WOODRUFF MONUMENT DEDICATED work. Deseret Evening News, Nov. 10, 1900. Elder James Woodruff, son of President Woodruft, then returned thanks to the General Board on behalf of the family, and appealed to all the members of his father's family to so live that he would never have cause to blush for his sons and daughters. Apostle Lund expressed pleasure with the beautiful monument and said its plain, solid character indicated fittingly the man who rested beneath it. President Joseph F. Smith stated that the granite from which the monument was built came from President Woodruff's native State, Connecticut. He said he was grateful and proud to see this monument erected to the memory of one who had been so loved as President Woodruff, but he desired to say that the record he had made in life would outlive this monument, and when the granite had mouldered into dust his work would still be remembered, and his great labor known by millions yet unborn. He congratulated the family, and all who had contributed to this monument, that the work had been done under such happy auspices. He urged the members of the Woodruff family to honor the memory of their father, and this they could do in no better way than by showing by their lives and works that they appreciated the example he had set. was President George Q. Cannon followed, speaking of the providence shown in the raising up of men of distinguished characters to stand at the head of this work since its commencement. He told of Joseph Smith's special adaptation for the great work he had to perform during his life, and said that when he fell it seemed as though no one could be found to fill his place. Yet President Brigham Young had been raised up, and he was a man well fitted for the problems with which he had to contend. Then came President aylor, who had himself been almost a martyr, and whose familiar name "the champion of liberty." Following him came President Woodruff, a man whose character was the most childlike, humble and unassuming and free from ostentation and pride, more so than that of any character he had ever known among his people. He was the embodiment of truth and innocence, and yet a man of undaunted courage. This was well shown by the "manifesto" which had been isssued by him. The speaker said, knowing Brigham Young and John Taylor as he had, he doubted whether they could have brought themselves to do what President Woodruff did in that respect. It seemed as though the Lord had decreed in advance that Wilford Woodruff should be the man to do that THE SOUTHERN STAR. He spoke of President Snow's The dedicatory prayer was then feel- of 407 of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me," showing very decisively that wnosoever will not receive those servants, sent of Him, but will mistreat them, shall be held just as responsible as though they rejected the Son of God Himself. But in this advanced age of bigotry and intolerance, when men are professing great piety and holiness, we find them ready on every side, not only to repudiate, but put to death those holding Goa's Priesthood, and bearing to them the fruits of the Gospel. Let the world awake from her profound sleep of spiritual darkness and shake off the iron-clad fetters of superstition and error, which are binding her inhabitants so close. The beautiful monument is of solid granite and faces east and west. On the north front are inscribed the words, "Fourth President of the Church And to those desiring to be among the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1889-right ous few, who shall inherit the 1898. On the west side is inscribed the kingdom prepared from the foundation names of the wives of the deceased: of the world, let them become submissive "Phoebe W. Carter, born March 8th, to the will of God, by honoring, uphold1807, died Nov. 10th, 1885. Mary A. ing and sustaining His Priesthood here Jackson, born Feb. 18th, 1818, died Dec. upon earth. 25th, 1894." The monument cost about $1,500, nearly one-half of which was subscribed by the members of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, and the remainder by the Woodruff family. It was erected by Elias Morris & Sons Company. HONOR GOD'S PRIESHOOD. BY ELDER W. G. MILES. It has long been an established fact to the reasoning mind that when God, in past ages, designed to accomplish a certain work upon earth He did it through His servants, who were divinely chosen from among men, and upon whom he conferred His Priesthood or authority. At one period of the world's history so great became the inclination of a people to honor God's Priesthood, and so complete and perfect became their love for each other, that they were translated with their beloved Prophet and leader, Enoch. At another time in the history of the world we find the people almost universally repudiating God's Priesthood and Prophet, Noah, bringing upon themselves the displeasure of a just Creator. manifest by their total extermination in flood. We will not dwell longer upon the condition of man at this stage, but hastily come to the time when God sent His only begotten Son into the world, who was to do