362

brought to trial, Elder Snow, by advice
of the Prophet, plead their own cause
without the aid of a lawyer, and was so
inspired in his address that at the cou-
clusion of the same, the attorneys flocked
around him and wanted to know where
he studied law, stating they had never
listened to a better plea.
During the effort to secure the liberty
his brethren, Erastus
of Joseph and
He visited
Snow took a leading part.
the state authorities at Jefferson City,
Mo. They treated him contemptuously,
but by faith and perseverance he finally
succeeded in procuring a change of venue
and on the way from Liberty, the pris-
oners escaped the guard and made their
way to Illinois.

slander and abuse.

The congregations Salem, preaching four times a week in the Masonic hall. Oppocontributed to pay the hall rent. sition soon began, and friends also were His friends raised up who took an interest in the message delivered to them. became numerous and he was no longer He also required to live at a hotel. asked the Lord to provide a home for his family, and this prayer was soon answered, for a Mr. Alley, of Lynn, five miles from Salem, invited him to bring to Salem. his family to his home and there abide. Subsequently they removed The opposition to Brother Snow was led by a priestly editor who published in his paper scurrilous falsehoods against the Saints, but refused to publish Elder Snow's replies. This led to a six days' in Masonic hall. In the spring of 1837 Elder Snow compublic debate held menced to build a home in Nauvoo, but soon after rented a small dwelling in About 500 people were present, and as Montrose, Iowa, and started on a mis- the days went on, the interest increased. He preached in several counties The popular feeling turned against the sion. Many more of Illinois, administered to the sick, and editor, whose arguments were made up this mission the of made, new investigators while journeying on Lord revealed to him in a dream that friends were his family were sick, and that he should came to the front and on Nov. 8, 1841. On March 5, 1842, he held return home. On his return he found his five persons were baptized and soon after a conference in the Masonic hall and orwife and other relatives very sick with thirty more. Elder Snow, with the fever and ague. others, went from house to house ad-ganized a branch of fifty-three souls. By the following June another conference had been held in Salem and the number ministering to the sick until he of members increased to ninety. In Saseized himself with the fever. In October, 1839, Brother Snow became a member of the High Council at Mont-lem, May 1, 1842, his first son was born. baptized rose. He endeavored to be active in the Elder Snow continued his labors in Sa 1843. During this ministry during these days of sickness lem, and vicinity, until the spring of many, the sick were healed, branches oramong the Saints and by over-exertion was prostrated again and in Knox counseveral discussions with ministers of vaty, seventy miles from home, was laid ganized and many meetings held. He had At rious sects, always resulting in a victory up at the house of Brother Haws. the same time his family were very sick at home. On the return of the Prophet for the truth as represented by Elder ous apostate, John C. Bennett, came to from Washington in 1840 he told Brother Snow. Among his opponents the notoriSalem and lectured against Joseph Smith, Snow that his labors were needed in and the Saints, telling base falsehoods. Pennsylvania. Elder Snow met him so ably and firmly that Bennett soon left the town. cluding his fruitful mission, Elder Snow left Salem Aug 9 and reached Nauvoo April 11, 1843, leaving his family in Salem.

was

re

Through much sickness he was duced to poverty, but by the kindness of Saints in Commerce he secured some means and left on his mission April 27,

com

time he

Con

kept, for the mob before the time for all
the one to protect the Prophet, was never
to leave, were suffered to do them vio-
lence and destroy their property. The
This accom-
the Temple.
completing
Saints now intensified their diligence in
plished, they set to work administering
the ordinances therein.

neer company.

teams

Before the exodus Elder Snow sent to Upon retiring he was Quincy to prepare supplies for the pioasked by President Young to prepare himcordingly sold his personal property at a self and family for the journey. He aclow figure, provided himself with and provisions such as his limited means voo Feb. 16th, 1846. Crossing the river would allow, and with his family left Nauthe boat capsized, resulting in the loss of some of his property and the narrow escape of his eldest child from drowning.

His family pressed on to Mt. Pisgah. From here On his arrival he found it difficult to seil about one-fourth its value. they reached the his property and had to dispose of it at they proceeded until main body of Saints at Council Bluffs. of the Twelve at Cutler's Park. Subseand thence crossed the river to the Camp quent to this he had much sickness. His youngest child died Sept. 9th, 1846. Ia the winter he made several trips to St. Joseph, Mo., and other points to lay in tain them in their pilgrimage. supplies for his family and others, to sus

At a special conference April 6th and one of the noted 143, who constituted the Pioneer Company to Salt Lake Valley. 7th, 1847, Elder Snow was selected as The interesting episodes of this great Erastus exodus, in which Latter-day Snow was a leading spirit, would fill a volume of itself.

Their patience and endurance in sickness, privations and dangers from ludians was truly that of men and women whose trust was in the living God. After Snow. from the three months' journey Erastus emerged with Orson Pratt, canyon overlooking the Salt Lake valley, July 21st, 1847. When they first sighted the blue waters of the Great Inland Sea, Brother Snow says: "We simultaneous nah for the Spirit told us that here the several months in the mission field, andy swung our hats and shouted, Hosanbrought his family to Nauvoo in Novem-Saints should find rest."

He returned to Salem in May, labored

ber, 1843.

