Show occurrences CONNECTED WITH THE FAST IT is proper to preserve as a matter of history a record of some ot the occurrences and featt features res connected ilee ted with the day of fasting and prayer to which purpose the ins was devoted information of which has been communicated to us at ls is entirely contrary to the custom of the latter day saints to take a course in connection with their exercises of religious worship calculated to create an artificial fervor or morbid excitement on the day of fasting and prayer there was no departure from what is 18 usual in respect to the behavior of the people or the policy of the speakers and presiding officers in the diree direction tion of creating an undue enthusiasm and yet many persons were markedly affected in one of the wards of logon logan for example incidents occurred which occasioned general surprise as well as gratification the room was crowded the presiding officer announced that the meeting would be given into the hands bands of the tae congregation and that individuals might arise and speak or pray as they felt led our informant who was present states that he be rather expected to see brethren and sisters who commonly occupy the time at fast meetings in the ward succeed each other on this occasion but instead of this a youth a mere boy whom all knew well but who was seldom if ever known to do the like before arose and addressed the con congregation f re gation bearing a strong testimony to the truth of the gospel ue ie was followed by six other youths near his own age each of whom spoke briefly but with art an earnestness and sincerity which none iloilo could doubt and which indicated that their souls had been strongly w wrought rought upon by a 9 superhuman In influence flotence some of these youths wept while speaking confessed their faults and asked forgiveness and all we understand der stand bore strong testimonies to the truth of the work of which the prophet josel jose h smith was under unde god the founder some of them had never before in their lives uttered a word in public and in at least ast two or three cases the past record of in respect to religious matters gave no ground to expect such action on their part they having never before so far as t heir mends friends were aware manifested a devotional spirit or taken interest in religious exercises in this city there were many cases of little ebil children dreu whom one would suppose entirely too young to engage intelligently in religious exercises or devotions who scrupulously and voluntarily kept the fast and took tart art in family and public worship with interest and earnestness quite surprising some of the features of the day though as real as specific circumstances which occurred and can be narrated cannot lio however wever he be a as easily conveyed to the mind of a reader not ant a personal witness of or participant in them among these were the remarkable blending together of the hearts of the people producing a unifying effect the abundance in which the spirit of prophecy was poured out and the freedom with which the gift was exercised the comforting cheer cheering ng and faith i inspiring aspiring spirit that characterized the exercises of the day and last but not least the firm assurance multitudes of saints received during their worship and fasting that all would be well with zion no matter what present appearances might indicate that these were features of the day ean can be testified to by thousands and an account of it which omitted to mention them thein would be incomplete no doubt in many others of the stakes and wards there were occurrences avid and manifestations of a similar character b but bit it the above is given in illustration of the general nature of the day and some of the phases connected with it |