CHAPTER VI.

HIS LIFE'S MISSION FOUND--EXTENSIVE GENEALOGY OBTAINED--BLESSED IN

HIS WIVES AND CHILDREN--DEATH OF WIFE AND OTHERS--THIRD MARRIAGE--LEG

AMPUTATED A SECOND TIME--HIS BENEDICTION.

FROM the time the Salt Lake Temple was completed in 1893 Thomas felt it

to be his chief mission in life to obtain genealogical information and

labor in the Temple for his dead kindred, and he devoted every dollar

that he could spare as well as his time scrupulously to this cause.

He heard of a man in England who was engaged in the business of tracing

up genealogies, and employed him to trace up his--which he was able

to do all the better for the start Thomas made while on his trip. He

succeeded so well that after awhile it taxed Thomas' limited resources

to obtain means to pay for the names he was getting for him, and a

request had to be sent to suspend the genealogical research until more

funds could be accumulated. The English genealogist, however, had got

the spirit of the work, found unusual opportunities for getting the

information and became so enthusiastic that he didn't want to quit, and

furnished quite a lot of names without charge.

Thomas was so grateful to the Lord for inspiring him to undergo the

operation and to recover therefrom, and experienced such a feeling of

relief in being rid of the diseased limb, with its running ulcers,

after having been encumbered therewith for thirty years, that he felt

that he couldn't do enough to show his appreciation for what the Lord

had done for him. He could put up with the inconvenience of wearing an

artificial limb so long as he could feel assured that personally he was

clean and wholesome and not offensive.

It must not be supposed that he was entirely free from pain, even after

his severed leg had been exhumed. It might be comparatively painless

when at rest, but the exertion of walking after he got his artificial

leg always caused more or less pain. The pain, however, had been so

much more intense before his leg was amputated, that, instead of

feeling disposed to complain, he rejoiced over the improvement.

Nor did he feel that his labors in the Temple ought to excuse him

from serving in the ward. He could only serve in the Temple three,

or at most four, days in the week, and even on those days got home

early enough to do some work in his garden or some visiting among the

poor who were his special charges, it being his duty to receive and

distribute the fast offerings among them and see that none were allowed

to suffer. Then during the three or four days a week when he was not

required to be at the Temple he devoted himself almost exclusively to

home and ward duties.

Sunday was usually one of his busiest days. Attendance at meetings

and visiting and exhorting the High Priests (over whom he helped to

preside) or others who, because of sickness or sorrow or grievance

required his fatherly attention and care, kept him constantly employed.

It was natural for him to be doing something. He was always an early

riser, and if his own needs didn't furnish him with a sufficient

incentive for constant exertion, his concern for others never failed

to. He neither had the time nor disposition to be idle. Work to him was

a tonic. He gloried in doing things, and in seeing the results of his

labor. He many times felt the better for his exertion. At other times

when fatigue might have furnished him ample excuse for refraining from

further exertion, the work served as a counter irritant, in making him

partially forgetful of his constant pain, and so he praised the Lord

for his ability to work.

He had other things also for which he praised the Lord. He was grateful

to the Lord for the faithful humble, congenial wives he had been

blessed with, who found pleasure in simple lives, who could make the

most of the bare necessities, who were good, economical and thrifty

housekeepers, who preferred to make home attractive by its simplicity,

to incurring a burden of indebtedness by incumbering it with

incongruous luxuries. If their tastes had differed from his, if they

had been extravagant and wasteful, and scattered while he gathered,

if they had been lacking in sympathy or interest in the public duties

to which he devoted so much time and attention, Thomas would have had

a different story to tell of his life. His service would have been

minimized and his suffering must have been greatly aggravated.

His children also had brought him much comfort and comparatively little

sorrow. They developed no criminal tendencies; they were virtuous,

honest, industrious and frugal, and if not as full of zeal as their

parents, they at least retained the faith and enjoyed and deserved the

respect of their fellows. They manifested great love and respect for

their parents also, and the numerous occasions upon which his posterity

assembled voluntarily around the parental hearthstone, to show special

honor, afforded grateful relief to his pain-racked and strenuous

existence. On one of these happy occasions his posterity presented him

with a gold headed cane; upon another a costly gold watch, which, of

course, he appreciated--not so much for their intrinsic worth as for

the love that prompted their bestowal.

If any man ever loved his children, and gave them good counsel, and

set before them a good example, and frequently and earnestly testified

to them of the truth of the Gospel, Thomas Briggs certainly did. And

if any of his children ever depart from the faith, adopt bad habits or

fall into sin, they will not have their father to blame for it.

As his posterity increased, and many of them scattered out into distant

parts, he was no longer able to exercise the patriarchal supervision

over them that he formerly had. His sons, James and Thomas, removed to

Star Valley, and made new homes, and soon afterwards the latter met

with a shocking accident through his team running away. One of his

eyes was almost put out, and his skull was laid open for three of four

inches, but through the blessing of the Lord he recovered. Wm. Ray

Briggs, a grandson, met with a shocking death in Idaho, while digging

a well, through having a horse fall down the well on top of him. His

daughters, Mary Ann and Ann E., also died in Idaho. On the 3rd of July,

1898, his wife, who had been his faithful companion and shared his joys

and sorrows for almost twenty years, passed away.

All of these and other minor incidents of a fatal or sorrowful nature

added to the burden of his suffering, but he bore up manfully under

them, regarding death philosophically, as only a temporary separation,

and never doubting that in the economy of an Allwise Creator he would

yet enjoy with his loved ones an eternal reunion.

The death of his wife left him bereft and lonely, and subjected him to

additional hardships, but he sought and found solace in work and in

devoted attention to the poor and unfortunate, a comparison of whose

circumstances with his own made him frequently feel that he had very

much to be thankful for.

On the 11th of May, 1904, Thomas married his third wife, after living

alone for nearly seven years. She was a widow named Ann Williams, whose

husband died in England, where also she had left three children when

she migrated to Utah for the Gospel's sake.

Two months after his marriage his wife started on a trip to England,

which she had contemplated long before her marriage, and for which she

had money of her own to pay. She also made a subsequent trip to England

two years later, to visit relatives.

On the last day of 1905, Brother Briggs entered in his diary the

following summary of his spiritual work for the year--blessed

twenty-six children, gave thirty-four patriarchal blessings, attended

eleven funerals, administered one hundred and ninety-four times to the

sick (and adds his testimony that the Lord had heard his prayers;)

also had done or caused to be done in the Temple in Salt Lake City one

hundred and thirty-three baptisms, seventy-seven endowments and one

hundred and twenty-four sealings.

This year's work was not thus summarized because the showing was in

excess of any previous year, but rather because he had never previously

thought of totaling up his year's doings.

In addition to the foregoing, he mentioned in his diary that during

the year he had dedicated a number of newly erected homes and settled

differences between several of the brethren.

In January, 1906, Thomas records in his diary that his eyes were very

bad, and he made it a subject of fervent prayer to the Lord that his

eyes might be strengthened and his sight preserved for a few more

years. He arose the next morning with his eyesight greatly improved,

and was grateful beyond his power to express therefor.

On the 24th of May, 1906, Thomas recorded in his diary that he was

called to administer to Sister Mark Waddoups, whom he found to be

suffering from intense pain. He earnestly besought the Lord to ease

her pain, and He did so; but while his hands were still upon her

head the Spirit made it known to him that she would die that day. He

confidentially informed the nurse of the fact, and when he called later

in the day he found she had passed away. This was in contradistinction

to the positive impression he frequently received, when administering

to a sick person, that he would recover.

In the latter part of September, 1906, according to a casual entry in

his diary, he and a number of other brethren were called to the home

of Sister McNiel, in Bountiful, to administer to a very sick child

who seemed to be dying. The doctor who had been treating the case was

present, and afterwards admitted that he really supposed every breath

the child drew, before it was administered to, would be its last, but,

to his great surprise, the child immediately afterwards fell asleep,

and the next morning was well. The doctor declared it the greatest

manifestation of the power of God he had ever witnessed.

