A DISCOURSE DELIVERED BY PRESIDENT ORSON HYDE, AT THE GENERALCONFERENCE HELD IN THE TABERNACLE, GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, OCT. 6, 1853.
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At the commencement of our Conference, it has fallen to my lot to makea few remarks.
If you will indulge me with your prayerful attention, I will try tocommunicate to you a few words, which I hope and trust may prove, not onlyedifying to you now, but a source of comfort and consolation in time tocome.
Be it as the Lord will, I shall use my best endeavors for this; andif I fail in it, it will be for want of ability, and not for want of a disposition.
I discover before me many strange faces; I presume they are our friendsfrom the different settlements, South, North, East, and West, who have nodoubt assembled here for the purpose of obtaining instructions and informationrespecting the prosperity of the Church, the duty of its officers, and whatis to be done in the important period in which we now live.
It is a peculiar and interesting time with us. In the first place, ourbrethren from abroad, who are unaccustomed to a mountain life, or a lifein this Valley, are emigrating to this place; and when they arrive here,they do not find every thing, perhaps, as they anticipated, or they findthings different from what they have been accustomed to in the places fromwhich they came. Everything seems new and strange, and it takes a littletime, as we say in a familiar phrase, "to get broken into the harness."
Not only so, but we have had some little disturbance with the red menthis season, and this is a cause of some digression from the common pathof duty we are accustomed to move in.
Under all these circumstances, as we have business of importance totransact during this Conference, it becomes necessary that our minds shouldbecome united in one, as far as possible, that we may act in accordancewith the mind and will of our Father which is in heaven. Let me here observe,that the people of God can be united only upon that principle that vibratesfrom the very bosom of heaven. If we are united, if we can touch one pointor principle upon which all can strike hands, by that union we may knowthat our will is the mind and will of God; and what we, in that state, bindon earth, is bound in heaven, for the action is reciprocal, it is the same.
Hence, after so long a separation, we have come together again, undercircumstances somewhat peculiar. It is necessary that we seek to be united.How shall we be united? Around what standard shall we rally? Where is thebeacon light to which our eyes shall be directed, in order that our actionsmay tend to the accomplishment of the same purpose and design?
The beacon light is he whom our heavenly Father has ordained and appointedto lead His people, and give them counsel, and guide their destiny. Thatis the light to which the eye should be directed. And when that voice isheard, let every bosom respond, yea and amen.
But, says one, "If this be correct, it is giving to one man almightypower. It is giving to one man supreme power to rule." Admit it. Whatare we all aiming for? Are we not aiming for supreme power? Are we not aimingto obtain the promise that has been made to all believers? What is it? "Hethat overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and heshall be my son." Are we not all seeking for this, that we may overcome,that we may inherit all things? For says Paul, "Therefore let no manglory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas,or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; allare yours; And ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." Well, then, ifall things are ours, we should be very insensible to our best interestsif we did not seek diligently for that which Heaven promises as a legacyto the faithful. It is our right, then. Do we not all expect to be armedwith almighty power? Is there a Latter-day Saint under the sound of my voice,whose heart is fired with celestial light, but that seeks to be in possessionof supreme power (I had like to have said) both in heaven and on earth?It is said, we are "heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ."Does Jesus Christ possess all power in heaven and on earth? He said, whenhe rose from the dead, "All power is given unto me in heaven and inearth." Are we heirs of God, and joint heirs with that illustriouscharacter? He has so declared! If we are, do we not, in common with him,possess the power that is in heaven and on earth! If one individual, then,is a little ahead of us in obtaining this power, let us not be envious,for it will be our time by and bye. We ought to be the more thankful, andglorify God that He has armed one individual with this power, and openeda way that we may follow him, and obtain the same power. Instead of it beinga cause of envy, it ought to be, on the contrary, a matter to call forthour warmest thanksgivings and praise to God, that He has brought back thatpower again to the earth in our day, by which we may be led step by stepto the point we hope to attain.
