Discourse 1890-04-05 [D-98]

President Woodruff

Stated that it had been customary for some time past to read reports and present the authorities of the Church to the general assembly on the last day of Conference. There would be a departure from that rule this time so as to reserve tomorrow exclusively for preaching, and the presentations would be made this afternoon.

President Wilford Woodruff

was the first speaker. Following is a brief synopsis of his discourse: I feel that every heart in this congregation should be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the blessings which we enjoy this morning, that so many of us have the privilege of meeting in this Tabernacle in peace and quietude to worship Him. Neither the President of this Church, nor his Counselors, nor the Twelve Apostles, nor any man who dwells in the flesh has any power of himself to instruct or edify the Saints; he can only do so by the power and blessing of the Almighty. We are all dependent upon the Lord. The Prophet Joseph was a humble man; he was chosen as one of the weak instruments in the hands of the Lord, raised up in this last dispensation to lay the foundation of this great Church and kingdom of God upon the earth. He was taught by the administration of angels. He knew full well that his strength lay in God and not in himself; and that is our condition at the present time. Whenever the President of this Church or any of those in authority feel in their hearts that the Lord cannot do without them in the carrying on of His work they stand on slippery ground. What did Joseph Smith say when Oliver Cowdery told him that he was the second apostle in this Church and kingdom and that if he left the Church it would fall? His reply was, "Oliver, you try it." Oliver Cowdery did try it, and he fell, but the kingdom did not. The Lord is not dependent upon any one man or any set of men for the carrying on of His work.

We have been called in this day a generation to go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to the Gentiles first and then to the house of Israel. This has been my lot. It