Several entries in his diary in the early part of 1909 indicate that

about that time Brother Briggs suffered an unusual amount of pain in

the stump of his severed limb, due, as the doctors said, to the first

operation not having been performed properly. It was accordingly

deemed necessary to make a second amputation, but grave fears were

expressed lest he might not be able to stand it, as he was in his 77th

year. However, he felt himself that he would rather submit to it,

notwithstanding the risk, than to continue to suffer indefinitely,

and on the 6th of April, 1909, he underwent the operation. He rallied

in a manner that surprised his friends, and six weeks later walked to

meeting and back without a crutch.

In November, 1909, while Sister Briggs was absent on her second trip

to England, her husband had a stroke of paralysis, which has somewhat

affected his speech ever since, and greatly interfered with his

activity. His tongue throughout his life had been to him a specially

useful member. It has been well guarded, and never had brought him into

trouble. He had, by his wise counsel and fatherly advice, been able

to comfort and bring peace to many of his fellows. He had for many

years filled the office of a patriarch and blessed and brought solace

and hope to many others besides his own posterity, but his service to

others during the past five years has been very much curtailed. His

mind is unusually clear and strong for one who is eighty-two years of

age, his eyesight good enough for him to read without glasses, and his

body fairly strong; he suffers less pain than he formerly did, and is

able to walk about to a limited extent.

He still works in his garden, which, however is greatly reduced. He has

sold off his property, including the house he lives in (with a proviso

for the support of himself and wife while they live, and their burial

when they die,) and invested all the surplus in the work which he has

had done for the dead.

The enormous number of five thousand dead persons have been officiated

for by Thomas, or by persons whom he has employed, in all the

ordinances necessary for their salvation, and he still has the names of

hundreds of his dead kindred to officiate for. Thus has the prediction

uttered by President Brigham Young, when Thomas had but seven names,

and didn't know where to obtain any more, been fulfilled. His father's

charge uttered on his dying bed, to "never forget the dead," has been

so faithfully obeyed that it is safe to say that Thomas will have no

shame in meeting that father when he passes from mortality.

The memoir and diary which Thomas compiled, and which was brought down

only to the date when he was stricken with paralysis, ends with the

following address to his posterity:

To My Dear Children:--

"I wish to say a few words to you. I can see that in a few years from

now I shall not be with you; therefore I pray for the Spirit of the

Lord to be with me, to lead my mind to write such things as will be for

your good. I hope that you and your children will carry them out in

your lives, and that the same spirit with which I write these few lines

will give you to fully understand them; for when my tongue is stilled

in death, these words will live in my posterity.

"I bear my testimony to you, that this is the work of the Lord, and I

ask you to teach it to your children, and teach them to pray, and keep

the commandments of the Lord, so that they may be free from sin.

"Teach them to understand their calling in the priesthood, and impress

it upon their minds, that it is of God, and not of man.

"Teach them to read good literature, for trifling reading begets

trifling thoughts, and trifling thoughts beget a trifling life; for

bear in mind, that impressions firmly fixed on the mind, and long

cherished, are not easily erased. Then, oh, how important it is that

these impressions are good ones. Teach them that foolish spending is

the father of poverty. Teach them never to be ashamed of work, however

much learning they may be able to acquire. See that they are proud, but

let their pride be of the right kind. Teach them self-reliance, and to

never give up, without conquering every difficulty that they may be

called upon to pass through in life.

"Teach them to be too proud to wear clothes that they cannot afford;

too proud to be in company that they are unable to keep up with in

expenses; too proud to lie, to cheat or steal; and also too proud to be

stingy to the poor, sick or afflicted, or widows, and to fatherless and

motherless children.

"Always have kind words to give, for they are as refreshing to the

troubled heart, as rain to the parched ground. Bear in mind that little

drops of rain brighten the meadows, and little drops of kindness

brighten the world.

"My Children, my heart is full of love for you all, but I cannot write

the blessings that the Lord has in store for you if you are faithful.

I hope you will preserve these few lines, and read them over as often

as you can, also the 5th chapter of Alma, and live up to it, for it is

the word of the Lord in these latter days, as well as in those days.

And when I am in my grave, you will look upon these lines, and say that

I am not forgotten, for I tell you my children, that some great things

are about to transpire, that the world knows nothing of; but be of good

cheer, and be humble and prayerful, and watch as well as pray, that you

may stand the day of trial, for it is coming, and it is near to our

doors, and so is the coming of the Son of Man.

"Never give up, but stay on board the ship; she will take you safely

through.

"My children, for this cause I left my native land; that you may make

good and valiant soldiers.

"The Savior said to Peter, 'Lovest thou me?' Peter answered, and said,

'Yea Lord, thou knowest I love thee.' Then the Lord said, 'Feed my

sheep.' And again he said the same words to Peter, and then, 'Feed my

lambs.' And now, my children, try to realize that you have both sheep

and lambs in your charge; and remember you will be called upon to give

account for them. And if you can say, on the last day, 'I have done

the best that I could, Father; I have fed them, and clothed them, and

when the wolves were howling at them, I have watched over them night

and day; and now Father, none of them have I lost,' it will be well.

But if, on the other hand, you have been careless, and He should say

to you, 'Where are the sheep and the lambs that I gave you,' and you

are unable to give a strict account of them, you must draw your own

conclusions as to the result.

"Teach your children to honor the Sabbath Day, and honor the holy

priesthood in all things, and do it by example. Teach them never to

find fault with the prophets of the Lord. Teach them to honor their

father and their mother, that their days may be long upon the land,

which the Lord their God giveth them. For these promises will carry

us beyond this life, to a time when the Saints will receive their

inheritance on earth.

"And now, my children, whatever of my follies you have seen, forgive me

for the same, and I freely forgive you. You have been very good to me

all the days of my life, and may the Lord bless you all for it.

"I have many things to say to you. I have just been thinking of the

time when I used to call all my posterity together once a year, but

now they are scattered far and wide. At that time I could give them

instruction, but it now rests with my children to finish the work.

"My children, do not make light of the composition of these few lines,

for they were written with a desire for your salvation, and if you will

carry them out in your lives, they will aid you in reaching the Kingdom

of God.

"In conclusion, I will say that my Father in Heaven has been good to

me, and may the angel of peace be with you all, through all the days of

your lives. God bless you, Amen."

Geo. L. Farrell's Missionary Experience

CHAPTER I.

VISITS BIRMINGHAM CONFERENCE--DYING GIRL HEALED WHEN ADMINISTERED

TO--PREDICTION THAT SHE SHOULD BE BAPTISED FULFILLED--GOES TO UTAH,

GETS MARRIED, HAS A CHILD AND DIES--OTHER CONVERSIONS IN THE CHALLIS

FAMILY.

IN the year 1875 Elder Geo. L. Farrell, now a Patriarch of Cache

County, was a missionary in England, and presiding over the Nottingham

conference. He had not been thus engaged very long when he received

a letter from Elder Richard V. Morris, president of the Birmingham

conference, proposing to exchange visits with him, and enjoy the

novelty of traveling through one another's conference. He concluded by

inviting Elder Farrell to meet him at Northampton, thence to proceed

through other parts of the Birmingham conference.

They accordingly met at the place named, and the host took the visitor

to have lunch at the home of a member of the church by the name of

Challis.

As they entered the house, they noticed a young couple, man and wife,

seated at a table, who, on hearing Elder Farrell introduced to Brother

and Sister Challis, hastily arose and left the house.

While the meal was being prepared, Elder Morris informed the guest that

the young couple who had so suddenly departed were the daughter and

son-in-law of their entertainers, and were members of the Church of

England.

While the meal was being partaken of, Elder Farrell noticed that Sister

Challis had an anxious look on her face, and that she left the table

several times and made brief visits to a bed room. The last time she

did so she appeared dejected, which aroused the curiosity of the guest,

who with solitude inquired if she had some one sick in the other room.

She replied, "Yes, sir. I have a daughter in that room who has been ill

and bedfast for more than two years. We have had five doctors attending

her, who have all given her up. The last one just left, declaring that

she is bound to die soon, and that he could do no more for her.

"Don't you believe what the doctors say," responded Elder Farrell

assuringly. "They don't know it all. The Lord still lives, and is ready

and willing to heal your daughter, if she has faith in His promises. I

would like to see your daughter."

