LIVE IN BRASS," ETC. But what I condemn, and mean to war against, is, this disposition to tell everything evil we know of people, while we say nothing about or else depreciate their virtues, and to find fault with and throw a damper upon all the well meaning, though perhaps feeble, efforts of our fellows to do good empt you from the consequences; you will alienate your friends, alienate God, injure yourself and destroy your own happiness, by training your mind to look upon all the defects and flaws in society and the world around you, instead of accustoming it to contemplate the brighter side of humanity and the beauties and harmonious per--because they cannot, or do not, do fections of nature; if you contiune the practice you can't avoid this result,unless you have acquired the powers of a sectarian god and can change the laws of nature. "Oh, this is just the thing for brother or sister so and so." Yes, but I am talking to you; I know you don't think it applies to your case-you are, probably, not aware that you are guilty of such conduct. Herein, however, lies the danger. If you could see your faults there would be great hope of your reformation, for he is a hardened wretch, indeed, who knows his errors and will not try to correct them. But self-conceit is, as I said, one of the most dangerous vices, because, however many weaknesses and failings we may have, it blinds our own eyes to them and makes us think ourselves perfect. "Well, would you have us speak well of all persons and under all circumstances?" No; there are times when it would be as criminal to speak in praise of a person, when you knew it was not merited, as it would be at others to withhold commendation from those whom you knew did deserve it. No man of principle would recommend a scoundrel as an honest man; and if, in proper places and by persons who have a right to know, your opinion should be asked with reference to any individual, or his eligibility to certain positions, you should candidly state your feelings, as nearly unprejudiced as possible. You may be wrong; you may have formed an incorrect estimate of the individual's character; but if you speak the honest convictions of your soul without any desire to injure the person, you are not to blame. it just as well as we think we can-and to crush all their struggles to emerge from a life of sin and folly to one of wisdom and purity. Some try to malign or depreciate the characters, actions and intentions of others, because they think, amid the surrounding darkness, their own immaculate selves will shine the more clearly. About as sensible as though the moon and stars were to become jealous of the sun and try to obscure its light so that their own might shine the more brilliantly. The true principle upon which to grow, is, to build each other up-then all would be built up. But too many act upon the maxim of the world, "pull him down;" they try to build themselves upon another's ruins, and the consequence is, all are being pulled down. Endeavor to make everyone else shine in as clear a light as possible,—it will add brilliancy to your own character. I did mean to head this, "To Conceited People;" but I thought if I did no one would read it, because everybody would think it was meant for somebody else. I am also perfectly aware, if any should read it to whom it is appropriate, they will most likely either fail to perceive the application, or their self-love will be wounded and they will be offended. But never mind,-if the cap fits, wear it; no one will see it but yourself. You would not hesitate to pick up a gold coin out of the mud because some one saw you do it. If this short chat has done you any good, I shall feel very glad; if not, just impute it-as I know you will-to my ignorance of your real worth. W. H. S. TRUE NOBILITY.-The day-laborer who earns, with horny hands and the sweat of his brow, coarse food for a wife and children whom he loves, is raised by this generous motive, to true dignity; and, though lacking the refinements of life, is a nobler being than he who thinks himself absolved by wealth from serving others. HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. 819 HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. April 1.-Brother Richards and I went to Manchester, where we found brothers Kimball, Hyde, Woodruff and Smith, and had a happy meeting at 47, Oxford Street. -2.-Brothers O. Pratt and John Taylor arrived in Manchester, and we went into council. І сору the minutes : business matters thereof with Joseph Smith, jun., to whom the profits rightly belong. Resolved-That Elder Amos Fielding be appointed to superintend fitting out the Saints from Liverpool to America, under the instruction of P. P. Pratt. Resolved-That brother G. J. Adams go to Bedford and Northampton, and labor in that region. Adjourned till to-morrow at 10 o'clock a.m. Elder Kimball closed by prayer. ORSON HYDE, Clerk." "Manchester, April 3, 1841. This day the Quorum of the Twelve met pursuant to adjournment. The President called upon Elder Hyde to open by prayer. The Quorum then signed a letter of commendation to the churches in England, for Elder Hyde. "Manchester, England, April 2, 1841. This day Elders Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor and Geo. A. Smith, of the Quorum of the Twelve, met together at the house of brother James Bushaw, coachman, No. 4, Grey Street, near Oxford Road, in this city, in council, after having been separated and dispersed in various The business of publishing the Star and countries. To meet once more in council, Hymn Book was then taken into consideraafter a long separation, and having passed tion. Brother John Taylor moved that through many sore and grievous trials, those who have had the care and superinexposing our lives and our characters to the tendence of publishing the Star and Hymn slanders and violence of wicked and murder- Book, should dispose of them according to ous men, caused our hearts to swell with their own wishes, and dispose of the progratitude to God for his providential care ceeds in the same way; seconded by Elder over us. Elder Young opened the council Orson Pratt, and carried by a unanimous by prayer. Elders B. Young, H. C. Kim- vote. Moved by