356 NECESSITY OF FULFILLING PROMISES. NECESSITY OF FULFILLING PROMISES. There is an old adage which says, "Promises, like pie-crusts, are made to be broken," and to the shame and confusion of some be it said, that it too often proves a true one. Nevertheless, we as a Church and people, do not subscribe to such a belief, but on the contrary, we hold that promises should be made in all good faith, accompanied with an honest and honorable intention of fulfilling them; but it sometimes happens that unforeseen circumstances occur, which are entirely beyond our control, and which prevent us from fulfilling a promise we may have made; under such circumstances we can feel a conscience void of offence, and after explaining the cause of failure to the parties concerned, a proper understanding will be arrived at, and confidence, if it has begun to flag, will thus be restored and re-established. A promise which we make should be regarded by us as a sacred thinga covenant- -an obligation which we have taken upon ourselves to perform, and we should not allow our minds to rest satisfied short of its fulfilment. God demands this duty of us, and every person with whom we have any dealings has a right to expect it from us; in fact, it is a claim which we all hold on one another, and when we do not fulfil the conditions, we are guilty of robbing each other of our mutual rights. Self respect requires that our word be sacredly kept, and when we, from indifference and wilful neglect, continually fail in doing so, we thereby forfeit the respect and confidence of every person with whom we have to deal, causing them to give expression to something like the following :— Such and such a one has promised me" to come here or go there, as the case may be, "still I do not rely on him, for he has broken his promises to me so many times, that I have at length lost all confidence in him; if he keeps his word, well and good, and if not, I shall not be surprised nor feel disappointed." Now, instead of acting thus, we should make it our con stant study, and regard it as a matter of pride and a point of honor to keep our word, as by so doing we shall please God and gain the respect and confidence of every right-minded person; and having gained this point, we should be exceedingly careful not to commit any act calculated in its nature to abuse the good feelings thus inspired, but by pursuing an upright and honorable course through life, prove ourselves worthy of the confidence reposed in us. Parents should make it a rule never to make their children promises, unless they feel fully satisfied that they will be able to fulfil them, and fully intend doing so; for by constantly failing to keep faith with them, we do them much harm, and thereby cause them to withhold from us that childlike confidence which they would otherwise repose in us, and teach them to look upon us with mingled feelings of suspicion and distrust; thus they are led to partake of the same spirit and influence, and it strengthens upon them with their growth, until finally, like those who have taught them the lesson, and shown them the example, they get to regard their promises and covenants as so many pie-crusts, made to be broken. This is certainly a sad state of things to contemplate, but to a certain extent it is but too true a one; still we rejoice in knowing that this, like all others evils, will finally be overcome by all who embrace the Gospel, and live its holy precepts. Again, when the teacher goes round in the discharge of his duties, visiting the Saints in their homes, he finds some who are lukewarm in their feelings, instructs them in their duties, as he is led by the holy Spirit, and invites them to attend their meetings. This they promise to do; but meeting time comes and passes away, and their promise is not kept; this happens from time to time, until weeks, and, in some instances, even months pass away, and the oft-made promise is not fulfilled. This is dangerous ground to walk upon, and the sooner those who are on the track quit it, the better SIGNIFICANT AND SUGGESTIVE. will it be for them; for rely upon it, persistence in such an evil course grieves the holy Spirit, and will cause it to depart from all such, the servants of God will no longer repose confidence in them, their minds will become more and more beclouded, and, finally, they will be severed from the Church, and thus lose all hopes of eternal life, if they do not speedily repent. Now, if we look at this matter in a proper light, we shall be able to see that it is of the first importance that we make not promises in a hasty, reckless sort of manner, without even considering as to the possibility of our being able to fulfil the same; and, also, to understand that it behoves us to base our course of action upon an honest conviction that we shall be able to perform all that we promise. We learn from the Scriptures, and also from our own individual experience, that the Lord is faithful in fulfilling his promises to the children of men, and we further learn, that if faithful, we are destined to become like him; but if this great essential | 357 towards that high and much to be desired state of perfection be lacking in us, if this prominent feature in our great prototype be found wanting, then it cannot with propriety be said that we are fully like Him, and, as a consequence, we could not enjoy a fulness of his presence and glory. Jesus said, "Be ye perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Here, then, we learn that such a consummation is placed within our reach, and that by the aid and assistance of the holy Spirit, coupled with our own untiring exertions, we shall finally attain thereto, if we faint not. Seeing, then, that so great and glorious a destiny awaits us, it behoves us to make it our constant study to so order our lives and shape our course, that we may ultimately have power to overcome our weaknesses and shortcomings in every respect, and thus, at length, become all that the Lord would have us to be, being counted worthy to receive at his hands all that we could possibly hope for, or anticipate to receive and enjoy. FRANCIS L. GIBBONS. SIGNIFICANT AND SUGGESTIVE. The daily record of events that To say that there has been a railreaches us from the east and the west road accident, a fire which laid half a -from the "old world" and the older city in smoking ruins, a shipwreck world, so far as population is involved, where every soul on board the illincorrectly called " new," is of a signi- fated vessel perished, an earthquake ficant and suggestive character. It which spread destruction