MISSISSIPPI CONFERENCE REPORT. Editor of Southern Star. Perhaps your readers would like to learn something of the way we hold Conference in Mississippi, and as we have just had one I will endeavor to give you the desired information. You will remember President Rich advised the Conference Presidents to hold their Conferences in the large cities; consequently when we were notified of the date set for our Conference we selected Hattiesburg as the best place, it being the largest city in Southeastern Mississippi and near the central part of the field the Elders are now working in. The Elders were notified and we continued our labors, thinking it would be very easy to hire a hall and obtain hotel ac commodations in a city of 5,000 people. Elders O. D. Flake and A. B. Porter started South from Jackson to make the necessary arrangements, being instructed to work among the people and enter Hattiesburg on March 15th, four days before Conference, to arrange for Conference. All worked well until we reached the city; there we soon obtained the necessary lodging for thirty-six ders during the three days, and El All the Elders reached the city by Sat- An ex we hope, until many of them will come to a knowledge of the truth. We feel confident that we, by the help of God, scored a victory at Hattiesburg. Ever praying for the success of the Mission, we are your brethren, T. R. CONDIE, O. D. FLAKE, A Fine Showing. The President of the Church has received the subjoined letter acknowledging receipt of the balance collected for the dead heroes of the Cuban battlefields the erection of a national memorial to and the martyrs of the Maine. It is doubly interesting to many Star readers from the fact that it has been so frequently charged that the Latter-Day Saints are not patriotic. During the afternoon we enjoyed a spiritual feast, President Rich occupied all the time, giving the Elders the necessary instructions, beside speaking on and explaining some truths pertaining to the fall of Adam and our present condition. He did not forget to pay due compliment to the hirling ministry; said they had not one legitimate argument to bring against our teaching: because they are not able to fight us with King James translation they use brute force: admonished us to faithfulness and a greater effort for the uplifting of mankind; felt to encourage The letter is from Paul Latzke, secreus, as things were getting better here; tary of the National Monument Comlast Conference we were met with shot-mittee, and reads as follows: guns and rifles, today we are only threatened. started out to to obtain а hall. as it was thought to be the best place The committee, by its secretary, seems to be very appreciative and is somewhat surprised at the magnitude of the sum contributed by a people so much hated and despised. "Dear sir:-On behalf of this committee, please permit me to express our very warm thanks for your letter of March All the Elders, some of the Saints, and a few town people listened to the teach-13th, enclosing $90.24 for the National Monument fund. The Saints and Elders were a unit in "I have some difficulty in acknowledgsaying they were well paid for their trou-ing the deep gratitude of this committee ble and that the Conference was a sucfor the wonderful showing that you and cess, for we received the spiritual food your associates in the Church have made. necessary. A crowd of the low class of It shows how thoroughly the spirit of people done all possible to get the good patriotism is awake among the Mormon sister to drive us out and not let us hold people. the meetings; even threatening to injure her after we are gone, but they could not make here do it. Just after dark the following note was given us: "Hattiesburg, Miss., March 19, 1899. "M. T., We paid no attention to the note, for in a city we could (we thought) defy a mob. President Rich left us at 11 p. m., but not until he relieved us of some of our leading Elders. Elders George R. Coombs, M. E. Kent and W. M. Woolley were released to return home. Elders A. B. Porter, Joseph Hughes and S .S. Topham were transferred to the Chattanooga Conference, and Mannie Pickett to the East Tennessee. On Monday the Presidency met the Elders, gave them the necessary instructions and notified them of their new companions, after which they started for their new fields rejoicing. Elder P. E. Johnson was called to succeed Elder Dye as Sunday School Superintendent, with M. N. Fisher as assistant. The Elders were coming in and the people were becoming aroused. I was at the court house and the Sheriff called me out and said he would advise us to When the time for us to leave expired not try to hold any meeting, for it was there was still twelve of us in the city; apt to cause trouble. I tried to talk with no hostile demonstrations were attempthim, but he gave me to understand heed. The last two to leave the city were had no sympathy for us. Not so with the City Marshal; he told us we had the same rights as other people and would receive the same protection. President T. R. Condie and O. D. Flake. "It may interest you to know that the fund now in the hands of our treasurer amounts to $102,000 net. This will convey to you a better idea than anything else I can say, of the magnitude of the proportionate offering of your people. "I beg you to convey to your people our sincere appreciation of their noble work, and to accept the assurance that when the time comes