Brethren and Sisters—I have not a written oration to read before you,
but shall content myself with simply expressing the feelings that
pervade my breast on this interesting occasion. What I say, will come
at once from the fountain of my heart.
I have one thing to say particularly—that this is the best day I ever
saw in all my life. I realize that I am greatly blessed, in connection
with my brethren and sisters of this Church, that I am permitted to
live to see the present day, and to stand upon this rock, which is the
Northwest Corner Stone of a Temple that is to be built upon this
ground, which Stone we have laid in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I firmly believe that, as we stand upon this rock, so is the Church of
Latter-day Saints founded upon the rock of eternal ages. My continual
prayer and desire are, that we may live to see a Temple built to the
name of the Most High God. I feel myself honored of God and my
brethren, in having the opportunity of standing here today, in
speaking, and realizing what I have, since I came on the Temple
ground.
I hope we shall see the Capstone brought on with shouts of joy. I
believe we shall, if we remain faithful in the cause of truth.
I very well know that, at the commencement of the Temples that have
heretofore been built to the name of the Lord, by this people, the
devil has always moved his artillery with greater power and activity
at that time. This is the foundation of the fourth Temple that the
Latter-day Saints have laid; and I pray that we shall all feel nerved
up with power to accomplish the great and glorious work which we are
called to perform.
For my own part, I am sensible that I have not long to stay upon the
earth, but I have a great desire to live in connection with my
brethren, to see this Temple completed. I believe we shall.
My chief interest in living on the earth is to see the work of
the Lord prosper, and to assist all in my power to roll it forth; and
why I say this is the best day I ever saw upon the earth, is because
the prospects for the advancement of the kingdom of God are greater
now than ever I saw them before in my days. I have always, in all my
life, been desirous to see the cause of the Lord prosper on the earth,
but more especially so since I found a true Church founded by the
Prophet of God.
We have Prophets among us—a Seer and Revelator, and also Apostles of
Jesus Christ. Do I not know that I am standing this day in the
presence of the greatest men that are to be found upon the footstool
of God? My voice is now sounding in the ears of the greatest men that
are this side of eternity, and I know it. If I should stand before all
the kings, potentates, and princes of the earth, in one general
assembly, the comparison would not begin to bear with the present
occasion. They are men chosen by the people alone, and destitute of
the power of an eternal Priesthood. These are the mighty chieftains of
Israel, called and appointed by the Lord of Hosts, clothed with
salvation and eternal lives, and sent for a blessing to the faithful.
I am thankful and happy. I have not language sufficient at my command
to express, in full, my feelings. If I did not make a written oration,
it has fallen to my lot to make a few verbal remarks. I am proud to
stand here with my brethren, and pray that the power of the Spirit of
God may rest upon His people, that they may prosper exceedingly, and
bud and blossom like a fruitful bough upon the mountains. I have felt,
while these Stones were being laid, that the angels of God were round
about us. And may a convoy of them continually attend this holy spot,
until all the things we desire to do for the glory of our Heavenly
Father, and the extension of His cause on earth, are accomplished,
which is my prayer. Amen.