ELDER Feramorz L. Young was called to accompany me to Mexico on a mission in October, 1880, leaving Utah for that

field of labor November of the same year, and reached the Mexican capital, having gone via Omaha, Chicago, New Orleans and across the Gulf to Vera Cruz, on December 5th following.

He entered at once upon the duties of his calling and made rapid progress in the acquirement of the Spanish language. The change of climate, water and food effected his health during the first few weeks, but he soon overcame that trouble, to which nearly all foreigners are subjected on visiting that inland city, and for some time greatly improved, becoming fleshy, full of spirit and life.

On the 6th of April, 1881, he accompanied Elders Thatcher, Stewart and several native brethren in their ascent of the volcanic mount, Popocatepetl, where conference was held and the general authorities of the Church and those of the Mexican mission were unanimously sustained by all present, and the Republic of Mexico dedicated to the Lord God of Israel, for the opening up of the Gospel among the remnants of Jacob in that land.

At the base of a huge belt of volcanic rock, an altar of God's own building, Elder Young poured forth in prayer the inmost feelings of his soul. Thousands of feet above the confusion and contaminating influence of fallen man, breathing the pure air of heaven and surrounded with influences divine, his spirit was quickened,and he prayed as never before, for Zion and her interests, for God's people and the honest throughout the world; for the tempted who fall and the weak who err; for light, truth, and knowledge-a testimony that abideth forever, leads safe through life and conquers death.

On the 20th of June following, Elder Young officiated in the baptism of three persons belonging to one family-father, mother and daughter. In the performance of this duty he experienced great joy, having traveled some eight miles in order to secure a suitable place for performing the ordinance of immersion.

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He labored faithfully and well, rendering good service in writing in the Spanish language from verbal translations from the English by Elder James Z. Stewart.

During the greater part of the time while in Mexico he was a close student of the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. He was tho

rough,doing whatever he undertook well. His mind was of an enquiring turn, and for one so young he possessed remarkable talent as a profound reasoner,tracing with ease effects to the causes producing them. He weighed carefully what he heard and read upon doctrinal points, testing all by the standard of revelation, ancient and modern. He entertained profound respect for the Holy Priesthood, and sincerely venerated the servants of God upon whom it has been conferred. Having faith in God, he sought diligently and prayerfully to comprehend the scheme of human redemption and the power of godliness, and, drinking deep at the fountain of light and truth, was always ready to give a reason for the hope that was in him.

He was nevertheless modest and unassuming, in nothing appearing self-righteous. He lived an exceptionally pure life and it appeared natural for him to do so; but temptations were really resisted by him and overcome through reliance upon God and a well-defined sense of right, and a knowledge of the sad results following wrong doing.

He recognized the new and everlasting covenant and the faithful observance of its requirements to be the only key which can unlock the door of Celestial glory and lead to power, dominion and endless lives. The knowledge of this great truth enabled him to be willing, as he has expressed in his private writings, to lay, if necessary, all earthly prospects of happiness upon the altar of sacrifice and serve God unselfishly.

Having been honorably released, he assisted me in putting the affairs of the mission in shape to place under the charge and watchcare of Elder August Wilcken.

On the morning of September 6th, he rose early and took a walk nearly out to

the Castle of Chapultepec, a distance of about two miles, and immediately on his return commenced to purge severely. This continued more or less severe for two days, and was followed by slight fever in the early evenings. The fever did not appear to increase, though it seemed to debilitate him, and he had a variable appetite. I was under the impression that he was laboring under a slight attack of chills and fever and so he and our friends thought. All of us believing that a change, especially a sea voyage, would restore him to his usual health.

We left the City of Mexico for home on the evening of September 15, and on the following day, at 4 p.m., reached Vera Cruz. He stood the trip by rail in an English coach, a distance of two hundred and sixty-three miles, very well indeed, seeming in as good condition as when leaving. We expected to go at once on board the steamer "Knickerbocker," then lying in the harbor, but were prevented by the prevalence of a strong "norther." We put up at the Hotel Diligence, immediately in front of the beautiful little park of the city. The 16th of September is the anniversary of Mexican independence, and was enthusiastically celebrated at the city of Vera Cruz; it was also Elder Young's birthday, he being twenty-three years of age.

