302 the hem of His garment; and as many as were ciples of faith and repentance, and the charged with that heavenly influence, and can only come the Holy reason of touch or contact. Jesus pos that it may continue to abide with us Does the Gift of the Holy Ghost, prom- Do What You Feel You Should. Do it. If you've anything to say, If you've anything to love, If you've anything to give, If some hollow creed you doubt, Upon one occasion, when Jesus had been declaring Himself to be the bread of life to believers, He said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." that "It is the spirit (John 6:63). quickeneth." The theory and philosophy of life is that, like life produces like life, and proceeds from antecedent life. The spirit of God proceeds from the throne of God, and is a spirit of life. of light. intelligence and power. In imparting life. contact becomes a necessity. To impart or bestow this spiritual life, contact is likewise necessary, as in the vegetable or animal kingdom. This, then, leads us up to the subject as to how the Holy Ghost is conferred as a Gift upon repentant, baptized believers. Just a few citations as conclusive proof of the value of contact or touch, in the imparting of this spiritual fluid, known as the Holy Ghost. Mark, the sacred historian, records a very remarkable incident in the life of Jesus. "A certain woman which had an issue of blood twelve years," having faith in the Lord, and desirous of being healed, pushed her way through the crowd that thronged about Him, and touched His garment. she healed of Immediately was plague. "And Jesus immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Him about in the press my clothes?" and said. Who touched 5:25-34). The Apostles mar(Mark Summer Excursions, Colorado, Utah. veled at His question, "Who touched my The Union Pacific railroad will place clothes?" for they knew that the crowd 7th in and 21st, effect August on were thronging about Him. Here is an instance where the efficacy of touch was 1900, summer excursion rates of one fare for the round trip, plus $2, from Mismade manifest. Again Luke tells us. Tickets that "the whole multitude sought to touch souri river to Denver, Colorado Springs, Him; for there went virtue out of Him, Pueblo, Ogden and Salt Lake. (Luke 6:19). good for return until October 31st. For and healed them all." Matthew also says that the people "be- full particulars address J. F. Aglar, Gensought Him that they might only toucheral Agent, St. Louis, Mo. If you've any debt to pay, If you've any joy to hold, Hold it. If you've any grief to meet, Meet it. -Success. THE DEAD. Willie T. Fielder passed away from this mortal probation July 2d, 1900. He was born Sept. 3d, 1866, and the cause of his demise in the very prime of man hood was a severe attack of typhoid fever. His death was peaceful, and when the last breath of life left its mortal Brother Fielder one rocked to sleep. tabernacle, he passed away, as a little was not a member of the Church, but was a bold and fearless defender of the His faith of the Latter-day Saints. house was always open as a refuge for the weary Elders, a haven of rest for Brother Fielder the pilgrim of peace. leaves a sorrowing wife and three sweet children to mourn his loss. May God bless and prepare them to meet their loved one in the morning of the first resurrection. A skeptical young man confronted an old Quaker with the statement that he did not believe in the Bible. The Quaker said: "Dost thou not believe in France?" "Yes, though I have not seen it, I have seen others that have; besides there is plenty of corroborative proof that such a country does exist." "Then thee will not believe anything "Ever see anybody that did?" "Does thee believe thee has any?" Much of the failure in this world may be attributed to the fact that too many cess with blank cartridges.-Success. people are firing at the bull's-eye of suc History of the Southern States Mission. (Continued from Page 290.) October, 1898.-On the 9th inst. a special fast day was sanctified in behalf of the sick Elders-especially Elder Thos. R. Condie, who was stricken down with yellow fever. By the blessings of the Lord and the prayers of faith, with fasting, he was restored from the dreadful plague. For some time there had been much talk of publishing a Mission paper, as an aid to the work in the Southern States, a comfort to the Saints, and a benefit to the Elders. The subject was laid before the authorities, the result being a favorable response, and a hearty approval. Elder D. P. Felt was called in from the field to take charge of this important work, under the direction of the Mission President. as a Another matter which had been suggested many times now came up for due consideration and adoption. It was this: The Elders had long felt the need of some book which they could use "running mate" for that choice little gem of inspired truth, "The Voice of Warning," and "Mr. Durant, of Salt Lake City." "That Mormon" was chosen to fill the emergency. With the consent and indorsement of the First President Rich permitted his little work to take its place as a co-laborer and silent preacher of righteousness