PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF spoke as follows: I realize it is somewhat late, but I want to beg the indulgence of this assembly a few moments. I felt that as I was a mem- ber of these Mutual Improvement Associations I wanted to attend this meeting and hear this lecture. I did not wish to interfere with the time of Brother Roberts. He has given us an excellent discourse, and has told us the truth. There are a few things pertaining to this subject on which I wish to bear my testimony to the young men of ...

time He commenced His ministrations among the people until He was crucified. Joseph Smith lived some fourteen years, if I mistake not, after he organized this Church. He also was slain. But before he died he organized the Church with Apostles, Patriarchs, Pastors, Teachers, and the whole government of the Church of God; and that Priesthood he organized or laid the foundations of remained with the people after his death, as Brother Roberts has said to-night. The Twelve Apostles stood next to the First Presidency of the Church; and I ...

this terrible tragedy until we received an account of their death some time afterwards. We were then informed that the Prophets of God were slain. We returned to Nauvoo. It has been repeated to you here to-night what was done at that conference in Nauvoo. I do not know whether there is any one present here to-night but myself who was there at the conference —there are but few living who were present on that occasion. Brigham stepped forth as a leader of Israel, as has been said here to-night ...

ceived the Priesthood from the hands of Joseph Smith and his followers, or through the authority which God gave them. Who are they who came here to these valleys of the mountains which had been pointed out by the finger of God? Who are they who have built these temples and erected edifices to the great Jehovah? Why, it is the same class of men that was true to Joseph, those who have been true to God and the covenants they have made. Has God made any mistake? Read the revelations of the Almighty; they speak ...

I want to say to the young men and maidens of the Latter-day Saints, have no fears from what you hear through the outside world or from those who are professing to build up the kingdom of God, but who have not got the Priesthood as established by the Almighty through Joseph Smith. If you will do your duty all will be right. I am thankful for the privilege of living so long. I have seen the progress of this work almost from the commencement. I thank God for what I see to-day. I see ...