of that town. In Salt Lake also a concourse of people had assembled at the Utah Central railway station. By the time Rudger and his sacred charge reached that point, however, night had cast its sombre mantle over the city of the Saints, and the body of the youthful martyr was taken directly to the office of Sexton Taylor. The obsequies were conducted in the Tabernacle on Sunday, August 3d, in the presence of about 10,000 people. The speakers on the occasion were President John Taylor and President George Q. Cannon. The body was interred in the Salt Lake City cemetery, the same day. (To be continued.) Branch Conference-Florida. By Elder Mark E. Kartchner. Sanderson, Baker County, Fla., Jan. neighboring friends met at 10 a. m. The following Elders being present: 8. Heb. 11: 1-16 read by James R. Tar- 9. Biography-Joseph Among the Elders. They Return Home. Last week Elders George E. Hill and Fred M. Michelson, both of Salt Lake 10. Song-Bees of Deseret-Primary City, hied themselves off for their dear class. 11. Bible and Book of Mormon Reading nati and Chicago, evidently desiring to see western home. They returned via Cincin5th chapter of Matthew and 12th chapter how the thermometer looks when dancing of II Nephi, showing the familiar spirit existing between the two books-Interme- below zero after two summers in the Sunny South. Elder Hill spent the diate class. 12. Quartette-Heaven Is My Home-greater portion of his time in the North Misses Aladine and Kittie Canova and Alabama conference where he labored Elders Mark E. Kartchner and R. M. until last June, when he was called to the office to attend to the stenographic E. A. Gee, work, being an expert in shorthand and Superintendent closing remarks thanked those who had typewriting. His labors here have given assisted in the exercises, and extended the utmost satisfaction and his ever-pleasant smile will have to devolve on an invitation for all to enroll their names. At the close of the Sunday school ex Elder Woolley along with the other multitudinous duties lately borne by him. ercises President Parker conducted 'a Elder Michelson has been in charge of priesthood meeting with the Elders and instructed them concerning their duties. the books for the past three months, sucSuperintendent E. A. Gee was honora- ceeding Elder McDonald last September. Robinson. in his 29. The members of the branch and bly released from his labors in the Sun-While laboring in the field he slipped and day schools of Florida, as President Par-in falling severely twisted his right knee, ker deemed it wisdom, and called him thus disabling him from walking, but he pluckily held on until he found himself Mark E. Kartchner was sustained in his to another responsible position. Elder absolutely unfit for walking, and in November responded to a call to come to the office and "rest up." His ambitious isposition to work soon cropped out, how President, Charles G. Parker, his counselors, R. M. Robinson and George W. Skidmore; Superintendent of Sabbath Schools Elias A. Gee, and Elders Mark E. Kartchner, Preston A. Bushman, W. J. Shakespear and E. L. Pomeroy. After the regular, opening exercises President Parker stated the purpose of the conference and desired that all unite in striving to gain knowledge pertaining to eternal life. Elder William J. Shakespear gave a general review of the gospel plan, in connection with the question: "What shall we do to be saved?" stead. My Afternoon session, 2 P. M.-Oh, ever, and soon he was installed as bookkeeper which labor was attended with signal credit, but his knee persisted in remaining stiff and recently, on the advice of the doctor, he was released to return home, where the very best care and attention can be given him, and avoid having a stiff knee joint for life. Both brethren return home with the espect and love of those placed over them as well as their associates in the office, the fact that all should be in possession time their actual existence in church of and also have that best of all documents, Elder George W. Skidmore made plain p. m. Elder P. A. Bushman humbly testified to the truthfulness of the gospel. Elder R. M. Robinson proved the necessity of continued revelation. He traced a number of ancient prophecies to their fulfillment in the latter days. Superintendent E. A. Gee explained that the Elders obtained their positive knowledge of the gospel in successive steps, and that this can only be obtained by first complying with the simpler ordinances. Sunday Morning, 10 A. M.-Session of the conference was devoted to the interests of the Sunday school, presided over by Superintendent Elias A. Gee. Jesus Christ of today. Elder George W. Skidmore referred to the prophesy of Isa 2: 2-4, and Micah 4: 1-2, and bore strong testimony to its fulfillment, as is evidenced by the present location of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He demonstrated the similarity of conditions that existed in the days of Paul with those of today, and that the same truths are being taught by our living prophets, that were taught by those who are now dead. President Parker indorsed the sayings of the preceding speakers and testified that all who heard such testimonies would have them to meet in the day of judgment. He thanked all for their interest and aid in making the conference a success. Eesides the regular meetings of the conference, meetings were held every night, the time being occupied by President Parker and Elders M. E. Kartchner, W. J. Shakespear and E. A. Gee. The office is in receipt of a communi The following interesting programme was rendered, showing much credit to members of the school and local superin-cation from Elder James E. Brown, of 5. Song-The Canova. Mormon We find our stock of No. 7 Star is 6. Answers to Catechism in Concert- short. We are thankful for the Nos. 3 Church history by intermediate class. 