After reflecting a little this morning, a passage of Scripture occurredto my mind-the words of John the Revelator, or the promise made to him.It says, "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple ofmy God, and he shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the nameof my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, whichcometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my newname."
In the course of my travels in preaching the Gospel to different nations,I have often heard it remarked by the people, in days gone by, "Wehave heard your testimony; we have heard your preaching; but really, whydoes not Joseph Smith, your Prophet, come to us and bear testimony? Whydoes he not come to us and show us the plates from which the Book of Mormonwas translated? If we could see the Prophet and the plates, then we shouldbe satisfied that the work is genuine, that it is of God; but if we cannotsee him and the ancient records, we are still in doubt with regard to thegenuineness of the work."
My reply to them was something like the following-"Joseph Smithcannot be everywhere, and the plates cannot be presented to every eye. Thevoice of Joseph Smith cannot be heard by every ear." And I have saidto them, "You that have seen me have seen Joseph Smith, for the samespirit and the same sentiments that are in him are in me, and I bear testimonyto you that these things are verily true."
It is generally the case, and I think I may say it is invariably thecase, that when an individual is ordained and appointed to lead the people,he has passed through tribulations and trials, and has proven himself beforeGod, and before His people, that he is worthy of the situation which heholds. And let this be the motto and safeguard in all future time, thatwhen a person that has not been tried, that has not proved himself beforeGod, and before His people, and before the councils of the Most High, tobe worthy, he is not going to step in to lead the Church and people of God.It never has been so, but from the beginning some one that understands theSpirit and counsel of the Almighty, that knows the Church, and is knownof her, is the character that will lead the Church.
How does he become thus acquainted? How does he gain this influence,this confidence in the estimation of the people? He earns it by his uprightcourse and conduct, by the justness of his counsels, and the correctnessof his prophecies, and the straightforward spirit he manifests to the people.And he has to do this step by step; he gains influence, and his spirit,like an anchor, is fastened in the hearts of the people; and he is sustainedand supported by the love, confidence, and good-will of the Saints, andof Him that dwelt in the bush. This is the kind of character that oughtto lead God's people, after he has obtained this good will and this confidence.
What then is he to do? Is he to go abroad to the nations of the earthand preach the Gospel; to leave his home and the people of his charge? Maywe not count him as first and foremost in the ranks of them that overcome?I think so! Well then, "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar inthe temple of my God, and he shall go no more out." All those who approachthe nearest to that standard, we expect will remain in the temple of Godat home, and not go abroad to the nations of the earth.
Says one, "If an angel from heaven would descend and bear testimonythat this work was of God, I would believe it. Why may I not receive thetestimony of angels, as well as Joseph Smith or any other person? for Godis no respecter of persons! If I could receive it, I would be satisfiedthen that the work is true." But let me here remark again-suppose theOmnipotent Jehovah, that sits upon His throne of glory and power, was todescend and bear testimony, what further credence would you then want? Youwould want some one to tell you that it was really God Himself that hadvisited you, that you might be satisfied it was not an angel of darknessin the similitude of a heavenly personage.
Remember that God, our heavenly Father, was perhaps once a child, andmortal like we ourselves, and rose step by step in the scale of progress,in the school of advancement; has moved forward and overcome, until He hasarrived at the point where He now is. "Is this really possible?"Why, my dear friends, how would you like to be governed by a ruler who hadnot been through all the vicissitudes of life that are common to mortals?If he had not suffered, how could he sympathise with the distress of others?If he himself had not endured the same, how could he sympathise and be touchedwith the feelings of our infirmities? He could not, unless he himself hadpassed through the same ordeal, and overcome step by step. If this is thecase, it accounts for the reason why we do not see Him-He is too pure abeing to show himself to the eyes of mortals; He has overcome, and goesno more out, but He is the temple of my God, and is a pillar there.