The mother shook her head doubtfully and replied: "I don't think

she would be willing for you to see her, as she is a member of the

Church of England, and the minister and his family and the ladies and

gentlemen of the church have paid all the doctors, been extremely

kind to her and have done all in their power to make her happy and

comfortable. They have so embittered her against the 'Mormons' that I

think it would be useless for me to tell her that you wish to see her."

"Notwithstanding all that," said the Elder, "I still feel that I would

like to see her. Please do me the favor to go and tell her who I am,

and that I must see her."

The mother went into the room and was absent several minutes. Elder

Morris in the meantime said: "I think you will not get to see her,

for I have tried and have failed. Therefore I will go down the street

a block and a half to No. 120, and if you don't get to see her come

there, and you will find me."

After awhile Mother Challis reappeared looking more cheerful, and

exclaimed, "Brother Farrell, she is willing for you to come in and see

her!"

Entering the bedroom, he saw the most emaciated girl he thought he had

ever beheld, bolstered up in bed, with a chair in front of her, upon

which, and also behind her, pillows were piled to keep her from falling

over. A coverlet was drawn up over the pillows in front of her, and

upon it her bony and colorless hands were outstretched.

The Elder approached, and, taking her gently by the right hand

expressed his sympathy for her suffering. She simply bowed her head in

response, for she was too weak to speak above a whisper.

There was a small table with a large Bible on it near the bed. Seating

himself and taking the bible upon his lap, Elder Farrell opened it

mechanically, and before his eyes were the words of the Savior,

commanding His apostles to go into all the world and preach the Gospel,

which he read aloud. When he came to that part in which the Lord

promised that certain signs should follow those who believed--that the

sick should be healed, that devils should be cast out; that if they

drank any deadly thing it would not hurt them, etc., he read that aloud

also, and then quoted from James the declaration that the prayer of

faith should save the sick, and that the Lord would raise him up.

He then called the girl's attention to the fact that he had not

specially selected these passages, but that the Bible had fallen open

as he placed it in his lap, and he had read the first passage his

eye caught sight of. He then declared to her that he and the other

Latter-day Saint missionaries held the same priest-hood that the

early-day apostles held; that they were sent out to preach the same

Gospel that they were, and that they were preaching it in the same

manner--without money and without price; that they had authority to

anoint the sick with oil and pray for them just as the first apostles

had, and that the Lord was just as ready and willing to raise them up

as He ever was. He testified to her that he had known hundreds of sick

people to be healed, and assured her that if she had faith she could be

healed.

On concluding he noticed the sick girl crook her finger as a means of

beckoning to her mother, who immediately approached and put her ear

close to her daughter's mouth, and listened for awhile. When she arose

she said, "Brother Farrell, she wants to know if you will anoint her

with oil and bless her."

"Certainly, I will be glad to do so, replied the Elder. Have you any

oil?"

The mother replied that she had no oil, but said she would go out and

buy some.

"All right, said the Elder, you please buy a bottle of olive oil, and

while you are out call at No. 120 and ask Elder Morris to come up, and

we will anoint and bless her."

While the mother was absent Elder Farrell talked encouragingly to the

girl, and when the oil arrived the missionaries proceeded to bless and

consecrate it, Elder Morris offering the prayer.

The mother was then asked to inquire of her daughter who she would like

to anoint her and the girl pointed to Elder Farrell to signify that he

was her choice.

He anointed her head and the bare part of her neck and arms and the

palms of her hands, which seemed very feverish, after which the

mother asked the girl who she would like to lead in the prayer of

confirmation. Again she indicated that she preferred Elder Farrell to

do so.

In offering the prayer Elder Farrell afterwards declared that he had

never before experienced such a feeling. The Spirit seemed to take

complete possession of his mind, and while he felt a positive assurance

that she was going to recover, he could scarcely recall all that he

said.

The Elders soon afterwards bade the family good by and left. While

walking down the street towards their lodgings Elder Morris exclaimed

"Brother Farrell, you frightened me! You promised that girl that if

she had faith she would walk to the water and be baptized within three

months. She hasn't been out of that bed for two years, to my certain

knowledge."

"I can't help it, Brother Morris. It wasn't I who did it. It was the

Lord. I never was so led by the Spirit in administering to a person

in my life. The Lord is able to fulfill it. You watch and see if He

doesn't do it." He promised to do so, but in about one month he was

released to return home. Before starting home, however, he told sister

Challis that Elder Farrell would be in Northampton on a certain day,

and would probably call and see the family. When he arrived at the

house he found the sick girl sitting up, knitting a woolen shawl with

large wooden needles. On seeing him entering the house she exclaimed

enthusiastically, "Oh here is Mr. Farrell! I have never taken a

particle of medicine since you left. I told the minister that you had

anointed me with oil and promised me that I would get well, and I know

that the Lord is going to heal me. You see that I can already talk

above a whisper. Now I want you to administer to me again."

He accordingly anointed her head with oil and prayed earnestly for her

complete recovery. She declared immediately afterward that she felt

better already, and expressed confidence that all the promises made as

to her recovery would be fulfilled, as some of them already had been.

She also informed her visitor that the Church of England minister and

all the members of his congregation who had been so attentive to her

had ceased to take any interest in her case, and never more called to

see her. She seemed gratified rather than otherwise, however, that they

had evidently given her up as hopelessly lost to them.

Some time later Elder Farrell received a letter from the sick girl,

announcing that her father was going to take her in a carriage on the

following Sunday for a twelve mile trip in the country, to old Sister

Underwood's, near Stanwick, and wanted him to call there and baptize

her.

Brother Platte D. Lyman was at that time associated with Brother

Farrell as a traveling Elder, and he was allowed to read the letter. He

expressed a desire to accompany him, and Brother Farrell consented.

The day following the two Elders went to a town called Offord, where

an old farmer had opened his barn and seated it for them to hold a

meeting in. A stand had also been built for the speakers and singers

to occupy, and the singers had come from Stanwick, fifteen miles away.

A good sized congregation assembled in the barn, and an interesting,

spirited meeting was held. While Elder Farrell was speaking he noticed

a lady sitting about twenty feet in front of him, wearing a red shawl.

He was impressed with the conviction that she was going to be baptized,

and afterwards while the choir was singing he pointed her out to Elder

Lyman, and told him she would soon be baptized. Elder Lyman inquired

who she was. "I don't know her name," replied his companion, "and

never saw her before, but something tells me that she is going to be

baptized." Elder Lyman remarked that he would bear that prediction in

mind, and see if it was ever fulfilled.

After reading the letter from the sick girl, Elder Lyman had expressed

a desire to meet her, and he was accordingly invited to be present

on the occasion of her baptism. When the missionaries reached Mrs.

Underwood's house they found she lived next door to a hotel, around

which a number of guests were seen loitering. Sister Underwood

cautioned the Elders not to attempt to baptize while it was light or

let the guests at the hotel know what they were going to do, lest they

might raise a row. So they decided to remain in the house and wait

until after ten o'clock. Just before that hour a loud rap on the door

was heard, and Sister Underwood jumped up and blew the lamp out, at

the same time exclaiming to those near her that their plans had been

discovered, and a riot was about to be started. Elder Farrell said he

would answer the door, and the rest of the folks went into another room.

On opening the door a voice outside was heard to inquire. "Is Mr.

Farrell here?" The voice was recognized as that of a man named Baker

whose wife Elder Farrell had baptized some time before. On being

invited in, he said, "Here is a lady and a young man who learned that

you were going to baptize here tonight. She told her husband that she

had to be baptized--that she could not rest any more until she was

baptized. He gave his consent, and went to bed to sleep while she came

here."

A light having been procured so that those present could see one

another, Elder Lyman whispered to Elder Farrell, "I believe that is the

woman who had the red shawl on, and who was in the barn last Sunday

while you were preaching." He replied that he would soon find out, and,

accosting the lady, he asked when she had heard the Gospel preached.

The reply was: "I have heard you preach at Offord several times." He

then inquired: "When did you make up your mind to be baptized?" The

reply was, "Right while you were preaching in that barn at Offord. I

made up my mind that the first time I heard that you were going to

baptize I would come, and here I am!"

