VOL. 1. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1899. A flood of thought which struggled to be free, Now opens wide the gates of memory; Love lights the way, and, guided by its beam, My soul floats on the surface of the stream. And wouldst thou ask me where my fancy To reproduce the happy scenes it loves? And gardens watered by the mountain rills, corn; Where sweet religion in its purity There is my home, the spot I love so well, Away beyond the prairies of the west, Stand, types of freedom, reared by nature's God. The wintry snows now melt in summer's beams, And from the canyons rush the crystal streams. No. 49. "committee" left, returning in a half hour with reinforcements. The formidable foe, the "Mormons" were SO strong numerically (two in number) that the enemy of six or seven must return for "the crowd" before they dare tackle the "terrible Mormons." When strengthened with new forces a successful flank movement, a terrible yell, a charge, scaling the enemy's fortifications, and the magnificent victory was won. Such a cheer as rent the air when this brilliant achievement was heralded through the ranks was never before heard. The "Yanks" and "Rebs" would have been proud to have gained such a victory, and with such a small (?) force as compared to the enemy. When they were taken prisoners they were treated with every courtesy (?). "We'll treat you like the 'Mormons' treat other people-kill you." "Can you lay on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost?" "If so, lay hands on our class leades who is with us. He History of the Southern States Mission. wants the Holy Ghost. These kind (?) The work of opening new fields begun in the closing hours of 1891, was continued with marked success. In the new fields Elders were received and cared for much better than in the old fields. The worthy Saints were emigrating, the time of the Elders was used in assisting them to leave. In Ashe county, North Carolina, Elders Samuel N. Alger and Thomas Crowther were stopping with a friend who had invited them to his home. Several men called, telling the gentleman of the house they wanted the "Mormons" turned out. He told them this was an inhuman act he had never been guilty of, especially when it was raining. "Well," they continued, "we have thirty men at our backs," and insisted that the Elders should leave. The gentleman of the Where roamed at will the savage Indian house would not "give them up," so the Divinity the bounteous means supplies, yield, Is now become a fertile, fruitful field; bands, threats and requests were made. The Elders left the county. How very similar is the treatment accorded the Elders and that received by the Savior. "You saved others, save yourself." "Show us a sign," etc. South Carolina was very fruitful during this month. The Elders were received by the people and hospitably entertained in all parts of the state. A progressive spirit had been working with the South Carolina Saints, and they were anxious to live the laws of God, keep the word of wisdom and obey the President Kimball took a priesthood. company of seventy-nine Saints to Utah. With this progressiveness of the Saints a spirit of toleration seems to overshadow the people. An unpleasant occurrence was in the case of a Josephite who had joined the church. He was maltreated, and finally with his family driven from the county where they lived. Brothers W. C. Winder and Merlin J. Bartholomew "went up a creek" in a boat propelled by some mobocrats. The creek was the dividing line between the county in which they were working and some other county. They went to the other county. The very kind and charitably inclined Mississipians invited in strong language Elders T. H. Gardner and D. Moss to leave. The language prevailed and the Elders left. In the same state two Elders had their goods assessed, also $2.50 | as a poll tax. During April nothing phenomenal occurred, but after the "calm" came the "storm." May was a month of mobs. The quietude of South Carolina and kindness evidenced by the people during the past months seemed suddenly to be turned into wrath. Elders John S. Lee and D. Miles were assaulted and fired upon by some assassin while they were seated around a fireplace talking to the family with whom they were stopping. None of the shot took effect. In Unicoi county, Tennessee, an organized mob came to "wait upon" the "Mormons." As they approached the house and heard the Elders singing the "songs of Zion" they were so enthralled that their fury and hatred was turned to sympathy. Frank Croft and Warren Harris, in Henry county, Alabama, filled an appointment at 11 a.m., attended Sunday school at 2 p.m., where they were invited to preach, also at night. They returned from the evening service to a friend's. Soon a mob came, and with their "persuaders" (pistols and Winchesters) persuaded the Elders to come out and talk to them, and also bring all their belongings. Taking the Elders to the woods, the mob built a fire and made seats of logs around the fire. The Elders were then given one of the chief seats, and something that but few of the Elders receive from mobs, a privilege to speak. They did so, and soon the mob acknowledged their misinformation and allowed men who "preach that kind of doctrine" to go unmolested. Their friend was watching close by in the woods an soon led them to his home and entertained them. (To be continued.) Why I Am a Latter-Day Saint. BY MRS. JULIA JORDAN. Written for The Southern Star. and not for infants who have no sins to be remitted. The question arises who has authority to perform this sacred ordinance? We answer none but those who are called by prophecy and laying on hands by those in authority. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only church that can claim this authority, for it harmonizes with the ancient church in organization, and signs follow believers as in primitive days. All the apostate churches deny new revelation and the spiritual gifts which Christ says "must follow the believers," and say they acquiesce with the ancient apostles. If this be true the Gospel ceased also, and accordingly it is not preached as Paul preached it, for baptism for the remission of sins is omitted and it is made merely an outward sign of an inward grace. The Holy Ghost conferred by the laying on of hands is also omitted. Christ has set His hand for the last time to prune His vineyard, and the Everlasting Gospel has been restored to the earth as prophecied by John the Revelator. The little stone has been cut out of the mountain without hands which will roll and fill the whole earth. When I peruse the sacred pages of the Book of Mormon I am convinced beyond a doubt that it is of divine origin. I read that a prophet was to be raised up who should have power to translate this book and shed it forth to every nation of the earth. Joseph of old prophesied that one would come of his lions, called by his name, and through him the Gospel would be carried to the remnant of his seed (who are now called the American Indians). The Ancient American prophets prayed that this man might live to bring forth this last dispensation of the Gospel to mankind. He did live to accomplish this great work, and then sealed his testimony with his blood. A Testimony. Whig, Tenn., Oct. 30, 1899. To the Southern Star: Having been a constant reader of your valuable little paper I am much interested in the testimonies there recorded. I thought I would be pleased to express my testimony. Dear Editor-Please allow me a little space in your valuable paper to bear to the world my testimony regarding the truth of the Gospel as taught by the LatFor two years I have been a member ter Day Saints, also to convince those of the Latter Day Saint Church, and who are persecuting the Church of Christ that they are fighting against light and know of a truth that it is the only true truth when they reject this all-important church that existed on the earth and I message from God to man. Before unit-know that the Elders of Israel are true ing with the Chuch of Christ I had doubts and fears as to my being in a saved condition, and when I heard Elder Robins preach I realized that I was not a child of the Kingdom, and at that moment I heard the voice of the Good Shepherd speaking through Him to me, saying: "This is the way, walk ye in it." I felt condemned, for I had been a member of a church for many years and had not been baptized for the remission of sins, which the Scriptures plainly teach we must do before we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Many think because they were baptized in their infancy, that is sufficient for the fulfillment of Christ's command, and that it does not make any difference how the ordnance is administered. In this they err, for the Apostle Paul says, "We must be buried with Christ in baptism." The Book of Mormon is more explicit on this point; it tells us plainly that the proper mode is immersion, and this ordinance must be applied only to those who have arrived at the age of accountability, ministers of Jesus Christ, and if we will only heed their teachings it will bring eternal life, and those that do not heed it will come under condemnation. I also can testify that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God and I have been taught the gospel in it's true light. I also pray for the success of the Latter Day Saints. Your Sister in The Gospel, MRS. DILA. B. FILLERS. From the B. Y. Academy. Now that frost has come and most of the farm work is done, the attendance at the B. Y. Academy is large and steadily increasing. dents in school. F. G. Warnick, O. M Saunderson, N. H. Tanner and J. P. Jensen are some of those who are from the southern states. O. M. Saunderson will take charge of the Preparatory department or Sub Freshman class, which will be organ ized soon for the benefit of those young people who are somewhat backward in the educational line, but who are desir ous of attending school, and yet do n wish to be in classes where mere children will be their classmates. President Cluff has just returned fron the Beaver branch of the B. Y. Acad emy and reports that though