What is a pillar? It is that power which supports the superstructure-whichbears up the edifice; and if that should be removed from its place, theedifice is in danger of falling. Hence, our heavenly Father ascended toa throne of power; He has passed through scenes of tribulation, as the Saintsin all ages have, and are still passing through; and having overcome, andascended His throne, He can look down upon those who are following in thesame track, and can realize the nature of their infirmities, troubles, anddifficulties, like the aged father who looks upon his race, upon the smallestchild; and when he sees them grappling with difficulties, his heart is touchedwith compassion. Why? Because he has felt the same, been in the same situation,and he knows how to administer just chastisement, mingled with the kindestfeelings of a father's heart. So with our heavenly Father; when He seeswe are going astray, He stretches forth His chastening hand, at the sametime He realizes the difficulties with which we have to contend, becausehe has felt the same; but having overcome, He goes no more out.
When the world was lost in wretchedness and woe, what did He do? DidHe come here Himself? No. But, says he, I will send my son to be my agent,the one who is the nearest to my person, that is bone of my bone, and fleshof my flesh; I will send my son, and I will say, he that heareth him, hearethme. Go, then, my son. He came, and how did he look? He looked just likehis Father, and just as they treated him, they treated his Father in heaven.For inasmuch as they did it unto him, they did it unto his Father. He wasthe agent, the representative, chosen and sent of God for the purpose. Whenit was necessary that the Saviour of the world should have help and strength,should be sustained in the darkest hour, did God Himself in person cometo his aid? No, but He sent His angel to succor him. When the Saviour wasborn, the spirits around the throne of God were ready to fly to his protection,when the kings and rulers of this lower world sought his destruction. Whatdid they say to the wise men of Israel on that eventful occasion? "Gloryto God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
When he fasted forty days and forty nights, the angels appeared andstrengthened him. His heavenly Father did not come Himself, but, says theSaviour, he that hath seen me hath seen the Father also; I am just likehim, the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person. Thesame spirit that is in the bosom of the Father is in me. I came not to domy own will, but the will of Him that sent me. Then the character that lookedupon the Saviour, looked upon the Father, for he was a facsimile of Him;and if they would not believe the Son, they would not believe the Father.
The Saviour, in the performance of his mission, laid down his life forthe world, rose from the dead, and ascended up on high. And few and blessedare the eyes that have seen him since! It is sometimes the case that theveil of mortality has been rent, and the eye of the spirit has gazed uponthe Saviour, like as did Stephen of old, when he was stoned to death. Inhis expiring moments, in the agonies of death, what did he say? He said,"I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the righthand of God." Stephen saw him in that trying hour.
True it is, that in the most trying hour, the servants of God may thenbe permitted to see their Father, and elder brother. "But," saysone, "I wish to see the Father, and the Saviour, and an angel now."Before you can see the Father, the Saviour, or an angel, you have to bebrought into close places in order to enjoy this manifestation. The factis, your very life must be suspended on a thread, as it were. If you wantto see your Saviour, be willing to come to that point where no mortal armcan rescue, no earthly power save! When all other things fail, when everythingelse proves futile and fruitless, then perhaps your Saviour and your Redeemermay appear; his arm is not shortened that he cannot save, nor his ear heavythat he cannot hear; and when help on all sides appears to fail, my armshall save, my power shall rescue, and you shall hear my voice, saith theLord.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God,"&c. The Father has overcome, the Saviour has overcome, and the angelsare overcoming like we are. But let me here observe, it is a good deal withthe angels, in my opinion, as it is with us.
