I have the privilege of making a few remarks to my brethren and
sisters, upon the condition that I stop speaking or pumping when the
pond is out. This may seem a singular introduction, but I feel
perfectly free and at home when I meet with you in general Conference.
I have enjoyed myself very much during this Conference, and I really
feel that we have been well instructed on the great principles of our
holy religion. I am fully satisfied that our brethren who have spoken
from this stand have laid before us the things that we need, and
especially for the benefit of those that are laboring in the different
portions of Utah, or, as I was about to say, in different portions of
Deseret.
I am proud of the name of being a Saint of God, for there is something
that is sweet—there is something that is glorious about it.
I rejoice that we have the privilege here in Deseret of naming our own
children when they are born; it is not so in the nations of the earth,
but here we have organized a State Government; the child is born and
we have given it a name, and it is one of our own choosing. We are a
blessed people. How are we blessed this morning? We are blessed by
being taught of the Lord; we are instructed in those things that
pertain to our peace; we are in possession of those heavenly
principles that have been so plainly laid before us; they are things
that immediately concern us as Saints of the Most High. If we have
been gathered here to these valleys of the mountains to be taught of
the Lord, if we do not have the spirit of humility, how can we be
taught? And if we are taught, what good will it do us? We require to
be in that state of mind that will render us susceptible of
instruction; then, at the close of this Conference we shall all have
it to say that we have been well paid for coming together to worship
the Lord, and we shall also feel that the teachings and instructions
have been applicable to our organizations and circumstances in the
different departments of the Holy Priesthood, which the Almighty has
conferred upon his servants in these last days.
I feel that it is indeed good to be here; it is good to listen—to
dwell and rejoice in the midst of this people, for this is the work of
the Lord; and we are the only people upon the face of the earth that
are so highly favored at the present time. We can meet together in
peace, as we are doing today, and worship God according to the
dictates of our own consciences; yes, here we can do this, where the
true liberty guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States is
fully carried out, and extended to all people who wish to reside in
our community.
I feel to take up the admonitions and treasure them up in my mind and
carry them home in my bosom. Every time that I come to a Con ference, I can see where I can do a little better, and discover where I
have been a little slothful in regard to the duties of my calling.
You are aware that I hail from the northern part of our flourishing
Territory (Cache Valley), and I am really proud of the county and of
the people who live there, and of the desire they have to aid and
assist in building up this kingdom.
With reference to the Quorums of High Priests and Seventies, I have to
say that we have them with us, and we try to make them a blessing to
the people. We have the piety, the principles, and order of the Gospel
among us, and I feel that such doctrine as was taught yesterday is a
blessing to the people who hear, and I know it. But where people are
trying to get all the honor, influence, and power to themselves it is
then a detriment instead of a blessing. Well, then, it behooveth us as
Elders, Presidents, and Bishops to lay these principles to heart and
have them riveted to our minds; to lie down and sleep and wake up
again with them fresh in our minds in the morning, and go forth
attending to the duties required of us by our callings in the
Priesthood; and then we will profit by these instructions. Do not let
us allow these wholesome teachings to go in at one ear and out of the
other.
I do not wish to make many remarks this morning, but I feel truly
thankful to God and my brethren that I hold a standing in this
kingdom, and I intend to labor and do all I can for the spread of
truth, and strive to the best of my ability to endure unto the end.
And may this be our happy position and desire is the sincere prayer of
your brother in the New Covenant, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
- Ezra T. Benson