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been heard of? Never. Apply the same test to men of other pursuits: musicians, painters, sculptors, teachers, mathematicians, mechanics, or to any class of men now engaged in successful branches of the varied industries under the radiant heaven, and we have the same dismal result. This, indeed, would be a dreary, desolate, and lifeless world but for this grand quality of individuality. That it is which inclines some to mathematics more than to any other branch of knowledge; and, similarly,to chemistry, to botany or to literature; and it is the grave duty of the teacher to cultivate those faculties in which the student will most excel; not neglecting the others, but keeping constantly in the

mind the fact that on each scholar God has set the mark of individuality, and it is by this mark that each must be known in this world, or will never be known at all. This much reference has been made to the subject of individuality, because it is deemed of such vast importance. It is this distinctive feature in each student that the optional course tends to develop; and it is to this course, combined with a wise conduct in general, that the University has steadily grown and must continue to grow.

The object of this paper was to prove that the University was on a firm basis; the reader will judge whether this has been accomplished. R. W. Sloan.

THE SAURIAN.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Editor Contributor: Dear Brother:-The fossil I had the pleasure of presenting to you, is from Manti, Sanpete Co., in this Territory; it was found in the quarry, from which the rock for the Temple at that place is being built, and was presented to our Museum by Wm. H. Folsom, the architect, now superintending the erection of that edifice. The specimen is the upper part of the cranium of an extinct variety of Saurian, which existed in the seas when the rocks of that region were precipitated; in the sediment of which, it was buried up with other creatures, the remains of which are found in the same locality. Two of our brethren are entitled to public thanks for discovering and preserving from destruction this remarkable form, which is probably new to science, although related forms of extinct creatures are found. To Wm. H. Folsom and Jos. J. Taylor we are indebted for the safe delivery of the specimen; they not only superintended the exhumation, but they brought it up and placed it in our Museum.

Great changes, geological, and zoological, have taken place since this Saurian was entombed in the chalk-like, sedimentary matter of that ancient sea,at a depth,

now it is consolidated, of fourteen feet below the present surface. An extinct Saurian of that region is the "Mountain Alligator," so-called by the people of Southern Utah; a creature that has been placed in front of the fossil, by the photographer, Brother C. R. Savage. This will give you an idea of the size of the ancient Saurian by comparison with the modern, which, in life, is about twentythree inches in extreme length. This curious and now nearly extinct Saurian animal is known as the Heloderma Suspectus, (Cope,) its life history and peculiarity of structure has been noticed by the distinguished scientist, Professor 0. C. Marsh, of Yale.

The rocks of which our different Temples are being built are all of them of interest to the curious in minerals; specimens of the Logan rock were brought up by President D. H. Wells from the foundation of the Temple. The impressions of typical sea weeds, fucoids, were distinctly seen in them, and identified as characteristic of Silurian flora. The rock used in the Temple in this city is a beautiful granite of the Dioritoid kind, as determined by Zirkel and other scientists. Probably no granitic rock in the world has attained to so wide a range of notice; it is collected by tour

CORRESPONDENCE.

ists and dealers on account of its mineralogical interest and beauty, as well as its associations with "the City of the Saints." The Manti rock will attain to a wide celebrity by reason of its numerous fossil contents. The foundation of the Temple at St. George, is a black basalt (black rock), the superstructure is a red sandstone of great durability, the outside being covered with a white facing.

The CONTRIBUTOR, volume one, I again thank you for; visitors to the Museum, many of them, desire to know about the position of our youth in regard to educational and literary attainments; this volume will surprise, and I trust delight, many of them, who come to this city preposessed with the idea that we are an ignorant people, and opposed to the intellectual culture of our children.

Iremain, yours truly,

Joseph L. Barfoot,

Curator Deseret Museum.

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instructive.

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A reviewer (in the Gentleman's Magazine) of James Russel Lowell, the brilliant poet and essayist, and now illustrious ambassador of the United States, at the Court of St. James, describes Mr. Lowell as having made the thoughtless statement that the Puritans were the only people of modern times, who went into the wilderness to practice, without molestation, their religion. He forgot

the greatest example of all time, and the most modern one. While the gallant band of Pilgrims were permitted to chose their time of departure, and were not subjected to the persecutions of implacable enemies and the infamous atrocities of unbridled mobs; the exodus of our people from Nauvoo, following fast upon the massacre of their Prophets, the sacking of their Temple, the robbing of their homes, the bombardment of their city, was marked by tracks of blood in the frozen snow of a severe winter, and the hastily dug graves of those who perished by the way.