It was soon arranged that Elder Farrell would proceed to the water

about fifty yards distant with the new arrivals, and while he was

baptizing them Elder Lyman and Mr. Baker could be carrying the sick

girl to the water in a chair, while Sister Underwood could walk behind

and hold the chair, to keep it from tipping.

The latter party not having arrived at the water by the time the man

and woman were baptized, Elder Farrell started towards the house and

met them coming very slowly, and, to his surprise, found the sick girl

not being carried in a chair, but walking. He exclaimed on seeing her,

"Why Nellie, you are walking!" "Yes," she said, "I told Brother Lyman

and Mr. Baker if they would let me take their arms I felt that I could

walk. If you remember, when you first blessed me you promised me that

I should be able, if I had faith, to walk to the water within three

months, and the three months will be up to-morrow."

"The Lord bless you for your faith!" said the Elder, and, leading her

into the water until it came up to her waist, he added, "Now you may

take your two hands and throw water over your body as much as you like,

to get used to the temperature, for I am going to bury you in the water

eight times--once for the remission of your sins, and seven times for

the restoration of your health. Do you think you can stand it?" [A]

[Footnote A: This is not a doctrinal treatise nor a portrayal of the

approved methods of performing ordinances, but a simple narrative

of what actually occurred. Baptism by immersion is an ordinance by

which repentant believers are initiated into the Church, and is also

for the remission of sins. There is no warrant in revelation ancient

or modern for the immersion of a person for the restoration of his

health, anointing with oil and the prayer of faith being the ordinance

for that purpose. However, baptism (a single immersion) as a means of

restoring health has been practised in the Church from a very early

period, originating probably with cures that were apparently traceable

to baptism. Instances of persons affected with serious ailments

being miraculously healed on accepting the Gospel have been somewhat

numerous, and have occurred all through the history of the Church, due

doubtless to the faith exhibited, and it is not surprising that persons

should associate in their minds the cure with the rite of baptism.

Possibly Elder Farrell had the case of Naaman the leper in his mind,

who was healed on obeying the requirement of the Prophet Elisha, to

wash seven times in the river Jordan. It was a sublime test of faith

that he subjected the invalid girl to. He might have added in her case,

in the words of the Savior: "Thy faith hath made thee whole," for it

was her faith, and not any magic in the number seven, that brought her

the blessing.]

She replied "Oh, yes; if you take hold of me, I have full faith."

Calling out to Elder Lyman who stood upon the bank, Elder Farrell said:

"Now count upon your fingers as I baptize her, and when she has been

buried under the water eight times please tell me." He did so, and

at the conclusion of the ceremony the girl, who had stood the ordeal

remarkably well, was seated upon a chair and thus carried into the

house.

After dry daiment had been resumed, the newly baptized persons were

confirmed, and when Elder Farrell was confirming the girl, being

prompted by the Spirit, he promised her that if she would continue to

have faith she would live to go to Zion and become a mother in Israel.

When supper had been partaken of and the dishes cleared away, a brief

time was spent in chatting, and a general time of rejoicing indulged

in. The girl was full of vivacity and enthusiasm, and declared that she

was completely healed, and praised the Lord therefor.

Soon afterwards Elder Farrell was released to return from his mission,

arriving at his home July 10, 1876. He came down to Salt Lake City to

attend conference as usual in the following October, and having had a

request from Sister Clark, of Stanwick, while he was still in England

to call upon her sister in Salt Lake as soon as he could after his

arrival, and, as she lived near the depot, he made his way there when

he alighted from the train. To his great surprise and pleasure, he

found Brother Challis and his daughter Nellie there. After greeting

them he inquired: "Nellie, where is your Mother?" She replied: "Brother

Farrell, mother took sick, and I sat up with her and waited on her nine

days and nights without removing my clothing to obtain sleep, and my

poor mother died, and I have not been sick one minute. And here I am in

Zion, thank the Lord. Every word that you promised has been fulfilled

thus far. And now we want to go to your part of the country to live, so

that we may see you often. Do you think you could find father a place

to work near your home at shoe-making?"

The next day Elder Farrell attended conference and sat by Brother

Samuel Parkinson, of Franklin, who was a merchant, and conducted

a large store. Having the request in mind, he inquired of Brother

Parkinson if there was a shoe maker in Franklin. He said "No sir, but I

wish we had one." Elder Farrell then told him of Brother Challis having

arrived from England and wanting to locate in Cache Valley. He inquired

if he was a poor man, and being told that he was, said: "Tell him to

come to Franklin. I will furnish him a shop to work in free of charge.

He can bring what shoes he makes into the store, and I will dispose of

the same and pay him."

The father and daughter went to Franklin to live, and Brother Parkinson

did as he promised to. Elder Farrell presided over the U. O. Store,

tannery and shoe shop in Smithfield, and Brother Challis used to come

from Franklin every week to buy his leather from the tannery; and used

to frequently tell him how nicely they were getting along.

As soon as winter started Elder Farrell was appointed to preside over

the Y. M. M. I. A. of the whole stake, and went around and organized

the associations or set in order those that had been organized. On one

occasion he went to Franklin, and held a very interesting meeting.

After the meeting closed a lady accosted him and shook hands very

heartily. Brother Farrell said, "You seem to know me, but I do not

recognize you. What is your name, please?" She replied, "My name is

Nellie Challis, and I want you to go home and stay all night with us."

He expressed great surprise at the improvement in her appearance,

rallied her about her double chin and accepted her invitation with

thanks.

When they reached the Challis home and were quietly seated around the

fire, Nellie said confidentially, "Brother Farrell, I am going to be

married." In surprise her visitor inquired to whom. "To the presiding

teacher of this ward, Brother Lowe."

"The Lord bless you, Sister Nellie; you are going to get as good a man

as there is in this town," said Elder Farrell, shaking her hand in

congratulation.

Brother Challis continued to call at the tannery to purchase supplies

of leather, and he and Elder Farrell frequently met, and never without

his daughter being inquired about. First it was learned that she was

married and very happy. Then about a year later news came that a child

had been born.

Soon afterwards Elder Farrell received a letter from Franklin with a

black border around it. On opening it he saw at once it was from Father

Challis. It contained sad news: Nellie had never fully rallied after

her babe was born. Anxious neighbors and friends surrounded her, and

all that they and medical skill could do to save her life was done,

but all in vain. As the end approached she sat up in bed, and bore a

fervent testimony to the houseful of friends who surrounded her. She

told them not to mourn for her, but to thank the Lord for his merciful

kindness to her in prolonging her life, enabling her to understand and

accept the Gospel, to come to Zion, obtain a good husband and become

a mother in Israel--all as predicted by Elder Farrell in England when

there seemed so little hope of her living. She requested that word be

sent to Elder Farrell that she had lived to see his words fulfilled,

and that now she was ready to die, as she felt that it was the Lord's

will.

After talking thus for two hours, she bade all present an affectionate

good by, lay back in bed and was dead in two minutes.

Since that time several of the women who had heard Nellie tell of the

marvelous blessings that had come to her in response to the prayers

and promises of Elder Farrell, have themselves when ill journeyed

to Smithfield to get him to administer to them, and their faith has

generally been rewarded.

Another sequel to that first visit of Elder Farrell to Northampton may

be mentioned. The daughter and son-in-law of Brother Challis who left

the house in such haste when he first entered it; because they did not

want to speak to a "Mormon," have both since investigated "Mormonism"

and embraced the Gospel. They also have come to Zion and located at

Franklin, and the young man has filled a faithful mission to England

and returned home, and is now numbered among the enterprising and

prosperous business men of Franklin.

CHAPTER II.

MR. CLARK'S INTOLERANCE--ELDER FARRELL'S INFLUENCE OVER HIM--BAPTISMS

IN STANWICK--CLARK FAMILY MIGRATE.

