George Q. Cannon Quotes & Sayings

The Journal of Discourses ranks as one of the standard works of the Church, and every right-minded Saint will certainly welcome with joy every Number as it comes forth from the press as an additional reflector of 'the light that shines from Zion's hill. — George Q. Cannon

The saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably overtake them. If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by-and by. — George Q. Cannon

It is a fact worthy of note that the shortest lived nations of which we have record have been monogamic. Rome ... was a monogamic nation and the numerous evils attending that system early laid the foundation for that ruin which eventually overtook her. — George Q. Cannon

Your children ... are like diamonds ... they may need polish.. and education of the right kind will impart this lustre. — George Q. Cannon

If we get our salvation, we shall have to pass by him [Joseph Smith]; if we enter our glory, it will be through the authority he has received. We cannot get around him — George Q. Cannon

These birds and animals and fish cannot speak, but they can suffer, and our God who created them, knows their sufferings, and will hold him who causes them to suffer unnecessarily to answer for it. It is a sin against their Creator. — George Q. Cannon

If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. — George Q. Cannon

Children of polygamists besides being equally as bright and brighter intellectually, are much more healthy and strong. — George Q. Cannon

If I had not obeyed that command of God, concerning plural marriage, I believe that I would have been damned. — George Q. Cannon

No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, God will never desert us, He never has, and He never will. — George Q. Cannon

You may talk about religion and speak about the Gospel, and say we have got the truth and the plan of salvation, and we have got the authority of the Priesthood; but if we are not honest, it does not amount to anything; for neither God nor honorable men love dishonesty. We must, therefore, be an honest people. — George Q. Cannon

After the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, there were only two churches upon the earth. They were known respectively as the Church of the Lamb of God and Babylon. The various organizations which are called churches throughout Christendom, though differing in their creeds and organizations, have one common origin. They all belong to Babylon — George Q. Cannon

Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness. — George Q. Cannon

The greatest events that have been spoken of by all the Holy Prophets will come along so naturally as the consequences of certain causes, that unless our eyes are enlightened by the Spirit of God, and the spirit of revelation rests upon us, we will fail to see that these are the events predicted by the Holy Prophets. — George Q. Cannon

We have got to be watchful, for I tell you God has sent us here to test us and to prove us. We were true in keeping our first estate. The people that are here today stood loyally by God and by Jesus and they did not flinch. If you had flinched, then you would not be here with the Priesthood upon you. The evidence that you were loyal, that you were true, and that you did not waver is to be found in the fact that you have received the Gospel-and the everlasting Priesthood. — George Q. Cannon

It is true that some have greater power of resistance than others, but everyone has the power to close his heart against doubt, against darkness, against unbelief, against anger, against hatred, against jealousy, against malice, against envy. God has given this power unto all of us, and we can gain still greater power by calling upon Him for that which we lack. If it were not so, how could we be condemned for giving way to wrong influences? — George Q. Cannon

Do angels take the Lord's name in vain? The idea is so ridiculous that we scarcely like to ask the question ... How dare we do that which angels dare not do? Is it possible for us to argue that that which is forbidden in heaven is praiseworthy on earth? — George Q. Cannon

I feel like saying 'Damn the Law.' — George Q. Cannon

Do not allow darkness and gloom to enter into your hearts. I want to give you a rule by which you may know that the spirit which you have is the right spirit. The Spirit of God produces cheerfulness, joy, light and good feelings. Whenever you feel gloomy and despondent and are downcast, unless it be for your sins, you may know it is not the Spirit of God which you have. Fight against it and drive it out of your heart. The Spirit of God is a spirit of hope; it is not a spirit of gloom. — George Q. Cannon

The proper education of a man decides his welfare, but the interests of a whole family are secured by the correct education of a woman. — George Q. Cannon

I am firmly of the opinion that a large number of unmarried men, over the age of 24 years, is a dangerous element in any community. — George Q. Cannon

If plural marriage be divine, as the Latter-day Saints say it is, no power on earth can suppress it, unless you crush and destroy the entire people. — George Q. Cannon

Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a bishop, an apostle, or a president. If you do, they will fail you at some time or place; they will do wrong or seem to, and your support be gone; — George Q. Cannon