Now it was decided to take the city of Cumeni, so just before the Lamanites were to receive provisions, the Nephites surrounded the city, and when the provisions arrived, they were captured, as were also the men that carried them. The prisoners were sent to Zarahemla and in a few days the Lamanites surrendered the city. Now there were so many prisoners and so few provisions coming in that it was decided to send the prisoners to Zarahemla, guarded by a company of Nephites under Gid. The next day the guards returned without their prisoners, but no questions were asked at this time, for the Lamanities had suddenly come upon the Nephites, and Gid, with his company, returned just in season to save his brethren.

The little band of two thousand and sixty had been almost overcome, but they were still firm and undaunted and obeyed every command with exactness. At last the Lamanites were compelled to flee, and although two hundred of the lads had fainted from loss. of blood and all were severely wounded, none were killed, because of their exceeding great faith, though many of their brethren had perished.

After the wounded had been cared for and the dead buried, Helaman, and Gid, one of the chief captains, retired to a quiet place that they might converse on the happenings of the past few days. "Ah, my brother, we have suffered a great loss this day; a great loss,' spoke Helaman as they slowly passed a group of wounded men. "And had it not been for your timely aid," he continued, "I fear all would have perished. God must have sent you. Explain to me, my brother."

"It was this way," answered Gid. "We were well on our way with the prisoners when we met our spies returning with all haste, who, when they saw us, cried out, "The Lamanites are marching toward the city of Cumeni and our people will be destroyed!' Now when our prisoners heard these words, they took courage and rose up in rebellion against us, and they ran upon our swords and the

greater number were slain, but some broke through and fled. So we made haste to return to your aid and arrived just in time as you have seen. Blessed be the name of our God who has once more delivered us from our enemies!"

"Amen," breathed Helaman.

A few weeks later, as the wounded were regaining their strength, Helaman and his chief captains decided that the city of Manti must be taken next. But as the army was weak because of the loss of so many men, and provisions were low, it was thought expedient to send to Pahoran, the chief judge and governor over the land, for aid. This was done, but for many months no word was received, and at last the Nephites became desperate. Many times the vision of mother's bountiful table rose before the eyes of these lads, and many the tears that were covertly brushed from eyes that were outwardly brave. But no complaint was uttered, although many were the explanations advanced.

One bright afternoon, when it seemed as though all must perish, a cry of, "Food, food at last!" was heard, and as the gates swung slowly open, a band of two thousand men entered the city, laden with provisions.

"Now we will be all right," shouted a little lad of twelve, and the spirits of all rose as they watched these men unload their precious burden. But rations were small that night, for these provisions must feed the army until more help could be received, and no one knew how long that might be.

One day, as Helaman was walking near the quarters of his two thousand and sixty boys, a group approached him, among whom were Joseph and Ammon. One of the older boys took the lead by addressing Helaman.

"Father," said he, "we have all prayed for help and deliverance, but none has come. Nevertheless, our faith is strong, and we desired to know if we might unite our voices in one great meeting, that God would strengthen and deliver us; for in unity there is strength."

"My sons, I was thinking of this," Helaman answered, "and I will appoint a day that my armies may pour out their souls in prayer to God, for surely we are nothing unless he sees fit to deliver us."

So a day was appointed, and all the armies of Helaman did pray mightily unto their God, and their prayers were answered, for God spoke to them, assuring them that all would be well; and great was the joy of all, and renewed hope and courage was given them so that they were anxious to go against the Lamanites, to take the city of Manti, if that might be.

So leaving only enough men in the city of Cumeni to maintain it, Helaman and his armies marched to the side of the wilderness, in sight of Manti, and camped. In the morning they were discovered by the Lamanites, who immediately began to make preparation for battle, thinking to easily overcome this small band of Nephites, and fearing lest these Nephites should cut off their support.

Now when Helaman saw their preparations, he commanded Gid and Teomner to each take a small band of men and secrete them

selves in the wilderness. This was done, and Helaman awaited the attack of the Lamanites. At last the great army of the enemy appeared and was about to fall upon Helaman and his men with the sword, when Helaman commanded his men to retreat into the wilderness, and his army as well as the Lamanites passed between Gid and Teomner. As soon as they were out of sight, Gid and Teomner rose up, cut off the spies of the Lamanites, and running to the city, slew the guards and took possession of the city.

In the meantime, the Lamanites were in hot pursuit of the Nephites who were retreating toward the land of Zarahemla.

"This makes me think of our first battle," whispered irrepressible Joseph to Ammon.

"Hush," answered Ammon, "You will need all your breath to-day."

But the chase was not so long as had been expected, for the Lamanites, fearing a trap, turned and began to retreat back the way they had come. Night came on at this time, and the Lamanites struck camp, supposing that no haste was necessary (for the Nephites were weary) and thinking that the whole Nephite army had been driven before them.

