Address to the Saints.--Responsibility of those holding
the Priesthood.--Eternal prospects.--The best policy in
governing.--Priesthood to be honored.--By benefiting others we
benefit ourselves.--Must pass through suffering.--Must be pure and
humble.--Need patience.--Estimation of F. D. Richards.--His wise
policy.--Progress of the mission.--Expression of gratitude.--The Editor
speaks.--Lorenzo's courage and faithfulness.
The following is an address of my brother, to the Saints in Great
Britain, as he was about to leave England to return to his mission:
_Beloved Saints_:
A short sojourn in this land has served to bind more closely those
feelings of interest which must ever be called into action during an
intimate acquaintance with the Saints. As the period now approaches
when, for other climes, I must bid adieu to the kindly smiling faces
and warm hearts of the brethren in the British Isles, I can but express
my deep and heartfelt wishes for the prosperity and continued progress
of the work in this country, and the well-being and happiness of all
those who have the privilege of co-operating in the great and glorious
cause of spreading light and intelligence amongst the children of men.
To my brethren in the Priesthood I beg to offer a few words of
counsel, instruction and exhortation. Upon you rest high and sacred
responsibilities, which relate not only to the salvation of this
generation, but of many past generations, and many to come. The
glorious ensign of Emanuel's Kingdom, once again established in the
world, must be unfurled in every nation, kingdom, and empire: the
voice of warning--the voice of the Bridegroom, "Prepare ye, prepare
ye the way of the Lord," must be carried forth unto all people. You
are the ones whom the Lord has chosen for this purpose, even the horn
of Joseph, to "push the people together." Surely you cannot be too
anxiously, nor too industriously engaged, seeking the best, the manner
most useful to yourselves and mankind, to magnify your holy and sacred
offices.
It is the Priesthood that will give you character, renown, wisdom,
power, and authority, and build you up here below among the children
of men; and above, exalt you to peace and happiness, to thrones and
dominions, even through countless eternities. This world, in its
kingdoms and empires, possesses, in some small degree, glory and
greatness, faintly shadowing forth what exists in regions above: but
here, with these, are associated little happiness and little durability.
The world we seek offers to its inhabitants unfading glory, immortal
renown, and dominions of continued increase, where families grow into
nations, nations into generations, generations into worlds, worlds into
universes: this is _the path_ of the Priesthood--_the path_ of the Holy
Ones. Well did the Apostle say, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive the things
that God hath prepared for them that love Him, but God hath revealed
them unto us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea,
even the deep things of God."
Authoritative rule is not the proper code by which to govern Saints,
but rather seek to rule in the spirit of humility, wisdom and goodness,
teaching not so much by theory as by practice. Though one teach
with the eloquence of an angel, one's good acts and good examples,
constantly manifesting whole-heartedness for the interests of the
people, teach much more effectively, if not more eloquently. Very few
indeed have enough moral courage to be strictly honest, faithful,
virtuous and honorable in all positions--those few will hold the
Priesthood and receive its fulness, but no others.
Purity, virtue, fidelity, and godliness must be sought ambitiously, or
the crown cannot be worn. Those principles must be incorporated with
ourselves--woven into our constitutions--becoming a part of us, making
us a centre, a fountain of truth, of equity, justice, and mercy, of
all that is good and great: that from us may proceed the light, the
life, the power, and the law to direct, to govern and assist to save
a wandering world--acting as the sons of God, for and in behalf of
our Father in heaven. We expect, in the resurrection, to exercise the
powers of our Priesthood--we can exercise them only in proportion as we
secure its righteousness and perfection. These qualifications can be
had only as they are sought and obtained; so that in the morning of the
resurrection we will possess those acquisitions only which we secure in
this world! Godliness cannot be conferred, but must be acquired--a fact
of which the religious world seem strangely and lamentably unconscious.
Seek to benefit others, and others will seek to benefit you--he
that would be great, let him be good, studying the interests of
the whole--becoming the servant of all, whereby he will secure to
himself much of the wisdom and power of God, and the love, esteem and
veneration of His people.
The Elders must become persons of the highest responsibility. The
happiness of people, nations, and of generations, will depend upon
the right and faithful exercise of the powers of their offices. If,
in a lower sphere of action, they fail to be trustworthy, who will
depend upon them in the higher? In view of the vast responsibilities
to be placed upon men in this high calling, they are in a measure
left to themselves, to act upon their agencies. If they pass onward
to the close of this probation, without being overthrown by evil
powers, keeping their spirits pure, and, through the power of the Holy
Ghost, educate themselves in those qualifications essential to such
exaltations, in due time God will elevate them to those positions.
