Apostle Franklin Dewey Richards was born in Richmond, Berkshire county, Mass., April 2d, 1821. He was the son of Phineas and Wealthy Dewey Richards, and was the fourth born of nine children. Like most all of his early associates in the Church, he was of the old New England race, who had distinguished themselves in the early settleinent of our country by toil, courage and patriotism to the young Republic. Franklin was raised on a farm, and by no means a stranger to hard work. He early displayed a strong desire for education and used his spare time in seeking for treasures of knowledge. Before he was 10 years old he had perused every book in the Sunday School, which comprised several volumes, and at 13 he attended for one winter the Lenox Academy. His parents were devout Congregationalists and trained their children in strict piety. Franklin early developed strong impressions of a religious character. He was so decided in his views that he differed with most of the people around him on Scriptural points of doctrine. Because of this he declined a special offer made him to be educated for the sectarian ministry. Elders Brigham and Joseph Young visited Richmond in 1836 and presented the Restored Gospel. Franklin read the Book of Mormon, accepted it as the truth, and later, when his father went to Kirtland, O.. with his younger brother, George Spencer Richards, they were baptized into the Church. On his return to Kirtland he found his son, Franklin, ready for baptism and ad ministered that ordinance to him June 3d, 1838, in his native town. Oct. 22d, 1838, he bade adieu to his native home to cast his lot with the persecuted Saints in Far West, Mo. While crossing the Alleghenies he received the sad tidings of his brother, George S. Richards, being assassinated at Haun's Mill, Mo. i BY APOSTLE MATHIAS F. COWLEY. Undaunted, he journeyed on to Missouri, | He attended the laying of the corner and soon after his arrival found employment along the Mississippi river. In May, 1839, he first met the Prophet Jo seph Smith. The following spring he was ordained a Seventy and went on a stone of the Temple in Nauvoo at the April Conference in 1841, and then resumed his labors in Indiana. He continued his missionary work, though sick with fever most of the time. In December, 1842, he married Jane Snyder. In May, 1844, he was ordained a High Priest, and started on a mission to England, but hearing the sad news of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, he returned to Nauvoo. In the fore part of 1845 he traveled over 1,000 miles in gathering means for the Nauvoo Temple. After this he was called to be a Scribe in the office of Church Historian. He also labored as a carpenter and joiner on the Temple. He received his endowments in the Temple and subsequently officiated in administering the ordinances to others. In the exodus of 1846 he sacrificed his little home, built by his own hands, and started his family westward with the moving Camp of Israel. After seeing his family driven into the wilder ness he turned his face eastward, and with true heroism left to fulfill his mission in England. Franklin possessed the faith of the ancient Apostles, for with meager clothing and almost destitute of money he made his way to the Atlantic coast and thence across the mighty deep to the shores of Europe. Before leaving the shore of America the last word he received from the exiled Saints was that his wife had given birth to a baby boy and she was lying at the point of death. With this additional trial he resolutely commended his family to the Lord, pursued his way to England. Upon his arrival in Europe he was appointed to preside over the Church in Scotland. Shortly afterward he became one of President Orson Spencer's Counselors the British Mission. He was then 25 years old, and through the serious sick over to labor in the various fields, and the year following Great Britain alone furnished over 3,400 souls for baptism into the Church, and in about the same time more than 3,000 Saints emigrated to were used for transporting the Saints to America, but President Richards, looking to the future, deemed this inadequate, and changed from the sailing vessel to the steamship, and this has continued until the present time. This was Apostle Richards' last foreign mission. He had crossed the ocean eight times, and had spent much of his time in the ministry abroad. Under his supervision, the Lord ness of President Spencer Elder Rich- Church by baptism in the British Mis- Upon his return to Salt Lake City he ards sustained the responsibility of vir- | sion. He started to Zion the first com was appointed with President John Taytually presiding over the entire Mission. pany of Saints which sailed from Eu- lor to meet two companies of emigrants, He labored efficiently and faithfully until rope under regulations of the Perpetual many of whom were old and endeared Feb. 20th, 1848, when he started home- | Emigration Fund, with Apostle Erastus associates of these two Apostles. During ward, in charge of a large company of Snow, arranged for the organization of the seven years following he was laboremigrating Saints. During his mission a company to manufacture iron in Utah. ing chiefly among the Saints. His lahe received the sad news that his brother, Soon after his return he was again bors were varied and multifarious, eccleJoseph William Richards, had suc- elected to the Legislature and resumed siastical, political, mill building and agcumbed to death while marching as a his labors as a law-maker. Early in riculture. He was never idle, but the member of the Mormon battalion. 