Elder Snow remained in Nauvoo during the winter. He was intimately associated with the Prophet Joseph Smith, with whom he spent

1840, with Elder S. James as a
panion. They traveled by water on the
Mississippi and Ohio rivers a distance of
1,400 miles to Wellsburgh, Va., where
they commenced their labors. He debat-
ed two days with Matthew Clapp, a
Campbellite preacher, with victory to the
truth. They proceeded to Philadelphia
and during this mission, Elder Snow
did successful missionary work in Penn-
sylvania, New York, New Jersey and
Rhode Island, baptizing a goodly number
returned in six months to bring his wife
and holding a great many meetings. He
to the degree of Grand Master.
to Pennsylvania, having traveled 5,650
dedication of the Masonic Temple Aprii
miles. He started on his return Nov. 7
and soon after his arrival in Pennsyl-5, 1844, Elder Snow delivered the dedi-
At the April conference
catory address.
vania he published a tract in answer to
a publication issued against the Saints in Nauvoo, 1844, Elder Snow was again
by a Methodist preacher.

While laboring with great zeal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he met Elder Geo. A. Smith on his return from England, also Hyrum Smith and others who Elder visited the New England states. Hyrum Smith expressed a desire that Brother Snow should go to Salem, Mass., and introduce the Gospel to the inhabitants of that city. Previous to this, the Lord had revealed to the Prophet Joseph that he had much people in that city. Brother Snow had expected to return to Nauvoo. Protracted sickness in his famiily and continued absence from home Notwithhad reduced him to poverty. standing this, he started for a strange and unknown region. He took his wife and child to his brother's home in Rhode Island and continued his journey to Boston, where he met Elder Benj. Winchester, who had been assigned as his traveling companion.

of the

hours.

many pleasant

He was successful in the mersonic lodge at Nauvoo and soon advanced cantile business with Elder Parly P.

Pratt. He became a member of the Ma

A: the

called to the eastern states, where he la-
bored diligently.

He returned to Nauvoo, finding the
Saints bowed down in sorrow over the
sad martyrdom of their beloved Prophet
He shared in all their
and Patriarch.
sorrows, and was a support to the Twelv
in encouraging and sustaining the people
in their great affliction. He was present
Young as
the Twelve, with President
at the special meeting Aug. 8th, when
their senior, was acknowledged to be the
presiding authority in the Church in the
Snow was a living witness to the trans-
absence of the First President. Brother
figuration of President Young and feit.
with the Saints present, that truly the
mantle of Joseph Smith had fallen upon
Brigham Young. Elder Snow spent the
calling and laboring with his hands to
winter in Nauvoo, being diligent in his
provide for his family.

In September, 1845, the mob renewed
On Sept. 3, 1841, they proceeded to Sa-
lem, a city of 1,800 people at that time. with vigor their persecution. Elder Snow
was present at the general council of the
They secured lodging at one
cheapest hotels and the next day hired Church in October, 45, where Gen. War-
ren, Judge Douglass and other represent-
the Masonic hall to preach in. They then
wrote an epistle to the people of Salem, atives of Gov. Ford were present to ne-
setting forth the principles of the Gos-gotiate with the Saints to leave the state.
nel in plainness, and circulated about
2,500 copies of them among the people.
Elder Winchester then repaired to Penn-
sylvania, while Brother Snow labored in

This they agreed to do the following
spring. The state authorities guaranteed
their protection until they could arrange
their affairs and leave. This pledge, like

Brother Snow took an active part in

laying out the city and building the Old
Fort. He started on a return trip Aug.
26th, 1847, to bring on his family. On

his arrival at Winter Quarters his joy
was mingled with grief over the death of
a sweet little daughter, Mary Minerva.
who had died during his absence. Find-
ing the Saints very destitute at Winter
robbed of their
Elder Snow was ap-
Quarters, having been
homes in Illinois.
pointed to accompany Apostle Ezra.
Benson to the branches of the Church in
the Eastern States and solicit aid from
the Saints and others to alleviate the
wants of their suffering brethren and sis

ters.

Some received them kindly, while most absent of those not in the faith turned the coll shoulder to them. They were about three months. Upon their return all was activity, in preparing to cross the company of the Saints. He reached the plains with their families and a large valley with Presidents Young Kimball was called and ordained one of the Twelve and his family Sept. 20th, 1848. The following Feb. 12th, 1849, Erastus Snow Apostles of the Church. It is not unsafe to say that no man called to the Apostleship in this dispensation had been a more to the date of his ordination than Erastus his ordination he constant and efficient laborer in the cause Snow. Following from the time he was 15 years of age up worked in the ministry and labored with his hands incessantly to build up the country and strengthen the Saints to endure their trials.

At the October conference, 1849, Elder Snow was appointed to open the door of the Gospel in Scandinavia. He left on across the plains. his mission Oct. 19, 1849. They had an interesting journey thence to the Atlantic coast, and across the ocean from Boston to Liverpool.