He remarked with laugh that it was considerate and kind of the Mexican people to celebrate, in such a hearty manner, his anniversary and said they could outdo our fourth of July displays.

On the morning of the 17th we went on board the steamer, Brother Young steering the little boat that carried us from the quay.

On reaching the steamer he acted upon the impression that a person would suffer less from sea sickness after a purge, he therefore took Seidlitz powders, which operated severely and were not checked until he was much weakened, but that trouble was finally overcome by the use of bismuth powder, prescribed by the physcian of the vessel, J. L. Vialet.

Having freight to deliver at Tuxpan,

we were compelled to sail a distance of one hundred and twenty-seven miles directly out of our course and were therefore detained thirty hours, which with former detentions, put us nearly four days behind time, for we were unable to leave Vera Cruz until Sunday evening, September 18th. Sailed from Tuxpan at 5 p.m. on the 19th, for Frontera, a distance of three hundred miles, which was reached at 9 a.m. of the 21st. Leaving Frontera at 4 p.m. same day, we sailed one hundred and thirty-five miles to Campeachy, arriving at 8 p.m. of the 22d. This day was exceedingly hot and Elder Young showed unfavorable symptoms and looked quite ill. During the evening I questioned him regarding his feelings in reference to his condition. To my astonishment he replied "I think the Lord will take (or call) me home." I kindly chided him for what appeared to me a feeling of despondency, and endeavored to reason with him upon the importance of keeping up good cheer and having faith in God, whose servant he was, and in whose work he had been engaged as a minister of life and salvation. I further reminded him of the promise to which he should cling and told him that I could entertain no such feelings regarding himself. He replied that he desired much to return home if it were right and the will of the Lord for him to do so; and that should God spare his life he was willing to serve Him all his days in the work of human salvation.

I administered to him and we spent the night together on the sofas of the saloon, where we had the benefit of the breezes. The 23d was another hot day and Elder Young manifested perceptible increase of fever, and at times was slightly delirious. We had reached Progress, on the coast of Yucatan, remaining there two days and one night.

September 24th, he was evidently growing more ill, being restless, weak and considerably delirious, his mind frequently wandering. We were doing what we could to check the fever and induce him to take nourishment, such as beef tea, chicken broth, etc. We sailed

The

for Havana, Cuba, four hundred and twenty miles distant, about 8 p.m. Doctor having prepared his state room, the largest and coolest on the ship, we spent the night together in that. He slept several hours and seemed better. On Sunday morning, the 25th, he desired again to go on the upper deck, and I assisted him there, making him a bed there. He remained but a short time when I induced him to occupy the state room during the remainder of the day, I being with him all the time, administering medicine and nourishment. For several days I had feared that he had typhoid fever, and now no longer could doubt it. A German physician on board examined him and pronounced one of his lungs weak and defective. He had when young suffered with pneumonia. Neither physician, however, considered his case serious.

At

During Sunday and Sunday night he appeared to improve, the fever being much checked, but the bowels again became difficult to control. On Monday the 26th we all believed him to be better. At 5 p.m. we reached and anchored in the harbor of Havana, and while doing so he suddenly got out of bed and anxiously inquired for his clothing, saying that he wanted to go on deck. I took him in my arms and lifted him in bed again, but he had a sad night, his mind wandering greatly, and he was very restless the whole night. Towards morning the fever abated somewhat, but the nervous twitching continued. noon the health officer came aboard and examined him, taking his temperature (105), and advised the continuance of former treatment. I continued to administer to him frequently. The health officer pronounced the disease to be typhoid, but told him to keep good cheer and he would get through all right. I saw no reason for such assurance further than to induce courage. Less than four hours after this, we having left Havana at 1.30 p.m., Elder Young became unconscious entirely, no longer recognizing me when I sought to arouse him. We adopted many ways, and administered stimulants inwardly and outwardly to

