Mormon Dilemma 376

Preference to Convert the Devil over Jews

Journal of Discourses 2:143; “Brother Ballantyne, and many of our brethren in distant lands write, “O, how we would rejoice to have the privilege of visiting our mountain home!” I would rather undertake to convert five thousand Lamanites, than to convert one of those poor miserable creatures whose fathers killed the Savior, and who say, “Amen to the deed,” to this day. Yea, I would rather undertake to convert the devil himself, if it were possible.” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, December 3, 1854

Romans 1:31; “…Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful.”

1 Timothy 6:3-5; “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

While this quote is indeed a snippet of the whole discourse Mr. Young delivered that day, the text speaks for itself. There was no editing of this portion from his speech.  

If the missionaries felt so strongly against witnessing to the Jewish people then why were they there?  Why not just stay home and witness to the dark and loathsome Indians?