for the unveiling of the monument, proper public acknowledgement will be made of the splendid contribution offered by the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints, to the memory of the brave men who died in the service of their country. Very sincerely yours, PAUL LATZKE, "Sec'y Nationa. Monument Committee." Our Commissary. The benefits to be derived by the new Elders in coming to the South and in being fitted out here were plainly visable upon the arrival of the last company of Elders, and makes plain and true the old saying: "Experience is a dear teacher, but a good one." Grips that cost $4 in Salt Lake City, same style, size and quality, are sold here at the commissary for $2.90, a saving to the Elder of $1.10. Some of the Elders arrived wearing heavy winter suits purchased just prior to leaving Salt Lake City, and which cost them all the way from $20 to $23.50, after the usual discount allowed missionaries was deducted. The clothes were too heavy for a Southern summer and will have to be replaced in a month or so with something lighter. If Elders who have received calls for a mission to the Southern States will only harken and give heed to advice from those who are in a position to know whereof they speak, they will learn wis'dom. REPORT OF MISSION CONFERENCES FOR WEEK ENDING APRIL 8, 1899. 265 386 34 28 775 554 68 36 729 177 197 694 1052 99 47 L. R. Anderson...... Chattanooga 13 5 311 20 TOWN STATE 16 86 3 42 4 118 Chattanooga. Tennessee. 2 Midway Mills.. Virginia. Centre. 1 Clinton........ Lovejoy Kentucky. Aberdeen........ Mississippi. Florida. N. Carolina. S. Carolina. A Scene at the Home of Elder George Palmer, of Farmington, Utah, Missionary to England. Mother! Wife! Home! Th se three words have a sweet sound and should always be remembered when heaven is thought of, or the name of the Deity lisped. A young man will not fall into sin nor disgrace if the memory of Mother is fresh in his mind. He will realize fully that her prayers in his behalf are that he might retain his purity and keep his manliness. The married man does not give way to temptation nor evil when a vision of Wife, Children and Home is before him. An honest man is always anxious to return to his loved ones with honor and holiness stamped on his brow. God has honored us with noble mothers, he has given us devoted wives and blessed us with lovely children; how God-fearing we should be. Our beloved at home are ever praying that we may perform an honorable mission. When we return unto them may the expression of our countenances bespeak an honorable release. This should be the ambition of every Mormon Elder while remembering Mother, Wife and Home. VOL. 1. HOW READEST THOU? Luke x.:26. By Elder George A. Brower. Written for The Southern Star. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1899. action; promptness and accuracy seem Tis one thing, friend to read the Bible place him in a position to be thoroughly through, Another thing to read to learn and do; By showing others how they can dispute; "Some read the Book, they don't know why; It somehow happens in the way to lie; Whilst others read it with uncommon care, 'But all to find some contradictions there. "One reads it with father's specs upon his And sees the thing just as his father did: And thinks it means exactly what they "Some read to prove a preadopted creed, OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS. ELDER JOSEPH F PULLEY. The Star presents herewith the portrait of President Joseph F. Pulley, of the Virginia Conference. He was called to this position at the general council meeting held on March 15, 1899. Prior to this time he had acted as assistant Sunday school superintendent, also labored as meteoric Elder, and at the conference held Sept. 3 and 4, 1898, he was called to act as second counsellor to President John E. Griffin. These various labors, in connection with the experience obtained at home, before coming to the south, acting as ward teacher, etc., ampIv prepared him for the position as president of the above conference. President Pulley is a quiet, unassuming man, well versed in the Scriptures, and blessed above the average with language and logic wherewith to make the precious Gospel truths interesting and plain unto those with whom he comes in contact. He is prudent, and considers well the matter in hand before taking competent to meet any and all emergen- He was born April 10, 1859, in Ne- ELDER JOSEPH F. PULLEY, President of the Virginia Conference. going to Utah and began making prepa- No. 23. the same county, where his father had (previous to his death) taken up a home stead. Here they resided until the autumn of 1871, when, leaving the farm in charge of an uncle, they moved back to the city, where they remained until September, 1873. Preparations were again made to move to Utah. All arrangements completed, they left Nebraska on Sept. 3, 1873, and arrived in American Fork, Utah, some six days later. In November, 1873, the two brothers, three sisters and the subject of this sketch embraced the Gospel, the parents having done so some time before in Herefordshire, England. President Pulley attended the district schools of American Fork during the winter months until the year 1878, working at odd jobs during the summer season. In 1880 he turned his attention to the carpenter trade and was engaged in that occupation up to the time of receiving his call for a mission to the Southern