ON LEAVING the town of Northampton, Elders Morris and Farrell proceeded

to the town of Stanwick, and held an out-door meeting the same evening

they arrived there. At the close of the meeting a Mrs. Baker accosted

Elder Farrell and said she would like to be baptized. He asked her if

she ever heard the Gospel preached before. She said she had heard it a

great many times, but that his talk that evening had convinced her that

she should no longer hesitate about embracing it. He inquired if her

husband was willing, and she replied that if she wanted to, he would

not object. They went out about half a mile from the town and baptized

her in a beautiful pond, and then walked back to town. She invited

the Elders to go home with her, where they engaged her husband in

conversation while she changed her wet for dry clothing. Elder Morris

soon excused himself, leaving his companion to talk with Mr. Baker

while he called upon the Clark family, close neighbors. Mrs. Clark and

one of her daughters were members of the Church, but her husband was

not. After awhile Mr. and Mrs. Baker and Elder Farrell also went over

to the Clark residence. When they arrived there Elder Morris and Mr.

Clark were engaged in a heated dispute, which threatened to develop

into a quarrel. Elder Farrell exclaimed as he entered the house, "What

in the world is the matter!" Mr. Clark declared he had only asked Mr.

Morris a few questions about his religion, which, being answered, he

said he didn't believe a word of it. Elder Morris had responded that

if he didn't believe he would be damned, and quoted the words of the

Savior to prove it. Mr. Clark thought he deserved more consideration,

inasmuch as he had entertained the Elders, and offered them the use of

a room to occupy whenever they wished.

While Elder Farrell was trying to pacify him and reason with him on

religion in general, Sister Baker persuaded Elder Morris to return with

her to her home.

Mr. Clark asked a great many questions, all of which were promptly

answered, and generally to his satisfaction. He still insisted,

however, that he did not believe in "Mormonism."

"Do you believe there is a God?" the Elder asked. "I believe," he

replied, "there is some one ahead of us, who knows more than we do. You

men call him God. He knew when I was born whether I would be damned or

saved. If I was born to be damned, what is the use of me praying? It

would not help me."

He went on to tell how he had abused his wife for being a "Mormon."

He said if she went to meeting at night he would lock the door, and

keep her out all night; but it made no difference; she kept on going

to the meetings, and he kept on locking her out. His wife had a sister

who was a "Mormon," and who had already emigrated to Utah. He said he

went home one evening and found his wife writing a letter. He inquired

who she was writing to, she replied that she was writing to Lizzie,

her sister, in Salt Lake. He declared that he did not believe it, and

accused her of writing to "Mormon" Elders. He demanded that she show

him the letter, and she indignantly refused to do so, saying if he

wouldn't take her word for it, she would not gratify him by showing

him the letter. At that he seized her hands and tried to wrench the

letter therefrom. She struggled to retain it, and he threw her to the

floor. The letter stuck out between her fingers as he held her on the

floor near the fireplace, and he pushed her bands up to the fire to

burn the letter. She screamed, and her little boy nine years old, who

was playing outside the house, came running in, and, seizing a stick of

wood, struck his father across the face with it. When he arose the next

morning his eyes were black and swollen, and his hands were burned.

His wife bandaged his hands and put them in a sling; for a day or two

he was about the worst used up man he had ever seen, with both eyes

discolored and both hands burned, swollen and in a sling. He made up

his mind then, he said, never to say another word to his wife about

"Mormonism," but allow her to believe what she liked.

"And do you really believe," Elder Farrell asked, "that every man and

woman is born to be damned or saved?"

"I certainly do with all my heart," Mr. Clark replied.

"Well," was the response, "I want you to excuse me, but I must say

that you are about the most unreasonable man I have ever met in this

country."

Springing to his feet, as though his anger was getting beyond control,

he demanded that Elder Farrell prove it.

The reply was: "Your wife, according to your own words, was born a

'Mormon,' and cannot help herself. Don't you see how unreasonable you

have been in locking her out of the house night after night, trying to

burn her and indulging in other cruelty?"

Mr. Clark retorted: "I will never say a word to her again about

religion. She can go to Utah with you if she wants to, and I'll not say

a word to her."

"I don't want her," said Elder Farrell, "I have plenty of wives of my

own."

"Do you have more than one?" inquired Mr. Clark.

"Yes," was the response. "I have two wives and sixteen children."

"Well," said Mr. Clark, "I think more of you than any other 'Mormon' I

have met for your honesty. Others won't tell it, but you have honestly

confessed it."

"Now," added the Elder, "I want to tell you that God lives and I am

sent here to preach the Gospel of His Son Jesus Christ. If you repent

of your sins and are baptized for their remission, and live your

religion like a good, faithful Latter-day Saint you shall enjoy life to

a good old age, and your last days shall be the best and happiest days

of your life. You will enjoy the society of your family and your wife

and children will enjoy your company. You will grow fond of attending

the meetings of the Latter-day Saints, and in time be glad to repent of

your sins and be baptized for the remission of them."

Just then the clock struck one, and Mr. Clark remarked, "Well, it is an

hour past midnight. I am sorry I have kept you up so long. I will take

you up to bed, and you remain there until I call you in the morning.

I will call you in time for you to arise and get your breakfast, and

from this time forth, whenever you come to Stanwick, come direct to my

house, and make it your home; and if you advise when you are coming I

will have one of my daughters go out and notify the people when you

will be here. We will be most happy to receive you, and we will come

and sing for you at your meetings."

From that time Elder Farrell always went to the Clark home on visiting

Stanwick, and the family furnished music for the meetings, Mr. Clark

playing the violin and singing tenor, and in other ways proving a good

and true friend.

When Bishop Morris was released to return home he was succeeded as

president of the Birmingham conference by Bishop William H. Maughan.

Elder Farrell accompanied him on his first round and introduced him to

the Clark family, as being among his best friends. After Elder Maughan

had been there about nine months, and had become well acquainted with

the Clark family, two of the daughters who had not yet joined the

Church induced Bishop Maughan to ask their father's consent for him to

baptize them. Mr. Clark impatiently blurted out: "If they talk baptism

to me they cannot live in my home."

This was on Sunday evening. On Monday Bishop Maughan, finding it

useless to try to reconcile Mr. Clark, left for Birmingham, and on

Tuesday Elder Farrell called at Stanwick, in making the round of his

conference. On leaving Nottingham, his headquarters, he had left word

for any letters that might come for him during his absence to be

forwarded to Stanwick, care of Jonah Clark. Sister Clark had told him

on his arrival about Bishop Maughan asking her husband's consent to

baptize her two daughters, and of his refusal. She begged of him to

try, saying that Mr. Clark thought more of him than any other Elder he

had met. He told her he would do so.

The next morning when the mail came it brought some letters for Elder

Farrell, one of which was from Liverpool. On opening it he learned that

President Brigham Young had sent word to the President of the mission

to release him to return home, as the person who had succeeded him as

tithing clerk for Cache valley was unable to attend to the work, and

they wanted Elder Farrell home to resume his position in that respect.

Mr Clark was about to leave home for his work, and when he approached

Elder Farrell to bid him good bye, the latter said, "Wait a moment; I

want to read this letter to you," meaning the letter he had received

concerning his release.

When he had heard it he said, "Well, Elder Farrell, I think more of you

than any 'Mormon' Elder I ever met in my life, and if there is anything

in my house that you want, all you have to do is to name it, and it

shall be yours."

The Elder replied, "Thank you, that is all I want you to say; I don't

want your property but here are your two daughters, Annie and Lilla;

they want me to baptize them before I leave, and I would not do so

without your permission. All I want you to say is 'Yes.'"

He dropped his head into his hands for about one half minute, then

said: "Mr. Farrell, if they believe 'Mormonism' with all their hearts,

and they want you to baptize them, I say Yes."

The girls and their mother who had been in the next room, listening,

rushed in crying for joy, and thanked him for his kindness, and then he

cried too, and Elder Farrell couldn't help shedding tears of joy also.

Controlling his feelings, he said, "Mr. Clark, you remember the last

five persons I baptized down in the pond of water. Some of the people

announced in the newspaper that if I ever baptized any more there they

would duck me as long as I had breath. These people know that you don't

like the 'Mormons,' and I want you to go out in another direction and

find a good place to baptize the girls, and when evening comes you and

I can go down and the girls may follow us, and be baptized without the

people knowing anything about it."

He replied, "All right, Mr. Farrell. I'll not work to-day, but will go

and find a suitable place."

