by good motives. They may be quite sincere and well-meaning in all they say; but we wish, at this juncture, to earnestly protest against the adoption of such counsel by the Saints emigrating from this country. When people buy their own outfit, of course they have the privilege of loading their teams as they please. If they are foolish in the selection of the loading, it is their own loss; and, however much the Elders may deplore their folly, still, their conduct mostly affects themselves. But in the loading of teams which have been sent down by the Church, to carry the poor from Florence to the Valley, it is the province of the Elders who have the management of affairs, to speak plainly and pointedly respecting the character of the loading that shall be put in the wagons. Every reflecting man and woman will readily perceive, that if a latitude of this kind were to be given to the Saints who are emigrating, the great object which the Saints in the Mountains have in sending down their teams would be partially defeated. It is true that there is scarcely an article which individuals find useful in this country but what would be useful in Zion, yet it would be obviously unwise for the Saints who have to be assisted in their poverty across the Plains, to carry such articles with them, burdening themselves and the teams thereby to an extent that would prevent that amount of good being done that otherwise would be in carrying up the poor. Up to the present time we have not heard definitely from President Young what his intentions are respecting the sending down of teams this coming season. It is altogether probable, however, that, should nothing unexpected interfere, they will be sent down as before. Indulging in this expectation, we take this early opportunity of counselling the Saints relative to the character of their luggage. We have not the slightest objection to the Saints giving heed to the counsels of their friends, so long as the counsels given do not interfere with the instructions of those who are appointed in this country to counsel, and do not cause an increase in the weight to be carried by the Church teams from Florence to the Valley. The Saints should not adopt a short-sighted and selfish policy in this matter. Every one should feel an anxiety to so arrange his luggage that the greatest possible number of the poor can be carried. There were, fortunately, last year, a sufficient number of teams to carry up the Saints and the luggage which they had with them. We do not know that anything was left behind. This year, if teams should be sent down, it is quite likely that there will be a larger number of Saints to avail themselves of the advantages thus afforded; and, if so, it is not unlikely that the smallest quantity of luggage, consistent with comfort, will be allowed to each passenger. A few pounds extra carried by each individual emigrating, where the emigration is as large as it was last year, and will probably be this year, amounts in the aggregate to a great many wagonloads. Persons are apt to say, in arranging their luggage, "Oh, this article is but a trifle; it does not weigh a great deal." They forget that every other person may feel similarly respecting some "trifles" which they may have; and this accumulation of "trifles," when the emigration counts by thousands, amounts to a great many tons in weight. We have seen people, repeatedly, burdened thus with articles, which, if they were lying in the streets of Great Salt Lake City, an experienced pefson there would scarcely pick up. Let the Saints, if they have an opportunity, converse with the Elders from the Valley, and who have an understanding of the articles most useful and necessary, respecting the things they should carry with them. Make up your minds to reduce your wants to the fewest possible number. Do not let your eyes range over all the articles that ABSTRACT OF CORRESPONDENCE. 27 you would like to have to lust after them, and imagine that you cannot be happy without possessing them. Happiness is not dependent upon such things. It is not the abundance of things which we have in our possession, of this character, that constitutes the happiness of the true Latter-day Saint. We presume the Saints never were happier than when they first settled Great Salt Lake Valley, yet they were destitute of many things which some of the Saints at the present time are disposed to view as very essential to comfort. If those about to emigrate will cultivate the same Spirit which sustained their brethren and sisters during that and other trying seasons, they will enjoy true happiness, whether they have to dispense with many things which they have been accustomed to or not. ABSTRACT OF CORRESPONDENCE. SWITZERLAND.