If there ever was a time in the history of the Latter-day Saints in which a spirit of energy and ambition was needed more than any other, it is the present. The young men and women who have been blessed with a testimony of the Gospel realize, or should do at least, that the "dispensation of the fullness of times" Published Weekly by Southern States Mission Church has been ushered in; the mammoth dis of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chattanooga, Tenn. 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. 2. 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. nances 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. 5. 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 ordi. nances 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. 11. 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 bepe to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these Ching-JOSEPH SMITH Conference Presidents. All Conference Presidents whose biographies have not yet appeared in The Star will greatly oblige us by sending in the same at their very earliest convenience, together with a cabinet photo suitable for cut. We are desirous that these will be forthcoming at an early date, and that no unnecessary delays will be made. NON-FIT. A big, square peg cast longing eyes And enter this goal of its wish supreme. A country lad of a lowly race Yearned for the whirl of a city life, "Twas ever thus; men never learn -H. J. Butler. pensation of all ages past; the dispensation which will witness the consummation of all things; the redemption of the faithful Saints; the celestialization and sanctification of the earth. During this epoch the Lord will gather together all things in one, both which are in heaven and in earth. The honest-in-heart are to be gathered out from the wicked and ungodly. The nations of men must be warned, the Gospel must be preached to every creature, and Zion-the habitation of the pure in heart-must be built up preparatory to the second advent of the Son of God. To many, especially those of agnostic tendencies, these things, may appear to be a "whim of the brain," but no, all these things spoken by the mouth of all His holy Prophets, both ancient and modern, will be fulfilled. To accomplish this great work-and the responsibility of its accomplishment rests with those whom the Lord has commissioned to act in His name-energetic servants of the Master are needed, and servants, too, whose qualifications must needs be adequate to the task. Never in the history of the world has intelligence reached a higher stage of perfection and development than in the present age. To ponder upon the ingenuity of the human mind today, together with the wonderful discoveries found, and inventions wrought, is almost to conclude with amazement and astonishment that it has certainly reached its Himalaya of accomplishment. But still it moves on into the field of knowledge, daily revealing to the world great truths which confound and bewilder the curious multitude, who eagerly follow their leader into the labyrinth of science, wrestling with the giant truths which present themselves to view. Universities, academies, colleges, and seminaries of learning have ceased to be a rarity. The notoriety occasioned by "going off to school," is no longer considered remarkable, but has quietly taken its place among the everyday events of life. Public institutions of education are to be seen in every hamlet and village; and both young and old tread the path of development and advancement. But notwithstanding the remarkable development of the age, in a scientific, philosophic, and intellectual line, it must be remembered that the spiritual side of the masses has been sorely neglected, poorly trained. or at best Some may suppose us pessimistic in our views of the spiritual characteristics of man, but no, we believe that there are several good sound reasons why he has not advanced in this regard. It is true that so-called Christianity has been offered to a low per cent. of the world's population, but of its purpose as decreed by God it must be acknowledged a failure; not only has it failed with those to whom it was carried, but also among those very ones who have been nurtured in the lap of this so-called Gospel, for nowhere has it produced the gifts and graces promised by Jehovah. The discord and contention, the contradiction and dissension, the war of words issuing from every pulpit and press, as exists in the Christian world, are blocks to the intelligent minds, both of the Christian and also of the heathen nations. a "unity of the faith" the breach is getting Instead of the world coming to wider and wider, and the line of demarcation more distinct and visible. Divisconfounded," is written in the dome and ion and subdivision, "confusion worse pinnacle of the so-called Christian world. Instead of "One Lord, one faith, and one baptism," there are many Lords, a multiplicity of faiths, and a baptism, or non and baptism to suit every mind. Instead of Christianity producing the fruits gifts of the Spirit of God, they bear the manifestations of hatred, malice, antagonism, rancor and disunion, while they piously remark with a sanctimonious visage, that "These things are all done away with, as no longer needed." Furthermore, it might be said, that if our good Christian friends continue in their work of diminishing, and a few more New England curates adopt the High Criticism system, the Bible, too, will be Christianity," needed only for the "ignorburied