as a rule, we regard the mother as the one who gives shape to the charac- ter of the child. I consider that the mother has a greater influence over her posterity than any other person can have. And the question has arisen sometimes, "When does this education begin?" Our proph- ets have said, "When the spirit life from God enters into the taber- nacle." The condition of the mother at that time will have its effect upon the fruit of her womb; and from the birth of the child, and all through life, the teachings and the example of the mother govern and control, in a great measure, that child, and her influence is felt by it through time and eternity.

There is a great destiny awaiting our young men. Therefore, they ought to be temperate; not drink whiskey, not chew or smoke tobacco, and not mingle with the drunken. And it is the duty of those who are not married to take these daughters of Zion to wife, when they arrive at a proper age. There are no better women on the face of the earth than those that dwell in these mountains of Israel. If there is any virtue anywhere, it exists among the women that live in Zion. The same with the men. Our young ladies are virtuous; their mothers are virtuous; and their fathers are virtuous. There may be exceptions; but the Lord has gathered together a people who are virtuous.

It is our duty to get married at the proper time. It is the law of God. Therefore, I would like to see you young men take these daugh- ters of Zion to wife.