THE DESERET NEWS.
REMARKS
By Elder WILFORD WOODRUFF, Bowery,
Sunday Afternoon, .
REPORTED BY JOHN V. LONG.
Brethren and sisters, we are blest above all
other people upon the face of the earth, not
only temporally but spiritually. I consider
any people blest of the Lord to whom he has
revealed the gospel of Jesus Christ, to whom
he has given the holy priesthood and authori-
ty to administer in the ordinances of his house.
That people are greatly blest, far above their
fellow men who do not enjoy this privilege.
I consider this to be our position to-day; we
have the privilege of walking in the light, we
have the privilege of comprehending and
knowing the tru[t]h, of knowing the way to be
saved and exalted in the presence of our Fa-
ther and God. We are in a position to know
his mind and will, through his servants the
the prophets. The Lord has given unto us
teachers and inspired men, men who are in-
spired by the spirit and power of God; clothed
them with truth and endowed them with wis-
dom to teach us at all times the path we
should walk in. This is a great blessing
whether we realize it or not.
The Lord looks down upon our work and
considers our ignorance, and so do those holy
beings who surround his throne, but yet
we know enough to do our duty, magnify
our calling and fulfill the object of our crea-
tion. And any man or community who
have the gospel of Christ, the holy priest-
hood and the power of the Holy Ghost that
we have, possess a great advantage over
the world, for they do not comprehend,
they do not see nor understand the things
that await them. They do not understand the
dealings of God with them in any respect.
It is not so with the Latter Day Saints, for as
long as they continue to receive the truth their
minds are opened to understand the character
of the day and age in which we live, and all
those trying scenes that are approaching us;
the veil is taken from off the face of the earth,
and we see things, to some extent, as they
are.
We have received the gift of the Holy Chost
by the laying on of hands, and the veil of
darkness, of doubt and fear is takon from our
minds, and we can see clearly where to go and
what to do, and we feel that our spirit is right,
that we are acceptable before the Lord our
God, and are the subjects of his blessings.
When sitting here and listening to the words
of the servants of God I reflect day by day on
the things of God that are revealed to us, and
I am inevitably led to the conclusion that
there is no people upon the face of the earth
enjoying such great blessings as the Almighty
has bestowed upon us. The heavens are full
of blessings, and the Lord is willing to bestow
them upon us. The hearts of the servants of
God are full of blessings, comfort and edifying
words for the saints. Then it is certainly
our duty to make a right use of the knowledge
we have received and to acknowledge the
hand of the Lord in all things. We should try
to gain wisdom, knowledge and understand-
ing, and from the experience we are hav-
ing while in this great school. This would
stimulate us to action, and inasmuch as we do
this, and walk in the light of truth we shall
be satisfied, and continue to do as we have
been taught. By pursuing this course in our
connection with the work of God we are en-
abled to drink of that well of water that
springs up into everlasting life.
I do not believe that any man in the world
who has power, wealth, influence and a good
understanding of things is satisfied with the
present confused state of the world, either
religiously or politically, neither do I believe
that a man who does not know God nor the
principles of eternal life and salvation; a man,
for instance, that has come to an understand-
ing of the world, and that has received the
benefits of civilization, as understood by the
great mass of christendom; I do not, I say,
believe that such a man is or can be satisfied.
I can readily believe that the professors of re-
ligion are not fully satisfied in their minds and
feelings, unless they have partaken of that
life which is made manifest by the gift and
influence of the Holy Ghost. And we have
an abundance of evidence to prove that the
world are not satisfied with their condition,
not even those that are seeking the pleasures
of life, we frequently hear them complaining
of the state of affairs at the present time.
Man possesses a spirit that must endure
forever, a spirit that comes from God, and in-
asmuch as he is not fed from that same source
or power that created him he is not and can-
not be satisfied. I can say from my own ex-
perience, that although I sought for the truth
diligently I was never satisfied until I heard
the fulness of the gospel proclaimed by the
Lord's chosen servants. I had no inspired
man to say "this is the way, walk ye in it."
It is true that I could read the Bible, I could
pray and to some extent know what was right
and proper for me to do, at least so far as
moral religion was concerned. I enjoyed a
portion of that spirit which in those days
would lead a man to do good to his fellow
man, but of course I had not the knowledge of
God. But in these days when the holy priest-
hood is restored to us we have no excuse for
saying that our minds are not satisfied, for
the blessings are given to us, they are within
our reach, and it is your privilege and mine to
enjoy them.
I feel to rejoice greatly in the blessings of
the gaspel that are given to us, and that we
can behold so visibly the hand of God in his
dealings with this people. He has fought
our battles and given us the victory.
We are all sensible of our imperfections,
but notwithstanding these things the Lord has
been true to his word; he is fulfilling his word,
and has been doing this from the beginning.
When I look at these things my heart rejoices,
and I feel to give thanks to the Lord and to aid
all I can in the building up of his kingdom.
We can enjoy the true comforts of the Holy
Ghost, we should honor our calling and be
true to the covenants we have made. If we
attend to our duties and walk humbly before
the Lord, we shall be satisfied with life, and
with the manifestations of the goodness of
God unto us.
