Cannon presiding. The choir and congregation sang: tial eclipses, no matter how near to- the only sense employed was the the city had no other means of be tality, so long as there was a mere eyesight; but after the first stroke of holding the sight, so she took a thread of the glowing disc of the admiration had passed, sketching pane of glass out of the kitchen ruler of day apparent, can form no roughly and with rapidity was be window. The glass was broken in conception of what a com-gun, of course only producing crude smoking it, but she saw the eclipse. plete obscuration is. So long as outlines perfected in accordance there is any portion of the sun, how-with the observer's memory after- RELIGIOUS PROCEEDINGS. ever slight, protruding beyond the ward, the result of which is very moon, there will be sufficient light well produced by the engraver in Religious services were held in the even from that slender source to figures 3 and 4. The reader should Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, on Suncompletely destroy all the gorgeous consider the right hand side day, December 30th, 1888, commenceffects observable when he is com- of the cuts as west, the lating at 2 p. m., President Angus M. pletely hidden. The earth is not ter being the point from which the so dark by many shades, there are moon began her invasion of the no stars visible, and the crowning sun's dominions. feature of the celestial exhibi- The period of totality held finely tion-the magnificent corona-does on, fully a minute being occupied not appear. The feeling of solem- by the splendid vision; then, in an nity, not to say reverence, in- instant, a gleam of sparkling light spired by even an eleven-twelfths appeared at the northwest side of obscuration is an insignificent sen- the darkened orb; it glowed like a sation compared with that which precious gem set in a jewel, and takes possession of the mind and grew as rapidly as the sun's light heart when surrounded by the dense had disappeared, and at 4:14 o'clock leaden shades produced by the oc- the god of day shone forth as was called to address the congregacultation of our source of light and grandly as though his face had tion. He said he was thankful for never been hidden. The event was the privilege of meeting with the At the same instant that the last over, the occasion past, and there Saints under such peaceful and glimmer of the sun disappeared, the was nothing more to be done but to favorable circumstances The priviplanet Mercury "bobbed up serene-wait patiently for the first south-leges afforded in this capacity are ly" in the heavens and only bound train. seasons of feasting, wherein the heat. about thirty minutes, far as t Mortals, awake; with angels join, At first, the babe of Bethlehem, Of meek and humble mien. The Priesthood of the Thirteenth Ward officiated in the administration of the Sacrament. PRESIDENT JOHN MORGAN or half In Salt Lake City, obscuration Saints are strengthened in the pera degree, southeast of the sun. So began at eighteen minutes before formance of their duties. This is was known, our represen- two o'clock, standard time. As the last Sabbath in the year 1888, met the shadow increased, the ther-and by next Sabbath the records of the little world face to face, for it is mometer began to fall in a no- the year now closing will be swalgenerally, as at present, so near the ticeable degree, but after the point lowed up in the eternity of the past. great luminary around which it reBut the year before us is as a blank volves that it cannot be seen as sheet, to be written upon by the evening star and arises too early as deeds of the next twelve months. This is a momentous time, and the Saints should reflect upon the position they occupy. No people today are in such a peculiar position as we are, not only as to geographical situation, but in a religious, social, and political sense. VENUS SUN • MERCURY THE GENERAL VIEW. of greatest obscuration was passed, at 3:05 p.m., the cold moderated slightly. At 4:17 p.m. the moon had entirely passed from the sun's disc. During the whole two and a half hours there was not a cloud to obstruct the view. For about half an hour the light of the sun was perceptibly dimmed, and at its deepest shadow was almost as mellow as the light of the full moon, though of No people on the earth are so comcourse considerably stronger. pletely misapprehended as are the Nearly everybody seemed to be Latter-day Saints. When we conout having a glimpse of the beauti-trast the ideas of the world with the ful scene. Some attempted to look knowledge of those acquainted with morning star to be observed by those at it with the naked eye, but to these the genius of the work we are enwho are not unusually early risers. it was very unsatisfactory, as even gaged in, there is a vast difference. But here it was, almost as luminous one-twelfth of the sun's face is Looked upon as deluded, ignorant as Venus, three degrees farther off, too much to gaze steadily upon. and fanatical, we are ostracised by and shining with that steady and The great majority used smoked all the nations of the earth and all lustrous glow which has been a glass, and almost every available ranks of society. The human