Discourse 1890-04-06 [D-32]

President Wilford Woodruff said: Before this Conference closes there is a subject I wish to say a few words upon. Brother Cannon has to-day laid before us the truth with regard to the ordinances of the Holy Gospel, the revelations of Jesus Christ and the principles pertaining to the salvation of this people, which are revealed to us in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and are given through the living oracles. Paul says there is but one Gospel, and "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other Gospel than that which I have preached unto you, let him be accursed." [##Galatians 1:8-9##] Whenever there has been any baptism from the days of Father Adam, or Moses, when he crossed the Red Sea, down to the days of Jesus Christ, and Joseph Smith, it has always been the same. There has never been any change in the Gospel ordinances, in baptism or repentance; no change in the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There has never been any change in the manner of receiving them; no change in the reception of the Holy Ghost. It is so in every age and generation of the world. There is no change in the holy resurrection of the children of men from the grave. These principles have all been reserved for us. I wish to say that in my acquaintance in this Church, I have seen men, from time to time rise up and try to be servants of God. They try to explain things they know nothing about, to make themselves appear clever. There is a great deal of this kind of thing in this age. There was one of the leading Elders of the Church who went before the people and undertook to preach certain principles. Joseph heard of it and desired him to present the doctrine to him in writing. He wrote it, and when he completed it read it to the Prophet. He asked Joseph what he thought of it. "Why," said Joseph, "it is a beautiful system, I have but one fault to find with it—" What is that, Brother Joseph?" Joseph said— "It is not true." So I say, every little while someone, thinking he is smart, tries to teach something that is not in the Doctrine and Covenants and Church works, and which is not true.

I, myself, sat for over two hours once in a meeting-house, in St Louis, listening to a prominent Elder of this Church, who had called the people together to preach to them the doctrine of the, what was called, "baby resurrection." He preached to two or three thousand people, and there was not a word of truth in the doctrine. I thought he ought to know better. In the afternoon I was called upon to speak. After meeting there were a great many people gathered round me and asked what I thought of the man's sermon. I replied, it is all nonsense. Well, that is just how I felt. It is no benefit in this world for men to preach such false doctrine. And now, every little while, I hear of some one of the Elders, who wishes to be considered smart, trying to teach something they know nothing about.

The Elders have a world of truth to preach about. There is enough revealed to fill the whole earth as long as you live. Preach the truth as you understand it. Do not speculate on things you know nothing about, for it will benefit no one. If you listen to false doctrine you will be led away by false spirits. Remember and observe this, and you will be all right. Keep in the paths of truth, and all will be well with you.

I pray God to bless you, my brethren and sisters. We have had a good time during this Conference. We have had many testimonies, and they are true. Let us lay them to heart, and be not discouraged. Rely upon the Lord and you will be all right. Salvation is here; the kingdom of God is here, the Gospel is here; the Zion of God is here; the work of God is upon the earth. It is being built up and established. Let us do our duty, trusting in God, and we will be brought off triumphant. And when we get through we will be satisfied with our labors in the flesh, and the Lord's dealings with us. I hope we will so conduct ourselves and carry out the principles of salvation, that we may gain eternal life, which may God grant, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.