The Lord has said that in the last days His kingdom should not be taken from the earth, nor given to another people; but that the kingdoms of this world should become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ. We have the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the book of Doctrine and Covenants, and other revelations of God to this effect. Either this is the kingdom of God or it is not the kingdom of God. If it is not the kingdom of God, then are we like the rest of mankind; our faith is vain, our works are vain, and we are in the same condition of ignorance with regard to the gospel and the purposes of God, as the rest of the world. There are tens of thousands throughout these valleys, who know that this is the kingdom of God. They know this by the revela- tions of Jesus Christ. It is not the tes- timony of another man that gives me the knowledge for myself. If I had not the testimony of truth for myself I would not be qualified to build up this kingdom. There is no man or woman qualified to build up the kingdom of God if they have not the testimony of truth for themselv

The Lord prepared the way for this age and generation, and He has raised up some of the noblest spirits in this dispensation that ever dwelt in the flesh.

Had Joseph Smith shrunk from the duty which God required of him; had he said, "It is unpopular, I will not make as much by preaching the gospel as if I were to let it alone, I will only be persecuted," the consequence would have been he would have been damned. The Lord would have taken the priest- hood from him, and held him responsi- ble for the testimony he had given him. We are all in this position. If we do not do our duty and bear a faithful tes- timony to this generation, the Lord will hold us responsible.

The world feel to-day concerning "Mormonism" and this people as they did in the days of Noah and Lot con- cerning the revelations of God and those who believed them then. But what of it? The unbelief of men does not make the work of God of no effect. The Lord requires faithfulness at our hands; and if we do not do our duty we will be held responsible before high Heaven for the use we make of the holy priesthood which has been bestowed upon us.

I have an anxiety—a strong desire, to see the people of the Latter-day Saints —the inhabitants of Zion, rise up and put on their strength. I desire to see them increase in the knowledge of the truth, in faith and good works, and in the knowledge of the things of the kingdom of God.

We know this is the kingdom of God; that we are the friends of God; that the kingdom will stand; and woe be to that nation, kindred, tongue or people, to that individual or family under the whole heaven that lifts a hand against the Lord's anointed or against the friends of God, for they will feel the chastening hand of God.