THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER. To the Latter-day Saints in Zion and throughout the world: Beloved Brethren and Sisters—A little over two years ago we were im- pressed to call upon the Latter-day Saints to set apart a day for fasting and solemn prayer unto the Lord. Our position at that time was such that it seemed as though no earthly power could deliver us from the evil which environed us and which threat- ened our overthrow. Turn which way we would, every avenue seemed closed against us. Human help was be- yond our reach. Our eyes and hearts under those circumstances, turned to the Lord as the only power to which we could appeal for succor. Do we say too much when we testify that the Lord did on that occasion condescend to hear and answer the supplication of His people. Their humiliation before Him was not without its fruits. If the objects which were suggested in our circular letter at that time to be prayed for be examined, the results will show how wonderfully the Lord has granted the prayers of His people? In view of this, and the great mercy shown unto us by our Father in heaven in permitting us, at our recent General Conference, to lay the top stone of the Salt Lake Temple with shouts of Hosanna to God and the Lamb, it has suggested itself to us that it would be most appropriate for the Latter-day Saints to gather in their various places of worship, on Sunday the first day of May, 1892, and in fast- ing and prayer, offer up to the Most High their heartfelt and solemn thanksgivings for His goodness and mercy, which He has shown unto them and the deliverance that He has wrought out in their behalf. Surely, no people have greater cause for thanksgiving and praise than have the Latter-day Saints throughout these mountains. And as we cannot have occasion for thanksgiving because of deliverance wrought our for us, with- out our brethren and sisters in other lands sharing in our joy, it is proper that they, too, should select a day, as may be suitable and convenient to them, in like manner to fast and pray and offer up their gratitude and thanks to the Great Creator for the blessings He has bestowed upon His people. We have decided to select Sunday for this purpose, because it can meet with a more general observance on the part of all the people than would be possible upon any other day. Every man, woman and child be- longing to our Church should join in this glad service, for, although we have many obstaclcs to con- tend with, and the adversary of our souls has not made truce, nor laid down his arms, yet the Lord has spoiled many nf his schemes, and des- troyed his snares, and has provided for us a way of escape from his power. In our prayers we should still sup- plicate the Almighty Father to con- tinue to bless and deliver His Zion, and to prepare the way for the ushering in of the full reign of righteousness and truth, when He whose right it is to reign shall hold undisputed sway over all the earth. The following resolution was unani- mously adopted by the immense as- semblage of people at the laying of the top-stone of the Temple: Believing that the instruction of President Woodruff, respecting the early completion of the Salt Lake Temple, is the word of the Lord to us, I propose that this assemblage pledge themselves, collectively and individu- ally, to furnish, as fast as it may be needed, all the money that may be re- quired to complete the Temple at the earliest time possible, so that the dedi- cation may take place on April 6th, 1893. Plans have been suggested for the collection of the funds needed to com plete the Temple in accordance with this resolution: but we have decided that no better occasion could offer for this purpose than the time when the Saints shall be assembled to ob- serve this day of prayer and thanks- giving. Subscriptions can then be taken by the various Bishops and other presiding officers from all who are present at the meetings; and if all are not prepared to give that which they desire to subscribe at the time, they can make their arrangements to pay by installments. It is very desirable that this labor should be completed so that the sacred building can be dedicated to the Lord at the General Conference, April 6th, 1893. Steps have already been taken to have the work done, with the full expectation that the funds which were voted for when this reso- lution was adopted will be forthcoming in time to meet all the payments. We feel assured there will be no disap- pointment in this, if the Bishops and other presiding authorities do their duty. There is no labor in which the Lat- ter-day Saints feel more deeply inter- ested than in the building and com- pleting of Temples. This Temple at Salt Lake City has long been in process of erection. By the 6th of April next, forty years will have elapsed since the laying of the founda- tion stones. It seems proper, then, that the expiration of that period should wit- ness its dedication. We trust that no exertions will be spared to accomplish this end, and that all will respond lib- erally to the call which will be made upon them. Praying the Lord to bestow upon all the Latter-day Saints upon this occa- sion the spirit of prayer and thanks- giving, we remain, Your Brethren, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEO. Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.