not His own, but His Father's will. THE END OF THE WICKED. Mark BY ELDER J. W. BERRY. Varied conclusions have been presented to my mind recently regarding the final destiny of the ungodly and sinners. Many people strive hard to justify themselves by becoming members of some church, and then cease their good works, forgetting that they have an individual labor to per form, to gain the blessings of the Lord hereafter. The Bible is sufficient to at least satisfy the earnest, who desire to know what is required of them. well the prayer of the Psalmist David, "Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speaketh peace to their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them after the work of their hands; and render to them their desert." (Psalm 28:34). We can see by this petition that he desired assistance from the Almighty that he might be enabled to cease an association with the ungodly. We will notice in the following verses that Solomon makes mention of some praiseworthy deeds, and their opposite vices. "The fear of the wicked it shall come upon him, but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more, but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that sent him. The fear of the Lord prolongeth days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright, but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed, but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth." (Prov. 10:2431). Is it not our desire to inhabit the earth? The Savior says "the meek shall inherit the earth." As He Himself has said, "For I came down from Heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me," (John 6:38), and that Jesus held the Priesthood of God, with power to confer it upon others, is very evident from His teachings, especially His words recorded in John 14:10, wherein He tells us that the Father dwelleth in Him. By a further investigation of Scripture, we find that Christ did not withhold this Priesthood from others, but it was extended unto the Apostles and those whom He had chosen. The object of this article is not to make a lengthy explanation of this subject, but to briefly point out the The Apostle Paul in his letter to the necessity of, and the safety in, honoring Thessalonians gave warning of the apand obeying those who hold the Priest- pearing of the anti-Christ, who should hood of our Creator; and on the other shortly visit them. hand the apparent danger encountered mystery of iniquity doth already work, He said, "For the by those who ignore these divinely au- only he who now letteth will let, until he thorized servants. No better under- be taken out of the way. standing can be had on this point than that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord And then shall that given in the words of Jesus as re- shall consume with the spirit of corded in Matt. 10:40-42, wherein He mouth, and shall destroy with the brightHis says, "He that receiveth you receiveth ness of His coming.” me;" also in Matt. 25:35-46, "Inasmuch 7-8). Read carefully the words of Job, (II. Thess. 2: as ye have done it unto one of the least and you will readily see that the trans gressor is almost in a hopeless condition regarding the salvation of his poor soul. "But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it." (Prov. 2:22). The Savior in giving a description of the last judgment, says to the wicked ou the left hand, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matt. 25:41). Paul, in speaking to members of the Church, said, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Heb. 10:26.) John in his prophetic vision while in banishment upon the Isle of Patmos describes the residence of sinners thus, "But the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Rev. 20:8). GLEANINGS. As I see nothing written from Missouri, I thought I would write a few words to the much prized little Star that lights our home once a week. There is so much vaiuable truth contained in its pages that it s. Carolina Louisiana Kentucky Louisiana Alabama "YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH." (John 8:32.) What a heavenly gleam of light Beaming from the Southern Star, Pointing out the path of right, Radiates and shines afar! I have been a constant and reader of the Star ever since its inception in the fall of '98, and I desire to communicate through How the faithful joy to meet thee, Precious gem of priceless worth! May success and victory greet thee, In your mission here on earth! studious heard. I listened with attention, believed in faith, accepted with gladness, and rendered obedience with thankfulness to Him from whom all blessings flow. Friends forsook me, my salary vanished, and threats of mob violence were uttered against me. The schemes of theologians, dogmas of commentators, and instructions of Trinity College, were nothing to me now; they had departed as the dew before the sun's directer ray, when brought in contact with the touchstones of truth, and I possessed only that simple faith once delivered to the Saints, with a glorious hope of salvation in the kingdom of our God. its inspired columns, to my fellow-men of