in
view of the importance of the busi-
ness transacted. The time had been
when the cares of the world would
not have caused the Elders of Israel
to forget an occasion of this import-
ance. Much had to be accomplished
by the people of God. The question
was who were expected to accom-
plish these labors? There were duties
devolving respectively upon every
branch of the Priesthood and every
member of the church, and the neg-
ligence of one affected the whole.
It was the duty of Presidents to
make themselves familiar with the
members of their repective quor-
ums, and they should labor with
the same interest that a father
would have for his children, with a
view to check wrong-doing and en-
courage righteousness, being ex-
amples themselves of the principles
they sought to inculcate. The duties
of each branch of the Priesthood were
clearly defined and if a man's whole
time was not occupied he should
first perform the duties of his calling
in the Priesthood, and the Lord
would bless his substance and pro-
vide abundantly for his necessi-
ties.
President Wilford Woodruff re-
lated an anecdote to show that the
people in many instances took more
interest in trifling matters than in
those of importance. There were
few who realized the importance of
our calling and position. The eyes
of millions in the spirit world were
upon this people as upon them de-
pended this work and the accom-
plishment of prophecies which had
been uttered by the prophets since
the beginning of the world and of
others yet to be revealed which had
been hid from the foundation of the
world. The Priesthood we held was
of the same nature as that by
which the worlds were created. In
view of the great responsibilities de-
volving upon us we could not afford
to neglect our duties. He testified
that he had found it easier to sup-
port his family since they had be-
come numerous than when they
were but few. Thousands of this
people had been foreordained to
come and accomplish the labor we
were now engaged in. Referred to
the blessings restored to the Saints
in our day and the provi-
dences of God that had con-
tinually ruled the destinies of His
people. In view of the blessings
we enjoy and the responsibilities de-
volving upon us we should be care-
[ful] to keep our covenants and observe
the commandments of God.
Adjourned until 2 p.m.
The choir sang the hymn, "Guide
us, O thou great Jehovah."
Benediction by Bishop Isaac M.
Stewart.
