SENTIMENTS IN A NUTSHELL.

By George A. Lyman, President of the East Kentucky Conference.

Vanceburg, Ky., Nov. 28, 1898. Editor Southern Star:

Dear Brother:-When this issue of the Southern Star shall have reached the public then will be partially fulfilled our expectations and fondest hopes.

We have long believed that to secure the greatest possible success in our work an organ or publication was needed through which our aims, our desires, motives and work could be made known to

the earnest inquirer after truth. Success in some things is attained because nothing is known regarding them. But all things calculated to advance man gain when they are thoroughly understood. Many methods must be used to spread the Gospel and to perfect those who have received the truth. As many men are of many minds, so many means must be employed to reach them. To eliminate error, and spread the truth must be done in many ways. The power of the pulpit is being felt throughout the world; the earnest words of the humble Elders are bringing conviction to the honest in heart. Yet there is another avenue through

which fully as many, if not more, can be reached.

The pen is one of the mightiest factors in the land, and it is an old and truthful adage that "the pen is mightier than the sword."

In much counsel there is much wisdom, and through the columns of our paper many valuable suggestions can be made, or given, that would otherwise be lost to the vast army of Elders, not only in this Mission, but in all the Missions throughout the world unto whom its words may

come.

We are heartily in favor with this movement and believe it will result in much good. That this paper, dedicated by the prayers of the Elders to the cause of Christ, may become a power in the land is the prayer of the East Kentucky Conference.

By Thos. R. Condie, President of the Mis sissippi Conference.

Jackson, Miss., Nov. 21, 1898.

To The Southern Star.

Among the many attracted by the announcement of the new (Southern) "Star" that is soon to appear in the east, intense eagerness awaits her arriving.

Center, Metcalfe Co., Ky.,

Nov. 25, 1898.

Every Elder of the Kentucky conference heartily endorses the recent expression of Elder Nels P. Nelson to the effect that no great movement or organization of consequence is up with the van of progress without a publication, in this the closing part of the 19th century. This being our position, we are in strict accord with the enterprise about to be inaugurated by the Southern States Mission, in the publication of an organ, which you have named the Southern Star, and pledge to it our full sympathy and support. There is a time-worn statement usually I might say always-used in connection with the commencement of a new paper, to the effect that it "fills a long-felt want," that is certainly applicable in this case, for the Southern Star will truly fill a want long felt in the South and prove a mighty factor in the spread of truth and righteousness.

heartiest

We read in the Holy Scriptures of another star that announced and ushered in a reign of peace on earth and good will toward men, and our hope and earnest prayer is that the Southern Star will mark a like era.

May this Star of the south never set and may the nations of the earth heed its warning voice, to the end that the earth may be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea, are the prayers of your brethren and fellow servants in Kentucky.

By J. A. Cornwell, President Louisiana Con

ference.

Victoria, La., Nov. 24, 1898. Scripture is generally taken for truth. How often we hear the expression "That is as true as gospel." Still few people really know the value of truth. Why do the Christian world put so much reliance in the words of men who spoke so long ago. Does age make a statement truer than when first uttered? No says one, but the value of the scriptures to us is in the fact that holy men of old spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But after all truth is truth, whether uttered now or in any other age of the world.

Should a man now be moved upon by the same power that moved the ancient men of God, he too could speak truth, just as valuable as any ever written. The Glory of God is intelli

gence.

This is another, from that memorable one, which heralded the Christian era and the birth of the Bridegroom with it to proclaim the dawn of the millenium and His marriage with the Bride (the church). It is not that self-luminous decorative star which periodically appears in the firmament of the untutored mind, but rather that of the profound astronomers -a befitting design of divinity silently, faithfully confessing its light to be, not its own, but derived from that exhaust"Seek ye out of the best bocks words of less source which for ages a benighted wisdom; seek learning even by study and world avers to have set forever. Nor also by faith," These are the mottoes in yet in fullness does she claim a part only, practice of every true Latter Day Saint, yet pure and unceasing commensurate and the educational precepts of the Prowith the needs of the recipients-oh, un-phet Joseph Smith. Indeed this is modern til that which is perfect has come, the great Light Himself, then that which is in part will be done away, as by that light we will know as things really are or we will see face to face the rich and marvelous things of the Kingdom.