with the choice catalogue of books, tracts and dodgers then in general use, publishing the same on his own responsibility, and it was decided to print the book in size like "The Voice of Warning," the cost about equal thereto. THE SOUTHERN STAR. leaving for their fields of labor. Sixteen composed the chosen band, their names being as follows: Riego S. Hawkins, Philo V. Carter, James J. Facer, Wm. J. Sutherland, J. W. E. Scott, Ulysses S. Cline, James T. Rich, Daniel Wells Grover, Joseph S. Cazier, Chas. C. Town, David C. Shupe, W. A. Call, Matthew A. Clouse, Elijah R. DeWitt, Wm. Larson and Milan C. Miller. Very little sickness existed at the close of the month, and the general report showed the Elders to be making good headway and feeling well spiritually. December, 1898.-Word was received on the 1st that another of our meeting houses had been burned in Kentucky by some red-handed, lawless incendiary. The scene of the conflagration occurred in the East Kentucky Conference, at Vanceburg, Kentucky. It was near midnight of Sept. 18th when the Church on Blaine creek was set on fire by a drunken mob, and now the good Saints of Kentucky once more suffered the loss of a meeting house. President George A. Lyman sent in a full report of the occurrence, which can be found on page 63 of Vol. I. 303 THE GREAT ARMY OF "SILVER Juvenile Instructor, Aug. 1, 1900. Every visitor to Utah is impressed with the large proportion of aged people in the community. We who reside here would notice the same thing, if it were not that we have become so accustomed to it that it seems to us quite regular. We meet and know so many who in other places would be called old that we cease to re gard either the surprising number of them or their great weight of years. It seems so natural with us for men and women to live to a great age that almost any body with less than seventy or eighty years is regarded as only of middle age, and if such a person dies, he or she is mourned as one who, if not cut down in the prime of life, had at least several years of usefulness ahead. Men's heads become silvered with the snows of many winters; women lose their freshness of countenance and bend a little through many years of work and care; and yet their general health continues good and their faculties are bright and keen as ever. They grow old as a sound and vigorous tree grows old; not shriveling and withering but giving forth even more of wisdom's fruit and beneficent shade, retaining their usefulness and beauty of character to the Twenty-one Elders arrived on the 20th inst. to swell the ranks of Zion's army in the South. Their names were as follows: W. D. Rencher, George F. CorPeter nish, James Smith, Presidency, Kingsford, Charles J. Howard, R. L. Jensen, David R. Morgan, Edmond S. Parkinson, Chas. E. Wright, Samuel A. Watton, L. J. Willis, Orin M. Hess, W. J. Staples, Jas. D Taylor, Chas. Edward Hancock, Chas. N. Corbridge, Chas. Gilbert, Geo. A. Grif-proof of the correctness of the remarks fith, Edwin S. Budge, Wilford Bennion, and R. L. Houtz. On the 25th inst. the following Elders arrived from Salt Lake City: Sylvester Low, Jr., Wm. I. Burk, Elijah Orton, John F. Perkins, Andrew O. Madsen, Chas. S. Anderson, Benham Hunsaker, W. W. MacKay, Willard G. Atkin and Brigham L. Tippets. The month closed with the work prospering for the most part, although in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana the Elders were handicapped to some extent, owing to quarantine regulations. Elder Orson Wilkins arrived from Zion on the last day of the present month. November, 1898.-The following Elders arrived on the 3d, 7th and 10th, respectively: Keenes R. Sowards, Christo Hyldahl and W. B. Parkinson. President Rich returned from the west on the 9th and reported an enjoyable time with the Saints and leaders in Zion. The Elders in Atlanta were visited and counseled as to work in that city. From the North Carolina Conference came the following letter, which explains the bitter feeling prevalent on the east coast, where the Elders met with such marked success just one year ago. The letter was headed Colon, N. C., and dated Nov. 9, 1898, being addressed to President Ben E. Rich: "Dear Brother:-The Elders are having a hard fight in the eastern counties. The ministers are well organized and doing all they can to prejudice the people and stay the progress of the work. Two of the Elders who are laboring in Pamlico county received a very warm reception the first night they conducted services. Sixteen buckshot were fired into the building and several pistol shots were heard on the outside. Lewis Swensen." With the close of the month came also the close of one of the most eventful years in the history of the Church, and also of the mission. President Wilford Woodruff had been called to leave this sphere of mortality and soar aloft to brighter worlds and fairer scenes. Apostle Lorenzo Snow had been called to stand at the helm of the Ship of Zion as a seer, prophet and revelator unto all Israel, to predecessor. succeed his noble As the wheels of Time roll round and round, so the little stone is rolling and increasing in its progress and advancement. Over 1,200 souls have been added to the true fold of the Good Shepherd Jesus in the south, and the good work is advancing. The year c loses, and the noble warriors of the Lord's army are standing in line. shoulder to shoulder, united and deteremined to conquer error wheresoever it may be found. (To be Continued.) God's Choicest Gift. "God thought to give the sweetest thing What it should be, one hour, The most cheerful author-Samuel Smiles. The noisiest author-Howells. The happiest author-Gay. On the 21st another company of Elders arrived in Chattanooga, to spend Thanks--Chicago giving day with the good, hospitable people of the south. They were given some Realization is anticipation with the excellent and timely instructions before edge taken off.