States, being employed by the railway company. The Elders and Saints love and respect President Pulley. The reports of the Virginia Conference speak for themselves and show the president and his counsellors to be active, energetic men, full of the spirit of their mission, and ever desirous for the spread of truth. Elders Edward D. Jones is first counselor, Benjamin Walker, second. The Star takes pleasure in congratulating President Pulley and counsellors on the high plane in which their conference stands. History of the Southern States Mission. After the conference in Mississippi President Roberts continued his travels. On June 31 he met with the Alabama Elders. Although the people of this locality were not as interested in the services as anticipated, and although the Elders were somewhat disappointed, yet they enjoyed themselves, as they were given a goodly portion of the spirit of God which mitigated all worry and dispelled all gloom. The counsel imparted unto the Elders by President Roberts was timely and adequate to the conditions which surrounded them. He thought it pertinent that they relinquish their claims on old fields and launch out into unexplored portions, where prejudice was not so rife and where the seeds of the Gospel had never been planted. On account of all the Elders of Alabama not being able to meet at general cenference, a conclave was held at Travelers' Rest. The six Elders that constituted this council meeting were given similar instruction to those who met at the general assemblage. DISCOURSE BY PRESIDENT SNOW. From the Salt Lake Herald. The following discourse was delivered by President Lorenzo Snow at the Sixty-ninth Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City: The conditions for disseminating the Brethren and sisters, at the commenceGospel truths in Tennessee were not as ment of this Semi-annual Conference, I auspicious at the present as they previ- wish to say a few words. I suppose that ously had been. In Lawrence county many of the audience now before be Elders J. A. Ross and A. J. McCueston have come from a long distance to meet were harassed considerably. While hold- with us in this General Conference, and ing meeting at Knob Creek they were that all have been moved to gather here accosted by a fiendish mob of five, armed by pure motives-by a desire to improve with hickory cudgels, and warned to and perfect themselves in matters that leave the county before 10 o'clock next pertain to their usefulness in the Kingday. Despite their portentious premoni- dom of God. In order that we may tions, the Elders unrelentingly prosecuted not be disappointed in this it becomes their labors, warning the people of the necessary that we prepare our hearts to dangers of living in Babylon and partak-receive and profit by the suggestions ing of the sins of the world. charge these sacred duties satisfactorily to themselves and in a way that shall promote the interests of those they preside over. But There is something grand in the consideration of the fact that the Lord loves us with a most ardent love. The love that a woman exercises toward her offspring cannot equal the love that God exercises toward us. He never leaves us, He is always before us, and upon our right hand and our left hand. Continually he watches over. The antediluvians rejected the Lord in their day. The message which he sent to them was of the highest importance. Upon their aeceptance of the mesage depended their temporal and spiritual salvation. they rejected it. When the Lord communicates to man that which pertains to his most important interests, it is a solemn and serious thing for him to reject so direct a message. But the antedithat may be made by the speakers dur- luvians rejected the message, even the ing the progress of the conference, which fullness of the Gospel, as it is now may be prompted by the Spirit of the preached to us. If they had then enLord. I have thought, and still think, braced the opportunity they might have that our being edified does not so much received the fullness of the Gospel and depend upon the speaker as upon our- been prepared, when Christ was crucified selves. When we come together on oc- and arose from the dead, to receive, casions like this we are entitled to re- through the resurrection, their glorious ceive something that will be of great im- bodies, free from disease and corruption portance to us in our lives. We ought-the most glorious object that ever man to understand--and I presume that we do generally-that the work which we have come into this life to perform cannot be done to the glory of God or to the satisfaction of ourselves merely by our During the latter part of the month of own natural intelligence. We are de June violence toward the servants of pendent upon the spirit of the Lord to God diminished considerably. The El-aid us and to manifest to us from time ders enjoyed themselves exceedingly during this period of time, as it was a change for them. This innovation was an unusual one in the south. On June 25, 1884, the Saints of St. Clair county, Alabama, were forced to suffer the loss of their newly erected church. After burning the building the poltroons made known unto Brother P. M. Coleman, Elder of the branch, their odious intentions, that if Mormonism was not crushed in that vicinity, they would anihiliate all who aided or assisted them in any way. Persecution being SO ardent, was decided that a