there are some rough boys to contend with, the school is in a prosperous condition, with 90 per cent. of its students fully con verted to its discipline. It has an enrollment of 140 students. It seems that the older part of our people are becoming active as well as interested in the getting of knowledge, athere are quite a number of them pursuing studies here in the academy. They take such subjects as German French, wood-work, needle-work and theology. Raymond Partridge. Our Good Side and Our Bad. There is a good side, and a bad side to every man. We see only the good side of some men, and we wonder that he is not esteemed by all as we esteem him We see only the bad side of another man, and we are surprised that others priz him as we cannot. We are right and we are wrong in both cases. Both men have both sides, and we ought to recoz nize this in our estimate of them. It is with ourselves as with other fellows; we have a good side and a bad side, and those about us are likely to judge us by the one side or the other. It will be wel for us if we gain a lesson from the judgment of others as to our two sides. It ought to help us to make progress in the right direction and to repress the faults and defects for which others judge us harshly.-Sunday School Times. CREATION What field for thought this world supplies, Wonders in science, art, and skill, A Visit to Utah. Henderson, Miss., Oct. 27, 1899. To The Southern Star. I have just returned home from a visit to Utah. I had been told by people, not of our faith, that if a person went to Utah the "Mormons" would not let him come back. As I expected, I found this story false. Never in my life was I Sun, Moon, and Stars have worshipped treated as well as when with the Saints been, And fabled into fancied gods; This earth was once in beauty dress'd Painters may sketch with rarest skill, The sculptor too in faultless form, The chemist may the air dissolve, No other science makes pretense, For life all elements designed, Thus there is proof that all God's works, The streams of water in the earth, Each change of seasons on the earth The air we breathe is food to earth, Like man, it could not live, but in it, And viewed in every thoughtful light, Is type of men who dwell upon it. It lives, and moves, and honors law, How well its author must have known Nay earth hath more than honored law, Has borne the curse and sins of others, And with its like in all the spheres, Shall e'er in kinship be as brothers. So much like man is earth itself, Earth, air, and water all agree- The heavens are high above the earth, All living things thus joined in life, -Samuel W. Richards. Feasts or the Jews. "Now, boys," said the Sunday school teacher, "can any of you name the three great feasts of the Jews?" "Yes'm, I can," replied one little fellow. "Very well, Johnny, what are they?" "Breakfast, dinner and supper," was the unconscious logical reply.-Buffalo News. in the west. I stayed with Elder Hyrum Nebeker fourteen months and found him a good man, and he and his wife treated me as good as my heart could wish. The Cause. "Have you a last request to make?" asked the king of the Cannibal islands, addressing the missionary. The latter glanced at his august majesty (so called by reason of his summer attire), and replied: "Yes, Great One. When I left my native heath, I promised to write to a brother in this line of work and tell him how I liked the country. If your majesty pleases, I should like to write him a few words." I found the people to be a good people and living in peace with each other. The people of the south make a sad mistake when they say the "Mormons" live only for lust and self-gratification. I found them to be upright and virtuous and liv-scribed the following words: ing largely to do others good. The king reflected for a moment. Praying the blessings of God upon the Evolution of a Snake. Ozark humor, according to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, appreciates the story that a scientist was quite amazed the other day at observing a farmer, after killing a nest of snakes turned up by the plow, arrange the dead snakes in the furrow before he went back to the plow. "Why do you do that, my good man?" the scientist asked. The farmer looked curiously at the scientist, and, seeing that he was really in search of information, replied: "I do that so the plow will cover the snakes the next round." Seeing that the scientist was still mystified, the farmer continued: "I cover the snakes so that they will decompose. That is what you call it, isn't it?" "Yes," said the scientist, with a rising inflection. "Well," continued the farmer, "the decomposition of animal matter furnishes nourishment for plant life, I believe?" "Yes," again said the scientist. asked the A Ravenswood man tells this story about a friend of his whose business takes him away from home frequently: For the last month or so he has had a respite, and his neighbors have noticed the unusual iength of his visit to his own house. One of them asked him recently if he had got pretty well acquainted with the members of his family. "I think I am making an impression," he responded. "My little girl went to her mother the other day and said: "That man who comes here sometimes spanked me today.'"