-New York Sun. last. No one who has attended what we call an "Old Folks' Excursion" needs further above made. This annual excursion or entertainment of the veterans is a peculiarly Utah institution, or rather it is peculiar to the Latter-day Saints, whether in Utah or elsewhere though its benefits are not confined to members of this Church by any means. It is a beautiful custom. It gives the aged, of whatsoever name or faith or color, to understand that on this particular occasion everybody is prepared to do them honor. The town or the resort they visit is completely theirs, them. for the time being. The steam and street railways, the wagons and carriages, are also theirs and woe to any employe or driver who would act gruffly or impatiently to even the humblest of Reaching their destination the best that the land affords is spread lavishly be fore them. Their slightest want is ministered to by the youth and beauty of the vicinity. Then their games or contests, the various competitions for which appropriate prizes are offered, their delightful reminiscences, their gladness and gratitude what a splendid occasion it is, and how charming and memorable to all those who take part in or even witness it! But why should not people live to be old, under the shadow of these mighty mountains and under the teachings of the true Gospel? There is an inspiration to longevity in the sight and contemplation of the "everlasting hills." In the observance of the laws of God there is not only life eternal, but also health and life temporal. All the conditions favor the attaining of greater age than people in the world are accustomed to look for. The air and influences which surround us are of the best-at least the other kind can easily be escaped. Grinding toil, as the world understands the term, is unknown to us. Of course there is hard work, and plenty of it; but with it there is freedom and peace and the happy assurance that what we strive for we shall either enjoy ourselves, or our children will after Then how perfect is the Gospel in its instructions as to man's welfare, both us. here and hereafter! Its strict requirement as to the observance of the Sabbath -one day's rest in seven! Its plain advice and word on temperance in all things and on abstaining from the things which "are not good for man!" Its glorious promises to those who abide these commandments, as to health, endurance, vig or and length of life! People cannot help but live to be old under such surroundings. As to the aged among the Latter-day Saints, it may further be said that they represent the stoutest and best types of the people from whom they were gathered. It has always required some courage to become a "Mormon." That faith has been unpopular. Its believers have had to endure the scorn of those with whom they had previously been associated. To join the Church meant frequent ly, loss of employment, of friends, of family affection even, sometimes. The will ingness to incur these penalties (for such they would be called by most people) for the sake of obedience to conscience and conviction, indicated in the outset a strength of character beyond the ordinary, a degree of sturdiness that comparatively few possess. It is true that these are mental attributes rather than physical; but will any one deny that mental strength has a great deal to do with physical health and energy? The remarks last made necessarily apply to those who accepted the Gospel in their native lands. The Church has only been established seventy years, so those who may be called veterans in years could not have been born in it. But there is no reason why their descendants should not inherit longevity along with the other virtues displayed by their parents. On the contrary, there is every reason why they should do so, and in an increased degree. They ought not only to possess the health and vigor of their sires, but their improved surroundings ought to add to it. Freed from the traditions of their ancestors, they ought to be able to live more completely the laws of God. These, as already stated, carry their own sure reward with them. Then the honor they do the old folks is in itself a promise that we shall always have lots of veterans; for by the great Creator Himself is it not said of those who honor their father and mother that "their days shall be long in the land?" Cultivate the physical powers exclusively, and you have an athlete or a savage; the moral only, and you have an enthusiast or a maniac; the intellectual only, and you have a diseased oddity, it may be a monster.