109

and gather, also what is given them without asking, and what they can obtain by asking; also when distressed they can cultivate the earth, traffic and loan money, and apply themselves to the profession of the Kshatriya and Vaisya, but never descend to that of the Sudra. They look upon service for hire, as a dog's life; which they must avoid. They as a body, are celebrated beggars, and from this source they derive much revenue. They are also the recipients of gifts which they receive from the poor as well as the rich. No one is expected to sacrifice, unless he bestows presents upon them with a liberal hand. The king is under obligations to protect the Brahman, under all circumstances. By doing so, the priest has power to greatly increase his virtue. Menu states, "of that King in whose dominions a learned Brahman is afflicted with hunger, the whole kingdom will in a short time, be afflicted with famine."

If a

Prior to English supremacy in Hindoostan, the country was more or less distracted through intrigue and misrule, which were the origin of frequent sanguinary revolutions. During these struggles, many of the rich were in the habit of concealing their treasures. Brahman was the discoverer of the secreted wealth, he keeps the whole. If the Kshatriyas or Vaisyas be the finders a part goes to the magistrate, but if a Sudra, he, only retains two twelfths. The Brahmans are honored and respected in every condition. I will here state,

narrow, and the gentoo code sets forth a certain formula governing travelers, who should step aside, when they meet in narrow paths. The man that can see, gives way to a blind man, one that can hear to he that is deaf; a man to a woman; a man without a load to him that has a burden; an inferior person to a superior; a man who is in health to him that is sick, and all persons must give the road to a Brahman.

He from his primogenitureship and eminence of birth, having sprung from the superior part of deity, viz. his mouth, has, from his standpoint, an undisputed right, to all the wealth of the universe, in form, if not in effect. His privileges are immensely superior to his fellow citizens. For instance, in the scale of punishments for violation of law, if a Brahman be the offender, he is mildly dealt with, while others of an inferior caste, and more especially a Sudra, for a similar offense, would receive a cruel and sanguinary punishment. Neither the life nor property of a Brahman is to be jeopordized, even, if adjudged guilty of the most palpable offenses against the law. One of the ordinances of Menu states: "Neither shall the King slay a Brahman though convicted of all possible crimes. Let him banish the offender from his realm but with all his property secure, and his body unhurt.

William Fotheringham.

Many pant for the prize, but will not run in the race.

THE first era of this Church was a spiritual one; mighty forces of this character were at work all through Christendom preparing for the enunciation of the Gospel; by dreams and visions, by quickened spiritual preception, and in minds particularly sensitive there was a general anticipation in the religious world of approaching change. The proclamation of the Elders was

every where seconded by the "signs following the believers," and the spirit of gathering sprung up at the bidding of inspirational energy as the tender grass after the warm showers of early spring. Once established, temporal direction and salvation became as absolute a need, as was revelation in regard to the first principles of spiritual intercouse, for spiritual sustenance and growth. After much

travail and persecution, continued yet inevitable collision precipitated "the exodus"; the massacre of the Prophets was a sign that there had been "war in heaven" so also was there now "war on earth"; not a war of canister and grape, of howitzer and cannon, but a war of spiritual forces more decided and destined to greater conclusions, than any in the history of the earth. The final exodus and resettlement of the people made the temporal question most absorbing, to open farms, plant orchards, build homes, establish towns, cities and industries, lay the foundations and supply organization for their extension and protect those who were fleeing "as doves to the window," involved not only a vast amount of temporal labor, but it also controlled a good share of the force which, in earlier history had run into a more spiritual groove. It is not to be assumed, however, that this involved a suspension of spiritual intercourse, mayhap this became more general and nearer universal although exhibited in directions which appeared more earthly in their character.

Nevertheless as the spiritual era was prophetic of the temporal, so are the two combined and continuous, prophetic of the intellectual era which must of necessity yet characterize the Church; in fact its dawning came in the beginning, but it as had a more lengthened twilight, and even now there is barely, in the glow of the morning sun of advancing intelligence, but a faint conception of what the day will surely bring.

It was a great struggle to break the traditions of ages; it was beyond human power to sweep away the darkness which centuries had near solidified between humanity and the source of light and life. It was a great thing to lay "a foundation in the desert," for the temporal salvation of the gathering hosts, and to anticipate and provide for the marvellous fecundity of the owned of God. But there is yet a greater struggle for us and ours, and that is to grasp the sceptre of intellectual supremacy and finally outvie the world in that, as we have already done in the temporal and spiritual re

