- I. /S \ OUR ANNUAL FOR 1910. aA k°*r vw<* <*clw\ 3 OUR WORK Through Utah AWHEEL AND AFOOT Sty* Italj (gaap*! MlBBxon of QUrorlattd. (Incorporated 1900) CHIEFLY FROM THE ANNUAL REPORTS PRESENTED JANUARY 25, 1910. With Very Important Added Chapter on "Why Mormonism Grows: Thi» its Day of Opportunity. OFFICE AT 1854 East 81st Street, Cleveland, O. Our Publication List. Below we list some very useful publications on Mormonistn — | our own issues except the last three. We can also supply Mor- I mon books. The first prjce 'given' is for a single copy, the second for ten copies, the third for 100 — all .prepaid. Read and cir- culate! .t H^t" v ■ ' ' ") * j X.. True Mormon Doctrine. Stated in quotations from Mor- ; mOn- works; verv valuable for distribution where., "elders" are • working . r. . 3c, 12c, $1 2. The Private Doctrines of Mormon Theology. Additional quo- j tations, for discriminating use only ., .;'. {>••"::>.. .3e, 12c, "75 I 3. Mormon Doctrine and Christian Truth. The only careful discussion of Mormon Doctrine ever published. .88 pages very ! valuable. Every Mormon convert- and every pastor should have these . 10c, 75c, $5 I 4. Mormonism Proclaiming Itself a Fraud, with cut .of title- I page of first edition of the Book of Mormon, and Mormon- j Morals, ... . t ,.V>-'.v. .". . . .'.'•..; -.2c, 12c, 65c j 5. Mormon Morals .. .'.2c, 5c, 35c j 6. The Main Facts regarding Mormon growth and power, the Christian missionary work hitherto .'done among the Mormon I people and the further need. Illustrated 3c, 12c, $1 j 7. The Story of a Mormon Convert. The true story, over his own name, of a good friend in N. Y. City, who was deceived by the "elders," but found the light again largely through our Work. Very important ..2c, 10c, 75c 8. The Special 'Difficulties of Work Among the Mormons, and how they may be overcome. Very important facts.. 2c, 10c, 75c 9. Present-Day Mormonism and Its Remedy. Eight articles by Rev. J. D. Nutting, from a syndicate of religious papers early tin 1904-; giving a sketchy view of the history and char- acter of Mormonism, difficulties and successes in missionary work, Josephine (Iowa) and Brigham (Utah) Mormonism com- pared, etc. The best general view published, 20 pp. .5c, 35c, $3 • 10. The. Guard's Great Question. A pithy collection of stories and teaching concerning the New Birth and how it may be obtained, with suggestions to young Christians ... .3c, 15e,- $l 11. The Wonderful Story of the Wonderful Booh. A con- cise, interesting presentation of the miraculous origin, preserva- tion, translation, character and power of the Bible; with some of the evidences for it and against all other professed books j of. revelation, reasons for its systematic use, rules for under- standing, difficult passages, a compendium of its chief teachings in classified passages, for ready reference, and ~a special study of the passages claimed by Mormons as proving their false doc- trines. 104 pages, 11 engravings; very valuable for young Chris- tians and Bible classes everywhere, as .well as for a statement and refutation of Mormon doctrine. Should have a very wide use -. .-. 10c,' 75c, $6.50 12. The Truth About God. "It's a whole theology" and "The best thing you have published" — statements of two minis- ters of long experience in Utah. Sets forth clearly and popu- I iarly the main points of Biblical and rational truth about God, | the contrasting beliefs of paganism ana Mormonism, and the j astonishing unity between the. two latter. Tenoning these^facts J no believer in the Bible can be a Mormon. Should be widely used in Bible classes for positive Christian iusirv.cLUni. 80 pages, illustrated.- 10c, 75c. $6 13. Mormon Doctrines Analysed. By' Wilfred S. Hale. -M. D. A. fine contrast between Mormon Doctrines and the Word of God, chiefly arranged in parallel columns 5c, 50c, £4.50 (Continued on 3rd page of cover ) Our Story for 1909. THE year which has just passed in our work has brought unusual difficulties and trials, but has been successful in spite of them. Perhaps the most fundamental hindrance has been the shortage of workers ; though the ill-health of the Secretary and two others has been an important factor, and the loss of two horses and disabling of another have added to the cost of the work while hindering its progress. This story of the work is made as brief as possible. We ask that it be read carefully by all who can do so, and that the additional chapter be given serious thought as well. If friends will preserve these annuals from year to year they will have an invaluable collection of facts and anec- dotes on the great Mormon question, otherwise in- accessible and. of increasing importance. * «P * A LITTLE GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVELOLOGY When the year 1909 opened there were only two wagons in the field. No. 2, with Bros. Hodge and Swogger, was in Price, in east-central Utah. The alti- tude of this place is about 5,500 feet, and soon the wagon moved to a place over 7,000 feet above the sea. Several times the temperature where the wagon was during the winter was 12 below 0, and once it dropped to 18 — the coldest ever known in our work during seven winters, and partly due to the altitude. The snowfall here was perhaps the heaviest ever known, so that the wagon was snow-bound for a few days in one village. Later the melting snow and rains made the alkali soil where they were so tenaciously