this Southland, a brief recital of my experience, and how I became a Mormon. I am a Georgian by rativity, and Jefferson county is the home of my birth. My parents, Dr. William and Eliza Hauser, were anxious for me to be a defender of the faith, after the order of John Wesley, and so I was sent to Trinity College, North Carolina, and educated for Methodist Priest. I was turned out in first-class style, I suppose, fully equipped with the schemes and dogmas of unin a Some may contend that it is not possible for mortal man to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel, but I have a living testimony of its divinity, and through the doctrines enunciated by the so-called abled to say that I absolutely know that Mormon Elders are true, ordained of does my soul good to read and re-read it. Spired theologians, and fortified with the the medium of the Holy Ghost I am en I moved from Cocke county, Tenn., to defense of the sect I was to represent, necessary paraphernalia essential to the Missouri one year ago. You brethren and yet I was not content. I could not that may chance to see this that have harmonize the mode of baptism believed been to my home, remember me in your in by my tutors with the words of the God, and the only means appointed of prayers, and know, too, that I will say Apostle, who said, "Buried with Him in the Father for the salvation and exaltato all the Elders who it has been my good baptism," and therefore, to be consistent tion of the children of men. fortune to meet that I am well and still firm in the faith. I know we have the Gospel again restored to earth, and I know if I am faithful I shall meet them in heaven. I am surrounded by other denominations, but they do not molest or make afraid. In conclusion, I ask the faith and prayers of all the Saints. Your sister in the cause of truth, RELEASES AND APPOINTMENTS. Releases. J. C. Barrington, South Carolina. All went well; that is, I continued to preach to the best of my ability and understanding of the Scriptures, until 1879, when Elder Matthias F. Cowley (now a member of the Quorum of Apostles), a "Mormon," came into Tazewell county, Virginia, where I was holding forth for a season. Of course, the presence of a Mormon Elder created no small stir in the neighborhood, for the people were possessed of all sorts of strange vagaries and vain imaginations concerning this peculiar sect. It did not take me long to discover the weakness of my creed, when compared with the everlasting GosPeter A. Bushman, from Florida to pel in its fullness, as declared by this young man of tender years. I perceived with plainness and perspicuity that I was without a foundation, adrift upon a sea of confused sectarianism, no anchorage, stability, or landing of security. The words of this young man were convincing, and had a familiar sound, so different from anything I had ever Since the day of my acceptance and obedience until but, contrariwise, the testimony of the the present time I have never doubted, truth has been multiplied upon me and increased. I know that the Gospel is "still small voice," and the influence of true through the whisperings of that the Good Spirit. I know it by comparison with the Holy Bible, by contrasting it with poor, confused, divided Chrisexperience in the tianity, and by my world, by the rebuffs, scoffs, jeers and frowns of the ungodly which the faithful Latter-day Saints are called upon to endure. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of the Most High God, and that he was the chosen instrument in the hands of the Lord to assist in the establishment of His righteous purposes upon the earth. The Book of Mormon is a sacred, divine record, this I know beyond all question or controversy. I am proud of my faith, my co-religionists, my leaders, and all connected with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I thank God that I am what the world calls "a Mormon." Your brother in the Gospel, SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF APOSTLE BRIGHAM YOUNG, JR. A son of the late President Brigham Young and Mary Ann Angell Young was born in Kirtland, Geauga county, Ohio, Dec. 13th, 1836. With his parents he removed to Missouri, and thence to Nauvoo, Illinois. In these states, though in childhood, he learned something of the hardships of persecution, and they have never been effaced from his memory. His father, as well known, was one of the first and greatest Apostles of the Church. His mother, too, was a noble type of womanhood, and a true, devoted Latter-day Saint. While in poverty and her husband on a mission to Great Britain, Elder Lorenzo (now President) Snow called upon Sister Young on the eve of his departure to fill a mission in Europe. He asked Sister Young what news from home he should convey to her husband. She answered, "Tell him we are about as well as other people, and though in straitened circumstances, temporarily speaking, we don't want to see him home until he has completed a good mission and has been honorably released." Before their children, the Church and the world this example of endurance and devotion to God and His cause did the parents of Apostle Brigham Young set all the days of their lives. Brig. ham was baptized by his father in the Mississippi river at Nauvoo, Ill.. when 8 years of age. He was exiled with his father and family from their home in Nauvoo in 1846. With his mother he remained in Winter Quarters until 1848, when they journeyed across the plains and reached Salt Lake Valley in September of that year. Brigham was then only 12 years of age, but he performed good service as a herd boy, working in the canyon and other manual labor. He was likewise a "minute man," keeping watch against the encroachment of hostile Indians. In at once At the April Conference in 1861 he became a member of the Salt Lake Stake High Council. In 1862 he went East with Utan's delegate to Congress, Dr. J. M. Bernhisel. While in New York City he received a letter from his father requesting him to proceed as a missionary to Europe. He promptly complied and sailed for Liverpool, where he arrived uly 26th, 1862. His labors were princ.pally in London with Elder William C. Staines. He also visited Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. He sailed from Liverpool on his return home Sept. 1st, 1863. In 1864 he was again called to Europe, this time to associate with President Daniel H. Wells in the Presidency of the European Mission. Accompanied by his wife, Catherine, he reached Liverpool July 25th, 1864. He labored in company with President Wells, looking after the interests of the Mission in all departments, until August, 1865, when he succeeded President Wells as the President of the Mission. During his administration he traveled extensively through the Conferences upon the British Isles, and several times visited the Continent, giving personal attention to the interests of the Church in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, France and Russia. By request of his father he returned home on a visit, sailing from Liverpool Sept. 19th, 1865, Apostle Orson Pratt taking charge of the Mission. A peculiar incident crossing the Atlantic ocean. A terrible storm arose, threatening to sink the vessel. A portion of the rigging was torn down by the wind, and one man was washed overboard. A burly Irishman on board in the shape of a religious fanatic, attributed the cause of the storm to the fact that a "Jonah" was aboard the ship in the shape of a "Mormon" Elder. occurred while Не a made a persistent demand of the captain ing the Yaqui Indians in Mexico he was that Elder Young be cast into the sea. stricken with yellow fever and brought He was so boisterous and persistent that nigh unto death, but was healed by the at last the captain had to interfere and power of God. During the anti-Mormon compel the Irishman to hold his peace. crusade in Utah and surrounding TerriAfter a very rough journey by sea and tories Apostle Young suffered, with many land, Elder Young reached home Oct. of his brethren, an exile from home. And 25th, 1865. In the spring of 1866 he re- again in 1890 he presided over the Euroturned to Europe, resumed the responsi-pean Mission. He labored with zeal for bilities of the Mission, and continued his the spread of the Gospel, possessing the labors until he sailed from Liverpool on love and confidence of the Elders his return home, June 29th, 1867. While throughout the Mission. He returned absent he visited the World's Fair at home in the spring of 1893 in time to Paris, France. Returning home, he left take an active part in the dedication of the Mission under the Presidency of the Temple of the Lord in Salt Lake Apostle Franklin D. Richards. While City. Since then he has traveled extenon his mission two of his children were sively among the Stakes of Zion, assistborn in England, Mabel and Joseph. The ing to regulate the affairs of the Church, following year Elder Brigham Young, and has been prominent in the councils with his brother, Joseph A., acted as of the Presidency and Apostleship of the agents for their father (in sub-contract- Church. He stands today the fourth ing), who had contracted to grade Apostle in the order of the Priesthood, great many miles of the Union Pacific Presidents Snow, George Q. Cannon and Railway. Brother Young was also prom- Joseph F. Smith being his seniors, but inent in the Nauvoo Legion as a military they constituting the Presidency of the man until its disorganization in 1870. In Church, leaves Apostle Brigham Young that capacity he displayed considerable the presiding officer in the Quorum of talent, and did efficient service in the an the Twelve. Apostle Brigham Young is nual drills of the Territorial militia. El- a social, unassuming, humble and pleasder Young was previously ordained to ant man, and from the nature of his disthe Apostleship, and was set apart as position is most beloved and appreciated one of the Twelve Apostles Oct. 9th, by those who know him best. As a fit1868. From then to the present his chief ting conclusion of this very brief and inand almost entire labors have been di- complete sketch of his life, we subjoin rectly in the duties of his Apostleship. the following quotation from the gifted Subsequent to the decease