-Elder Paul A. Schettler, in a letter dated Geneva, Dec. 10th, informs us that he is feeling well and desirous of stirring up the Saints to increased diligence and faithfulness. The Lord is blessing his labours, though he finds some who, professing to be Saints, appear to be satisfied with the name. SCANDINAVIA.-Elder N. C. Edlefsen writing from Aalborg, Dec. 18th, says,"The condition of this Conference is good. The Saints generally feel well and wish to serve the Lord, and the Priesthood labour diligently for the spread of the Gospel. We have laboured much, lately, in places where the Gospel has not been previously introduced to the people, and we have been prospered in effecting an opening to preach in several places. The people have commenced to investigate the principles of truth, and I have good reason to hope that we will see the fruits of our labours." FRANCE.-Elder Louis A. Bertrand informs us, in late communications, that he is translating "The Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon" into the French language. He has, likewise, commenced to visit the various Protestant churches in Paris, in his efforts to spread the truth. It is extremely difficult to make headway in France, though some are expressing themselves favourable to the Work. SHEFFIELD CONFERENCE.-Elder Joseph F. Smith writes from Sheffield, Dec. 20th, and says that they are continuing a course of lectures in the Saints' meetingroom there which are producing good results. The Priesthood of that Branch are united and feeling well. The general condition of the Conference is good, and a spirit of further improvement is manifested by the Saints. PRESTON CONFERENCE.-Elder W. S. Snow writes under date Dec. 20th, informing us that it is a general time of health among the Saints of that Conference, and the Spirit of the Gospel is being developed among them with an increased desire to keep pace with the growth of the kingdom of God. The fact that the word worth, when applied to character, means moral worth, shows that, though men may be dazzled by intellectual brilliancy, their real respect cannot be won without virtue. There is no patriotism equal to a spotless life. What a world of gossip would be prevented if it was only remembered that a person who tells you of the faults of others intends to tell others of your faults! When certain persons abuse us, let us ask ourselves what description of characters it is that they admire; we shall often find this a very consolatory question. 28 CORRESPONDENCE. CORRESPONDENCE. AMERICA. Provo, Utah Territory, November 24, 1862. Dear President Cannon,-No doubt you have ere this time looked for a word from me, since my return home to these peaceful valleys, the home of the Saints, but I hope you will excuse my silence. I may say, by way of apology, that I have been very busy with my own affairs since my return, preparing for winter, &c, No doubt you have heard, through brother Eldredge and others, of the prosperity that attended our labours in the emigration during the past season. The hand of the Lord was truly made manifest in all our transactions in moving the Saints from New York, and at Florence. It seems to me, that no one concerned, who had the least light of the Gospel with them, could fail to see His overruling care, in the deliverance of his Saints the past year from Babylon. I know I felt then in my heart, and feel now to thank him for his great mercies and loving kindness. During my sojourn in the States, my soul was oftentimes filled with sorrow, not that God was not favouring his Saints, but at witnessing the misery and sorrow which the once happy people of my native land were enduring. My mind reverted back to the time when the Almighty offered them salvation, which they refused; they moved the candlestick out of their own hands by disobedience to the New and Everlasting Covenant. My own kindred have to suffer with the rest; but all is right, the Saints of the Most High have got a happy home in these far off peaceful vales. We got the Saints off from Florence by the 10th of August, in fine condition and good spirits. We then packed up, and on the 17th took our line of march for our homes. We passed all the companies in good condition; and in just thirty days from starting, our hearts were made glad at once more having the pleasure of walking the streets of Great Salt Lake City. I assure you it was a great treat to me to once again have the privilege of striking hands with old friends whose steadfastness to the truth has rendered them near and dear to me. I had the privilege of seeing part of your Quorum. President Young had gone south to visit "Dixie," or, more properly speaking, the cotton country. We have the most flattering news from that region. Many old cotton growers believe that we shall raise sufficient cotton next year to supply the wants of the whole people. So greatly has that country been blessed that many tons will be raised there this year. A large emigration has gone to that region this season, the road having been almost