| 653 their faith and take the field-so far as their own care of self is concerned-their families depending on the church to be protected from want and cared for. Those who pray most effectually are those who pray with both hearts and hands.
The financial conditions have much improved, and the support of that arm of the gospel service has been good. In all this we congratulate the Saints.
At the conference just closed there was an unusual attendance of the Spirit of the Master. Peace and harmony prevailed throughout. The different departments of the church were in unity, and oneness of purpose characterized the deliberations of councils, quorum meetings, and the public services of the session.
The preliminary deliberations of the council held between the Presidency and the Twelve were productive of better understanding and harmony between the colaborers of these two quorums. The difference supposed to have existed between these two quorums were amicably settled, and complete concert of action and work agreed upon, thus removing any "stones of stumbling" thrown in the way of progress by the "cunning craftiness" of him that lieth in wait to deceive.
There has never been a better and more certain basis of understanding, a more complete seeing "eye to eye" among the brethren of the various quorums than now exists.
All this is calculated to inspire the hope that the present year will be one of most excellent increase in numbers and greater spiritural [spiritual] growth. To insure this there is now a great need that the traveling ministry be well sustained. This will require that the hands of the Bishopric be upheld, like as the hands of Moses were during the great battle fought so long ago, by a continuation of the good work of sacrifice and the discharge of duty in temporal things prevailing this last year, and an additional vigilance to remember our offerings to the Lord, both of prayer, spiritual conduct, and temporal means.
There is an increased force of elders in the field which will require an increased outlay for the support of the families of those whom the church sustains. To meet this additional draft the church should rise to the emergency and devote liberally of that with which they may be blessed that the hands of the gospel banner bearing messengers may be loosened, the Bishopric strengthened and the work be done.
It is contemplated to open the work in the Scandinavian Mission at an early day; the men are ready, and if the Saints interested in this mission show their desire to have it presented in a substantial way, it will be undertaken.
We are privileged to state that the quorums of the church are not only at peace, but are at a oneness of desire and purpose to prosecute the work of the church to the utmost of the ability that God has given, and to the extent of the means that shall be at their command. Come to their help,
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