The position we profess to occupy as a religious body, is a subject
for profound reflection. We testify to having received a knowledge,
through the revelations of heaven, concerning the restoration of the
ancient Gospel and holy Priesthood, whereby we have been authorized to
preach by inspiration, and administer to the world the principles of
life and salvation. All profess to have experienced some understanding
or knowledge of this wonderful work, through divine blessing or
peculiar manifestation. In consequence of these divine intimations
which have followed the administration of this restored Gospel, this
vast audience of over twelve thousand people, are here assembled,
having gathered from many climes and nations. The Latter-day Saints
did not gather to these valleys for the purpose of knowing this Work
to be of God, but in consequence of having previously obtained this
inspired knowledge through the administrations of the Gospel in their
native lands. And having come to a knowledge of these important facts,
it certainly becomes us to be devoted to the work in which we are
engaged, and do our best to promote its interest. In building up the
kingdom of God, which is the work assigned us, our whole attention and
highest efforts are demanded, that we may be qualified, through the
Holy Spirit, to properly magnify our respective callings in the holy
Priesthood.
I wish this afternoon to confine my observations to the subject of our
temporal interests and obligations. Before we are prepared to return
to Jackson County, to build up the Center Stake of Zion, I believe
that a system or order of things will be introduced for our practice,
requiring more faith and devotion than, I fear, some of us possess at
the present moment. This will call forth a perfect submission in
respect to our temporal affairs, equal to that in which we now yield
ourselves in spiritual matters. This principle of devotion and
obedience in temporal affairs, as being connected with the plan of
eternal life, is fully illustrated in the conversation between the
Savior and the young man who applied for information on the subject of
salvation, recorded in the New Testament. On being questioned by this
young man what was required of him in order to inherit eternal life,
the Savior replied, "Thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not
commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false
witness, honor thy father and thy mother, and thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself." The answer was, that all these duties had been
performed from his earliest youth. But, still one thing was lacking to
make him perfect in the sight of the Savior, viz., to allow his means
and property to be controlled in the cause of God, and by the will of
God. "Sell all thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have
treasure in heaven, and follow me." But when the young man heard that
saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. In all
other duties he had been faithful and blameless, but in this, his
selfishness and love of riches held complete control, which called
forth the remark of the Savior, "It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God." This saying created great amazement among the
disciples, who asked, with astonishment, "Who then can be saved?"
This principle of submission, and being controlled in property matters,
is a doctrine which belongs to the Gospel and the building up of the
kingdom of God. It was preached and practiced in the Apostolic
dispensation, also by the Nephites upon this continent, after the
introduction among them of the Gospel in its fullness, as recorded in
the Book of Mormon. It was also a doctrine introduced to us, over
forty years ago, which we find set forth in various revelations
contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
This consecration, or yielding our temporal interests to be directed
for the work of the Lord, as being a fundamental element in the work
of salvation, and in the union and per fecting of the Saints, is very
clearly shown in the second and fourth chapters of the Acts of the
Apostles: "And all that believed were together, and had all things
common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all
men, as every man had need. Neither was there any among them that
lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them,
and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them
down at the Apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man
according as he had need." Ananias, and Sapphira his wife, also sold
their possessions, but fearing, perhaps, that this scheme of things
might not operate altogether successfully, they therefore concealed a
portion of their means, and made a false report, but were fearfully
punished for their duplicity and hypocrisy, showing that this
principle of consecration was acknowledged of the Lord, and that he
regarded disobedience with the utmost displeasure.
When the Church was established among the Nephites, as recorded in the
Book of Mormon, this doctrine was preached by them, and practiced
nearly two hundred years, resulting in peace, union, great prosperity,
and miraculous blessings, greater than were ever experienced by any
people of whom we have record. The most remarkable miracles were
constantly wrought among them; their sick were healed, and in some
instances their dead restored to life. These extraordinary
manifestations of the approbation of God continued so long as they
remained one in their temporal interest, or were controlled in their
financial matters according to the Order of Enoch. At the close of two
hundred years they began to separate their interests, and each one to
control his own financial affairs to suit his individual and selfish
pur poses. Upon this change, strife and divisions arose in
every quarter, wars ensued, and misery and total destruction followed.
The first starting point of these people in wickedness and apostasy,
appeared to be a disregard of this heavenly system of holding property
in common, and refusing to be controlled in temporal matters.
In the first instance referred to, in the case of the young man, he
cut himself off from the blessings of eternal life by refusing
submission to the Savior's counsels in reference to his possessions.
In the case of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, sudden destruction
visited them, in consequence of dishonesty and hypocrisy in those
matters. Also in the case of the Nephites, as we have seen, the whole
were destroyed by the judgment of God, after having ignored these
principles. But, we have an example in our own time, of the judgments
of God falling suddenly upon a people, because of refusing to comply
with this order of consecration.