7. Song-In Our Lovely Deseret Primary class. and 4 received. It has nicely balanced Elder Whitehead has been laboring in the Kentucky conference until called in, for this position. He has had an extensive experience in the work required for the position and Elders may look for their orders to receive prompt and careful attention. Elder William M. Irvin, of Freemont, Col., came in last Saturday from home service. He was assigned to labor in the prepared for a two or three year's mission Florida conference. Elder Irvin will undoubtedly do some effective work as he seems to be of a very mature mind on the labors devolving on him. To Conference Presidents. We have repeatedly urged haste in want making your reports. Do you bouts. LATTER DAY SAINTS SOUTHERN STAR Published Weekly by Southern States Mission, Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, Chattanooga, Tenn. 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. the house of the Lord shall be established in Entered at the Post Office at Chattanooga, Tenn., as second class matter. Correspondence from all parts of the missionary 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. field is solicited. Give name and address, or articles Address Box 103. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 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 sins, 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 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 thera things. JOSEPH SMITH. The great difficulty heretofore has been our Elders have spent years of valuable time as well as money in obtaining converts to the faith, many of whom have emigrated to the west and in a new and strange land been left, to a great extent, to shift for themselves. This has, in a measure, created discouragement and disappointment Instances have been known, recently, wherein people have left the southern states for the west and soon after, on account of disappointment in obtaining employment, returned home very much dissatisfied with not only the climate and the people, but even the gospel, and become apostates. Elders, no doubt, find many whose ardor to gather with the Saints is most commendable and whose faith may be unquestioned, but all phases of the subElders and contributors will please furn-ject should be carefully weighed. Are they ish but one name to communications for financially able, will their ability stand publication. The Star usually places the the test of competition, are they physiname of the writer under the head and cannot, consistently, print that it was written by more than one person. Some of the Elders laboring in the field (not of this mission, however,) have perience, thus better grounding them in the faith and immuring them against temptation and trials which are the lot of those who emigrate without these safe guards; and, second, by remaining here they can be of incalculable assistance to the Elders who are laboring in the work. Moreover, the exan.ple usually set by true converts does more to allay prejudice and prove to the world the godly attributes of our teachings than the best sermons that can be preached. It is true there may be many unpleasant things to contend with by remaining here amid the jeers and jibes of the unbelieving world. It is, no doubt, hard to live down the prejudices that prevail, but when it is done the greater will be the contrast, especially when that meek and lowly spirit is shown that characterizes the teachings of our Elders. It must be remembered the climate is very different in the mountainous districts of Zion; the people are different, customs vary and, in fact, all the conditions are different to those which surround them in their southern homes. Again, it is somewhat difficult to obtain employment; all of which tend to create dissatisfaction and some times loss of faith. Therefore, we do not advise our Elders to urge general emigration-rather urge the saints to remain and assist in the organization of local branches, and as they gain experience and prove the extent of their faith by earnest improvement in their lives; such as will prove to the world that our teachings are to the improvement and higher attainment of life; also to prove their ability to withstand the wiles of Satan and the trials and tribulations that are the lot and portion of followers of Christ. Then as they gain this experience and they prove they are strong in the faith and are familiar with the character of the work, and what they will have to meet when they shall go to Zion, then they will be better prepared for the trials they will meet in a new country. The Lord will give those who embrace the gospel honestly and sincerely ample time to escape the judgments that are to be poured out upon the wicked, and His protecting arm can be counted on cally able to withstand the change, do just as surely here as in Zion; especially they realize that Zion is not in that per- when saints are counseled to remain and fect condition that some are prone to assist in the conversion of the honest