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found other strange creatures had lived there, as the Book of Mormon also claims. He found tribes that feasted on raw flesh and blood until they were crazy, as Mormon declared their antecedents did, and some tribes living yet in polygamy, for which the Book of Mormon condemns their forbears a like sin. He pointed out that if the Book of Mormon was largely copied from the Bible it would likely not be full of lies and bad grammar, and that the wife of Joseph Smith is accused (by the Utah folks only) of burning the false revelation on polygamy which Brigham Young's sleight of hand trick produced eight years after Joseph's death. That the Baptist preacher was probably Sidney Rigdon, and the story is what is known as the "Spalding Romance," now located and in custody of Oberlin College, from which our reverend friend matriculated. The Book of Mormon and the romance have nothing in common, though once supposed to be identical.

Growing aggressive, Brother John showed that the Book of Mormon was in course of translation before any scientific data in English concerning the Central American traditions could be obtained, but that the works of Priest, Desiré Charnay, Thompson, and Prescott, published since, had substantiated its position and teachings. He showed that it was spoken of in the Bible as the Stick of Joseph, that this was the land favored above all others, and was to be a holy place in righteousness before God, where the oppressed and burdened of the earth might flee for freedom; that so long as the God of all right should be respected and feared the people would be blessed, but when pride ruled their hearts, he would turn from them, and their sins would swallow them up if they would not obey. He showed how the Lord had given the Jews in Canaan a virtual republic and judges to oversee them; how the same had been accorded to the earlier peoples of this land, but how in their prosperity they had set their hearts on vanity and pomp and had forsaken his counsels and suffered thereby.

When Brother John gave way to the Reverend Rotte it was plainly seen that the burden of interest was held in our brother's favor, and the chaplain did not seem quite ready to respond to the call of the tribunal. However, with the help of "Hem and Haw," he got afloat again.

His dear young friend who just sat down took things too seriously; he would have us believe the world was going to the dogs; he would have us imagine the God of all Christianity was but an irate taskmaster who beat us into pious submission and fettered us with doctrinals and priestcraft. The young man's zeal blinded him to the great message of the Christian nations, the great uplift movement written largely on the heart of the Saxon race. Who could doubt that the world under the tutelage of the church-ahum-the churches, was growing better day by day? Who would wish to hark back to those dark days and ways of these vanished peoples for instance, days of the rack, the fire, the cross, the-ah-umsawing asunder of our members? Then why should we restrict others from enjoying the fruits which these martyrs have earned and which the beloved church has made free to all who will accept

her shelter? He must-ah-um-oppose and condemn all irresponsible institutions which took it upon themselves to deprive the repentant soul of his just recompense and drive him forth into darkness with repugnant doctrinals. He would not bewilder the contrite soul with dark passages, but whosoever would, let him come and freely, my friends, freely, not burdened with a superfluity of exercises and catechisms or ordinances, leave all that in the hands of those qualified as shepherds of the flock. The canon of scripture was full, almost-ah-um-too full, and we should be careful in countenancing additions thereto from very unauthorized sources. (Feeble applause from Miss Fribbles' quarter.)

John Morris expressed his gratitude to his opponent for not casting aspersion on the particular work he represented. It was a hopeful sign. He believed the reverend gentleman, however, was arguing against his own position in claiming greater freedom for the proselyte. It was this mistaken policy of deathbed repentance in another guise, and it was the cause of many honest, fair-minded men turning from religion as a travesty upon the equity and justice of a supreme good, so frantically had the bars been lowered that the wayfarer questioned any treasure remaining. To-day the bars are about the lodge and men flock therein rather than to the church! They of old time suffered the afflictions recited for standing firm in the principles of their faith, not for renouncing them, as we find the popular churches doing to-day, with makeshift religions. The brightest star in the martyr's crown is that he gained us freedom to think spiritually for ourselves; not to shirk it! The principles that Christ gave us, that Paul and Peter taught, that Stephen died for, were simple enough and need neither revising nor apologies. Let us be men and seek the old paths that always meet with the favor of God, and always will, while one honest seeker treads therein. He stood for the New Testament plan.

