From the _Deseret News_.--A re-union.--A
dinner.--Speeches.--Songs.--Expressions of love and union.--Judge
Burt reads a lengthy presentation address.--The editor comments.--The
address.--Presents gold watch and chain to Lorenzo.--A testimonial of
love, respect and confidence.
The following expressions of love and confidence from those who had
struggled together against the long established customs of the age in
working up and carrying into effect a system productive of individual
and general good, are worthy of being engraven in letters of gold. In
commemoration of the inflexibility of the bond of union in which those
men were associated, and the esteem in which they held their file
leader, we copy from the _Deseret News_, as follows:
Brigham City, January 3, 1881.
_Editor Deseret News_:
On the last day of the old year, 1880, the "Council of the United
Order" of this Stake, about sixty in number, had a grand re-union in
the Social Hall, where they met and were seated around one large table,
spread with an abundance of earth's productions in good style.
Having partaken of a first class lunch, the time for several hours was
spent by the brethren in making brief speeches, toasting, singing and
relating remarkable incidents. A very warm feeling of friendship and
brotherhood was manifest, and will long be remembered.
Judge John D. Burt, at the beginning of these exercises, read a lengthy
address, in behalf of the assembly, to Apostle Lorenzo Snow, setting
forth in emphatic language the firmness, faithfulness, love and
indomitable energy of the Apostle in his long years of labor in the
good cause, at home and abroad, his tribulations and victories.
As a fitting testimonial of the love and esteem in which he is held by
the brethren, the judge presented him a gold watch and chain, which
had been purchased at Mr. Asmussen's establishment, in Salt Lake City,
for $245 (two hundred and forty-five), and was a gift from a number of
the brethren; after which Brother Snow arose, and, with feelings of
emotion, thanked his brethren for this token of esteem, which came to
him by surprise, and said he valued the respect and good feelings of
the brethren above all earthly considerations. The scene was impressive
by reason of the spirit that was present.
A. Christensen.
The following presentation address, by Judge Burt, will show that this
interesting community still retained its vitality and enthusiasm, also
the high regard and appreciative respect in which Lorenzo is still held
as a "social reformer:"
Presentation Address.
_Beloved President Lorenzo Snow_:
We have met here this evening in a social capacity, as friends and
brethren in the cause of truth, to while away a few hours in social
communion together, and to congratulate each other for the peace
surrounding us in our mountain home, and for the rich and abundant
blessings of a kind, indulgent and beneficent Creator, which have
so eminently crowned our efforts during the past year, and for the
favorable and glorious prospects foreshadowing us in the future.
When we contemplate the scenes of poverty, sorrow, persecution,
suffering and death heaped upon the Saints by their Christian (?)
friends of this generation, and contrast the present with the past,
our hearts swell with deep emotion, thanksgiving and gratitude beyond
expression to the Giver of all good for the many and peculiar favors so
graciously bestowed upon us since we have resided in these valleys.
And while we are ever ready and always willing to acknowledge the
hand of our God and render unto Him our sincere thanks for all the
blessings we enjoy, we also recognize the fact that a meed of praise
and much honor is due to His servants, the Apostles, who, through their
indomitable energy, untiring zeal, and earnest devotion to the cause of
truth, have been the favored instruments in the hands of God to bring
about and make possible these happy results.
Beloved President: As one of these honored ones, you have occupied
a very prominent position. You have traversed sea and land "without
purse or scrip" to proclaim glad tidings to an erring and fallen world,
and for nearly half a century you have labored incessantly, at home
and abroad, in the interest and common cause of humanity, and in the
prosecution of this labor you have been required and have cheerfully
made many sacrifices for the Gospel's sake.
You have also been a pioneer, and to-day stand in the front rank
of co-operative enterprises in this Territory, devoting your time,
talent and means for the good of the people; thus seeking to elevate
the poor, and bring about an equality and union among the Saints in
Zion. Many and arduous have been your labors in this direction, and,
although the adversary has been permitted, from time to time, to make
invasions, to commit depredations, impose and levy special, grievous
and unjust and unconstitutional burdens upon you, thus aiming to
undermine and strike with paralysis and death the noble enterprise you
have so zealously and industriously erected and fostered in the midst
of your brethren here in this city; you have never faltered, but with
sterling fidelity, unflinching purpose and unshaken confidence you have
faced the frowning billows of adversity, and the howling tempest of
anti-Christian hate, and, in divine strength and with heroic fortitude,
and Godlike determination, you have met and withstood the shock,
weathered and outridden the storm, and in an eminent degree have been
successful in the achievement of the grand object in view--the union
and consolidation of the interests, efforts and feelings of those whom
God has entrusted to your care.
Now, in consideration of the many and valuable services you have
rendered this community, and for the frequent acts of courtesy and
kindness bestowed upon us as individuals, permit us, beloved brother,
as a humble testimonial of our regard, to present you this watch and
chain, which we trust you will condescend to accept as the grateful and
voluntary offering of a few of your friends, who have clustered around
you on this occasion, desiring to manifest their approbation, and to
recognize your past services in their behalf.
Earnestly hoping that your life may be spared, and that you may be
permitted to wear this slight token of our esteem for many years yet to
come, we will still continue to invoke the blessings of the Just One to
rest upon you and yours forever and ever.