believe exists? When all these questions in heart of their neighborhood. We do can be answered in the affirmative, then not desire our Elders to permit the idea the spirit of gathering will prove a bless-to prevail that the gathering of saints ing to them. has been suspended. It is a doctrine of been issuing recommends to the Temple. In case any of our Elders should considér The Elders are advised to not urge the the Gospel, and just as binding as it this is within their province to do so people to break up their homes and emi-ever was, but its unwise application has we inform them it is not. This is a grate to Zion until they have at least created some evils that should be carematter that can only come up before one had some experience in the gospel, labor-fully considered, and great care exercised who knows the life and faith of the re-ing in a local capacity in the branches in advising or urging saints to emigrate. cipient, and has the authority such as a Bishop holds to give recommends in a regularly organized ward. where they joined the church. By ob- He who serves well need have no fear to ask his wages. ANENT THE EDITOR. N case any of our correspondents who have sent in poetry or prose do not see their articles appear they should not take offense. It may be due to several causes; a very good one being lack of space, another possibly lack of merit. In either case we feel the excuse is a good one and shall proceed to show why: of the people are not so sensitive to little incongruities or ambiguities of the English language as are those who have attained the high position held by this gentleman and also the other one who suggested that we exercise greater care in our choice of poetry. Now we earnestly desire all those who have poetical talent to try and measure One of our contributors has recently their ability by authors of some renown. After preparing a piece for publication Please soften up the hard spots and smooth great care should be taken to scan every the rough ones down, sent in the following: And put the punctuations in where'er they should be found; And as for spelling, of course, it's wrong, you'll see; Right them please, for I don't boast of my orthography. We published the piece that accompanied his suggestion after complying line, every sentiment and almost every word, for words may be likened to the brick in a structure one defective brick sometimes condemning an entire building. Compare your poem with one of recognized renown. Our hymn books and literature are replete with merit of the highwith his request and will take this little est order, and such will always be a gauge that will satisfy the masses, if not the jingle for our text this week. It is thought by a great many that the life of most critical of our readers. We sincerean editor is one of never ending bliss-ly trust nothing has been said in this article that will be considered harsh in any wise, but only for the best interests of nothing much to do but read exchanges and turn over to the printer the brain efforts of others, i. e., let our correspondents fill the columns. If some of our contributors only knew how much labor there often is to "soften down" some of the "hard spots" that come in they would either go out of the business or assist ye editor in locating not only the "punctuations" but also many of the ideas sought to be conveyed. Correspondents can make a paper the best of its kind, or can almost damn it. Thus far we have had naught but commendation for our Star, from newspapers and correspondents, with but two exceptions; these have been criticisms on our selection of poetry. In both instances our critics have been gentlemen well up in the literary world, men whose opinions cannot be disregarded. The following is an excerpt from one friend whose appreciation is expressed in this wise: * * "I was pleased with the matter contained in the copy you sent me, with the exception of article entitled You will permit me to offer criticisms upon the said article, for I do so with the best feelings for the success of the Star. This article will not add to the high standard which you wish to establish for the Southern Star, from a literary standpoint. The thought it contains, if produced in good prose, would be all right, but as a poetic effusion it will lessen regard for the paper and bring upon you harsh criticism and, as I think, justly so, too. Sacred themes demand the highest standard of literary # * merit when aimed to be handled with poetic measure or dressed in the beautiful garb of poesy. Otherwise let good old common sense prose perform its mission of bearing testimony to the world of a Gospel restored." We appreciate the fact that the masses the Star and they also. President Rich is very desirous that all our Elders should contribute articles for publication; furthermore, believes all are not born poets. He feels that the Eldera should not try to do anything that is absolutely out of their sphere, particularly if the Star is to be made to suffer thereby. Neither does he wish to smother any unborn talent that may be lying dormant. The Star is our own paper, and where merit exists among the Elders the Star should be the means to exhibit or bring it out. So we hope our brethren will not feel hurt if some of their effusions meet an untimely grave in the waste basket. HOW I FIRST HEARD THE GOSPEL. Monteveda, Fla., Jan. 15, 1899. I have found through the course of life a good plan to keep