NEWS FROM THE CONFERENCES.

11

founded upon the rock; and at the conclusion of this year, whatever the scenes may be through which we may be called to pass, we will feel that it has been a blessed year for us, and that its experience and its lessons have greatly contributed to prepare us for an eternal residence among the sanctified and exalted in the mansions of our Father.

ABSTRACT OF CORRESPONDENCE.-Elder George W. Grant informs us, in a letter written on the 25th ult., that, though he has had numerous difficulties to contend with since he received the Presidency of the Herefordshire Conference, the prospects for the future are much brighter than they have been of late. Those who seek to do the will of God are progressing in power and in the knowledge of the truth. He says, "This Conference has been under a cloud for some time, but it is gradually clearing off, and the warm, genial rays of the sun are being felt once more."

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE DISTRICT.-A Con

on

The

NEWS FROM THE CONFERENCES. ference of the Newcastle-on-Tyne District was held in Sunderland, Sunday, Dec. 19. The morning meeting was addressed, at some length, by Elder C. W. West, upon the duties devolving on those who hold the holy Priesthood, inculcating the necessity of their so living that the Spirit of God might ever abide with them and qualify them to be efficient ministers of the truth. plain and pointed counsels given by him were seasonably applicable, and appeared to be highly prized by all present. President J. S. Gleason made a few remarks on financial and other matters, and the brethren present manifested a willingness to respond to the calls of those placed to preside over them, for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. In the afternoon, Elder West again preached, impressing upon the Saints the necessity of their living up to their privileges and professions. The Authorities were duly presented and sustained by the congregation. The evening meeting was well attended, and was addressed by Elders West and Shipp. A good spirit prevailed throughout the day, and the instructions given and the principles advanced seemed to be appreciated by those who heard them.

awakening among the Saints, Over sixty have been baptized Good feelings prevail among

The

The reports from the various Branches show an as well as among those labouring in the vineyard. since the Conference which was held in October. the Saints, and, with few exceptions, all are trying to do the best they can. spirit of reformation from the old formality to the reality of truth is beginning to be manifested by them, and they evince a desire to possess the blessings promised to the true followers of Christ, and to shake off the sectarian form of professing without possessing. The spirit of Gathering is increasing among them, and many are anxious to escape from the midst of Babylon and cast in their lot with the people of God in their mountain home.

Elder M. F. Farnsworth was clerk for the day.

mountain breezes blow, and from whose Look around you upon the distinguished control the times, and inquire what was Were they, as a general rule, rocked and

Poverty is the nurse of manly energy and heaven-climbing thoughts, attended by love and faith and hope, around whose steps the countenance all the virtues gather strength. men in every department of life who guide and their origin and what was their early fortunes. dandled in the lap of wealth P

12

NEWS FROM HOME.

NEWS FROM

HOME.

We extract the following items from late Nos. of the Deseret News:The weather continues to be pleasant and unusually delightful for this season of the year. Never since 1847 has the month of October been more favourable for the gathering of the late crops, the thrashing of wheat, the manufacture of sugar cane into molasses, the procurement of fuel from the mountains, and for making the necessary preparations for winter than the month now about to terminate, and so far as our knowledge extends, good improvement has been made of the time by the community generally.

Captain Dame's freight train, some forty or fifty wagons, with a few immigrants, arrived on Wednesday last, October 29th, which was the last train from the Missouri river expected this season. Considering all the circumstances, the immigration this season has been exceedingly prosperous, and attended with less accidents than usual, although there has been considerable sickness among the immigrants and more deaths have occurred, according to the number, than last year.

Books for subscription to the capital stock of the Pacific Railroad Company will be opened to-day (Nov. 12) at the office of ex-Governor Young in this city, and will, as per his announcement in another column, remain open two weeks or more, but those intending to take stock and aid in the construction of the roadthe greatest enterprise of the age, and in which every citizen of the Territory has a deep interest, should walk up to the office at once and subscribe, and as fast as required" down with the dust."

Lectures of a literary character are being delivered on two evenings of each week, during the winter season in the Seventies Council Hall. The first of the course was delivered by President Joseph Young, senr., Friday evening, Nov. 7, on the History of the rise, progress and persecutions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the lecturer reviewing many incidents connected with the early history of the Church. The second was delivered by Mr. J. V. Long, who took for his subject; Popery and the Popes in the first six centuries of the Christian era. Mr. E. L. T. Harrison delivered the third; subject, Astronomy.

We are pleased to notice that the Deseret Musical Association contemplate giving two public concerts in the Tabernacle, in the course of a few weeks. Mr. Calder has been indefatigable in his labours with the young, and has succeeded in creating among them a taste for music here, which we hope to see extended through every settlement in the Territory. President Young has given every encouragement to the Association, and his liberal patronage will, we expect, be warmly seconded by the public at the forthcoming concerts. We understand the object to be the procurement of aid in order to purchase books, instruments, etc., for the classes of the Association, an object deserving the co-operation of the people.