In all your acts and conduct, ever have the consciousness that you are
now preparing and making yourselves a life to be continued through
eternities. Act upon no principle that you would be ashamed or
unwilling to act upon in heaven--employ no means in the attainment of
an object that an enlightened conscience disapproves. When feelings
and passions excite you to action, let principles pure, honorable
and virtuous govern you. We are the children of God, begotten in His
likeness; therefore, brethren, "Let the same mind be in you which was
also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God." The children of God were introduced
into this world, "not willingly subject to vanity," pains and sorrows.
but to do the will of the Father, and obtain a glory, a heavenly
inheritance, to become one with God. "And he that hath this hope in
him, purifieth himself even as God is pure."
We are here that we may be educated in a school of suffering and
trials, which school was necessary for Jesus, our elder Brother, who,
the Scriptures tell us, "was made perfect through suffering." It is
necessary that we suffer in all things, that we may be qualified and
worthy to rule, and govern all things, even as our Father in heaven,
and His eldest Son, Jesus. God has revealed to us the mystery which
all the world seek after, but fail of obtaining because of pride,
wickedness and the power of Satan darkening their minds, viz: the path
of salvation and the happiness of our being.
And now, where is the man among you, having once burst the vail and
gazed upon the purity, the might, majesty and dominion of a perfected
man, in celestial glory, will not cheerfully resign mortal life--suffer
most excruciating tortures--let limb be torn from limb, sooner than
resign or dishonor his Priesthood. In truth did the Savior utter this
parable: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchantman seeking
goodly pearls, and having found one of great price, went and sold all
he had to buy it." "And again, like unto a man finding a treasure
in a field, sold all he had and purchased that field." The glory
revealed to our view, and which we seek, is tangible--it can be felt,
seen and heard; but its length, its breadth, its majesty, peace,
joy and happiness, surpass all understanding: tongue cannot express
it--language fails to portray the vastness of its extent.
To the Saints I would affectionately add: Your prospects, in every
respect, are the most encouraging. The Lord, who fails not in His
promises, has undertaken your deliverance, spiritual and temporal, and
you are witnesses of the accomplishment of the first. Your fetters of
superstition and priestcraft have burst asunder--the false and dark
mantle of tradition has been rent--you have been shown the Mother of
Harlots, and her daughters, in all their characteristic ignorance,
folly and filthiness, and have hearkened to and obeyed the voice, "Come
out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, that ye
receive not of her plagues." Your hearts, your thoughts and feelings
are no longer associated with those Babylonish schemes which bind
thought and reason, making it blasphemy for man to dare speak of the
nobility of his birth and the true being of his Father in heaven. You
feel that you are delivered and restored to reason, and to yourselves,
under the government of but one law--that which makes you free, even
the law of glorious Truth--the word and will of God, by whom we all
are begotten children of one great Parent; yea, in this that we are
made free, will we lift up the voice and make melody with thanksgiving
to our God, that He has listened to the cries of His people, and sent
forth His messengers with the fulness of the Gospel, to redeem and
save, and glorify His elect--make them kings and priests unto God, in
heaven and over earth, that thereby He might bring to pass, in due
time, His good will and purposes respecting all the families of mankind.
As the Lord has made you spiritually free, herein you have assurance,
also, of your temporal deliverance. However great may be your poverty,
how stupendous your difficulties, it matters little, the word has gone
forth in your favor, and no opposing arm can stay its course. Zion must
be established, her lands inhabited, her cities built, her Temples
reared, and her sons become mighty; that she may rise "fair as the
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." And all
nations shall fear and tremble, and stand afar off in the day of her
majesty.
"But you have need of patience, that after you have done the will
of God, you may receive the promise," a caution which should not be
forgotten. Many of you may have severe trials, that your faith may
become more perfect, your confidence be increased, and your knowledge
of the powers of heaven be augmented; and this before your redemption
takes place. If a stormy cloud sweep over the horizon of your course
in this land, as in America--if the cup of bitter sorrow be presented
and you be compelled to partake--if Satan is let loose among you,
with all his seductive powers and cunning craftiness--if the strong
arm of persecution is raised against you, then, in that hour lift up
your heads and rejoice that you are accounted worthy to suffer with
Jesus, the Saints and Prophets of old; and know that the period of your
redemption approaches.
I feel, my brethren and sisters, to exhort you with heartfelt
expression. Be of good cheer--be not disheartened, for surely the
day rapidly approaches when your tears shall be dried, your hearts
comforted, and you shall reap the products of your labors--sit under
your fig tree and in the shade of your vine unmolested, and no more
feel the hand of tyranny. You shall possess the riches and fat of
the land, gold and silver, fields and vineyards, flocks and herds,
houses and palaces; your sons shall grow up as plants of renown, your
daughters as polished stones, that you may boast yourselves in all the
glory of the Gentiles. And unto you, verily, shall the Scripture be
fulfilled, "_Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and its righteousness,
and all these things shall be added_."