scripture, and so true that we believe it. Hence, "The Southern Star," published in the interest of our great mission. We cannot afford to do less than welcome it among us. To slightly change the sentiment of Webster, "Let it be difficult

each

with the circulars from the Mission Presidency, as well as our interest in a common cause, manages to keep us without the domain of "strangers," yet time with its evolutions and changes comes nigh severing our acquaintance with other's welfare and with the advancement and progress made in the establishing of the kingdom. To obviate estrangement and obtain the good results of closer contact with each other by thought, we need a reflector of thought at ChatSuch an instrument is now tanooga. within our grasp! Let us clinch our hold upon it and make it failure-proof by practicing what so frequently preach, "faith and works" and not merely intel

lectual assent.

we

By S. B. Thatcher, President of the East
Tennessee Conference.
Hale, N. C., Nov. 26, 1898.

I realize fully that a paper, devoted to our work, has long been needed in the mission; and I look, with much satisfaction to the publishing of "The Star." For I know that it will be another spoke in the mission wheel, as it were, for the disseminating of gospel truth to the people among whom we are laboring. Through the Star each conference of our mission

will be drawn into closer touch with each other than they have been hertofore.

"In union there is strength," without union and co-operation, in our work, we will fail in the great object of our mission. I, therefore, look upon "The Star" as a means of more firmly binding us together, and in giving us strength and courage to press on and on in our labor of love.

It is my intention to give "The Star" my hearty support, both in the field and when I return to Zion. May the blessings of Heaven attend the new enterprise and all who will be connected with it; that it may, in every respect, fulfill its mission among our brethren and friends.

By C. O. Christensen, President of the Georgia Conference.

Atlanta. Ga., Nov. 26, 1898.

To The Southern Star. Dear Editor:-We hail with satisfaction the rising of a new orb above the horizon of this broad southern land. May its glimmering beams penetrate the honest homes of many a searching soul..

God's people are a people of progress and development. The wide-awake Elder will rally to the Southern Star, and with eagerness look forward to its prog ress. Are there other than that class of Elders among us?

To our Georgia co-workers we say: Stand in the front rank! You cannot be there without the Star. Remember, dear brethren, that if your Mission is worth

anything, it is worth filling well. We hope that our Conference will contain no narrow minds, but that each will give their hearty support.

May God bless you. Here are three welcome cheers from Georgia for the new Star!

us to come." A little coaxing arm was stealing round the mother's neck. “Oh, dear," said the busy mother, "see how you've made me break my thread! No, you stay right here in your own yard. How many times must I tell you before you will mind? I should think you might

lina Conference.

Princeton, N. C., Nov. 25, 1898. I am highly pleased that our Mission has undertaken the publication of a newspaper, and shall support it with my own subscription and get as many more to do so as I can, at home and abroad. I have solicited the Elders, Saints and friends of the North Carolina Conference to have their names enrolled on the list of subscribers. Realizing the great good to be derived from a paper of this nature, I invoke Heaven's blessings upon all who take a hand in making it a success, and pray that the object of its publication may be attained.

By George A. Day, President of the South Carolina Conference.

Bennettsville, N. C., Nov. 24, 1898. We have long felt the need of a paper to defend our rights, our cause and the laudable principles we represent. We have been dormant and kept silent in meeting the derisions from the press; but thank fortune, the inestimable treasure is now about to spring forth and propagate "God's Word," and stand as a bulwark against heresies and false accusations. Bid the "Southern Star" welcome to our conference. Long may she live and spread to the benighted portions of the earth and shed her rays and luster into the farthest parts of Christendom. lieve me, I am your brother.

Be

"All the rest of the girls will have on white dresses, and here it is almost 5 o'clock, and you know your father always wants to find supper ready, and I have one more ruffle to put on the skirt yet." Little Susie went slowly out, away from the flood of petulant words, and presently her mother heard her voice again under the window.

"Never mind, Teddie; we'll go some time when 'moverdy' isn't nervous. I'll tell you a new play. Let's play I was dead. I lie here, and you cover me up with leaves, like 'the babes in the wood,' you know."

"Let's play I was dead!" The words sent a strange chill through the heart of the hurrying mother.

Her thoughts had been running on along the same line of complaining that she had expressed to the child.