In the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 18, page 146, the Lord
says: "And now I give unto you further directions concerning this
land. It is wisdom in me that my servant Martin Harris should be an
example unto the church, in laying his moneys before the bishop of the
church. And also, this is a law unto every man that cometh into this
land to receive an inheritance; and he shall do with his moneys
according as the law directs." Again, the Lord says, sec. 13, page
125: "If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my
commandments. And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate
of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart
unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken," &c.
Again, on page 235, the Lord says: "Verily I say unto you, the time has
come, and is now at hand; and behold, and lo, it must needs be that
there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing
the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this
place and in the land of
Zion—For a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my
church, to advance the cause, which ye have espoused, to the salvation
of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven; That you may
be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things
also, for the obtaining of heavenly things. For if ye are not equal in
earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; For if
you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must
prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and
required of you." Again, on page 288, the Lord says: "Behold, all
these properties are mine, or else your faith is vain, and ye are
found hypocrites, and the covenants which ye have made unto me are
broken; Snd if the properties are mine, then ye are stewards;
otherwise ye are no stewards."
But we learn that the Saints in that early period of our history,
refused to be governed in those matters. The Lord says, page 284:
"Therefore, inasmuch as some of my servants have not kept the
commandment, but have broken the covenant by covetousness, and with
feigned words, I have cursed them with a very sore and grievous curse.
For I, the Lord, have decreed in my heart, that inasmuch as any man
belonging to the order shall be found a transgressor, or, in other
words, shall break the covenant with which ye are bound, he shall be
cursed in his life, and shall be trodden down by whom I will;
For I the Lord am not to be mocked in these things." Also on page 295,
the Lord says—"Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the
transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not
individuals, they might have been redeemed even now. But behold, they
have not learned to be obedient to the things which I require at their
hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their
substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; And
are not united according to the union required by the law of the
celestial kingdom; And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the
principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot
receive her unto myself. And my people must needs be chastened until they
learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.
Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is
expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for
the redemption of Zion—That they themselves may be prepared, and that
my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know
more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require
at their hands."
Hence we learn that the Saints in Jackson County and other localities,
refused to comply with the order of consecration, consequently they
were allowed to be driven from their inheritances; and should not
return until they were better prepared to keep the law of God, by
being more perfectly taught in reference to their duties, and learn
through experience the necessity of obedience. And I think we are not
justified in anticipating the privilege of returning to build up the
Center Stake of Zion, until we shall have shown obedience to the law
of consecration. One thing, however, is certain, we shall not be
permitted to enter the land from whence we were expelled, till our
hearts are prepared to honor this law, and we become sanctified
through the practice of the truth.
The Lord required that those lands in Missouri should be obtained, not
by force, but by purchase, through the consecrations of the properties
of the Saints; and the manner was pointed out how these consecrations
should be made, but it was disregarded. I mention these points, partly
in view of their being intimately connected with the principles of
Cooperation, which is now strongly recommended by our President to
the attention of the Latter-day Saints in the various settlements of
the Territory.
I view cooperation, when properly understood and practiced, as being
a steppingstone to the Order of Enoch, and will enable the Saints who
receive it in a proper spirit, to gradually prepare themselves to
enter, in due time, more fully into the practice of principles
necessary to accomplish the building up of the kingdom of our God. We
must have experience in order to properly understand how to sustain
temporal institutions, and manage financial concerns, and wisely use
concentrated means. Cooperation is of little benefit unless the
people understand, appreciate, and feel disposed to sustain it; and in
order for this we must be taught and instructed in regard to its
object and advantages. "Wait a little season, for the redemption of
Zion, that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have
experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty and the
things which I require at their hands. For behold, I do not
require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in
a former commandment, even so will I fulfill, I will fight your
battles." But this he does require of us, that we attain to a devotion
of heart and sanctification of feeling, that we be willing that all
our substance be controlled by counsel for the advancement of the
kingdom of God. It is more than forty years since the Order of Enoch
was introduced, and rejected. One would naturally think, that it is
now about time to begin to honor it, and that we had gained sufficient
knowledge and experience in the Lord's dealings with us, to prepare us
with faith and devotion to cheerfully comply with all its principles
and requirements. But how many of us, upon such a requisition, would
follow the example of the young man referred to—turn away sorrowfully?
I notice the great interest which is now being taken by the Saints in
the various settlements in establishing cooperative institutions.
These embrace the great principles, in connection with the Order of
Enoch, which are intended to join together our hearts, feelings and
interests, and effectually build up the kingdom of God and redeem the
earth.
The people of Brigham City have been operating a number of years upon
these principles, and are beginning to derive therefrom various
financial advantages, as well as many spiritual blessings. The hearts
and feelings of the people are being considerably united through
practicing this system of cooperating in our temporal interest.
Honesty, ability and devotedness are required in order that
cooperation may be successfully carried out, and the Spirit and
wisdom of the Lord are necessary, as much so as in proclaiming the Gospel
or administering in its holy ordinances. Some Elders are very devoted
and wholehearted in going on missions and in most everything that
pertains to the advancement of the spiritual interests of the kingdom
of God, and almost blameless, and seemingly without fault, but,
strange to say, in temporal affairs they are highly remiss, if not
dishonest. When Saints feel like this they cannot act to advantage or
with profit in cooperation; they cannot inspire confidence nor
exercise a proper influence. In temporal administration, the same as
in spiritual, one should exhibit in his labors a self-sacrificing
principle when necessary, that is, he should show that he labors for
the interests of the people rather than for building up himself. With
this spirit one will be very sure to maintain an influence, and
instill into others the same character of feelings.
