The Roberts Case in Engress. terms, so far as polygamy was concernej on which Utah was admitted into the Union. And I affirm positively that th BY BRIGHAM H. ROBERTS, MEMBER-ELECT OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF UTAH. Compact has been kept on the part of th Written for the New York Times. to polygamy; that is, it is charged that *** free on the people of Utah. The people of my stat are not covenant breakers, as her ene mies charge. There is no attempt ma Those engaged in working up a public to repeal or annul the parts of the Co sentiment against the representative from stitution prohibiting polygamous or planı Utah demand of the House of Representmarriages. There is no desire to disrup atives either that he be not allowed to In the first place, it must be remem- that compact with the United States. T take his seat, to which it is admitted that bered that no compact exists between the Mormon Church has not violated the com he was legally elected, or, after being ad Mormon Church and the government of pact and has no desire to annul it, be mitted, that he be expelled. That the the United States on the subject of polygon the contrary, the venerable head of ±House can do either of these two things is amy. The only compact existing on that Church has officially avowed his determin extremely doubtful. To refuse a repre- subject is between the people of Utah actation to adhere to this settlement of the sentative his seat when he has been legal ing through their representatives in the question. ly elected no fraud charged in the elec- State Constitutional Convention and the The representative to congress tion returns, no contest made by opposing people of the United States represented Utah has not violated this compact, candidates for the office, and it is admit- by the President and Congress. To un assertion of his enemies to the contrary ted that the representative possesses all derstand that compact is important, as by notwithstanding. When the little e the qualifications prescribed by the Con- reason of it the whole vexed question of terie of sectarian ministers and disap stitution of the United States—is a pro- Mormon polygamy was settled, and by pointed would-be political bosses 1 ceeding utterly without precedent and al- understanding the nature of that compact Utah who began this agitation say that together so absurd as to be out of the the damnable iniquity of the present agi- the Mormon Church or its members question. As to the proposition to expel tation appears. In the Enabling act late the compact between our state and the member from Utah after seating him. passed by Congress authorizing the people the people of the United States becaus while it is conceded that the precedents of of Utah to form a State Government it a few men in Utah feel morally boun the House are not altogether harmonious was expressly stipulated that the Consti- to fulfill their obligations to the wome on the subject of expulsion of members, tutional Convention should "provide by they married under sanction of the Mo it is perfectly safe to say that it never yet ordinance irrevocable without the consent mon Church, previous to the issuance o has expelled a member for an alleged de- of the United States and the people of the Church manifesto of 1890 discontin fect of moral character. The clause of said State that polygamous or uing polygamous marriages-when the the Constitution that grants to the House plural marriages are forever prohibited." say this is a violation of the compact the power to expel a member is as fol- That was the only demand made upon with the United States, they say tha lows: "Each house may determine the this subject by the people of the United which they know to be untrue: disrupt rules of its proceedings, punish its mem- States. Congress could be induced to go ing and discontinuing those polygamor bers for disorderly behavior, and, with the no further, though an effort was made to relations was no part of the compact. It concurrence of two-thirds, expel a mem- have it do so. When in the Constituwas not demanded by the Enabling að ber." May punish him for what? For tional Convention the representatives of It was not any part of the action of the disorderly conduct. May expel him for the people of Utah dealt with this require- Constitutional convention, but, what? Evidently for disorderly conduct ment they adopted the very language of contrary, steps were studiously take of a more aggravated kind, by which the the Enabling act. In addition to this the not to disrupt those relations by Consti House is disturbed, its business inter- convention also adopted so much of a tutional provision, by discarding the rupted, or its dignity or honor infringed. former territorial law as defined and pro- parts of the anti-polygamy law whic Certainly not for an alleged misdemeanor vided for the punishment of polygamous would have brought about that resul which, if committed at all, was committed marriages, and declared it to be in force And, indeed, was not that a just ar before the said member's election, was in the state of Utah. This territorial law statesmanlike settlement of the vesel well known to his constituents, was exactly paralleled the enactments of Couquestion? What good would come charged against him during the campaigngress on the same subject. It defined the people of the United States by a dis in which he was elected, and punishable polygamy in the same terms as the Con- ruption of those plural families? What under the laws of the state from which gressional enactments did, and provided good would come to either morality the same penalties. It also defined un-religion to turn those plural wives an I think those who are at the bottom of lawful cohabitation in the same terms as their children adrift? What Christian the present agitation to encompass the the acts of Congress. This offense is conwoman's home would be the securer fol expulsion of the member from Utah are tinuous living in polygamous relations knowing that a Mormon plural wife's aware of the weakness of their position after the illegal marriage relations have home was now destroyed? from a legal standpoint, and hence are been formed, and in both the congression-be remembered that the home and famseeking by all the means their ingenuity al and territorial legislation was made a ily of that plural wife was established can invent to induce the House of Repre- misdemeanor, whereas polygamy was a under the sanction of-to her-a holy sentatives to act without regard to prece-felony. This law. I repeat, the convenchurch ceremony, and with the approval dents or the legal rights involved, and to tion cut in two, and made the part punof all her people. A broad mind and a that end they have started among some of ishing polygamous marrying part of the the churches and other religious societies Constitution, while the part of the law Christian spirit will approve of the setthe present agitation not only against the defining and punishing continuous living tlement that was made of that question. member from Utah, but against the whole in polygamous relations was discarded. The fountain of the evil was dried up. Mormon people. I have no fear, however. Why? Because there was nothing in the the people of the United States can be that the House will act without regard Enabling act that demanded the disrup-generous enough to allow the streams to the precedents established or my legal tion of those existing marriage relations that flowed from it to take their course rights. Nor do I believe the members of which had been entered into under the until lost in the oblivion of death. Since the House will be much influenced by the sanction of the Mormon Church. It only her admission into the Union Utah has been under the strictest surveillance. The clamor of sectarian religious societies. for required that "polygamous or plural marEven the reason, first, that it is a matter clear-riages" should be prohibited for the fu- whole nation has watched her. ly outside the sphere of the churches; ture. When it was suggested to the gen- sectarian priests, in Utah, according to and, second, because the whole agitation tleman who introduced the resolution their own reports to church conferences is based upon misrepresentation of facts making the above settlement that the part and articles to the press, left somewhat and absolute falsehood. And as many of the law defining and punishing unlaw- their high calling as ministers of the well-meaning people and Christian min-ful cohabitation should also be included Gospel and turned spotters and spies isters outside of Utah are misled by the in the Constitution he replied in effect upon their Mormon neighbors, to see if not they could catch them violating falsehoods of those at the bottom of the that those were conditions he was religio-political scheme to unseat Utah's aiming to meet that the Enabling act agreement with the government; and yet representative, and thus defeat the ex-only required that polygamous marriages all they can truthfully charge is that some men the number is few and rap pressed will of the people of a sovereign for the future should be prohibited, and All this apidly growing less-who entered into plustate. I point out some of the false charges that is all that was done. on which the agitation is based: nears in the officially reported and nub-ral marriage relations previous to 1890. That when the Church formally and officially lished debates of the convention. was the settlement of this question. That discontinued such marriages, and hence. is the compact between the United States of course, previous to the settlement of Those were the the question by the compact of our state and the people of Utah. he comes. Faith Has Not Been Broken. And let it the onstitution, have felt it morally bindg upon their consciences to fulfill the ligations of their marriage vows to ose polygamous families. This is the aly polygamy" that has existed in tah since the admission of the state, since 1890, in fact. And yet these ases have been so ingeniously reported y the present agitators as to make it ppear that they were new cases of pogamy; that the Mormon Church was resuming" the practice of "polygamy;" hat the state of Utah was breaking its ovenant with the nation. I refrain rom any effort to express the contempt ne naturally feels for those who lie to leceive, and bear false witness against heir neighbors. A contempt increased by the recollection that for the most art this despicable agitation, based on misrepresentation and supported by alsehood, is the work of men posing as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus and sent out to Utah, forsooth, to convert the Mormons from the error of their ways! The political convention which nominated the representative from Utah was the regularly called convention of the democratic party, conducted under the regulations usually governing such bodies, and in which both Gentiles and Mormons sat as members. From the several candidates for the nomination Roberts was chosen on the first ballot, and no question of the regularity of the convention or of its proceedings was ever raised by democrats, either on the part of Gentiles or Mormons, and both classes worked enthusiastically for his election. The Mormon Church had nothing to do either for or against the representative's election. It is true he had Mormon democratic friends who worked for his election, but it is also true that there were Mormon republicans -and a number of them high in the councils of the Church-who as earnestly sought by every honorable means in their power to encompass his defeat. The rep resentative carried every non-Mormon stronghold in the state, and lost many almost exclusively Mormon settlements (because the majority of the people in them were republicans), and came out of other almost exclusively Mormon counties with greatly reduced majorities; and he is today representative from Utah rather by reason of Gentile than of Mormon support. It is not true that he was either nominated or elected by Mormon Church influence. No Test of American Sentiment. It is falsely charged that the Mormon Church leaders sought to have Roberts elected to test the sentiment of the people of the United States as to whether Utah would be held to the agreement in the matter of the abandonment of polygamous or plural marriages. This is the first time the Mormon leaders were ever charged with absolute stupidity. Any question about the people of Utah being held to their agreement to abandon polygamous or plural marriages, as provided in their state Constitution, has never existed. There never has been in the minds of anybody at any time a doubt about it. The struggle for toleration of a plural marriage system, running through half a century, attended as it was with the suffering inflicted upon the Mormon people under special legislation ing the Utah Constitutional prohibition of such marriages. and vindictive crusades; with its enforced exile and imprisonment for those who out of an honest thought believed they were The only evidence adduced in support but doing God's will-all this, and much of the charge is a quotation from a magmore, is not forgotten. The Mormon peo-azine article written some two years ago ple know the views of the people of the by him in response to inquiries of a numUnited States on that subject without test- ber of gentlemen in New York, who ing it again. There never was a more asked on what grounds the Mormon puerile suggestion than that the repre- Church in the past had justified the docsentative from Utah was elected to make trine of plural marriage. The question such a test. It is too silly to require ref- was presented in such form that it inutation. volved the consideration of whether or not the Bible sanctioned polygamy; and my answer to that question is now so misrepresented as to make it appear that I am an advocate of polygamy in the sense of advocating plural marriages now, whereas every way I stand committed to sustain the settlement of that question as fixed by the terms of the Utah Constitution forever prohibiting plural marriages; and my article merely explained the grounds on which the Mormon Church in the past based its justification of plural marriages. Would the men trying to unseat the representative from Utah hold that one may not make an explanation of past conditions withAre these sectarian minout offense? Not Brigham Young's Prediction. It is falsely charged that Roberts was elected to crowd polygamy down the throats of the American Congress and people, to fulfill an alleged prediction of Brigham Young that it would yet be done. I challenge, first of all, the existence of any such prediction. Familiar as I am with all that Brigham Young ever said or wrote that is on record, and, familiar as I am with his contemporaries, I never saw or heard of any such prediction until this absurd charge was made a few months ago in a New York paper, and repeated recently by a minister at an anti-Mormon meeting in Boston. Second, I challenge that such a consideration anywhere or at any time entered into my nomination or election. It is fabrication pure and simple. Does Not Represent Polygamy. It is falsely charged that the congressman from Utah was elected to represent polygamy. That if he is seated and retains his seat it will mean that congress indorses polygamy, and that there will be an immediate revival of the Mormon plural marriage system in Utah. In the name of all that is consistent. I would like to know how the Mormon people could hope to base a revival of the practice of plural marriage-even if they had the disposition to do so on the fact of the representative from Utah taking and retaining his seat in the house. tives indorse the individual views of all Does the house of representathe men it admits to membership? If Socialists should from some congressional district elect a congressman, would his admission to the house say to the world that the American congress indorsed Socialism? Surely my enemies give the Mormon people and even congress little credit for common sense when they trump up such a charge as this. I don't go to Washington as a rep resentative of polygamy. I am not sent there by my constituents to ask congress to consent to the repeal of the clause in our state Constitution which defines, pro isters who are at the bottom of this agitation against this representative so sensitive over the fact that it was by the force of repressive and harsh legislation, often cruelly administered, that led to the suppression of Mormon plural marriages rather than their "Christian love," the arguments of the Rev. Dr. Newman against Orson Pratt, or their own little popgun arguments on the same subjectare they so sensitive on this matter that this they can bear no explanation of past controversy without stuffing their ingers in their ears and running through the nation screaming "The Mormons are advocating polygamy, the Mermens are threatening the American home?" It would be interesting to learn what views these gentlemen entertain on the freeWhere were they reared? In Spain or Jom of opinion and freedom of speech. Russia or some petty despotism of the Orient? Surely they never breathed the free air of the great western republic! Come they down from the ninth or the belong to the close of the nineteenth centhirteenth century? Surely, they do not tury! I pass by the many other falsehoods in this present agitation, knowing that that have been uttered relative to myself the time is near when those who uttered them and myself will be face to face. I can then answer to the charges accusing the state of Utah. me of being guilty of a misdemeanor in House of Representatives-the first parI can answer to the liamentary body in the world-if it can consent to so far forget its dignity as to resolve itself into a police court to ascertain if one of its members is guilty of a misdemeanor alleged to have been committed in a distant state and punishable there. I could have answered to the ac hibits, and punishes polygamy-and it should be remembered that this particular clause in our state Constitution cannot be repealed without the consent of the United States. I shall not go to Washington to advocate or even defend polygamy. The question has passed the point where either is necessary in the American congress. By the settlement of the matter between the people of the cusation a year ago, for it is more than United States and the people of the state that length of time since the clamor about of Utah the question has been taken it began; I could have answered then in from the field of political controversy. some justice of the peace court in Utah if What views and beliefs individuals may the complaint had been made before such entertain is a matter of indifference in a magistrate instead of before the whole this connection. We have not yet unAmerican people. But to so lay the comdertaken, I think, the task of prescrib-plaint did not suit the starters of this ing opinion or barring men from political present agitation, bent as they were upon preferment for mere opinions they may an anti-Mormon crusade. It could not entertain. have been made to appear by proceeding so that the "American home," enshrined as it is in the hearts of eighty millions of people, protected by the force of a The "American Home." It is falsely charged that the representative from Utah now advocates polygamy-that is, the present contracting of polygamous marriages, notwithstand (See Page 415.) ROM the Progress, publish "As all men's tastes and ideas are not If this thought could be written upon the heart of every man and woman and would be carried into effect by all, it Published Weekly by Southern States Mission, Church would not be long before the people of the earth would at least be as far advanced as the animals and beasts were before the fall. of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chattanooga, Tenn. Per year Terms of Subscription: Six months (In Advance) $1.50 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. 3. 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 ordi. nances of the Gospel. 4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Obost. 6. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. 6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church-namely, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, etc. 7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. 8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. 9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. 10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this (the American) continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. 1. 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 the ings JOSEPH SMITH.. Every man could lie down in peace and action. In the same state where this was writ ten, two men were "taken out," less than If those people who have and are prac- Judge Not. In its issue of last Monday, 13th inst., the Knoxville Sentinel gave a report of the services held in the Baptist church, from which we reproduce the following: tLa says "Thou shalt not lie." He also says saved?" is a very popular question, ar there are many ways in which mankin: today answer this important inquiry. If Rev. Mr. Egerton desires to meet a "Mor mon" Elder upon the platform before s Knoxville audience, where both may hav the privilege of answering this question he may have the opportunity granted hin Let them both appear with King James translation of the Bible, without heaping abuse upon anyone, without referring any religious body, and tell the peop constitutes the principles upon which “the from a biblical standpoint what really he do this? No! he will continue to mis true Christian religion is founded." WE mandment of God represent his neighbor, break the cor shalt not lie;" he will continue accepting which says "Thes the testimony of our enemies without in vestigating the other side, and in vario is the Holy Scriptures is only "contribution ways prove that his pretended belief in box deep." How would those who treat the "Mormon" religion in this manner like to have Christianity measured in the same manner? We have only the testimony of friends of Christ that He was raise from the dead; men occupying the same position to Christianity that the Rev Mr. Egerton does toward "Mormonism." declared that Christ was not resurrected. they said His friends came and stole His body away while the Roman soldiers slept. If Christianity were measured it the same manner that Rev. Egerton measures "Mormonism" it would "literally uproot the principles upon which the true Christian religion is founded." Consistency is a jewel, but the Rev. Mr. Egerton is base metal. Ben. E. Rich. In an introductory talk, preceding his sermon last night, Rev. M. W. Egerton, pastor of the First Baptist church, took occasion Fate of Another Mormon Hater. to refer to the Mormon convention, which was held in the city Saturday and Sunday. Butler has a sensation which has stirred Rev. Mr. Egerton declared it was a disgrace up the wrath of its people, and Rev. J. to and a reflection on a Christian taxpaying W. Hill, a Methodist clergyman, is in a community, that the Market hall should have been leased by the city officials to the Mormon Elders for their meeting. He said such action was offering encouragement to a sect, the purpose of which was to "literal ly uproot the principles upon which the true Christian religion is founded.' peck of trouble as the cause of the agitation. He has been pastor of the M. E. churches at this place and Montgomery during the past year, and at the recent Does the above sound consistent, com- conference was assigned to Argenta, near God gives a man his tools, but he must ing from the lips of a man who professes Decatur. With his family and effects he acquire his trade. a profound belief in the inspired utter- removes today to the new charge. ances of holy men, who anciently wrote The ladies of his congregation decided and spoke as they were moved upon by to give a farewell supper in the church the Holy Ghost? This world has many last Friday night for his benefit. Accord bigots and hypocrites who profess a be-ingly they solicited a large supply of edlief in the Bible when its lids are closed, ibles from various members, to provide but really have about as much of it when for the feast. the book is open as did Col. Ingersoll. An Index will be published and mailed to every subscriber in about two weeks. How would you be, if He, which is at the top of judgment, should judge you as you are? No mission history will be published in this issue of The Star, as we have finished the year 1892 and wish to begin a new year in the history with a new year of The Star. Occasionally you will find a man who works so hard for the church and in fixing his soul right for the next world, that he has no time to make provision for his widow and children in this. Atchison Globe. We suppose that the Rev. Mr. Egerton did not attend the "Mormon" service in Knoxville, and would not be surprised if he had never listened to a "Mormon" sermon in his life. The chances are that he has formed his opinions regarding the "Mormon" people by listening to the words of their enemies. No doubt he would be insulted were some one to doubt his belief in the Holy Bible, yet there are a few commandments and some advice laid down in that holy record which it would be well for this reverend gentleman to have recorded upon his heart. God Rev. Hill and a member of his flock. Miss Gertrude Hagsett, did the collecting. Their route from one house to another happened to take them into an unfrequented place, when, it is said, Rev. Hill took liberties with his companion. She opposed his advances and upon re turning home, told her mother of the insult. Mrs. Hagsett at once 'phoned to Dr. Moyer, of Hillsboro, her brother, who hastened here, and, accompanied by T. S. Hoes, a prominent merchant, interviewed the preacher and brought him be fore Miss Hagsett, where he did not deny his wrongdoing. The people of this place were so indignant that Monday night he was hung in effigy and there was strong talk of more summary measures. The above is clipped from a Decatur, Ill., paper. Rev. J. Wesley Hill was once located in Utah, and was filled with hatred toward the "Mormons." He became famous there for his ability to steal other ministers' sermons.-Editor. Hickory Switches." BY ELDER B. F. PRICE. Written for The Southern Star. I herewith give you an account of the mobbing of Elders F. P. Carlisle and J. E. Myler. They had just finished canvassing Butler county, Kentucky, and were holding a meeting at Long Branch District, located five miles from Morgantown, the county seat of Butler county, where many friends and some converts were made. The flame kindled from this success, which always stirs the devil to the center, burned in the hearts of these lawbreakers and could be quenched only when they had whipped the servants of the Lord. Three of the converts requested baptism before the Elders were to leave. Preparation was begun to perform th's ordinance on the 8th of November, the day before the Elders expected to leave the county. The mobbers learned of this action and determined to hinder it before its consummation. The brethren were stop ping with a family of Saints, Johnson by name. All had retired for the night and were peacefully sleeping. About 12 o'clock the household was awakened by voices demanding the "Mormons." Brother Johnson opened the door to learn the cause of the clamor, when two revolvers and a shotgun were thrust under his nose and he was commanded to throw up his hands. When ushered into the presence of these gentlemen (?) of dark deeds, he learned their force numbered twenty, all wearing either a mask or a handkerchief over his face. them 'Mormons?" " "Are they in your house?" etc.. came in quick succession from a chorus of voices. "No, they are over at my "Where's son's," was the reply. In the early part of the evening the Elders had gone to Brother Johnson's son's house, but had returned to Johnson, Sr.'s, after he and his family had retired, hence the above reply to the "hidden-faced" demons. While the mob, who took Brother Johnson to lead the way, were going to the son's, the Elders hastily dressed themselves and attempted to leave Brother Johnson, Sr.'s, house through the back door, but were suddenly halted by the "guards" who were left to watch the house. The "main body" soon returned and "fell upon their prey," who mildly marched out of the house to the tune of "Hickory switches" into the road, where they were informed what the "sentence of the court" was, as follows (from the leader, a large, husky fellow): "Nos. ten and fifteen, give each of them five lashes," which they did with a vengeance. Their overzealousness or ignorance, judge for yourselves, caused them to miscount, for when "tallied" it was learned that each Elder had received fourteen lashes. "Now, if you'ens don't leave here 'fore sunup in the morn' we'll string you up to a limb," said the court. With exultant cries the "conquering heroes" departed. Next morning the Elders left the county, being followed to the river by the Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments: love is not love Which alters when its alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh, no! it is an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests, and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown; although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks, Within his bending sickle's compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. Lord, are not ravens fed by Thee? bread, fed. What a Montana Man Thinks of Utah. Dear Brother and Friends :-Thinking you would like to hear from one who left home and friends in Virginia to join the "Mormons" in Utah, I will attempt to describe my feelings. After traveling seven days we reached Provo City, Utah, where we were welcomed by members of the Latter Day Saints, whom we had to rest before boarding the train for Milnever met before. They gave us a place ford, Beaver county. When we reached Milford we were again met by friends and brought to Beaver City, where we are intending to stay. We are well pleased J. J. Hogan, of Missoula, Mont., who with the people as well as the country: 1.cently visited Utah, had this to say We are satisfied with the Gospel and know that it is the true Church of God upon his return: "Utah is already a great state. Its development has been and that we are truly blessed in coming phenomenal. It is one of the great comto Zion. We also know that if every one monwealths of the west and its resources would live up to the requirements of the Gospel that they would have a testimony my visit in Utah with much anticipation are wonderful. I had looked forward to to bear unto the world that the Gospel is and I was not disappointed. The state true, and that Joseph Smith was ais full of interesting associations and prophet sent of God and endowed with His spirit. places. My visit to the great Mormon temple was one that I would not have This immense missed for a great deal. building is without interior roof supports of any kind and a whisper in one corner of the vast room can be heard distinctly in every other portion. The acoustic properties of that building are marvelous. I was favorably disappointed in the Mormon people, anyway. They appear to be a sober, industrious, earnest people, who attend to their own affairs. In their communities I did not see half the evidences of vice and immorality that I have seen in other western cities. Their cities are well governed and they themselves are quiet, law-abiding people. for their being the terrible people that they had been represented to be, I could not see it. On the whole, I was much pleased with what I saw in Utah." Trusting all the people of the south will investigate the doctrines laid down by the Elders of the Latter Day Saints and find out their truthfulness for themselves, I remain Your brother in the Gospel, River Dale, Utah. Editor of The Southern Star. In reading your paper I learn so many things from my home, that I thought should like to write my feelings and views upon some subjects so much agitated at the present. Let me here introduce myself. I am a southerner, who came to Utah and am now living among the "Mormons." My sympathy and belief is with this Church, otherwise I would not have been here. When we arrived here and ever since the people have treated us kindly and proved themselves Christians indeed. Much is said concerning Congressmanelect Roberts. My observation is this: much honored and respected, and those He is a good, honest, conscientious man, who know him best love him best. Releases and Appointments. Releases. As W. W. Pitkin, East Kentucky. J. C. Smith, Virginia. J. E. Godfrey, East Kentucky. Appointments. East Tennessee-F. H. Isom and John L. Smith. Florida-N. A. Decker and Aaron Sor enson. As far as I can see or learn by observaruff is being honored, and no more polygtion, the manifesto of President Wood that 2 per cent. who did once practice amous marriages solemnized, but because Louisiana-F, H. Critchfield and Jothat principle that they thought to be seph T. Wright. of righteous origin, will not cast these Georgia-David P. Terry, J. A. Sorwomen upon the world, they cry polygenson, M. H. Bullock, J. M. Green and R. D. Green. amy is revived. Chattanooga-Thomas Ashton. I am proud of the testimony I have of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and truly I believe it is the law that shall either give life unto salvation, or death unto damnation. Very truly. Kirby S. and Eunice C. Sims. The devil doesn't have to wait for his North Carolina-S. S. Hammond and George R. Bringhurst. Kentucky-H. O. Stevens and Thomas B. Barton. North Alabama-W. L. Dayton, A. H. Woodbury and A. C. Strong. Mississippi-R. O. Larson and William Isom. North Kentucky-Joseph H. Dye, cup of coffee before he gets to work in George A. Jones, Thomas Alvy and W. the morning. It is probable because Truth is naked that she so seldom appears in public life. Philadelphia Record. J. Ure. Middle Tennessee-Francis A. Elmer and Ira H. Hogan, Jr. Virginia-F. M. Pratt and George L. Whittle. THE PLAN OF SALVATION. Discourse Delivered at Salt Lake City, Utah, January 16, 1853. BY PRESIDENT BRIGHAM YOUNG. by the circumstances and influences by which it is surrounded, is as eager to obtain that which he supposes is salvation as I am to obtain salvation in the Eternal world. The plan of salvation, or, in other words, the redemption of fallen beings, is a subject that should occupy the atten tion of all intelligence that pertains to fallen beings. I do not like the term fallen beings, but I will say, subjected The object of a true salvation, correctintelligence, which term suits me betterly and minutely understood, changes the subjected to law, order, rule and governcourse of mankind. Persons who are inent. All intelligences are deeply ea taught by their teachers, friends, and gaged in this grand object; not, however, acquaintances, are traditionated, from having a correct understanding of the their youth up, into the belief that there true principle thereof, they wander to is no God, or intelligent beings, other and fro, some to the right, and some to than those that they see with the natural the left. There is not a person in this eye, or naturally comprehend; that there world, who is endowed with a common is no hereafter; that at death all life Such share of intellect, but is laboring with and intelligence are annihilated. Men vary all his power for salvation. persons are as firm in their belief, and in their efforts to obtain that object, still as strenuous in argument, in support of their individual conclusions are, that they those doctrines, as others are in the bewill ultimately secure it. The merchant, lief of the existence of an Eternal God. for instance, seeks with unwearied dili- The early customs and teachings of pargence, by night and by day, facing mis- ents and friends, to a greater or less defortunes with a determined and persever- gree, influence the minds of children, but ing resistance, enduring losses by sea and when they are disposed to inquire at the by land, with an unshaken patience, to hands of Him who has eternal intelliamass a sufficient amount of wealth to gence to impart to them, when their unenable him to settle calmly down in the derstandings are enlarged, when their midst of plenty in some opulent city, minds are enlightened by the Spirit of walk in the higher classes of society, and truth, so that they can see things that perchance receive a worldly title, or are unseen by the natural eye, they may worldly honor, and enjoy a freedom from then be corrected in their doctrine and all anxiety of business, and constraint by belief, and in their manner of life, but poverty, throughout the remainder of his not until then. life. He then supposes he has obtained salvation. one of Descend from the busy, wealth-seeking middle classes to the humbler grade of society, and follow them in their various occupations and pursuits, and each them is seeking earnestly that which he imagines to be salvation. The poor, ragged, trembling mendicant, who is forced by hunger and cold to drag his feeble body from under some temporary shelter, to seek a bit of bread, or a coin from his more fortunate fellow-mortal, if he can only obtain a few crusts of bread to satisfy the hunger-worm that gnaws his vitals, and a few coppers to pay his lodgings, he has attained to the summit of his expectations, to what he sought for salvation, and he is comparatively happy, but his happiness vanishes with the shades of night, and his misery comes with the morning light. From the matchmaker up to the tradesman, all have an end in view, which they suppose will bring to them salvation. King, courtier, commanders, officers, and common soldiers, the commodore and sailor before the mast, the fair-skinned Christian, and the dark-skinned savage, all, in their respective grades and spheres of action, have a certain point in view, which, if they can obtain, they suppose will put them in possession of salvation. The Latter Day Saint, who is far from the bosom of the Church, whose home is in distant climes, sighs, and earnestly prays each day of his life for the Lord to open his way that he may mingle with his brethren in Zion, for he supposes that his happiness would then be complete, but in this his expectations will be in a measure vain, for happiness that is real and lasting in its nature cannot be enjoyed by mortals, for it is altogether out of keeping with this transitory state. If a man's capacity be limited to the things of this world, if he reach no further than he can see with his eyes, feel with his hands, and understand with the ability of the natural man, still he is as earnestly engaged in securing his salvation, as others are, who possess a superior intellect, and are also pursuing the path of salvation, in their estimation, though it result in nothing more than a good name, or the honors of this world. Each, according to his capacity-to the natural organization of the human system, which is liable to be operated upon How difficult it is to teach the natural man, who comprehends nothing more than that which he sees with the natural eye! How hard it is for him to believe! How difficult would be the task to make the philosopher, who, for many years, has argued himself into the belief that his spirit is no more after his body sleeps in the grave, believe that his intelligence came from eternity, and is as eternal, a its nature, as the elements, or as the Gods. Such doctrine by him would be considered vanity and foolishness, it would be entirely beyond his comprehension. It is difficult, indeed, to remove an opinion or belief into which he has argued himself from the mind of the natural man. Talk to him about angels, heavens, God, immortality, and eternal lives, and it is like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal to his ears; it has no music to him; there is nothing in it that charms his senses, soothes his feelings, attracts his attention, or engages his affections, in the least; to him it is all vanity. To say that the human family are not seeking salvation, is contrary to my experience, and to the experience of every other pereson with whom I have any acquaintance. They are all for salvation, some in one way, and some in another; but all is darkness and confusion. If the Lord does not speak from heaven, and touch the eyes of their understanding by His Spirit, who can instruct or guide them to good? Who can give them words of eternal life? It is not in the power of man to do it; but when the Lord gives His Spirit to a person, or to a people, they can then hear. believe, and be instructed. An Elder of Israel may preach the principles of the Gospel, from first to last, as they were taught to him, to a congregation ignorant of them; but if he does not do it under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, he cannot enlighten that congregation on those principles, it is impossible. Job said that "There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth Unless we enjoy them understanding." that understanding in this probation, we cannot grow or increase, we cannot be made acquainted with the principles of truth and righteousness so as to become exalted. Admit that the Spirit of the Lord should give us understanding, what would it prove to us? It would prove to me, at least, and what I may safely say to this congregation, that Zion is here. Whenever we are disposed to give our to selves perfectly to righteousness, yield all the powers and faculties of, the soul (which is the spirit and the body, and it is there where righteousness dwells); when we are swallowed up in the will of Him who has called us; when we enjoy the peace and the smiles of our Father in Heaven, the things of His Spirit, and all the blessings we are capacitated to receive and improve upon. then are we in Zion, that is Zion. What will produce the opposite? Hearkening and giving way to evil, nothing else will. If a community of people are perfectly devoted to the cause of righteousness, truth, light, virtue, and every principle and attribute of the holy Gospel, we may say of that people, as the ancient Apostle said to his brethren, "Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates;" there is a throne for the Lord Almighty to sit and reign upon, there is a resting place for the Holy Ghost, there is a habitation of the Father and the Son. We are the temples of God, but when we are overcome of evil by yielding to temptation, we deprive ourselves of the privilege of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, taking up their abode and dwelling with us. We are the people, by our calling and profession, and ought to be by our daily works, of whom it should be truly said, "Ye are the temples of our God." Let me ask, what is there to pre vent any person in this congregation from being so blessed, and becoming a holy temple fit for the in-dwelling of the Holy Ghost? Has any being in heaven or on earth done aught to prevent you from becoming so blessed? No, but why the people are not so privileged I will leave you to judge. I would to God that every soul who professes to be a Latter Day Saint was of that character, a holy temple for the in-dwelling of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but it is not so. Is there any individual within the sound of my voice today, that has received the Holy Ghost through the principles of the Gospel, and at the same time has not received a love for them? I will answer that question. Wait and see who it is that falls out by the way: who it is in whom the seed of truth has been sown, but has not taken root; and then you will know the individuals who have received the truth, but have never received a love of it-they do not love it for itself. What a delightful aspect would this community present if all men and women, old and young, were dis posed to leave off their own sins and follies, and overlook those of their neighbors; if they would cease watching their neighbors for iniquity, and watch that they themselves might be free from it! if they were trying with all their powers to sanctify the Lord in their hearts, and would prove, by their action, that they had received the truth and the love of it! if all individuals would watch themselves, that they do not speak against the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, nor in short against any being in heaven or on earth. Strange as this may ap pear, there have been men in this Church that have done it, and probably will be again! If this people would be careful not to do anything to displease the spir its of those who have lived on the earth, and have been justified, and have gone to rest, and would so conduct themselves that no reasonable being upon the face of the earth could find fault with them, what kind of society would we have? Why, every man's mouth would be filled with blessings, every man's hand would be put forth to do good, and every woman and child in all their intercourse would be praising God, and blessing each other. Would not Zion be here? It would. What hinders you from doing this? What is the Lord or the people doing to cause this one and that one to commit sin with a high hand, in secret and in the open streets? If Elders of Israel use language which is not proper for the lips of a Saint, such Elders are under condemnation, and the wrath of God abides upon them, those |