| gions of human interest and enduring existence. Yet there are already "signs;" and he who runs may read this in the increase of intellectual activity among our youth, the intense hunger and thirst for knowledge, the exhibition of mental force in both sexes, and the almost universal organization in order to meet the emergencies of the time. Other religious organizations have had their developement in this direction; having a paid ministry, an educated class of sectarian culture and calibre, the product of schools and colleges, what wonder that they have multiplied books and formed libraries, and created tomes of concordance and commentary, of theology and divinity, of songs and psalm. Churches humble in origin have become fashionable and wealthy, education and culture, talent and ambition, enthusiasm and religious fervor have rallied to each standard; "Book concerns" and publishing houses have been created and sustained, the clergy have had leisure and opportunity which together have helped the grand result. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints no such conditions, no such fostering human care has been demanded and exhausted; our Apostles, and Elders and Bishops, have had to earn their living by "by the sweat of their brows," meanwhile there has been a steady accretion of material, which will in the not far distance future be utilized for the intellectual gratification and stimulus of the youth of this, and adjoining Territories of the Latter-day Saints. There is a new generation in existence since we began to hoard our treasures of History, Biography, Travel, Miracle, Theology and Song. The deposits to be found in the Times and Seasons the | Millennial Star, the Journal of Discourses, files of the Deseret News, in the Juvenile, the CONTRIBUTOR, in private journals, and unwritten testimony and experience, are all so many mines waiting to be worked, and have their hidden treasure stamped and circulated to give a marvellous impetus to the mental commerce of a little world! It was well said in the last number of the CONTRIB

UTOR that it was now difficult to find a continuous readable History of the Church, or of the lives of the Apostles but we have had plans and schemes for supplying this need, yet each deferred in turn for other calls, until five years, at the headquarters of the Church in Europe, a "Book of Mormon" could not be had "for love or money," and at the present time, notwithstanding the fact that hundreds of missionaries annually go from Zion to the nations, and many thousands of our youth meet in "Sabbath schools," in "Theological classes" and in "Mutual Improvement Societies," that invaluable aid to every student of the principles of the Gospel, called a "Compendium," has been many, many years out of print.

Twenty-five years ago it was in contemplation by the officers of the "Central Polysophical Society" to begin the creation of a "Home library" by issuing a quarterly volume of the best productions of its members, and also by selecting from the contributions of auxiliary societies all through the Territory that which was most worthy of reproduction; had this been adopted and continued, there would ere now have been a good foundation laid, but "the move south," the changes consequent thereon, and other and probably more pressing labors have deferred the matter until now. However while the need has increased

III

the resources have increased also, and there appears to be no good reason why we should not now have a good and popular History of the Church, and a good and reliable history of the Prophet, and of the past and leading men of Israel; no reason why we should not have a reproduction of the "Compendium" for use among our young students; no reason why there should not be every month, one volume at least, issued from the Church press, of doctrine, biography, travel or testimony, suited to meet a large variety of taste. These, with hymn books, poetry, sermons (revised) and current literature, such as the CONTRIBUTOR the Juvenile Instructor, the Exponent, ahd the newspapers should have full swing to work in unison and with persistent energy, to advance the mental and intellectual status of the people, that knowledge may speedily "cover the earth as the waters cover the face of the great deep!" When all the spiritual, temporal, and intellectual functions, faculties and powers of the "best people on the earth," are thus directed by the authority and Priesthood of God, as to "bring again Zion" and establish His Kingdom; it will be known that this trinity, conjointly, circumscribes mankind; that it is simply a reflex of the mighty, the continuous, the unchangeable, and eternal Jehovah in his word and works! H. W. Naisbitt.

ANOTHER New Year!

are in the habitations of the Saints. It is a time for happy greetings; the interchange of kindly feelings between relations and friends. It is also a fitting time to bestow material favors upon the needy. King Winter has shown his most magnificent gray and frosty beard and wrapped his flowing, snowy robes around the summits of the lofty hills, and the heavy garment reaches far down over the beautiful valley. Now is the season for recreation and winter enjoyment,

rapturous time to the music of glad young hearts. Young men and maidens view this time of leisure and social intercourse as most enjoyable, and most propitious in promoting matrimonial engagements.

"Learn to win a lady's faith

Nobly as the thing is high;
Bravely, as for life and death,

With a loyal gravity.
Lead her from the festive boards,
Point her to the starry skies;

Guard her by your truthful words,

The

Pure from courtship's flatteries." One revels not so much in thoughts of nature as in fireside pleasures. The home, the hearthstone, the bright cheery fire; these are appeciated now. warm cosy corner and comfortable easy chair are the luxuries sought after and indulged in most. The bright, heavy curtains fall gracefully over the frosted windows; yes, frost work on the glass, what skill can equal it? Imitate it as the artist may, he can never compete with the Great Master in this classical legendary picturemaking.

"As by some genii's quaint device." The glowing fire on the clean swept hearthstone, which throws over all objects in the room a luxurious warmth, is specially inviting, and almost without being aware of the inclination, one sinks into a profound reverie, where lights and shadows blend into fantastical pictures and the imagination revels fancyfree in the realms of waking dreamland.

