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Show 0 1313 he Q.hnsimas jQenui S jb " I Christmas Prospects and Congratulations The First Presidency By id DC Y f 0 1, ' ) HI ac PRESIDENT ANTHON , at R LUND PRESIDENT CHARLES W. PENROSE First Counselor Second Counselor a merry Christmas and a happy New Year." salutation that expresses That is an our present wish for all good people throughout the Saints, whom we congratuworld and especially to the Latter-da- y excellent and condition favorable prospects. late on their cessation the and war of The general desire for perman-- . ent peace bring a benign influence suited to the season. Let us OD send you old-wor- old-tim- e, 2212 in ld purposes, as advancing needs require. Amusement halls, gymnasiums, and other structures are assisted, and projects for social order and entertainment are aided and encouraged. Proper decorum is required; indecorous dancing, undue familiarity and unseemly behavior are decried and forbidden. Intellectual exercises are provided, and great improvement in these regards is clearly per- have peace sounds in harmony with Christmas bells and Christmas carols. The approaching unity of nations,, which must come in spite of threatening obstacles, animates th vast majority of mankind and presages the fraternization of whilom contending settlepowers and the substitution of friendly arbitration for the ment of international quarrels in place of armed conflict anil dc- testable bloodshed. ceived. There is a gratifying increase in the quorums and class exerthe priesthood, in attendance, interest, in theological studthe order and discipline of the Church, and this is true regarding Parents and other advanced classes and home gatherings, all of which is worthy of notice, as evidence of the growth of the Chubch in things more to be admired than increase of numbers, material prosperity, or earthly means and possessions. The care of the poor has been a particular duty devolving upon the Church from the beginning. It is carried on to a larger extent as the years advance. Donations from on the first Sunday in each month are supplemented by aid from the Relief Society of the Church, and by appropriations from the tithing, whih aggregate a very large sum. At the Christmas season, Remember the poor should not.be lost sight of in extra contributions for their benefit. cises of ies, and PRESIDENT HEBER J. GRANT in motion towards the ushering in of a new era of THE efforts and good will are steps leading to the establishment government which prophets and poets, of that glorious world-wid- e immemorial. Selfishness sages and seers have predicted from time hideous opposition to the in is showing up the bane of mankind is seen and felt by contrast the and altruism of deified humanity, not in harmony is the thoughtful everywhere. Arrogant egotism festive proclamathe with the spirit of the times, especially during to unified aid and mutual to men," tion, peace oh earth, good-wi- ll nations, self preservation ought to be ,"In promoting the benefit of others, well as to individuals Thereparamount, This applies to nation s as liberties to those fore, in extending to foreign governments similar must be taken that care heaven-inspired Constitution, joyed under our the "supreme law to us secured by he powers executed and the rights in any degree. weakened or of the land are not invaded or abridged or principle in enWe should not forfeit a single national prerogative overthrow and tyrannideavoring to break down rampant militarism cal monarchism. Let us have peace, but not at the price of our countrys freedom. spread of Gospel principles, engaged In by the Church of Jesus Saints, promoted and carried on in the spirit of Latter-da- y blends with the work of statesmen and huof sacrifice and devotion, and glows as the shining early rays of a manitarians the world over, which' will ultimately dispel the fogs and clouds of erMillennial dawn, ror and diabolism and flood the earth with the meridian glory of the Redeemers dominion. The change of popular sentiment towards the Saints should be a matter of congratulation. The Mormon position during the late the courage and stability of our stalwart sons and t, displayed by the women and brothers at the front, the material aid rendered by other and financial daughters of Zion, the the individual members, patriotic spirit exhibited the Church and its have brought to light previous throughout the gigantic struggle once passed by without were praiseworthy deeds of patriotism which we are an integral part begins great notice, and the nation of which to recognize us as we are. This is to be regarded with intense gratification. THE world-conflic- self-sacrifi- ce f of a number of Utahs sons to high offices in the THE appointment of the United States gives great satisfaction to this State. .They are also members of th e Church, descended from and valiant pioneers, who h elped to lay the foundation of the State. They are also members of thuildings