When one goes into cooperation with proper spirit and proper views,
to superintend or operate in any of its departments, he has a lawful
claim to the Spirit of inspiration, to aid him in his calling. We read
that Jacob, through his honesty of purpose, fair-dealing, and freedom
from selfishness, was assisted by an holy Angel with information how
to increase and multiply his flocks. It is far better to build up the
kingdom of God, in its temporal interests, by the Spirit of God and
the wisdom of God, than by the spirit of man and the wisdom of man; on
the latter principle we shall always fail, but on the former the
results will always be successful.
Our Cooperative Institution, at present, in Brigham City, comprises
eight distinct departments, and is generally very well sustained by
the people. It embraces a mercantile department, a tannery, a butcher shop, a boot and shoe shop, a woolen factory, a farm, a sheep
herd, a cattle herd, and a dairy. These branches aid in sustaining one
another. The profits of the mercantile department help to furnish the
necessary cash to carry on other industries—to purchase hides,
dyestuffs, cotton warps, &c., &c. The tannery supplies our boot and shoe
shop with what leather is required, and our sheep herd, in part, with
wool for our factory. A considerable share of our clothing is now
furnished at our factory, and our boots and shoes at the shoe shop,
and a sufficient supply of meat at the butcher shop, all of which can
be obtained on dividends, labor, or exchange of products. This is a
great blessing to the people, especially at the present time of
scarcity of money. Many of our manufactured articles are nearly as
fine as, and much more substantial than, the same class of imported
articles.
I engaged a suit of clothes, last fall, of a tailor in Brigham City,
the material of which was made at our woolen factory. I wore this as a
traveling suit through Europe and Palestine, and felt rather proud in
exhibiting it as a specimen of "Mormon" industry, amid the vales of
the Great West. While in France, we had an interview with President
Thiers and his cabinet; this was at Versailles, and it so happened I
then was dressed in this homemade suit, my aristocratic one being
locked in my trunk at Paris, twelve miles distant. It was agreed by
our party that I looked sufficiently respectable in my home product
boots and suit, to appear with them in the presence of the President
of the French Republic. I respected their judgment and honored their
decision. I was received by the President as cordially, and I believe
he shook hands with me as warmly and fervently, as though I had been
arrayed in superb broadcloth. In several other instances, in our
interviews with consuls and American ministers, and men of rank and
station, my reserved suit was not come-at-able, so I had an
opportunity of showing a specimen of what we are doing here in the
mountains, which was an occasion of both surprise and commendation. On
my return to London, this suit was nearly as good as when I left
Brigham City. I made a present of it to President Wells' son, one of
our missionaries now preaching in London.
Lest some of my friends in this audience, may imagine that I have
apostatized from these humble practices of sustaining home
institutions, permit me to say, that this suit I now wear, is not
imported broadcloth, as you probably imagine, but was made and
manufactured in Brigham City, and the boots I have on are those worn
through my Palestine tour, and nearly as good as when first put on in
Brigham City. We manufacture, per annum, over thirty thousand dollars
worth of various kinds of cloth, which is principally used by the
people of Brigham City, and in the adjacent towns and settlements.
This year we shall manufacture probably over fifteen thousand dollars'
worth of boots and shoes, which will be used in the same localities,
and in our dairy we will make over thirty thousand pounds of cheese,
equal in quality to any that can be imported.
Our Cooperative cattle herd, together with our sheep herd, and hogs
kept at the dairy, supply our butcher shop, and partially our tannery
with hides, and our woolen factory with the raw material. All these,
together with other branches of industry, working in union, afford us
important advantages in the present financial crisis, and
supply, in a great measure, our real wants in a way that is easily
come-at-able by the very poorest in the community.
The Bishops and presiding Elders, no doubt, many of them, will lead
out in cooperation, in view of which, I will simply say, much
prudence, carefulness, wisdom, patience and perseverance, aided by the
Spirit of God, will be necessary in operating upon these principles.
They need to enter upon this business with their whole heart and soul,
as upon a sacred mission. The people must be taught and led in all
kindness, and not forced into measures which they do not comprehend
and have no heart or willingness to enter. Move gradually, take one
thing at a time, make each, at least partially, successful, before
introducing another, in order that the advantages and object of what
we are doing may be felt and understood. The difficulty in obtaining
means to establish cooperation is not so great, perhaps, as that of
finding men of ability, wisdom and devotedness to manage in a proper
manner such means when gathered, and get the people up to that
standard of proper feeling and knowledge, to be comparatively
satisfied when their means are justly and wisely managed.
May the Lord bless us with his Holy Spirit, that we may be wise and
devoted in all our thoughts and administration, spiritual and
temporal. Amen.