President Snow's Birthday. Deseret News. The 3rd of April was the 86th anniversary of the birthday of President Lorenzo Snow. The occasion was celebrated Monday afternoon, the 2nd inst., by the officers and workers of the Tem ple, in the annex of that building, which was beautifully ornamented with floral decorations. The company consisted of the workers and their wives or husbands, as the case might be, and invited guests. The latter were limited to the General Authorities of the Church. When the guest of honor entered the hall the entire company arose and sang "We thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet." The opening prayer was offered by Elder John Nicholson. THE SOUTHERN STAR. pany passed in line in front of that be- This was an ideal gathering, charac- Abstracts from Correspondence. To The Star. A little space in the Star will be much appreciated by me, as I wish to say a few words in behalf of the Latter-day Saints. When the Elders first visited Trigg county, Kentucky, they called and left a tract with me. I paid little attention to its contents, throwing the literature aside, Bishop John R. Winter, who had per- thinking it was of little value. A few sonally superintended the arrangements weeks rolled away, when I had the priviand conducted the proceedings through-lege of hearing the Elders preach. I out, announced that refreshments would wished to know if they be true servants, be in order. The blessing was asked by and can say now I know they are God's Bishop Romney. Then followed the anointed. Your sister in the Gospel, "replenishment of the inner man," and JANE T. WHALEY. engagement in pleasant social conversaFenton, Ky. tion. To The Star. At the conclusion of this exercise the Temple choir sang "I know that my As I am a member of the Church of Redeemer lives." This was followed by Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I dean appropriate congratulatory and pre-sire to pen you a few lines. I joined the sentation speech by Bishop Winder, directed to the guest of honor, to whom he presented the following: In behalf of Sister Priscilla P. Jennings, a handsome vase and bouquet. In behalf of Bishop William B. Preston, an exquisite bouquet. In behalf of Jonathan G. Kimball and wife, a beautiful bouquet. In behalf of the officers and workers of the Temple, three large lilies, emblematical of the First Presidency; a bouquet of roses (appropriate in number) representative of the Twelve Apostles; a rose emblematical of the Patriarch of the Church; a bouquet of carnations, emblems of the first seven Presidents of Seventies; a trio of roses representative of the Presidency of the Lesser Priesthood. The responsive remarks of President Snow were appropriate, pointed and in his usual happy vein. A solo was sweetly sung by Sister Mary Young. Suitable remarks were made by Elder Brigham Young. An address, admirably adapted to the occasion, was read by Sister Hester S. Cannon, and the choir sang "Zion stands with hills surrounded." Then followed a neat speech by Patriarch John Smith; remarks and song (Let the Saints prepare to meet Him), by Elder George Teasdale, and remarks by Elder Seymour B. Young. A violin solo by Brother B. M. Young, Jr., showed him to be an unusually skillful manipulator of that instrument. An original poem, composed for the occasion, by Sister Louisa L. G. Richards, was read by that lady. This was followed by interesting and impressive remarks by President Joseph F. Smith and Bishop Robert T. Burton, and Elder George D. Pyper sang "There is sunshine in my soul." The concluding addresses, which were in excellent harmony with the occasion, were delivered by Bishop E. F. Sheets and President George Q. Cannon. church three years ago and can say I Southern Star. NANCY F. JOHNSON. Having read the Star for some time, I would like to write a few lines, if you would please allow me space in your pa per. prise two Mormon Elders walked up to always have the Spirit to guide me in this life. SARAH CULPEPPER. Editor Southern Star. Please allow me a little space in your welcome weekly visitor, to tell to its many readers what the Lord has done for us through the humble Elders. I will never forget the rainy evening, three years ago, that Elder Soren Peterson and E. R. Needham came to my house. We granted them shelter from the depths of our hearts. I will never forget the words spoken by them when they promised if we would be humble and prayerful we would never regret the day the The choir sang "Shall we meet beyond Elders visited us. Since that good day the river?" The musical exercises, which constituted an attractive feature of the proceedings, were conducted by Prof. C. J. Thomas. After the benediction, which was pronounced by President Snow, the com we have had the pleasure of entertain- 157 myself were baptized the latter part of last year, and since that time much joy has filled our hearts. I bless the day that the Elders found their way to our door. Best wishes we send to the readers of the Star. Your brother and sister in the Gospel. N. L. BROWN AND WIFE. NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL. Below is given two letters which constitutes a bit of correspondence between an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his uncle, a Deacon in a sectarian church. The Elder had given up all earthly ties, to labor for the salvation of mankind, and having been invited by this uncle to pay them a visit, wrote telling him the time he would call. "Denounce your religion and then we will give you a hearty welcome," read his uncle's letter, showing plainly his narrowness. The Elder's letter is teeming with the fruits of the Spirit, and his testimony will stand against this self-righteous man, who has shown he is of the world.