-Success. The less you say, the more the people will remember. 967 69 25 39 406 20 188 a a TOWN STATE Charlotte... Bowersville. Chattanooga Richmond, Box 388. Centre Memphis, Box 153.. [Tennessee Virginia Kentucky N. Carolina Georgia Tennessee Georgia 325 N.Summer st. Nashville Tennessee 3 Goldsboro, Box 924.. 4 Valdosta.. Blacksburg. Ackerman.... Barboursville.. Hughes Spur. Lapine N. Carolina S. Carolina Mississippi Kentucky Louisiana Alabama 109 W. Gray St., Louisville Kentucky 539 Betts St., Cincinnati ... Ohio 41 Cheshire St., Cleveland Ohio In fact, it is very important. The newspaper is liable to work very harmful results unless there is a flow of light from the best writers constantly illuminating the mind of the young people. If a reporter is working in a large city, where schools and colleges are available, he should seek to take some work in one of these. Then he will have practiced hand to guide his reading. As to rules for writing, the best one I have ever known is this: Never write anything, if possible to avoid it, in the same way it has been done before. Shun hackneyed is very soon likely to have a style of his phrases. If a writer sticks to this, he own. But above all things else, don't rush into print." In these days of Bible "higher-criticism" and discredit in the Old Testament it is good to notice what wholesome approval and confirmation the old Scriptures received from our Lord in that He in "Never was a greater mistake made. Few people realize that literature is a trade and an art. The trade must first be mastered. There are mechanical rules to be learned and utilized, just as much as in any manual work. To go through the period of apprenticeship in studiously fulfilled the prophecies the trade, then develop into an artisan, their minuteness. In this act-the riding on the foal of an ass, the Master fuland finally become a real artist, requires a long, steady, and oftentimes discour-filled faithfully the prophecy of His seraging struggle. Nearly every person vant, Zechariah, made 500 years before. who can write a good letter thinks him- In this beautiful performance we see the to write self perfectly competent nature of the Lord's mission portrayed. story for a magazine, and, indeed, much "They lifted him upon the colt, and the triumphal procession set forth. It was above penning a communication to Little does that no seditious movement to stir up politifirst-class newspaper. person appreciate that the gulf between cal enthusiasm, no insulting vanity to him and the real writer is almost im- commemorate ambitious triumph. Nay, it was the mere outburst of provincial measurable. joy, the simple exultation of poor Galileans and despised Disciples. He rides not upon a war horse, but on an animal which was the symbol of peace. haughty Gentiles, had they witnessed the humble procession, would have utterly derided it, but the Apostles recalled in after days that it fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah: 'Rejoice greatly, O daugh"I do not think much of the new writ-ter of Zion; s hout, O daughter of Jeruers, as a class. So much is being written that most of it must necessarily be poor. Literature is being commercialized so rapidly that little first-class work can be expected. Genius cannot be created by offerings of so much a word. A few year's work on a daily newspaper writer. forms the best training for a or woman gets There the young man very close to the world. It becomes possible to know what people of all classes are thinking of, and how they look at things. A newspaper reporter should make his every story the very best he is capable of writing, so that each will be at least a little better than the one Respectfully Inscribed to the Departing Shrink not from the task assigned you, When beset by opposition, And the tempter's subtle wiles, This will gain you angels' smiles. Take no thought for food or clothing- If you valiant do your duty, Strictly in his word confide. He will bid His watchful angels Guard your footsteps front and rear; Should you labor all your lifetime, Oh, how pleased will be the meeting, A thousand times, yea, more and more. Heed not scoffing unbelievers, When they vent their furious wrath; And would fain do violence to ye, And like fiends beset your path. Know that He who's work you're doing Has you in His watchful care; Nothing 'scaping His keen vigils, E'en the falling of a hair. Shrink not, shirk not, fill the mission Count it but a pleasing duty, OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS. Elder J. G. Bolton. When Elder B. F. Price was honorably released to return to the home of his loved ones, the responsibility of taking charge of Kentucky Conference affairs was intrusted to him whose portrait is here given, Elder J. G. Bolton. Brother Bolton was born June 19th, 1876, at Mill Creek, Salt Lake county, Utah. He is a thoroughbred Utahn, ELDER J. G. BOLTON. President of Kentucky Conference. for his parents-Charles G. and Pris- Home being the sweetest place