discontinuation of services for a short time would prove very beneficial unto the cause. The tranquillity which came with the termination of June was to be of but short duration. No sooner had July thoroughly presented herself than Elders Morrell and Gailey were constrained to bear the calumnies and suffer the lashes of an inhuman crowd of supposed Christians. (To be Continued.) Passports For Elders. to time what is necessary for us to accomplish under the peculiar circumstances that may surround us. It is the privilege of Latter-day Saints, when they get into difficulties, to have supernatural power of God, and faith, day by day, to secure from the circumstances which may surround us that which will be beneficial and will advance us in the principles of holiness and sanctification, that we may as far as possible be like our Father. It certainly is possible to advance ourselves toward the perfections of the Almighty to a very considerable extent, to say the least. In fact, we are commanded to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. From everything that arises, It has been customary for the Elders whether it be of a disagreeable nature going on missions to the European con- or of a pleasant character, we should tinent to provide themselves with pass-derive information and secure power to ports before they leave this country. This rule should be observed in all cases, and it is now considered wise for missionaries to Great Britain to do likewise. This has not heretofore been deemed necessary, but word has been received from the presidency of the European mission, that owing to circumstances connected with shipping regulations, much trouble may be avoided by the Elders if they all obtain passports before sailing from this country to any part of Europe. Deseret News. set his mind upon. Those people failed to embrace that opportunity; but the Lord did not fail to love them, and to have regard for them, and he gave them another opportunity although it was 2.500 years afterwards. After Jesus was crucified He went and visited that people and gave them the opportunity of receiving that which they rejected when Noah proclaimed to them the principles of spiritual and temporal salvation. Now, in some respects we differ from any other class of people. Opportunities are before us which are not before them. though at some future time they will have the same opportunities as we have received and acted upon. But our pros peets are different from their prospects; things are required at our hands which are not required of them; and there could not be placed before men more glorious prospects than are placed before the Saints. No mortal man could wish anything greater or that will ultimately prove more satisfactory. Everything that pertains to perfect peace, happiness, glory and exaltation is before the Latter-day Saints. We should not let our prospects be darkened in the least by doing that which is not acceptable before the Lord. that you may receive and comprehend some principle or some suggestion that will be of the most sacred importance to you. The brethren will now address you, ・ and through the exercise of your faith you will be greatly and abundantly blessed, which may God grant, in the name of Jesus. Amen. serve ourselves in the path of exaltation and glory over which we are moving. I know that we should never have been able to endure the severe trials that we Brethren and sisters, I pray that the have experienced during the past few Lord may be with us during this Conyears, had we not been gradually edu- ference; that he may be with those who cated in times past and prepared to strug-address you, and especially with you, gle with difficulties as we passed along. I desire to suggest to the Latter-day Saints this morning that they should not lose sight of the object which has prompted us to gather ourselves together, A passport only costs a dollar. It is that we may not return to our homes found useful to missionaries in the Brit- without having received lessons of enish Isles who desire to visit the Euro-couragement to assist us in the surroundpean continent, and it is stated that it is advisable, even if no such trip is contemplated. Elders going on a foreign mission, will do well to pay attention to this advice. Full particulars in regard to this matter, and other rules and suggestions for missionaries, can be had of Elder W. C. Spence at the president's office in this city, who is always ready to impart information to the Elders concerning transportation and the needs of departing missionaries. Don't forget the passport! Deseret News. ing difficulties. It is impossible for Lat- Here, I sup A STRONG TESTIMONY. By John F. Sanders. baptized May 17th, 1897, by Elder Hy- I then began to see that Apostle Paul's words were true, wherein he said: will I would be pleased to have room in "Yea, and all that live Godly in the Star to give my experience in regards Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." to the Gospel, if you think it of interest I was persecuted very bitterly at times, to anyone, as I have not yet seen anybeing threatened on several occasions thing in its pages from this part of the with being dragged from my house at country. I told I was brought up under Bap-night and whipped like a dog. tist parents and became a member of some of them that when they came to that church at an early age. I lived up to my house to whip me I would tear