sticky that travel was impossible with the large wagon, and the men borrowed a small one, driving to smaller places by day and returning at night. Then in spring the heavy snow had blocked the canyon down which they were to go, so that they had to travel about 120 miles around to get about 40 direct; sometimes cutting their way through the underbrush, and again making a bridge or roadway. This took nearly two weeks. We hope next time to visit this region when there will be no such dangers ; but it is very difficult to plan a trip involv- ing so many contingencies of weather, new roads, in- 2 creased and scattered population, crews, team, etc., so as to even approach certainty ; as in this case, when we expected to finish in December instead of in May. This wagon reached Salt Lake the last of June, had its annual house-cleaning with the other wagons, and started out north again early in July. Wagon No. 3, with Messrs. Fetters, Mitchell and Horrocks, began the year at work some distance east of Ogden, in Weber canyon district; working down from there to Ogden. These workers labored about three months in the north portion of that city, having an unusually successful time in the colporter work, though almost no meetings were held. From here they worked west a few miles, among the scattered homes and small places. They organized a Sabbath school at Slaterville, where there had been one years before, and arranged for regular preaching by an Ogden pas- tor. Thence they visited all the places in about 40 miles down to Salt Lake, where they met No. 2 as above and the Secretary arrived July 2. Wagon No. 1 was idle at the beginning of the year from lack of men. Not having been left in the safe place directed from the office, it was burglarized, used as a lodging and then robbed of some $30 worth of bedding— which was later kindly replaced by donations from several Salt Lake merchants. In July it served as hospital for the Secretary for ten days of illness, and was then taken to join the others, which had gone ahead to the next village to finish some work there. All then proceded to North Ogden, and worked all the places together from thence to Garland, in the northern edge of Utah. It is our custom to keep all the wagons together for some weeks at this time of the year, so that the new men can be taught the peculiarities of the Mormon system and doctrine, our methods of work, the wagon life, care of teams, etc., and may become ac- quainted with one another so as to divide up to the best advantage later. The arrival of Rev. and 'Mrs. Baxter and Brother Hodge at Garland made it possible for No. 3, with Bros. Hodge and Hamlin, to leave for a. separate field, while the other crews went to another, and later separated; Bros. Fischer and Wilson taking No. 1 away south for the winter and ending the year at St. George, in the extreme southwest part of Utah ; while Mr. and Mrs. Baxter worked in Salt Lake valley region. Their wagon, No. 2, is without a team, they 3 hiring it moved as necessary in this thickly settled re- gion. The total of the travel by all three wagons is about 1,600 miles ; with probably 2,500 more on foot ; total 4,100. OUR WORKERS DURING 1909. When Bro. Hodge wrote from Price region a year ago that he was hardly able to remain with us because of ill-health, we were anxious about some one to take his place, when we were greatly surprised to have Bro. Carl Fischer call at the office. It seemed very providen- tial that on finding our need he should soon be at liberty to go back to the field. He reached the wagon (No. 2) early in January, and Bro. Hodge left for the east, to recuperate in other work. Bros. Fischer and Swog- ger carried on the work with that wagon till Bro. S. left in June, so as to begin seminary study in the fall. Bro. G. F. Wilson, also formerly with us, then joined Bro. F. in the wagon and has been his companion since. In wagon 3 at the beginning of the year were Bros. Fetters, Mitchell and Horrocks, who continued together till June, and Bro. Mitchell remained till September, when he left to take up seminary work in Boston. Later Bro. Hodge joined Bro. Hamlin, who was one of the best graduates in June at Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, O., and they have manned that wagon since, closing the year at Gunnison. Rev. and Mrs. Baxter came in September and have had wagon 2 since. Mrs. B. is the first lady to enter our work. We had long felt that a lady could often reach the hearts of women in the homes better than a man, and this view seems justified by our experience thus far. Their field since the separation of the wagons has been in the Salt Lake valley region, chiefly in the great mining camp of Bing- ham Canyon, of which we give a view herewith. Though having about 8,000 people, of many nationali- ties — one of the largest mining camps in the world, we believe — and extending about eight miles up and down the narrow canyon, there is only one Christian service. In about six weeks of labor there they made 624 home calls, using over 68,000 pages of our literature and selling 99 Bibles and portions. There have been ten different workers in the field during the year, though not more than six besides the Secretary at any one time, nor less than three; and this small number was only for one week at changing time. The average number for the whole year has been somewhat over five; a smaller number than for