THE SOUTHERN STAR.

where he landed April 16, 1850. He vis- terested in the education of the youth,
ited the branches in England, Scotland and a staunch supporter of the Church
and Wales. Accompanied by Elders and public schools. He instilled into his
George P. Dykes and John E. Forsgren, sons and daughters by example and pr
he set foot in Copenhagen, Denmark, on cept the habits of industry, temperance
the 14th of June, 1850. Brother P. O. and economy. He was kindhearted and
Hansen, a native of that city, who had benevolent. He was a man of
embraced the Gospel in America, con- fine appearance, strong in build. Like
ducted them to a hotel. Here they knelt all great men, he had his peculiarities.
in solemn prayer and dedicated them- He was a deep thinker, and at times so
selves and their mission to the Lord. The swallowed in profound thought that he
details of Elder Snow's labors in Scan- took but little notice of things around
dinavia, the manifestations of God's pow- him. Sometimes when asked a question
er, his mastery by study and inspiration he would not answer it until the next
of the Danish language, and all associat- day or perhaps later still. Some would
ed with his remarkable mission would think that he did not hear the question,
make many chapters of themselves, and but he seldom failed to answer it at
present to the honest incidents as re-
some future time. An amusing incident is
markable and impressive as those at-
told of him by one who was present. It
tending the ancient Apostles in introduc- was Saturday afternoon. He sat with
ing to the world the pure plan of salva- his wife and others in a room of his
tion. The first baptisms in Denmark house in St. George. While the others
were performed by Elder Snow, near
were conversing he was intently looking
Copenhagen, Aug. 12, 1850. Fifteen at the floor and tapping his cane on the
were baptized on that occasion. The first heel of his shoe. His wife spoke to him
branch was organized Sept. 15,1850, with and said: "Brother Snow, will you
fifty members, in Copenhagen. While on preach at Washington tomorrow?" He
this mission Elder Snow wrote a pamph-made no answer, and did not appear to
let in Danish, called "A Voice of Truth."
notice the question. The interrogation
Others were translated into Danish, and
was not repeated and conversation went
a most effectual door opened in Scandina- family arose from their knees in prayer.
on as before. The next morning as the
via. Scores were baptized, many Brother Snow quietly said:
branches organized. From that day
"Yes, Mi-
until the present the fruits of the Gospel they were a little dazed, but suddenly it
nerva, that is my intention." At first
have been enjoyed in the Scandanavian dawned upon them as the answer to
countries. Thousands have embraced
the Gospel and emigrated to Zion. They Sister Snow's question propounded the
day before.
are among the most faithful Saints of
the Church, the most honorable citizens.
of the country, and best redeemers of a
barren country.

TO MAKE MEN FREE.

To make men free has been the dream
Of every noble soul on earth-
To bring a better time to birth;
To see the future's hills agleam
With the first holy light
era bright,

After a most remarkable and useful life, fraught with great events, and crowned with blessings not a few, AposErastus Snow was beloved by all the his home in Salt Lake City May 27, 1888, tle Erastus Snow departed this life at Saints, but he is especially endeared to the Saints and their children who have and ten. He had said before: "I never a little under the age of three-score years come from the far off Scandinavian countries of the north. To them his name is want to outlive my usefulness," and when almost the synonym of love and admira- through hardship and exposure his body tion. He was gone on this mission nearly Lord took him to a field where he could gave way to the blows of adversity, the three years. He arrived in Salt Lake continue his labors in the cause of truth. City Aug. 20, 1852. The following year, He was an honest man, a true husband October, 1843, Elder Snow, with Elder and a kind father, a wise counselor, an George A. Smith, was called to gather efficient pioneer and colonizer, a great fifty families to strengthen the settle-statesman and in every sense of the word ments in Iron county, which they did suc- truly an Apostle of the Lord Jesus cessfully. In 1854 he was called to pre- Christ. side over the Church in St. Louis and live forever in the generations of the His name and his works will the Western States. Nov. 4, 1854, he Saints who loved and respected him as organized a Stake in St. Louis, and soon their friend and counselor. God bless his commenced the publication of the St. memory. Louis Luminary. He assisted in the emigration of 2,000 Saints in 1855, and returned home Sept. 1 of that year. Between April 22 and Aug., 1856, he filled another mission to the States, and later filled another in the East. Subsequent to this he was called with Apostle George A. Smith to locate other settlements in Southern Utah. The Missionary company left Salt Lake City Nov. 29, 1861, and ever since that time Brother Snow has made his home chiefly in Southern Utah. The great pioneer, the wise counselor, the constant worker, his labors as a pioneer and colonizer have also extended into Arizona, Mexico and other places, and wherever he has gone, either to preach the Gospel or counsel the Saints in practical matters, Erastus Snow has left the impress of a wise leader and a great man. For God has made him such. Brother Snow repeatedly represented Southern Utah in the Council of the Utah Legislature for many years. In 1873 he went on a short mission to Europe, visiting England and Scandinavia. Since that time he was constantly at work among the Saints at home, traveling throughout the Stakes in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona, Canada and Mexico. He has probably done more pioneer work than any other Apostle in the Church. He was a true patriotic American, and yet during the anti-Mormon crusade he was an exile from home. He might with consistency ask as the Savior did, "Many good things have I done unto you, and for which of these do ye persecute me?"

Brother Snow was an active participant in all moves looking to the material development of the country, and the employment of the Saints. He was in

Of a new

From which the human night
Of ages speeds away,
Its sable folds withdrawn
Before the golden dawn,
Where earth goes rolling on
Into the grander day.

