Discourse 1884-10-04 [D-76]

THE DESERET NEWS.

APOSTLE WILFORD WOODRUFF

Said it is a consolation to know that we are engaged in the work of God; to live in this day when the eternal Priesthood has been committed to men, and when there is an organized Church of Christ on the earth. We should be thankful for the privileges we enjoy in this connection. But few people comparatively of any age have been ready to receive the testimony of Jesus Christ and receive His Gospel. It is a narrow path to walk in. As we have learned, no man can live Godly in Christ Jesus without suffering persecution. There has never been a more unpopular doctrine among humanity than that incorporated in the Gospel. Almost eighteen hundred years elapsed subsequent to the days of the ancient church established by Christ without any one having the privilege of beholding the face of a directly authorized servant of God. His authority has been again restored, however, and the command has been given to go forth and prune his vineyard for the last time. We occupy a different position from that of any people to whom a dispensation was ever committed. Each formerly has been dispelled—driven from the earth—because of the hold Satan has had over the hearts of men, but this dispensation cannot be removed. A promise has been given that it shall remain until the purposes of the Most High in relation to the earth and its inhabitants have been consummated.

We have been ordained of God to build temples, go therein and redeem our dead. This appears to be a special feature of this work, so far at least as its extent is concerned. We have had considerable experience in the organization of the Priesthood in its various ramifications. We have the various quorums in their order, and in the several organizations the brethren should meet often together and instruct each other in the duties of their callings. All men in their several capacities should improve thetr time and talents, that the power of God may be increased. The Word of Wisdom should be obeyed. The Spirit of God will not dwell in unholy temples. We are held responsible for the declaration of the Gospel to the Gentiles first and then to the House of Israel. We have gone to nearly every nation where openings could be made for the introduction of the Gospel, and our efforts must not be slackened. There are the Lamanites, who are a fallen and degraded people. God has given us a knowledge of the history of their fore fathers. We have endeavored to teach them to reform from shedding the blood of their fellowmen, and those instructions have had a salutary effect upon them. It is our duty to teach them both by precept and example. After the Gentiles entirely turn from the Gospel it will be taken to the Jews. How long it will be before that will take place does not appear. God has, as stated by President Taylor, greatly blessed us, and we should dedicate our entire substance to the Lord. We are all on this earth on missions, and we have no other legitimate business than to build up the Kingdom of God, concerning the glorious future of which we have no doubt, as it will prevail and stand forever, in accordance with the predictions of the prophets. The speaker continued to speak for some time upon the free agency of man and the promises of God to the faithful.