Be honest, be virtuous, be honorable, be meek and lowly, courageous and
bold. Cultivate simplicity, be like the Lord: hold to the truth through
fire and sword--torture and death. Act honorably towards all men, for
they are our brethren--a part of the family of God, but are ignorant
and blind, having forgotten their God and their covenants with Him in
eternity.
I feel to express, in the highest terms, my sanction and approbation
of F. D. Richards' presidency of the British Isles. The wise, prudent,
and proper spirit and manner in which he has conducted the editorial
department merits the warmest meed of praise. The many interesting
and useful publications he has issued, together with the enlarged and
much improved edition of the hymns used by the Saints, in addition to
his other labors, furnish a true testimony of his indefatigable zeal
and enterprising spirit. The deep interest he has taken in forwarding
our foreign missions, has secured to him not only the warmest thanks
and feelings of gratitude from us on whom is laid the heavy burdens
and responsibilities of those missions, but from thousands and tens
of thousands whose deliverance from sectarian bondage is now being
effected in all those extended fields of our foreign labors.
In the arrangement of conferences, much wisdom has been displayed in
selecting good and faithful men to preside over them--men who will do
well for the Saints generally, thereby lightening and relieving the
anxieties and responsibilities of the Presidency as far as possible. My
long acquaintance with President Richards gives me the most unqualified
confidence in his wisdom, excellence of heart and mind, and entire
devotion to the work and service of the Lord, and faithfulness in his
honorable position. His counselors I know to be wise men, and men of
God, and as such I recommend them to the confidence and esteem of the
brethren.
Respecting the progress of those missions I have undertaken, the
prospect in the future, and the field of labor I have assigned to
the various Elders, it may be gratifying to the Saints to have the
following particulars, that their faith and prayers in behalf of
them may ever be kept in lively exercise. Elder Willis, whom I have
appointed to take charge of the Calcutta mission, is supposed to have
about reached his destination. Elder Findlay, late President of the
Hull Conference, is now on his way to the Bombay mission. Elder Obray,
late President of Sheerness, whom I have appointed to Malta, is now
prepared, and will soon set sail for that island. Elder Stenhouse
presides in Switzerland, and Elder Woodard in Italy. The translation of
the Book of Mormon into Italian is about completed, parts are in the
hands of the printer, and will be ready for circulation in about two
months.
Having set in operation those missions, I turn my thoughts to the far
distant fields of labor I contemplate shortly undertaking--a mission
requiring all my energies--extending over nations, continents, islands,
seas, oceans and empires--encountering the freezing Alps, the burning
sun of the torrid zone, the dangers of the trackless waters, the
pestilential cholera, the miasma of various climes, together with all
the casualties of sea and land which must be encountered.
To aid and assist me in this enterprise, deeply do I feel to call upon
Israel's God, and for the prayers of my brethren, for support and
agency. To the service of the Lord I have devoted my life. My _all_ has
been placed upon the altar of sacrifice, that I may honor Him--do His
will acceptably, and spread the principles of life among the children
of men.
When I reflect upon the past, and trace the hand of the Lord
marvelously opening my way, and prospering me in everything relative
to these missions, beyond my highest expectations, I feel doubly
encouraged to press forward to the future; language indeed fails
to express the deep gratitude of my heart for His blessings. Those
brethren and sisters whose liberality of soul and interest for the
work of God have been particularly manifested in these missions, to
them I feel to say, May the blessing of the Most High be poured out to
them with equal liberality, and when in after years they shall hear
the sweet sound of thousands of those nations shouting the praises of
the Almighty for the light of revelation, then will their hearts also
rejoice in the glad consciousness that they had taken part in bringing
to pass this glorious redemption.
I take my departure from here to Switzerland, thence to Italy, to
Malta, to Bombay, and from there to Calcutta; and shall probably, after
completing these missions, accomplish the circumnavigation of the
globe, by returning home by way of San Francisco, San Diego and our
newly established settlements in the valleys of California.
Need I say how deeply I feel in all matters respecting my own missions?
Notwithstanding, this does not prevent me taking the most lively
interest in the welfare of the numerous conferences of the Saints
with whom I have formed an acquaintance during my labors in the
British Isles. To those, and all in the bond of the Spirit, I would,
with warmest feelings, subscribe myself their brother in the New and
Everlasting Covenant, Lorenzo Snow.
Our missionary has now before him a very extensive field in which to
operate. What a vast weight of responsibilities rest upon him--what a
multitude linked together for him to shoulder! Never was there a more
extensive mission projected, and few men, if any, have lived that were
better calculated to carry it into effect.
With a mind that comprehended the condition of the millions of human
beings, members of the great brotherhood of mankind, and a sympathy
which reaches out to their most important needs--a soul wholly devoted
to the great work of salvation and exaltation of the generations past,
present and to come; and, above all, knowing that the Almighty had
called him to the work, his courage is commensurate to the situation,
and he never falters.