To make men free from court and throne,
Free from the money-changer's greed,
Free from hypocrisy and creed,
Free from the dreaded last of need,
And free to reap where they have sown
Free from earth's scourge, the con-
queror,

Free from the murderous lust of war,
Free from the robber's cry of more;
And free to have their own.

Free voluntarily to share

Their blessings for the common good;
Free to each other's burdens bear,
In brotherhood and helpfulness,
Free in security to live

And seek the blessing of content;
Free in the freedom love can give-
The freedom of enlightenment!

To make men free! It is with me
The dearest purpose of my heart
That I may know and do my part
To help the cause of liberty;
My energy and life to be

Made consecrate to the one theme,
The single purpose and the dream,
In every land, to make men free-
To make men free.

A MINISTER'S HARANGUE.

363

BY ELDER JOHN T. HORNE. On the 22d of July last, in a church situated near the junction of Boyle, Casey and Marion counties, Rev. Thomas Hall, an eminent preacher of the Baptist creed, made himself quite conspicuous by delivering a lecture "For Men Only." The object of his discourse was "to ex pose the evils of Mormonism," and of such a character that the fair sex and all boys under 16 years of age were debarred the privilege of attending it. This harangue of abuse proved to be nothing

was

more than a rehearsal of the old fabulous stories which have been written and reiterated by a jealous clergy until worn threadbare; coupled with a late construc

instead of

Paul

tion of falsehoods, purporting to expose various crimes perpetrated by the Latter-day Saints during the efforts of B. H. Roberts to obtain his seat in congress. To prove the veracity of his statements, Brother Hall frequently read and quoted from the writings of a Methodist minister. This history (?) has been written since the expulsion of Mr. Roberts, and because of the recent date of its publication, our reverend brother says "its gets, I suppose, that religious bigotry and authenticity is unimpeachable." He forprejudice is waxing worse abating as the tide of time ushers the graphically depicts the deplorable condiworld nearer its final destiny. tion into which the human family were to drift in the last days, and as we are living in that important time, it might be well to quote his prediction. In writing to Timothy, he says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. (II Tim. 3:1-6.) The people of this age are certainly an enlightened race, but notwithstanding their intelligence, many leaders of modern Christendom are gifted with fully as much envy and jealousy as has been the case in any epoch of the world's history. There were four of our Elders present when Dr. Hall gave his lecture. At the close of the services we requested the privilege of using the church to repudiate the false assertions which had been made, and vindicate the cause we believe is of such infinite importance. Our request was not granted, however, but through the liberality of some fair-minded persons, we obtained the use of a nice, large grove, and upon the following Sunday presented our side of the question to a large and very attentive audience. After the services we sang with vim the soul-inspiring song. "Utah and the Mormons," which was very appropriate for the occasion, and well received by those present.

Brother Hall's was another fruitless attempt to injure the Mormon cause. "Truth is mighty and will prevail," and by means of this lecture we were permitted to present the Gospel plan to many who probably would not have heard it otherwise.

SOUTHERN STAR

Published Weekly by Southern States Mission Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Per year

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Recently we received a tract published by the Pastors' Association of Salisbury. N. C., upon the front leaf of which, in glaring block type was inscribed these words, "Dangers of Mormonism; or Why We Should Not Join the Mormons." If our readers will be indulgent and bear with us, we will, by the help of God, proceed to explode some of the facts () contained therein, and ventilate its foul pages with a pure, wholesome air of truth, $1.00 which is foreign and unknown upon this .50 slanderous sheet. If we speak plain, and .25 to the point, it is because we desire to firmly assert the truth of the matter, and defend boldly that cause which is every where spoken against. We will not wreathe our thoughts into a pretty bouquet of nice sounding terms or cull from rhetoric a garland to garnish and embelEntered at the Post Office at Chattanooga, Tenn., as lish the same; but simply state the truth second class matter. in outspoken, plain, simple language, tha: all who chance to read may know and understand.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1900.

ARTICLES OF FAITH

OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

1. We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

3. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

8. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordi. Dances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ohost.

6. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church-namely, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, etc.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this (the American) continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

12. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. 18.We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, "We believe all things, we hope all things," we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after theas inga-JOSEPH SMITH

Union Pacific Railroad. Another Portland train. Two trains daily. Effective April 22, the Union Pacific, Oregon Short Line and Chicago Railroad and Navigation company will place in service an additional Portland train.

This train, "The Pacific Express," will leave Kansas City 10:40 a. m. Only three days on the road.

Equipped with Palace Sleepers. Free Reclining Chair Cars, ordinary Sleeping Car, Dining Car Service (to Granger).

The time of the present Portland train, "The Overland Limited," leaving Kansas City 6:40 p. m., will be reduced 2 hours and 45 minutes between Granger and

Portland.

Only 69 hours Kansas City to Portland.

Palace Sleeping Cars, Dining Car Service, Buffet Cars, Chair Cars.