Elder Young, and seconded ball and P. P. Pratt, the committee ap- by Elder Kimball, that Elder Parley P. pointed about a year ago to secure a copy-nial Star as editor of the same, after the Pratt conduct the publication of the Millenright of the Book of Mormon, in the name of Joseph Smith, jun., presented the follow-close of the present volume. Resolved, ing certificate:that Elder P. P. Pratt reprint the Hymn Book, if he deem it expedient. The Hymn Book is not to be altered, except the typographical errors. The above resolve was moved by Elder Geo. A. Smith, and seconded by Elder W. Woodruff; carried unanimously. Conference adjourned. Feb. 8, 1841. Then entered for his copy, the property of Joseph Smith, jun., The Book of Mormon; an account written by the hand of Mormon, upon plates taken from the plates of Nephi,' translated by Joseph Smith, jun. First European, from the second American edition. Received five copies. GEORGE GREENHILL. The above is a true copy of an entry in the register book of the Company of Stationers, kept at the hall of the said company. Witness my hand, this 17th day of February. 1841. GEORGE GREENHILL. Warehouse-keeper of the Company of Stationers," The Quorum voted that they accepted the labors of said committee. Resolved-That as the Quorum of the Twelve have had nothing to do with the printing of the Book of Mormon, they will not now interfere with it; but that the said committee settle the financial or ORSON HYDE, Clerk." -4 (Sunday).-I attended meeting at the Carpenter's Hall, in company with the Quorum of the Twelve; there were nine of us present, who individually bore testimony to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and to Joseph Smith being a Prophet of the Most Walker at Salford. High God. I staid with brother met, and resolved that the 17th day -5.-The Quorum of the Twelve of April be appointed for the Apostles who are going to America to set sail from Liverpool. It was also resolved that the Twelve do business at the Conference. as a Quorum, and call upon the Church as a Conference to | afternoon, communed with the Saints. sanction the same. Evening, Elder O. Pratt preached, and was followed by Elder Kimball and myself. -6. Attended Conference with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. and Orson Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, John Taylor and Geo. A. Smith. There were represented 5,814 members, 136 Elders, 303 Priests, 169 Teachers and 68 Deacons. Elder John Albiston was ordained to the office of Patriarch. Ten High Priests and twelve Elders were also ordained. We had a good time. -7.-Attended council with the Twelve. We blessed Elder O. Hyde, who was on his mission to Jerusalem. -9.-We visited the Zoological Gardens; fourteen of the American brethren were present. -12.-With Elders Kimball and Woodruff I went to Elder Pratt's. -13.-I walked through Manchester, it being the fair, with Elders Woodruff and Smith. We saw a great variety of curiosities: a man nearly eight feet high, weighing 450 lbs., and a pig 1,200 lbs., a living skeleton, a great variety of wild beasts, an elephant, said to be the largest in Europe; lions, leopards and tigers, all in one cage, with their keeper in the midst of them, playing with them; he would make them all lie down and then lie on the top of them. -14.-We wrote an epistle to the Churches, which was signed by nine -11 (Sunday).-Forenoon, Elders W. Woodruff and P. P. Pratt preached; of the Twelve. (To be continued.) THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1863. THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR 1863. AGAIN, for the third time since our arrival in this Mission, we are called upon to chronicle the termination of another year-one of those periods by which we, who are in a mortal state, note the lapse of time. The year 1863 is so nigh spent that in a few days it will be numbered with the past. What mortal hand can write its epitaph, and be able to do full justice to the greatness and importance of the events which are crowded within the short space covered by its existence? A host of reflections crowd into our mind as we think that another year is gone. How swift the lapse of time ! It seems but a few days since we welcomed the advent of this, as a New Year, which we now record as old and dying! In the rapid progress of events, and the occupation of thought in the duties and changes incident to our position in connection with the Work of God in the latter half of the nineteenth century, we scarce have leisure to remark the consumption of minutes, hours and days, or even weeks and months. Yet time is marching on-marching on with noiseless but unfaltering tread, and bringing earth and her precious freight of humanity nearer and nearer to that goal towards which we look forward with such earnest expectation. There is no sorrow in this thought. Though our spring-time of life may pass away, and as one year succeeds another we may be reminded that we are but mortal, still, to the true Saint of God, there is no cause of regret in this. As this is not the beginning of existence, neither is it the end. There is joy in knowing that the flight of time only brings us nearer to that life in which its passage will not be noted by the progress of decay and decrepitude; but where immortal man, no longer trammeled by the influences and obstacles which retard him here, in the plenitude of physical and intellectual vigor, shall ceaselessly ascend, and advance from knowledge to knowledge and from glory to glory, and fully reap and enjoy the great benefits to be derived from the varied experience of his past spiritual and his present mortal existences. In contemplating the events and changes of the past year which is now expiring, the Saints of God, if they have hearkened to the teachings and counsels which have been imparted unto them, will be unable to perceive anything in them to regret. They have greatly contributed to the fulfilment of God's purposes. Our enemies have been active; but they have not accomplished their wishes. In the beginning of the year corrupt Government officials in the Valleys of Zion sought to bring difficulty on the people of God; they were entirely unsuccessful, however; and