THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER.
To the Latter-day Saints in Zion and
throughout the world:
Beloved Brethren and Sisters—A
little over two years ago we were im-
pressed to call upon the Latter-day
Saints to set apart a day for fasting
and solemn prayer unto the Lord.
Our position at that time was such
that it seemed as though no earthly
power could deliver us from the evil
which environed us and which threat-
ened our overthrow. Turn which
way we would, every avenue seemed
closed against us. Human help was be-
yond our reach. Our eyes and hearts
under those circumstances, turned to
the Lord as the only power to which
we could appeal for succor. Do we
say too much when we testify that the
Lord did on that occasion condescend
to hear and answer the supplication
of His people.
Their humiliation before Him was
not without its fruits. If the objects
which were suggested in our circular
letter at that time to be prayed for be
examined, the results will show how
wonderfully the Lord has granted the
prayers of His people?
In view of this, and the great mercy
shown unto us by our Father in
heaven in permitting us, at our recent
General Conference, to lay the top
stone of the Salt Lake Temple with
shouts of Hosanna to God and the
Lamb, it has suggested itself to us that
it would be most appropriate for the
Latter-day Saints to gather in their
various places of worship, on Sunday
the first day of May, 1892, and in fast-
ing and prayer, offer up to the Most
High their heartfelt and solemn
thanksgivings for His goodness and
mercy, which He has shown unto them
and the deliverance that He has
wrought out in their behalf.
Surely, no people have greater cause
for thanksgiving and praise than have
the Latter-day Saints throughout these
mountains. And as we cannot have
occasion for thanksgiving because of
deliverance wrought our for us, with-
out our brethren and sisters in other
lands sharing in our joy, it is proper
that they, too, should select a day, as
may be suitable and convenient to
them, in like manner to fast and pray
and offer up their gratitude and thanks
to the Great Creator for the blessings
He has bestowed upon His people.
We have decided to select Sunday
for this purpose, because it can meet
with a more general observance on
the part of all the people than would be
possible upon any other day.
Every man, woman and child be-
longing to our Church should join
in this glad service, for, although
we have many obstaclcs to con-
tend with, and the adversary of our
souls has not made truce, nor laid
down his arms, yet the Lord has
spoiled many nf his schemes, and des-
troyed his snares, and has provided for
us a way of escape from his power.
In our prayers we should still sup-
plicate the Almighty Father to con-
tinue to bless and deliver His Zion, and
to prepare the way for the ushering in
of the full reign of righteousness and
truth, when He whose right it is to
reign shall hold undisputed sway over
all the earth.
The following resolution was unani-
mously adopted by the immense as-
semblage of people at the laying of the
top-stone of the Temple:
Believing that the instruction of
President Woodruff, respecting the
early completion of the Salt Lake
Temple, is the word of the Lord to us,
I propose that this assemblage pledge
themselves, collectively and individu-
ally, to furnish, as fast as it may be
needed, all the money that may be re-
quired to complete the Temple at the
earliest time possible, so that the dedi-
cation may take place on April 6th,
1893.
Plans have been suggested for the
collection of the funds needed to com
plete the Temple in accordance with
this resolution: but we have decided
that no better occasion could offer for
this purpose than the time when the
Saints shall be assembled to ob-
serve this day of prayer and thanks-
giving. Subscriptions can then be
taken by the various Bishops and other
presiding officers from all who are
present at the meetings; and if all are
not prepared to give that which they
desire to subscribe at the time, they
can make their arrangements to pay
by installments.
It is very desirable that this labor
should be completed so that the
sacred building can be dedicated to the
Lord at the General Conference, April
6th, 1893. Steps have already been
taken to have the work done, with the
full expectation that the funds which
were voted for when this reso-
lution was adopted will be forthcoming
in time to meet all the payments. We
feel assured there will be no disap-
pointment in this, if the Bishops and
other presiding authorities do their
duty.
There is no labor in which the Lat-
ter-day Saints feel more deeply inter-
ested than in the building and com-
pleting of Temples.
This Temple at Salt Lake City has
long been in process of erection. By the
6th of April next, forty years will have
elapsed since the laying of the founda-
tion stones. It seems proper, then, that
the expiration of that period should wit-
ness its dedication. We trust that no
exertions will be spared to accomplish
this end, and that all will respond lib-
erally to the call which will be made
upon them.
Praying the Lord to bestow upon all
the Latter-day Saints upon this occa-
sion the spirit of prayer and thanks-
giving, we remain,
Your Brethren,
WILFORD WOODRUFF,
GEO. Q. CANNON,
JOSEPH F. SMITH,
First Presidency of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
