REPORT OF MISSION CONFERENCES FOR WEEK ENDING JULY 8, 1899. MRS. ELIZABETH WILSON. Written For The Star. 132 1090 1018 shall suffer persecution." I was bap tised and confirmed a member of the BY ELDER JAMES W. VANCE. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Written for The Southern Star. Saints, and today rejoice that I am will"We must come through much Tribu- ing to suffer, if necessary, for the Gospel's sake. lation." For years I was a church member and loved to attend my meetings. I was seeking truth, but it seemed as though there was no consolation in the words of the speakers for me. I had almost given up in despair, with no hope of being satisfied when two Mormon Elders came in our neighborhood. I had never seen one, neither had I read any of their literature, but from what I had heard of Utah, and the Mormons I did not think there could be much truth in their teachings. The Elders came to our home and gained consent from my husband to preach in the school house. I looked over the tract they left, and as I saw nothing wrong, I went to hear them preach, and do as Paul said "Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good." "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." I can truthfully say I heard the Gospel preached that night in its purity, as taught by the Savior and His apostles. I never heard such a sermon fall from man's lips, as I heard that night, and Oh, how sweet it did sound. After meeting, I was very anxious to hear more about the true plan of salvation, so invited the Elders home. They had another invitation, but promised to come in a few days. On their return they explained the Gospel to us, my eyes were opened so I could see that I had always been taught a form of godliness and denied the power thereof. I am glad its sounds reached my ears, In conclusion, I wish to repeat the first Bestowed by Thy bounteous hand; We live in a world that is ruined by sin, BY ELDER JOSEPH A. WEST. Elders A. M. Hess and W. II. Boyle, The brethren preached two or three I knew I had found the true church, and was willing to accept its precepts and be numbered with the people of God, but was held back from obeying the promptings of the spirit by persecution. My friends were willing for me to join any church other the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One lady who was so dear to me, pleaded with me to join the Primitive Baptists and promised to join herself, but ridiculed the idea of me joning the Mormon church. It was sad, and so strange; she was willing to go with me along the broad road that leads to destruction but would not enter onto the straight and narrow way through persecution to the throne of God. At last the day came for me to be Elder Orley S. Stapley, of the Misbaptised, I could be held back no long-sissippi Conference, in a letter to The er from my duty by persecution. Just Star, rehearses some of his experiences. a few hours before we were to meet at His labors have been successful and of the water for baptism, my brother came them he says: "We have made many and tried to stop me by saying I was friends while here and allayed much bringing reproach and disgrace on the prejudice; although we have not filled whole family, and other hard words. our arms with sheaves, we feel that at "The Lord will help me bear the perse- some future day there will be some seed cution," I said, "for we have the promise we have sown that will bring forth that all who live godly in Christ Jesus | fruit." That the time ir drawing nigh, This is one of God's commands. When they preached in holy lands, By the laying on of hands; Sister Sarah E. England, of Howell, Arkansas, addresses a lengthy letter to The Star, giving her experience from the time she first became acquainted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is similar to many others who have accepted the glad message; persecution followed, but the still small voice bears record that God has established His work preparatory to the second advent of our Lord and Savior. In speaking of emigration to Utah this season, Mr. Burley said there was no particular big movement this year, but that people are coming in a steady stream. Two homeseekers' excursions are run each month. The majority of those who have come this year have gone to Clear Lake, Bear River and Mt. Nebo, and very few who come in search of homes fail to locate. VOL. 1. THE SIN OF OMISSION. (Contributor.) CHATTANOOGA, TENN., SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1899. It isn't the thing you do, dear, The letter you did not write, The stone you might have lifted The bit of heartsome counsel You were hurried too much to say; These little acts of kindness, These chances to be angels For life is all too short dear, And sorrow is all too great, To suffer our slow compassion That tarries until too late, And it's not the thing you do, dear, Which gives you the bitter heartache, OUR CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS. Elder J. Lewis Hobson. J. Lewis Hobson is the oldest son of Jesse D. and Mary J. Hobson. He was born Jan. 15, 1877, at Coalville, Summit county, Utah. About this time Arizona was being colonized, and it fell to the lot of Elder Hobson's family to be of a few that were called to go out of their own country into a new one, where all hardships attendant on pioneer life must be encountered. In 1879 the family, in obedience to their call, went to Arizona, finally locating where the beantiful city of Mesa now stands. In this