as another "fad of primitive ant" Saints of old, whose inferior intelligence and knowledge necessitated the "Law and the Prophets," "Living Oracles," the communion of God, and the companionship of the Holy Ghost, with all its gifts and graces. Modern Christians are inclined to look upon the Former-day Saints as effeminate and childish. They were commanded to "search the Scriptures;" living oracles-Apostles and Prophets-were given them for the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ-the Church, and their perfection. But the so-called follower of Jesus today has soared above them, and in their exalted position, and superior development, sorry to confess it, they possess neither mercy or justice, wisdom or knowledge, to say nothing of the spiritual barrenness of their creeds and sects. If they were merciful and just, they would not persecute and misrepresent their fellows; and if they possessed wisdom and knowledge, they would preach the fullness of the Gospel of Christ and practice the teachings of the Great Law-giver-God. indeed! The early Saints required all the graces of the Gospel; they stood constantly in need of the help of the Lord, for they knew that this was the only means by which they could become perfect even as their Father in heaven was perfect. They may be called, by their professed brethren and sisters, the weaklings of Christianity, whose inability demanded every gift and grace of the Gospel, but let us not overlook this self-evident fact, that the superiority of one man above another depends solely upon the light and intelligence emanating from the presence of God. The fact of the matter is this, the early Saints were the peers of the profesed Christians of today! Yes. Peter and John, the poor, humble fishermen of Galilee, with little or no learning. and Matthew, the despised tax collector, could preach in plainness and simplicity the plan of life and salvation by the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost to the convincing and conversion of whole multitudes of sinners; while great divines today, with their much learning, make these simple and plain teachings of the Apostles mysterious and profoundly obscure. Although these learned prelates have become gray their study of theological lore, and ecclesiastical dessertations, still they are at a loss to explain the fundamental principles of righteousness and truth. stumbling It is evident that the Christian world and thinking has departed from the "old faith," that in "faith once delivered to the Saints," which Jude exhorts us to contend earnestly for. They have digressed from the primitive Gospel of Jesus Christ, (it is the same from everlasting to everlasting), having the naked form of godliness, devoid of the power and life thereof. It is not our purpose in this article to prove the apostacy, for one need only look at poor destitute Christianity and compare her lifeless form with that of the living Church of Christ, with inspiration coursing through every vein, and all parts working in perfect harmony, to realize the utter deficiency and marked depart. Our epistle is to encourage the Saints and Eiders of Israel. THE SOUTHERN STAR. creeds is dangerous in the extreme, because that would disclose such egregious errors that to attribute them to a God of intelligence, justice, mercy and truth, would be to exalt the intelligence of man above that of God-a most reasonable state of affairs! What can be done for those whose intelligence has lifted them above superstition and dogmatic assertions? There can be only one answer. If ever they are converted to true Christianity-the principles of truth revealed by Christ, and taught by His Apostles it will be done by appealing to their intelligence and reason. They are not to be duped with a simple assertion or dogmatic assumption, based upon sheer superstition. No! Reason must play her part Today the a-searching eye of science in the role of conversion; for she is a and revelation, both ancient and modern, gift of God destined to lead man into is making known the unreasonableness truth, so far as the finite mind can comand errors manifest in many of the dog-prehend, and she must not be ignored or mas and theories of Christianity, and neglected. confirming and indorsing the truths of that which the world calls "Mormonism." As a result, many of the more intelligent and thinking class of people are becoming agnostic and infidelic in their views upon religion, for they see the many inconsistencies which Christianity has been palming off upon the world, and trying ure. to crowd down the throats of humankind. Not willing to sacrifice their good names and become connected with the universally despised, and every where spoken against Mormons, they endeavor to blunt their finer sensibilities, and deaden their spiritual passions, by saying, "There is no God. I don't believe." Germany, one of the most intelligent nations under the sun, and perhaps the leading country of the century in education, produces more infidels and agnostics than any other land, and daily they are increasing to such an alarming extent that the success of the Church is in jeopardy, owing to its continual leakage. In our own country the same spirit is taking root in the minds of many, as is also true in all the civilized countries of the world. Why is it? Is it not because the traditions and error in so-called Christianity, when unveiled by reason and revelation, cause men to reject the whole system as a fraud forged upon the human family? The