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Show NOTICE. Parties to whom this paper is sent will please notify us if they wish to become regular subscribers. The rates of subscription can be found on our first page. BRIGHAM CITY. The Conference of Box Elder Stake was held in Brigham City, July 29th and 30th, 1882. First day, morning services, prayer by Bishop Carl Jensen. Bishop O. A. Peery was the first speaker, gave his early experience in the church, portrayed in a vivid manner the trying scenes the Saints were obliged to pass through in Missouri and Illinois. Said he was thankful for his experience and that he was still numbered with the people of the Lord. Elder Harrison of Malad spoke upon the principle of obedience, citing the Saints to the disobedience of King Saul, and how he was chastised therefor, by that God whose commands cannot be treated lightly, without suffering the consequences. Elder T. W. Breserton of Willard, referred to the confusion existing in the world previous to the starting of this work; said when the Savior was here the people desired to take his life. John predicted the establishing of this kingdom the last days, and from the time Joseph made the announcement to the present, the people of this age have possessed the same desire for the destruction of this people. Bishop Dewey, the next speaker, referred to the carelessness and indifference of the Saints both old and young. Bishop P. C. Jensen bore his testimony to the work also to the truth of the remarks of the previous speakers. Singing. Benediction by Bishop Burt. After the opening exercises in the afternoon Bishop Ward made a few excellent and fatherly remarks: spoke of the change that came over his friends and associates, when he joined the church, and how they turned their backs upon him, why he could not understand, but he had since learned it was because he had undertaken to serve the Lord and they were worked upon by the opposing spirit. Bishop Jones was pleased to have an opportunity of bearing testimony to the work of God. In speaking of the early times in these valleys, said the government had at different times undertaken to chastise the Saints, but had so far signally failed. We love the Constitution, and believe it was inspired of God, and while living up to its requirements, we are persecuted by our fellow-citizens. Brother H. P. Jensen said, as the children of the Lord we are engaged in a glorious cause. Exhorted the Saints to be faithful and children to be obedient to their parents. Spoke of the lack of faith among the people. Pres. O. G. Snow then read a communication from Apostle Thatcher also the articles of agreement for Zion's Central Association. He said it is necessary that an organization should be effected and that it would be of great benefit to the people of the Territory. At the meeting on the second day the choir sang and Bishop Ward offered prayer. Singing. Elder Burgess of Logan rejoiced in the work. Forty years ago he was engaged in preaching the Gospel; had the honor of baptizing the first Saints and organizing the first branch of the church in the city of Leeds, England. He had suffered persecution and affliction for the Gospel sake, but had never failed to raise his voice in behalf of the work of God. Said he was intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph and many of the persecutions he passed through, and could say he knew him to be a man of God. He bore testimony that God is with his people, that he had been and always would be against our enemies. Apostle John H. Smith was pleased to meet with the Saints of this stake, rejoiced in listening to the testimonies of the brethren and especially to the experience of the older members of the church. He spoke with great emphasis upon the subject of properly training the youth in Zion. He advised the people to teach them the principles of the Gospel, tell them of the incidents of your lives, explain to them the nature of the faith that caused you to leave homes and friends, and travel thousands of miles to this apparently forsaken land. He refered to the influence of mothers with children, and urged upon them the necessity of using their influence in the proper way and illustrated his ideas by drawing sublime pictures of incidents that had fallen under his own observation. He asked fathers and mothers to practise what they teach, and to set a good example before their children, or lack of confidence would be the result. His whole discourse which lasted an hour, was listened to with marked attention. In the afternoon the Lord's Supper was administered after the opening exercises, and Elder Lorin Farr was the first speaker. He was proud of being associated with those who esteemed themselves as Saints. He spoke of the creation of the earth, the mission of Adam and the contention and overthrow of Satan, dwelt at considerable length upon the agency of man, showing that the Father does not save mankind by force, and that government and powers that use coercive measures in religious matters are taking the wrong course, and usurping an authority which does not belong to them. Apostle Smith followed with a few closing and encouraging remarks. Conference adjourned for three months. Singing. Benediction by Bishop Steward. |