famisource of admiration from days long piece within reach was gathered. Jy has become so imbued with senbefore any known literature of One gentleman, in the western timents adverse to the Saints that it astronomy was constructed. Three part of the town, couldn't find a would seem that generations of time of the larger of the fixed stars in piece of glass about his premises must elapse before a proper underthe vicinity could be discerned but with which to operate and secure standing of the principles embraced only by close scrutiny, and the a view of the obscuration, and his by the Saints will be arrived at. magnificence of the whole spectacle neighbors had all the pieces they But those who have witnessed the was apt to detract greatly from an could find in service. His house growth of the Church must acknowalytical observation. faced south, so with burning paper ledge that there is something wonderhe smoked the transom light, which ful in it to give it such vitality. served the purpose excellently. Some twelve or thirteen years ago, A lady in the southern portion of when traveling in the State of Illi It was very cold, and one's fingers were like flakes of ice, though for short time fingers were not needed nois as a missionary, I remained Could we expect this great work to God rules and will continue so to over night in the vicinity of where be accomplished without opposition do, and will be justified in all His ex-Governor Thomas Ford died and and persecution, when we consider works. In the commencement of was buried. The neighbors in the the suffering and agony that have the new year let us see if we are immediate locality gave me a recital always been the price of the estab- firmly planted on the rock of Truth of his death and burial. In the li- lishment of a true principle? But and are in the narrow way that brary of the gentleman at whose for the providence of God the work leads back to our Father's presence, house I was stopping there was a would indeed have soon passed or whether we are neglectful of our history of the State of Illinois. In away. But His hand has been over duties and are walking in danger. looking over it casually I read that it, the salvation of our Lord has There is safety only in the path of portion of it which alluded to the been manifested, and the Saints have duty. Man-made schemes will not scenes at Nauvoo, and the martyr- come out of difficulty unscathed. bring salvation. But the principles dom of the Prophet and Patriarch in In this connection I am reminded of the Gospel have been restored Carthage jail. In closing up the of an incident which I had related with the authority to act in its ordichapter the writer made these re- to me in regard to one of our young nances, and obedience to those prinmarks: "Let no one imagine that brothers laboring in the State of ciples will lead men to eternal life. Mormonism is dead because of the Iowa as a traveling missionary some The peculiar condition in which death of Joseph Smith and Hyrum years ago. There are a great many the human family are should be an Smith. Perchance it may be that people located along the Missouri evidence to them that the time has those who read this volume will live River, through Missouri, Iowa, Kan- come for the establishment of truth to see the time when Palmyra, in sas, and Nebraska, who once had a and righteousness; or, as I heard a New York, Kirtland, in Ohio, Far name and standing in the midst of gentleman, not a member of the West and Independence, in Mis- the Latter-day Saints. They have Church, once say, when he was souri, and Nauvoo, in Illinois, shall stopped by the wayside and are no found fault with for caring for a become holy places, to be yet longer associated with those who are "Mormon” missionary, "If Joseph visited by the thousands of fol- alive in the work. In a neighbor-Smith was not a Prophet he should lowers of the slain Prophet; and hood composed principally of this have been, for we need one bad perchance it may be that some fu- class of people the young Elder was enough, the Lord knows." When ture historian will record that I, raising his voice in proclamation of we reflect on the condition that exThomas Ford, governor of Illinois, the truth at a meeting convened at ists in the world, do we not realize was the Pontius Pilate in the history one of the district schoolhouses. the necessity for something to save and career of Joseph Smith.” While so engaged, one man who evi- those of the human family that will dently felt that the Elder was a lit-be saved, religiously, socially and tle forcible rose in his place and, in-politically? Should there not be terrupting him, stated to him and to the congregation, "My father was in Nauvoo. He knew the Prophet Joseph and Brigham Young, and the Twelve, and my father heard the Prophet Joseph say that if ever Brigham Young led the Church he would lead it to hell." The young something done to save the world from its tendency today? I rejoice in being able to testify that principles have been revealed which will accomplish this work of salvation if the world will receive them. May the peace of God be on Zion and in all her abiding places, and the king Reading this history published