He returned some time later saying he had found a place about a mile

and a half east. He spent the rest of the day mostly in conversation

with Elder Farrell. In the meantime a thunder storm occurred and a

heavy shower followed.

A bed of water cress about six feet wide grew at the bottom of the

Clark garden, and Elder Farrell walked down there to gather some water

cress for supper. While doing so he heard the sound of running water

the opposite side of the garden wall, where there was an orchard. He

stepped across the water cress bed and looked over the wall and there

saw a stream of water about four feet wide (doubtless swollen by the

recent shower,) and just about twenty feet down stream two posts

stood--one in either bank. He called Mr. Clark to come down and notice

the stream, and asked him if he could find three boards, a foot wide,

to drop in the stream above the posts, to form a dam, thus making the

stream deep enough to baptize in, and so secluded that no one would

notice them or suspect what was going on.

It was also suggested that Mr. Clark arrange a safe bridge across the

water cress bed, which he immediately complied with, by taking the

kitchen door off its hinges and laying it down there to be walked over,

and also made steps to descend into the water.

Along towards evening Elder Farrell set out to walk to Mr. Baker's, who

was always on hand to lend him a pair of pants and high topped rubber

boots to wear when he was baptizing. He had not proceeded far when

someone approached him behind, and clutched him by the arm. Turning

around he faced Mr. Baker, who inquired if he was going to his house.

Elder Farrell replied that he was, for the purpose of getting his

uniform to wear in baptizing. Surprised, he next inquired who was to be

baptized, and was told that it was Annie and Lilla Clark.

"Well, bless me," Mr. Baker exclaimed, "it was only on Sunday last that

Bishop Maughan asked if he could baptize the girls, and was told by the

father that if they talked baptism to him they could not live in his

house."

Elder Farrell explained that Mr. Clark had not only given his consent,

but had prepared a place in which to baptize them.

"Well," said Mr. Baker, "that is wonderful! I can't stand it any

longer. Mr. Farrell, will you baptize me too?"

Elder Farrell replied that he would be pleased to do so.

On reaching the Baker home Mrs. Baker was asked to get the "uniform,"

as Elder Farrell was going to do some baptizing.

She inquired who was going to be baptized and her husband replied: "The

Clark girls and Charlie Baker."

The good woman raised her hands in ecstacy, and exclaimed: "Well, the

Lord be praised!"

Just then Mr. Baker's apprentice, a young man about seventeen years

of age, came running in from the next room, and eagerly asked: "Elder

Farrell, will you please baptize me?"

Elder Farrell inquired if his parents were willing, and he replied

that he dare not tell them anything about it. He was advised to

go straightway to them and tell them frankly that he wanted to be

baptized: that Elder Farrell was going to do some baptizing that

evening, and that he thought it would make a better boy of him if they

would only consent.

He walked towards his home very slowly, and with apparent reluctance,

but he was soon seen coming back on the run, and bubbling over with

happiness, for his parents were willing that he should be baptized.

When Elder Farrell was about to descend into the water he gave Mr.

Clark a pocket handkerchief, and told him to stand on the bank and help

each one down into the water, and, after he was baptized, to help him

out again, and when he was safely on the bank to wipe the water out of

his eyes.

He did so, and his wife told Elder Farrell the next morning that he had

never felt happier in his life than when assisting the people in and

out of the water. She begged him to go and wake Elder Farrell up and be

baptized by him, but he said "No."

The next morning after breakfast Mr. Clark said: "Now Mr. Farrell, I

am going to walk with you to the station, and carry your valise. I may

never see you again."

When they got out of town he stopped Elder Farrell, and, standing in

front of him, said: "I want to tell you that you have made a 'Mormon'

of me from the ground up, and I cannot help myself; but I will never

be baptized until I pay for every bill or account that I owe; then if

anyone says anything to me about being baptized I will tell him it is

none of his business; that I am not beholden to him, but if you are in

this country and one hundred miles away I shall want you to come and

baptize me."

When they reached the train Mr. Clark bade the Elder good bye, while

tears ran down his cheeks. He also thanked him for his good advice and

teachings, and the good example he had set before him and the world,

and said he hoped to see him again.

Three months after Elder Farrell arrived home he received a letter

from Mr. Clark stating that he had been baptized, and had stood in

the meeting of the Saints and borne his testimony to the truth of the

Gospel, in the house which he and a few other residents of Stanwick had

generously leased and paid the rent on for one year in advance, so that

Elder Farrell would not be under the necessity of preaching out in the

open air. He knew the Gospel was true, and that it would save and exalt

mankind inas-much as they were true and faithful to its principles.

In two years from that time Mr. Clark and his family arrived in Salt

Lake City, and in course of time removed to Smithfield, where he worked

at his trade as shoemaker.

He did well and entered all work that he did in a book, and at the

close of every year took that book to the Bishop and had a careful

computation made of his earnings and paid one-tenth for tithing.

The whole Clark family joined the choir, and the father continued to

take his part in the choir until he was past 87 years of age and had

grown so weak that other members used to be under the necessity of

helping him up the stairway.

He died just before he was 88 years of age, a firm and consistent

Latter-day Saint, and up to the last manifested the utmost respect for

Elder Farrell, and also taught his family to respect him and seek his

counsel.

His family are all faithful members of the Church, and are now residing

in Cache County, Utah, and doing well.

Prepared For the Gospel

JOHN ANDERSON'S SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH--PROVIDENTIAL WAY IN WHICH HE WAS

FIRST LED TO ATTEND A MEETING OF THE SAINTS--EMBRACED THE GOSPEL--FIRM

ADHERENCE THERETO.

IT IS probably a fact, though it may not be possible at this late date

to prove it, that a very large proportion of the early converts to

the Gospel were, at the time its message reached them, and for years

before, dissatisfied with the creeds of the day, and were searching for

the Truth as portrayed in the Bible.

One of the early converts to the Gospel in Scotland was John Anderson,

a native of Leith, who is a typical example of the class mentioned.

His daughter, Mrs. David Smellie, who died in the year 1909, has left a

sketch of his life written by her own hand, substantially as follows:

My parents had a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters.

I was their seventh child, and the first one born after my father

joined the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This step he took in the year 1840, and I will here relate how he

became acquainted with the peculiar people called "Mormons." He was an

intelligent, studious man, of a very fixed purpose when once resolved.

My dear mother was like him in that respect. In the early years of

their married life they were members of the United Presbyterian church,

but became dissatisfied with that sect, my parents not being able to see

the need of a man having to go to college so many years to learn to

preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They then became associated with a

body of religious worshippers called Separatists, who did not believe in

clergymen or infant sprinkling. This suited them better, as being more

scriptural.

In the year 1839 my father's mind was directed to the necessity of

baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the

conferring of the Holy Ghost, by one having authority. These the Bible

told him were among the first principles of the Gospel. But where was

he to find one who claimed such authority? He knew none, and yet the

Bible indicated that these ordinances were to be performed by one who

was called of God as was Aaron--by revelation. My father put those

views before the Separatist brethren, who, after due consideration,

requested him either to give up his ideas or leave the sect. He

therefore left, but my mother remained with them.

The year 1840 found my father in this frame of mind. In the meantime he

studied the New Testament scriptures, and his previous convictions were

increased. But what was he to do? The Lord had ceased to speak from the

heavens--had not done so since the days of the early Christians. The

world said: "It was not necessary, as the Bible contained all that was

needful."

I will here insert a short story which will help to illustrate the

point in view:

John Wesley, wishing other lands to hear the message he held forth,

assumed to ordain Coke and others to be bishops, to carry Methodism, and

on this point he and his brother Charles became divided, after being so

firmly united in the cause. This was the wedge that split them. Charles

did not believe that either had the power to ordain others, and he

opposed the scheme. John went ahead, assumed the authority, and laid

his hands on the head of Mr. Coke and ordained him a bishop, a position

Wesley himself never held.

Charles grew angry at this, and remarked:

"How easily are bishops made

By man's or woman's whim;

Wesley his hands has laid on Coke

But who laid hands on him?"

On Sunday afternoon in October, 1840, my parents were visited by my

mother's sister's husband--Uncle John Grieve, who resided in Edinburgh.

