The Annual Conference.
Elder Orson Pratt spoke at length on the introduction of the gospel by a holy angel according to the prediction of the Apostle John, while banished upon the Isle of Patmos.
He examined from a scriptural standpoint the religious pretensions of the Roman Catholic and Protestant faiths, also referred to the Puritan Fathers, who broke loose from the ecclesiastical tyranny of the mother country, and established themselves upon this American continent, where they could worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences.
He spoke of the introduction of the gospel by a Holy angel through Joseph Smith, and the organization of the church, and also of the downfall of Babylon, which had reference to that great ecclesiastical power spoken of by the Apostle John. The word of the Lord was to all those who embraced the gospel in the last days, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.”
The gathering together of the Saints, he also showed to be in accordance with the prophetic writings of scripture. The setting up of the Kingdom of God in the last days he referred to as spoken of by the Prophet Daniel, in interpreting the image which he saw in vision.
He exhorted the Saints to faithfulness, to be prepared for the glory of Zion and the coming of the Son of Man, with the apostles and patriarchs of old, who will reign as kings and priests on the earth for a thousand years, according to promises made to them.
[Deseret News, Apr. 12, 1876]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Sept. 2006]