We have within the last few days seen and conversed with several gentlemen from Cache County, who gave favourable reports of the progress of improvements in that valley, and told "big tales" in relation to the amount of wheat and other crops grown there this season; so much having been produced that the farmers hardly know what do with it, as their garners are not of sufficient capacity to

contain one-half of it, and more and larger granaries will have to be built before the grain can be thrashed without danger of waste, which would be a serious wrong not to avoid.

CORRESPONDENCE.

ENGLAND.

LEICESTERSHIRE

CONFERENCE.

Leicester, Dec. 11th 1862.

President Cannon.

Dear Brother,-Realizing that good Dews is always acceptable to you, I embrace the opportunity now afforded of communicating a few items relative to the condition of the Leicestershire Conference.

0

ing features of beauty and excellence that characterize the Gospel of the Son of God from the puny productions of man. Influenced by the Holy Spirit, his discourse throughout was full of interest, enlightening and instructive.

On the Monday following I baptized two into the Church, and in some of the Branches baptisms are being occasionally attended to. Loughborough Branch, presided over by Elder John Goddard, is the most prospered in this respect. Since last emigration it has nearly doubled its numbers.

On Sunday, the 2nd of November, I held a Conference in this town. The day being fine, the Saints, accompanied by inquiring friends, assembled from The predominant feeling among the the various Branches, leaving home and Saints is to do what is right," and its attendant anxieties behind, with de-"let the consequence follow." Though sires to enjoy themselves; and, judging times are hard, they are, with few exfrom the sentiments expressed, and the ceptions, striving to live their religion glad smiles that played on every face, and enjoy its blessings. The exceptions their desires were fully gratified. are of that peculiar class of spirits who, from their own superabundance of knowledge, consider the servants of God incapable of teaching them. I can see, with the little light that Heaven has blessed me with, that such a course will lead all who pursue it, either sooner or later, outside the Church and kingdom of God. The cheering news through the Star, and other mediums, concerning the prosperity attending emigration, and the peace that pervades the Saints in their mountain home, increases the desire in those left behind, to gather, though scarcity of means tend, either more or less, to discourage them.

The morning was occupied in council, making such necessary alterations as wisdom dictated among the Priesthood, particularly pertaining to the Leicester Branch. Elder J. D. Chase, who kindly favoured us with his company, and myself, spoke in suitable terms on the necessity of all who hold positions in the Priesthood magnifying their callings, showing that true honour and exaltation would not be gained by simply holding a position, but by faithfully and energetically discharging the duties pertaining thereto.

In the afternoon, the Branch Presidents reported the condition and prospects of their respective fields of labour. The reports were favourable, and the remarks made were lively and instructive. Financial and Statistical reports were read and accepted. The Authorities of the Church were presented in due order, and were sustained with that unison of feeling manifested only by the Saints of God."

Elder Chase addressed a crowded meeting in the evening, treating at considerable length on the distinguish

I can say that I continue to rejoice in the Work of God. I love to watch the onward progress of truth among the nations of the earth, subjugating in its progress the combined powers of darkness, and levelling in the dust the institutions of men, while at every step it adds to the rising greatness and glory of the Church and kingdom of God now established upon the earth. desire is to labour faithfully and energetically in my calling, that I may merit the smile and friendship of

My

Heaven, the prayers and confidence of your associates in the good work, I the faithful, and the favour and bless- remain,

ings of God's servants over me.

Praying God to bless you, with all

Yours faithfully,

ALEXANDER Ross.

SUMMARY OF NEWS.

ENGLAND.-A fearful storm raged for some days towards the close of last year, doing great damage to the shipping, though, through the services of the life-boats, the lives lost were not so numerous as they otherwise would have been.

GREECE. The universal suffrage has terminated. It is everywhere favourable to the election of Prince Alfred. Public opinion in Greece persists in this choice, believing that the national sovereignty must surmount all obstacles. Failing to obtain the popular choice, many have declared themselves in favour of a Republic. MEXICO. The position of the French at Vera Cruz and Oregila is represented to be very critical, having no fodder for cattle and no fresh food for the troops, who suffer from dysentery. The force from Jalapa had been cut off from supplies from Vera Cruz by the Mexicans retaking Puerite Naasual, a part of which had been destroyed. The Mexicans were actively fortifying Puebla and the city of Mexico, and the road between them, and announce their determination to flood the valley by opening the sluices and taking down the walls of the lakes, rendering the city of Mexico impossible to be reached, except by turnpikes, which will be defended. The French naval authorities have given up hopes of saving the Chaptal. A transport is reported to have been stranded with mules and provisions from New York.

