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Show TABERNACLE SERVICES. The regular Sunday services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were held in the Tabernacle on the 10th inst., commencing at 2 p.m. After the usual services, Elder Geo. Barber said: My experience has proven that man can do little for his fellow-men, except he is blessed with God's assistance. Referring to the past history of the Latter-day Saints, we have been termed insincere people, wilful lawbreakers of christian morality, we are not charged with resisting our country's laws and I may here say that the Latter-day Saints hold the United States laws sacred, thousands of them are willing to lay down their lives to perpetuate them, all will be found to support its great principles and save from destruction the sacred institution of liberty for the masses, this is part of our religion and we cling to it, as it was declared in the days of Washington and his generation. No doubt the design and purpose of the Almighty is that this people should be persecuted, the Saints in all ages have been persecuted and some times martyred, and what is strange is, that this work has been done by so-called civilized communities. Historians learned men and divines are among the ranks of those who urge the masses to exterminate the Latter-day Saints, but the Saints are like the grains of mustard seed, the more they are scattered the more they will grow, after every determined persecution this people has increased, they possess faith in their Deliverer; the knees of no Saint need tremble because their enemies take their place. There are worse evils to contend with than the taking away of a franchise, we shall doubtless occupy the position the Lord deems best for the advancement of His kingdom, we fully understand that we are to be tried and brought up out of great tribulation, and we have barely seen the commencement. It may yet be death on one hand or deny your religion, but will that make us deny our religion. Never; we shall be fully tried, to enable us to comprehend our weakness and the Almighty power. This people is not devoid of intelligence, they understand the signs of the times, having the spark of God within us. When conviction first struck me, it gave joy, hope and wealth, but nothing compared with the glorious truths I am privileged to possess. I am prepared to suffer for the Gospel's sake. Our Savior, while on the cross forgave his tormentors saying: "Lord, Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do." We must follow His blessed example. The people of the world are ignorant of our ways, they despise our teachings, if they would read our history with sincerity, they would not long remain ignorant of our faith and belief, but if they will not listen to the missionaries sent to them it is not our faith. We have abroad in the world several hundred missionaries promulgating the faith to the nations of the earth, and preaching the privileges possessed by, and the duty of all people. We are building temples for the purpose of doing work for the dead. The Apostle Paul comprehended what was required (see 15 chap. 1st epistle to the Corinthians) in speaking of the resurrection, he said: "If the dead rise not at all, why are ye baptized for the dead?" The necessity for this work was then understood. We also believe and fulfil it. Religious sects have varied opinions, but our actions speak louder than words. We thus show the world that we are willing to expend our means and our time in doing the Lord's will. Let others believe what seemeth to them good. We shall do our part here below. We send missionaries to all people, fulfilling the law to them, and neither trials nor persecution will deter us. If religious bodies believe we are going astray, why do they not approach us in a kindly manner, and lay before us wherein we err; we might then be more inclined to change our opinions, though I doubt it; but persecution will never drive us from it, it only make the doctrine more binding. Brethren and sisters, you may lose your electoral franchise, but you will perform your duties, living as near to the Lord as it is possible, then He will deal lightly with us in the great day to come. Turn from all evil ways, stand steadfast to your belief, do your part in the world, realize the covenants you have made and the end shall be your glory. Amen. |