half a century afterwards, I was struck with almost the commencing line in one of the chapters of the history of Joseph Smith, recently published, wherein the writer states that Thomas Ford was the Pontius Pilate in the history and career of Joseph Smith. Here was a man not connected with the Latter-day Saints; here was a man had not had very much ex-dom of God be established. perience, and of course felt a little APOSTLE MOSES THATCHER perplexed by a remark of this kind was the next speaker. He said he in public. He hesitated a moment, had not thought of being called to and then gave his reply in this wise: speak today, as the labors of the past "I never was in Nauvoo myself; Iweek had been severe, and he did never met the Prophet Joseph; I do not feel that he had the physical not know whether he ever made strength to make the congregation such a remark or not; I have heard hear. The remarks made by the that he did; but whether or not he previous speaker, referring to the did make it, it was all true that misapprehension under which we of the Lord is fulfilled that the Brigham Young led the Church. | labor, caused a train of thought to man who had in his weakness, in his cowardice, and in his imbecility allowed the spirit of the prophets to flow through him for a moment. The record of those who have opposed the Saints should be a warning to those who place themselves in a similar position today. It certainly should warn them what the harvest will be; for truly the word hand that is lifted against Zion shall not prosper, while the hand that is raised in her defense shall grow and increase in all that is good. He led it down into hell and out on Those who are keeping in their hearts the spirit of the Gospel are ready for every good work. They So we find today in the fires of are walking in the light of the truth; persecution as they rage about the while those who are walking in the Latter-day Saints. There are those darkness and shadow have doubts who cannot stand the fire, and as a and fears. But to the faithful Saint result we find them stopping by the there is no doubt of the outcome. He wayside, all along back in the hisknows full well the result of the work tory of the Church; but I ask you which God has set His hand to do. has it paid them to do so? Has it Difficulties have been met from paid them to stop and allow this the outset. But is not that natural? | work to go on without them? pass through my mind that may be of some benefit. God has not had a servant on the earth who has not been in a similar position. At no time was there a people who believed in revelation who were not misunderstood. Abel was not understood by his brother Cain, and therefore lost his life. Noah and Abraham were also misunderstood, as were Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and others. They were not only misunderstood · but were alsely accused, as we have been, and had to labor under those difficulties. No person was so little understood and so falsely accused by the generation in which He was on earth as was the Savior of the world, who was even accused of being Beelzebub himself. They who followed Him were misunderstood. Those who garnished the graves of the dead Prophets sought to slay the living ones. tion of the Church government is strong exhortation to the Saints to Clerk. Sunday School Conference. The superintendents, assistants, officers, and teachers of Utah Stake Sunday schools met on Saturday morning, Dec. 29th, 1888, at the Stake Priesthood Room. After singing, and prayer by Elder George Webb, the roll was called. Eighteen schools were represented, with quite a number of officers and teachers from the wards. There must be a motive for all this, and we must look for it beyond the Garden of Eden. Before the foundations of the earth were laid there We refer to our territorial govwas a council around the Throne of ernment as one which we dislike; God. There was a great subject un- we have no choice in its principal der discussion-the salvation of the officers; it is a system of governwhole human family. Before that ment without the consent of the council was discussed the problem governed. We do not believe in Superintendent D. John said they that agitates the world today. The such a government. There is not had called that meeting to adopt great warfare that will continue till a line in the Constitution that justi- some better plan in their schools. Christ will reign as King of kings fies it, from the beginning to the It was suggested that they should all was also discussed there. Satan pro- end. There is not a breath of the have a uniform system of adminposed to save every human being Spirit of God in the Declaration of In- istering the Sacrament. Some schools through a plan of coercion, and de- dependence which justifies it in the adopted one plan and some another. manded therefor the glory and honor least; and the people of the Territory He urged the necessity of monthly of God. But Christ the First-born ought to be as free to govern them-lectures in each ward of the Stake; proposed the plan of sacrifice; He rec-selves as the people of a State. They and where there was more than one ognized His Father's position and la- believe that