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Show TABERNACLE SERVICES. At the services held in the Tabernacle, Logan, Sunday afternoon, July 16th, 1882, Elder Wm. (William) H. Apperley gave a very interesting account of his mission work in England. He expressed thankfulness to his Heavenly Father for having preserved him and permitted his safe return, also for the great blessings realized and joys experienced, while on his mission. He was especially grateful in being permitted once more to stand on this holy spot, a spot where noble men and women were found located. The experience gained during his 15 months absence from this valley made him realize that he had gone from all that were loved and dear, into a dark cold world. He depicted the pleasure experienced in returning home and seeing so many well-known faces. Missionary labors taught the elders to put their trust in God, and not fear men. He oftimes felt when warm, kindly favors were bestowed, that the patriarchal blessings given before leaving Utah were literally fulfilled. A poor weak mortal like himself, trusting humbly and faithfully in God, was led by visions and dreams to perform efficient work, that the people were glad to hear the Good Shepherd's voice through the Elders off this Church. Many willingly obeyed the gospel. God's Kingdom is increasing. Nothing can stop its progress, and the time is hastening when the righteous shall be gathered home to the mountains and Christ reign again upon the earth. He advised his hearers to be humble, faithful and prayerful fully prepared for the work they are called upon to do. In his journeyings through England he always found friends rising up and providing lodging, with food to eat, though sometimes it was of a humble and lowly nature, yet all proffered in a loving manner. There he found the Latter-day Saints living their religion, though in very poor circumstances. He spoke of the different grades of society, of the low wages and poverty endured, which often killed the affection that should exist between the heads of families towards their off-spring. These humble pure-minded people are ennobled in their life battles. They are missing many opportunities of doing good for want of means. Some are striving for the faith, living on their country's charity, being too poor to emigrate yet willingly bear their testimony to their belief in the gospel of Christ asking the elders if they ever shall be able to gather to Zion. Others ask permission to join with the saints and remain in their own land; they are advised to do as God's spirit directs them. After being sometime on his mission his health rapidly failed, necessitating application for aid. He consulted a physician who placed him under a course of medicine, he found himself getting worse, and while lying on his sick bed he thought a crisis had arrived, and that no earthly power could save his life. A spirit whispered to him that if he would forego drinking the medicine prescribed he would recover. If not he would surely die. He thought seriously over the matter for sometime and resolved to obey. From that hour he dated the commencement of his recovery. He bore testimony to the truth of the gospel, and expressed his grateful thanks to his Heavenly Father in being again permitted to assemble in Logan with the honest in heart. He further affirmed that he found while on his mission noble men and women, both in and out of the Church, who treated him with kindly consideration. His convictions in the honesty of the human race are more strongly riveted that they ever were, and his belief that they will ultimately accept the faith of the Saints in greater number. In conclusion he prayed that God's blessing might rest upon his people throughout the world. |