The chaplain on invitation magnanimously waived anything further on his part, and the captain, after a whispered consultation, declared a recess, and said that a finding would be arrived at and announced after supper; so with some bustle and chatter, after the strain of the discussion, the party broke up; and just as the vineyards of the North had given way to the cotton and tobacco of the South, so now from the car windows could be seen the long stretches of sisal or the Heniquin plant, from which is made the hempen rope of the world, the principal export of Yucatan. "Enough to hang all the rascals in Christendom," said Baddington, pulling at his yellow mustache.

"Yes," rejoined Sergeant Burrells, "and we'll be among them pretty soon now. We are due to make Marida to-morrow forenoon, and the ruins day after, but I think old Friar Rotte is about the most dilapidated specimen we shall see for awhile!"

(To be concluded.)

I

A Trip to Australia.

By Paul M. Hanson.

CHAPTER 3.

N THE beginning of the nineteenth century, shortly after its discovery, this great continent was given little attention; there were no spices to attract traders, no marketable slaves, and the country lay unmolested in the possession of the black tribes. England soon began colonizing the country. Criminals were sent out, and these, with the immigrants who came, began clearing land, constructing government buildings, and finally cities were built. In various parts of the country, around Port Macquarie in New South Wales, and elsewhere, there can now be seen works and remains of works built by the offenders against England's laws, who were sent out in the early days across the great waters. In the middle of the century gold was discovered, and great throngs of men gathered in quest of a fortune; the cities began to grow, shipping to increase, and an impetus came to the country like that which came to our western country when gold was discovered in California. As the country became better known, colonists established themselves on ranches or "runs," sheep were reared, and the wool sent to England. Now great vessels plow the seas regularly to and from Australia; laden with wool, with products from the soil, and riches from the mines-the trade being with nearly all countries of the world.

Only seventy-five years ago Australia was unexplored and practically unsettled; but swift has been the march of events; states were not long in forming, and in 1902 were confederated, the government to be carried on by the will of the people, a governor general being appointed by the crown to represent imperial interests. Liberty is enjoyed under the British flag. With what rapidity do events move in a new country! Australia was converted, like America, in a few years, from a collection of states or provinces, into a nation. Nominally a dependency of England, practically it is self-governing. Each state has its own governor and its own legislature. Its constitution is modeled after ours; its parliament consisting of of a Senate and a House Representatives.

of

The legislation of Australia is bold and progressive. Who has not heard of the Australian ballot system of voting? The state decides industrial disputes between labor and capital; enforces the closing of stores at a certain hour; owns the railways as well as the postal and telegraph systems; establishes schools and hires the teachers; and provides police protection. An old age pension system has been adopted; in some states there is woman franchise. In a socialistic way the country is walking hand in hand with New Zealand.

There is dispatch under the British flag in the executing of the

law toward criminals. This, no doubt, has to do with the people trusting the courts when crimes are committed-seldom or never is there a lynching..

[graphic]

A GROUP OF AUSTRALIAN MISSIONARIES.

From left to right: John Kaler, C. A. Butterworth, Gomer R. Wells. Apostle C. A. Butterworth is minister in charge. John Kaler is now living in Independence, Missouri. Gomer R. Wells is in Lamoni, as editor of Sunday School Exponent, and at present assisting on Saints' Herald editorial staff.

One of the greatest obstacles to the progress of the country is its predisposition to cycles of drought. These disastrous, periodic invasions by nature extend back as far, at least, as when the country was discovered. During these fatal periods, bush fires rage, and sheep and cattle die in great numbers. But quickly when the rains come the country lifts up her head, unashamed of herself; soon there is heard again the bleating of sheep and the lowing of cattle on the plains; commerce is quickened, and nature is glad. The people are great lovers of sports; they enjoy playing cricket,

racing horses, and sailing yachts. Cricket is their national game, as baseball is ours. Perhaps they are extreme lovers of sports because the climatic conditions are favorable to the people being out of doors. On boxing day, the day after Christmas, the harbors present a beautiful appearance, many ferryboats plying through the water, carrying picnic parties to the various pleasure resorts.

[graphic][merged small]

The people live, as a rule, in cottages, very few in flats; there are generally in front of the houses blooming flowers, roses, chrysanthemums, and others as beautiful-great lovers of these beauties of nature are the Australians, and seldom does one sit down to partake of a meal without seeing flowers on the table.

There are no essential differences between Australians and Americans; just some minor distinctions. They think well of us and wish their friendship to be reciprocated. In going through the country one does not observe a difference in the manner of

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