place he has resided ever since, endeared to him by the ties of children and boyhood days. His chances for education were in accordance with the wild condition of that then unsettled country. However, public schools being open in the winter, gave the young man an opportunity to taste of the fountain of knowledge, and he readily avail himself of the proferred help. In 1892 he left his schooling to enter upon manual labor as a means of sup- In 1896 and 1897 he entered the service ber, 1897. Upon reaching Chattanooga ELDER J. LEWIS HOBSON. President of the Louisiana Conference. that month, he was assigned to labor in His labors were faithfully performed, He is a faithful, humble man, filled No. 36. to The year 1887 opened favorable the work. The brethren were opening new fields in many of the states which was resulting in new friends for the Gospel. President Emery, of the Mississippi Conference, was the target of religious libertines during the month. Upon one occasion they took him into some woods, after abusing him considerably, and there held a consultation whether it were best to do him bodily harm or to expel him from that county, that he might no more be able to exercise his rights there as an American citizen. Disagreement arose among the members of the mob, so it was decided to allow him to go unharmed, but still have the penalty of death over him if he did not leave the county to return no more. In the early part of February President Morgan returned from the west, where he had gone the previous November. He visited Nashville to see what was being done with the bill that prohibiting the preaching of polygamy, put before the legislature by State Senator Simmerly. The bill was practically the same as the one of 1884. It was referred to a sub-committee, with instructions to frame a new one, and there the matter rested. Active preparations were being made for the emigration of a large body of Saints, who were very desirous of going to the west. The people sold their farms and implements, making every effort to join the company. On the first day of March a few left Chattanooga, and as they journeyed westward they were joined by others, as well as by released Elders, until upon reaching Memphis, they numbered one hundred and seventyfive. The party was in charge of President Morgan. Through Hon. John T. Caine several The circumstances surrounding this personage are very interesting; his sudden appearance, his strange teaching and exemplary life attracted much attention and comment. Hyrum Belnap, a traveling Elder in the Southern states, wrote a piece about Mr. thousand copies of congressional speeches Edge which was published in the Juvenile Iustructor. In later years Elder W. W. Bean was sent to learn more of the noted preacher. Questions of inquiry will be answered by a republication of the revised article as published in the Contributor of June, 1895: were received by the Elders at the office. The subject of the speeches was "Mormonism." All this matter was freely distributed among the people of the south. This resulted in removing considerable prejudice and giving the Elders better opportunities to gain access to those who would listen to their message. At the close of this month a mission report was made, which showed ninetytwo Elders travelling in the field. There were twenty-eight organized branches and a membership of 1,084-a very credible showing for that time. Prospects were very bright for a great work to be done in the ensuing six months. In April several Elders were released to return home, and others arrived to be put to work in the different conferences. Elders Snow and William Rich, of the North Carolina Conference, were sent among the Cherokee Indians in Haywood, Swain and Jackson counties to endeavor to gain a foothold among that tribe. In reporting their labors the brethren said the Indians were very suspicious of them, and, seemingly, their work was of little avail; but they were determined to stay and do their duty. During May the work continued on, uneventful, save the arrival of Elders and the emigration of some Saints. Literature began to be recognized as an effective means of reaching the people; accordingly, much was prepared and sent to the Elders for distribution. The result was gratifying. With the publication and proclamation of the Gospel, the icebergs of prejudice and intolerance be gan to melt gradually, to leave a fertile field for future work. A Reader in West Virginia. ELDER W. A. WILLIAMS. Editor of The Southern Star: He gave his name as Robert Edge, an said he belonged to the Church of G but concerning the place from which came, the inquirer received no satisfa tion. but effective course. The news that a strange but eloquen preacher had come into the countr spread far and near. In his first s cuit through different parts of the co try this person pursued a very pecul Seemingly his e ject was to get all classes of people | to hear him. By way of illustrati when he first entered a neighborhoo whose dominent sect was of the Baptis persuasion, he would speak upon son On one calm, sunny day in the month gospel principle of which this class of May, 1878, a supposed clap of thunder people were particularly fond, and dis directly over the city of Lexington, Hen- play its good features in a very pleasin derson county, Tennessee, redounding and beautiful manner. It is needless : from hills and cliffs near by, greatly excited the curiosity of the people of that say that after thus speaking the