by the appointment of the Governor, and was received with marked attention and respect, being appointed as one of the speakers. An excellent impression was made upon the Congress composed of lady delegates from many nations. Sisters Booth in Turkey, Cannon in Holland and Steed in South Africa have each been of great aid in the respective missions and have exercised a marked influence for good.

The work in the Liverpool Office has been conducted with care and ability by the brethren engaged therein. Elder John S. Smith was released from his labors as secretary early in November, after being in the mission field about twenty-nine months, serving efficiently and with signal ability. Elder Joseph S. Mulliner took his place in the office, which he still occupies, and was succeeded ably in his former position by Elder Ralph H. Ludlow. Elder W. A. Morton has continued his valuable services on the MILLENNIAL STAR, as well as his excellent work in the Sunday School interest and occasional welcomed visits to different conferences and district meetings. All these brethren have been devoted to the work and, especially during emigration times and on the arrival of missionaries and visitors from Zion, have given essential services to the general satisfaction.

The publishing department has been active as usual. In 1908 no less than 6,133,000 tracts have been printed (1,225,000 of which were the "Rays of Living Light," still in great demand), 140,000 bound pamphlets, 153,000 conference circulars with large numbers of district meeting notices and much miscellaneous printing. The MILLENNIAL STAR has maintained its circulation with gratifying increase, and is read by many persons besides Church members.

Considerable opposition has been encountered at many points from anti-"Mormon" agitators, sectarian ministers, and sensational newspapers. Advice given to the elders and the saints to pay no attention to professional libelers and retailers of vile slander has been closely followed, to the great chagrin of those persons who seek to profit by arousing contention and whose influence soon fades when there is no response to their challenges. The general results from the hostility thus exhibited have been good. When respectable public journals have published attacks upon the Church that merited a reply, most of them have published our responses, and thus both sides have been presented. Interest has been aroused by the malicious efforts of our assailants and our meeting houses have been crowded by investigators. Threatening letters, vulgar and obscene, have been sent to us, to which we have paid no attention. Some disturbances have occurred at our meeting places, but the police have invariably given the protection asked for, and all the attempts at violence have come to naught. During the year, many new and better places for public worship have been secured which has given great joy to the saints and caused many respectable people to attend our services. The pur

chase of the fine premises known as "Deseret" at South Tottenham, London, now the headquarters of the London conference, was an important acquisition to the Church, and has given it a prestige in the Metropolis which it never enjoyed before. At Durham House, the headquarters of the European mission, improvements have been effected by throwing together two big rooms, making a spacious hall, none too large, however, for the congregations that assemble there. A small office had to be erected on the west side of the building and other conveniences connected therewith so that our business might not be impeded. At Oldham, in the Manchester conference, a corrugated iron chapel has been purchased which will give the saints in that town, where much opposition has been aroused in the past, a foothold which will be of great advantage.

Prospects generally throughout the European mission are excellent. The Spirit of the Lord burns in the hearts of the faithful saints. His power has been manifested among them in remarkable healings and other gifts. The new members are alive and active in the work of the Lord. A number of the old members who were lost to view have been hunted out and quickened into new life. We have cause to praise the Lord for His abundant mercies in the year that has gone and to anticipate His further blessings and inspiration in the year about to come. We welcome its advent, and extend to all our readers in every land and clime, and to all people who are looking for light and desire the welfare of humanity the compliments of the season, with the sincere wish and hope and prayer that 1909 may be to them a blessed and happy New Year.

FROM THE MISSION FIELD.

C. W. P.

Successful Concert.-On Saturday evening, December 12th, 1908, a "Character Concert" was given by the Sunday School girls of Hyde branch (Manchester conference), under the direction of Sister E. Davies. Those taking part did so with credit to themselves and much to the enjoyment of the assembled saints and friends.

District Meetings. Two interesting and very instructive district meetings were held in the Arcade Building, Barnsley (Sheffield conference), on the 20th inst. There were present President Josiah H. Eardley and eight traveling elders of the conference. At the evening meeting a number of strangers were present and listened with interest to the doctrines set forth by the elders, and greatly appreciated the solos rendered by Elder Frederick C. Sandford. The meetings were peaceful and the Spirit of the Lord was made manifest throughout.

Suitable Christmas Present.-President T. J. Bennett writes:

"The Irish conference received a Christmas gift with which we are all highly pleased. It is a beautiful, enlarged portrait of President Charles W. Penrose (38 x 32 in.), presented by Mr. and Mrs. Stitt, photographers, of Belfast, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Stitt, while not members of the Church, are admirers of the President of the European mission, and friends of the elders. The portrait at present adorns the walls of the meeting-room of the Belfast branch. The elders and saints of the conference extend sincere thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Stitt for their beautiful gift, and wish them a bright and prosperous New Year.