In the course of conversation he informed them that a celebrated

clergyman was to preach in Edinburgh that same evening, and invited my

father to accompany him to hear this man speak.

He consented, and together they set out to walk from Leith to

Edinburgh, a distance of two miles. They had reached a place called

"Dickson's Nursery," which was about half way, when suddenly my father

felt that he could not proceed any farther. Uncle John walked on a few

steps, thinking my father would follow, then turned and inquired if he

was not coming. Father replied, "John, I can go no farther with you

to-night."

Uncle John insisted upon his going, but all in vain. Father declared

that he could not lift his feet-they seemed sealed to the ground, and

he felt that he must go back.

Just as soon as he had said "Good evening" my father's feet were loosed

from the ground. He walked towards Leith until he reached the street

which led to his home, called Kirkgate. Then something prompted him to

take the street to the right, called Constitution. Down the street he

walked until he came to an entrance leading to the "Mason's Lodge,"

which entrance was called a "pind." This was an arched alley-way,

leading to buildings in the rear, where the Mason's hall was situated.

At this "pind" stood an old, fresh-complexioned man, dressed in

home-spun clothes. He bade my father "Good evening," and inquired if

he was aware that the new sect called Latter-day Saints were to hold

meeting in the Mason's hall that evening.

Father replied that he was not, whereupon the old man invited him to

attend, and led the way into the hall, where he put father into a good

seat.

My father turned around to thank him for his courtesy, but he was gone,

and he never saw him again; but to the last he maintained that the old

man was one of "the Three Nephites."

The speakers were Orson Pratt and George D. Watt. They preached the

first principles of the Gospel, and claimed that the Lord had again

spoken from the heavens and restored the everlasting Gospel in its

fullness, with the gifts and blessings belonging to the same. They

declared too that the Lord had promised that the Gospel would never

again be taken from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an

offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

My father sat listening and amazed at the good news--just what he had

been waiting for, and it seemed to fit into his heart. The precious

seed did indeed fall into fertile soil, and it bore "a hundred fold."

To hear was to investigate; to investigate was to embrace the new and

everlasting Gospel which the Lord had again restored to the earth, and

which He in His loving kindness had gradually prepared my father to

receive.

My father rejoiced greatly, for he realized he had indeed found the

"pearl of great price." This jewel he wore and prized for forty-five

years. He died December 19, 1885, in the 81st year of his age; and so

valiant a soldier was he in the cause of truth that it was said of him

"he did not owe his country one testimony."

One day while sitting by his bedside shortly before he passed away (I

don't like to say "died", for father did not die, he only fell asleep

and O, so gently; just like a tired child,) I inquired if there was any

message he would like to leave for those of his family who were out of

the reach of his voice. He replied, "Yes, tell them from their father

if they have gone outside of the fold, to get in again just as soon as

ever they can."

I feel prompted to record a few facts in the life of my father which

may be of interest to those who may read this, although my father never

desired me to do so. They will show that the Lord was with him to

uphold, defend and bless him. As I stated previously, he was ever ready

to expound and maintain the principles of the Gospel, and many of his

former friends and acquaintances turned very bitter against him because

of his fidelity to his convictions.

One of these was a sea captain named Robert Storm. Father had made

boots for him and his crew for a long time, but, because of the change

in his religious opinions, he became very bitter and withdrew his

custom.

My father was in the habit of taking a daily constitutional walk down

Leith pier. One day as he was coming up the pier he saw the vessel

Robert Storm was master of being towed down the river on her way to

France. Father took off his hat and waved a parting adieu. To this act

of courtesy Robert Storm responded with a look of scorn. Father was

impressed to say, "Robert Storm, you will never have the opportunity to

do that again to me."

Some eight or ten days afterwards a severe storm swept the English

Channel. One afternoon just at this time father heard the postman

call out his name in the stairway. This was the custom in tenement

houses, and the person so called was expected to go out and get his

letters. Father received from the postman a letter addressed to him in

a clear, bold hand, sealed with wax, as was the custom, envelopes not

then having come into fashion. (Letters were written on a large double

sheet of paper folded neatly and sealed with wax.) It bore the London

postmark, and contained a statement that Robert Storm was drowned at

sea on a certain day and where it occurred, indicating that it was in

the English Channel, but bore no signature. Father had gone direct to

his workroom when he received the letter, and as soon as he had read it

he laid it down on his work seat, and crossed through the lobby into

the kitchen to get my mother to come and read it also. She immediately

followed him into his workroom, when to his surprise he discovered the

letter was gone, and yet no living person had been there during his

absence.

The Lord had sent that letter, it had performed its mission, and was

taken away.

By and by an account of the wreck was read in the newspaper, which

stated that it had taken place in the English Channel. Thus was my

father's prediction fulfilled.

In illustration of the character of my father I have heard it related

that a certain Elder W...... (his name is suppressed for the sake of

his relatives) presided over the Edinburgh branch at a period in the

early history of the Church there. One evening after the regular

Sunday evening service was over he called upon the members holding

the priesthood to remain and hold a kind of council meeting. At this

meeting Elder W...... proposed that certain funds belonging to the

conference, collected for a certain purpose, be used for an entirely

different purpose, in which he was personally interested. My father

being a very conscientious man, protested against this proceeding,

and said, seeing the Edinburgh conference had given this money for a

special purpose, they as custodians had no authority to use it in any

other direction without the consent of the donors.

Elder W......, indignant at my father's presuming to oppose him or his

wishes, arose and proposed that, seeing that John Anderson had been

guilty of dictating to him, a superior officer, he be cut off the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A show of hands was called

for, and in less time than it takes to tell it the vote carried.

My father remained quiet until the matter was settled, then he arose

and requested permission to speak. The request being granted, he

said: "Brethren, all I desire to say is that ...... ...... W......,

(mentioning his name in full) will be out of the Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints when I am in it."

My father renewed his covenants the following week, and continued an

honorable member during his life. He died holding the office of a High

Priest, while Elder W.... died a poor outcast and apostate.

My father remained in Scotland, laboring in the Gospel cause, both at

home and elsewhere, paying his tithing, and trusting in the Lord for

his promised blessing until the year 1863. Previous to this period he

had at various times requested my mother to accompany him to Utah. This

she refused to do, not being able to see the Gospel light. Then father

decided to gather with the Saints, taking his youngest son with him,

and leaving four daughters, two married and two single, with their

mother.

Shortly before leaving Scotland my father, in conversation with one of

the brethren, expressed his regret at leaving his wife and daughters

behind him. The brother told him to be of good courage, for his wife

and family would follow him, and that he would live to see the promise

fulfilled.

Father could scarcely believe this prediction, it appeared so very

unlikely to ever come to pass. However, he trusted in the Lord, knowing

that He "moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform," and surely

in the case of my father's family this was exemplified to a wonderful

degree. The prophecy concerning the gathering of my father's family was

fulfilled to the letter, for he had the satisfaction of receiving us

all in Salt Lake City. He located at 54 East First South Street, where

he built a good comfortable house, in which he lived until called to

his final rest.

A Prediction and Its Fulfillment

PREDICTION THAT AN APPARENTLY BARREN WOMAN WOULD GIVE BIRTH TO A

SON--ITS LITERAL FULFILLMENT--THAT SON'S REVERENCE FOR THE ELDER WHO

MADE THE PREDICTION.

ACCORDING to the Scriptures, prophecy was one of the gift which should

characterize the Church in the last days, and thousands can attest that

the gift has been enjoyed by the Latter-day Saints to a marked degree.

Under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord many of the Elders have

made predictions that have really frightened themselves when they have

contemplated them afterwards, for it was only by the eye of the Spirit

they could see any probability of their fulfillment.

A case in point is related by Elder C., who filled a mission in England

in the early sixties. He, in company with the president of the mission

and several other Elders, visited a branch of the Church in which a

large number of Saints had made preparations to migrate to Utah, and

who desired a blessing under the hands of the Elders before undertaking

the journey. It came Elder C.'s turn to bless a. sister who had been

married a good many years, but who had no children. She was not perhaps

as old as her appearance indicated, but her hair was almost white. In

the course of the blessing pronounced upon her Elder C., under the

prompting of the Spirit, promised that she should journey safely to

Zion and there establish and enjoy a comfortable home, and give birth

to a son who would live to call her blessed.