their the light which I had received, although hides with powder and lead; they decided I could see that there was something to not try the cap on at any rate. lacking. I would often ask older people Some of my connections have turned against me and said they did not ever why our church did not have the same officers in it that Christ had placed in it want me to put my foot in their house when He was on the earth. I had been again; some that have been so bitter taught that Christ was a "Baptist" and are becoming friends again, although I that this church was the right one. I have promised myself nothing but a life was always answered that "they are no of persecution so long as I shall live Godlonger needed and that the minister held ly in Christ Jesus. I desire to say to all the office of prophet, teacher and other who may read this that I know of the positions cited by the Bible; that the doctrine and the truthfulness of the Gosmembers are apostles." I would often pel as taught by the Latter-Day Saints think, however, that if we had all the and that the angel has flown with the officers and the gifts and blessings in the everlasting Gospel to be preached to all church-such as that of healing the sick, people as John said in his revelations. etc.-that we would enjoy a happier time I know that the Gospel is on the earth in our church. with all the gifts and blessings and is I recollect one time while in this condi-taught in power with apostles and prophtion of darkness, while I was attending ets at the head to perfect the Saints, school, the teacher set apart a certain and that the sick is healed, as I have witday for which to have recitations, speech-nessed this gift at different times in my es and dialogues. She, in preparing and own family, under the hands of God's gathering up the pearls of literature for servants. I testify that the spirit has an entertainment, obtained a dialogue revealed the truthfulness of the Book of written on polygamy in a very disgust Mormon, and that Joseph Smith was a ing style, said to be a representation of true prophet, sent forth in these, the last how the Mormon people practiced their days, to open up the last dispensation of religion in Salt Lake City. It was de- the fulness of the Gospel. I am not signed to throw a slur on them, indicat- ashamed to bear this testimony to the ing them to be the most terrible people in world, and that the Gospel is not found the world. Six young ladies and myself in its fullness anywhere else except were requested by our teacher to take among the Latter-Day Saints. part in this dialogue, five of which were to represent my wives and the sixth was to represent a visitor from. some other part of the country. I was to take the part of a Mormon leader, trying to get the sixth, the visitor, to be the sixth wife. That play caused somewhat of an uproar of laughter. I occasionally saw pieces published in different publications of some black crime the Mormons committed. At last I began to lose all hopes of the Baptist church being the true one, knowing that they did not carry out all the teachings of the Bible. I began to seek the denomination that kept all of Christ's Commandments, but alas I could not do so until one day I was privileged to meet Elders S. T. Baker and Charles H. Johnson. The time had come when I had found what I had been seeking so long. I was permitted to hear them declare the Gospel in its fullness. I became a very close investigator for several months before I applied for bap Beloved Brother:-We are well and enHer Faith Is Great. joying our labors very much. We held two rousing meetings yesterday. Our Williamsburg (Ky.) Times. The Times is in receipt of the following in this county has been phenomenal in Our success congregations were large. letter, written by one of the women of securing the use of public buildings in Mullis, who defends the Mormons from at- which to preach. We have occupied the tacks made upon them by press and pul-pulpit every Sunday since coming to this pit of the country: county. For this privilege we feel to give the praise and honor to our heav"By the power I feel from God im-enly Father; for we know without His pressed on my mind, I feel obliged to say aid and assistance we are nothing. We something in regard to Mormon religion can't stand alone. We have nothing but and the Mormon brethren who have words of praise and esteem to offer for stayed in our mids one week and preached the holy word of God to us so far as we have heard. I am a Methodist "Dear Readers of Whitley County. : woman and my house has been a boarding the good people of this county, for the kindness and courtesy manifested toward us. Friday we succeeded in obtaining the Salem church to hold a series of meetings. This church is four miles south of Birchwood. Upon entering the church we found written upon the blackboard the following, viz.: "Preaching at Salem church, April 30, at 3 p. m., also at night, by two young We gratefully welcome them. Come one, ministers from Salt Lake City, Utah. come all." narly men than the two Mormon broth- county, Tennessee. It is plainly evident tism, and met with several of these hum- The Florida Philosopher. Elder L. A. Stevenson, of the Latter Day Saints, who has been preaching in Florida for over two years, part of the time in this county, has been released, and is now probably at his home in Salt Lake City. Elder E. A. Gee has also been released. |