For time tables, folders, illustrated books, pamphlets descriptive of the territory traversed, address J. F. Aglar, general agent, St. Louis, Mo.

about Joseph's encounter with the devi, and how his Satanic majesty kicked the boy four feet in the air. We suppose they consider it very humorous; so do we; but strange to say, they admit that he suc ceeded in triumphing over the evil one. which none of his servants are able to do, for how shall a man be greater than his master? Perhaps the adversary has no need to "kick" about the way that those good pastors are conducting affairs. They rehash the Solomon Spaulding story, distorted, discolored, but the same old ro mance, as a proof for the origin of the Book of Mormon. Gentlemen, did you ever read that book? If so, you could never accredit its composition to a crack orained, crank preacher; and again, the original manuscript of the Solomon Spaul ding story can be found in Oberlin College, Ohio, with President Fairchild's at tested signature, that there is no sem plance or

similarity between the two. You say, "The very men who aided in copying and publishing the Mormon Bible a few years afterward solemnly swore that their former affidavits concerning the genuineness of the book were false." Not so! David Whitmer, just previous to his death (he was one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon) wrote this brief but significant statement: "My testimo ny in the Book of Mormon is truth." Oliver Cowdery for some years ceased to De affiliated with the church, owing to transgression, but finally renewed his covenants, and was faithful until death. Martin Harris bore witness to the end of his days that he saw the angel and the plates. In the face of these facts, what can you say to excuse your falsity? These men fell, but never denied their testinony. Gentlemen, when ye think ye stand take heed lest ye fall.

Again it is stated, "Joseph Smith, who was illiterate but shrewd, and Sydney Rigdon * were the joint com

First, this tract is written by professed ministers of the word of salvation, meu who pose as "Truth Reflectors," whose mission is to call sinners to repentance, expound the Word of the living God, and earnestly exhort all to render obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Comiug from such an enlightened (not inspired) source, we shall expect to find in their at firmations the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. These ministers launch forth with this assertion: "Mor monism originated in fraud and impos ture;" but they do not cover eight lines before they stick in the mud of falsehood, and dabble with untruths, in which falla cious mire they sink deeper and deeper, as they bedaub the history of our people. After making the above declaration they proceed to say that the Mormon Churcu was organized with six members, "under the direction of the younger Joseph pilers of the Book of Mormon, using Smith, who claimed to be a prophet, anu Sprague's (we suppose they mean Spaulthe discoverer of the Book of Mormon.* ling's) Lost Manuscript as the ground Joseph Smith did not claim to be a "dis work of the compilation." Let us see, coverer" of the Book of Mormon, as the Sydney Rigdon's name is nowhere mendivine (?) gentlemen accuse him. Again, tioned in the Book of Mormon, and he here is another falsehood: "Smith claimed was not an aid in its compilation. The that an angel had directed him to dig on Church had been organized, and missionthe summit of the hill Camora (we sup- aries sent forth; the Book of Mormon had pose they mean Cumorah), and that he been published, and was in the hands of would find a volume, which had been bur the missionaries, when Elder Parley P. ied there for upwards of fourteen hua- Pratt visited Sydney Rigdon at Kirtland, dred years." Joseph Smith never made | any such claims; he proclaimed that this volume was delivered unto him by the angel Moroni; that neither "digging" nor "discovering" were necessary to bring about the same. Such palpable errors as this are enough to sicken the honest in heart, and cause the intelligent and soundminded to nauseate. Those solemn, sanctimonious prelates know, or had ought to know, better than this, or else keep silen: until they learn. These stories about Jo seph Smith discovering or digging up a "Golden Bible" are as fabulous as Rob

inson Crusoe, Sinbad the Sailor, and the
like. It was revealed to him, delivered by
an angel, given into his care and keeping
by a heavenly messenger, until it was
translated into English, when it was re-
turned to its proper custodian-the an
gel. Gentlemen, confine yourself to the
truth, and give due credit to the claims
of this young man, as he himself affirms
them, and as his advocates bear testimo
ny. Take his claims, and fight these, i
you are so anxious to antagonize and op-
pose, but do not construct from your owr
silly imagery a dummy, call it "Mormon
ism," and then stand off and pelt it with

mud.

These gentlemen tell a very funny story

Ohio.

(Remember, that Joseph Smith was in New York). At this time Sydney Rigdon had never seen Joseph Smith, and never before heard the proclamation of "Mormonism." Parley P. Pratt presented him with a copy of the Book of Mornon, which aided in his conversion, and vet our pious brethren in Salisbury, N. C., indulge in that oft-repeated falsehood that the Book of Mormon was the comined production of Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon. You say that "Their neighbors were always willing to accord to them the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of their own consciences." If this be true, why is it that hey have been driven from state to state. and finally from the confines of the United States? How is it that over 80 per cent. of the mobs organized to antagonize and abuse this people, have been instigated or led by some professed preacher of "ighteousness? It cannot be refuted, for we have the proofs at our elbow.

You say, "The Book of Mormon preends to be a history of the ten lost tribes of Israel." It makes no such pretension, ut is a history of the descendants of a amily who were of the tribe of Joseph. If you will read Chap. 29 of II. Nephi, Book of Mormon, you will find that the

"lost tribes of Israel are mentioned," and that a record of these tribes will at some future time be revealed, but the Book ot Mormon is not that record, and does not purport to be. Now, what do you say to that? Where have you been getting your fund of information? You must have placed yourself in the clutches of error, and she has woven out these "yarns" for you; we see no other alternative. Will you admit that you are so weakly made as to be driven by such false devices, and not strong enough to confess your fault, and make reparation? Need we go far then than this? Is it not evident that these pastors are wilful prevaricators, or the ignorant dupes of falsehood and misrepresentation? They appeal to the people very coaxingly and say, "You have near you learned, blameless, devout minis ters of half a dozen or more reputable

churches of Jesus Christ. These ministers and churches you know. Why for sake their counsel?" This is very pretty, and quite self-righteous. for pastors to call themselves "learned, devout, blameless ministers." Why not tell the people as James the Apostle, or a Mormon El der, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shai! be given him." (James 1:5). Yes, today preachers are learned, more learning than brains, more learning than love, more learning than the Spirit of God. Many churches (half a dozen or more in Salisbury), many faiths, a heaven beyond the bounds of time and space, a God without "body, parts or passions," whose center is everywhere, and whose circumference is nowhere-a monstrous nonentity, a great big NOTHING.

