I have time to say but a few words. It is three years and a few days
since I was last here, and you are acquainted with the scenes we have
passed through since that short time.
I am rejoiced to meet and associate with the Saints. It is one of the
greatest privileges and blessings I can enjoy on the face of this
earth, to gather out from the wicked world with the Saints, and be far
away from the contaminating influence of the breath of the ungodly.
It is a great comfort to enjoy the privilege of passing day after day,
week after week, and month after month, without hearing the name of
God blasphemed. Here we have the privilege of sending the Gospel to
the utmost parts of the earth, of teaching our children righteousness,
of setting a righteous example before our neighbors, of associating
together, of praying with and for each other, and mingling our voices
in praising our God. Is not this a blessing? True, we are not entirely
free from wickedness; we are in a world of sin and iniquity.
All the inhabitants of the earth have wandered from the path of truth,
and it is our duty to lead our children and friends towards our Father
and God, to forsake the wickedness that is in the world, and promote
righteousness and the principles of life—the life of the body and of
the mind—the existence of the spirit and the body here and to all
eternity—to dwell with our Father and our God. Life is before us.
Here are the Saints, and the words of the Savior will apply to
them—"He that liveth and believeth in me shall never die." He does not
say that his body shall not crumble to dust. It will go back to its
mother earth, to be raised immortal—to be brought forth to enjoy the
light, glory, and presence of our Father and God, which we cannot
endure while we are in this mortal tabernacle. This body must be
purified and prepared to dwell in eternal burnings, for it is there
where our Father and God dwells in the perfection of glory, light, and
power.
Is it not a blessing to have schools in our community, where our
teachers can teach our children correct principles, and impart to them
education that will be useful? Is it not a blessing to associate with
each other and build up the kingdom of God? Is it not a blessing to
you, mothers, to raise up Prophets and Apostles—men filled with the
glory of God, to go forth and extend the work of our God?
Do I not realize, day and night, that I have the good feelings,
prayers, and faith of the Saints on the earth? I do. Let me enjoy the
fellowship of angels, of God, and of his Saints, and I am right.
You have my prayers continually for the welfare of the kingdom of God
on the earth.
May God bless you! I know that his blessings will rest upon you, if
you live for them. Amen.