Let me advise you, brethren and sisters, to
improve in everything that is good, perform
every duty devolving upon us, and we
shall have much joy and consolation at the
close of this probation in knowing that we
have done the best we could, that we have
acted up to the best light we had. It certain-
ly must be a satisfaction to us to know that
we are building up the kingdom of God, to
know that we are seeking to overcome the
powers of darkness, and all evil that prevails
upon the face of the earth, in our day and gen-
eration. This gospel has been offered to the
present generation, it has been offered to the
christian world, and almost all the nations
have heard it in some way or other, and they
now have the privilege of receiving or reject-
ing it.
This people have received the word with
joy and gladness, and many of them have
brought forth fruit to the honor and glory of
God, and have been valiant in the cause of
Jesus Christ; they are friends of God, friends
to themselves and to their fellow men. But
when men reject the gospel, the gifts, the
promises and blessings that are presented and
offered unto them, they come short of their
duty and are under condemnation.
The Lord has said by the revelator John,
in speaking of this work, that at the hour of
of his judgment he would send an angel, who
should fly through the midst of heaven with
the everlasting gospel to preach to every na-
tion, kindred, tongue and people, crying with
a loud voice, saying fear God, and give glory
to him, for the hour of his judgment is come.
The Almighty has in this way warned this
generation, and told them what the result
of rejecting the gospel of Christ would be.
Still many in the world have sought to destroy
this work from the earth, as well as those who
have been its advocates.
Scores and hundreds of the elders of Israel
have been faithful and true to their integrity,
and for this they will have their reward, while
the wicked will perish. I do feel thankful
that so many of us have cleared our garments
of the blood of this generation; and I rejoice
that we are located here in these valleys of
the mountains. I do not know that I could be
in any better place than this. We are shut
up in these chambers of the mountains in
fulfillment of the words of the Lord, and he
has led us all the time, he has marked out
our course and directed our footsteps. Br.
Joseph Smith, br. Brigham Young and all our
leaders have been inspired from the beginning
to give counsel and to do those things that
have been required of them, and they were
led here by the inspiration of the Almighty,
as much so as Moses, or any others who have
held the priesthood. President Young prophe-
cied the deliverance of this people, and his
words were backed up by the testimony of the
Holy Ghost, when, to all human appearance
there was no arm could save us, and we were
delivered by the power of God. If we live our
religion we shall see more manifestations of
the goodness and power of God.
It is our privilege to follow the dictates of
the spirit of the Lord, and to have it for our
guide and companion, and by doing this the
blessings of the heavens will be upon us as
fast as we are prepared to receive them.
I know that the devil seeks to overthrow
this people, and it seems that the powers of
darkness have, to a great extent, prevailed in
their attempts to control the hearts of the
children of men. For many generations the
powers of darkness have had almost universal
sway, but I thank God that I have lived to
see the day when the kingdom of God has
been set up upon the earth, and that it is no
more to be thrown down forever. Men with
wicked hearts may seek to pull down the
cause of truth, but all their efforts will be in
vain, for the blessing of the Almighty is upon
his saints, the inspiration of the heavens is
upon his servants, and they will overcome the
powers of temptation and of the adversary.
It is verily true that we have a warfare to
engage in, for Satan seeks to engage in one
with us, with our children, and with all the
rising generation,—the hope of Israel, and of
the prophets and apostles of this kingdom.
I feel that the time has come when we shall
prevail, and I rejoice in it. I feel that the
Lord is going to bless this people abundantly.
The minds of the saints are expanding and
they are coming to understanding. This cer-
tainly should be the case as we advance, for
the Lord will make a short work in the last
days, and there is but little time, if I may be
allowed the saying, to have the words of the
prophets fulfilled.
There is a good spirit here. The righteous-
ness and truth, and the power of God are now
prevailing over the wickedness of the profane
and the iniquity of the depraved, and the
power of the devil is fast giving way and los-
ing its hold on this people. The power of
God is in the ascendant, and the faith of the
saints holds the powers of darkness at bay,
so that they cannot carry out their evil de-
signs in the midst of Zion. This is a conso-
lation to me, and my heart rejoices in these
things, and I can say truly that I feel happy
and comfortable, and I pray that the Lord will
sustain and uphold those that are set to lead
us. The Lord is their guide, and there is not
a man nor a woman in Israel but who knows
that they are governed and controlled by the
power of God, if they are living up to their
privileges.