of Apostle pen of Sister Susan Young Gates, a beEzra T. Benson he was called by Presi- loved and devoted sister of Apostle Brigdent Young to preside over the affairs of ham Young: the Church in Cache Valley. For this purpose he removed to Logan City and presided in Cache Valley until the Stake was organized in 1877. At the annual Conference held in April, 1873, Apostle Young was chosen one of the assistant five Counsellors to President Brigham Young, which place he filled until his fathers' death in 1877. During this period he spent much of his time in St. George, looking to the interests of the Church in Southern Utah. After his father's demise he was appointed one of the administrators of his estate. In settling the affairs of the estate he showed a just and amicable disposition, which elicited the confidence and respect of the Saints, as well as that of his father's family. For refusing to deliver certain Church property into the hands of the receiver, W. S. McCormick, he, with President John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Albert Carrington, were adjudged guilty of contempt by Judge Boreman. Aug. 4th Apostle Young, with the two last named brethren, was sent to the penitentiary, where they remained until Aug. 28th, when they were liberated, the decision of Judge Boreman having been reversed by the Supreme Court of the Territory. of honor and trust In 1881 Apostle Young went to Arizona, where he spent one year, returning in time to wait upon his noble mother in her dying moments. She departed this life at her home in Salt Lake City June 27th, 1882. Among the many positions held by Apostle Young, and always held with integrity to his sacred trust, he has served several terms in the Territorial Legislature. He has been East on several visits in the interests of the Church, as well as doing considerable missionary labor abroad. In more recent years his labors have been chiefly in the Stakes of Zion, quite extensively in Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado, as well as Utah, laboring zealously with his brethren, the Twelve, in the many duties and responsibilities of their high calling While visit "Brigham Young is a noble representative of his father's family. His gentle wisdom, his merry heart, and his integrity and truth are known to all the Saints. No matter what may be his troubles, he does not impose them upon his friends. He has naught but contempt for all forms of hypocrisy or deceit. His own life and soul is a clear, open book, and he would not gain the whole world were it to be secured through policy or subterfuge. A wide stream of bubbling gaiety flows through much of his life. All who know him, even in the least, are well aware of this trait in his character. Yet, well as he loves a joke, he cannot tolerate anything savoring of irreverence or mockery. His wrath is rare, but so much the more to be dreaded. Woe to the doer or speaker of anything which might savor of the betrayal of the Priesthood when Brigham Young is nigh! One of his most notable traits is an innate modesty, which is almost extreme when he estimates his own worth and character. Ask him for the facts of his life and he will innocently ignore that you are asking about himself, and will give you leaf after leaf from the life of his beloved father, or others of his friends and assoHe must be often reminded that ciates. it is his life that you are seeking to know about. He will assure you that he is the least worthy of his exalted position of any in his Quorum, and your silent comment thereon is, 'He that is least among you the same shall be greatest.' Today Apostle Young has the same genial tone of voice, the same youthful spirit, and the same quiet wisdom that have been so prominent in his character from boyhood. Those who know him best honor May his useful and revere him most. life be prolonged many years upon the earth.' Wilt thou seal up the avenues of ill? Pay every debt as if God wrote the bill! -Emerson. Force is no argument.-John Bright. GLEANINGS. I have found joy in reading the testimonies and experiences of my fellowSaints in the South, and I take pleasure in writing a brief testimony for my brethren and sisters to read. The testimonies of others have given me added testimony, and I trust that mine will in like manner strengthen and increase their faith in the Lord and hope of salvation. My home is in Tipton county, Tennessee, and I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints some five months. I have witnessed the fulfillment of Christ's words where he says, "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:17.) I have obeyed the will of God, and in consequence thereof I have received a testimony of the truth, so that I can now say, "I know it is the power of God unto salvation." There were no Saints in this county when the Elders came, and in the month of June last Sister Waldron and myself led the way, being the first to be immersed for the remission of sins in this county, at the hands of a duly authorized servant of God, at least of late years. Since our acceptance fifteen others have been led in the right way, so