after they shall have school in a ward all might meet tobors. From that time the warfare com- been misrepresented and borne it gether and have short lectures, intermenced. One-third of the heavenly patiently, after they shall have been spersed with singing. Our schools, host followed the autocratic and im- cast into the pit and sold into bond- he continued, have their anniversarperious Lucifer. The other two-age, that God will deliver them and ies and jubilees so arranged that two thirds followed Michael; and those make them the saviors of the na- or three schools do not meet at the who fought for the free agency of tion. We are not aliens, as has been same time, so that the Stake Superman were triumphant, and Lucifer misrepresented, but we are Amer- intendent or his assistants can be and his hosts were cast out. If the ican citizens. God has made us present. pure and upright are falsely accused, it is because Satan continues his warfare as he commenced it, and will continue it till he is overcome by Christ. good of the schools, and they can exchange their ideas, and express their views on the various subjects which had been laid before them. Assistant Superintendent G. H. Brimhall free not only in the .reedom Assistant Superintendent S. S. The choir sang the anthem : matters. He had visited the schools in the Stake, heartily agreed with monthly lectures, and was in favor of framing subjects on the Bible, the Book of Mormon and other Church works, for the teachers of classes in the Stake. By this method they could teach their pupils the principles of the Gospel. Assistant George Webb favored every move and plan of his co-laborers. There are millions, perhaps, who have been made to believe that the Latter-day Saints are a wicked people, just as there were many who thought they were doing God's service when they slew the followers of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is a perfect law of liberty, and the struggle is upon this basis, one seeking to maintain the free agency of mankind and the other the principle of coercion. The awful scenes enacted by the Inquisition, by Nero, by Charles IX, were the work of the power that advocates coercion. That is the power that has ever brought carnage and sorrow among men. But those Maricopa Stake. who follow Jesus are free. The Lat The Maricopa Stake held a conter-day Saints are the freest of ference on Sunday and Monday, earth's people today. They are December 23rd and 24th, in Mesa, not dominated by priestcraft. President C. I. Robson presiding. They are cast out by the world, and The reports of the different wards, in them are the elements character-quorums and associations showed seated while the blessing hbs been istic of a free and independent peo-them to be in a fair spiritual condi- asked. This proposal was approved ple. There are many even in this tion. The subjects treated were the by all present. Elder Thos. Daniels, nation who believe that the Presi- proper culture of our youth, Word of Payson, moved that the Sunday dent of our Church is responsible to of Wisdom, education, care of the Schools of the Stake hold monthly none, while all are responsible to poor, and obedience. lectures under the auspices of the him. This is wrong; for the founda- President Robson closed with a Sabbath Schools of the various Bishop John E. Booth moved that the Sabbath Schools of this Stake administer the Sacrament uniformly by asking a blessing on the bread and water, without intermission between, ana that the pupils remain wards; the Bishops to be conferred with as to time, place, etc. The proposition was unanimously adopted. Bishop John E. Booth moved that a committee be formed of the Stake Superintendency with Joseph A. Reese, of Spanish Fork, for the purpose of drafting plans for each school, hearing subjects for each month on Bible and Book of Mormon history. The name of Bishop John E. Booth was added to the committee. Prof. and punctuality in making out true at the conference of this Stake of and proper reports, etc. Elder Wm. Zion, and he believed the Saints Connell bore testimony to the truth would acknowledge God's hand of the work in which we are en-in all these things. He gave gaged, and declared that Joseph good advice to the young people, adSmith was a true Prophet of God. vised them to investigate the GosThe remainder of the morning pel, live pure lives, be honest and was occupied by Elder David Can- virtuous, and seek diligently for a non, who spoke on the subjects of testimony of the truth of the Gospel, the building of Temples and the and then God would crown their lanature and objects of the various bors with success. ordinances performed therein. Apostle Taylor next read the reveAt 2 p. m. the Sacrament was ad-lation known as the Word of WisR. G. Maeser was largely in favor of ministered, and the Stake statistical dom and spoke upon the same, this move, as the subject had been report was read. The remaining showing very plainly the weaktaken up by the Board of the Deseret portion of the afternoon was occu- nesses of human nature, and the efSunday School Union. He also en-pied by the Stake Presidency and fect of liquor upon the human sysdorsed the business which had been Apostle