We who have been in the Valley some length of time, feel that we areat home, and in a goodly place, chosen of God, a secret habitation surroundedby mountains, walled in by natural barriers, where we are secluded fromthe world, and inhabiting a little world by ourselves. We know the worldis opposed to our doctrine. Now if one of us were required to go abroadamong the nations, a spirit of patriotic devotion to the interests of God'skingdom, would stimulate us to forego all the pleasures of domestic life,to earn a crown of glory, and shine as stars in the firmament for ever andever; when, if we consulted our own individual feelings and interest only,we would say, "O that we might remain at home, and not go out and bebuffeted by a cold and heartless world!" We would rather remain withour friends, and bask in the sunshine of their good will and favor, andenjoy life as we pass along; but to go out into the world, and meet itsscoffing sneers, it is alone for the cause and kingdom of God's sake; andfor the sake of this, we not only long to go abroad to the nations of theearth, but to do every thing that is laid upon us to do.
Look at the angels of heaven. If there are so many millions of them,and they manifest such an interest for the welfare of mortals, why do theynot come, and visit us more? They may have the same feeling in relationto coming to this earth, that we would have in going to the nations of theworld. If they are sent, they will go; but if not sent, it is very likelythey will stay at home, as we will. If we are sent, we will go; if we arenot sent, we are glad to stay at home. This, then, I presume is their feeling;hence it has become proverbial in the world, that angels' visits are fewand far between. And let me here observe, that when a servant of God, clothedwith the spirit of his calling, enters a house, a town, or a country, hefeels the spirit in a moment that prevails in that house, country, or peopleamong whom he comes. For instance, if he lands upon the shores of a foreigncountry, the moment his feet press their soil, their spirit presses hisheart! he senses it; and if the spirit that reigns in the country is diverseto the Spirit of God, he feels it painful to his heart; and it is upon thisprinciple that the Saviour said to the disciples, "And into whatsoeverhouse ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peacebe there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again."Then when a servant of God enters a strange place, and he feels the sonof peace there, let his peace come upon that people, house, and city. Ifhe feels there is an adverse power that holds the sway there, his peacemust return to him, and he must go his way after he has faithfully dischargedhis duty.
I recollect once in a certain place in England, when travelling alongwith brother Kimball, it was in a country town called Chatburn, where thepeople were humble, simple, and honest; they loved the truth, and were seekingfor it-when we went there, their hearts and doors were opened to receiveus, and our message. What were our feelings? We felt that the ground uponwhich we stood was most sacred, and brother Kimball took off his hat, andwalked the streets, and blessed the country and the people, and let hispeace come upon it. These were our feelings. Why? Because the people wereready to receive the word of our testimony, and us for Christ's sake.
We had been to other places, where the very moment our names were sounded,and it was known we were in a house, there was a similar spirit manifestedas there was in the days of Lot, when the Angel came to his house to warnhim to flee from Sodom; for a mob was raised at once, and demanded the strangersto be given up to them. We have been in places where the mob demanded usto be given up to them; but we were shielded by friends, and God alwaysopened a way of escape for us. Wherever there is a spirit congenial withthe Spirit of God, and a loyalty to the kingdom of the Most High, you willfind a hearty welcome, and you are glad to go there.
If we, whose sensibilities are benumbed by this veil of flesh whichis around us, have discernment to discriminate where the son of peace is,the angels, who are not clogged as we are, whose sensibilities are keenerthan ours, do you not think when they approach the world, they know wherethe son of peace is? In the last days, I will take peace from the earth,saith the Lord by one of the ancient writers, and they shall kill one another.And there was given a great sword unto him that sat on the red horse. Andthe nations will be armed against each other. The angels are not fond todescend to this world, because of the coldness of the spirit that reignsin it; they would rather remain in heaven around the throne of God, amongthe higher order of intelligences, where they can enjoy life, and peace,and the communion of the Holy One. When they are sent, they will come; butthey are tolerably well advanced among them that overcome.
These are some of the reasons why they do not mingle with us, why wecannot see them. But let me tell you, brethren and sisters, if we will beunited as the heart of one man, and that general union of spirit, of mind,be fastened upon the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall draw down celestial intelligenceby the Spirit of God, or by angels who surround the throne of the Most High.It is an electric wire through which and by which intelligence comes fromheaven to mortals; it is only necessary for the word to be spoken, and thepower of it is at once felt in every heart.
"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God,"&c. Do we ever wish to see the time when we can retire from the scenesof every day life, to the temple of God, and go no more out? Are we lookingfor a period of this kind? Yes, when we shall be made pillars in the templeof our God. We know when a pillar is placed in a building, it is placedthere to remain, pillars are not often removed. All pillars are consideredpermanent; they are not to be taken away, because the removing of them endangersthe safety of the building. In order to be made pillars in the temple ofour God, what are we to do? We MUST OVERCOME.
Let it be remarked, that the disposition so prevalent in the heartsof many, not to abide the counsel of their superiors, has to be overcome;it must be slain, and laid prostrate at our feet; and we must say we camenot to do our own will, but the will of him that sent us. We came to dothe will of him to whom we have plighted our faith, to uphold him as ourleader, lawgiver, and Seer. We have got to overcome the inclination to revoltat the idea, and be brought into complete submission, and union of spirit.
"O," says one, "how does this look, to be slaves, tohave no mind or will of our own, but be swallowed up in the will of another,and thus become tools, machines, slaves, and not free men, and independentlike other people!" Well, my dear friends, I will tell you how it wasin heaven. There was a disposition once in heaven that preferred to be independentenough to chalk out its own course. The rebellious angels undertook it,and what became of them? They fought against the throne of God, and werecast down, to be reserved in chains of darkness, unto the judgment of thegreat day. Yes, they are reserved there, and that is their glory, and thehonor that is attached to them for being independent, and declaring in thepresence of God their independence-instead of deriving any advantage fromthis course, down they went to their reward.
I will advance a sentiment by Paul the Apostle, showing that we werethere at the time that notable controversy was going on, and no doubt wetook an active part with them who sustained the throne of God, and we weretherefore permitted to come to this world and take upon us bodies. The devilsthat fell were not permitted to enjoy this privilege; they cannot increasetheir generation; glory to God, they cannot do it, but we have the powerof multiplying lives; this is what they are angry about. Says Paul, "Doye not know that the Saints shall judge the world? And if the world shallbe judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" Isit possible that these Elders and servants of the Most High, who are goingabroad among the nations, will have power to judge the nations of the earth?Says one, "God will do it, and not man." Now, for instance, Iam building a house, and it is said Solomon built a temple, but do you supposeSolomon quarried the rock, laid it up, &c.? No, but he gave directionsto others, and it is said Solomon built a temple; so God will judge theworld. The Almighty Ruler will instruct His servants to do it, and the Saintswill give the grand decision, and the nations that have slain them willhave to bow to their word.
What says the good Book again? "And he that overcometh, and keepethmy works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; And heshall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall theybe broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father." Do we not expectto overcome and have power over the nations? Yes. Says Paul, the Saintsshall judge the world; not only this, but they shall judge angels. "Why,"says one, "I thought that angels were greater in might and power thanwe, and is it possible that we, the servants of God, are going to judgeangels? You are surely exalting yourselves above all that is called God;for God shall judge the world." How is it that we do not recollectanything now that took place before we took upon us these bodies? When welay them off we shall remember everything, the scenes of those early timeswill be as fresh in our view as the sun was this morning when he rose overthe mountains. The Saints will say to their fallen brethren, You were arrayedunder the command of Lucifer, and fought against us; we prevailed, and itnow becomes our duty to pass sentence against you, fallen spirits. You havebeen reserved to this condemnation, and bound with a chain. With what chain?That you could not multiply your race. There were limits put to you thatyou could not increase. It was never said to you, Go forth into hell andmultiply; but it was said to man, Go forth and increase on the earth. Herewere stakes set they could not go beyond, and this is what they are angryabout, this makes a hell to them, because they "can't do it."They see the superiority of the Saints who have kept their first estate,and they are envious, and now it becomes the Saints' duty to pass sentenceupon them. The Saints shall judge angels, even those spirits who kept nottheir first estate, and have been a long time in chains like criminals whoare kept in bondage to await their sentence. It will be the prerogativeof the servants of God to pass decision upon them, and not only upon them,but upon the world, among whom they have been associated, and having combinedin them the judicial power, and power of witness, they will have power tojudge and determine, for the Saints shall judge the world.
