Page 62 - Berg_Mortuary_Bishops_Guide

62 BISHOP’S GUIDE

I am satisfied, always have been, in regard to the resurrection. I rejoice in it. The way was
opened unto us by the blood of the Son of God.

When the resurrection comes, we shall come forth clothed with immortal bodies; and the
persecutions, suffering, sorrow, pain and death, incident to mortality, will be done away forever.
This doctrine of the resurrection of the dead is most glorious. It is comforting, at least to
my spirit, to think, that, in the morning of the resurrection, my spirit will have the privilege
of dwelling in the very same body that it occupied here. As elders of Israel we have travelled

a great many thousand miles in weariness and fatigue. laboring to preach the gospel of Jesus
Christ to the children of men. I would be very glad to have the same body in the resurrection
with which I waded swamps, swam rivers and travelled and labored to build up the kingdom of
God here on the earth.

THE GOSPEL PROVIDES COMFORT WHEN LOVED ONES DIE.

Without the gospel of Christ the separation by death is one of the most gloomy subjects it is
possible to contemplate: but just as soon as we obtain the gospel and learn the principle of the
resurrection the gloom, sorrow and suffering occasioned by death are, in a great measure, tak-
en away. I have often thought that, to see a dead body, and to see that body laid in the grave
and covered with earth, is one of the most gloomy things on earth; without the gospel it is like
taking a leap in the dark. But as quick as we obtain the gospel, as soon as the spirit of man is
enlightened by the inspiration of the Almighty, he can exclaim with one of old—“Oh grave,

where is thy victory, Oh death, where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin, and the gift of God
is eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”[See l Corinthians l5:55—57.] The resurrection
of the dead presents itself before the enlightened mind of man, and he has a foundation for
his spirit to rest upon. That is the position of the Latter-day Saints to-day. We do know for
ourselves, we are not in the dark with regard to this matter” God has revealed it to us and we
do understand the principle of the resurrection of the dead, and that the gospel brings life and
immortality to light [see 2 Timothy 1:10].

“Just as soon as we obtain the gospel and learn the principle of the resurrection the gloom,
sorrow and suffering occasioned by death are, in a great measure, taken away.”
It is hard, of course, to part with our friends. …It is natural for us to give expression to our
feelings in tears in laying away the bodies of our beloved friends, and there is a degree to which
we may go which is proper and right; but there are extremes which are often indulged in, which

is neither proper nor right for Latter—day Saints to copy after.
For some cause or reason unbeknown to me, I have lived to attend the funerals and follow to
the grave a great share of the Prophets and Apostles and many of the Saints who have labored