thinking class of men find it impossible to associate the terms, God of truth, unchangeable, everlasting, whose spirit breathes love and peace, mercy and justice, with the generally accepted the ory of God in Christendom, together with its decayed fruits. On all sides you hear the freethinker and agnostic declare, "Behold your God, a being whose spirit incites His children to contention and strife, yea, even to mobocracy and murder, that their sect might prevail! Could I worship a God like that? No, my principles of freedom and right are superior to those of creed and sect, and so I will remain apart from them. To join Christian church is almost to admit that I am willing to persesute, misrepresent and slander my fellows of some other denomination, to say nothing about the unscriptural and unreasonable theories I will have to believe in. No, away with such a religion, for your acts are not only unjust, unfair, erroneous and false, but also unscriptural, unreasonable, inconsistent and illogical." n To this assault upon the religion of Jesus, the so-called Christian world are totally unable to reply with satisfaction or conviction. For them to attempt to defend their positions from Holy Writ, means to expose to light their own weak, shallow foundation, which is in contradiction to primitive Christianity; and to apply the searchlight of reason to their give a reason for the hope within. As Latter-day Saints, we are able to We know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, that it has God for its author, and Reason as a supporter, while science is an advocate. We are not afraid to have the searching ray of Scripture, reason, the principles of our religion exposed to or science. Our belief, mode of worship, conduct towards others, and organization, of revelation, and she will fail to point may be searched with the scrutinizing eye out one defect, flaw, or fault, in the whole fabric or system. For seventy years passed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as revealed in these "Last Days," has withstood all the forces of reason, all the powers of revelation, yea, more, it has withstood the more horrible, yet less forcible opposition-fire, smoke, blood, and banishment, and still it stands even firmer than before, unshaken in its purposes, unmoved from its foundation, like the mighty Rock of Gibraltar, 'gainst which the angry waves of sectarian hate dash only to rebound a mass of foam and spray. The walls of superstition shake, totter, tremble, and soon will fall, but truth will stand unmoved amid the battle's din, triumphant in the end! Brother R. S. Humphries and wife called at the office on their return trip from the west, where they have been spending some time in visiting friends. Brother Humphries lives at Awensdaw, S. C., and is an influential citizen of the Palm Leaf State. Sister Humphries went to Utah in June, while Brother Humphries left in the early part of September and spent a month with the Mormons. They report that they had a very enjoyable time and that they found the Mormon people, not as they had been represented in the South, but a people fraught with good deeds and abundant in loving acts. They had the privilege of attending the Semi-Annual Conference, and of sitting under the sound of the voice of Living Oracles of God, who spoke with authority and power as the Spirit gave them utterance and not as the Scribes and Pharisees. They feel amply repaid for time they have spent in the Sego Lily State, and only have words of praise for the people of Deseret. It is good to meet with those who have the manly and womanly courage to speak of people as they are, and these folk are just the very ones that are true to themselves and to their fellowmen, let them be what they may, religiously, politically or otherwise. "Stand for the right and let us speak of all the best that we can," is the motto of Brother and Sister Humphries. 373 FREEDOM AND EDUCATION. It is often urged by those who do not know our people as they really are, but who are willing to believe the rank assertions of our enemies, that we are a low, debased, immoral, godless sect; that our leaders and chief officials have ever been the worst kind of men, and have strenuously and successfully kept us in the dark, duped and hoodwinked; reveling in ignorance. The people of the world, generally speaking, are inclined to look upon what they term "the Mormon Priesthood," as an awful, fearful, hierarchy, organized for the sole purpose of despotism, milia political machine, which tarism and politicalism. They imagine it crushes all who dare oppose its progress, and seeks to gain control of the government at large. They suppose that it thrives best where ignorance prevails, and that it contravenes intelligence and education, desirous of remaining in the dark rather than being exposed by the light. Those who believe the above assertions are indeed and in truth the ignorant ones; ciations of our bitter opponents; had they for had they searched beyond the denunbeen fair-minded enough to hear both sides of the matter; and did they but they would not indulge in such vain and really know something about our people, malicious sophistry, but would be eager to partake of the Truth, to accept it, and live up to it. The Mormon people are not ignorant. Mormonism does not flourish in ignorance, but to the contrary, she has taught, from the commencement, that "no man can be saved in ignorance," and that "the glory of God is intelligence." Trace the history of the Mormon people, and it will be seen that they have been staunch advocates of education, believing that by this means the people are enlightened, which enlightenment is absolutely necessary for the advancement and progression of God's work on earth. As early as 1832 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord, in which the following was enjoined upon the Saints of God, by way of commandment: "Seek ye diligently, and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study, and also by faith." (Doc. and Cov., Page 318:118). From Saints were not to remain ignorant, but this one can readily observe that the that they were commanded to search out of the best books, and teach one another words of wisdom. Mormonism grants more freedom, and perfect liberty to its communicants than any other organized body of religious worshippers under the sun. When we say "freedom and perfect liberty," we mean freedom to serve God and "perfect liberty" to advance in the paths of holiness and peace, not freedom and liberty to do evil, but freedom and liberty to do good; for it is neither freedom nor liberty that allows man the right to do wrong, but license, which we do not grant-they may have the privilege, but not the right. When Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," He did not mean that they would be released from duty or freed from service, but the "freedom" He promised was into service, into duty; in other words, they should be made free from the entanglerents and bondage of sin, that they might serve Him, walk in a line of Christian duty and keep His holy commands. So it is, and thus it ever will be, with all those who earnestly desire to follow in His steps; they will ever be willing to accord to each other the liberty which two years and six months that he has History of the Southern States Mission. (Continued from Page 367.) November, 1899-The month began with beautiful weather and the health of the Elders generally good. The work was prospering, but as the time for congress to assemble drew near the ministers became more bitter and aggressive in their efforts to stir up prejudice against the Elders and their teachings, the subject, as before stated, being centered in the case of Elder B. H. Roberts. President Rich began his tour over the Mission, and on the 4th and 5th held conference in North Carolina, at Goldsboro. The people called by the world "Mormons" look after the education of their children. The Herald and Presbyter of July 25th says: "And Utah, which we are hurling stones at-Utah, which we consider lost to saving grace and lots of other good things-Utah looks after the schooling of its young." And not only the young, but also for those of mature years are there institutions of learning. Yes! Utah holds her place, and ranks with the most advanced in educational facilities. The inspired men, who stand as watchers on Mount Zion, have urged the young to avail themselves of the many opportunities to obtain a good education which have been placed within their reach. They contend that Truth, Reason, Intelligence and Education go hand in hand, and are destined to gain the ascendency and supremacy over Error, Bigotry, Ignorance and Illiteracy. Those who follow the teachings and exhortations of the "Mormon Leaders," as they are called, will avail themselves of the educational facilities granted in this land of the free. Where true education is there we shall find freedom and liberty; where ignorance prevails there we shall find bigotry and intolerance. The Gospel of Jesus Christ courts investigation by the learned, the educated and the mental giants of the land. Like Paul to Agrippa, so we to the world can say, "This thing was not done in a corner;" neither is it hidden, but all who desire can investigate its claims and scrutinize its organization and development. Priestcraft does not lead The Virginia Conference convened in the Latter-day Saints, the Holy Spirit Richmond on the 5th and 6th. The news guides, the voice of inspiration points the papers were fair and gave an unbiased way, and holy men of God receive reve-report, but still the same opposition lation for the work of the ministry, the caused by the anti-Roberts crusade was perfection of the Saints, the edifying of met. One minister stood at the door leadthe body of Christ. Thus by love un-ing to the conference meeting place and feigned are all the workings of Christ's entreated the people not to go in. people conducted. The spirit of love pervades all, and unites in one perfect whole every part of the organization. It is the spirit of God which unites the Saints, and prompts them to render obedience to those whom God hath placed over them. Education properly applied but acts as a stimulus, while freedom gives us the liberty to serve God, and become like unto our Father in heaven. Freedom and Eucation are both honored, respected, taught and practiced by the Latter-day Saints. They are not curbed or Priest-ridden, but are free to act and choose for themselves. They affirm that all mankind have their free agency; that it is given them of God, and no one has the right to suppress, coerce, or intimidate them in the exercise of the same. Freedom and Education will make the world better, brighter, lovelier far! We crave it, seek to bring about its glorious reign, and welcome all who strive to facilitate these two grand principles-Freedom and Education. The Elders met with much opposition and were forced to use a vacant lot for the purpose of holding services, as no building in the burg could be procured. This condition was the work of professed servants of God, who were no doubt fearful that their salaries would diminish and their craft be in danger if the people learned the truth about the Mormons. Plaquemine. St. Bernard and In the first the Elders met but little success and only a few meetings were held; were disturbed by mobs several times, and pelted with eggs, until finally, after a stay of two weeks, they were driven out by a mob, who told the Elders (M. N. Fisher and M. E. Gifford) that the people there were all good Catholics and Baptists, and wanted no Mormon preachers. In St. Bernard parish Elders J. W. Vance and Wm. Isom found but few white folks and no hospitality. They were forced to sleep in the woods part of the time. E. R. DeWitt and E. T. Kingsford met with very little encouragement in Plaquemine parish. Were compelled to go without food for three nights at a time, and one night had two shots fired at them. President J. U. Allred, of the Middle much trouble was experienced in getting Tennessee Conference, reported that a place of meeting for conference. This created by anti-Mormon mass meetings. was owing to the anti-Mormon sentiment The month closed with the health of the Elders generally good. (To be Continued.) Letter from Elder Charles G. Larsen. As I have had the sad news reach me a short time back of the death of my beloved mother, I thought I would write a short biography of her life, and if you see fit you may place it in The Star. Annie Sophia Larsen was born in Sweden, Oct. 12, 1839. At the age of 17 years she embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Elders in that land. In the year 1875, in company with her husband, she emigrated to the land of Zion, and lived in Utah until the year 1881, when they move to Idaho (Oakley) and lived there until her death, which occurred on July 21, 1900. She had been a faithful member until and four children to mourn her loss. The her death. She leaves a loving husband eldest (Charles G.) was laboring in the of Truth when the sad news reached him of her death. state of North Carolina as an embassador If you can find space in your valuable paper to copy the above biography I will be pleased. Please correct all errors and arrange it different if you see fit. On the 7th Elders F. P. Carlisle and J. E. Myler received a whipping at the hands of a mob. This occurred five miles from Morganton, Ky. President B. F. Price sent in an account of the mobbing which can be found on page 413 of Vol. 1. Nov. 11th and 12th, conference was held at Knoxville, Tenn., with the Elders of the East Tennessee Conference. The public meetings were fairly well attended and a good time was had. The newspapers were very fair, although the minisIt was hard for me, when I received the news of her death, for I know that I have ters, as usual, were bitter in their de- lost my best friend on earth. I hope to nunciations of the Mormon people. The live so when I am called to leave this pronew town hall was very generously ten-bation I may be permitted to meet her dered and four meetings were held there- again, for I know she has filled her misin. At Hopkinsville, Ky., on the 15th and 16th, the Kentucky Conference was held. The people of the city treated the Elders with due respect and not a few came out to the meetings. A large number of Saints were present and a most enjoyable time was had. On the 19th and 20th the Elders of the North Alabama Conference met at Tuscaloosa, Ala., in annual meet Some very strong opposition was here met with, and the papers were full of all sorts of mean things about the Mormons. The North Kentucky Conference convened in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 25tn and 26th, and the Elders of the Ohio Conference met at Columbus, Ohio, on the 28th and 29th. Successful meetings were held at both these places and a time of enjoyment was had by the Elders. President W. D. Rencher, of the Geor-ing. gia Conference, called at the Office en route to his home in Eager, Arizona. This is the second mission that Elder Rencher has filled in the Southern States. His first mission was spent in Mississippi, where he labored some twenty-seven months, during which time he acted as president of that Conference, being engaged in this responsible position for about one year. The first six months of his second mission, the one from which he is now honorably released, was spent in Mississippi, after which he assumed the reins of conference affairs in Georgia; this makes something like sion with honor both to her God and fam ily. I will close, hoping this will meet your approval. I remain your brother in the Gospel of Christ, Florida reported success in the cities MOTHER. THE SOUTHERN STAR. CONSOLATION FOR A BEREAVED good-bye arrived, you bade him God-speed with a mother's blessing. He went as a true and trusted soldier to his post of duty; you thought of him when he was far away; yes, thought of him all the livelong day; and when the shades of evening fell, you knelt before the Throne of Grace and prayed the Lord to bless him. Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 10, 1900. Mrs. E. H. Bronson, Fairview, Idaho: My Dear Sister-I feel it my bounden duty to write you a few lines with a sinThe Lord heard your supplication in cere hope that I may say something that his behalf, and blessed your darling boy will tend to console and comfort you in so that he prospered to a marked degree. the hour of your grief and affliction. I Yes, he became a mighty worker in the know that it is hard to part with those vineyard of the Lord, enlisting his every we love; we are loath to return those pre-effort for the advancement of God's rightcious jewels which the Lord so kindly tendered to our care--even our beloved children. Yes, they are jewels of priceless worth, and to part with them gives sorrow of heart, but could we penetrate the dimming vail which separates us from them, methinks that our heaviness would be turned to joy, our grief to gladness, and our sorrow to enraptured bliss. What is this mortal life but the school room in which we are trained for a higher and a better life; in which we are disciplined for a grander sphere, and taught those Holy Laws that prepare the soul and pave the way to the blessed boon we all would gain, even life eternal in the kingdom of God. Yes, this life is the university, in which we gain a varied experience, and from which we are destined to graduate to a higher grade, providing that we learn our lessons well, and pass the final examination. As in the college, so is it in real life; when we graduate from this mortal sphere it is but the commencement exercise for another grade, which is higher, brighter and nobler far than this present one. Temptations beset us on every hand; tribulation, affliction and trials meet us in the way, and obstacles arise before us. Our course is not strewn with roses or paved with pearly gems: but stern real ity which manifests itself in thorns and briars must be encountered on our jour ney. With courage and patience, faith and hope, we pursue our course, and blessed are they who have the companionship of the Holy Spirit, for then the rough places are made smooth, the obscure plain, the crooked straight, our seeming obstacles surmounted, while we are enabled to endure our trials and tribulations with fortitude and long-suffering. Oh! the Spirit is a wonderful Comforter, a Holy Guide, a divine Companion! Were it not so, then life would be miserable indeed, but now we can have joy, not joy because trials await us, but because of the more abundant life which is promised to the obedient and the faithful. "Adam fell that man might be and men are that they might have joy." We are here that we might have joy, and you will remember that Jesus said: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Do we perform our part well here, then we shall be raised to higher stations. Do we honor God and love Him here, then He will honor us and love us there! He is merciful. He is kind, He is loving. He is just, and if we only trust Him to the end, He will prove His love and mercy by exalting us in glory with the redeemed! The kindred affection of a mother to her boy is centered in a mould that is finely fashioned, and touched with love's pure finger-the heart. Under the home roof you have seen him grow from child hood to manhood. You have given him the strengthening nutriment, you have nursed him in sickness, nourished and cared for him while under your paternal keeping, and when he honored the call to perform a mission to the people of the Southern States, ard the hour to say eous purposes upon the earth, wielding the sword of truth and proving himself a power for good wherever he went. His companions loved him, and he was beloved by all who knew him. Always ready and willing to assist a brother, lending a helping hand to all, making himself useful and beneficial to those who stood in need, and when, in a righteous endeavor to aid his companions, he met his sad and sudden death in the turbulent waters of a treacherous stream, his spirit returned to that God in whose service he was engaged. All that remains of his earthly tabernacle has been casketed and returned to the home of his childhood, but you, dear sister, his loving mother, will not grieve as those who have no hope. Mother! Sister! you will meet your son again, know his gladsome features, you have marked his cheerful smile when he played around your knee in infancy, and you will know him when the trumpet of God shall sound and the dead in Christ shall rise. will know him, and he will know you and then shall we all know and realize that "God doeth all things well." You I pray the Lord to bless you, and comfort you; to bestow in your grief-stricken home the Spirit of consolation, and shed around you that benign influence which makes the mourner to rejoice and the sad to find joy in the Lord. Your loving sister and true friend, SOUTHERN BOXERS. Elder Anderson was partly stripped of his clothing and given forty lashes, while Elder Lazenby was given but eighteen, because of its being his first entrance into the county. They then were re leased and warned to leave the state at once, under penalty of hanging. Elders Holt and Illum, who were stopping at the home of Brother Gordon, were at once notified of the presence of a mob, and found refuge in the woods. The mob, which consisted of thirty-five men, then went six miles to Cherokkee Falls, and severely whipped Brother Thomas Martin, who has just recently joined the Church. Elder Nix and I, on the afternoon of the mobbing, went over the line into North Carolina to see some Saints. On entering a little town named Grover we were informed by a man that there was a mob after us. We took no notice of the rumor, but continued on to our destination, supposing our presence was the cause of the action. Monday we returned and learned of the trouble; also that part of the men had come from North Carolina. We went at once to the officials at Blacksburg, whose duty it is to maintain peace and order, and asked for protection, as a petition to ostracize and drive out the Elders, Saints and friends from the county has been and now is in circulation among our enemies. The justice of the peace gave us no satisfaction whatever and intimated by his prejudiced conversation that his code of laws afforded no justice for a "Mormon," which indeed was amply proven by remarks made by him to one of our members, in which he said: "The law can't get at the "Mormon Elders" for preaching their doctrine; neither can the law get at those who mob them." There is an effort now on the part of these fiends to effect a union between the merchants and millers to prevent the Saints and friends from getting food and supplies. Sept. 29, Elders C. G. Anderson and George O. Holt entered a little settlement called King's Creek, in Cherokee county, for the purpose of visiting some Saints whom they had recently baptized. Just before reaching their destination they were accosted by eight men, who warned them to leave inside of two hours, and were only protected then from the cowardly assaults of the villians by a man who interfered in behalf of the Elders. After dusk a mob of thirty-five men started upon the track of the Elders, but were confused in the route of the brethren and abandoned the pursuit. Oct. 6th, Elders J. P. Illum and J. T. Lazenby were passing through the same As is invariably the case, we have neighborhood, en route to Blacksburg, found at the head of this mob a man who and were evidently followed and located professes to be preaching the Gospel of at the home of Brother J. L. Etters, at Christ and who pretends to teach those Blacksburg, by three men. Elder Laz-righteous principles which will result in enby was sick and went to bed as soon the universal brotherhood of mankind. Elders Anderson, Holt as he arrived. Among the mob also was a merchant and Illum held meeting the same night and others quite as prominent. May After at the home of Brother Sanders. the Lord have mercy on their poor souls, with meeting Elder Anderson returned Brother and Sister Etters, where should they ever be considered worthy Elder Lazenby had been left sick in bed. of beholding His presence on the day About 11 o'clock, as they all sat enjoy- of judgment. ing a pleasant conversation, their peace C. R. Humpherys. and silence was broken by confusion and clamour like a pack of Russian Silent Prayer. wolves in the act of surrounding their helpless victims. The house was soon surrounded and filled with cowardly fiends, who bore every characteristic quality of the Prince of Darkness. One miserable coward drew a gun on Sister Etters when she interferred in behalf of No soul can preserve the bloom and delicacy of its existence without lonely musings and silent prayer, and the greatness of this necessity is in proportion to the greatness of the soul.-Canon Far rar. REPORT OF MISSION CONFERENCES FOR WEEK ENDING SEPT. 29, 1900. PRESIDENT CONFERENCE TOWN STATE . FOR THE RELIGIOUS. BY ELDER N. D. FORSYTH. It is strange to observe that people who claim to be so much wrought upon by the extension and forceful rays of enlightenment that is said to have come down to them, will make null and void their affirmation by endeavoring to facilitate the downfall of their fellowman by misrepresentation and fraud. One would naturally think that where such perfect systems of ethics and religion existed there would be seen manifest but few of the fruits of the evil spirit. Especially would he look for their comparative scarcity among those of the "regenerated" who profess to have been called to the very grave and responsible work of preaching the gospel of peace. It would be only reasonable to expect that the predominence of education over ignorance would mean the decline of at least such earthly features as narrowmindedness and bigotry. If modern Christianity be the embodiment of all that has been given for the perfection of mankind, in short, if it be, as it is often claimed, the culmination of that progressive system which Jesus Christ established 1900 years ago, the observer is compelled to either take the very critical position that its evolution has been on the road of degeneracy and it is now sadly in need of reconstruction, or, that like causes will not produce like effects. self and deceiving the fiendish cowards, who were anxious to further exhibit their brutish power. For the benefit of the blind, both those who do not see and those who do not wish to see, we herewith give information reliable, having taken pains to investigate the matter to the extent of visiting personally the spot where the Elders were killed, and getting the direct testimony of the parties most familiar with the case. Also the direct testimony of those assisting in the recovery of he dead bodies. To whom it may concern: With the view of correcting the erroneous ideas which seem to be prevalent regarding the Cane Creek tragedy, the undersigned being personally acquainted with the whole affair, solemnly bear our testimony to the effect that, not only was it an event absolutely uncalled for, but was wholly and perfectly cat of order. The men who were thus called t› yield up their lives for the sake of what they believed to be the Gospel, were to the best of our knowledge, honest, upright, straightforward and virtuous men. Never in all our experience with them did we see anything in their characters unbecoming perfect gentlemen and true servants of their Master. The many evil reports circulated about them were, to our knowledge, entirely withou: foundation. And we are forced to say that they were innocent and defenseless men martyred in cold blood. The mob who perpetrated the cowardly deed was composed of men who had neither respect for themselves nor regard for the rights and privileges of others They were intolerant, they were 1900rant, they were barbarious. And they without premeditatedly and the least cause committed the crime which now brands them as cowards and murderers. Elisha Talley. Malinda Condor. Ban In the person of Jesus Christ, the founder of ancient Christianity, may be recognized the beneficent and admirable effects of the system he practiced. His mind, we find, was too full of such virtues as meekness, gentleness, love and charity, to allow any room whatever for such wretched and demoralizing vices as are to be seen emanating from the more conspicuous figures in modern Christen-nister Talley, Mary Ann Sealey, Wn.. J. dom. Therefore, in keeping with the former position, we wish to say that we are with personally acquainted professed ambassadors of our Lord who, by manifesting evil fruits, not only lead us 10 discredit the idea of their being His trae followers, but who persist in exposing their gross ignorance by clinging tenaciously to and teaching time-worn and truth-subverted ideas the absurdity of which common intelligence would readily teach, for the purpose of harming a cause with the true merits of which they are quite unfamiliar. Prominent among the many ideas which are now and then rehashed for evil par poses, is that concerning the tragedy of Cane Creek. It is the general impression among those who know no better than to believe all their pastor tells them, that the reason why the Mormon Elders were killed, was because they not only taught but practiced a part of their devilish system which is so repugnant to the virtueloving minds of the people who thus exhibited their heroism. It is also believed that the hero B. H. Roberts) who rescued the dead bodies, stepped far beyond the bounds of manly conduct and bravery by disguising hiu Condor. To whom it may concern: As it is thought by many that Elder B. H. Roberts of the Mormon Church, resorted to illegitimate means in the recovery of the bodies of Elders Gibbs 1884. by a mob on Cane Creek, and, beand Berry, who were martyred Aug. 10, ing asked to publish our knowledge conbeing participants in the work, solemnly cerning the affair, we. the undersigned, testify that the means adopted by Elder Roberts and ourselves was wholly and strictly justifiable. Under such conditions as then existed we deemed it quite ceeding to the task under the leadership inadvisable to endanger our lives by pro For truly the lives of such people were then in danger. The mob would have gladly treated him as they had treated his brethren. The means he devised and of one known to be a Mormon Elder. the courage he exhibited were only indications of wisdom and true heroism on his part. Henry H. Harlow, Wm. Church. It is hoped that the above will be carefully considered, especially by those who are occupied in teaching religious truths to people who confide in their doctrine. 221 Goldsboro, Box 924 8 Blacksburg. Ackerman. Barboursville... Lake Village 9 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 THE DEAD. Miss Maud E., the 15-year-old daughter of Jesse J. and Martha A. Price, de parted this life Aug. 30th, 1900. Broth er Price's whole family are faithful Latter-day Saints, and Miss Maud was baptized Aug. 27th, 1897, and lived a true Christian ever since. She was loved by all who knew her, and bore the pain of a billious fever with wonderful fortitude. Her people are comforted with a hope. of a reunion in eternity on the morning of the first resurrection. Edgar Lee, the sweet little baby boy of sister Doaralles Bonner, of Blackburn, La., passed away from this mortal probation on the 20th of August, 1900. He was a dear little child, beloved by all who knew him, a joy and a comfort to his parents, and the life of the family, so that his loss is greatly felt in the home of his childhood. The loving mother has been sore afflicted with grief over the loss of her darling boy, and still mourns for him. It is hard to part with those we love, but we know that they have gone to the home of a loving Father in heaven, and they await our coming, for "as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." Little ones are made alive in Christ, and through His atoning blood are they fully redeemed from all sin; therefore we need not mourn their departure from this earth of sorrow, grief and pain. seeming loss is their ultimate gain, and all is well! We shall meet again and they will know us, and if we are worthy of their sweet and pure society, then we shall once more clasp them to loving hands and enjoy their innocent companionship. The little boy was almost 4 years old, and was a great favorite with the Elders who have labored in that community. We trust that the Elders will write to the bereaved parents and counsel them in the hour of their sad affliction. Our WHILST THERE'S LIFE THERE'S WORK TO DO Whatever thy place in life may be, And if ourselves no help we need, As this life's journey we travel through, How many we find to prove indeed That whilst we live there is work to do. Then whatsoever thy lot may be, List to my motto, you'll find it true; There is a mission appointed thee, And whilst there's life there is work to do. -S. C. Watson. |