-Chicago News. More Faith. Act acordingto your faith; do the works of your faith. You believe that God is "Then, snakes will make corn grow, holy and that your life should be pure; won't they?" triumphantly you believe that God is love and that farmer. we must love even to sacrifice; do this, and I venture to say to you that tomorrow you will have more faith.-Eugene Bersier. "Yes," said the scientist. "And more corn will make more whiskey, won't it?" said the farmer. "Yes," said the scientist. "And whisky will make more snakes, won't it? Mister, that is what we call rotation in the agriculture of this region." Gain of Much Work. are To feel the pressure of work is a cause for thankfulness. The time when we are busiest is the time when we most likely to do our best. Often there comes the temptation to feel that if we had more leisure we could do more and better work; but usually experience shows that to be a mistake. The world recognizes this. It does not call on the man with the most leisure when it wants an exceptional undertaking carried through. No employer in any walk of life looks among the ranks of those who have plenty of time to spare when he would fill a position. He wants one who is already numbered among the busiest, who is demonstrating that he has a right to live by shouldering his full share of the world's activities, and whose powers are at their best through their exercise. To keep busy is to keep in training, and that is the secret of attainment as truly in the race of lifeas on the athletic field.-Sunday School Times. We have just received from the publisher, the Y. M. M. I. A. and Missionary Hymn and Tune Book, containing a choice selection of hymns and songs set to music. This book has been compiled and arranged by Prof. Stephens. The mention of his name in connection with the book we feel is all the recommendation necessary. It has seventy-two pages, a soft cover, and can be rolled up and put in the pocket. Just the thing for Elders to carry. Price 25 cents. A contemporary notes as a curiosity that a blind man was married to a blind woman at the house of another blind man in Cleveland, O. A blind justice of the peace performed the ceremony, and the best man was blind. Fifty blind guests were invited, and an orchestra of blind men played the wedding march. After the ceremony a literary and musical programme was rendered by the blind people. The history will be complete when blind justice through a blind court grants a divorce. This is not unlike Christianity of today. Published Weekly by Southern States Mission, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chattanooga, Tenn. Per year $1.50 has this to say by way of comment on sentation. in the above; there is much of misrepre"nere is but little Christian charity The people of Utah are like the people of other states of the union. There are immoral men professing "Mormonism," and there are just as immoral followers of other religions, both within and outside of the boundaries of Utah, but the general moral tone of the communities of this state will bear comparison with the morality of the cities, towns and villages of the nation. "There is nothing to be gained by this Entered at the Post Office at Chattanooga, Tenn., as campaign of slander. It neither saves second class matter. Subscribers removing from one place to another. and desiring papers changed, should always give former as well as present address, by postal card or letter. Correspondence from all parts of the missionary field is solicited. Give name and address, or articles will be rejected. Write on one side of paper only when sent for publication. We reserve the right to either eliminate or reject any communication sent in. Address Box 103. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1899. ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF 1. We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 2. We believe that men will be punished for their own eins, and not for Adam's transgression. 8. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances 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 Chost. 5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by the laying on of bands," by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordi. nances thereof. 6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church-namely, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, etc. 7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. 8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. 10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this (the American) continent; that Christ will reign person. ally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 12. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. 