"If John had only let me get that embroidery for the skirt of Susie's dress, I wouldn't need to hem all these ruffles, but there is never any money to spare I'm sure 1 go when I want anything. without for myself willingly in order to have the children look nice; and if there is another woman that works and saves more than I do, why, I wish John had her-that s all!"

Hewlett, Va., Nev. 25, 1898.

neighbor's little daughter was buried only last week. What if her treasure. her patient, sunny little Susie, should die! Conscience began to struggle as Mrs. Bond sewed yet faster.

Suppose Susie were, indeed, to die No one could What would baby do? amuse him like sweet and patient Susie. And she was the sunlight of her father's life. What would home be to him with out her?

By John Z. Brown, President of the Florida Conference.

Success to the "Southern Star!" It promises to become an important factor in disseminating the Gospel truths. Every person should subscribe. The paper will be cordially welcomed by the Florida Conference. (See Page 8)

"Play I Was Dead."

Mrs. Bond sat beside her bed room window, running her sewing machine with nervous haste. Two little children were playing in the yard.

She could hear their voices as she sewed. "Now, Teddie, you old sweetness, sit right still while I run in and ask mother if we can go over to Gracie's." Then the little girl came dancing into the room, and said, "Oh, mamma! can I take baby over to Gracie's? She's got a new swing, and she's been calling over for

"I will go and stir up some of those griddle cakes John is so fond of for supper," she soliloquized; then he'll know I'm sorry I was cross about the dress."

Strange how hard husbands and wives find it to say little easy sentences, such as "I was wrong," "I am sorry," "I love you," "Forgive me.'

play you are a wounded soldier, and sit in the high chair by the window, and watch for papa, while I get his supper." ready when Mr. Bond came slowly up the In spite of hurry, the supper was not walk. His brow was clouded, and his wife noted that his shoulders were stooping and his walk was listless. Plainly John was overworked, and he advanced as if uncertain of the state of the home atmosphere.

"Poor John," she thought. "Play he was dead!" She must make home a more restful place for him. What would that home be, should he never come into it any more? So she smiled bravely at him, and waved the pancake turner gaily, in token that a dish he liked was in preparation.

His brow cleared instantly, and turning to take and toss little Teddie, he was soon deep in the discussion of how the knife shut up on the two chubby, hurt there lay beside papa's plate a spray of fingers. A whispered word to Susie, and pink bleeding-heart that had been transplanted from his own mother's dooryard.

"Is it a birthday, or what?" he asked, lifting the flowers, as he took another golden brown griddle cake.

"I thought you would be too hurried and worried over that dress to get any

supper.

Mrs. Bond blushed a little. Was kindness, then, so strange in the home over which she presided that a little gift of love, that cost nothing, should occasion surprise?

After the supper work was all done, the sponge set for light rolls for breakfast, and the children, rosy from the bath, in bed, she hoped to finish Susie's dress; for the next day was Sunday.

But Teddie was restless, kept wanting a drink, and would let no one tend him but his "mover." With an impatient gesture she left her work, and bent over the crib. "Go to sleep this minute, you naughty baby!" she said. But the red lip was "put up" pitifully, and the little pleading hand that touched her cheek

was too hot.

"Play he was dead," said the voice in her heart. "Would you value a dress above your loving baby, who needs your care, and can never be a baby but once?"

She took the baby into her arms, and gently sang, while she softly laved the hot hands and face with warm water. By and by the white lids drooped over the blue eyes. and baby slept. But it was long before the mother sought her pillow.

Sitting there in the silence, slowly rocking her child, her thoughts took unaccustomed courses. What was she doing with her life, and the lives of those dearest to her? Had she set up a false standard of values? "Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment?"

Was the demon of hurry spoiling her home? Was she so overworked that she was habitually fretful? Suppose she should die! Would her children remember only a fretful voice, and a face clouded with worry?

failed them, but was the constant source of love, sympathy, forgiveness and comfort, no matter what they had done-ah! that was what she would strive for. John should see. She would be different.

And that is why Susie wore on Easter Sunday her old blue dress, while the other girls had new white dresses.

And Susie never knew how her new play, invented for Teddie that afternoon, brought sunshine into that home, that her mother no longer was a slave to worry, and her father took fresh courage, and the little ones grew ike roses in a tranquil atmosphere. Verily, "a little child shall lead them."-Sunday School Times.