of the Church. a we are doubly honored in these promotions much-esteem- Trust to make appropriations for Church edifices and kindred ed t outbursts from fanatics and zealots, roused to by SPASMODIC adventurers, are n ot to be regarded as serious exprs- - Of tke Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Da- ? Saints 4 sions of influential people. They are to be viewed as is our past history, with patience and calmness as ebullitions of ignorance and folly, which have the good effect of grousing public interest, which is much better fpr the cause of truth and right than the stagnation of crass indifference. In view of the success attending the labors of missionaries, and the growing friendship of good citizens and intelligent investigators, we have cause of rejoicing and incentives to perseverance. We have reason for gratificat ion in the spread of the work, not- withstanding the dire effects of war and the terrible attacks of plague which have stood in the way of proselytism abroad and affected conditions at home. The stoppage of passports for our missionaries to foreign points has been quite an o bstacle. . These hindrances hac not prevented but have only hindered the missionary work. They are being gradually removed, agJLwill soon be overcome, and a splendid prospect id opening to those active men and women who are inspired with faith and fervor to labor in the vineyard. fast-offerin- celebration of the Redeemer's advent, December 2oth, also the of his Prophet, Jbseph Smith, December 23rd, afford occasion for th repetition of our testimony concerning both. We bear witness solemnly. and sincerely that by the light and power of the Holy Ghost we know that Jesus of Nazareth was and is the veritable Son of the Living God, the Christ, the Savior of mankind, who will be the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace, and that Joseph Smith was and is the chosen of God for the ushering in of the dispensation oV the fullness of times, to whom was committed the keys of this dispensation, a Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Translator, through whom the fullness of the everlasting gospel has been restored to earth for the last days and for the, last time, to be preached to every nation, kindred, tongue and people; who sealed his testimony with his blood, a martyr to the cause of Christ and the salvation of souls. THE r made in CHURCH edifices are being erected and additions The Temples are kept in ordinance work contin- for the salvation of uously and crowded with eager applicants the living and the dead., Our youn g people are Waking up to the deep importance of celestial, that is eternal, matrimony in contrast to the r contract of until death shall you' part. The dedication of the Temple at Laie in the Hawaiian Islands, NoNot only is it vember 27th, 1919, is an event of special importance. of beautiful appearance, on a magnificent ajte with lovely surroundings, and grand interior adornment and furnishings of a high order, but it is unique in its purposes and intent. It is designed for ordinance work for the living and the dead, to be performed only by Latter-day Saints considered worthy of the privilege. It will be used for those who inhabit the islands of the Pacific, and Australia' and New Zealand, and their progenitors who have passed away. A more imposing Temple is nearly completed in C anada, which will be dedicated in due time, and used for similar purposes by the Saints in that region, like the Temples in St. George, in Manti, in Logan, aqd in Salt Lake City. . THERE are many thousands of noble, lovely young men and women auxiliary organization s, who have in their souls an abidwitness of the restored gospel and divine revelation, and ing the small minority who fall away and take the downward road. Our Sunday School and Rel igion Class work progresses remarkably and produces excellent results. ' Faith in the ordinance for the healing of the. sick, resulting in remarkable manifestations of restoration to health, is growing among the Saints, and causes great increa se in devotion and sendee. There is a general advancement in tithing observance, enabling the Trustee- this-overwhe- Saints throughout the world have great cause to tejoice at Christmas season, not on ly for the few reasons we have here advanced, but for the advancement being made in every department of the Latter-da- y work, the fulfillment of the former and latter-da- y prophecies, and the prospects of the speedy accomplishment of all that has been promised concerning it. Let joy be felt in every Mormon household throughout the world. Let Christmas of 1919 be celebrated everywhere. Let the little ones be made glad. Let peace and love, benevolence and charity abound. Let forgiveness and patience and tolerance drive out all ani mositie., nd let ua all aerve God and help pur neighbor, and on Chmt and follow Hun. aa well aa celebrate Hia birth on earth put A hao. py, bounteous, glorious Christmas to all. THE lms |