1853 he participated in the dedication embodiment of industry with hand and Brother Franklin's daughter, Wealthy. of the Temple grounds, and laying the brain. July 29th, 1866, he was again had also died during his absence. Upon corner stones thereof in Salt Lake City. | called on a mission to Europe, was on his return he found his wife and their In July of this year he went to Iron the way in two weeks, reached Liverpool relatives who had survived the perils of county to establish iron works, but this Sept. 11th, 1866, and immediately comthe exodus at St. Louis, Mo. This was project, under existing conditions, was menced a tour of the Conferences, inthe middle of May, 1848. In June he impracticable. While there Gov. Young cluding Scandinavia and several contiwent to Southern Iowa to buy cattle and Lieut.-Gen. Wells issued military nental Conferences. In July, 1866, he with which to move the company under orders, owing to Indian hostilities. again became President of the entire the direction of his uncle Willard Rich- Brother Richards labored faithfully in | Mission. He had a noble corps of Elders ards across the plains. The company left gathering in the outposts, changing the for Salt Lake Valley July 5th, 1848, with site of Cedar City and preparing the peo Franklin as Captain of fifty. The jour-ple to resist the aggressions of the Inney was a most trying one, as Sister dians. Returning to Salt Lake City, he Richards was very sick nearly the entire was just in time to witness the decease distance, but by the blessings of the of his mother. He returned to Irou | Utah. Up to this time sailing vessels Lord and kind, helpful friends she surcounty in October, 1853, and labored vived the journey and is today one of there until called to his Legislative work the Presidency of the Relief Societies in the winter. While in Salt Lake City throughout the Church. They reached he was notified to prepare again for the their destination Oct. 19th, 1848, with British Mission. Before leaving he dedhearts of gratitude to God to be once icated his home, property and all he posmore with the body of the Church, and sessed to the Lord. He reached England especially far removed from the scenes June 4th, 1854, and immediately asof mobocracy and persecution. Elder sumed the responsibilities of the MisRichards exchanged his cloak and other sion. His letter of appointment from available articles of clothing for building the Presidency implied the amalgamation material, and by dint of honest toil and of the European Missions all under one hard labor constructed a small room in head, as it authorized to him "to preside which they sojourned during the winter. over all the Conferences and all the afWhile dwelling in this humble adobe hab- fairs of the Church in the British Isles itation he was called to receive his otand adjacent countries." While presiddination to the Apostleship Feb. 12th, ing in Europe he visited the continent, 1849. He immediately became assopromoting the interests of the Gospel ciated with the leading men of the comof peace and harmony among the people. munity in forming the provisional gov- It was during this mission that Brother ernment of the State of Deseret, in Richards baptized that noble man who Church work generally, and was very has done so much for Zion, especially the active in establishing the Perpetual Em- youth, in religious and secular education igration Fund. In October, 1849, he was -Dr. Karl G. Maeser. In 1855 he seagain called to Europe to continue his cured for the growing necessities of the missionary labors in a foreign land. He Mission the premises now renowned as traveled across the continent and ocean 42 Islington, which have been occupied with Apostles John Taylor, Lorenzo and from that time to the present as the Erastus Snow, with other Elders. Hos Mission headquarters. In October, 1855, tile Indians, inclement weather, icy under President Richards' personal distreams, etc., went to make up an eventrection, the Saxon Mission was estabful journey. January, 1850, they visited lished in Dresden, which has yielded friends and Saints in St. Louis. They many intelligent converts to the faith. arrived in Great Britain March, 1850. This was an eventful year in the history of the Church, so far as spreading the it was also within his province to direct tion, which subsequently took the title the branches in the East Indies, Africa. of the Ogden Herald and is still running. Gospel abroad is concerned. President Australia and other parts, which re- He did much to improve the schools of Taylor was sent to open the door of salHe organized societies vation to the French nation, Lorenzo quired the concentration of every inter-Weber county. est, with an eye ever single to the glory which preceded the Mutual Improvement Snow to Italy, Erastus Snow to Scandiof God. Brother Franklin was probably Associations, and originated a plan by navia. Orson Pratt was presiding in better informed on every detail of for- which the youth of Weber county, withLiverpool, but being called hastily to eign Missions than any other man. Pre- out cost, could hear the most talented Council Bluffs, Brother Franklin was left to edit the Millennial Star and previous to leaving for his home the Presi- lecturers of Utah on scientific and other side over the British