A CHANGED
MAN

HAT which constitutes was a listener, Apostle Lyman made a a real change in life very significant suggestion, it was: is a question worthy Brethren, when you go home call on of deep consideration. Many a fond your bishop and tell him to buckle down mother, proud father, or doting wife, has the harness to a close fit, that you will felt that when our John comes home always be willing to do anything he refrom a mission with an honorable release quires of you from cleaning lamp chimin his possession that he is now freely neys in the meeting house to that of the absolved from further church or eclesi- duties of his right hand man. Then astical duties, in this idea the Elder you will be a live coal in the midst, inoften joins. Perchance before his call stead of like a burnt-out cinder." He his interest in religious matters has been dwelt at some length on the course of life of a very meagre order, but, by the aid of many of our Elders pursue when they the Lord and his own will power, he has return home, particularly those who fell made a mark in the mission as an ex- back into the same careless ruts that were ceptionally bright logician; has made so conspicuously manifest before they friends by the score wherever he labored; left home. peradventure he has officiated in more

Entered at the Post Office at. Chattanooga, Tenn., as baptisms and other ordinances than

second class matter.

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, JANUARY 21, 1899.

ARTICLES OF FAITH
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER-DAY SAINTS.

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.

3. 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 sine; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by ་ prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the 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.

11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. 18. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, "We believe all things, we hope all things," we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things-JOSEPH SMITH.

usually fall to the lot of the average
missionary; and yet, when he gets home
he permits his record to fade way into
misty echoes of his former missionary
efforts.
Now the question is, has he
changed? If he relegates the knowledge
gained in the mission field to some musty
cupboard has he really changed?

Where much is gained, much is ex-
pected. If the Lord shall give us talents,
we have no right to bury them, and when
we return to Zion the proud possessor of
double, the number of talents we started
out with the Lord expects labors in pro-
portion. Moreover, unless we do so, there
is no change in us. We are no better
than before we went out..

We urge our Elders to profit by the glorious experiences they gain in the mission field and give the saints at home, (especially those who may become embassadors of Christ to the world). a chance to know something of the vast field of unexplored information that is in store for them.

President Kimball often used a rather quaint, but to the point expression when talking on this subject. He would say: "When you return home don't run down at the heels." He was cognizant of this proneness on the part of many returned Elders to relapse into absolute idleness, or at least carelessness, and it grieved him very much to see it. Now brethren, particularly you who return home soon, cannot all join in and cause the observant apostles, bishops and other leaders of the

"these Elders from the Southern States
mission are the very best material we
have for securing men to fill responsible
positions; they are always ready to do
what we ask of them; they carry with
them a spirit of their calling." Let us all
strive to cause the people at home to
say with sincere earnestness what a
"change for the better;" let us prove not
only to our relatives and friends at home
but to the world that we are just what
we appear to be "honest seekers after
righteousness, and earnest teachers of the
great plan of salvation. Let our fruits
be such that no question can find lodge-
ment in our own minds nor those of our
friends, but that a change is made in our
Let not a
personality, if you please.
lingering thought or suggestion arise that
there is any hypocracy or veneer hiding
our true dispositions, but that we have
truly joined the band of zealous workers
in God's cause.

As we view the matter the time to look for a change is when the Elder re-church to say with earnest unanimity turns from his mission; gets involved in home interests, business complications, social environments, and still devotes a goodly portion of his time to religious duties? If he does not do so there he is little if any better than he was before. One does not look for the change in a child while attending school. Here is where the foundation is laid for the transition from ignorance to knowledge that we hope to have wrought in the child's life by study and instructions given by the teacher; with his education thoroughly mastered he is ready to give battle to the world. Here then is where The old Sunday school veteran, Elder the change really takes place the child George Goddard, has passed to the great is on the great crossway of life. Will he beyond; he died shortly after midnight of take the path that leads to a higher Jan. 12, 1899, and was buried on Sunday, fe or will he take the old unprogres15th. The services were held in the sive one that means retrogression. Here Tabernacle amid impressive auspicies. is where the real change in his life takes The immediate cause of his demise was place. So with an Elder; the mission lagrippe, but he, being over 83 years old, is one of the best schools that it is possino doubt this had somewhat to do with it.ble to attend and when our Elders reElder Goddard was born at Leicester, turn home from a successful mission, the England, December 7th, 1815, and was, cross roads of eternal life are before therefore, 83 years old at the time of them. Shall you take the old one you his death. He has been prominently identified with the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and his death will cause general mourning, especially in Sunday school circles where he was so prominently identified.

