Sunday Services
The meeting in the Tabernacle yesterday afternoon was presided over by Elder Wm. Eddington. It opened by the choir singing the hymn commencing: “Awake ye saints of God, awake! Call on the Lord in mighty prayer.”
The Bishopric of the 15th Ward officiated in asking the blessing upon and dispensing the Sacrament.
Elder Parley P. Pratt, being called upon to address the congregation remarked that he had recently filled a brief mission in the Utah Penitentiary, a kind of Mission which, though not pleasant, was perhaps as important as any other. President A.M. Cannon, who had been his fellow prisoner, and who is still confined in the Penitentiary, had said that one faithful Elder in that place is worth a dozen missionaries outside. The speaker could say that he had gone to prison for his religious convictions. The brethren who were confined there were in good spirits and had not complained at what they were called to endure for the sake of their religion, although it was not pleasant by any means. They were reminded almost every hour that they were prisoners, for the same spirit which prevailed in the courts when they were tried and convicted—a disposition to humiliate and heap ignominy upon them—had been manifested in a greater or less degree by those who had charge of the Penitentiary since their incarceration. Rules more binding and discipline more rigid had been adopted during the past six months than formerly, with the evident intention of subjecting the brethren to greater hardship. His faith had not decreased, but had rather been strengthened in the divinity of the work with which he was connected. He claimed to know for himself that it was the work of the great Eloheim. It was the privilege of every person to have this testimony. It was this which the Savior promised when He said: “If any man will do the will of my Father he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself.” The Lord reveals His will and gives testimonies to the faithful by degree—line upon line. Testified that God had spoken to man in this age and revealed His will to Joseph Smith, and that He is doing so to John Taylor. The angel which John foresaw flying through the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach to the people dwelling upon the earth, came to Joseph Smith, and a Gospel dispensation was again committed unto man. Faithful Elders who have received that Gospel go from land to land to proclaim it unto others, and it is being preached in all the world for a witness before the end shall come. Thousands have received it and are rejoicing, and tens of thousands who are yet in darkness will, when the chains of superstition and error that blind the minds and hearts of men are broken, yet receive it and aid the Saints in building up Zion. Every prophecy will be fulfilled; Zion will be built up, and those who oppose it will be cast down.
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oct. 25, 1885, 2]
[Deseret News, Oct. 26, 1885]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, May 2006]
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