-Ed. Mr. Dear Burton: March 29th, 1900. Yours of a few days since received in regard to the visit you propose making your relatives soon. None of them can give you a hearty welcome on account Saints of the doctrine you Latter-day preach and practice. The people in this section have no faith in it at all. Your mother wrote me a long letter not long since. I want no other doctrine than that preached by Christ and His Apostles. The absurd idea of the founder of the Latter-day Saints (Joe Smith) your people being worshiped by Christ; that the Lord spoke to him in 1832, etc. The days of miracles have passed hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Do away with such doctrines and fraud as your people preach and practice, and your relatives will give you a hearty welcome. Your uncle in hope of Eternal Life, Now, let me say, in all kindness, that I cannot possibly give up my religion, world even though the whole against me. I have spent two years of my time and feeble talents, free of charge, in preaching it to the world, and I intend to spend the rest of my life in that direction. While I may do that, I, however, respect all people in their religious beliefs, and do not force my religion upon anyone. My instructions, before I started on this visiting tour, were to say nothing concerning my religious views unless asked regarding them. I have followed those instructions. While I visited Uncle in (and, by the way, he welcomed me), I had nothing to say in regard to my religion, as you will find by writing to him. Permit me, kindly, to say a few words in regard to several points mentioned in your letter. In the first place, permit me to observe that we preach and practice nothing contrary to the Bible, not withstanding, that our enemies often say, but fail to prove, otherwise. You will find, by referring to our Articles of Faith, that this statement is true. The Articles are on the back of my personal card, which I inclose. That is what we believe, preach and practice, here in Utah, and everywhere else on earth. You say, "I want no other doctrine than that preached by Christ and His Apostles." Neither do we, nor do we ask you to accept any other. Christ taught (Mark 16:17:18) that certain gifts and blessings (commonly termed miracles) should (not "may") fol low those who believe on Him. James (5:14, 15) says to send for the Elders and have them pray over the sick, and the Lord should raise them up. We are told by Paul (an Apostle) (I Cor., 12:412) that three of the gifts of the Spirit are healing, working of miracles, and prophecy. In a number of places we are told that God is the "same yesterday, today, and forever;" and that "He is no respecter of persons." You say "the days of miracles have passed hundreds and hundreds of years ago," Now, dear uncle, I have never seen anything of the kind in the Scriptures, at least not in my Bible. I use King James' version. I may have overlooked it, but I think not. Did you ever read in Ephesians 4:1116 where Paul said that Christ placed in the church Apostles and Prophets for the work of the ministry, and that they should remain there until we come to the unity of the faith? We have not come to that unity, so, of course, we must have Prophets, and why not Joseph Smith be one of them? Solomon says (Prov. 29:18) "Where there is no vision the people perish,' and Amos (3:7) "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secrets unto His servants the Prophets." Why not Joseph Smith be one of those Prophets to receive His secrets, so that he can be a great power for the saving of mankind? Paul says (Heb. 5:4) "And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." By referring to Exodus, fourth chapter, you will find that Aaron was called of God through the Prophet Moses. So, necessarily, we must be called by a Prophet if we preach or officiate in the ordinances of the Gospel. Why not Joseph Smith be a Prophet, so that the earth may not be devoid of authorized preachers? In the Revelations of St. John (14:6) we find the following: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." Why should that angel not come to Joseph Smith? He says it did. What is there to disprove his statement? We do not worship Joseph Smith, as has often been said, but we hold him in reverence, just as we do all of the Holy Prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, John, etc. We worship God the Father through Jesus Christ. In conclusion let me say that when Christ was upon the earth He gave one infallible test of His divinity. He told men that if they should comply with the doctrines He taught they should know that they were divine. This is the one infallible test of the divinity of Joseph Smith. If any person will obey the doctrines He taught they shall know that he was a true Prophet of God. Three hundred thousand people have obeyed and know. Why not you? While it may be heartrending to see my friends and my relatives turn the cold shoulder because of my religion, yet there can be only one safe paththe pathway of duty. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the living God-know it beyond a doubt-know it just as Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ-by the testimony of the Spirit of God. With this testimony in my heart I cannot turn back from the truth; I cannot leave the brightness of the Gospel arc-light for the dingy light of the sputtering tallow-candle of modern Christendom. of baptism is not essential to the salvation of mankind. The author of the article under discussion says, in speaking of Peter's visit with the devout Cornelius, "that, at the nouse of Cornelius, he (reter) makes, or recommends it as a result of salvation.” 1 tail to see where he nnds any ground for this conclusion, the scripture sayeth: "And He commanded them to be baptized" (Acts 10.48.) Not recommended, dear brother, but "commanded in the name of the Lord." The scriptures of truth, the Holy Bible, is replete with passages commanding those who desire saivation to be "baptised in water for the remission of sins," and the divine historians, return again and again to condemn those who deny this essential doctrine of Christ (Heb. 6:12), and, confirm the teachings of those who earnestly contend for its obedience. may Peter gives us to understand that baptism is an essentiality, for in speaking of the days when the earth was deluged by the flood, he says: "The like figure whereunto even baptism The best I can say is to say with the Savior, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt. 7:7), or with James (1:5), "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." to That the Lord of All Mercies bless you with wisdom and with His Spirit, that you may be enabled comprehend and obey the truth, thereby securing for yourself eternal life, is the earnest prayer of your loving Nephew. BURTON. A WORD IN DEFENSE. BY ELDER R. L. SHEPHERD. here, there appeared an article on BapIn a recent issue of our county paper tism, to which I desire to reply, if I may be granted space in your valuable paper for that purpose. The author of the above-mentioned article desired to know whether baptism as taught by Jesus was of the water, or of the spirit. To doth also now save us." Paul was commanded to "arise and be baptised, and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16). In conclusion, I would say unto all: "Search the scriptures," Do as Christ has bidden you to do. Follow in His footsteps. Keep His holy and sacred ordinances, that saved with the redeemed. you may escape the day of burning and be GLEANINGS. the week ending march 31st, Elders T. H. In the city of Richmond, Va., during enty-one books, while Elders E. W. Allen Fotheringham and Joel Nibley sold sevand E. G. Gardner sold forty. shows much zeal on their part and surely their efforts are praisworthy. This President Ben E. Rich, Chattanooga, Tenn.: those who are willing to abide in the words of the Master, it will readily ap: pear that both the water and the spiritual baptism are necessary to the salvation of their souls, for He says: "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." Can anything be more explicit than this divine fiat proceeding from the lips of the Dear Brother-Enclosed you will find Savior himself? It is given in clear, sim- $1 for the renewal of my subscription to ple, well defined, unmistakable terms. The Star. It is indeed a missionary to Example, in all things, being more force- our home, being highly appreciated, and ful and impressive upon the human mind, should be in the home of every Latter let us look for one moment at the ac- Day Saint. It will inspire the hearts tions of Him who said: "Ye must be of all who read it and I will say God bless born again!" Was He baptised? Yes! The Star that shines so bright in our verily so, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, home once a week. And the calendar I these four sacred historians all bear must thank you for that. It is something testimony that our Lord went into the I appreciate very much. Your brother in waters of baptism (Matt. 3:16; Mark the cause of truth. W. G. PALMER. 1:9. Luke 3,21; John 1:33) Elder Richie Harkness called in at the We see then, that the Lamb of God, taught by the word of precept, and living office this week on his way home, having example essentiality, vital importance. filled an honorable mission in the Southand absolute necessity, of water and ern States. Elder Harkness has endured spiritual baptism. When the Lord many trials and much persecution for commissioned the apostles to "go into the Gospel. He is a southerner by naall the world, and preach the gospel to tivity, embracing the Gospel at his home every creature," it was with this knowl- in York county, South Carolina, Jan. edge or understanding. "He that be- 6, 1885. In 1887 he was taken out and lieveth (the gospel) and is baptised shall made to bear lashings because he was he saved "while he that believeth not a "Mormon." He emigrated to Utah in (consequently rejects baptism) shall be 