How will the wicked feel when they come up at the last day, (or at someday, be it last or middle,) how will they feel when they see, perhaps onewhom they have persecuted, one whom they have killed as an impostor, orbecause they said he was an impostor, when they see that person exaltedupon the judgment seat, and they themselves arraigned before him, and compelledto hear from his lips their sentence? Sadly will they be mistaken. Saysthe Savior, "If they have persecuted me they will also persecute you."They knew him not, neither did they know his disciples. Well did the Savioursay at one time, "Father forgive them, for they know not what theydo." They did not understand the power that was lodged in the breastof their victim; but when the day of his wrath will come, they will sayto the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the faceof him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for thegreat day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?" Itwill not only be the Lamb that will come in the clouds of heaven with powerand great glory, but his angels and Saints that have gone before him; theseare they that will come with him; myriads of spirits will come, wafted asit were through the air to earth's cold regions to call the sons of mento an account for their doings.
Now, "him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple ofmy God," and "he that overcometh to him will I give power overthe nations." Do you want to overcome this worldly ambitious spiritthat is ever burning to be independent, that is, self sufficient and proud?Overcome this, and bring every power and faculty of the soul into subjectionto the power of the Most High, and you are safe. What have you to overcomenext? You have to overcome that untiring disposition to do wrong, to overreachyour neighbor, that thereby you may acquire for yourselves a paradise orheaven in this world, while in its fallen state. Remember this one thing,if you want to be free from the curse. You know it is said, "It iseasier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich manto enter into the kingdom of God." Who then can be saved? Again, saysthe Saviour, "With men this is impossible, but with God all thingsare possible." Let me show you the philosophy of this, why it is impossiblefor a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. God said in the beginning,"Cursed be the ground for thy sake;" that is, earth and earthlythings are cursed. Now the man who has the most of it has the greatest amountof the curse; therefore if a man acquire a great deal of earthly things,he acquires a great deal of this curse. For they that will be rich are madeto pass through many sorrows, and they have to harden their hearts and theirfaces, and oppress the poor to acquire it; and when they have acquired it;what have they got? It is to them something like a red hot ball in the handsof a child, it burns; they have acquired it, and have got a great cursealong with it. It is hard for such to enter into the Kingdom of God. Thegate is narrow, and the curse is wide, so if they wish to go in at thatgate, they must be stripped, and become destitute of the love of this world'sgoods. I recollect a beautiful illustration of this in the case of the richman, and Lazarus that was poor, and full of sores, and who lay at the richman's gate. There was the rich man clothed in fine linen, and fared sumptuouslyevery day. By and by be died, and went to hell, and saw Abraham afar offwith the same poor Lazarus in his bosom. Says the rich man, "FatherAbraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip ofhis finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."He was so humbled as to accept one drop of water from Lazarus, who whilehe lay at the rich man's gate was ready to eat the crumbs that fell fromhis table. How reverse the scene. Abraham, with the kind feelings of a father,at the same time with that justness and dignity which is ever the characteristicof the upright, said, "Son, remember that thou in thy life time receivedstthy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted,and thou art tormented." His arm was too short to reach that one dropof water to him, for there was "a great gulf fixed; so that they whichwould pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that wouldcome from thence." The scene was changed. This is enough to admonishus, and to make us adopt the advice of the Saviour, "Seek ye firstthe kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall beadded unto you."