lined with wagons for a time. About 250 families are gone and going this fall. Many who before doubted are now beginning to believe the predictions of the servants of our God, who told us years ago that we, as a people, would be cut off from the world, and they believe now that it is cotton or no clothing. Hence the growing of cotton is an important item here, in the topics of the day. I am most happy to say that so far as my knowledge extends, the faith of the Saints in these valleys is on the increase. The great majority of them feel the Spirit and power of the Lord, while a few are blind to the things of God, not seeing, apparently, that he is pouring out his vials of wrath upon the wicked, nor appreciating his mercies in our deliverance from Babylon. This class, however, numbers but few, and I can visibly see a growth of the people in the things of righteousness, during the three years that I have been absent from the bosom of the Church. The crops have been truly abundant this past season. God in his mercy has seemed to smile upon the inhabitants of Zion this year, and has blest the earth for the sake of his people. Truly the hand of the Lord is made manifest in this as in all other matters. He has caused the earth to bring forth, if not in its strength, at least to the satisfying of all good Saints. The husbandman has been amply rewarded CORRESPONDENCE. for, all his toil; and the harvest is truly plenteous, but labourers are few to take care of the abundance. The health of the Saints is good: I think I never saw a fall pass in these valleys with less sickness. In this, as in other things, we are highly favoured of the Lord. The weather is extremely mild for the season; there has been no rain or snow since I came home; and some of the Saints are yet building houses, laying up the adobies, &c., there being ample time for all to prepare for winter. 64 I suppose you are aware that we have about 500 of Uncle Sam's" troops in the valley. They are located east of Great Salt Lake City, near Red Butte Kanyon. I suppose that by the time they recruit up, and the warm spring sun shines out, they will take up their line of march eastward for the land of blood, and join their brethren there in the work of destruction. We can spare them, and all people who come here not to build up Zion and assist in gathering Israel. Gold mines have been discovered on Grasshopper Creek and other tributaries of the Missouri, about 380 miles north of Great Salt Lake City. They are reported as yielding from ten to a hundred dollars per day. There are some 500 men, or so, at work there, and the prospect is that thousands more will go next year. It makes quite a stir among some of our people who have not the building up of Zion rightly at heart. My faith and prayer is that gold may not be found in our State. Dear brother Cannon, I pray God our Father that you may continue to be blessed as heretofore in Europe, and be instrumental in the hands of the Lord of liberating many honest souls from the bondage under which they are now labouring. When I think of the many good, honest Saints in Europe, who desire to emigrate, and have not the means, my feelings are easier imagined than described. I pray that their way may be speedily opened, and that all things may work together for the gathering of Israel and the redemption of Zion. Please remember me to the Elders. May God bless you continually, and all the faithful, is the prayer of your brother, E. H. BLACKBURN. SWISS AND ITALIAN MISSION. President Cannon. 29 Dear Brother,-Your welcome letter of the 11th inst. was received by me here at brother Naegeli's a short time after its arrival. Please accept my sincere thanks for your kind remembrances; and be assured that I feel with you to gird up my loins, and am determined to clear my skirts of the blood of all men, but more especially those who hold the Priesthood, ever seeking to act in a spirit of love, and with a fatherly care seeking to counsel in righteousness. I feel to rejoice that the power and spirit of my calling has rested upon me, and that I have been actuated by the same spirit as yourself in cleansing the Church in its various Branches under my watch-care, and trust that I may not be found a slothful servant in these things, though I know I come short many times; still, with the help of the Lord, I intend to come off conqueror, and do all in my power for the rolling forth of his kingdom, and for the dissemination of truth in these last days. My desire is so to live that my guardian angels may watch over me while I sleep and when I am awake, and that I may continue my labours with as much zeal as those who are placed as sentinels over me wherever I may be. I love truth, and to preach it to those who will hear is my delight. After writing you on the 5th instant, from Zurich, I continued my labours among the Saints, visiting and preaching