| 1011 of fruit trees, while they are small. But as they expand toward maturity, they must needs be transplanted, in order to have room to grow and produce the natural fruits. It is so with us. We want a country where we have room to expand, and to put in requisition all our energies and the enterprise and talents of a numerous, intelligent and increasing people.-In our natural state, ask yourselves if you could be brought to endure and enjoy a celestial law, without an experience of the kind we have passed through for the last fifteen years?
In short, this people are fast approaching that point which ancient prophets have long since pointed out as the destiny of the saints of the last days.
After many other spirited remarks touching similar points, he was succeeded by Elder George A. Smith, on the same subject. Elder Smith observed that a revelation was given in Missouri in regard to the saints consecrating their property which was not understood at the time; but they were soon brought to their understanding, for they were compelled to leave it.
He is glad of the prospect of leaving this county and seeking a place where we can enjoy the fruits of our labors and God himself be the sole proprietor of the elements.
Here is one principle in which he wants this whole people to unite. When we were to leave Missouri the saints entered into a covenant not to cease their exertions until every saint who wished to go was removed, which was done.
We are better off now than we were then, and he wants to see the same principle carried out now, that every man will give all to help to take the poor; and every honest industrious member who wants to go. He wants to see this influence extend from the West to the East sea. After which,
President B. Young moved, that we take all the saints with us to the extent of our ability, that is, our influence and property; seconded by Elder Kimball, and carried unanimously.-Elder B. Young continued; if you will be faithful to your covenant, I will now prophesy that the great God will shower down means upon this people, to accomplish it to the very letter. I thank God, that the time has come so much sooner than I expected, that that scripture is being fulfilled, "My people shall be willing in the day of my power" and I a most [almost] feel to thank our friends abroad for hastening it on now.
Elder P. P. Pratt made some remarks relative the brethren being all on a level when they left Missouri. He referred to the Whitmer family monopolizing timber; advised liberally with wood.
Elder H. C. Kimball moved, that every man who owned a wood lot should, on application, let the poor, the sick, and the needy who wanted wood, have it; and those who have teams should assist in hauling it to them; seconded and carried unanimously.
It was requested by President Young, that no man go into another's woods, without the consent of the owner; and then take it clean and be careful of the timber.
Benediction by W. W. Phelps, and adjourned until to-morrow at ten A. M.
TUESDAY, OCT. 7TH, 1845.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment a [at] 10 A. M. Meeting called to order by President of the stake. Choir sung a hymn. Prayer by Elder Phelps. Choir then sung another hymn.
Elder Heber C. Kimball then addressed the Conference. This is a hard place for any one to speak in, and there are many things still necessary to lay before this conference. For my part I am done preaching to this nation; at least for the present. I have been forth through the United States and Europe, in fact, I have spent my whole time at it, since I came into the Church. It is now all council for me.-We have a great many things to say to day; -and I, suppose we shall always have plenty to do. I presume many have got out of business; but we will now have work enough, to get ready to go to some other country; to get there, and to plough [plow] our fields when we get there. I have seen people crying, and weeping, and mourning, because they had nothing to do; but when we leave this place, you will never have cause to weep, for not having anything to do, from this time forth, and forever more, if you are faithful to your calling. I am glad the time of our Exodus is come; I have looked for it for years. It is necessary for us to be faithful and humble, and if we listen to counsel we shall prosper. And although we leave all our fine houses and farms here, how long do you think it will be before we shall be better off than we are now? I have no farm to leave; I never had that privilege.-Many of the brethren have farms; but there are many who have spent their whole time, in the service of the church, for fourteen or fifteen years, who never had a farm. When we get a new country, some of these old veterans will be looked after first; and I rejoice in it. We are now about coming to the apostolic religion; i.e., you will sell all, and come and lay it down at the Apostle's feet. But it has taken a good scourging for fifteen years to bring us to this
.
(page 1011) |