Baptis would gather around him and expres region. The farmer stopped his plow, their appreciation of his remarks. Whe gazed around for an approaching storm; | he entered a Methodist, Presbyterian but seeing no cloud in the clear sky | Campbellite neighborhood he pursued th threw his plow again into the furrow and plodded on as though nothing had happened. The workman in his shop laid down his tools, walked to the door, to see from whence the storm was coming. The merchant and the tailor did the same, but seeing no sign of a storm returned in wonderment to their labors, and consoled themselves with the thought that the noise was only one of the phenomena of the nineteenth century. One strange feature, however, of this to and Dear Brother-I take great pleasure in The object of the stranger was reading the pages of your valuable little announce a meeting which was to be paper and learn of the great progress held in the neighborhood that evening. made in the Southern States Mission. I Being rather poorly clad, and because of am a young Elder and feel very inade- his seeming intimate acquaintance with quate in performing the labors of a min- the shortest roads in the fields ister of Christ, but I am glad that the woods, he excited the curiosity of a great opportunity was presented for me to assist in carrying on this great work. We many people, and as a consequence the meet considerable opposition, are mocked meeting-house, that evening, was crowdand ridiculed, but we are not discoured to its utmost capacity. aged, for we know this is the work of God, and all who obey its precepts will be rewarded hereafter. The Lord has answered my prayers many times in softening the hearts of those with whom we meet. We meet lots of good, honest people in our labors, and many will doubtless accept the Gospel. It was Rev. Seelman, while telling of the menace which Mormonism is to the nation, who declared that the Mormons are even in the colleges. Indeed they are, and it is pleasing to note with what flattering indorsements from teachers of note they are now returning home, from colleges in Europe At the hour appointed the stranger took his position on the stand. After looking around the assembly for a few moments he arose, and in a very clear, sharp tone called the audience to order. He then sang a hymn that was most pleasing both in sentiment and melody. On arising to speak he astonished his congregation by not using the whining tone which is usually characteristic of modern divines, but spoke in a clear, decisive tone. He was very calm in his introductory remarks, but grew more eloquent as he entered deeper into his subject. and in the older At the close of the services he apstates. Utah is getting a great many pointed, at the solicitation of those presclassical scholars, and its standard of ent, several meetings to be held in the education is being raised to a high plane. | surrounding country. same course with regard to the goo features of their respective religions Occasionally he would, intermingle E ideas upon other principles, such as fr thought, independence of character, et By this means he gathered around hin the Methodist, Presbyterian, Campl lite and the so-called sinner. His fat as an eloquent speaker grew so rapidly that people of all classes gathered hear him from localities twenty a3 thirty miles distant. By this time a great many began ques tioning among themselves why it was that no one had seen Mr. Edge eithe come or go any great distance from the meeting house. When he would come ta meeting no one remembered seeing hi until after he had arrived in the crow or was in the pulpit. They at once ajpointed persons to watch him, but the as well as the people, were sure to los track of him before he had proceedsj cepted an invitation to accompany son very far, unless he had, perchance, ac of his hearers home. Mr. Edge being a supposed stranger in that locality, the people wondered why he did not ask the way when desiring t One even go from one place to another. ing a gentleman who had never before seen the mysterious preacher came to the meeting, and was very much pleased with his discourse. At the close of the meeting the stranger arose to his feet and asked Mr. Edge if he would be kind enough to come and speak at his house the following Wednesday. Mr. Edge dropped his head a moment as though thinking whether he could fill the ap pointment or not, looked up and replied: "Yes, sir, I will be there at 7 o'clock.” miles The gentleman lived several from where that meeting was held, and therefore wondered why he had not asked the road leading to his residence, but no questions were asked. The people where he was then stopping said they watched Mr. Edge very closely, but learned to their satisfaction that he did not make any inquiries concerning the gentleman's name or his place of residence; still, when the time for the meeting came, he was in his place. As we have now given a brief outline of the course pursued by Mr. Edge when he first came in their midst, as well as me of his peculiarities, we will turn › the doctrines taught by him. Although he had been speaking quite reely upon the principles advocated by ne various sects, seemingly to draw round him the different classes of peo-, he gave them to understand that he elieved, first, in a tangible God-in a od that could walk, talk, understand nd be understood! in a God that had issions to love and hate, right and rong principles. Second, in repentance that consisted turning from