Taylor, and the subjects tem. The speaker spoke also at some presented. discoursed upon were the training length upon the subject of temper On the motion of Assistant Super- of children, encouraging and sus-ance and the result of violating the intendent S. S. Jones, a committee taining the Sabbath schools, attend- laws of nature, which are the laws of of two was appointed for anniver-ing meetings, family and secret God. The closing discourse was delivered by Apostle Taylor. He continued the subject of temperance. By invitation of President Richards, the Cedar City choir was present in full force, and much credit is due to them and their able leader, Brother Joseph Cosslett, for the part which they took in furnishing some excellent music and singing during the conference. The Parowan choir was also present, and added materially to the enjoyment of all who took part in our confer saries and jubilees. The following prayers, and the kind of reading At 2 p.m. the local authorities and being named by Superintendent D. matter that should be used by Lat-home missionaries were presented John: Wm. Grant, of American ter-day Saints. The speakers pointed and sustained by vote. Elder CanFork; James Brown, of Pleasant out that it was the duty of every non again addressed the meeting, Grove, and James Whitehead, of Latter-day Saint to investigate and among his subjects being the atoneSpringville. ascertain if the religion they have ment and the agency of man. On the motion of Assistant G. H. embraced is true. Reference was Brimhall, there were appointed, for made to the wonderful inventions the schools of each ward of the that are being made in the world Stake, missionaries to labor on the for the destruction of human life, to streets and in the homes of those retain the human voice, and for who do not attend Sabbath School. the use of steam. electricity, etc. It was also agreed, on the suggestion The time of the evening meeting was of Superintendent G. H. Brimhall, occupied by Elders Daniel S. Macthat the Stake Secretary be fur-farlane, William Ford, and Henry nished each year with $1.00 from Leigh, who gave good instruction the large schools and fifty cents and on a number of subjects. twenty-five cents from the smaller Monday, President Richards preones, to defray the necessary ex-sented the general authorities of the penses for stamps, stationery, etc. Church, and they were sustained by On the proposition of Evan the unanimous vote on the conference. Wride, superintendent of the Sec-ence. Afterwards David Matheson The various subjects treated upon, ond Ward, the conference adjourned was presented and sustained by vote together with the valuable informasubject to the call of the Stake su- of the conference as second coun- tion given, made the conference inperintendent. selor to Bishop Adams in the Par-teresting, instructive and profitable. owan Ward; also William Corry as The meetings were largely attended. Bishop of Cedar City Ward, with Uriah T. Jones as first and John Chaffin as second counselor; Joseph B. Dalley as Bishop of Summit Ward, with Robert B. Dalley first THE quarterly conference of this and William F. Smith second counStake convened in the Parowan selor; William Ford as Bishop of meeting house Sunday and Monday, Kanarra Ward, with Myron S. For many reasons the work of December 23 and 24, 1888. President Roundy first and James Stapley holding the recent Territorial Fair Morgan Richards, junr., presided. second counselor; Daniel S. Mac- was undertaken by the Board of DiOn the stand were Apostle John W. farlane, Francis Webster and Hans rectors of the Deseret Agricultural Taylor, Elders David Cannon and J. Mortensen as regular members of and Manufacturing Society with Seegmiller, of St. George Stake; the High Council, to fill vacancies feelings of trepidation and concern. High Counselors, Bishops and rep- in that body; Joseph Mickelsen as resentative men from the various president of the first quorum of wards in the Stake. On Sunday Elders, with Enoch Wardell first morning, after the usual opening counselor. services and the reading of reports from a number of the Sabbath schools, Apostle Taylor gave some important instruction in regard to the selecting of competent clerks, The proceedings closed with the benedicition by Karl G. Maeser. JAMES HARDY, Stake Secretary. Parowan Stake. President Richards said he was most thankful for the visit of Apostle Taylor and for the excellent admonitions he had given. He had no fault to find with the changes made WM. H. HOLYOAK, THE TERRITORIAL FAIR. To the Citizens of the Territory of At the very beginning of its endeavors vexatious questions arose and had to be determined respecting the validity of the act making appropriation for the exposition building, necessitating the exercise of wisdom and caution in the contracting of debt and consequent delay in preparations for the fair. When finally We also take this occasion to state that preparations have already begun for the Territorial fair of 1889. It is confidently hoped and expected that this exhibition will show a Liabilities. Account unpaid premiums... Balance... Total. 