our present thoughts durable when reflecting over our past is to think of those hours we in memory regard as days of intrinsic value, of those places where visitations of the best were vision and realities to our domain, where beauty was without a mar and joy without a sorrow. "Yet this cannot always" says some one "be done since every rose must have its thorn and every light its sadow." True, but we can endeavor at all times to think and do our best, and as I have adopted this as the course of my reflections, I find tonight my thinking faculties are plying their busy wheels, as it were, in reviewing those scenes and events incidental to my hearing and accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as is being told by the humble "Mormon Elders" now traversing our land from city to forest; from islands of the sea to the European in his home; the Egyptian in his tent. to the Arabian in his hovel. Like the tireless pilgrims these ambassadors are they move on, the more opposed the standard they carry, the higher their banner is raised; the more shadowed by falsehood the light they bear, the brighter their scepter gleams; and Zion's task is being finished, her glorious work accomplished. righteous they chanced to take South Thus in their work of gathering out the Florida in their rounds. And it is of this chancing and things relative thereto I wish to write tonight. In the eastern part of this, Hillsborough uated. On the western side of this farm county, Florida, my father's farm is sitand within easy reach of his "casa" flows a lovely little creek, or more properly called by we natives, "branch," which, in my mind's eye, is outrivalled by no other spot in Florida, if not the world, for Some of the Elders in the field make a scenery and solititude, and besides that, practice of throwing away the invoices that which makes this lovely spot doubly that accompany their goods without keep-dear to me is, through childhood's golden ing a memorandum of the amount and soon their mind is in a whirl as to how their account stands at the office; then they sit down and write for an itemized statement. They should realize that we have in this office about 600 separate accounts, the greater part of which are with the Elders in the field and of whom it is expected they will each keep their own account. This can easily be done by the exercise of a little care and thus lessen the arduous labors of our already over-worked bookkeeper. The Truth's Reflex, published monthly by the Southwestern States Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has been received. The salutatory says it will represent the interests of the Latter-Day Saints in mission work, designed more especially for the Southwestern States Mission to aid the little band of faithful, zealous Elders in the promulgation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ inhabitants among the of the several hours this was my favorite haunt, my retreat from all places perplexing-my sure friend in time of trouble. Consequently during the hot blustery days of March, 1898, when I found my nervous system completely worn out, I repaired to this confidential friend of my bosom to seek redress for weary watching at the bedside of a very sick uncle, to find balm for my grieved and agitated. mind. After listening to its pleasant prattle, 'neath the shades of its tall protecting bowers the magnolia, maple, pine, sweet gum, hickory-each clad in her mantle of spring verdure and adorned by the clinging folds of that beautiful Southern article, "the gray Spanish moss," so profuse in Florida-after finding that "balm" I was always sure to find when in such good company I returned to the house. Never dreaming of the startling event that had occurred since I quitted that roof for shelter more quiet. Everything was in a commotion. Evidently "something had happened." I quickened my pace, and on reaching the threshold was greeted with this exclamation from my father: "O, Lee,' you've states and territories. missed half your life!" This intelligence The Star welcomes the Reflex among was startling, but so unlike the nature its exchange and wishes it every deserved | had expected I could afford to answer success. almost complacently: "Well, if that's half, may the other half go just like it!" Now by this response I would not have anyone think me minus of that chief make-up in all Mother Eve's daughter's curiosity. I have my share of that mixture, and sometimes I think more than a share. Yet this was so unexpected I had never dreamed of these monsters (?) invading our domain! But to confirm father's statement and mother's intensely agitated manner, there lay on the center-table the literature they had left for our perusal. I crossed the room, picked it up and read "Mormons" than I had ever known. True to his word father went, and I aloud: "Friendly Discussion, by Ben E. My mother and I did not seem to care about "right" or "wrong" churches just then, much to my father's discomfiture, and he impatiently finished by adding: "Well, you can all examine those pamphlets and pass your opinion if you want to, but as for me, I'm going to hear them preach, and if I find they are right I am going to"-but he never finished his sentence. Mother broke in indignantly: "You're going to do what? Going to join that church did you say? No you're not going to do anything of the kind, and if you'll take my advice you'll let John Bryan and those men alone! He takes in with everything that comes along-no stability about him-and you're entirely too liberal for a Baptist!" Turning to me she queried: "Lee, do you intend to go with your father to listen at this heresy?" I replied: "Mother, can you ask such a question? Have not the laws of this, our beloved union, been trying to put down this sect for years? and our Christian institutions termed them heathen? I am a Southerner; but by no means a rebel to truth and justice!" hands, etc., etc., etc." This in regard to entrance to the presented to my mind: "Are not these the persecuted?" "Are not these like that 'One' who had not 'where to lay his head?'" I was more determined than ever to hear them to the finish. I Never can I forget the sermon preached that night! 