Messages from the Missions

EDITORS TABLE. 393 composed by the immortal Parley P. Pratt, of blessed memory, which I copied into my journal. As I think it has never been published before, may I beg a place for it in the Era? where it may appear as a companion gem to the grand old song : "From Greenland's Icy Mountains," by the immortal Bishop Heber. Yours, etc., A. Milton Musser. WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD? Holy, happy, pure and free, Blessed, indeed, and dear to me, Are thy loved ones, Deseret, Friends I never shall forget. CHORUS. While far off, while far off, my pilgrim feet shall roam, While far off, while far off, my pilgrim feet shall roam. Where, oh where is holy ground? Where, oh where does truth abound? Where on earth is freedom found, Deseret, beyond thy bound? Is it found on yonder shore 'Mid the heaps of shining ore? No ; the sons of truth divine Worship not at Mammon's shrine. Is it found on yonder isles. Where eternal verdure smiles? 'Mid the fields of evergreen, 'Neath the beauteous skies serene? Shall I turn to China's coast, Scan the ancient Breman's host? India's spicy isles explore. Search the Moslem records o'er? 'Round the sphere to Europe turn? Of the Christian Fathers learn? Range the realms of Popery, Searching still for "Peter's key?" Search the earth, explore the sea, Who can solve the mystery? Who, with keys of truth divine. Bids the light in fulness shine? V'ain the search through every realm; Deseret is at the helm; There the kings majestic stand, Holding keys for every land. Parley P. Pratt.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS. President S. 0. Bennion of the Central States mission writes that after the 1st of March the mission address will be changed from No. 1405 Locust St., Kan. sas City, Mo., to No. 302 South Pleasant St., Independence, Mo. Mrs. F. E. R. Thompson of San Jose, California, writes under date of Octo- ber 23 1906: "While my husband was on his mission he found the Eka most in- dispensible; ' and now the household would bo incomplete without its uplifting thoughts." From the annual report of the Swedish mission for 1906, published in Nord- stjarnan, it appears that there are 28 branches in the five conferences of that mission There are 66 raissionares, and a total of 2,329 members, including 335

394 IMPROVEMENT ERA. children under eight years of age. During the year there were 91 baptisms, 76 emigrated, and 30 died. A synopsis of the labors of the missionaries shows that 133,124 homes were visited for the purpose of distributing tracts, 20,559 gospel conversations were held, and 3, 169 meetings, including six that were held in the open air. "If some point comes up that is not very clear to the elder, he is generally cited to the Era or manual. The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association of the Chicago branch is fully organized and is doing a very good work. We find that the work of this winter is exactly what most of us need, and the present manual opens up a treasure-house of gospel truth. All the officers and members of our mutual are good, earnest workers, and everyone seems to be a pusher, and all have the interests of the work at heart. We pray for yoiir success in your important work." So writes Elder G. N. Curtis, the secretary of the Northern States mission, Chicago, under date of January 31, 1907. From the report of President Alexander Nibley of the Netherlands-Bel- gium mission, we cull the following facts: "Notwithstanding that we have had seven elders fewer in the mission this year than in 1905, and also that one of our conferences was quarantined for two months, we are able to report a great in- crease over the work of the previous year. During the year, 193, 865 tracts and beoks were distributed—we sold over four times more tracts than were sold, loaned and given away during the previous year. Homes visited with first tracts, 17,210; on reinvitations, 608; an increase of 25 per cent was had in the baptisms; many of the best tithe payers of the mission emigrated to Utah ; but the tithing re- ceipts increased about 20 per cent ; and the circulation of De Ster increased from 565 to 800." Elder W. M. Cragun writes from Chicago under date of February 13: "While visiting among friends, last week, I spoke of the gospel being restored during the last days, and in the course of my remarks referred to the people who suffered form the earthquake in San Francisco . A lady present who had two small chil- dren said: 'Yes, I know something about that because I was there, and several of my friends were killed; I don't want to experience such a thing again.' She told how kindly the people in Utah treated the refugees, and that when their train arrived in Ogden tables were spread with nearly all the necessaries of life ; clothes were given to those who were in need; and, said she, 'The 'Mormons' treated us fine. ' Before we left she expressed a desire to visit our church and know more concerning our belief. ' ' Elder Wells L. Brimhall writes from Amsterdam, Holland, under date of Jan- uary 22: "President Penrose and Elder William A. Morton of the Liverpool office, in company with President Nibley and twenty-three missionaries, visited us on the evening of the 14th inst. We all had such a good time I think it will long remain fresh in our memories. We called a special meeting, and our hall was over full. Elder J. K. Meibos interpreted for President Penrose and Elder Morton, the former speaking at length on the free agency of man. Elders Morton and Meibos related interestingly of their conversions and what the gospel had done for them.

EDITORS TABLE. 395 All the speakers were greatly blessed by the Holy Spirit. Many investigators were present who gave their addrei^ses after meeting, and some of them wanted to know if they might entertain a missionary for two or three days. The hymns rendered by the choir, led by one of our local men, were greatly enjoyed, and the sweet influence of the Spirit of the Lord prevailed during tiie whole proceedings. We have already seen that much good has resulted from this meeting." Elder James King writes from Te Ante, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, January 16 : "A memorial service was held at Ohiti, Hawkes Bay, December 30, 1906, at which services the large white marble monument erected to the memory of Hoki- mate Ranmaewa, wife of Ranmaewa of Wanganni, was unveiled and dedicated by Elder James King. Both husband and wife connected themselves with the Church in the early 80' s, when the gospel was first preached in New Zealand. There were several noted chiefs present at the services; viz., Te Henken, Hakopa Kohungan, Te Rua, Taranaki, and several others. Some of these, though non- 'Mormons,' praised the work of the elders and wished them Godspeed. A large 'hakari* feast was held under some large pine trees, and all partook of the high class food which was served out without restraint in the good old Maori way. This can only be thoroughly understood by those who have had the privilege of dining at one of these feasts, and who have enjoyed the gentle hospitality of this dusky race. We all enjoy the reading of the Era. I deem it one of the very best Church publi- cations." This remarkable case of healing is translated from De Ster of November 15, 1906, published by the Church at Rotterdam, Holland, and the translation sent to the Era by President Alex. Nibley: Little Jphn, the eleven-year-old son of Sister H. S. of the Rotterdam branch, has suffered greatly for a number of years with his eyes. They were badly inflamed and pained him continually. He was slowly losing his sight and was unable to attend school longer. When on a cer- tain day in the beginning of last August, it was announced in Rotterdam that President Joseph F. Smith would be in the city the following day and attend meet- ing, little John said to his mother: "The Prophet has the most power of any mis- sionary on earth. If you will take me with you to meeting and he will look into my eyes, I believe they will be healed." According to his desire he was permitted 'to accompany his mother to the meeting, at the close of which President Smith moved to the door in order to shake hands with the Saints and friends as they passed out of the hall. As the little fellow approached him, led by his mother and his eyes bandaged with cloths. President Smith took him by the hand and spoke to him kindly. He then raised the bandage slightly and looked sympathetically into the inflamed eyes, at the same time saying something in English which the child could not understand. The lit- tle fellow was satisfied. The Prophet had acted according to his faith; and ac- cording to his filial faith so did it come to pass with him. Upon reaching home he crie'd out: "Mama, my eyes are well; I can't feel any more pain. I can see fine now, and far too." Since then his sight has been splendid. He attends school again, and one would never think that anything had ever ailed his eyes.