66 00 1,000 00 855 27 500 00 126 62 $2,547 89 SEASONABLE ITEMS. The old year is about gone, and the new is about to dawn upon us. The season just closed, notwithstanding some drawbacks, must, on the whole, be considered good. The evidences of this surround us on every hand. No past year has seen this people enjoying themselves more, nor apparently better able to do so. All our stores speak well of the courts determined the legality which will be abundantly felt for of the act, other obstacles of a more good during the coming year; that or less serious nature intervened, it has measurably impelled the manuand these, together with the appre-facturer to make better articles, hension of delay in completion of the artisan to do finer work, the the building, fears that owing to the farmer to raise better crops, the insufficiency of the notice given breeder to improve his live stock, farmers would be entirely unpre- and in many ways to have so stimupared to exhibit their commodities, lated and promoted the cause of and a wholesale apathy among the home industry as to insure the sucpeople, consequent upon the long cess of future fairs and encourage period of inactivity in fair holding, the people in building up a healthy combined to inspire a feeling of prosperity. anxiety in regard to the outcome of the project which was at once irresistible and depressing. It is therefore with more than ordinary pleasure that we are enabled to announce that in all respects the fair of 1888 wholesome growth in all the mater- the volume of business done during was an unqualified and unequivo-ial interests of the Territory. The the past year; and, in the line of cal success. In fact, considering premium list will be published and entertainments, the holiday season the attendant disadvantages, some distributed in early spring, so that has seen every opportunity used. of which have been enumerated, ample time will be given to all to A fair extent of building has been the interest evinced on the occasion, prepare their exhibits. With a view accomplished; consisting chiefly of the charcter of the display made, the to make the exhibition as complete a good class of dwelling houses, financial outcome, and the satisfac-a reflex of the industrial and agri-built mostly by our well-to-do young tion universally expressed, are re-cultural condition of the Territory as residents, a number of whom have markable and gratifying. For this possible, the board invites corres- married in the just closing year. pondence and suggestions from the A notable event of this (Monday) farmers, manufacturers, artisans and morning has been the distribution of all who are interested in the welfare a carload of coal amongst the poor of of Utah. Such correspondence may Lehi. This came about as follows: be addressed to Heber M. Wells, First Mr. Frank Evans, merchant of this place, solicited the boon from the Pleasant Valley Coal Company and the D. & R. G. R. R. Company. Both promptly responded, the coal company donating the coal and the railroad the freight. cars arrived on Saturday afternoon, and the distribution was made this morning by the local coal agent, Mr. Vaughan, teams being sent by friends and neighbors of the recipients. I am glad to learn that the distribution was made without regard to church or creed; needs alone were consulted. Our poor have also been provided with wood, furnished by the young men of Lehi, to whom a picnic ball (the girls and friends to furnish) will be given at an early date. ThereThe report of the Secretary of the fore we have the satisfaction of company of singers, and the The-D. A. and M. Society, recently sub-knowing that our poor are not sufferatre orchestra, under the direction mitted to and approved by the boarding for want of fuel at this inclemof Prof. Weihe, for their delightful of directors, shows as follows: music at the opening; to Wm. Naylor, Charles S. Burton, B. Y. Hampton, Briant Wells and others, for hard work and no pay, and last, but in nowise least, to the press of the Territory for their valuable help, columns of space, courteous treatment and intelligent advocacy. City, and will be distributed by him result the Board feels it is indebted 66 JOHN R. WINDER. HEBER M. WELLS, Secretary. THE FINANCIAL CONDITION. From Legislative appropriation...$20,000 00 Annual memberships.. ent season. The Counselor Oley Ellingson have been Acting Bishop Wm. Clark and most active in arranging for these and other necessary movements, to which the whole of the people have 225 00 promptly responded. Wishing you a happy New Year, Sale of advertising space in 355 80 Life memberships.... 424 00 General admission to tair of 1888.................. Rents...... 3,674 45 Total receipts................... CITIZEN. LEHI, Utah County Dec. 31, 1888. The board is unable to determine the exact effect which this exhibition may have had on the welfare of the people of the Territory, but it Cincinnati, Dec. 31.- The Cinis inclined to the belief that it has cinnati, Washington and Baltimore been the means of exciting an in124 05 road has been placed in the hands terest in Territorial productions Balance in Treasury Dec. 15, 188. 2,547 89 of a receiver. Account Exposition Building.... .$19,839 95 1,765 97 Premiums... General expenses.. Total disbursements...$23,256 61 |