formerly t:od or the one that leads to the
presence of God Himself? At the time
Apostle F. M. Lyman and Mathias F.
Cowley were visiting the Elders of the
Southern States mission, and the con-
ference was held in which the writer

If we shall carry the same devoted effort after returning, that we secured before leaving all that is near and dear for the gospel's sake, we then may feel that we are doing our best and that the "change is for the better." We will be in the frame of mind that the Saviour sought to create when he says "And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother,

or wife, or children, or lands, for my
name's sake shall receive an hundred fold
and shall inherit everlasting life." The
gospel is worth nothing if not worth lay-
ing all we have on the altar of sacrifice,
from the time we first are honored by the
gift of the Holy Ghost and later with the
Priesthood until we shall be lain down
in an honored grave, and have the wel
come greeting from on high: "Well done,
thou good and faithful servant, enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord," and also as
Paul says:
"It is finished; I have kept

the faith."

The Deseret News has come out under the new regime much improved in typographical appearance and Editor Penrose's ability will insure its editorial harmony with the improved appearance.

The report from Kentucky conference last week gave them credit for only twenty-nine meetings, which should have read eighty-nine. President Woolley thinks the record much too low even when corrected, to say nothing of slicing them down to twenty-nine.

Elder Melvin J. Ballard, a recently returned missionary, is to debate with an alleged "Elder" of the Josephite persuasion, the subject in hand is: who has the true title to the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter Day Saints. The only question with us is why discuss so trivial a sub

ject.

Patriarch Evans Felicitates.

Springville, Utah County, Utah.
R. Lovell Mendenhall:

My Dear Brother:-I have pleasure in
writing you a line from home, but so far
as local news is concerned, you doubtless
are well informed. I am highly gratified
Utah boys are so self-sacrificing for truth
to know that so large a number of our
as to sever home associations for a period
of years for the society of strangers upon
whose hospitality, under the blessing of
the Lord, they are called to depend. Like
yourself, many of these young men leave
homes replete with life's comforts, to
wander as pilgrims on the earth and thus
to test the faith of this generation, and
how must they feel when the present be-
comes the past, when it is chronicled in
the history of eternal archives, whose in-
fallible records will set forth the fact
that, like the generation of eighteen cen-
turies ago, they, too, have rejected the
testimony of Jesus for antiquated sys-
tems which have not the power of end-
less life.

Life

versation with a great Eastern scholar he expressed surprise that a system like the one we represent, possessing such vital energy, should be so little understood. He commented upon the decline of religious sentiment which is so almost universally apparent, and said that his hope lay in the prospect that some rerenewed impetus to the Christian religion, ligious system of the future would give and said: "If that system was the socalled Mormon system, then, he could not do less than bid it welcome on its errand of hope and mercy to man."

I am glad that our fellow townsman, Brother David P. Felt, has been delegated to labor in the publication of a paper which is an expositor of the faith of the saints. He is eminently fitted by editorial the Lord aid him therein and may He labor and experience for the work. bless you in your labors of ministry and love is my earnest prayer. Your brother, Your Friend and Brother,

May

C. D. EVANS.

A Visit to Biltmore House.
By E. F. Hammond, Ja.
Hale, N. C., Dec. 29, 1898.

To the Editor of The Star:

One of the most interesting sights, I have ever seen since coming to the south was the estate of George W. Vanderbilt, which my companion and I visited the

The present generation is on trial. and death are placed before them. Barring the awful, the eternal consequences which must follow the rejection of the preaching of the Gospel, the temporal effects, alone, are of no small moment. It costs something to rej.ct a divine message in any generation. Babylon, Jerusalem and the cities of antiquity, in gen-2d inst. eral, to say nothing of the Antediluvians, From Elders and friends I had heard are examples of what it costs to reject enough of this place that I determined, divine authority. Take the Southern if possible, to visit it. Right here let me States alone, and in their midst, vested advise all who may go through the south, it is true, generally, in young men, is the with open eyes, to visit this place if posholy apostleship of the seventies, identi- sible and see what wealth and labor can We desire our Elders or friends to re- cally the same authority which was do. vested in the seventies whom Christ, perquest publishers of news or religious sonally, sent into Jerusalem and the other papers to send a copy of their papeis cities of Palestine. In their hands is the when they make any reference to the power to seal up unto life and death, yet people or doctrines espoused by our El- they carry glad tidings to every soul of ders, or if they decline, then secure a man there. Now the day star of hope has dawned upon copy or clipping and send it in; if the latthem. Tomorrow, speaking indefinitely, for we know not ter mark paper and date of issue plainly. the time of the Lord, their star may go With this issue in we begin the pub- out sorrow. It may be bathed in lication of the blood. So certainly as the past is strewn story of the marwith instances of divine vengeance as a tyrdom of Elder Joseph Standing as told penalty for rejection of the messages of by his companion, Elder Rudger Clawson. heaven to men, must the present generaThe author of the article, Elder John tion feel the hand of vengeance in this Nicholson, well known for his ability-as their day of visitation, but we sorrow at a writer of subjects in an interesting and the thought. truthful manner. We trust our readers will enjoy its perusal. It will form part of the history of the Southern States

mission.

In answer to a question from one of the Elders as to their home papers; they all are advised that a paper is sent each week to the addresses as they have been furnished this office. Those who sent in their addresses before no. 6 Star all back numbers were sent-thus completing the volume-but since No. 6, only the current number have been sent home. If there are any who desire back numbers please

advise by postal card.

Last week we failed to notice a typographical error in the Mission History, wherein it stated that Elders Barnett and Cowley came into the field "1898;" it should have read 1878.

The estate embraces 30,000 acres of hilly land, five miles south of Asheville, N. C. The palace, christened "Biltmore House" is built upon the highest hill in that vicinity and, like the Salt Lake temple, is the most conspicuous object for miles around.

A very high wire fence encloses the estate, intended to keep in, or out, anything from a deer to a rabbit. The palace and several acres are surrounded by a high wall of stone..

The main entrance to the estate is three

miles north from the palace at Biltmore City. Before a person can gain entrance the proper way he must get a letter of recommendation from some well-known citizen of the neighborhood and, in exchange, get a pass from the office near by.

This will entitle him to take in the sights outside of the wall. One's business must be strictly personal to gain an audience with Mr. Vanderbilt.

I admire this rich man's choice of country to spend, at least the winter months. It is certainly an admirable place for one who wishes to enjoy good health and mountain scenery. When the improvements are completed, as he intends, it will surely be a fairyland.

This generation will see the fulness of the gentiles, whose glory must fade as a flower in the sun if they "reject so great salvation." The sacrifices of the Elders are recorded in heaven, footsore and weary, how often they drag their slow length along. How often do they endure the scoffs and jeers of the world, its contumely, and, in some instances, physical persecution and even death, ostracised by men who are styled "the better class." How unpopular, with many, it is to be called a Mormon Elder. Thanks, howMr. Vanderbilt is a miser by no means; ever, to the wide-spread agency of the for he has spent in the neighborhood press a better understanding of what and of $15,000,000 already in his estate and who we are is beginning to prevail. The at present is giving employment to 400 thinking class begin to learn that much or 500 men on the place. The common that is said, even by self-styled reverends, workmen get $1 per day. Thus he aids concerning us is grossly false. Railroad many a poor man with a houseful of communication is a great corrector of mis- hopefuls. If he so desired he could get representation. Contact with a people this same labor from 25 to 75 cents. does more to correct unfounded prejudice One day Mr. Vanderbilt, dressed in than all we can say ourselves. In con-workingmen's clothes, procured a job

from one of his foremen and started to work, no doubt to see how things went on when he was supposed to be absent. At noon hour the conversation drifted on to Mr. Vanderbilt's wealth. A certain covetuous fellow expressed the idea that Mr. Vanderbilt, to do right in the sight of God, ought to divide his substance with the poor. They soon figured up how much each person in United States would receive if such were done, and to the great astonishment of the coveteous fellow, he received his portion and was told he could consider himself "fired."

I will not enter into detail in describing the palace and immediate surroundings for I was but a few moments inside the stone wall, having just passed through with a friend who worked on the estate, and besides it was hardly daylight.

seems anything with Vanderbilt's name
on it is at a premium. He cultivates
and raises all kinds of vegetables used on
the table, which he disposes of at a good
price to Asheville people. While he is
aiding many by giving them employ-
ment; some of the leading farmers say
they can't find as ready market for farm
products as they could before he came to
Buncomb county.

The weather was fairly good and a large crowd assembled at the grave to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased.

to

We were called to administer Brother Earnest several times during his illness, but it seemed only to quiet him for the time. He suffered but very little apparently during his sickness and passed away peacefully, and in good faith in the

Mr. Vanderbilt is 26 years old, newly married and is said to be worth $150,000,-gospel. 600. He is Episcopalian by profession During his illness, his younger brother, and built, supports, and attends a neat Garnett, was taken very sick with a felittle church at Biltmore City. His ver also; we were called to administer preacher's wish is to have, as far as to him and he was immediately healed. money could get it, one of the most elaborate places of worship. I could not help contrasting my moneyless way of working for the advancement of the gospel and

the way of this hired divine. Surely
itching ears will heap to themselves teach-
ers who will make merchandise of the
gospel.

I never shall forget this visit, for it
seems now I was dreaming. All dreams
and pictures of fairylands and gardens
of Eden vanish in comparison with that
I had seen with my natural eyes.

No building that I had ever seen before equaled this one as far as pomp and worldly glory is concerned; for the few moments I gazed at it I wondered if I were really awake. It is built on curious plan, the main feature is oddity. Its many shaped windows, large blunt pinnacles, from which a person can see eighteen miles west to another tract of 64,000 acres belonging to this same man, I hope Mr. Vanderbilt may see the goshigh steel doors and great archways, all pel in its true light for surely and honbespoke of its curious workmanship. Itorable obedient Elder in the Church of is about 250 feet long in the shape of an Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is "L" facing the east and south. In front, far more rich than he, with all his mileast, are a few acres artistically laid off iions, without the gospel. for sports of various kinds. A costly bowling green and tea house join the palace on the south, beyond this, and the wall, is situated the green house, which, by the way, is a glass house full of green plants and flowers of many kinds.

The frost had frozen on the glass and prevented us from seeing fairly what beauties were inside.

Our friend told us plants in there had come from Australia, costing no less than $400 each. Oranges are ripe on a few trees and the flowers were beyond my botanical knowledge.

His fine-bred horses live in a stable joining the palace on the north. Some may be a little surprised that he would have his stables so close, but if they would see the luxury and treatment those animals receive they would indeed be surprised. Some of these horses worth more than some of our congressmen; for they get the best treatment human ingenuity can contrive and cannot be bought for twice the amount some of our congressmen can.

are

There are thirty-five miles of well-kept roads traversing the estate, each having a special name. They are made of crushed rock and twenty-seven men are kept busy keeping them in good condition for this "gold bug" and wife and others to travel. On both sides of these roads and walks many kinds of flowers, plants, vines and trees grow and surely a walk or drive over them would sooth

and make happy the troubled mind.

The natural growth of timber, such as oak, chestnut, hickory, birch, ash, poplar, is fast being replaced by evergreens, mostly pine, so the entire estate will wear

a

summer garb the whole year round. What a pleasure to ramble through such a paradise can only be felt by those who have the chance.

Two hundred thoroughbred Jersey cows are kept and milked about two miles from the palace. Most of Asheville is supplied with dairy products from here, and it

Death of Brother Gilliland.
Correspondence of Elder W. H. Petty.

The family remain faithful and acknowledge the hand of the Lord in their bereavement.

Brother Earnest leaves a father and mother, six brothers and two sisters, and a sweet heart, to mourn his loss. May the choicest blessings of heaven rest upon the bereaved family, who will miss Brother Earnest, is the prayer of your Brethren in the cause of truth. Deseret News please copy.

Branch Conference-Virginia. Correspondence Elder John E. Griffin.

Hewlett. Va.. Jan. 9, 1899. Editor Southern Star:-A very interesting Branch conference has just been held at Batesville, Albemarle county, Va., and we believe a few items will be of interest to many of your readers.

Larkin, Ky., Jan. 10, 1899. Elders Edward D. Jones and Alonzo Editor Southern Star: Dear Brother:- Shirts were present, and notwithstanding We would be pleased to use a little space it was stormy and very cold, when the in your valuable paper to announce the appointed time came a goodly number of death of Brother Earnest Gilliland, Saints and friends had gathered at the which will no doubt be of great interest yet partially completed meeting house, to the Elders and Saints of the Ken-anxious to hear the instructions the sertucky conference.

vants of the Lord might have to impart.

Brother Earnest Gilliland, son of Two sessions were held each day and Brother and Sister J. M. Gilliland, of a peaceful, hallowed influence, only to be Larkin, Ky., died the 8th inst. at 6:15 met in a gathering of Saints. prevailed. a. m. after an illness of ten or twelve The Elders, filled with the Holy Ghost, days. The cause of death was said to be spoke in power and plainness. Never betyphoid fever. He was a promising fore had they heard the voice of God "Teach the Saints young man, twenty years of age, and well whisper so loudly, their duties." All present rejoiced. The respected by all his acquaintances. He was baptized Aug. 21st, 1898, by local brethren spoke well and, Sunday beElder Alvin Ipsen, during our last Au-ing fast day, many availed themselves gust conference, and has been a faithful of the opportunity of saying a word in Sunday school worker since. The Elders defense of the Savior and His latter day will well remember the pleasant time all prophet. had at the confirmation meeting, which was held at his late home, at night on the lawn and under the trees; after which we had songs and recitations and finally bid the Elders, who were to return home, a good bye.