Mission. He founded dents of Conferences met in London and subjects. He taught the people by prethe Perpetual Emigration Fund in paid a glowing tribute of respect and es- cept and example how to avoid the inEngland on a solid basis, and labored teem to President Franklin D. Richards, fluence of the mixed population so rapefficiently in every department. Apostle Oct. 4th, 1856, he once more reached idly gathering into Ogden City, and how Pratt returned to England. Elder Rich- his mountain home. He again became a to make home pleasant and attractive. ards became his assistant, and upon the member of the Utah Legislature, aud During his administration of fourteen release of Brother Pratt in 1851 Apostle was re-elected a regent of the Deseret years as Probate Judge no decision of Richards became President of the Brit- University. April 20th, 1857, he was his was ever reversed by a higher triish Mission. With energy and great zeal elected and commissioned Brigadier-Gen-bunal. Hundreds of cases of divorce, himself and fellow-laborers spread the eral of the Second Brigade of Infantry land estates and land suits were brought Gospel throughout the British Isles. He of the Nauvoo Legion. During the before him. He adjudicated the land increased the labors in the Liverpool Johnston army troubles he was engaged titles of Huntsville, North Ogden and office very materially. In a short time with a detachment from his brigade to | Plain City. None of these arrangements Behe revised and published a 25,000 edition support Gen. Wells in Echo Canyon. were ever set aside by any court. of the Hymn Book, a new edition of With others he left his property to be sides these, he had many criminal cases P. P. Pratt's Voice of Warning, stere- committed to the flames in case the army presented before him, the decisions in none which have ever been reversed. otyped the Doctrine and Covenants, pre-persisted in driving the Saints from their pared and published the Pearl of Great His administration financially was also Price, paid an interesting visit to Elder a great success. Roads were built, and Taylor in France, and from 1850 to 1852 many bridges. The only toll road in the about 16,000 souls had been added to the county, the one through Ogden Canyon, He was constant in his travels, and homes and despoiling them of their prop- directing him, the Gospel, and a much greater number many thousands of souls had embraced gathered to Zion. had not abated, but his wise counsels His missionary zeal were needed at home with the body of the Church. A new experience in his labors now came to him. In February, 1869, he was elected Probate Judge of Weber county. He occupied this position for fourteen years. He served with great ability and wisdom, making friends on every hand. He was familiarly called by business and political men "Judge Richards." He had many warm friends among the non-Mormon population of the community. Ogden City and Weber county are recognized as next in importance to Salt Lake City and county, and much of the growth and progress Weber is due to the potent influence of Brother Richards. Up to this time Ogden had no paper. He established and for some time edited the Ogden June of was purchased and made free. His position had no salary attached, and yet he 1 bored with unselfish devotion to the county and people. The expenses of the county were maintained entirely free from debt. He continued a member of the Legislature, traveled, preached and counseled throughout the Territory. He assisted President Young in organizing nearly all the Stakes of Zion up to the decease of President Brigham Young. Nearing the close of his official career, Congress passed a law known as the "Hoar Amendment," which author ized the Governor to fill vacancies caused by failure to elect officers at the August election of 1882. By claim of authority from this act Gov. Murray appointed James N. Kimball Probate Judge of Weber county. Judge Richards denied the vacancy, and Mr. Kimball instituted a mandamus suit to compel a relinquish ment of the office and records to him. The District Court decided in favor of Mr. Kimball. Judge Richards appealed to the Supreme Court of the Territory, which affirmed the lower court. He then appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, where it rested until the time of Mr. Kimball's appointed term had run out. This was a test case, and had it not been contested with determination the Governor's appointees would have displaced the officers elected by the people, and thus given the political control into the hands of the "Liberal Party." For many years Apostle Richards was Church Historian and General Church Recorder. This position he filled with usual ability and devotion until the time of his death. He was much interested in work for the dead, and had accomplished as much perhaps in this line as any other man except President Woodruff. He took great interest in the Genealogical Society of Utah, and sought to interest others. When President Lorenzo Snow became President of the Church Brother Richards succeeded to the Presidency of the Twelve Apostles, and occupied this place when he departed this life. He was endeared to his associates and to all the Saints and many not of our faith because of his kind, affable manner. During the latter years of his life his time was chiefly occupied in the office of Historian, but he visited many of the Stakes and was faithfully industrious to the last. In the fall of 1899 he became enfeebled through strokes of paralysis, and after an illness of several weeks, accopipanied by brief spells of apparent improvement, he passed quietly into the spirit at 12:14 Saturday morning, Dec. 9th, 1899, at his home in Ogden City. President Richards was noted for the kindness of his heart, the gentleness of his manners, and his constant, unceasing devotion to the work of God, and while he has gone to the unseen world he still lives by the great labors of his life, and will be perpetuated in the love and memory of the Saints throughout all generations. His funeral was held in the Ogden Tabernacle Dec. 12th, 1899, was attended by a host of the Saints, and his remains were laid quietly to rest in the Ogden Cemetery. President Snow, his Counselors, Elder Brigham Young and others spoke at his funeral in terms of highest esteem. Among the glowing tributes of respect to the character and faith of President Richards President Joseph F. Smith said that he had seen him under such trying ordeals that few could endure, and under which President Richards had shown the patient submis THE SOUTHERN STAR. sion, faith and devotion of Job, when he exclaimed, "Though He slay me yet will I trust in Him." The industry, integrity, faith, purity and devotion of such men will serve as a beacon light to all generations who shall read his history, bless his memory and praise God who sent him to perform his part in the great dispensation of the fulness of times. OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS. Special traits of character inherited or developed in progenitors, frequently are seen in their posterity; and this is true to a marked degree in the subject of our sketch. President J. Spencer Worsley was born in Provo City, Utah, Oct. 17, 1878. He is the eldest child of a family of six children. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Worsley, resided in Provo City until he was 8 years of age, when they removed to Ashley Valley, Uintah county, Utah, where they resided some eight years. However, through the lack of educational facilities, due to the early growth of a new country, they returned to Provo that they might have better opportunities to educate their children. Since that time he ELDER J. S. WORSLEY. has been compelled to pursue his search for knowledge in connection with worldly duties, which he did until December, 1898, when he received a call to take a mission to the Southern States. He then applied himself to a theological course in the Brigham Young Academy at Provo. 379 of Gospel truths. On his mother's side his progenitors are a race of people of whom we may be proud, tracing his lineage back to the martyred Apostle David Patten, Titus Billings and Isaac Worley; names so prominent in the early history of the Church that it is not necessary to detail their labors. His grandfather, A. N. Billings, came to Utah in 1848, passing through all the trials of frontier life. He suffered heavy losses by Indians and other causes; was called to fill a mission to Eld Mountains, of which he had charge and built a fort near the present site of Moab, Grand county, Utah. President Worsley's mother was born in Manti, Sanpete county, Utah. Her parents moved to Provo, Utah, when she was small. She attended the best schools until she became a teacher, which prepared her to instruct her son, and the effects of her training has proved of great value to him. With such parentage and such home teaching we look for a good work from President Worsley. Abstracts from Correspondence. If you will kindly spare me a little space in The Star I would like to give my testimony as to the truth of the Gospel. I know that Joseph Smith, our Prophet, was sent of God to restore the Gospel in this, the last dispensation of time. I know the blessings promised of God to those who obey His ordinances are enjoyed by the faithful today, even as when the Former-day Saints were on earth, and that the signs do follow those who believe. As soon as I listened seriously to the Elders as they unfolded the plan of life and salvation I became convinced of its truth, and was baptised, on the 6th day of last May, by Elder Joseph R. Jeppson. That same night, after my baptism, my sister was taken violently ill. All the remedies we gave her failed to relieve her, and we felt she would die if she could not receive help. I asked her to have the Elders administer to her, and she consented, and immediately after fell into a sweet sleep and slept until morning. It would take too much space to tell all the things that make me know it is the true and everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was delivered by the angel to Joseph Smith, our noble Prophet, for my testimony is added to and grows stronger each day. "Line upon line and precept upon precept," the testimony is given through the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, that Comforter which was promised us by our Lord and Master ere he left us to ascend into heaven, and I would that all people and all nations might know the joy and peace which fills one's whole being when earnestly striving to follow the teachings of the Spirit, and obey the Gospel commands. May God bless and keep us each and every one, and may we hold to the iron rod until it leads us to the throne of God in His beautiful kingdom prepared for those who love Him, is the prayer of your sister in Christ. Virginia C. Moon. Join hands with the righteous and take Christ as the Captain of our Salvation, and the banner of Truth will yet wave over every land and clime. His labors in the missionary field prove that he has made good use of the chances he has had. On April 20, 1899, he left his home and loved ones, in obedience to the call he had received. Arriving at Chattanooga headquarters, he was assigned to labor in East Tennessee Conference, arriving at his field of labor on the 26th of the month. President Worsley comes from "good old English stock" on his father's side. His grandparents joined the Church in England, came to Nauvoo and took part in the travels and hardships in the early rise of the Church. His grandsire died at St. Louis, Mo., leaving a widow, two sons and four daughters, who are all faithful Latter-day Saints. His father is a blacksmith, which accounts for the iron will of his son in trying to do his duty in the dissemination praying. Spend less than you earn; earn all that you spend. Fear God, love one another, honor your self. Be just, then generous; honest, then liberal. Pray without ceasing, and never cease ARTICLES OF FAITH 1. We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 8. We believe that men will be punished for their own eins, and not for Adam's transgression. 8. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, al 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 Obost. 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, Evangelista, 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 is 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 person. ally 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 hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these Shings JOSEPH SMITH EASY TO CRITICISE. "It is easy to sit in the sunshine And talk to the man in the shade." "DOING GOOD." SO Oh! how very true it is, that there are those who loudly profess their fidelity and loyalty to Christ and His laws; who claim Him as their Lord and King, and yet at the same time will become persecute, mock and revile those who loose, vile and wanton, that they will may chance to differ with them as pertains to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In persecuting your fellowman are you doing good? With hatred and malice manifested in your lives do you think for one moment that you are following the Lord, who went about doing good? Verily no! Such were impossible! When you hear some self-righteous, pious old minister belch forth a storm of anathemas, and wild denunciations against another class or sect, you may know by his mean display what is in the heart of the man. You may know by whom he is led if you will study the passions and propensities that govern his nature. We are commanded to follow the Lord and keep in His steps, then we should ever be found doing good, blessing and not cursing, alleviating and not suppressing, pointing out the way of Eternal Life, exercising towards all love unfeigned, with malice and hatred for none. What volumes may be penned from these two words-"Doing Good!" What wholesome pleasure; what blessed happiness would be ours to enjoy; if every soul were but engaged in doing good! Yes! Life would be more sweet; our homes a divine abode; and the earth would be transformed into a heavenbeing full of the glory of God, full of peace, bliss, unity and good-will! The secret of real joy here with a hope of eternal salvation hereafter, depends upon our conscious application of these two words, and our practical daily adoption of them. To do good, is to aid all that stand in need of our assistance, shun evil, yield not to temptation, honor your calling and prove yourself a useful instrument in the hands of a merciful God. Peter, the Apostle, that stalwart giant of truth, while speaking to his brethren concerning the Lord Jesus, summed up the whole of the Master's life, mission and work, in these two words-Doing Good. Said he: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him." It matters not where the Lord was found; whether He was in the Temple at Jerusalem; on the stormy sea of Galilee; the streets of the Holy City; the wilderness, the mount, or the Council Chamber, "He went about doing good." Yes! doing good to all; leaving blessings for the downcast; joy for the mourner; comfort for the sorrowful; strength for the afflicted, and words of light, life and truth for the children of men. His whole life was made up of acts which characterized Him as one who went about doing good! He restored to the blind their sight; to the deaf their hearing; to the dumb their speech; to the lame strength in their limbs; to the bereaved Jarius his daugh ter in life, and to the sorrowing widow her only son. What a wonderful life was His! How replete with blessings for all; how superabundantly kind, merciful, and forgiving was He! His was a life devoted to the will of His Father: prompted by love for the human race, crowned with a desire to do good unto others, administer to their wants, and bless them in their trials and tribulations. Well may such a noble, divine, holy life be expressed in these very significant words, "He went about doing Let the love of Christ burn in the heart good!" and soul of a person, and let that hearThere is a great deal of difference be-enly power influence them in their acts, tween trying to do good and the act of and they will not, cannot go astray. doing good! What we should aim at is Nothing but our own transgression and the end-doing good! and not be content evil ways can separate us from the love with the mere trial. There are a thou- of God which we have received in Christ sand ways in which we can apply ourJesus our Lord. If we will ever let this selves in the exercise of doing good question arise before us in our journey there are innumerable avenues opened through life, Am I doing good; is this on every hand that we may traverse an1 a righteous act? we will not scorn or hate, mock or revile, deride or persecute tions. There is a vast field outstretched our fellowman, for these things are not good and they shall have no place in our But once we pass into the shadows a plank, Or throw up our hands and go down. It is easy to sit in your carriage And counsel the man on foot; before us and the possibilities for doing But get down and walk and you'll change because of a lack of opportunity, for the your talk, As you feel the peg in your boot. It is easy to tell the toiler How best he can carry his pack; The up-curled mouth of pleasure -Ella Wheeler Wilcox. To glorify God is the mission of every soul upon the earth. field is ripe with privileges for all who It may be that you have read lives of Christ, beautifully written with eloquent composition, and you have admired the talent of the persons who could write so well; but the best life of the Messiah is written in those words accredited to Peter; "He went about doing good!" This is a concise biography, but a remarkable one indeed, for it omits nothing and covers the whole. Do we follow Christ; do we go about doing good? Do we love Him with a pure, unselfish, disinterested love, yes, do we love Him because we are grateful to Him for His atoning sacrifice, and for His precious words of heavenly truth divine, not obedience that is prompted by force; nor of compulsion: nor of fear; but one that is influenced by the same spirit which actuated the Son of God when He said, Father, Thy will be done!-working for the honor and glory of God. The very act of doing good brings joy and gladness to the heart of the doer, and comfort and happiness to the recipient thereof. The inward peace and bliss which one feels when he is doing good is of itself sufficient to repay one for the action; but this is not all, by doing these things we not only realize joy in this life, but salvation in the life that is to come. midst. God is the Eternal Parent of all things good, while the wicked Lucifer is the author of all things bad. Christ dealt out the honest truth to He obeyed the people and so must we. the will of His Father, we must thereRegardless of the esfore do likewise. teem of the world, popular opinion, and public favor; averse to all human parade, pomp and ceremony, He stood for the right, went about doing good, and giɔrified God, whose only begotten Son He His trials and temptations were was. many; His persecutors and offenders not a few; but He braved all, led the Way, marked the Path, erected the Signalboards and raised the Finger-posts, pointing the course of Eternal Life. "Make us like Thee," should be our constant prayer, our daily supplication; that we too may brave the storms of persecution, shun the wiles of the evil one, overcome temptation, and do good to our fellowman. "These are Thy glorious works, Parent of good, Almighty, Thine this universal frame, then." History of the Southern States Mission. conference was (Continued from Page 374.) December, 1899.-On the 1st and 2d held at London, Kentucky, with the Elders of the East Kentucky Conference. It was impossible to procure a hall in which to hold public services, so a large room in the Riley House was prepared for that purpose. This conference assembly was a success, so far as the Elders were concerned, but a failure from a public point of view. The Middle Tennessee Conference was held in Nashville on the 9th and 10th. The Odd Fellows' hall was secured for the occasion. A very slim attendance of strangers was noticeable, perhaps from the fact that the weather was disagreeable. The Nashville American gave a fair report of the Sunday meeting. On the 16th and 17th the Chattanooga Conference was held in Chattanooga. Two public meetings were held in the Congregational hall, 708 Market street. The attendance was fair and the meetings were spirited and good. President Rich extended an invitation to all the ministers of the city to call on the Elders at headquarters. He said: "Let us not hate one another, but let us reason together. If you have a truth that we have not, we will gladly accept it, and if we have an error that you can point out, we will as willingly abandon it, and be thankful to you for showing it to us." No doubt it was in accordance with this invitation that Rev. J. Whitcomb Brougher, pastor of the First Baptist church of this city, preached the same night a sermon on "Mormonism and Polygamy." The tirade was in keeping with the regular falsehoods afloat about our people. The Rev. said: "There are some things about Mormonism which must be given up before it can be recognized as a Christian church." "Mormonism is based on a tissue of lies," was another charge made by this worthy gentleman. Two or three days after this sermon was delivered Elders J. Stokes and L. F. Rich called on Dr. Brougher, who admitted to them that he had never read anything at all concerning the Latter-day Saints except from their enemies. He would not discuss the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, neither would he ask the brethren any question