12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulere, 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 things. JOSEPH SMITH.. There is but three more copies of the Star to be issued before the first volume will be completed. We have only 300 copies reserved to be bound. The Elders will be given the first opportunity to secure these bound volumes, and should notify us at once if they wish them. The monarchs of the world are having a sad time. The German emperor is complaining bitterly because the people are refusing to build him a big fleet. The Russian czar is disappointed. The Dutch queen is in distress on account of the Boers, and Queen Victoria has a war forced on her against her will. The Sultan of Turkey is hampered by a reform party which seems to have had access to the innermost circles of the seraglio. Why do they not give up their jobs to the people? and this first impression remains with the child. The child is sometimes given a whip with which to whip its little brother and sisters. They feign to be crying. which at first causes the little one to feel badly, but when the one so pretending removes his hands from his eyes and the child learns he was being de ceived he soon finds pleasure in seeing others mourn. Some day people will inquire and remark that so and so is se hard-hearted and unsympathetic. I wonder if his he was taught this by parents, or by someone who made be lieve they were crying when he was a child and would whip or ill-treat them?: vile oath, and childlike will follow as The baby will hear someone speak a nearly as it can the same words. Too often we laugh at the child and flatter ourselves that "the child is so bright it remembers everything it hears." We speak of its phenomenal perform ances, and take pride in telling all who call that the child says things." Unconsciously we are the "cutest souls nor elevates the mind of man. If the is in the position of the rattle-headed asserts that all democrats are traitors to N the book of modern reve TRAINING OUR A man, said to be wise, has said truth- We as All should teach their childre to pray, to call on the Lord, inculcate good and righteous principles into their children, until they leave the paternal shades, and though they might be wild and careless, yet these impressions received in childhood will some day crop out with gratifying results, for "what is in us will out spite of all tricks and masks." Remember, then, the admonition of the wise man, bring up a child in the way it should go. The Georgia legislature met in regulor session yesterday. Gov. Candler devoted several paragraphs of his message to the twin subjects of crime and mob violence. It is to be hoped that these suggestions will have some effect upon this body of men, and that they will pass laws that will protect and uphold every man in his legitimate acts, and that when passed honorable men might be elected to office who will carry the law to honorable execution, is every citizen's earnest request. If the citizens will do honor to their state by electing such honorable, just and fair men as Gov. Candler every man could lie down in safety and be assured that he will not be disturbed by a cowardly mob. Uujust Effort to Have Roberts Expelled. We are in receipt of a letter from Grace J. Cutler, Secretary of the AntiPolygamy League. We copy from the letter as follows: "No matter if your friends have signed other Roberts' petitions, request them to sign again, as it is absolutely necessary to have one monster national petition large enough to make the members of congress realize instantly the public demand that Roberts be cast out." It is strange, yet not strange when understood, that some people have since the incipiency of "Mormonism" used their time, talents and money to attempt to overthrow "Mormonism." Every suggestion has been exhausted, they have killed the prophet, they have done likewise to the servants. Plundered their homes, ravished and butchered the helpless. The ugliest fiends of hell have been pit ted against this people, and they say it is because they practice polygamy. If this be true, why were they driven from Kirtland? What caused them to leave independence and flee from Nauvoo? Why did they kill the Prophet, Joseph Smith? Were all these demonial acts committed because the peo CHARITY. BY A. ARROWSMITH. In this unkind world of strife and confusion and in an attempt to secure money and opulence, we are very apt to forget to free himself, when lo, the carrot broke, and he again sunk into the pit,prepared for the selfish and uncharitable. A good lesson is taught by the foregoing romance. The Latter Day Saint can afford to be the most forbearing and charitable being in the earth as he knows that the this great principle of charity, which is unbounded, and the only principle wheregrace of God is with him and he has by this world with all its diversified couditions can expect to be redeemed, and the Father's love and charity, as he has complied with every law and ordinance saved from the thralldom of satan. given by his Father and is adopted a son We were lost through the fall, but in very deed. He is not a tattler, or backChrist, through His love and charity, has biter and