At the last session the Branch was reorganized and the following officers sustained:

Elder Wm. S. Fitzgerald, president; Garret A. Wells, assistant; Samuel R. Kirby, clerk and teacher; John C. Wells and Walter C. Wells, deacons.

The general authorities, mission and conference officers were unanimously sustained and conference closed with an interesting address upon the life and work of the Prophet Joseph, by Elder Edward

D. Jones.

The Branch is now fully organized and hereafter Sunday school and meeting will be held each Sabbath. All are determined to complete their new meeting house at an early date, and, by the help of the Lord, all will be Saints indeedMay God bless them in their noble work.

Joseph Smith says:

"The rich cannot be saved without charity, giving to feed the poor when and how God requires."

ness at home was that of a stock and mining broker. He also held a prominent position on the reportorial corps of the Salt Lake Herald and is the President Pratt and Elder M. A. Beck-fortunate possesor of a wife and two stead from the South Alabama Confer- beautiful children, whom he left for the for gospel's sake on the 21st of April, 1898.

REPORT OF MISSION CONFERENCES FOR WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1898.

President Lorenzo Snow has written to Elder Platt D. Lyman, president of the European mission, requesting that the remains of Elder Albert Patterson. who died at Upsala, Sweden. in Decem ber last: Elder David M. Miner, who passed away in Scotland in October, an Elder Neils Wilhelmsen, the presiden: of the Scandinavian mission, who was buried in Copenhagen in August, 1881. be exhumed for their respective resting places in Europe, and brought home to Utah, where they will repose by the side of their departed loved ones.

The sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week at 2:30 p. in.. commencing on Jan. 17. All are cordially invited, ladies as well as gentlemen. Prof

Done will conduct the class.

in town the past day or two and has
made a veritable raid upon the Seventies,
in search of available missionaries. Mr.
McMurrin has many old time friends in
Logan and when he first made his ap-
pearance he was welcomed by them; but
since his errand has become known, he is
rather an object of dread and he has not
encountered so many acquaintances the
past few days. Among those whom
Dame Rumor reports as having been
called may be mentioned Joseph Newbold,

Anderson,

James W. Quayle, Emil
Charles Kallstrom, George Squires, and
C. T. Barrett. It is rumored that a score
of others have been called from Logan,
but their names could not be learned.
Four or five were called in Hyrum a few
evenings ago, and according to credible
information a great many more will be
called from all over the county as it is the
intention to double the number of mission-
aries now in the field, within the next
six months.

A FAMILIAR SCENE.

A "snap-shot" at Elders W. J. Strong and M. A. Beckstead, of the South Alabama Conference.

Missionary Experience.

By Elder James W. Duffin. Mathews City, Va., Dec. 27, 1898. Written for The Southern Star:-As we have just about completed Mathews county, and thought we would give you a short synopsis of our labors.

This is somewhat of an innovation. At our last conference, held in Caddo. and taken in connection with the official statement made at Logan by Elder Me- Pittsylvania county, Sept. 3rd and 4th, Murrin at a public meeting to the effect I, in connection with Elder John S. Althat the church intended to increase the len, of Mesa, Arizona, was assigned to misisonary force now in the field from labor in Mathews county. Situated on 1.500 to 3,000 shows that there is renewed activity in the missionary work. the borders of the beautiful Chesapeake bay, it is almost surrounded by water. Logan Journal. The country is very thickly settled and President Joseph McMurrin, of the genthe people somewhat proud. Mathews is eral presidency of the Seventies, has been, about twelve miles square, and contains

twenty-six churches of various denominations.

We entered our county Oct. 4th in fasting and prayer, and proceeded directly to the county seat. By persistent effort we secured the court house and held a num:ber of meetings, sold twenty V. of W. and two B. of M. During our series we proceeded to our canvass, holding family meetings whenever an opportunity af

forded.

We have had considerable opposition while here, many times being insulted and turned from the doors, but have We have many nothing to complain of. friends and some few honest investigators. The ministers are fighting us, and the truth.