Israel was not always led with the same
degree of clearness and understanding that we
enjoy in our day. This is a great blessing to
us, and we ought to be faithful, and full of
thankfulness. I feel happy in saying that I
know our leaders are upheld by the prayers of
the brethren and sisters, not only in this Ter-
ritory but throughout the world. This is right,
and just as it should be, for it is our duty in our
secret places, in our family prayers; to remem-
ber the Lord's annointed and chosen servants;
and we should not only pray for them, but for
each other; be full of faith, prayer and confi-
dence; and manifest our faith by carrying out
the counsel that is given by the leaders of this
people. Yes, brethren and sisters, it is a
good day and generation in which we live; it
is a good time to worship God and live faith-
ful to our religion, and this is a most splendid
place in these valleys of the mountains for us to
live and improve. We are blest with good land,
with water and timber, and here we have the
privilege of saving our children, and this is a
great blessing unto us. If we set a good example
before our children, and try to instruct them
from their childhood to maturity; teach them
to pray and to honor the Almighty; teach
them those principles that will sustain them
in the midst of all trials, that the spirit of the
Lord may rest upon them, and then they will
not easily be led astray. Good impressions
will follow them through life, and whatever
principles may be presented those good im-
pressions will never leave them.
I have long been satisfied that the devil was
making great exertions to drive a wedge in
between parents and children, trying to in-
spire and instil into the minds of the sons
and daughters of the saints those corruptlng
notions that will prevent them from following
the footsteps of their fathers and mothers,
but this cannot be done! The sons and daugh-
ters of this people, if we do our duty, will be
held by the strength and in the name of Isra-
el's God.
I have looked upon this matter a great deal,
and I have concluded that there never was a
generation of people upon whose shoulders
rested greater responsiblities than rest upon
this people, and than must rest upon their sons
and daughters. If this be true, how import-
ant it is that we should be wise fathers and
mothers, and that we should act wisely in in-
stilling into their youthful minds all those
principles that will lead them to that which
is just, and to carry out in their lives the prin-
ciples of righteousness and truth. Many of
our children have not had experience in the
world; they know nothing of the scenes and
corruptions that are among the wicked; they
do not realize their present positions, nor the
blessings conferred upon them by their parents
having obeyed the fulness of the gospel.
We who have gained experience see the
darkness and abominations that are in the
hearts of men, but our children, not being able
to contrast the evil with the good, cannot see
and realize the blessings they enjoy in being
under the influence of teachers in Israel; I do
not refer to their parents alone, but those who
lead and govern in the midst of Israel.
I have felt for a long time and I think I have
realized to some extent, that the duties rest-
ing upon us are very great, and that we ought
to strive to improve in wisdom and knowledge
and in the principles of government in order
that we may know how to be fathers, mothers
and saviors, and learn how to be councilors,
and how to preside, not only in our own family
circles, but wherever we may be called to
act. It is a great thing to know how to act
so as to gain the feelings and affections of our
families, that will lead them in the path
wherein they may be saved. This is a study
and a work that should not be laid aside by
parents, nor by the Elders in Israel.
Many tlmes we may consider business so
urgent that it must crowd these things out of
our minds, but this should not be. Any man's
mind that is open, and who looks forward to
the work that lies before us, will see and feel
that the responsibility that rests upon him
concerning his own family, and especially in
the rearing up of his children, is very great.
We want to save our children, and to have
them partake of all the blessings that en-
circles the sanctified, to have them receive the
blessings of their parents who have been faith-
ful to the fulness of the gospel. We do not
want them to go through all the routine of
false doctrines and erroneous systems that we
have had to wade through in our generation.
This is the way we feel in regard to our
present position, and I feel that God will
bless us inasmuch as we strive to improve and
listen to council. It is our duty to pray before
the Lord, and to teach those principles when-
ever we have an opportunity. And I feel to
thank the Lord, and to rejoice in seeing as
many as there are who are willing to listen to
the counsel of their parents; for I realize that
when they are called upon to act in their
priesthood and ministry, they would be ready
and willing to listen to the counsel of their
brethren, and thus they will be the means of
saving the rising generation.
I pray that the Lord may bless us and give
us largely of his spirit, that our minds may
be clear to see and comprehend this great
work. This kingdom is but yet a very small
stone, comparatively speaking; it is not yet
a great mountain, neither has it filled the
whole earth, but as the Lord lives, it will.
This is how I feel, and I sincerely desire that
we may have our minds opened upon the sub-
ject of the building up of the kingdom of God.
In this we shall have joy, no matter whether
in prosperity or adversity; so long as we do
our duty the Lord will protect us, and the
powers of evil will have no dominion over us,
but our hearts will be buoyant and we shall
rise step by step in wisdom, knowledge and
power until we shall be able to build up the
temples of our God, behold the law of the
Lord, go forth from Zion, and the word of the
Lord from Jerusalem. This law he intends
that we should receive to prepare us for the
coming of the great bridegroom. In both our
temporal and spiritual labor we should seek to
know the mind and will of God concering us;
we should have the Spirit of the Lord with us
continually, and our mediations should be
righteous and holy before the Lord.
We cannot go to reap our crops and wor-
ship the devil one day, and then the next
go into the Tabernacle or temple of the Lord
and worship him. That is not our religion, it
does not admit of this; we cannot feel justi-
fied in such conduct, but if we live our religion
the blessings of Almighty God will be with
us, and he will multiply them upon our heads.
I hope and pray that each and all of us may
do this, that we may seek to sustain each
other, and those whom the Lord has placed
over us, which may God grant for Christ's
sake. Amen.