AMERICA. The main body of Burnside's army crossed the Rappahannock on the 12th ult. and occupied the south side of the river and Fredericksburg. The Confederates opened fire the same morning from their first line of batteries upon the Federals who were in Fredericksburg, and upon those crossing the river, but the Federal batteries along the banks of the river silenced the firing after half an hour. The Confederates have concentrated their forces, and it is supposed that, unless they retreat, a decisive battle will occur on the 13th. In the House of Representatives, a resolution condemning President Lincoln's emancipation proclamation as unconstitutional and unauthorised was laid on the table by a vote of 95 to 47. Later dates announce that the impending battle has become a matter of fact. The following is extracted from the latest telegrams:-Early on the morning of the 13th, in the midst of a dense fog, General Reynolds, commanding the left of the Federal army at Fredericksburg, advanced and engaged the Confederate infantry. The Confederates immediately opened fire from batteries of heavy artillery. Three hours later the fog disappeared, and the two divisions of infantry charged the Confederate position in the rear of the city. The Federals experienced a check; having been reinforced, they again charged the enemy but were again repulsed. From that time heavy firing continued on both sides till dark. The Federal General Franklin, who commenced on the left, succeeded in driving the Confederates about one mile. The latter then attacked him, but were repulsed with the loss of 400 prisoners. On the night of the 13th, the Federals slept on the ground where the battle had been fought. The Federal Generals Jackson and Bayard were killed; five Federal generals were wounded. The Confederates continued to throw shells into Fredericksburg until eight p. m. General Longstreet commanded the Confederate left wing, and held the main works. Generals Hill and Edmonds were in front of General Franklin, with Edmonds's right wing resting on the Rappahannock. No battle occured on the 14th. The Confederates were occupied in extending their works and strengthening their position. The Federal dead in front of the Confederate works remain where they fell. It is supposed that 40,000 Federals were engaged in the battle of the 13th. The whole of General Lee's army is believed to be at Fredericks

burg. The Confederates are supposed to have six lines of works behind the city. It is expected that General Burnside will renew the engagement on the 15th. The loss of life is admitted by the Federals to be very heavy on their side, and they suppose that the Confederates suffered in an equal degree; but this conclusion is not well founded, as the Confederates fought principally under cover of the strong works which they have constructed in the rear of the city, while the Federals were placed under the disadvantage of attacking these positions and the supporting infantry. That they did not gain any great advantage is evident from the facts, first, that on the 14th the Federal dead remained where they fell; second, that the Confederates continued to throw shells into the city until eight p.m. on the day of the battle; and, third, that the Federal General did not renew the attack on the 14th.

An imaginative Irishman gives utterance to this lamentation: I returned to the halls of my fathers by night, and I found them in ruins! I cried aloud, My fathers, where are they?' and echo responded, Is that you, Patrick M Clathery ?'"

Men are like bugles-the more brass they contain the farther you can hear them. Women are like tulips-the more modest and retired they appear, the better you love them.

An American hotel keeper at Boston boards lovers for two dollars a week less than he charges other folks. There is philosophy in this. Love is very ethereal in its nature, and can live on moonbeams. We know a young man, who took the disease in the natural way, that subsisted a whole month on a German flute and a sonnet.

Young England is growing rapidly; every day we meet with proofs of this encouraging fact. Here is one of the latest instances of rapid development :-"Have you been to the reading room at the British Museum ?" asked a youth of his father a few days ago. "No, I have not," replied the father. "You had better call and see it," the youth continued. "Just mention my name to the librarian, and he will show you every

attention."

EXPLAINING TO THE CHILDREN.-A gentleman, on board a steamboat with his family, was asked by his children; "what made the boat go," when he gave them a very minute description of the machinery and its principles in the following words:" You see, my dears, this thingumbob here goes down through that hole and fastens the jigmaree, and that connects with the-crinkum-erankum, and then that man, he's the engineer you know, kind o' stirs up the what-do-you-call-it, with a long poker, and they all shove along, and the boat goes 2-head."

WHAT IS THE WORLD?-A dream within a dream; as we grow older, each step is an inward wakening. The youth awakes, as he thinks, from childhood; the full-grown man despises the pursuits of youth as visionary; the old man looks on manhood as a feverish dream. Is death the last sleep? No; it is the last and final awakening.-Walter Scott. SLEEP-There is no fact more clearly established in the physiology of man than this, that the brain expends its energies and itself during the hours of wakefulness, and that these are recuperated during sleep: if the recuperation does not equal the expenditure, the brain wathers-this is insanity. Thus it is that, in early English history, persons who were condemned to death by being prevented from sleeping, always died raving maniacs; thus it is also that those who are starved to death become insane; the brain is not nourished, and they cannot sleep. The practical inferences are three:-1st, Those who think most, who do most brain work, require most sleep. 2nd. That time "saved" from necessary sleep is infallibly destructive to mind, body and estate. 3rd. Give yourself, your children, your servants, give all that are under you the fullest amount of sleep they will take by compelling them to go to bed, at some regular, early hour, and to rise in the morning the moment they awake of themselves, and within a fortnight nature, with almost the regularity of the rising sun, will unloose the bonds of sleep the moment enough repose has been secured for the wants of the system. This is the only safe and sufficient rule; and, as to the question how much sleep any one requires, each must be a rule for himself; great Nature will never fail to write it out to the observer, under the regulations just given. Journal of Health.