Congratulations

Congratulations

President Charles W. Penrose celebrated his eighty-sixth

anniversary, on February 4, 1918, having been born in Camber-

well, London, England, February 4, 1832. Thousands of our

readers join with us in congratulating him on this auspicious

occasion, and in wishing him continued health and happiness.

President Penrose is a remarkable man who is greatly adored

and respected by the whole community of Latter-day Saints.

He had read the scriptures when four years old, and at the

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age of eighteen joined the Church, having become convinced

that the doctrine taught by the Latter-day Saints was scriptural

and true. He straightway became a missionary in England,

and traveled a whole decade thousands of miles preaching the

gospel, going mostly on foot, and without purse or scrip. When

released, he emigrated to America, in 1861, and in the Mountain

Valleys took immediate interest in Church affairs, literature,

writing and newspaper work. He made speedy progress both in

civil and religious affairs. His life has been one constant stream

of activity, and he arose from one honor to another until at

present he occupies an exalted position in the highest quorum of

the Priesthood — the Presidency of the Church. Beloved by all

the people, he is constantly sought for the counsel and advice

which his long and valued experience enables him to impart.

On the principles of the gospel there is none more versatile,

none more entertaining and instructive, both in public speaking

and in written utterances, than President Charles W. Penrose.

His many writings on the gospel have been circulated by the

millions, and everywhere they have become standards on

Church doctrine. In the early eighties he wrote a valuable

work entitled Mormon Doctrine, and in 1896, while acting as

Assistant Church Historian, he wrote twelve tracts entitled

Rays of Living Light, which series he closed with the following

prophetic utterance, very applicable in the present day:

A Prophetic Warning

This is a day of warning. It will be followed by a time

of judgments. The Lord is about to shake terribly the king-

doms of this world. War, pestilence, famine, earthquake, whirl-

wind, and the devouring fire, with signs in the heavens and on

the earth, will immediately precede the great consummation

which is close at hand. These are the last days. All that has

been foretold by the Holy Prophets concerning them is about to

be literally fulfilled. The everlasting gospel has been restored

to the earth as one of the signs of the latter days. Israel is

being gathered. The elect of God are assembling from the

four quarters of the earth. The way is opening for the redemp-

tion of Judah. Soon all things will be in commotion: "men's

hearts failing them for fear, and looking for the things that are

coming on the earth." The places of refuge appointed are in

Zion and in Jerusalem. The Lord, even Jesus the Messiah, will

come to his Holy Temple. He will be glorified in his Saints,

but will "take vengeance on them that know not God and obey

not the gospel." He will break in pieces the nations as a pot-

ter's vessel. He will sweep the earth as with a besom of destruc-

tion. He will establish righteousness upon it and give do-

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minion to his people. "The meek shall inherit the earth and

the wicked be cut off forever." Therefore, repent and turn

unto him all ye nations, and obey him all ye people, for these

words are true and faithful and are given by his Spirit! Sal-

vation has come unto you; reject it not lest ye fall and perish.

The time is at hand!