that we know "Zion is growing! Zion is growing!" I rejoice in the Gospel of salvation, and pray for the success and final triumph of truth and righteousness. I have my trials, but by the help of the Lord I will strive to endure to the end. Your sister, Mrs. Fannie Smith. THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE. BY W. HAMPTON MAYO. Written for The Southern Star. With its many sparkling rills, All its scenes our hearts to cheer, There's one star whose light is shining, 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 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 Port land. Palace Sleeping Cars, Dining Car Service, Buffet Cars, Chair Cars. For time tables, folders, illustrated books, pamphlets descriptive of the ter ritory traversed, address J. F. Aglar, general agent, St. Louis, Mo. And when with envy Time transported THE WORD OF WISDOM. If you will kindly spare a little space in your valuable paper for me, I shall be pleased to relate an experience which will doubtless be of interest and benefit to readers of the Star. THE SOUTHERN STAR. ticed in its various and filthy forms, is Before and after the Elders first visited us I was addicted to the uses of tobacco and coffee-in fact, I was a slave to the former. In lonely hours, the poi- Dear reader, which do you think I enson weed, I believed, was my best com-joy best today, the presence of the Companion; in times of trouble and worry, forter from above or my former consolamy best comforter. In fact, it had be- tion (?) I can only answer, All the come so much a part of my life that it pleasures of this earth, with its wealth, seemed impossible to do without it. The pomp and show, would not induce me to Elders taught me the evil of its use; but exchange my present joys for those of still I could not realize the evils of using former days. it, nor did I see any wrong in it. I was convinced of the truthfulness of the Gospel as taught by the so-called "Mormon" Elders, and was baptized; but still I did not see the evil of the tobacco habit, always declaring it to be too good a friend to desert, until one memorable Sabbath morning, while fasting, I retired to a secluded spot in the woods and petitioned our Father above to guide me right, to teach me my duty, and to help me live a godly life. After finishing my prayer I was walking slowly in deep meditation, when suddenly a deep impression came to me, and seemed much as if a voice speaking, which said, "It is best for you to quit tobacco." I stopped, being very amazed, and looked around as if to see who spoke to me; but no one was in sight. I realized the nature of the warning; but I said to myself, as if in argument to the voice, "My tobacco is my comfort, my happiness, and my greatest luxury. I inhaled it with almost my first breath; I have loved and used it from infancy; and now, after fifty-seven years, is it necessary for me to reform?" This argument seemed a consolation, and I was about to forget the event, when the same impression returned even stronger than ever. The same argument was again used as before, and again my memory was about to lose the event, when the same impression roused with the same warning as at first, and me adding that blessings greater than I had ever dreamed would be given me, providing I would obey. I had just taken a chew of the forbidden weed; but upon receiving the third admonition 1 cast it from me, fully determined to obey the prompting. My faith, however, was very weak, and the struggle to keep my resolve was hard, and to add to the trial the absence of my "comforter' caused me to become despondent and gloomy. I continued thus until the following Tuesday, when the same voice brought consolation to my troubled soul, and repeated the promise that through faithfulness those greater blessings would be realized-blessings that I could not receive while using the filthy weed. I now felt like a new being, and rejoiced at the victory I had gained, and I soon realized the evil of indulging in the use of the poisonous plant; but above all felt a greater flow of the Spirit of God and saw more clearly the beauties of the Gospel. Hoping these lines will be of benefit to others and a strength to those who may read them, I remain sincerely your brother in Christ, E. J. Callihan. THE BLESSINGS OF GOD. Thinking a few lines from this part of the Lord's vineyard will be of some interest to the many readers of the Star, we thought we would let you know how the Lord is blessing us in our labors. I met Elder Morgan J. Rich in Giles county, at Mountain Lake. He had been sent by President Olson to take charge of a Conference that was to be held at that place on the 8th and 9th of September, in connection with Elders Fletcher, Larson, Gooch and Miller. We obtained a beautiful grove, and then we all went to work and placed seats under the trees and made a pleasant place to hold our Conference. All of the Elders spoke under the influence of the Holy Ghost. Hundreds of people listened to the inspired words that were uttered by the Elders. Elders Gooch and Miller baptized five members a few days after our Conference. Elder Rich