around, or a tells of the rapidity with which the war in which thousands on thousands nations are hastening to a crisis, in- were maimed, mangled, and slaughterevitable yet dreaded by all, while they ed, is but to record that which has vainly strive to hope against convic- occurred since railroads were frst tion. Science and art have made im- used, cities built, ships sent forth to mense strides within a few short years; navigate the great waters, volcanic yet the idea that mortal existence action developed itself, or man forsook would thereby be prolonged, and en- his God, and became subject to the joy a comparative immunity from the power of evil. But when these things, varied dangers to which it was ex- and others equally painful and terriposed in days of greater intellectual ble, become repeated and repeated a darkness; that disasters and danger- hundred fold, amid the vaunted science ous accidents would be less frequent; of an age that looks upon past times and that the grosser passions which with disdain and contempt, they sugsway men in a ruder state would be gest inquiry as to the causes which made subject to peace and purity, is produce them, or the crisis, if any, to fast melting away. which they point. 358 MINUTES OF THE GLASGOW CONFERENCE. There is something appalling about, the magnitude of the disasters which have occurred within a few months in various parts of the world, and their number. Statists have in vain tried to account for the immense increase of shipwrecks which have been chronicled within a few years, because of a much larger number of ships being afloat. | But the disproportion between the number of ships in two given periods, and the number of disasters at sea, confounds them. Besides, the rapid advance made in shipbuilding, and in the knowledge of preservative principles, has been lauded until one would almost imagine such a thing as a shipwreck would become a wonder. There is scarcely a despatch which crosses the wires, but contains a statement of some terrible conflagration, horrid railroad disaster, some fearful colliery explosion, or some appalling accident, which would curdle the blood if their very frequency had not rendered the public feeling comparatively callous to such matters. Men may seek to find the causes why they occur, in incendiarism, increased travel, and carelessness; but these very causes reveal the fact, which is overlooked, that the spirit which inspires to preserve and maintain, which bestows wisdom and prompts mankind to value life and save from destruction-the Spirit of life is fast leaving the inhabitants of the earth, and they are becoming subject to a spirit which destroys, wastes life, and would empty the earth of everything worth preserving. Some believe that they can see the hand of an overruling Controller of events visibly made manifest in these signs of the times, and we are among the number. Others laugh at such an idea, and call it fanaticism. They say they can only see the action of natural causes, and their results. They do not think that there is a Power by | which the natural laws are directed. Two trains of cars freighted with human life, and rushing along with tremendous velocity, meet on the same track; there is a collision, followed by shrieks and groans, as the bruised, bleeding, and mangled are thrown into one huge heap of human suffering. A bridge is defective, and as the thundering cars pass over it, the treacherous supports give way, and the whole is hurled downwards in a mingled mass of death and destruction. A rope is stranded, it parts in the moment when strength is most needed, and the ship is dashed to pieces, or founders in a storm. A match or a cigar end is dropped carelessly among inflammable matter, and a pile of buildings falls before the devouring fire. These are all simple effects of simple causes; but he must be wilfully blind, who cannot see in their culminating increase, how fast the human family are losing that spirit which prompts to save and preserve, and how rapidly they are giving way to a recklessness that will lead to the most terrible consequences. They are being left to themselves; the Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the nations; and if these evidences are not sufficient to prove that the Almighty is permitting them to rush on in their downward course, the voice of earthquakes, terrible storms, and exceptional seasons, that mock human calculations and explanation, declares that the elements and man, though the latter may not believe it, are swayed and controlled by a divine Power, for the consummation of His eternal purposes. The state of the nations to-day, the signs of the times, and the human and elemental discord so rapidly increasing, point in a most significant manner to à crisis which human wisdom neither knows how to avert nor meet.-Deseret News. MINUTES OF THE GLASGOW CONFERENCE. Travelling Elder in the Glasgow Conference. The choir sang the first hymn. Prayer by Elder Cluff. Singing, "Hark the song of jubilee," &c., by the choir. 359 ple, and sent forth to bear the vessels of the Lord, that men and women might be brought to know the truth. This is one of the greatest blessings which God bestows upon mankind in the flesh. You remember the remarks which passed between Peter, James, and John, in conversation with the Savior. Peter and James desired that they might come into the immediate presence of the Lord. John did not make his request known, but the Lord knew that he desired to remain until he should come again, that he might bring souls unto God. Christ told Peter and James that their desires were good, but that John had desired a greater blessing, because he desired to bring souls unto the truth. ought to make us thankful that we have received a portion of this same Priesthood, which places us under the deepest obligations to God for his mercies to us. The sisters, too, have great reason to be thankful, for they have become associated with those who will lead them back to glory and to God." It Elder Miner then called for a report from the brethren present, that the Conference might know how matters were getting on in the District. Elder Miner said-" Brethren and sisters, it is with feelings of thankfulness and gratitude to God, in my heart, that we are permitted once again to meet together in this place in a Conference capacity. This day, or rather yesterday, brings pleasant things to our minds, and opens up a field of reflection, because 37 years ago the kingdom of God was organized upon the earth, and first set forth to brave the storms which were before it, relying on the