about their faith, for they tried every possible way to get him into a con versation upon the subject of Mormon This ism, of which he had said so very much in his sermon on Sunday night. learned divine is a fair sample of those who revile the people of God most-they know not of that they do speak about. President Rich made a vigorous reply through the columns of the News, one of Chattanooga's dailies. This appeared on Dec. 25th (see page 69, of vol. 2, of The Southern Star). The Rev. attempted to answer on Jan. 1st. His second attack, like the first effusion of total ignorance and unmitigated hate, may truthfully be called No. 1 enlarged upon. President THE SOUTHERN STAR. Rich replied to this (see page 77 of vol. 2, Southern Star.) This silenced the doctor and he at once sent to Nashville for one Rev. E. E. Folk, who had recently spent almost two whole weeks with the Mormons in Salt Lake City. This fellow delivered one of the most sensational sermons ever heard in the city of Chattanooga. According to Mr. Folk, virtue was unknown among the Mormons. He painted such a black, filthy picture that many of the people who were present left in disgust long before his sermon was finished, which lasted over two hours. To this new-comer President Rich replied in very forceful terms and the same was published in the News; it may now be seen page 86 of vol. 2. The liberality tendered by the News showed them to be Americans. They exhibited a fairness not often shown to the Mormons. This incident occasioned much comment in religious circles in Chattanooga, and was the means of making many friends for the cause of truth and explaining the principles of righteousness. Many personally expressed congratulations for the able manner in which the discussion was and also letters were received to the same conducted on the part of President Rich, intent. The work was prospering very nicely, and the month closed with all well in the field. and found us all well and not anything January, 1900.-The New Year dawned startling going on in the Mission field. The annual report was published in the Star and made a good showing. On the 20th and 21st conference was held in New Orleans with the Mississippi and Louisiana. The conference made a good impression. New Orleans journals spoke very highly of the Elders. In addition to the presence of President Rich there were also Brother and Sister Hyldahl and Elder L. R. Anderson. On the 22d the following Elders arrived from the West: A. J. Stoddard, John Knight, Neils Behram, John V. Sperry, Thos. H. Karren, R. A. Palmer, N. B. Porter, J. H. Stocks and David Sudwort. On the 27th and 28th conference was held at Macon, Ga., with the Elders of the Georgia Conference. It was a success and allayed much prejudice in that city. Many men of high standing there expressed themselves in terms of praise for our people. (To be Continued.) 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. m. leave Kansas City 10:40 a. This train, "The Pacific Express," will three days on the road. Only 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 ritory traversed, address J. F. Aglar, books, pamphlets descriptive of the tergeneral agent, St. Louis, Mo. Special Low Rates Via Unoion Pacific Railroad every Tuesday to Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington. For particulars address J. F. Aglar, General Agent, St. Louis. 381 OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS. Elder R. L. Houtz was born in Salt Lake City, Aug. 13th, 1876. His parents, Henry P. and Sarah Houtz, having accepted the Gospel in the East, came to Utah in 1848. They experienced the trials and endured the hardships incident Lake City and settled in Idaho. In 1886 to Pioneer life. In 1880 they left Sait they returned to Salt Lake City, in order that their children might have the benefits and advantages of the better schools than those of Rockland, Idaho, where they resided. Brother Houtz attended the District school, and later attended the L. D. S. College, where he spent three years. In 1892 thy moved back to Rockland, and engaged in the sheep raising business, so that it can be said of him, as of Duvid the Psalmist, "he tended his father's flocks." He was always attentive to religious duty, and was ever interested in Sunday School and mutual improvement work. In the Ward he was obedient, energetic, and ambitious. It was on the 31st of October, 1898, that he was informed by letter from Box B. that his presence, time and talents were desired in the Mission field. The Lord required his labors, and he cheerfully responded to the call. On the 14th of December he was set apart for a mission to the Southern States, and upon arriving at Chattanooga was assigned to labor in the North Carolina Conference. He had scarcely spent one year in the service of the Master before he was called to act as a counsellor to President J. M. Haws. He filled this calling with signal ability, and was beloved by all his brethren. When President W. H. Boyle was released from his labors in the South Alabama Conference, Elder Houtz was chosen to fill his place, and so we find him Conference. Brother Houtz is a willing today President of the South Alabama worker, humble, steadfast, and true. In a recent letter he said, "My only desire has been, and is now, to do my whole duty; that I may be a credit to my parents, and an honor to the cause I represent; that when I may leave the Mission field, it can be said, 'He did his duty.'" |