Every Knee Shall Bow. A Poem

904 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

It may be asked, how can he give^ attention to such small details? How can he overrule these minor incidents in the lives of his

millions of children? can only say in answer to such questions I

that his ability to do so is one evidence of his omnipotence. That he does direct in what we may consider small matters as well as in important affairs is apparent, for frequently it happens that what appears to be simple accidents result in mighty consequences. Great impending calamities are averted by seemingly insignificant means; and even the course of the world's history is changed by apparent trifles. Another question that might be asked concerning this man's career is: why did he desire to leave the Sandwich Islands and go to New York to get a wife, then return to the Islands to make his home? It was a long and expensive trip, and presumably he did not have the necessary means to carry out his intention, for immediately upon landing in San Francisco, he went to work at his trade that he might earn money to take him further on his journey. We might conclude that his love for home and, perhaps, for some particular young lady of his-acquaintance, prompted the desire for the journey. If this was the case, the course he after-

wards pursued shows that his love for the gospel, after becoming converted to it, was even stronger than his love for home and sweetheart, for, instead of continuing his journey to the far east, as soon as he raised sufficient means, he went to the uninviting deserts of Utah, and wholly abandoned the plan he started to carry out. But whatever motive he had in going to San Francisco, I believe it was Providence that led him there, that he might learn of the truths of the gospel. Had he remained on the Sandwich Islands, he probably would not have heard the gospel until several years later, when Latter-day Saint missionaries first visited the Islands. A review of the life of Dr. Karl G. Maeser will furnish another testimony to sustain the claim that there is a divinity that determines the destiny of man, and that in many a simple incident there is hidden a deep design. Born in Meiszen, Saxony, in 1S28, he was educated for a teacher, and taught school in Dresden and other places. Eventually, he became head teacher in the Budig institute. When a boy, his

THE "DIVINITY THAT SHAPES OUR ENDS." 905

attention was first attracted to "Mormonism" by an illustration that appeared in a newspaper. The impression then made upon hismind was such that he had a desire to meet one of the "Mormon" faith, and later in life he took steps to gratify that desire by writing letters of inquiry to representatives of the Latter-day Saints who were then in Europe, and whose addresses he obtained. While teaching in the above-mentioned institute, in Dresden, he had the privilege of meeting with some "Mormon'' elders. The outcome was, he was baptized into the Church, came to Utah, taught school in Salt Lake City. His ability as a teacher being recognized, he was called to establish the Brigham Young Academy, at Provo. He was the man for the position, as the record he made has fully proved. His labors in the cause of education in that institution, and later throughout Zion, brought him everlasting honor and gratitude, and his influence for good will live and extend indefinitely. In reflecting upon the life and labors of this one of the fore- most of Zion's educators, I am tempted to ask the question, why was he so strongly influenced by what little he heard of "Mor- monism" to take the pains to inquire about ic? No doubt what little he had heard was unfavorable, then why trouble himself about such an unpopular people who were afar off in a foreign land? The only answer I can find to the inquiry is that "the Spirit of God — wrought upon the man" using the language of the Book of Mormon in reference to the "man among the Gentiles"— Columbus. If Zion was to become what the prophets predicted should be her lot, it was necessary that her sons and daughters should be educated and

accomplished, and there was need of just such a teacher as was found in Dr. Maeser to help bring about the desired result. Can anyone acquainted with the work he was instrumental in ac- complishing deny that he was inspired! While referring to the subject of education, it may be in place to call attention to other educators who have been led to these valleys, and whose advent among the Saints has been most oppor- tune and providential. Notable among such men was the late Dr. John R. Park, who was for so many years the guiding genius of what is now the University of Utah. That he was led hera by some overruling power, there is no doubt in my mind. Dr. Park