They give as their mode of rendering judgment, "The rule of testimony is that if the witness is false in one declaration he must be regarded as false in every one." Now, gentlemen, to be judged by your own rule, measured by your own yard-stick, is it necessary to continue further, since we have proven your statements false, in more than one or two declarations, and you say: "If the witness is false in one declaration, he must be regarded as false in every one." It is your own rule, your own of measurement, and not ours, therefore line you cannot dodge the judgment. Be just and fair! Tell the good people of Salisbury that you have been misinformed, that your assertions were erroneous, and that you have misstated the faith of the Lat ter-day Saints, and misrepresented the Mormon people. There is a day coming when Justice will claim His own, and every man be judged according to his works. We await the coming of the judgment day, with joy and gladness in our hearts, for we know in whom we have believed and trusted. He is a God who says, "I will never leave thee, I will never forsake thee." You say that your "historical statements have been gathered from such authentic sources as the Encyclopedia Brittanica, The American Review and

THE SOUTHERN STAR.

interested witnesses who bear record of
Christ, and yet reject the words of those
who knew the Prophet Joseph Smith 10
life, and who testify that he was a man
of God. Be generous, as was the Master.
There are thousands of living witnesses
who stand ready to declare before high
heaven that Joseph Smith was a Prophet
of the Most High God.

BORN OF WATER.

A religious journal, an exchange, says:
"Born of water cannot signify water bap-
tism. Because baptism is a burial ("Buried
with him in baptism."-Rom. 6:4), and not
a birth."

tism, what does it mean?
If "born of water" does not mean bap-
When on
ing been immersed therein, do they not
comes forth from the watery tomb, hav-
gasp the breath of life just the same as
friends tell us that "born of the water"
the infant born into the world? Our
means to be born of His word, begotten
ize away the first, and accept the second
by His everlasting truth! Why spiritual-
the water and of the Spirit;" you accept
in its literal sense? Jesus said, "Boin of
the latter as meaning just what it says,
but the former you change and alter.
saying it means "born of the word." Oh,
Logic and judgment, where is thy dwell-
consistency and reason, where art thou?
ing place? Did you ever stop to think
that baptism is more than a mere burial?
keep them in the watery tomb, and life
Leave your baptized converts buried,
would soon be extinct. You not only bury
them in baptism, but they must be risen
also, and walk in a newness of life, thus
signifying the new birth.

365

OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS.

The subject of this sketch was born a grandson of the late Apostle Charles at Paris, Idaho, March 17, 1877. He is C. Rich, and his parents were among the first settlers of Bear Lake Valley. His early life was spent on the farm, and he attended the public schools until the age of 17, when he was moved with a desire to obtain higher scholastic training than the public schools could afford. His parents were untiring in their efforts to prothrough their self-sacrifice, energy and mote the welfare of their children, and economy the way was opened for our brother to attend the Agricultural college in Logan, Utah. He spent three years in this institution of learning, his special study being mechanical engineering.

After leaving the Agricultural college which to pursue his course of study. It was he might obtain the necessary means with he spent two years as a pedagogue, that while teaching school in Wyoming that he received a summons from the Prophet

when He looked upon the astonished Nic-
The Savior meant just what He said,
odemus and said, "Except a man be born
of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot en-
ter the Kingdom of God." (John 3:5.)
There is no need whatever for the sons
of men to quibble and say that He meant
this thing, or that thing, or the other
thing. Herein lies the fault of
Christian sects; they profess to believe
the
the Bible, and endeavor to change some
spiritualizing and placing private inter-
of its most plain and precious truths, by
pretations upon the
such capers are strictly condemned by sion field.
Scriptures, while of God, soliciting his labors in the mis-
Only a short week elapsed
of the words of our blessed Savior are
the word of God. (II Peter 1:20.) All
from the time of receiving his notice un-
til he was in Salt Lake City, reporting
plain and simple, easy to be understood,sion April 13, 1899, and arrived in Chat-
for duty. He was set apart for his mis-
professed followers of the Lamb, with
convincing to the honest in heart; still tanooga on the 17th.
other seductive influences, seek to mys-
their much learning, higher criticism and
tify, make obscure, and hide from the
understanding of man, those clear-cut,
open truths.

lieve that "Born of the water" meant
If there were any reason for us to be-
redence, but as it is, there is neither rea-
born of the word, we may give it some
son or Scripture to warrant this as-