1890, and in May, 1898, he left his loved damned." (Mark 16:16.) Having re- ones for a mission to the south. Speaking ceived this divine commission, and being of his mission he says: "I have never empowered with the gift of the Holy enjoyed myself better in my life," and Ghost (Acts 2.4) they began to preach he is 50 years of age. Brother Harkness the gospel of salvation, and having es- was a Misisonary Baptist minister prior tablished in the hearts of their hearers to his conversion to the principles of a true, living, profitable faith, they com- righteousness, as taught by the "Mormon” manded them to "repent and be baptized" Elders. (Acts 2:38) promising the gift of the Holy Ghost, to follow, as a consequence of obedience to these principles of faith and repentence, and all important or dinance of baptism by water. then, that in all these scriptural references, baptism was made a condition of salvation, and by what authority has any man the right to say that this ordinance Rufus. We see In the scholarly character, sought not for self-indulgence, but for the service of mankind, is there not the harmony of all the efforts of the ages and the millennial hope of human learning?--Phillips Brooks. Habit is more powerful than nature.- THE SOUTHERN STAR. www HAPPINESS AND PLEASURE. BY JAMES E. TALMAGE. In addressing a mixed assembly of Jews, Christ preached unto them the Gospel of salvation; and in declaring unto them the divinity of His own person and mission, gave this solemn promise: "If ye continue in my word, ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32.) In truth alone is freedom to be found. The bonds of sin, the penalties of broken law, are stronger than any shackles that man can forge. Sin were possibly of less dreadful aspect if it ended with itself; but terrible as is the fact, wickedness must be classed with the things that live, and grow, and propagate their kind. It is like the weed that flourishes in noxious splendor, with blossoms which outbloom the flowers of sweet service; though the very fragrance of its petals is deadly. Sin leads to sin. It is a promissory note in the bank of the Inferno, with compound interest accumulating day and night. The sinner is ever in debt, and of all who wail in bondage, the guilty debtor is among the most abject. The truth will liberate men from the serfdom of debt, as from all other bonds of sin. the ungodly passion that too often passes Happiness is the joy of the angels; The Latter-day Saints are, as of right they must be, a happy people. Indeed, I am suspicious of one professing to be a Latter-day Saint who is not happy. This is not saying that the Latter-day Saints should be a pleasure-loving or a pleasure-seeking people. Happiness may bring with it tears, and sobs, and sorrows; but beneath them all is a current of assurance that such have come from the loving though chastening hand of God. a 159 enfranchised him; the word of God has made him free. But the fact that we mistake pleasure for happiness is not without its parallels. This is a day of imitation, adulteration, deception, and fraud. What is there of value in the world that has not been counterfeited, what that has not been adulterated and imitated? Half the chemists of the world today are devoting their energies to the detection of adulteration; and the other half, equally skillful perhaps, and ofttimes more ingenious, are using their great knowledge of the hidden things of nature to devise and concoct other adulterations that shall defy detection. Priesthood has been imitated by priestcraft. Vice ofttimes masquerades in the robes that are like unto those that virtue wears, and the test of revelation is required sometimes to distinguish between the two. But do not let us mistake the one for the other. If you bar gain for happiness, see that you get the genuine article; pleasure is not a fair substitute. Don't adjudge me as inexcusably pessimistic; as seeing only the sombre side of human nature and institutions; as perceiving naught but the corruption of present-day society. I have not lost faith in my Father's family. My fellowmen are children of God, and though many of them forget their high estate, and ignore their divine heritage, all do not so. Our Father looks with righteous pride upon hosts of His children who have never bowed the knee to Baal; He knows where to find thousands who have never defiled themselves; He could call the roll of legions who are happy and free, because the truth hath made them so. The Gospel of Christ is the good news of peace. It bears the glad tidings of happiness and freedom. Peace be with you.