Birthday Celebrations.-About eighty saints and friends assembled at the meeting-room of the Latter-day Saints in the Building Trades Exchange, Sheffield, on Monday evening, December 20th, when a delightful program, given under the auspices of the Mutual Improvement Association of the Sheffield branch, was rendered. The event was in commemoration of the birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The program, which lasted two hours, consisted of musical selections, readings and sketches, some of which bore directly on the prophet's life. About one-half of the numbers were rendered by people not of our faith, but who are always ready and willing to assist in entertaining the saints and their friends. All present thoroughly enjoyed the evening's entertainment.

Socials. The Wigan saints and friends held a successful social on the evening of the 22nd inst., in honor of Elder Roger W. Creer, who was honorably released and returned home on the 23rd inst. A very enjoyable time was spent. The departing missionary was presented with a suitable and enduring token of love and esteem.

A very successful social was held at Blackburn (Liverpool conference), December 19th, 1908, in honor of Elder W. A. Jones and wife. Elder Jones labored for twelve months in Blackburn, and was honorably released and sailed for his home in Utah on the 23rd inst. About ninety saints and friends assembled to enjoy themselves and to say good-bye to Elder Jones and wife. A pleasing program was rendered, after which refreshments were served. Elder Jones was presented with a neat dressing case, and Sister Jones with a number of handsome presents.

Baptisms. A baptismal service was held at the Montpelier Baths, Cheltenham (Bristol conference), on the 23rd inst., when two members were added to the church, Elder D. D. Harris officiating. Confirmations took place at the baths.

Three members were added to the church at Sunderland (Newcastle conference), on the 22nd inst. The ceremony took place at the Lambton Street Baths, Elder Joseph W. Bambrough officiating. The new members were confirmed at the place of baptism.

On the 20th inst. a baptismal service was held at "Deseret," South Tottenham, London. Elder F. F. Vance initiated another convert into the fold of Christ.

A baptismal service was held at the Glossop Road Baths, Sheffield, December 28th, 1908, when five souls were added to the Church of Christ. Elders Nephi Hodgson and John C. Hall spoke upon the necessity and sacredness of water baptism. Elder Thomas Alston, Jr., officiated. Confirmations took place at the water's edge.

Sunday School Treat. The children of Liverpool, Bootle and Birkenhead Sunday Schools were given a most enjoyable treat on Boxing Day, at the headquarters of the European Mission. The meeting hall was tastefully decorated with holly, mistletoe, flowers, etc., and presented a most attractive appearance. A large crowd of children and a goodly number of adults assembled. After opening exercises, these received a very cordial welcome from President Penrose. On behalf of all present he thanked and complimented Sisters Souter, McAdam, Opie and Rutter for the time they had spent and the taste they had displayed in decorating the room. In a brief address to the little ones he told them of the gift which God had given to the world-His only begotten Son, also of the Savior's love for little children. Exhorted them to do good and to refrain from evil, to love, honor and obey their parents. A very excellent program was rendered, principally by the children, after which an hour was spent in amusing games. Presents were then distributed, and the little ones returned to their homes with glad hearts and cheerful countenances.

Happenings in South Africa.-A letter from President H. L. Steed, in which he reports the progress of the work in South Africa, contains the following interesting item: "There has been scarcely a day recently that we have not seen some manifestation of God's goodness. Several cases of healing have occurred, and the elders are rejoicing exceedingly in these great blessings. I have had much faith in spiritual gifts since I was miraculously healed of an attack of brain fever under the administration of Dr. Karl G. Maeser. Yesterday I was hurrying down to our hall to look after some work being done there, and dislocated my ankle by stepping on the edge of an iron water box, which projected about one half inch above the sidewalk. I succeeded in getting my ankle in place, and with much exertion and in considerable pain, hobbled back home. My foot was so swollen that we suspected some of the bones were out of place. About one hour after administration we found, to our surprise, the swelling all gone. I then put on my shoe and walked. To-day I walked over a mile and felt no pain whatever. I am going tracting to-morrow. Sister Luck, who happened to be at our home and saw the injury, came in to-day with palatable foods and to express her regrets that I would not

be able to attend conference next month. I arose and walked to her. She looked at me in astonishment. I informed her I was not an invalid and would not necessarily need her food nor regrets. I had just returned from a long walk down town and had experienced little or no inconvenience. She stood in amazement and acknowledged the hand of God in this, and also in her own behalf. I was just thinking how glorious it would be if you and Sister Penrose could be at our conference next month."

Lord, give me strength, I pray,

To do my work to-day;

To do it right,

With all my might,
Without mistake.

As for Thy sake.

When doubt besets my way,

Let me the question lay

Before Thy throne,

Where all is known,

Where what is best

Will stand the test.

And when the day is drear,

May I keep very near,

And hear Thy voice,

And thus rejoice

That I am Thine,

And thou art mine.

And when my work is done,

And I can homeward run,

In Thee I'll trust,

For Thou art just,

And wilt supply

Me grace to die.

GEORGE E. WILMONTON.

DIED.

HITHERINGTON.-At West Hartlepool, December 12th, 1908, George Hitherington. He was a faithful member of the West Hartlepool branch.

EDITED, PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY CHARLES W. PENROSE, 295 EDGE LANE,

LIVERPOOL:

FOR SALE IN ALL THE CONFERENCES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF