Editor’s Table: A Tribute from the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion

A TRIBUTE FROM THE YOUNG MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIA- TIONS OF ZION.

TO WILFORD WOODRUFF, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ASSOCIATIONS FROM APRIL 6tH, i88o, TO THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, SEPT. 2, 1 898.

The young men of Zion feel that from them is due a tribute

of love and gratitude to the memory of their revered Superinten-

dent, Wilford "Woodruff, who felt it a privilege to stand at the head of this great organization and who filled the position with honor, in the face of advancing years. He was peculiarly fitted, even in his old age, to lead the Young Men's Mutual Improvement work, because in mind and soul he was always young and full of active zeal, a true exemplar of the activity of youth, as well as

the ripe wisdom of age.

The life of every good man preaches a sermon; and of the many truths taught by the life-sermon of Wilford Woodruff we shall name but a few, that seem to us he would most desire should

find a lodgement in the hearts of the youth of Israel:

He was a pioneer, not only in the wilderness of rugged nature, but pre-eminently in the more stubborn and intractable wilderness of human nature. A world of humanity, unbelieving and unloving, lay before him, which it was his mission to convert

and bring into harmony with God's will. As Elijah drew from heaven rain to moisten the parched earth, so he from heaven's fountain of grace drew down distilling dews of repentance, which softened the hearts of men and made them prolific soil for the seeds of faith and virtue.

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He was a missionary, and to carry to the world God's message of love, he traveled more than seven times the circumference of the globe. Courageous, persistent and undaunted, he delivered that message to the world; and though it requited his love with scorn, yet like Paul of old he could say, "Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel." And as sheaves gathered by him into his Father's garner, multitudes

of Saints on Mount Zion arise and call him blessed.

He was a man of peace; and labored in all the conditions of his life to uproot hate and plant love in its place. And as one who stands where the waters divide, and streams change their courses, he stood and said, "Henceforth Zion shall be in the lead. " As he spake the streams of prejudice turned from his

people, and there came a multitude of voices from those laboring

in all the nations of the earth, saying: "The tide of prejudice is receding, and we reach the hearts of the people. '

He was a man who lived in closest communion with nature. Simple and natural in all his ways, he endeared himself to all who love nature for herself and the natural in man. He was the friend of humanity, and never separated himself from them, even though

he was the associate of princes and leaders of men. His life, so richly filled with lessons, preaches above all the eloquent sermon of sublime devotion to duty, and Christ-like humility.

His life's epitome is this:

"Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends! Hath he not always treasures, always friends. The great, good man? Three treasures, love and light, And calm thoughts, regular as infant's breath: And three firm friends, more sure than day and night, Himself, his Maker, and the angel death!"