He was sent by the Imperial GovernTrue, the Pilgrims crossed the vast ment for the purpose of taking observa- wilderness of the Atlantic, but they tions upon the way they do things in knew exactly the character of the country Great Britain, but he was so thoroughly to which they pointed the prow of the astounded by the magnitude of the Mayflower; it was a fertile soil, and a buildings, so evidently astonished by the congenial climate, and never more than thousand and one things he had never a two months' voyage distant from old seen before, that his notes become more England. But whither were directed amusing to the European than instructive the weary footsteps of our fugitives? to the Chinese. He had always regard- God, alone, knew. Flight was not their ed the British as a narrow-minded, fero-choice; it was their bitter alternative! cious and insular people, without deference or politeness; and so, was not prepared for the polished and refined attention he everywhere received. The Christian religion did not escape his observation; he finds the two fundamental ideas of Confucianism, justice and love, more or less observed throughout barbarian Europe, and so, is not all condemnation for the fruits of Christianity.

He hits the nail on the head, as we

The unexplored American Desert, teeming with hostile savages, spread its dark and uncongenial extent before them. Despoiled of their wealth and deprived of the vital assistance of five hundred men, the flower of the people-furnished without murmur, to the government which recognized the righteousness of their cause, yet could do nothing for them, this helpless band of fellow sufferers toiled over the interminable

wastes of the plains. The migration | true Ruler for a mystical mist of indefinite was over a country some fourteen hun- diffusion. dred miles in extent, the journey involved months for its completion.

And what did our people find when they reached the valley? Not the productive soil of New England, but the cheerless sage brush and alkali. I have read of no exodus, which for sublime faith, dauntless courage, and unswerving purpose, can approximate to this undying example of suffering and hardship. It needs but the enchanting lens of time to place it foremost among those rare achievements of man, which adds glory and lustre to his name. We should and do honor the men who led, the people who followed, and render glory to the God who directed this unparalelled triumphal march of religious faith.

M. Renan in his "Christian Church" tells us that Polycarp of Smyrna, a Christian prophet, who was contemporary with the Apostle John, and spent a number of years with him, believed in a personal God. This is a valuable evidence of the correctness of the Mormon idea of God, coming as it does almost directly from the founder of Christianity. We, however, need no convincing proof. It has always been a mystery to us how Bible lovers and readers and people of unconstrained views, could forsake the

We may thank our stars that politics find no countenance among us. What with the personal abuse and recrimination, sectional strife, hard feelings, and malignant controversy of a political campaign, I have thought that the speediest and surest way to "cut the ulcer of Mormonism out of the shoulder of the west"

to use approximately, or it may be exactly, I forget which, the words of the Rev. Christian and compassionate Joseph Cook.-would be to make us all Democrats and Republicans with an occasional Greenbacker and Independent to render things more lively. There would then be an end to unity, and a reign of strife. How fortunate for the people's party, that the "liberals" are not more respectable! There might be something approaching an exciting contest, if we had anything to contend with not altogether too disreputable in its general character and despicable in its methods. If ever the "liberals" had the good tact to conceal their baseness and, I might even add, bloodthirstiness, judging from the past, long enough to win those on the fence, by whom they are now shunned, over to their views, they would prove vastly more formidable. R. W. Young.

He who wishes to rest must work.

TRUTH.

TRUTH emanates from heaven; it is of Divine origin! We are told in the sacred Scriptures that God is truth, "The Psalmist says truth goeth before His face." And again: "That He is abundant in goodness and truth." In another place He exclaims "O Lord God of truth!" We have abundant testimony that God is the fountain of truth, therefore we put our trust in Him—we know He will fulfil His word that His promises are sure, and that "In Him there is no variableness or shadow of turning." We can rely upon Him, because He is the author of all truth.

The Savior taught truth. His mission was to introduce and proclaim the Gospel of truth, in all His acts and in all His daily walk and conversation. He taught by precept and example, the necessity of a strict adherance to truth. There are many instances on record, of terrible judgments and calamities befalling those who have practiced deceit or untruth, to gain their own selfish ends; but on the contrary, truth always open and candid brings its own reward, that of a clear conscience. Let us not try to deceive ourselves in regard to truth, though all the world oppose it; for however un

IN THE VILLAGE.

popular it may be in the eyes of the great or learned, it must and will eventually triumph over error; the victory is sure-God has spoken it; and His words are truth, and cannot fail.

Let us then strive to inculcate by our teaching and example that which is true, and never swerve from it under any circumstances, but hold on to it as to a rod of iron, for it is all powerful, and will bear us off conquerors over all sin and error, and will be a guide surer than any earthly one, to lead us safely through temptation-will make us strong in weakness-mighty and powerful in mind and

spirit.