-Young Woman's Journal. Juvenile Instructor. A few months ago I was one of a small gathering of Utah people in the city of London. Those who found themselves We speak of "telling the truth;" this there face to face in a strange land, enis at best but a narrow expression, cir-joyed an hour of pleasant converse and cumscribed by custom. Truth is not a innocent recreation. Among the few thing of words. Speaking the truth is other than Utah people present was weak compared with doing the truth- gentleman who had recently joined the as feeble in comparison as is voicing a church in Great Britain. He stood lookprayer in contrast with doing with full ing over the small assembly in an interpurpose of heart what that prayer im-ested manner; and then, taking me aside, plies. Let us be thankful that we have he said: "I have heard numerous testibetter and more enduring stuff than monies borne since I came into the words with which to weave the fabric of church; have heard many relate the cir- Faith and Prayer to Accompany Fasting. our life's purpose; grateful that we know cumstances that led them to investigate a language more impressive and less lia- this message of truth; but I have never ble to go astray than is that of the lips. found another with an experience quite Probably at no time in the history of The truth gives freedom, and freedom like my own. What would you say if I the church has the monthly fast day been brings happiness. The free man is the tell you that the one circumstance which observed more closely than it has been of truly happy man. Freedom carries with attracted me and led me to investigate late, especially since the day has been it burdens; it imposes responsibilities; it the message brought by the Elders of changed from the first Thursday in the may deprive us of lesser pleasures; neverthe Church of Jesus Christ was this: month to the first Sunday. The first Suntheless it insures happiness. Let it be that all who join this church seem to be day in every month is now observed noted that happiness and pleasure are not happy? Everybody here appears to be throughout all the church, at home and In the haste and hurry of our happy and whenever I meet a Latter- abroad, with great punctuality. It is of busy lives we ofttimes fail to distinguish day Saint I find myself in the presence course likely that many members do not between the two, and are ready to accept of happiness and contentment." Well, I observe the day with the strictness which the one for the other. They belong to knew that truth before, and yet, perhaps, is desired, but there are very few of the different species. Happiness is the jewel. I had never framed the thought in words. faithful Latter-day Saints who are guilty pleasure but the paste imitation. Hap- I replied: "Why shouldn't they be hap- of neglect in this respect. From the evenpiness is the noble metal, unaffected by py?" In thinking over the incident I the corrosion of the elements. unbitten have reached the conclusion that happi-ing meal of Saturday to the evening meal by the tooth of time; pleasure is the gild-ness is not merely an incidental, but an ed brass, which, once deprived of its essential feature in the lives of Latterfalse, scaly covering, cankers and is con- day Saints. verted into poisonous verdigris. the same. Pleasure is a weed, however alluring its fragrance: happiness the plant of usefulness and sweetness. Pleasure is the tickling of the palate with the savory pottage, too often bought at the price of a birthright: happiness is the strength. the health, the vigor, that comes from wholesome food, honestly earned. eaten with thanksgiving, and assimilated by a body that has not been wreeked through dissipation. say You will understand me when I figuratively that I believe happiness is one of the principles of the Gospel; for the man who knows that he has embraced the Gospel of freedom, the one who has heard and comprehended the message of his Father, the one who is no longer seeking here and there. and wandering hither and thither in search of the pearl of great price, because he has found it. ought to be, if any man can be, happy. Happiness and peace will find Happiness is the love that passeth all a lodgment in the heart of the righteous understanding, which only true men man. He will be willing to forego the and virtuous women can know the para-pleasures and assume the burdens of life. dise of the soul into which only the clean He will be willing to meet the sorrows may enter. It mellows the harshness of And through it all he will be our natures, it restrains, it sanctifies. In happy and thankful, because he is a free such affection the angels lend their aid, man. He is no longer a slave: the truth and the Father approves. Pleasure is has emancipated him; the Gospel has that come. of Sunday every scrupulous Saint denies himself all food and beverages. Indeed, some people of sensitive consciences have addressed us inquiries asking whether it was not breaking the fast to partake of the Sacrament. We think such a view is rather too technical. If the day is strictly observed as a fast day in other respects, certainly no harm nor wrong is done in partaking of the emblems of the Lord's body and blood in the course of the day. occasion observed as a fast day, there In fasting on these occasions, or any should be in the minds of those who fast some object to be sought after and gained by fasting and prayer. Every human being has some wants, some desires near to the heart, which the Lord alone can grant. It is well at such times, therefore, to bear these desires in mind, and to offer prayer to the Lord for them to be grant REPORT OF MISSION CONFERENCES FOR WEEK ENDING MARCH 24, 1900. ed. These desires should be accompanied by all the faith possible to be exercised by the humble petitioner before the Lord. Innumerable instances might be cited to show how effective fasting and