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revive him, but to no avail, for the angel of death had touched him, and life was fast ebbing away. At 11:7 p.m. September 27th, 1881, about one hundred and ten miles from Havana, in latitude 24°21′, Longitude 80° 52', Elder Feramorz L. Young slept; God called away his spirit and his body, wrapped in the stillness of death, was all that remained with me. No language can ever describe my feelings. God sent me peace or I never could have endured it, but of that I do not wish to speak.

Early on the morning of the 28th, having first prepared the remains, using such Temple clothing as we had, I sought the captain of the ship, Mr. Franklin Kemble, and told him that I desired to preserve the body and take it home, the expense being no consider

ation. He consulted with his officers and informed me that being so far, (five days) from New York, and the weather so warm, it would be impossible to save the remains, there not being sufficient ice on board, if used for that purpose, to last twenty-four hours. We discussed other means, but there was nothing in reach that would answer the purpose. So there was but one thing left to do, and that was to commit the earthly remains of my chosen companion, friend and brother to the silent embrace of the deep, there to remain until He, who holds the keys of the resurrection, shall cause the sea to give up the dead. Elder Young will be among the first and best fruits when that day shall come! At 1.50 p.m., September 28th, 1881, the steamer "Knickerbocker" was stopped and the passengers, officers,and crew were gathered around the remains of him who had been faithful in life and true in death

of him who had learned to live to know how to die, to live again never to die. And there, with a heavy heart but unflagging spirit, I bore a testimony to the divinity of our mission, the work in which we had been engaged, and of the pure, upright life which my young friend and brother had always led, and that while his body slept in the deep, his spirit would still be laboring in the interest of human redemption.

Concluding my remarks, I kneeled at the head of the body, which was encased in a sea coffin and covered with the American flag, and dedicated it and its resting place to God, the Giver of the Spirit and the Redeemer of the body, until they shall, through the merits and atoning blood of Christ, be resurrected again, and raised to power, immortal glory and eternal life. Latitude 27° 9', longitude 79° 47', some twenty miles from the Florida coast, and a little southeast from the Jupiter lighthouse, is the spot where the body of my beloved brother,

faithful and true missionary companion, was laid to rest in the blue, deep and pure waters of the Gulf Stream.

I shall never forget the kindness and sympathy extended to us by the officers, crew and passengers while he lived, and to me after he left. God called him; it seemed hard, but I had no power to say nay. Moses Thatcher.

In the voyage of life, we should imitate the ancient mariners, who, without losing sight of the earth, trusted to the heavenly signs for their guidance.

II.

ACCORDING to Braminical traditions, Satyavrata, otherwise Vaiwasvata, who is classed as the seventh Menu, a great legislator and patriarch, standing at the head of a dispensation, was, in connection with his family, saved from an universal flood, that destroyed the rest of the children of Adima (or Adam). "The Padma Puran" states that Satyavrata, who was miraculously preserved from a general deluge, had three sons, the eldest of whom was named Jyapeti, or lord of the earth. The others were C'harma and Sharma. "The royal patriarch was particularly fond of Jyapeti, to whom he gave all the regions to the north of Himalaya, in the snowy mountains, which extended from sea to sea, and of 'which Caucasus is a part. To Sharma he allotted the countries to the south of those mountains. But he cursed C'harma because when the old monarch was accidently inebriated with a strong liquor made of fermented rice, C'harma laughed, and it was in consequence of his father's imprecation that he became a slave to the slaves of his brothers." The first descendants of Satyavrata are represented in the Puranas as living in the mountains to the north of India, toward the sources of the Ganges and as far down as Haridwar, which is the point where that ancient river first takes its name. But the rulers of mankind lived on the summit of

Meru, towards the north, where the seat of justice was established, to which place the oppressed repaired to obtain redress.

