To live, to work, to worship… – Sunday, July 24, 1955
As concerning the moving of men into uninhabited places, this brief and meaningful sentence comes from the journal of an eminent American: “The beginning of things always causes emotions to arise.”1
The beginning of things: Established cities and communities and countries we take somewhat for granted. But think what it would mean to come to a place when there is nothing there—nothing man made that is. There is a special kind of tribute due those who have had the courage to make good beginnings.
Men move to new places for many reasons. Sometimes for reasons of restlessness; sometimes for reasons of climate or economic opportunity; and sometimes for freedom: for physical freedom for more room to live in; and for freedom of conscience—for more room to think in, to worship in.
One hundred eight years ago this day, a party of pioneers entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake to take up their homes in what was then “a land that nobody wanted.” This strip of country between the mountains and the desert presented a barren picture for those who entered on that day—weary from a journey of more than three months, by ox team or on horseback or afoot—weary from want of rest, from want of food, homeless, poor in the tangible and material things—destitute almost—but rich in the love of freedom, rich in faith in God, rich in appreciation of life’s purpose, and rich in a willingness to work.
This they declared as one of the principles on which their lives were lived: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.”2
They looked to none but God for the right to live, the right to choose, the right to work, the right to breathe free air—for- they knew that the right to choose was God given and that the right of choice is essential to the making of a man, to the very soul’s salvation.
We cannot well be grateful enough for men who knew that men were meant to be free and for the patriots and pioneers of all times past who have had the courage and conviction to make good beginnings—for freedom, and for all else that makes life more meaningful.
1Dr. John A. Widtsoe, Colorado River Journal, 1922
2Articles of Faith
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July 24, 1955
Broadcast Number 1,353