'Twas on repentance, and I seem even yet to hear Elder Robbins' voice as it sounded through that lowly woodland and penetrated the ears of his audience in these words: "In those days God winked at ignorance, but now He commands all men everywehere to repent!" I quickly found out who the "ignorant" were, and to my shame I saw my own poor little self in the van. saw, too, the "Hardshells" leaving the and I applied their house in a hurry, hasty departure to their incapacity of hearing "sound doctrine." I attended these meetings regularly, and then went over in Polk County to hear Elders Kartchner and Sedgwick warn the righteous to flee from the wrath to come. I was very much struck by their manner of conducting service. There was no bombastic explosion of calling sinners to the altar, nor the relating of pitiful little yarns about "a mother over yonder," or some sister who had just "crossed Jordan," or worse, like Porter, editor of "The Florida Baptist Witness," who, before taking up a collection, tells of a little girl who had nothing else to give the Lord when the basket was passed so she gave her crutch. This is convincing evidence of Christianity! These "Mormon boys" confined themselves to "doctrine," as Paul admonished them to do, and told us of a Lord who wasn't lame and didn't need a crutch. Though they traveled minus "purse and scrip," "Brother, pass around the hat." was omitted; instead, they commanded men to "repent, believe and be baptized for the remission of sin, and they should receive the gift of the Blessed were those who Holy Ghost!" obey this command. The next evening I went with father to church. Mother did not offer much remonstrance. On arriving at the Methodist Church, I found "the boys," those useful and indispensable articles, had contrived to gain an church; but Mr. Rhodes, the protecting angel of that domain, was expected on By this time it is clearly evident that the scene at any moment, and would drive I was a "dry-land Mormon" to the core. us away like ever so many "moneychangers." Before I entered the church So when Elders Blood and Henniger a friend rushed up saying: "Miss Pervis, made their appearance they were heartily allow me to present Elder Robbins." I welcomed. Yet Satan had decreed that raised my head and immediately extended all should not be fair sailing this time. my hand, for I beheld to my surprise a Consequently the Baptist brought out a gentleman of the most perfect culture, man armed to the teeth with "John and not a "bogie" as I had ignorantly Eaton's Works." On Saturday his text supposed. I felt glad of the course I had was "Mormonism." That night he made up my mind to take. couldn't find any other appropriate and he took the same one over. Fortunately his congregation was with the Elders and he didn't do much harm. (To be continued.) I then entered the church, and there full of little girls who had donned their Presently, Mr. Rhodes arrived on the scene and addressing me while pointing with a cane at Elder Kartchner, asked: "Is that a Mormon?" Receiving an affirmative reply, he ordered us all into the Truth and justice! With what shame Baptist Church to hear that "persuasion and joy do I remember that I had to be- discourse." However, he seemed to have come one of that "odious sect" to be able lost command, for the audience moved en to designate truth and justice from wrong masse to the school building, about fifty and error! Had to be touched by the yards off from either of the two churches Master Hand before I could see in the mentioned. As I saw those Elders folperfection of others my own infirmities! lowing along, seeming glad of any place The day wore on. I learned more about' in which to preach, these thoughts were Many of the Elders are writing in to remind the Star that their paper to their home address is not going-forgetting that they have only recently sent the name and address to their Conference President, who in turn must (or have) waited for all to report before making up his list. As soon as names come in for the Star it is mailed. This is not intended as a hint to not write and let it be known if the paper fails to arrive. Please do this, but give reasonable time for it to arrive. A Elder Lawrence Peterson, Superintendent of the South Alabama Conference Sunday Schools, has written a beautiful pen picture of the Sunday School located at Camden, Ala. One can almost imagine they were there, as each familiar part is delineated, all indicating a good live organization in that neighborhood. "Brother Smith" is noted as furnishing a house in lieu of an unfinished church in which to meet. A membership of constitutes that twenty-five or thirty branch. His picture indicates