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Show Page 292 Britain, an hour and a quarter in a sweltering Liverpool hall. Perspiration drizzled from the old man's face as he expounded on the higher priesthood, the sealing power, eternal marriage, and the ordinances for the dead. "If a vote had been taken, the congregation would have desired him to 56 continue another hour." Afterwards he found it impossible to get away, so many crowded around to shake his hand; he left Liverpool for the last time with their prayers in his ears: "Many fervent prayers will go up for his preservation and comfort across the great deep, and for his safe arrival in his mountain home, long to live upon the earth to be a blessing and comfort to the people." 57 Arriving in New York aboard the "S.S. Nevada," Orson telegraphed that the precious electro-plates for the printing of the scripture had been finished and the presses had begun to roll. In Utah he resumed his rounds among the stakes, spoke first among all the authorities in general conference, and went to ward socials in his own block - as he looked about him, he saw hundreds of youth pre-occupied with a far different world from his own: "The programme varied with music, songs and recitations; no round-dances were held in deference to the older people, because they are 'offensive to modesty and true happiness.'" The young people were exhorted not "to crowd out the old folks who built 58 the halls they are using." Orson, one of those who "built the halls," began to lapse. His illness closed on him as winter set in, but sporadically, so that he was able to welcome the Saints to the great "Jubilee Conference" which convened on April 6, 1880, under the massive dome of the Tabernacle. Though the Church was still beleaguered with juridical processes and the less subtle campaigns of the anti-Mormon press, still Orson could pray thankfully for the fortunes of the Gospel, praising the fulfillment of Daniel's 59 prophecies, the jubilee and the great gathering to Zion. |