These allegorical personages of Hindoo mythology are no doubt intended to represent the Noah of the Bible and his sons. Noah, according to holy writ, only lived nine hundred and fifty years, while this ancient monarch of the Hindoos lived and reigned during the whole of the Satya Yug, or one million seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand years, hence the necessity of the Hindoos going back into the remote abyss of time to strain the chronology of the world to agree with their inconsistent and contradictory mythological tales, which are related in many different ways. Satyavrata's two sons, Jyapeti and Sharma, were distinguished as royal branches, the one denominated the children of the sun, the other the children of the moon. Each formed a dynasty; the one reigned at Oude, the other at Vitoria, and they held the reins of government until the expiration of the first thousand years of the Cali Yug. Fifty-five sucessive princes sprang from the solar line, who reigned during the whole period of the Treta Yug, or one million two hundred and ninety-six thousand years, an average reign of each prince being a fraction over twenty-one thousand five hundred and sixty-three years. The period of

Dwpara Yug was spent in the reign of twenty-nine princes, each, on an average hav ing reigned twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and ninety-three years. The termination of the Dwpara Yug being the beginning of the Cali Yug, when twenty-nine princes reigned a thousand years, making a medium reign of thirty-three years each, which exhibits quite a falling off. At the close of the first thousand years of the Cali Yug the solar and lunar princes became extinct. A different race of princes, who descended from their ancestor Jarasandha, who must have sprang from C'harma (or Ham), and reigned at Bahar, contemporary with the two royal branches during the first thousand years of the Cali Yug. The last of the Jarasandha princes was slain by his prime minister, who placed his son on the throne. This usurper filled the throne with fifteen of his sons, who reigned consecutively for a period of four hundred and ninety-eight years. The name of the last of this descent was Nanda, who was murdered by a Brahman, and by his power and influence exalted to the throne Chandragupta, who is believed by oriental antiquarians to be the same Sandracottas, the contemporary of Alexander the Great. Nine princes of his line succeeded him, who held the Sceptre of power for one hundred and thirty-seven years. The commander and chief, at the death of the last of these princes, ascended the throne, and with nine of his descendants reigned one hundred and twelve years. The last of his line was succeeded by his prime minister, and four consecutive princes

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of April, A. D. 1817, from which deducting 2648, the year of the Cali Yug, in which the reign of Chandrabija terminated, you have 2636, the number of years which have terminated since that period, and which carry it back to 446 years before Christ.

The foregoing is a fair account of the chronology of the Hindoos, as taken from their own writings and views. However, it is wonderfully strange, how minute they are in their historical statements for a regular and immense series of years reaching back into the misty past; but when it comes down to the ages bordering on our own times, or since the birth of the Savior, all is a blank. There is no history of the Hindoos, nor any accounts of their acts, until the conquest of India by the Mohammedans, when they alone become our informers.

The Hindoos, no doubt, borrowed their periods called Yugs, (and graced them with the oriental ring of antiquity and fable), from the Greek and Roman division of time into four ages, denominated the golden age, the silver age, the brazen age and the iron age. The Brahmans call the Satya Yug the golden period, during which, the human race were honest, virtuous, upright and pure, and his average age was one hundred thousand years, and his stature thirty feet. The Treta Yug is denominated the silver age, when one-third of the people became corrupt, consequently their age was reduced to ten thousand years, and their stature dwarfed in proportion. The Dwpara Yug is called the copper period, during which over half of the people became corrupt, and one thousand

five years. The throne was next usurped by a Sudra (the lowest caste), who killed the king and reigned in his stead.

According to the Vishnu Purana, thirty kings descended from this Sudra and reigned four hundred and fifty-six years. Chandrabija, the last of the Sudra line, concluded his reign with the year 2648 of the Cali Yug. According to the learned Brahmans, four thousand nine hundred and eleven years of the Cali Yug were elapsed in the beginning