does not speak evil of his redeemed us from this fall. The plan brother as he is full of love and fellowple practiced polygamy? Is not this of salvation He brings to mankind, is ap-ship for the whole human race, and his Christian (?) fight, now being waged plicable only on condition of obedience mission is to make the world better against Mr. Roberts, a fight against to gospel laws, which are faith, repent- for his living in it. Mormonism rather than against Mr. Rob-ance, baptism, and the laying on of hands erts? And then, just think of the honor for the gift of the Holy Ghost; followed (?) of this committee. Only note their by a life replete with holiness and love. suggestion, "No matter if they have This course will surely win, a position in signed other Roberts' petitions, have the celestial kingdom of our Father. But them sign again, as it is absolutely necwithout charity we cannot expect heavessary to have one monster petition large enough that * * congress will realize instantly that Roberts be cast out." Is this Christianity? Christianity as taught by Jesus was that men should be honest and truthful. Possibly by following their blind leaders they are led into such a sin, anything to get Mr. en. The Many stumble at this principle. and give to the poor, but he could not His charity even goes beyond this life, into the spirit world, and he aspires to become a Savior for his dead kindred. He gives of his means and erects temples, to perform a vicarious work for his dead. In this way he is also more charitable than the world and desirous to assist the Captain of his salvation in the redemption of the whole human family. How magnanimous he appears in the great love and charity which has been bestowed upon him by his Father in heaven. God grant that we may seek after this Roberts expelled, sign any number of comply with the request of Jesus, and greatest of gifts, charity, as it never left sorrowing. faileth. tance who was wealthy, was desirous of petitions. We want a monster petition. However, charity does not alone con- The Latted Day Saint Elder who leaves These sacerdotal sycophants who, having the form of men, but devoid of that which makes man noble in God's sight, an honest sympathetic heart, taunt us and say, why do you not go into the cities where there is enlightenment and cease your efforts at evangelization among the ignorant? Yes, why do we not go into the enlightened burgs and cities, ask these truthful (?) parasites the reason we do not? They accuse us of being cowards and afraid of them. How do they proceed when we enter the enlightened places where they live? To the press, to the city officials, An old Russian legend tells of a man to every influential organization, who had done only one charitable act telling them to have nothing to do with us. When we get buildings these cowards frighten the imbecile owners into breaking the contracts they make with us to use their public halls. At this particular time we have a letter from President Hobson, of the Louisiana Conference, telling us that the owner of a public hall they had hired refuses now to let them have the house. They cannot enforce the terms of the contract, they are informed, because justice is opposed to them. They dare not give us a chance; their "craft" is in danger. Their pocketbooks might suffer if the servants of God were allowed to disseminate the word of God as it should be. God will yet vindicate righteousness over all the opposition of Christendom. bid them the rights all men should enjoy in life, and that was the giving of a car- Why is it that our Elders in this land of liberty cannot be accorded the same Elders of other Churches are accorded? What does it signify when innocent men are taken by brute force, beaten, illtreated and some of their number murdered in cold blood, and then compelled in the courts of the land to withdraw their complaints against cut-throats who are hounded on by professed ministers of Christ? Why do not the sanctimonious, pure-hearted, justice-loving Christian ministers call upon their flocks to protest treatment of "Mormon Elders," as well against the mobbing, persecution and illas protest against the seating of Utah's congressman? If their missionaries were mobbed and tarred and feathered in "Mormon communities" what would they do? If their missionaries were denied the protection in the courts, what would they do? How long would it be before the Mormons were represented as being in a state of rebellion, and the national government appealed to for pro tection? Oh, Christian (?) minister, why do you not follow the teachings of Christ? Why do you not "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you?" Why do you fret and fume and work yourselves into a passion over the election of a congressman from Utah who is purported to have more wives than one and close your eyes to murderings for religious beliefs in your own lands? Why do you try to "pick" the mote out of the eye of the Mormon people and perceive not the beam in your own? Why do you "strain at a gnat and swal low a camel?" |