In 1841 JS similarly taught, “God gives laws to suit the circumstances of his creatures.” Likewise, in council meetings a year earlier, Young expressed thoughts on how the council could not adopt laws to govern the people “in futurity.” Rather, Young argued, they could only “point out laws for present necessities.” At the April 1845 conference of the church, Young similarly stated “that brother Joseph in his life time did not reveal all things at once to the Church, and you may expect to see and hear many things that will be new to you.” In response to those questioning the decision to replace the wooden baptismal font in the temple with one made of stone, Young declared that “there is no man who possesses any degree of the spirit of truth who does not know that the Lord always makes his requirements of men according to their circumstances.” (Council of Fifty, “Record,” 18 Apr. 1844; Historian’s Office, Reports of Speeches, 6 Apr. 1845.)

Historian’s Office. Reports of Speeches, 1845–1885. CHL.