"Well may dreams present us fictions,
Since our waking moments turn
With such fanciful convictions

As make life itself a dream."

These hours of momentary rest from active labor by the winter firesides are a sort of peaceful relief to mind and body, and give opportunity to recuperate after the long protracted toil of the more laborious months. There is a little time for the renewal of old friendships and agreeable associations, which strengthen the affections and make life more desirable to all. Such reunions and awakening of latent feeling in the human breast, bring into exercise those attributes of the soul that help to make us more like Him, who said "Do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you." We all like attention and courtesy from others, though we may be neglectful in rendering it. Yet methinks, we should take time to be loving and gentle, and respectful and sociable, for after all we make people better if we make them happy. Times of festivity, jollity and innocent mirth are good for us all.

We are all one great family and it seems

essential for us to become well acquainted with each other. In mingling together socially, we usually see people in their best light, it brings out the finest expressions of the individual's real self. Business and the cares of life, which ofttimes press heavily upon the mind, making one appear to great disadvantage, are momentarily cast aside and scope is given to the higher impulses which beautify the soul, and possess a greater charm than wealth or any of its material pleasures or advantages. Life is only short at least, and while it is our duty to provide for our temporal wants, it is not good, or beneficial to stifle the affections, the kindly feelings of the human heart, which are more truly elevating in their character than the wealth of the Indies.

We talk a great deal about culti vation, about excellence of attainments in these days, but the culture which refines most is that which touches the heart; and those attainments are most excellent and most desirable, which inspire us with courage to perform life's duties acceptably, and these include, in a great degree love for all mankind, and many courtesies to and much charity for our fellow beings. Those who associate largely with their fellow-men are the highest type of character, possess the greatest magnanimity, are more ready to forgive a wrong and have fewer rough edges or sharp corners that need toning down and modifying. Consequently such men and women are the ones, who are most attractive to those whose perceptions are not dulled or blunted by evil. I believe that our Father in heaven is pleased when we come together in social entertainments, where there is order and harmony. All our relations with each other as a people should be characterized by purity of purpose and a desire to benefit and bless others as well as ourselves and in doing this we are entitled to the blessings of God upon our efforts.

The pleasures of the winter season are of such a nature that some are very apt to indulge to excess and then they pall upon our senses and we are ready to declare them all vanity. Dancing is one of the pastimes that is greaty

abused; in moderation it is good and tends to grace and ease of manner which is an accomplishment, that adds much to the deportment, and is certainly desirable; the music of the ball-room and the motion of the dancing is, more especially to the young, like enchantment. It bewilders and dazzles them, consequent ly if left to themselves, they frequently ruin their health by over indulgence; and yet a little amusement of this nature is healthful and beautiful. To enumerate all the amusements adapted to the winter season would be impossible, but suffice to say, there is an abundance for old and young, and we should not neglect a reasonable amount of pleasurable enjoyment, for it is invigorating in its physical tendency, and in its moral tone, elevating. The great difficulty is to exercise discretion in these matters and keep within proper bounds.

We are so apt to overdo things that we like, to the neglect of mightier matters that are not so pleasant in their nature. But this is the season to enjoy the song, and the dance, the fireside winter tales, music and conversation, those charms that give such zest to home-life, and that are such potent influences in renovating society when rightly applied. young people have the most advantageous opportunities at the present time to improve, yes, to excel in those things that make homes delightful and their society

Our

113

everywhere attractive and entertaining. Reading is one of the pleasures of winter we should not forget to class among its enjoyments. And a careful selection of books or papers is an essential matter. After reading, converse together in the home, at the table or the fireside upon the subjects and you will find it a fruitful source of pleasure, and a great improvement of one's conversational powers.

I have a picture in my mind of a large family, seated around an open fire-place, in a very unpretentious living room, the table loaded with nuts and apples, a few books with homely well worn binding, plainly showing they had been often used; some old-style musical instruments were there, the young people are now singing, old-fashioned simple ballads to amuse father and mother; there was no blaze of chandeliers, only the glimmering fitful light of the pine-knots, which always bring out such wierd shadows and remind one of Macbeth's witches. By and by when the trilling of the fresh young voices died out, then the young folks said, now its your turn father or mother, tell us a story of when you were young, how was it you fell in love, for it must be a love story, mind, and the simple but truthful story was told by the winter fireside as effectively as if it had been presented on the stage in a melo-drama. Amethyst.

'Raffaele Sanzio d'Urbino' was born,

in a little mountain village near Perugia,

ed of Italian artists. This master was charmed with the talent of his pupil and

seat in his studio, predicting for him that the future should know him for the merit of his works, and that his name would be celebrated in the world. A prophecy fulfilled beyond the master's expectation!

By the time Raphael was seventeen years of age his paintings were con

sidered to equal, and many of them to excel those of Perugino, which of course