prayer have been in obtaining righteous desires. The Elders who go out, without purse and scrip, carrying the gospel, obtain an experience full of illustrations of the power and efficacy of prayer in securing for them that which their hearts desire. Indeed, Elders of great faith have frequently found themselves relieved from the necessity of asking for aid from those with whom they were brought in contact, because through the exercise of their faith before the Lord, He has put it into the hearts of men to supply their wants without waiting for human request or suggestion. Where Elders have faith enough to accomplish this, it is surely a more pleasant way of obtaining relief or that which is necessary to aid them in their missionary labors than to be compelled to ask for such aid. 81 57 146 28 279 181 people and to destroy the wicked plots of "Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits." pleasing to the eye, perhaps, but not to the taste, because they were modeled with man's hands." "Today I see before me what people claim as God's churches, Like the fruit, they have no connection which they delight to call the branches. with the vine. Their imitations neither bring blessings nor salvation promised true believers. Like the reproduction of the amateur artist, who copies the master production, when placed beside the original show many imperfections, not being guided by the divine hand of the master, modeled by men instead of God, they present a mass of confusion; having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof. Doubt walks upon the path which certainty should travel. Many, instead of having the spirit to guide them, trust in vain imaginations of their own search for the pearl of greatest price. wisdom. I must be on my journey and Kingdom of God, having such officers to The little stone cut out of the mountain without hands. The true church and bring all mankind to perfection and enjoying the blessings promised to those who will obey.” "So on life's path he sped his way, THE DEAD. Brother William L. Kitchen departed from this life on Monday morning, March 19, 1900. He was baptized Jan, 19, 1898, by Elder II. B. Crouch. He had been Wearied by a long journey, a traveler stopped by the road side to rest. On the opposite side his keen eye rested upon something of interest. Hurriedly aris: ing, this way-faring man went to the spot which had caused him so much surprise. "Strange things will never cease," he muttered, "a grape vine, to be sure, but of falsehood, slander and misrepresenta clinging to it? There is the apple, the At the present time there is a storm why so many different kinds of fruits tion raging against the Latter-day Saints. Satan and his emissaries are holding high plum, peach, cherries, figs," and so on carnival and flooding the country with he enumerated them upon his fingers as he discovered a different kind of fruit. every kind of story that is likely to arouse wrath and indignation against the Saints "How enticing they all look! What a of God. The most unscrupulous methods treat awaits me." With boyish glee he are resorted to; the most atrocious lies put forth his hand and plucked an apple. are fabricated, and the bitterest malice is A look of disgust took the place of joy. manifested. We have these storms quite "Not good," he exclaimed as he thrust it frequently. It would disturb us very much if there were any long-continued to the ground. Every kind of fruit did peace if the Latter-day Saints enjoyed he gather with but the same result. About the favor of the world to any extent or to turn away he noticed a bunch of for any length of time. Every one of ex- grapes before unseen, clinging close to the perience in the church is therefore re vine. "Ah! real fruit is yet my reward. minded in times of peace of the probabil- How delicious." Holding them at arm's ity of another storm being aroused against the Saints in the near future. It length he stood in rapt admiriation. Many were his thoughts. Truly the other fruits is noticeable, too, that each succeeding storm is heavier and more widespread were beautiful to the eye, but the only than all that have preceded it. It is a real child of the vine were the grapes. remarkable fact that as the church grows While carried away in deep thought the in years, in experience and in strength, lonely traveler was greeted with a strange these periodical visitations of wrath be- voice: "Hallo! must be come more violent, more widespread, and "Yes," was the reply. "I am journeying more alarming in their character. If the in search of a treasure; not a worldly gain, Saints had had in their earlier days such but treasures in Heaven the kingdom trials of their faith through the threats of God as our Lord commanded all to and manifestations of hatred on the part of their enemies, it is doubtful whether first seek." "I cannot see," said the newmany would not have faltered and be- comer, "your reason for making hard to come frightened at the outlook. But year travel a road I deem easy; note the teachafter year, as one trial has followed an- ings of our Redeemer, for plainly he other, the faithful Saints have been pre- said 'I am the vine and ye are the pared for the worst that could happen. branches.' Does not that mean