Discourse 1884-02-03
Pres W Woodruff wished he had the power of language, to reach
the hearts of the Priesthood that they might be brought to a proper
understanding of the situation we occupy. He touched on the
absence of the Priesthood from the earth for nearly 1800 years
until restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith & the vast number
of souls now upon the earth, to all of whom the Gospel must be
preached either in this life or the next. He treated on the great
work to be performed in the matter of the redemption of the dead, to do what
the Saints must not pander to the vices & evils of the world. He dwelt on the
importance of building Temples & officiating for the dead & spoke of the anxi-
ety of the dead in their Salvation, relying perhaps on one single person who
holds the Priesthood & who may be indifferent to the great work expected of him
If such a person knew what his situation was, he would at once desist from
his evils & prepare himself to do the work expected of him. The whole world
is opposed to the Saints, but God & Jesus are with us & for us & so are all
good men. He spoke of the ignominy that befalls all those who oppose
this work & the servants of God. The Spirit of God is now resting on the
Saints & this work is advancing & time is advancing. God required this
people to carry this Gospel to the nations & to prepare mankind for the
coming of the Son of Man, & to warn mankind of the judgements pending
over the nations. He urged the Saints to let saloons alone to be valiant
for the truth & let the consequence follow