they have some good singers there, with some capable person to teach and lead the singing. The Sacrament is made a pleasing feature of the view and a good corps of teachers are shown to be there and strictly modern plans of imparting Biblical information. Elder Peterson states that this is only one of the fifteen or sixteen schools, all of which are doing incalculable good in the great cause of Christ. It is to be regretted that the whole text cannot be given, as space in the Star is getting so limited. THE SOUTHERN STAR.. to spice the pleasant experiences of mis- follows: Some few weeks ago we came in north- continue After dismissing the meeting the most During our short stay in Mitchellville Rockcastle, Ky., Jan. 29, 1899. Elder Lee Preston. Dear Brother:-I thought some of my experiences or rather what I have heard for myself might be interesting to the readers of the Star, so I submit the foland you can decide whether they are worthy of a place in our valuable paper or not: Sergeant F. L. Davis, of Arizona, of Co. C, Ter Reg., U. S. Vols., located at Camp Churchman, Georgia, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints, and writes interestingly of some of his experiences. He says: "Ilowing instances have been treated the best I could wish; still they seem to think that a Mormon' ought to be like them in many of the evils that prevail among the boys." He relates an instance that occurred last Oc tober wherein a party of ladies were visiting their camp when in Lexington, Ky. They were talking with the captain about some of the animals, etc., that are peculiar to Arizona and the West, such as centipedes, rattlesnakes, tarantulas and Mormons, the latter particularly. "Had he ever seen one?" "Of course I have," said he, but the ladies would scarcely believe him. So calling his orderly, sent for me. Soon after landing in Grant's Lick, was being held in a Methodist Church close by. While laying on his bed a personage, "Apostle Paul," appeared to him and told him not to join them, as there was something lacking. He asked what it was that was lacking and was told that they should put on the whole armor of righteousness. was It worried him and he come. awoke his wife and explained what he Death of Elder Sampson O. Hale. By Elder Lawrence Peterson. Provo, Monroe County, Ala. No doubt the sudden death of Elder Sampson O. Hale will be a surprise to the Elders of South Alabama Conference as well as many Elders now in the West who have had the privilege of forming an acquaintance with him. Elder Hale was born April 18, 1862, in a settlement which is now known as the Provo Branch of the Church of Jesus He was Christ of Latter-Day Saints. baptized Jan. 2, 1896, and the following June he was called to act as Superintendent of the Provo Sunday School, which satisfaction to all the Saints and those position he held until his death, with full in authority. At a Branch Conference, held at Provo, June 13, 1898, he was ordained an Elder. It was while engaged in this glorious work that the Lord saw fit to take him from this mortal existence on the 23rd day January, 1899, at 2 p. m., fifty miles from home. Although where Elder Hale was taken sick there were no members of the church, yet the people in the neigh could to alleviate his suffering during his sickness, lasting about a week. Arrangements were made as soon as possible to have the body taken home, and after a tedious journey, partly by rail and partly midnight last night. Of course it was a by team, the home was reached about great shock to his wife and children, as well as the Saints. As I came up and saluted, he convicted of any crimes that he heard borhood spared no pains in doing all they jocularly asked: "How is the weather up of. He said one night while steaming up there." I being six feet two inches tall the river he could see the cannons flashand he a very short man. I replied: "Ex-ing and hear the report of the guns, and cellent." After dismissing me he asked at the next landing he heard that the them what they thought of "that young fellow." "They replied: "Why, he is the finest looking soldier in the regiment." "Well," says the captain, "he is a Mormon," and it was very difficult for him to convince them that a Mormon was not some kind of å "varmint" peculiar to the West; and now Sergeant Davis is trying to fortify himself against the good-natured railery of his companions as to which class of "reptiles" he belongs. Elder James A. Kelly, of the Middle Tennessee Conference, has contributed an able article detailing the work of himself and companions in Sumner County since September, 1898. He says: "The clouds of opposition have been very black; the sting of unjust criticism by the divines of Christendom and the slimy kiss of ingratitude from the hypocrite has tended Mormons were being driven from the Since Dec. 27, 1898, Elder Geo. H. Funeral services were held at 12:39 today, Jan. 26, in the Provo Branch of the church. The meeting was presided over by Elder Lawrence Peterson. Appropriate Two of the local remarks were made by Elders Butler, Carver and Peterson. Claudius Johnson) spoke of Brother brethren (Brothers J. B. Hicks and they had been Hale's good work, closely associated with him in the Sunday School work. as Brother Hale was beloved by all who He leaves a wife, two small girls and knew him, and his great zeal in the Sunday School work will long be remembered. many Saints and friends to mourn his loss. |