Epistle to the Saints, 3 December 1896
THURSDAY, .
AN ADDRESS.
To the officers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints:
Dear Brethren and Sisters—It has been a practice in the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sanctioned by the word of the Lord, to
fast and pray, and in this manner to seek for that faith which Saints
should possess, and obtain that spirit of humility which we are com-
manded to cultivate.
Shortly after the arrival of the people in the valley of the Great Salt
Lake, the first Thursday in each month was set apart as a day of fasting
and prayer. The members of the Church were enjoined to bring on that
day their contributions for the relief and sustenance of the poor, and hand
them to the Bishop of the ward.
At the time of the adoption of this regulation it was very convenient
for the people generally to meet together in their places of worship on that
day. The conditions were such that they, being of one faith, employers
and employed, could leave their labor and devote a few hours to the Lord.
For many years these meetings were well attended, and they were of a
most interesting character, and were a comfort and a strength to all who
shared in them, as it was the practice for persons of both sexes to bear
their testimony and take active part in them in each ward under the
direction of the bishopric.
As the years rolled by, conditions changed, and it became more difficult
for the people generally, and especially those in steady employment, to
attend these meetings, until at the present time they have dwindled to
such an extent that comparatively few have the opportunity of attending
them. Thursday as a day of fasting and prayer in the church no longer
serves the object for which it was intended.
Our attention has been called to this subject, and after mature delibera-
tion, it has been decided to change the day that has heretofore been
devoted to this purpose. Instead of the customary assemblages in the
various wards throughout Zion on the first Thursday in each month, we
have concluded to set apart the first Sunday in every month as the day
for the regular fast meeting.
Hereafter, therefore, we desire the Latter-day Saints, under the direction
of the Presidents of Stakes and the Bishops, to meet in their several places
of worship on the afternoon of the first Sunday in each month, whenever
it can be done conveniently, and devote the meeting to the administration