and myself then went to Haran and held an interesting ConElders Gooch, Miller and Peterson were ference at that place on the 22d and 23d. with us, Elder Rich taking charge. From Haran Elder Rich and I went up in Bedford county to visit the Saints. We arrived at Montvale on the 16th of OcSaints and a good Sunday School. All We found a number of good Elders once more. the Saints were pleased to meet the The people up in the mountains were anxious for us to hold meetings. We gave out a week's meeting and held them at private houses and out in the groves. We had hundreds of people out to listen to the Gospel plan. tober. The people insisted on us remaining over another week So we gave out another week's meetings. The Methodists were trying to hold meetings, but they were a failure. Nine-tenths of the people were out to listen to the true servants of God. We baptized six Methodists-and they are an honor to the Church they have become affiliated with. One of the members we baptized was a blind lady over 60 years old, and sick in bed. Her little home was, or is, located high in the mountains, and her name is Mary Dooley. We gave out in one of our meetings that we would baptize her on the following Shortly after, while attending a Con- day. The Methodist preacher gave out ference, I was ordained to the Priesthood, in his meeting that she would never be and the blessings of God multiplied, unbaptized by a Mormon Elder. At the til now I fully understand the necessity time appointed the good Saints fitted up of repenting of those evil habits. Today a litter, put some quilts and pillows on I am proud to say that I am obeying the it, and marched down the mountain sinword of wisdom as near as I under-gle file and laid the blind lady down by stand it. And now, after being so favored with the blessings of God, allow me to testify to all that the use of tobacco as prac the water's edge. We sang and dedicated the waters, and then grandma was assisted in and Elder M. J. Rich baptized her. When she came up out of the 411 water she looked like a new woman, and thanked the Lord that she had embraced t-e true plan of salvation. sion, when they brought the blind lady We will never forget that solemn occato the water's edge. It would remind tears to the eyes of many. you of a funeral procession. It brought Christian woman wished that the poor One good blind lady would drop dead before we dropping dead, she was born again. The could baptize her. But in the place of ministers did all they could to prevent grandma from being baptized. Before putting in a President and a teacher and we left we strengthened the branch by Deacon. The Spirit of the Lord was manifest to a great extent in all of our meetings and at our baptisms. We were only reaping the fruits of other good Elders, and we hope that someone may reap the fruits of our labors. With best wishes to all at the Office, we remain your brethren, F. H. SNOW. MORGAN RICH. THE DEAD. Sister M. P. Cobia, the affectionate and loving wife of Brother W. N. Cobia, was called to answer the summons of death Oct. 21st, 1900. The deceased was born Oct. 22d, 1860, and became a member of the Church Sept. 17th, 1892, and since that time she has lived the life of a Latter-day Saint. Her door was always open to the Elders, to whom she gave the best she had. Her husband and twelve children survive her and mourn her loss. We extend our heartfelt sympathies and pray God to give them comfort by His Holy Spirit. in Secanto, Florida, Oct. 5th, 1900. She Mrs. Susan Taylor died at her home was not a Latter-day Saint, but was a true, devoted friend to the Elders, and was ever willing to minister to their wants when opportunity offered her this privilege. She was laid to rest in the Secanto cemetery by the side of her only son, who preceded her some nineteen years. Her many friends, two daughters and a loving husband mourn the loss of a good, earnest soul in the demise of Mrs. Susan Taylor. DEATH NOTICE. "There is a reaper whose name is deathAnd with his sickle keenHe reaps the bearded grain at a breath, And the flowers that grow between.' These beautiful and expressive lines come forcibly to mind as we chronicle the sad news of the passing of another of those valiant spirits who only needed to hear the Gospel's glad message to be convinced of its truthfulness. Sister 12th, 1900, after a brief illness, leaving Louisiana Starling departed this life Aug. besides hosts of friends, to mourn her a husband and a large family of children, departure. She was baptized May 30th, 1894, was a true Latter-day Saint, and died in full hope of a glorious resurrecwhere is thy sting? Oh, grave, where is tion. Of such we say, "Oh, death, thy victory?" to our home once each week, as it bring. The beaming Star is a welcome visitor us news from those whom we have learned to love most dearly that are bearing the Gospel banner. May it continue to shine till its illuminating powers shall have reached the heart of every son and daughter of father Adam, and shed forth a divine ray that will bring peace them to a knowledge of the truth. and joy to their heavy laden minds and W. H. Mayo. |