the principal one-S. S. Harding, Governor of the Territory-was removed, and a successor was appointed in his stead. Those who have remained have been secretly plotting throughout the entire year against the peace and prosperity of the people of Zion; yet they have not been able to accomplish any of their wicked schemes. The Lord has endowed his servant Brigham with the wisdom necessary to enable him to frustrate and counteract them; and, despite the efforts of our enemies to the contrary, peace still prevailed at the last advices among the cities and settlements of the Saints in Zion. The labors of the servants of God have been crowned with more than ordinary success in the most of the lands where they have been situate. From Europe the through emigration to Zion has been larger than that of any previous year since the Saints first began to leave their native lands to obey the commandment to gather. The efforts of the Saints in Zion, during this year, to assist their brethren and sisters in gathering from Babylon, have been unequalled-they having come forward with a devotion and willingness, in response to the requirements of the servants of the Lord, which are extraordinary under their circumstances. The additions to the Church in Europe have been numerous, though the falsehoods and machinations of enemies have not been wanting to endeavor to destroy and neutralize the effect of the truth. In some places the spirit of persecution has prevailed; its effects, however, have been quite limited. In South Africa the disposition of the people generally is averse to the Gospel; they persecute the servants of God, and even the administrators of the law refuse to accord them that protection from violence to which they are justly and legally entitled. The Elders will probably find it necessary and wise to withdraw from the midst of that people, after they have done all in their power to arrange for and secure the deliverance of the Saints. In taking a retrospect of the year 1863, it is plainly seen that the Lord is fulfilling his word, and that the war which commenced at the rebellion of South Carolina has been the precursor of wars which shall yet cover the earth. From the breaking out of that rebellion until the present time, Europe has been in constant expectation of trouble; her rest has been that of an armed man who is surrounded by implacable foes, and who fears to abandon himself to repose lest he should be suddenly attacked. The groans of unhappy and oppressed Poland Lave resounded throughout Europe; but they have evoked no armed aid. Expressions of sympathy for her have been common; they have been confined, however, to mere verbal utterances; England has avowed her determination to stand aloof from all active interference in her behalf, and lacking her support, France and Austria manifest no disposition to embroil themselves with Poland's mighty oppressor. The Schleswig-Holstein difficulty has been a fruitful source of wrangling and disputation between Germany and Denmark for some time. The recent sudden death of the King of Denmark has brought this imbroglio so prominently forward that the attention of all Europe is concentrated upon it. War is exceedingly probable, at present writing, between Germany and Denmark upon this question. All Germany is ablaze with excitement in favor of such a war, and it seems that, however averse the various rulers may be to resorting to active hostilities, they will be compelled to engage in them to gratify the wishes of their populations. It is felt that if war does break out in Europe, other nations than those which first engaged in it may be drawn into the struggle. With this view England has been endeavoring to act the part of Pacificator. But she will find that her attempts in this direction will be crowned with barren results, and she may be provoked to enter upon war with the view to bring about the peace which milder remonstrances shall fail to produce. Already she has given evidence in other quarters that she has not lost her old pugnacity. She may be reluctant to disturb the peace of Europe by the sound of her guns; but she has no squeamishness on that point in Japan, in the East Indies or New Zealand. Her policy of non-intervention does not reach the antipodes. She submits to no slights from Japanese, East Indians or Maories, but speedily makes them feel the might of her arm. Prussia has had her internal troubles, and she has been threatened by revolution through the harshness of her king and the unpopularity of the measures of his Government. For the present these dissensions are eclipsed by the excitement in relation to t. war with Denmark. France has not been free from war during the year. ico has been occupied by her soldiers, and several bloody battles have been fought, which have resulted in the partial subjugation of the Mexicans and reputed election of an Austrian Archduke to occupy, as Emperor, a throne which, with the help of the Emperor of the French, is to be erected for him in that land. Spain has a war with St. Domingo on her hands, which gives herself, and particularly her opponents, serious trouble. All these wars are but trifling, however, when compared with the great civil war which is raging at the present time in America. Nearly three years of deadly strife has had no other effect than to add to the bitterness of the struggle. Sixty or ninety days, or, at most, a twelvemonth was to end the conflict; but years have elapsed, and the settlement of the difficulty seems as far distant as fever. An irreconcilable hatred possesses both parties, and there will be no peace until both are exhausted and partially, if not entirely destroyed. In addition to the heavy losses of life in the earth by war, there have been a fearful number lost by shipwrecks and storms, by pestilence and earthquake. The losses by storms at sea on the coasts of Great Britain and Western Europe, during the last months of this year, have had no parallel for very many years. Tempests have raged with frightful violence through the land. An earthquake occurred in England on the 6th of October, which shook the whole island and greatly alarmed the inhabitants, but was not attended by any casualties. In |