He was assigned to labor in the North with illness which necessitated a transfer Carolina conference, but was afflicted to North Alabama. For some time his he acted as commisary to the mission. labors were required in the office, where pherys was appointed to labor in his leased to return to the west, Elder HumWhen President Syl. Low, Jr., was restead, and so we find him today down in the Palm Leaf state, among the piney woods of South Carolina, presiding over one of the brightest and best conferences office, he says:

some reliable tracts published by religious Sumption; therefore we are left with it ir in the south. In a letter written to the

bodies." We agree that it must have been "gathered from," yea, a long ways "from," but never coming in contact with "authentic sources." A solemn warning, a word spoken in due season, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name onf Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38).

its proper and divine expression, "Born
ing less than just what it says.
of the water," nothing more, and noth-

"I crave at all times the assistance of God that I may follow Paul's advice to Timothy: 'Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need

Brother James O. Earnest, of Lynch-eth not to be ashamed.' burg, Va., called at the office on his return to his home in the Old Dominion State, after visiting for a space of two Mighty deeds of valor stand out in the pages of history as so many incentives to "ears the good people of Utah and Idaho. greatness of action in the present. Great On another page will be found a few neople where he has spent the two last cations, empires and powerful states win Brother Earnest speaks highly of the armies and navies, arsenals and fortifithings relative to the life and mission of years, and says it seemed like leaving from us our appreciation, but what are Joseph Smith, Jr., written by one who home to part with the hosts of warm they? Empires are overthrown, cities knew him, associated with him, and la friends who made life so pleasant for crumble into dust, nations cease to exist, bored for him. Read it, ye who would him in the west.. They treated him roy-but a written word endures for all time pelt your unsavory epithets at his fairly, and he carries to the people of Vir- and the "handwriting on the wall" as a ginia a good and honest report of his living reality throughout all the ages.-Ye accept the testimony of eleven visit. The Book World.

name.

ARE MORMONS POPULAR?

that Mormons were teaching that Jesus
Christ had a plurality of wives and that
while upon the cross He looked upon His
own seed. Mr. H. admitted that he never
heard an
Elder preach such doctrine,
but some one else told him." Yes; it is
the same old smile. A naked falsehood.
A lie! He says that "Mormons are not
fools. You can't corner them on the Bi-
ble." No! Mr. H., you cannot, and that
is the plain reason that such men as
yourself resort to such infernal, miserable
trickery.

This seems to be a popular question, and from the interest manifested by some of our reverend friends, in their teachings, one would naturally think that they were. We decided to spend Sunday, the 13th of May, with Brother George Garmond in Union county, N. C., and arrived at his home at 4 p. m. Saturday. On arriving we were made acquainted with the fact that Elders Lumburg and Welker had made an appointment near New Hope "Mormons are arraigned in the TemChurch, about seven miles distant, and ple, and with uplifted hand are made to that a Mr. or Rev. (?) H. G. Hotchkiss swear by oath not to question the authorwas going to meet them there and expose ity of the Church, not to betray any se Mormonism. We decided to grace the crets of the Temple; always to remain meeting with our presence, and on Sun-enemies to the United States, and under day morning set out for the appointed penalty of death dare not deny the divine place, in company with Brother Gar-authenticity of any Church work." Such mond. We arrived at New Hope just in unembellished, superficial, revolting falsetime for the services of Rev. (?) Hotch-hoods are humiliating to Satan himself. kiss. After singing and prayer he com- Again, he says that Mormons are stil: menced his little recitation on Mormon-practicing polygamy, and shedding inno ism, using the same old accusations that have been hurled at this people more than a thousand times. He had the rapt at tention of all present, Elder Georgeson and myself included. Mr. H. presented his irrefragible truths (?) to the people with all of the eloquence at his command. His lungs were well tested while exerting his malicious powers to the utmost to infuriate the minds of the people against Mormons. O! what rapture must have filled his bosom when the deacon of the church countenanced his jargon with a nod. Mr. H. thought that he had won his celebrity. He then launched forth with renewed vigor to impugn the character and virtue of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church. After making a few bold assertions, his calumny was turned on the Elders. They were accused of being "murderers, thieves and liars," and our reverend friend event went so far as to say that there was not an hon-lenced by the brothers and fathers of his est man in the Mormon Church. It is evident that the gentleman (?) never has read the sayings of St. Paul (Rom. 2:1), or if he had, thought that by making such a vigorous attack on the Latter-day Saints, he could gain the confidence of the people and thus hide some of his mis erable trickery. However, there must be a clown in all "big" shows, and Rev. H. with his pestiferous remarks played his The characters of Mr. and

part well.

Mrs. Joseph Smith, Sr., were next as sailed. The former was accused of being a swindler and almost always in an inebriate condition. The latter, he said,

cent blood. His friend, a pastor of the
Presbyterian church, keeps him posted.
Mr. H., if your friend in S. L. C. knows
these things to be true, why does he not
take steps to put a stop to them? Doesn't
he claim to be trying to Christianize the
world? O! you tell me that you cannot
convict a Mormon in Utah. No! and
why, Mr. H.? Simply because the law
cannot convict an innocent man. "These
Elders are shipping our fair sex out of
North Carolina by the car loads." On
whom is Mr. H. casting reflections? I
answer, on the female sex of North Caro
lina, and not on the Mormon Elders. If
a despised Mormon can ship women to
Utah by the car loads, what could a well-
dressed sharper from New York do? He
could take them all! Are the women of