With truth for our pilot, we may launch boldly forth on the ocean of life; and while that guides the helm, we are secure, whether the waves roll mountain high, or the sea is calm and placid as a summer's morning; and we may trust implicitly in the result of life's voyage, for we are sure of ultimately landing in the haven of rest. Satan is always on the watch to lead us away from this safeguard, and soon as he discovers a weak point he never loses sight of it, but is continually on the alert to insinuate himself into favor. Against him, truth is

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our strongest advocate, and if we are careful to shield ourselves with the armor of Divine truth, his shafts can never penetrate us. Satan hates truth, although he seeks to imitate it as closely as possible, and to counterfeit it in every conceivable form, for he knows it is the stronghold of all power in heaven and on earth. Knowing these things, let us not be blind to our own interests, for if we suffer ourselves to be deceived, and maintain an imitation or a shadow for a truth, we must inevitably lose the rich reward we seek, but if we are continually guided by the Spirit of God, we cannot err or go astray; for the Savior has implicitly laid down this injunction which is recorded in the New Testament, that "It will guide us into all truth," then let us not grieve away His holy Spirit, which is our only support in the midst of doubt and temptation; it is sure to whisper softly-ever so softly-perhaps, which is the true path for us to walk in. The

example of those who have lived lives of unerring truth, and have died in the full assurance of a glorious resurrection, are our best teachers after the Holy Spirit, which, if we fail to observe, we may

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IN THE

The crescent moon is calm and clear, Above the mountain pines; And edged with silver rays, appear The clouds where she reclines. The trembling stars, in wonder gaze, Upon her glorious light, And brighten with their tender rays, The long September night. Down in the quiet village, I

With careless footsteps stray, Nor mark how fleet and joyously

The hours have sped away;
For, lovelier than the tinted hills
That glow with autumn pride,
And graceful as the summer rills,

She lingers by my side.
Her starry eyes are sparkling bright,
Her voice is sweet and low,
As up the sagebrush walk, to-night,
With fluttering heart I go;

VILLAGE.

And down the wide and dusty street,

And o'er the brooklet's foam,

Until behind a railing neat,

Appears her cottage home,

We halt before the painted gate

She pulls it open wide,

And fearing that 'tis getting late,
Steps ling'ringly inside;

And then the gate flies to-and I

Against the pickets lean,

And clasp the little hands that lie

So timidly between.

And then "good-night!" and all alone
I watch the Pleiades rise;

The moon has left her silver throne,
To shine in other skies;
The sleeping village all is still,

And scarce a sound is heard,
Save of the coyote on the hill,
Or some poor wandering bird.

Beppo.

THE CONTRIBUTOR.ple by which we may hope for reward

A MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

JUNIUS F. WELLS,

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER.

TERMS:

Two Dollars a Year,

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In Advance. Single Copy, Twenty Cents.

SALT LAKE City,

beyond the grave. "To know the only true and living God is life eternal."

To those who receive this Spirit it is given to know the purposes of Jehovah. They are informed of His requirements at their hands; of their connection with Him in the labor to be done, and of their responsibility to Him and their fellow men, in consequence of the knowledge which is thus vouchsafed unto them. We speak of the teachings of this Spirit as

DECEMBER, 1880. knowledge, because whatsoever it mani

GETTING A TESTIMONY.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.-Proverbs viii, 17.

HAVING a knowledge of the Divine Will, and the consciousness of doing it, is the highest privilege accorded man, living in a gospel dispensation. It is one within the province of men of our time to enjoy, and indeed it becomes a duty to those that are known as Saints. We hear the veteran fathers of Zion, the Elders, and often the sisters, testify that this priceless knowledge has come to them; that a few years ago, in the homes of their nativity, they were ignorant of the possibilities of men in search of the Divine Will and favor. But when the servants of the Lord visited them and proclaimed in their hearing the sacred principles of faith, repentance and baptism, their hearts warmed to the admonitions they received, and they were glad to test the virtue of the doctrine, which believing and obeying, would secure to them that greatest of heavenly gifts, the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Spirit is the intelligence by which the Almighty has created and governs the universe. It is that holy influence which operates upon the spirits of men and gives them understanding. Being the only light and spirit which God heeds or is governed by in all His works and providences, whomsoever receives of it, learns of those works and providences so far as they relate to himself. There cannot be a more important truth than this. It is the very foundation of prosperity and success, and the only princi

fests unto men is without doubt. There is left no room for equivocation nor argument. Its whispering is the end of controversy. It, being the mind and will of God, is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. No man that ever knew the promptings of the Spirit of God, and was guided by its counsels, can say that he erred or did wrong. An acquaintance with the voice of this Spirit developes into a principle of revelation to those who cultivate it, bringing them closely into the confidence of God and directing their footsteps in life, in that path which he would have them follow. It is the only sure guide, that will not lead astray.

If we obtain this Spirit in childhood, before our sunny lives are darkened with the heavy clouds of sin, and grow up to youth under its direction, and are inspired by it in the vocations of manhood, we become perfect men, even "unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." We are therefore qualified to do the work that God placed us upon the earth to do. This is a grand thing, in these days of infidelity and confusion, when, so far from intelligently carrying out the designs of the great Creator, men dare to deny His very existence and set up for themselves systems and schools without God, which they suppose will rear children up to the most perfect standard of intelligence and manhood, possible for human creatures to attain.

How short-sighted and insufficient such philosophy is! If men cannot know the intelligent purposes of the great controlling mind, that rules and governs all things, how can they exert the same in

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