to families as I had opportunity. On Sunday, the 7th, we had a splendid meeting in the forenoon, about forty of the Saints were present, and in the evening the Zurich Hall was filled to overflowing. I spoke with much freedom and we had two excellent meetings; the Saints felt well and seemed to rejoice much at the privilege they had of receiving instructions from those having authority. In the evening, after the meeting, Elder Schramm and I walked to Ellenbach and visited several of the Saints. On Monday morning took steamer across the lake to Hargen, and held a meeting in the evening. Thursday 11, held another meeting in Zurich; wet and muddy: but few present. Friday 12, took train for Winterthur | weak, and as though he knew nothing with brother Schramm. Met brother himself, that our Father in his goodness Huber at the station. We walked nine has many times seen fit to pour forth his miles in the mud, rain and snow, and spiritual blessings to the Saints, to the reached Zell at about five in the even- astonishment of all. Suffice it to say, ing. We met a number of the Saints that in all the meetings which I have and held a meeting in the evening, and attended since your departure, I have had a splendid time. Sunday, the 14th, been filled to overflowing to teach the held another meeting at sister Bashard's, Saints and those who were willing to near the village of Zell, Canton Zurich. hear of God's goodness, and to warn About twenty Saints were present, and sinners to repent. Your blessings have three strangers who were greatly delight- been poured out upon us in rich abuned at our teachings. We bore them a dance, and I feel thankful for the same. faithful testimony of the truths of the Gospel. Monday 15th, brother Huber and myself bade brother Schramm adieu, and he returned to Zurich while we entered brother Huber's Conference or District. We walked nine miles to Fishinging, visited and took dinner with Mr. Raf: he is very friendly and treats us very kindly. After dinner we walked three miles to Mr. Räf's, uncle of the former one. His wife is in the Church and a tolerably good sister. Stopped all night with them. Tuesday 16, walked eight miles to Sernach; met ten of the Saints in the evening, and had a very good time together. 17th, took morning train for Utzwyl and walked to Flawyl, visiting some of our folks by the way. Most of these small villages are so cursed with Catholicism that the very air is thick with its influ ence. A We reached Herisau, and went to brother Eisenhut's, at 2 p.m. number of the Saints expecting our arrival came in the evening, and we spent a very pleasant time. 18th, snowing by fits and starts. Went to St. Gallen and returned on the 19th. Sunday 21st, still snowing; weather 80 rough that we thought there would not any come to meeting in the evening, but when evening came the room was full, there being 25 of the Saints present. Brother Huber spoke a short time, I followed for about an hour and a half, and all felt well paid for their trip through the snow, if I could judge from the brightness of their countenances. Seven persons presented themselves for baptism and were accepted by the Branch. It is useless for me to try to express the feelings that came over me when I commenced to speak to the little flock there assembled; but, brother Cannon, you know when one feels so Monday, 22, brother Huber and myself broke the road through the snow, which was up to iny body part of the way, to Winkeln station, and took train for Rashach, steamer for Constance, and walked five miles to brother Naegeli's, where I found letter of your the 11th, which has rejoiced me 80 much that I have given you more of an outline of my trip than I had previously intended. Brothers Huber, Naegeli, and many of the Saints join with me in kindest love to you. Remember me to all who would care to hear from me, and please remember me in your prayers. God bless and prosper you, is my constant prayer, and all who are one with you in the building up of his kingdom on the earth. As ever, yours faithfully. JOHN L. SMITH. SCANDINAVIAN MISSION. President Cannon. Dear Brother, I herewith forward to you the Statistical and Financial reports of the Scandinavian Mission, for the year ending November 30, 1862. In the providence of God, our numbers have increased more during the last than any previous year; and a greater number have emigrated than in any two previous years. In taking a passing view of the state of the Mission, the subject naturally divides itself into three or four different heads, whether we consider the language or national characteristics of the people; first premising, that in each of the three divisions of Scandinavia, the Lutheran religion is established and maintained by law. I will first proceed to make a few statements about Denmark. this kingdom our numbers are 3,347, who are divided into nine Conferences. In |