North Carolina as he represents them?
God forbid! Mr. H. is a blight to the
fair sex of this state, and should be si

I only

community. I will not rehearse any more of Mr. H.'s little speech, as it is old and not as good as second-handed. appeal to the reason of intelligent people. Such opposition doesn't discourage a true servant of God. Nay! but the love of Christ and freedom instilled in their bosom by loving mothers prompts them ou and they know no defeat. I am sorry that in this day and age of the world we still have blind leading the blind, and with the Scribes and Pharisees of old. cry. "If we had lived in the days of our athers we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the proph was a witch and schooled her son in the ets." Prophets and Apostles are sent art, making him proficient in locating far among them in this day. Some they per sheep and chickens. No proof whatever secute and drive from the synagogues and was furnished to substantiate his naked punish in the meanest ways possible. falsehoods. Mr. Hotchkiss, beware! Re- They are in a stage of gross darkness. member Pharaoh and learn wisdom. Their hearts are waxed gross, and their Good advice to you, Mr. H., would be cars are dull of hearing, and their eyes to never murmur against God's anointed. they have closed; lest at any time they Remember the two hundred and fifty should see with their eyes, and hear with princes of the children of Israel, who were heir ears, and understand with their swallowed up in the earth for murmuring hearts and should be converted." (Matt. against Moses. (Num. 16:2, 31-33). Ma- | 13:15). Christ said to His apostles: riam, who was stricken with leprosy for "He that heareth you, heareth me, and murmuring against the prophet. (Num. he that despiseth you despiseth me, and 12). Do you remember Paul, how he he that despiseth me despiseth Him that was stricken blind on the way to Damas- sent me." Mr. H., do you despise the cus, for persecuting the Saints? vile accuser! Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near; forsake your evil way and your evil thoughts; return unto God and He will have mercy upon you. During the dark ages or times of ignorance God winked; but now He commandeth all mer everywhere to repent. If ye say that y have no sin, ye deceive yourself and the truth is not in you. Mr. Hotchkiss said

O, ye

Elders? They are God's chosen servants
and have a like commission to the apos-
les of old. The preaching of the cross
is to them that perish foolishness; but
'nto us who are saved it is the power of
od. The foolishness of God is wiser
han men, and the weakness of God is
tronger than men. God has chosen the
'oolish things of the world to confound
he wise; and He has chosen the weak
things of the world to confound the things

The

which are mighty. We speak, not in the
words which men's wisdom teacheth, but
which the Holy Ghost teacheth.
Gospel which we teach we received not of
man, neither were we taught it; but by
the Holy Ghost. At your meeting, Mr.
H., you didn't allow us liberty, but you
must remember that Paul said: "Where
the Spirit of God is there is liberty."
(II. Cor. 3:17). And now you must ad-
mit that your circumlocution was no!
from the Spirit of God. Like the apos-
tles of old, we (the Elders) are sent out.
as it were, appointed unto death; for
we are made a spectacle unto the world.
and to angels, and to men. We are fools
for Christ's sake; but we are wise in
Christ; we are weak, but we are strong;
we are honorable, but we are despised;
being reviled we bless; being persecuted.
we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat;
we are made as the filth of the world
and are the off-scouring of all things un-
to this day. The Kingdom of God is not
in word, but in power, and our light af
fliction, which is but for a moment, work-
etn for us a far more exceeding and eter-
nal weight of glory. Haughty ignorance
and bigotry will yet be constrained to
cast their honors in the dust; and bow
their reverend heads at the feet of real
worth, and learn in humble silence that
one fact clearly demonstrated is worth
ten thousand theories and opinions of
men. Mr. H., we are proud to say that
your satanic efforts made friends for the
Mormons. "God moves in a mysterious
way His wonders to perform."

J. S. Worsley.

THE DEAD.

Sister Lora A. Pittman, of Tyre, Douglas county, Ga., passed away from this earth July 29. Sister Pittman was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her life and character since her baptism had been one of emulation. Many a meal she prethe latch string of her door on the outpared for the Elders, who always found

side.

She was baptized Sept. 24, 1899, by Elder Smith D. Rogers and confirmed by Elder A. C. Candland. She leaves a good and God-fearing husband and five small children, who will miss her from the family circle. May the Lord bless and comfort the grief-stricken family.

Sister John A. Kitchen, quietly passed W. D. Kitchen, the son of Brother and from this life Aug. 21, 1900, of typhoid fever. Sister Kitchen is a faithful Laiter-day Saint and is devoted to the cause she has espoused. Brother Kitchen is not a member of the Church, but is very kind to the Elders and deserves much credit for the good he has done. May the Lord bless Brother and Sister Kitchen in their

hour of bereavement and sorrow.

From "A Book of Verses," by Nixon Water

man.

My little boy came from his school today
With his heart in a flurry of glee.
"O papa! they've taken our pencils away.
And I'm writing with ink," said he.
And his breast is filled with a manly pride,
For it joys him much to think
He has laid his pencil and slate aside,
And is writing his words in ink.

O, innocent child! could you guess the truth
You would ask of the years to stay
Mid the slate and pencil cares of youth
That a tear will wash away;

For out in the great, wide world of men
The wrongs we may do or think
Can never be blotted out again.
For we write them all in ink!