that Each test has strengthened them the bet through Christ we receive all nourish ter to endure the next one. And they have finally learned to keep down all agi- ment? Did he not mean that all churches tation and disturbance of mind at the are His, and it matters not which one malignant threats and the wicked plots a person belongs to?" "Yes," responded the truth seeker, "the Saviour did say I am the vine and ye are the branches. James also asks if the fig tree can bear olive berries? Either a vine figs? Your idea of salvation reminds me of that vine. I noticed such a variety of seemingly C. R. Humphreys, from North Alabama good fruit, but do you know that but one kind received nourishment from that to Chattanooga (office.) vine? The grape only being real. God's W. B. Parkinson, from Chattanooga to Conference. creation, while the others were imitations, | Ohio of their enemies. This is the case at the present time. The wrath of the wicked will be turned aside; the Lord will cause it to praise him, and to bring glory to His name, salvation to His people, and an increase of faith and confidence to all who trust Him. Yet we suggest that on our regular fast days the Saints should supplicate the Lord in their prayers to look down with mercy and tender compassion upon His traveling?" a faithful Latter Day Saint, though he was looked upon with scorn by some who had been his friends before he became a "Mormon," nevertheless, he had many friends, a wife, who is also a member of of the "church," and two chuldren, who deeply mourn, because of his death.. He had not been confined to his bed but had been complaining for several weeks, and went to bed as usual on Sunday night. His wife awoke about 3 o'clock in the morning and found he was not breathing as usual, and she tried to wake him, but he was dead. His spirit seemed to have left him without bringing forth a struggle, leaving him while in the sweetest slumber. He remained Was born July 28, faithful to the end. 1832, and lived at Brierhook, Buckingham county, Virginia. Releases and Appointments. Transfers. LD. Cox, from Florida to Chattanooga Conference, THE SAINT'S INVOCATION. BY ELIZA R. SNOW. Roll on thy work, Eternal God, When burnish'd error will return When knowledge, flowing from on high, O, give the happy period birth, When strife and war shall cease; When foul iniquity will hide And wicked men no more in pride Upon the righteous tread. When all the people will be wise, And all their dealings just; When lying tongues and envious eyes Will moulder in the dust. When Zion will be plac'd on high When all the watchmen, eye to eye, When love to God and neighbor, will When Zion's lofty towers will rise And, mingling with the joyful skies, Propel thy glorious kingdom forth, Extend its light abroad; Perform thy purpose on the earth, Thou great, Eternal God. OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS. Elder G. M. Porter. Our beloved brother-Elder G. M. Porter-was born at Porterville, Morgan county, Utah, March 17, 1871. His parents were numbered among those who faced the stern realities of pioneer life in the vales of the far west, being content to earn their bread by prudent thrift and hardy toil. When Brother Porter was only two years of age, his angel mother died, and his father, being in the lowly walks of life, was not able to furnish him with more than a common school education. At the age of 21 we find the subject of our sketch located in a new valley, endeavoring to make him a home, and grow up with the country. Before leaving the and the hearth-side near and dear. After laboring on the farm and main- Lord desired him to perform a mission. ELDER G. M. PORTER, was set apart for a mission to the South No. 21. August, 1895. This month, true to itself, opened up extremely warm and dry. The heat overcame, for short periods, some of the Elders, but caused no fatalities. President Kimball met with the Elders in their respective Conferences as follows: West Virginia, held at Vanceburg, Ky., on the 1st and 2nd; East Tennessee, held at Notla, N. C., on the 8th and 9th; North Alabama, held at Russellville, Ala., on the 15th and 16th, and Mississippi and Louisiana, held together at China Grove, Miss., on the 29th and 30th. These gatherings did much good to Saints, Elders and friends. About this time many cities and towns were being entered, which is termed "capturing," and the people therein given a chance to hear the true plan of salvation as preached and practiced by the Latter-day Saints. Elders who entered these places succeeded remarkably well in making friends among the influential citizens, and did much good. During the conference at Vanceburg, Ky., the Elders were treated royally. An opera house was furnished them in which to hold meetings; a hotel in which to entertain their President, while plenty of friends were on hand, anxious to assist in rendering the occasion an enjoyable one. The people of the South are known throughout this broad land as being hospitable; that when entertaining friends nothing is too good for their guest of honor. Many, many honesthearted people of the South have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the so-called "Mormons," and thousands have been made to rejoice in its teachings. |