sin and learning to do ell. Third, in a baptism after the likeness the death, burial and resurrection of ur risen Redeemer, in a baptism that ould cleanse one from his sins, and nable him to walk in newness of life, s did our Savior when he passed from mortality to immortalty. At this time he only referred to the aying on of hands for the reception of he Holy Ghost as being a principle aught by Jesus Christ and His aposles, and left the query on the minds of he people, how such and such doctrines could be taught in His church now, and yet He be an unchangeable being. When Mr. Edge arose to speak every eye was fixed upon him, wondering what next. That afternoon he took for his text: "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth," referred to in the seven teenth chapter of Revelation. back from the table and began pacing the floor, as though somewhat uneasy. However, in a few minutes he turned to the family and remarked, “I am going to be tempted by the devil this evening through a man." Soon the young people began gathering in from all directions anticipating some fun between Jones, the deacon, and our strange preacher. (To be continued.) At first he explained in a short but clear manner how beautifully God's church was organized in the apostles' days; how nicely every principle was linked together from faith, repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands My Reason for Joining the Latter Day for the reception of the Holy Ghost to Saints. the resurrection of the dead, after which he brought down in a vivid and forcible manner the history of God's people until the testimony of Jesus was driven to an untimely grave. With this he connected Catholicism | and the dark ages, when men could circumnavigate this globe in search of one divinely authorized servant of God who had the spirit of prophecy, and not find him. After Mr. Edge had proven from the Scriptures and profane history that God's people had been destroyed and every vestige of His church taken from the earth, he very frankly told them that every sect and creed over this broad land was wrong, and that all had departed from the faith once given to the Mr. Edge dwelt very elaborately upon prophecy contained in the Old and New Testaments. First he referred to prophecies that have received their literal Saints. He then bore a powerful testifulfillment, in order to give them a cor-mony that the Gospel in all its primitive rect understanding of the term. Then beauty had been restored to the earth, very ably referred to many prophecies and that, too, with apostles and prophets that are yet being fulfilled, or that have and inspired men at its head. He then not yet received their fulfillment, such called upon all to repent of their sins as those referring to the second coming and come out of Babylon and follow of Christ, to the gathering together of Christ, for the hour of God's judgment Israel; to the rebuilding of Jerusalem by was at hand. the Jews; to the mountains of ice flowing down and highways being cast up for the people to travel who should come himself seemed to turn loose. The peo- By Dr. F. F. Barnhart, Lake Village, La. Written for The Southern Star. I am 72 yeaers of age, was raised in a Methodist community and joined the Methodisit church when 15 years old. I read the Bible through Methodist spectacles, and was trying to live right ac cording to the Methodist discipline. I was a class leader and steward for years. Those over me taught that many parts of the primitive faith were either done away or no longer needed, all of which I believed until twenty-seven years ago, when I was convinced by a Christian minister that in some respects I was wrong, especially regarding baptism for the remission of sins. I could do no other than acknowledge he was right, but was hard for me to cast off Method ism until by diligent research I found Nearly two years ago two Mormon Elders, Palmer and Larsen, spent a few days with me. They were not men as had been reported. I found them to be true gentlemen, and not bent of vilifying other denominations. Nineteen Elders have stayed with me from the north countries, whither they began contending with each other. The since then, and I find they all teach the have been scattered; to the restoration the people to repent and serve their Ma- ties that ever befell man would come Many of the honest in heart gathered of God's kingdom upon this continent, preachers flew into a perfect frenzy and Those who have listened to the many long appeals for the wandering sinner by the reverend divines can better imagine the amazement of this assembly than we can describe it. They still received no satisfaction as to where he came from, but the kingdom of God, said he, "is located within these United States." To give you a better idea how Mr. Edge was questioned, and how peculiar his answers were, we will relate an instance: While walking the road one day, the boys began remarking among themselves same things and are equally charitable toward those who honestly differ with them. They have made many things plain to me which heretofore were mysteries. They have no fight against any class or denomination. By watching the Elders and studying their teaching I am persuaded that I am still wrong, and in order to comply with the commands of the Savior I must accept the Gospel as taught by the Latter Day Saints, as they are the only ones who are following the commandments of our Savior. My ministers and brethren (?) have all discarded me because