When should we want to be rich? When the curse is taken from the earth.We do not want the earth while it is cursed, for "cursed be the groundfor thy sake," &c. Let the world that love darkness rather thanlight, be heirs of the curse if they will; but do not let us seek afterit with too greedy hearts, until the curse is taken away; and when the curseis rebuked, and the earth undergoes such a change that it will shine foreverand ever, and there is no night there, then we may have it, and it willdo us good. It is like this-We say that wheat and barley are excellent whenwe use them in their native state; but when we extract the spirit from thesegrains, and drink it, it intoxicates; when they are used in their nativestate, they make bread which gives life to the body, while in the otherstate, they destroy. So the earth, when the curse is taken away, will sustainan endless life. Though the figure is not altogether correct, still it servesto illustrate the principle. The Saviour did not say the Saints should inheritthe earth while the curse was upon it, but he said, "Blessed are themeek: for they shall inherit the earth." He will not give them somethingto destroy them, but they have got to stay until the earth has fulfilledthe measure of its creation; and then the angel will raise his hand to heaven,and swear that time shall be no longer. What becomes of the earth then?Why, says the prophet, it shall "reel to and fro like a drunkard, andshall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall beheavy upon it, and it shall fall, and not rise again." If the earthfalls, which way will it go, up or down? Tell me, ye wise men, ye philosophers.Will not the greatest and most powerful planet attract it whether it goesup or down? for the greater bodies attract the lesser. If the earth falls,and is not to rise again, it will be removed out of its present orbit. Wherewill it go to? God says He will gather all things into one; then He willgather the earth likewise, and all that is in it, in one. The gatheringwill be upon a larger scale in time to come; for by and by the stars ofHeaven will fall. Which way will they go? They will rally to a grand centre,and there will be one grand constellation of worlds. I pray that we maybe there, and shine among those millions of worlds that will be stars inthe Almighty's crown.
The earth will have to be removed from its place, and reel to and frolike a drunkard. The fact is, it has got to leave the old track in whichit has roamed in time passed, and beat a new track; and saith the Lord,"come up here." What is He going to do with it? Why, take it wherethe sun will shine upon it continually, and there shall be no more nightthere; and the hand of God will wipe away the tears from all faces. "Comeup here, O earth! for I want the Saints who have passed through much tribulationto be glorified with you, and then I will give the earth to the meek. ForI will take the curse from it, and rebuke the destroyer for your sakes,and bring all things in subjection to you, and you shall dwell in everlastinglight." Now it is half day and half night, but I tell you it is notgoing to be half and half, but there will be no night there. We have butone sun to shine upon us, but when the earth is taken out of this orbit,it will come in contact with the rays of other suns that illuminate otherspheres; their rays will dazzle our earth, and make the glory of God restupon it, so that there will be no more night there.
Is it possible, then, that there are worlds reserved in eternal night,in an eternal eclipse, rolling in the shade? What is their use? They arethe homes of them that love darkness rather than light; and it shall besaid unto them, Depart, ye cursed, into outer darkness. There are planetsthat revolve in eternal darkness, that you who love darkness rather thanlight may go and find your own home. There is a place prepared for everybody, no matter what their character. Says the Saviour, "I go to preparea place for you." There is a place for every person. There is a placefor every body that comes into this Valley, if they can only find it. Sothere is a place in yonder world for every person; but to him that overcomethwill I give power over the nations, and he shall be a pillar in the Templeof my God, and go no more out.
If there is any thing in this world my soul desires the most, it isthat I may overcome, and be made a pillar in the Temple of my God, and remainat home in the society that is continually warming my spirit, encouragingmy feeling, with that which is congenial with every principle of my nature;let me bask in their goodly presence, live in their affections, dwell foreverin the midst of their society, and go no more out. And may God in His mercyhelp us all to overcome every obstacle, and endure hardships like good soldiersof the Lamb, and dwell eternally in the mansions of light; which may Godgrant for Christ's sake. AMEN.