on earth It was on the 13th of April, 1899, that No. 39. first year his time was spent as a canvassing Elder, afterwards as a Counsellor, and finally as President. In a recent letter he says: "It has been my desire low-brothers." This is his motto, and a to serve God and do my duty to my felbetter one cannot be conceived. We look his supervision, as it has done under the for the work to grow and spread under wise direction of his predecessors. History of the Southern States Mission. (Continued from page 303.) January, 1899-The record of 1898 is now written in the Volume of the Past, and old Father Time has sealed the book, and clasped its lids. The acts of men are indelibly engraved thereon, and those who have maliciously reviled and persecuted the Saints of God, or the Elders of Israel during the year just passed, will some day meet their reward, and be called upon to give an account of their evil deeds before the flaming bar of God's eternal justice. Though the record is sealed, the history written, their ac tions chronicled, still there is yet an opportunity for an erasure to be made, a blessed privilege granting unto them repentance and forgiveness. The records on earth are only a facsimile of the sacred rolls written by the recording angel of God and kept in the archives of Heaven's lofty vaults. When "the books" are opened, and we stand up for judgment before our Savior, Jesus, if we have not made good use of this preparatory probation, and have not repented of our sins and transgressions and have failed to render obedience to the Gospel plan, and give glory unto God, the penalty will be uttered, and our sentence we may read, "Depart from me ye that work iniquity into outward darkness. I never knew you." The new year dawned with the prospects fair for a noble work to be perIn order to faformed by the Elders. cilitate the work of the Elders and that the results may loom up in good round numbers, President Rich decided to visit all the Elders, become acquainted with them as a brother, and associated with them in their modus operandi. The Conference Presidents were informed of this intention, and told to prepare to have within their Elders assemble together the next three months. Sister Nina Rich arrived at the office on the 14th inst. to act as housekeeper and matron. As history bears record of all things, both sweet and bitter, joyous and sorrowful, so it becomes our duty to inscribe the death of Brother Sampson O. Hale, a local traveling Elder in the South Alabama Conference. Elder Hale was called into active missionary work in the summer of 1898. At the time of his demise he was laboring in company with Elder W. C. Carver in Monroe county, Alabama. Elder Hale was born in what is now known as Provo, Monroe county, Alabama, April 18th, 1862. Coming of humble parentage, his youthful days were spent in arduous toil upon the farm. He had a valiant spirit, was bold, fearless, faithful and true. It was in January, 1896, that he was baptized into the Church, and since that time until his spirit left its mortal home, he was energetic in assisting to disseminate the truths of the Gospel among his fellow men. The remains of Brother Hale were taken by wagon and rail a distance of fifty miles to his grief-stricken relatives, whom he had left. His family-a wife and two children-bore their sorrow with marked humility, long suffering and patient fortitude. He was put to rest in the land of his nativity. Appropriate services were conducted by the Elders present, consoling remarks being made to cheer the bereaved and mourners. His life was one of noble acts; his character made up of noble Christ-like attributes. To those who knew him, he was a true brother and я faithful friend. The good he did will never die, and never be forgotten. On the 12th inst. Elder George W. Williams arrived from Salt Lake City, and was assigned to labor in the Florida Conference. On the 23d a company of twenty-four arrived in Chattanooga. Among this noble band were two of Elder Berry's valiant sons-he who was cruelly martyred in Lewis county with Elder Gibbs, August, 1884. (See page 225, Vol. 1.) The Elders were as follows: Ben L. Rich, Thomas N. East, George O. Curtis, Jacob A. Hancock, Edward T. Lofgreen, John McIntosh, John M. Haws, F. H. Whittle, James J. Thompson, John E. Myler, James J. Buttars, Charles E. Atkinson, Bert Hoopes, F. W. Karren, George A. Brower, Jesse Arthur Berry, John William Berry, John Alma Stapley, Emery Barrus, Preston A. Bushman, Aaron Jacobsen, Jr., Clarence O. Cherry, G. M. Porter, and James S. Castleton. GOD'S GREATEST GIFT. The Holy Ghost-How Conferred. BY ELDER DAVID H. ELTON. (Continued from page 302.) We read in Deuteronomy that "Josh- receive thy sight, and be filled with the l'eter and John and Ananias. The Lord "Paul, having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the This same apostle wrote to Timothy and thee, which was given thee by prophecy, said, "Neglect not the gift that is in with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery" [Elders] (I Tim. 4:14.) Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied (Acts 19:1-6.) Here is another remarkable incident given Coming down the stream of time, we in the sacred word, to show unto us that find Peter, standing at the head of the the Holy Ghost came through the methThe baptism Church on earth, as the chief Apostle, od of laying on of hands. gladden the promising unto the people the gift of the of John was valid, it is true, but those Holy Ghost, and, with the Apostle Johu, people had not been baptized unto the practicing the laying on of hands to baptism of John, as they supposed. By bestow the same upon baptized believers. saying "unto John's baptism" they eviLet us investigate the incident referred dently meant, by immersion, but the auto: Philip had been commissioned by au- thority from God was lacking, the adthority to go and preach the word of the ministrator of the ordinance was an imliving God unto the people of Samaria. poster, hence Paul baptized them over ministering the He did so, and was very successful in again, and then laid his hands upon them: Gospel, insomuch that that they might receive the Holy Ghost. "they believed Philip preaching the things John's baptism is efficacious and effective concerning the kingdom of God, and the-it means to be immersed by one having name of Jesus Christ," and "were bap- authority from God to administer in the tized, both men and women." "Now ordinances of the Gospel. when the Apostles which were at Jeruthe word of God, they sent unto them salem heard that Samaria had received Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; (FOR AS Again, in his second epistle to Timothy YET HE WAS FALLEN UPON he exhorts him thus: "Wherefore I put NONE OF THEM; ONLY THEY thee in remembrance that thou stir up WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME the gift of God which is in thee by the OF THE LORD JESUS.) they their hands on them, and they re- Let us see now, when Simon bargained Then laid putting on of my hands." (II. Tim. 1:6.) ceived the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:10-17.) with the Apostles to purchase the gift It is self-evident, and beyond the cavil of the Holy Ghost with money, Peter of disputers, that on this occasion the rebuked him, saying, "Thy money perish Holy Ghost was given through the lay- with thee, because thou hast thought ing on of hands, and we must not over- that the gift of God may be purchased look this remarkable fact: that the par- with money." (Acts 8:20.) Paul tells ticipants in the bestowal were none other Timothy to "stir up the gift of God." than the two leading Apostles, who were and Peter informs Simon that this "gift the highest Church officials on earth. of God" (the Holy Ghost) is not to be Would it be reasonable, probable, or bought with money. Then Paul evifeasible, to suppose for one moment that dently referred to the gift of the Holy they made a mistake, and adopted a Ghost which Timothy possessed, for we practice not in accordance with the teach-have seen that these two-“gift of God," ings of the Master? No, verily no! Si- and "gift of the Holy Ghost," are used mon the sorcerer, who had beforetime as synonymous terms. bewitched those people of Samaria, when he "saw that through the laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money." (18-20 verses.) On the 28th inst. William Irvin arrived, and was assigned to labor in Florida. The Elders all left for their fields feeling well, and determined to be useful in the work of the Lord. The month closed with the health of the Elders generally well, and the work progressing. (To be continued.) Business men who are accustomed to write standing before a high desk will appreciate the following story: Prof. Simon J. Brown, the astronomical director of the naval observatory at Washington, was standing, as usual, before his desk, when a colleague came into his office. "Is it possible," said he, "that you work in that way? I can't stand stand. ing." In the next chapter of Acts we have one Ananias, a servant of the Lord, sent by the voice of Jesus to minister the ordinances of salvation unto the repentant Saul of Tarsus: "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, Brother "That's odd," replied the professor: Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that ap"it's different with me. I can't stand peared unto thee in the way as thou sitting."-Exchange. camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest From these plain scriptural declarations we can readily see that this ordinance of laying on of hands" for the reception of the Holy Spirit was taught anciently by Moses and the Prophets; that it was practiced in the "meridian of time" by Jesus and His Apostles, and that Paul enumerated it as one of the doctrines of Christ. Could we crave further scriptural evidence, with the abundance of proof cited? Can we be consistent, and beg the question by saying, "It is not plain enough-I can't understand, and the Lord will not condemn me for my ignorance?" Such would be altogether unreasonable and unjust! We can understand and know the purposes and will of God, as regards our actions, and what we should obey! We need not grope around in spiritual darkness and blinded ignorance, for the Lord has promised to |