I took care of the Elders. Soon I expect to come out of the world and put on Christ by baptism, and am willing to be counted the off scouring of all things for His sake. I am a reader of the Star and delight in the perusal of its pages, as it contains many items of importance and makes plain many principles of the Gospel. Releases and Appointments. John Sabin, Virginia Conference; Jas. A. Kelly, Middle Tennessee Conference; Louis J. Myers, Middle Tennessee Conference; Joseph Biggs, South Alabama Conference; Willard Gailey, East Tennessee Conference; J. D. Coombs, Florida Conference; M. C. Phelps, South Alabama Conference; C. O. Christensen, Georgia Conference; George A. Brower, Mississippi Conference; Hyrum Olsen, Florida Conference; A. B. Porter, Chattanooga Conference; J. H. Melville, South Alabama Conference; O. P. Washburn, Georgia Conference. SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 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. 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 sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 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. 12. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. 12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law. 13. 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 A Mormon Church house was torn down at Bushtown, Ky. It was insured so the people did not burn the building as was done on a former occasion. A FEELING of indigna- Last winter Elders Rogers and Kim- hood of Eudora. In writing of the recent trip to Jasper county, Elder Rogers said: "No Elder had been in the county since March, fired, but as we were being marched "We were hurried through a field to ward the Newton county line, not knowing what our fate would be. At the county line, which is a creek, a halt was made and a vote taken to ascertain whether they should let us go without further molestation or not, on a promise never to return. All who voted were willing to turn us loose. "Their last words to us were 'will you return? We have an organization of 150 men and are determined to break up Mormonism in the county; we won't promise not to come back we will let have any more of it. Now if you will come you go!' I answered, If you don't want when we started for conference in At- went over to Eudora. "There were some rumors afloat what would be done if we did not leave be- coming that night to take and whip us, Dear Brother:-We wrote you quite a lengthy letter, giving a sketch of our labors in Jasper county, including our leaving that county, being forced out by a mob on the night of July 25. We proceeded to Iron Springs, Butts county, Ga. On July 27 Brothers J. J. Singley and J. D. Thomas kindly went over and got our grips, hats and umbrellas, and brought the sad news that Emily Cunard, the wife of William H. Cunard, (the place where we were when the mob took us), was shot by one of the mob with a double-barreled shot gun, tearing off the left side of her face, starting near the center of the mouth, and inflicting a fearful wound, and saying that it would be next to impossible for her to get well. to Our com I understand that about twenty months prior Elders coming into Georgia, that would they be protected in mon with other ministers. Should we not appeal to the chief executive of this state for redress of our grievances and protection, that the perpetrators of such crimes be brought to justice? Many feel very indignant about it, and that everything should be done to put down such lawlessness. It seems hard for one, having pure American blood running in his veins, whose ancestors have helped to establish and maintain this glorious constitution and government, that guarantees to every man the most unlimited freedom of speech and the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, then for a portion of the citizeus of this government who go as missionaries all over this fair land, to preach the pure Gospel, unadulterated with the precepts of men, to be dragged out in the hours of night by a ruthless, unprincipaled band of human beasts, so depraved that they will shoot a woman who attempts with her only weapon, her tongue, to defend and protect those within her home-it causes us to blush for faded American glory. President Rich has returned from Chicago, and arrangements are perfected for the transfer to Ohio August 15th. Nine of the Elders laboring in Ohio will be transferred to this mission and their "Two of the mob came toward me. places in the Northern States Mission Mrs. Cunard pushed them back with will be filled by Elders from this field. a chair, saying 'this is my house, you Nine Elders will be called to go from keep away, you have no right here. They some of the southern states as compan- laid hold of my arms and started off Will it be criminal for us to request ions for those remaining in Ohio. Af- with us. Our friends resisted some-officials to bring speedy justice to these ter Aug. 15th the Elders in Ohio will re- what, and one of the mob said, 'shoot blood-thirsty villians? port to this headquarters. President that fellow back there.' Another an- The cry of "disloyalty in Utah" is Ericksen, of the Ohio Conference, wili swered, 'I will,' and instantly a shot was being heralded all over the United be transferred to this mission and re- fired, and the women began to cry and States, but whoever knew of mob viomain in the position he now occupies. weep. Two or three more shots were lence being practiced on those accused |