Show RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE tho of mormon and their effects religious papers in the east are bewailing the falling off in the number of converts during the year as compared with the previous year in cincinnati where the two sama jones and small created euch a stirring al ledged revival only about half as many new members were received into the churches as during the year preceding thus while crime is increasing religious influence does not appear to be advancing van cing however there are many good influences brought to bear upon society through the efforts of sincere public and private laborers in the cause of humanity which do not exhibit their fruits in additions to sectarian societies the excitement and gymnastics that attend those so called revivals that add temporarily to the membership of religious denominations are not productive of any permanent benefit to anybody it is a kind of spiritual intoxication or a species of hysteria that is promoted and his at far from real religion as the stimulation of fr trong drink or the muscular action of dementia is from the steady force of robust and established health and vigor but anything that tends to promote sober thought and practical morality to correct erroneous impressions pres in regard to religion of the duties of men to their maker and each other is a gain to society and to the cause of true christianity which seeks to establish peace on earth good order and good will among all men and nations and this may be accomplished to a very large degree even though no additional names may appear upon the books of the various sects and denominations the influence that is brought to bear by the missionaries of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints is far greater than appears by the number of the actual converts the record of their baptisms gives no correct estimate of the effects of their labors the conversations they hold with opponents tho explanations they give of our true principles the corrections they cause in the public mind the errors which they refute the pure morals they inculcate the excellent examples they beet th irrefutable truths they advance all maeia that cannot fall in many instances to bo lasting and in general both enlightening to the mind and beneficial to society even where no present converts ran be counted on their baptismal lists that the dissemination of mor men doctrines hai had a marked effect upon tho public mind is evident in the changes that have been wrought in religious opinion during the first half principles that were advanced by alie prophet joseph smith and which were met with such a storm of opposition that it was hardly safe to countenance them io public are now adopted and boldly advocated in the very ranks of orthodoxy public opinion is a fickle thing there is nothing stable about it what it persecuted yesterday it will adore to day and that which it now assails with vehemence it may tomorrow to morrow take to its bosom the laborers in the field of this world who go forth to scatter seeds of righteousness and truth need not works in vain if they do not reap an immediate harvest it takes time for germination even when good soil receives the seed and some time tho fruits will ap pear and bring joy and benefit to all concerned and whether the results arc recognized or not cr the effects be great or small no one will lose credit for the good ho labored to produce whatever may bo his title or profession his creed hiis tiis standing or position in church or state lu the midst of the error and sin which abound in this world there is ample room for tho efforts of every man and woman who has furco of character and a desire to benefit mankind by precept and example let all who can work while their opportunities last and verily they will in no wise lose their re ward deseret news |