strength of Israel's God, and that kingdom, from that time to the present, has steadily grown and increased. It brings feelings of joy and thankfulness to our minds, to know that we have just passed another birth day, or anniversary of the kingdom upon the earth, since it was organized for the last time; not as it was when our Lord himself was upon the earth, those engaged in that work, saw by the Spirit that it would have an end. We have the assurance of Him who cannot lie, that the kingdom Elder H. T. Spencer said he was will not be thrown down nor given to happy to meet with the Saints and another people, but will grow and con- brethren on the present occasion, and tinue to increase, and like a snow-ball was happy that he was able to report starting from the top of some high the condition of the Glasgow Confemountain, it will increase in size and rence. "I have been travelling all momentum as it rolls. You know through the Conference, and can truly there is a kind of faith which enables say that the Saints are doing well, in us to hold great power over the world fact a great deal better than they were and the devil, and that faith cometh doing when we held our Conference only by fasting and by prayer. last fall. They have now much more being the first Sabbath of the month, of the Spirit of the Lord among them, I hope the Saints here have all ob- and a great many are now saving their served the usual fast, and have come means to take them from these lands. to Conference not filled with meat, but They are also attending their meetings filled and happy with the Spirit of better, and, consequently, enjoy more truth, of light, and of God. If we of the light and Spirit of truth. have come exercising that living faith feel it when travelling among them, which it is our right to enjoy, there is and know that they are striving to nothing that can hinder the outpour- live nearer unto God. There are a ing of the Spirit of God upon us, and few, however, who are not doing as we may have to say that it is the well as they might do, and, consehappiest day of our lives. I desired quently, have not the light of the Spito make these few remarks on the rit the rest of the Saints have. present occasion, and to express my would advise the brethren and sisters gratitude to God that I have been present, to strive to do right day by honored with a name among this peo-day, that they may enjoy the Spirit This I can I 360 MINUTES OF THE GLASGOW CONFERENCE. of the Lord, and be able to know his mind and will concerning them. Elder A. N. Macfarlane said the Saints in the Dundee Conference were doing very well, and endeavoring to live their religion. Many of them were also saving their means to effect their deliverance, and were enjoying the Spirit and blessings of the Gospel. He spoke of the many valuable counsels he and the Saints had received from Elder Miner, and the amount of good that had resulted from them. He regretted very much to part with him, but knew that all these matters were controlled for the best interests of the work as a whole. Elder H. H. Cluff said-"Brethren and sisters, I feel thankful for the present privilege of reporting the condition of the Glasgow Conference. It is now one year since I took charge of it, and began to do business for the Saints, to receive the monies which they lay up for their emigration, and the contributions they make for the carrying on of the work of God. I have labored with a great deal of satisfaction, and can say that I have received more kind treatment from the Saints, than I expected to receive when I left my home in Zion. I like to see the faithfulness of the Saints, and wish that the same spirit may continue to increase, until all who have named the name of Christ, and live up to the principles of the Gospel, may be gathered to Zion. I shall do all that lies in my power to do my duties faithfully, and live up to the doctrines I teach to the people. There have been about twenty-five persons added to the Church since the last Conference held here. We have found it a good thing to hold district meetings in places where we could join two or three Branches together, which has given the Saints a greater interest in the work. Some of these Branches are not overstocked with members, and when they are thus convened, it makes the Saints feel better. glad to say that there is an increased interest manifested by the Saints in almost every Branch, not only in attending meetings, but it is being manifested by their works, and the time is not far distant when they will be thankful for the exertions they are now making. Let us, brethren and sisters, continue to work with determination to build up the kingdom of God, and we will receive such blessings as will cause us to wonder how they came into our possession. He will save us as he saved Israel, and will open the windows of heaven to bless us. The afternoon meeting was opened with prayer by Elder Macfarlane, and singing by the choir. Elder Miner presented the Authorities of the Church, who were sustained in the usual manner. The labors of Elder Miner were accepted, and the appointment of Elder Cluff as his successor, cordially sustained by the Saints. Elder Miner said, that during the period of his Presidency, he had visited a very large majority of the Saints, not even forgetting those in the extreme north, which he hoped might result in good. He had found the brethren laboring under him, at all times working diligently, and anxious to carry out every suggestion made for the carrying on of the work of God, and felt pleased to say that the work had prospered in their hands. In the District, the figures show what the Saints have done for their emigration, their deposits for the year being £335 10s. 113d., against £108 9s. 2d. for the year previous. The evening meeting was addressed by Elder Macfarlane, who endeavored to show the necessity which existed for Saints embodying in their lives the precious principles the Gospel had taught them, that they might preach it with power and demonstration of the Spirit. He was followed by Elder Miner, who delivered a very interesting discourse upon the condition of the world at the present day, showing that the churches of men were schools for dishonesty, and barriers to the progress of the human mind, as it was impossiI am ble for the teachers connected with them to express true doctrine, even if they did believe it, owing to the narrow limits of their creeds. He contrasted this with the perfect law of liberty developed in the Gospel, and said there was not one in every ten persons who believed the written |