In the meantime, the Nephites were holding council, for some wished to rest, but Helaman thought best to make a night march and reach Manti before the Lamanites.

"There are enough men to hold the city," said one of the captains, "and our men are weary."

"Helaman knows best," interposed one of the boy officers, "and if we can stand it, you men surely can."

"Indeed we can, my lad," answered another man, ashamed to be outdone by these youths. So it was decided to pass the Lamanites while they slept, and join the forces at Manti.

"I am so tired," sobbed little Sam, as he was helped to his feet by an older boy after falling for the third time. The way was rough and the vines caused many to stumble in the darkness.

"Never mind, my little brother," answered his companion reassuringly, "we are almost out of the wilderness and will soon see Manti." So the journey continued, and before morning the city was reached and the soldiers were allowed to rest.

What was the surprise of the Lamanites the next day, to discover that their city was taken, and so great was their fear that they fled into the wilderness and at last left that quarter of the land entirely.

Meanwhile, the main army under Moroni had been compelled to put down the king men who had again risen up in Zarahemla, the capital, and Moroni had at last succeeded in restoring Pahoran to the judgment seat. So after more fighting in the North, peace was once more restored, and Helaman returned to his home with his two thousand and sixty sons, now almost grown to manhood, and great was the rejoicing among the parents of these brave lads.

Once more Benjamin and his three sons sat talking together in the twilight.

"Father," said Ammon, after Joseph and Sam had retired for

the night, "you know that Helaman is again preaching unto this people, for many are hardened by their troubles and have forsaken their God. But I have something to speak of concerning myself."

"Speak, my son," answered Benjamin.

"As we were returning from the South," resumed Ammon, "Helaman made it known unto me that I was called to help carry the gospel to my brethren; and since returning home I have received the evidence myself. So I shall have to leave home once more to engage in a different warfare. But you and mother will have Joseph and Sam to care for you in your old age. What sayest thou, my father?"

"I have nothing to say against it, my son," returned Benjamin, "for I have looked forward to this day, and expected to see you go. I would indeed be selfish if I refused to give one son to God's work, when he has so mercifully spared me three."

So Ammon set forth on his mission, meeting with wonderful success, and his loved ones at home thanked God in all humility, that he had blessed their family with such rich blessings, and that peace was once more restored in the land. Joseph wants to be a great general and leader like Helaman or Moroni if another war arises, but Sam says he is going to help his brother, Ammon, in God's war as soon as he is old enough; and his father firmly believes it. LOUISE HILLS FARR.

(Read before the Stockton, California, Religio, August 19, 1910.)

Power of Thought.

Well guarded thought-ah, who can tell
The power it can sway?

Or who can measure the deepness,

The scope, the grandeur of its ray?

By it men are made or unmade,

By it men rise or fall,

By it men drink the sweets of life
And by it they taste the gall.

As a plant springs forth from the seed,
So every act of man

Springs from the secret thought he holds,

Although we may not understand

The secret thought his heart contains,
Yet will his actions tell,

Character reveal whether

He doeth his thinking well.

We are literally what we think.

Character is the sum

Of all our thoughts pondered in mind
Whether from good or bad they come.
Nonunion, oft, our hearts divide,
But here we must agree:

"As a man thinketh in his heart
(The wise man said) so is he."

Acts are only the bloom of thought,
The fruit, joy and sorrow.
Thus the blossom of thought to-day
Is garnered in fruit to-morrow.
The sweet, the bitter, are garnered
According to the seeds;

And, too, by our own husbandry
Our reaping is grain or weeds.

We are a growth by firm fixed law.
A growth, not a machine.

Cause and effect in the realm of thought
As in material things-things seen,-

Is absolute, undeviating.

And as fixed as the sun,

We harmonize ourselves with law
If successfully we run.

The noble, Saintlike character
Is not a thing of chance;
But it's a natural result

Of thought, of action and advance.
Natural result of long cherished
And long-loved godlike thought;
Thus by continued right thinking
A noble character's wrought.

Yes, environment and condition
Will yield to those who grow;

To those who guard well their thinking
And are careful what seed they sow.
As a being of power and love;

And intelligent thought,
Man holds the keys to condition;
Opposition comes to naught.

Divine perfection shines aloft
But on the other hand

Below the level of the beasts,

By wrong application, abuse

Of thought, some lonely creatures stand, They walk this darkened route,

Even with power to receive

The light they are shutting out.

And then between these two extremes
There is a varied shade

Of standing, or reputation.

Can we deny that they are made By thoughts entertained or held, Within the heart, or mind?

Can any advancements be made

Without thought-thought well defined?

Even the most abandoned state,
In weakness and in sin;
Man is the master and can rise,
Sever the toils his feet are in.

But from that plight before an act
Begins its work to clean

Such a benighted, darkened soul,
First a thought must intervene.