In a spirit of fun the other Elders afterwards jollied Elder C. a

good deal about the promise he had made that sister, telling him he

had better look at the color of a woman's hair before making her any

such extravagant promises as he had in that instance. He was somewhat

plagued by their raillery and could offer no defense except to say

that the Spirit had prompted him to say what he did. He remembered

the promise, but had no means of learning the subsequent history of

the sister until a year or so afterward, when, after his return home

from his mission, he chanced to meet her husband, who joyfully hailed

him with the exclamation, "That boy you promised is born!" But then

he added, with tears in his eyes that his wife, who had fondly clung

to the promise, was fifty-three years old at the time of the child's

birth, and had only lived a short time afterwards, but died happy in

the consciousness that the boy survived her, and in the hope that he

would indeed live to call her blessed. The parents regarded him as

a child of promise, as much so as Isaac of old was, who was born to

Sarah in her old age, and named him in honor of Elder C. giving him his

christian and surname as well as the surname of his father.

Years afterwards that son, having reached a marriageable age and grown

to be a stalwart man, journeyed a long distance with his intended bride

to get Elder C., (whom he had never seen, but whom he had been taught

from infancy to revere) to perform the marriage ceremony for him, and

his ever-increasing posterity will doubtless be taught, as they come to

years of understanding, the story of the inspired prediction and its

literal fulfillment, as here related.

A Tongue of Utility

ELDER BASTIAN INSPIRED TO PREACH IN THE DANISH LANGUAGE BEFORE HE HAD

LEARNED IT.

ON THE DAY of Pentecost when the ministry of the Apostles was ushered

in with such a wonderful display of supernatural power the assembled

multitude heard the Gospel preached in many different languages with

which they were severally familiar, but which were strange to the

Apostles. This was in fulfillment of the promise of the Savior, as

recorded in Mark XVI. 17, that these signs shall follow them that

believe: "In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with

new tongues." The utility of their so speaking must have been at once

apparent to those who heard but would not have understood them had they

not been inspired to so speak.

Of similar utility has been the gift of tongues enjoyed by a number of

Elders in our day when sent upon missions to foreign countries. A case

in illustration of this is the experience of Elder Gearsen S. Bastian,

formerly Counselor to the President of the Wayne Stake of Zion, but now

a resident of Sigurd, Sevier Co., Utah. He was sent on a mission to

Denmark in 1888, and was appointed to labor in the Aarhus conference.

He found much difficulty in acquiring the Danish language, so much so

that he felt discouraged and began to fear that he would never be able

to learn it. About that time his missionary companion was released to

return home, and Elder Bastian was left in charge of the Randers branch.

Only once had he attempted to speak before the public, and he was

only able to say a very few words. Sunday came, and at the appointed

time for worship the meeting hall was well filled. After the opening

exercises he called upon one of the native Elders to speak, but he had

only occupied a few minutes, when a burning desire to speak filled the

soul of Elder Bastian. He arose, and under the influence and power of

God he preached the gospel with much plainness in the Danish language

for an hour and twenty minutes. At the close of the meeting the native

brethren and sisters all flocked around him to congratulate him; and

they claimed that he had spoken the language with as much plainness

as they could have spoken; and they rejoiced greatly. But as yet he

could not converse with them; nevertheless the Lord had given to him

a testimony that he should thenceforth have freedom and power in

preaching the gospel.

Judgment Upon An Anti-"Mormon"

THUG HIRED TO ASSAULT "MORMON" PREACHER--HIS MISSION DIVINED BY THE

ELDER--A PREDICTION CONCERNING THE INSTIGATOR--ITS LITERAL FULFILLMENT.

BREACHWOOD GREEN, Hertfordshire, England, was the scene of an episode

connected with the early preaching of the Gospel in Europe that is

worthy of record. About sixty-four years have passed since it occurred

but it is still remembered and frequently talked of by the present

inhabitants of the place, strangers as well as Saints.

The "Red Lion," one of the principal public houses of the village,

which stands facing Oxford Road, was, at the time of which I write,

kept by one Samuel Peters, a man of influence and property, who

combined the business of baker and provision dealer with that of

publican. His family consisted of a wife and six children.

Beneath the wide-spreading branches of a great ash tree which grows

opposite the "Red Lion," stood a humble Elder of the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints, declaring the principles of life and

salvation, revealed anew in this dispensation. He was a stranger in

the place, and had chosen this spot on the public highway in which to

hold forth, as he could not obtain the use of a more comfortable or

appropriate place. A goodly number of people had gathered about him,

and were listening attentively to what he said.

Annoyed at the attention and respect paid by the assembly to a religion

and a sect which he so heartily despised, the publican offered a man

named Henry Thrussell, a low, drunken character, who was hanging about

the tap-room, a quart of beer if he would go out and strike that

"Mormon" preacher in the face. The lout, who was half drunk already,

willingly accepted the offer and made his way across the street, being

watched from the door by his patron and a few loungers about the

tavern, who were eager to see the fun.

As Thrussell began elbowing his way through the crowd who had gathered

about the speaker, some little resistance was offered to the intrusion,

but by his bullying manner be soon forced an entrance. The speaker

paused in his remarks on seeing him approach in such an aggressive

style, and reaching out his hand to him, he said, "Well, my good

man, what do you want?" Disarmed by the friendly greeting, the bully

hesitated about replying, when the Elder continued: "Did some one send

you here to disturb this meeting?" "Yes, sir!" the follow answered,

still hesitating about executing his errand. "Was it the publican

yonder?" asked the Elder, as he noticed the men at the tavern door

watching the proceedings. Receiving an affirmative reply, he then

continued: "I am sorry, very sorry, for his sake! You go and tell that

man that judgment will soon overtake him. Though he is now prosperous,

he shall soon come to want. Though his family is now healthy, sickness

and death will soon come among them, and he will die in poverty,

forsaken by his friends!"

The intended assailant turned upon his heel without accomplishing

what he was sent for, and retraced his steps to the tavern, where the

publican, who had heard the prediction of the servant of God, berated

him for his cowardice.

Time passed on. That Elder no longer came to Breachwood Green to

preach, for he had journeyed to the land of Zion, in search of a new

home and probably thought little of the prediction uttered under the

inspiration of the Spirit, and perhaps never knew whether it was

fulfilled or not. But if he forgot it, the people who heard it upon

that occasion did not. Although many of them, perhaps, did not believe

that it would ever come to pass, they have had time since to test by

the rule laid down in Deuteronomy xviii, 22, whether the Elder spoke

presumptuously or by authority from the Lord. The Lord told Moses,

"When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow

not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not

spoken."

Soon after the prediction was uttered sickness came into the Peters

family, and the wife and four of the children died. The husband became

dissipated and neglected his business and squandered his property.

Financial ruin soon followed and his friends deserted him. After

dragging out a miserable existence for a few years, he finally died,

forsaken and alone, in a little out-house.

The man Thrussell was still living when the writer visited that

locality some years since, and was pointed out to him on the street.

He occasionally, in his sober moments, referred to that event, and to

the feeling he experienced when facing the Elder, and declared that for

the life of him he could not lift his hand to strike the Elder. He also

tells of the interest with which he watched for the fulfillment of the

prediction, and testified that it was fulfilled.

That Elder's name was John P. Hayes, the same, who lived for many years

at Pleasant Grove, Utah, but who is now dead. He is survived by a

numerous progeny, who may be interested in learning that the memory of

his words still lives in his former field of labor. A few of those who

listened to his testimony have since embraced the Gospel, but the most

of them are as prone to follow after fables as they ever were; and they

still languidly hold to their hollow creeds, which differ as widely

from the true Gospel as the light shed by a farthing "dip" does from

the glorious effulgence of the noonday sun.

Transcriber's Note

In the text, Chapter IV was originally "Chapter IIII" and part of the

heading was cut off; both errors have been corrected to match the

Table of Contents. Various errors involving quotation marks have been

resolved as seemed reasonable.