the two previous years. Denominationally, two have been Baptists, four Pres- byterians, two Methodists, and one each of the Christian Alliance and Progressive Brethren bodies. Educationally, five of the ten have been college grad- uates, and one of these also a seminary man ; three others were well along towards college graduation, and the other two were graduates of Bible schools. Of the four who left the work, Bro. Hodge is back; one is in the theological seminary, and we suppose an- other; another is in college, and we suppose the fourth is in a Bible school. So far as we know there are now ten or more men in various theological seminaries, colleges and Bible schools who have spent an average of about a year in 6 our work. Two who were with us have graduated and entered foreign missionary work; others are pas- tors, one in Bible work, and still others — mostly from our earlier years — are in business. During the past year Rev. S. L. Gillespie, who entered our wagons at the age of 69 years in June, 1907, and worked faithfully for over a year, has been called to his reward. He was a very earnest brother, and we have no doubt thinks back upon his last full year of Christian work on earth with joy that it was given to this needy field with us. Many years ago he was a pastor in Utah, and knew the field well before coming. There have now been about fifty different workers in our wagons since the beginning, in June, 1901 ; belonging to about twelve different denominations and a city mission. It is no small result of our work that we have given a thorough inside view of the Mormon sys- tem to so many, who have then gone out to spread the knowledge of the facts broadcast. One of the great- est needs in regard to Mormonism is that the facts about it as a really pagan system of religion should be known everywhere, so as to hinder its proselyting efforts. >P ^ ^ THE WORK DONE IN 1909. I. The Colporter Work. This is always the most important part of our work, though not the most demonstrative. If we are shut out of any house for meetings, or prevented by the weather, or if the tongue of slander is busy against us or our public message, the avenues to the individual mind are practically always open. Christ with the con- gregation of one at the well or of the few disciples afterwards is a better illustration of how the world is to be won to Him than is Paul preaching to a crowd on Mars Hill, or on the stairs, though both are, of course, necessary. The calling work has been prose- cuted as usual. Owing to the smaller number of work- ers, as well as to other causes, the number of calls is smaller than for several years, though they still num- ber 9,514. But this is compensated for in large measure by the fact that they have probably been of greater length and thoroughness than in any year before. This is in line with our constant effort for years. A part of the time of calls, though usually only a very little, 7 has been taken up by our work supplying Bibles, to which we call attention at every home. Almost half of the homes were visited twice, the first time with our tract-bills of invitation to our meetings. The colporter work has been done in 79 places, besides the scattered work. As the country becomes older and more thickly settled, more homes are located outside of the villages, making our work more difficult and slower. The difference in the years since we began is quite noticeable, even in the oldest regions. But our work seems usually more effective in the scattered homes than in the larger places, because the people are both less busy and less under the thumb of the priest- hood. Some little idea of the need of our work may be gathered from the striking fact that of the 79 places where we worked only eighteen had any local Christian work, leaving sixty-one places destitute! And two of these eighteen were Salt Lake' and Ogden. If the reader can imagine himself shut up in a vil- lage where there is no Christian service the year round, but Mormon meetings of different kinds, social or religious, almost every day during most of the year, he can perhaps begin to realize how hard it would be to live a true Christian life, and how gladly our wagons would be welcomed by him — unless, indeed, he had become deadened to all religion by his surround- ings, as thousands of such people in Utah have be- come. And the children of such a family are in even greater need. They are usually allowed to go to the Mormon Sunday school, because there is no other place to go and all their friends go there ; to be taught, of course, that "Joseph Smith was a prophet," etc. And then they will go to the Mormon preaching and other meetings, hearing in every one the terrible doctrines which contravene every fundamental position of the Bible and Christianity. And all will profess to be done in the name of Christ and the Bible, and to be the only true Christianity, cf which the ordinary Christian churches are only "base counterfeits" and their minis- ters "frauds," working for "filthy lucre." Of course they are likely to grow up either Mtormons, because they have been thus trained into such beliefs, or "nothingarians," as our men call them, believing in and caring little for any religion because all have become unreal to them, or avowed infidels because of the evident sham of Mor- mon professions and teachings. There are many of 8 each of these classes in Utah. And when mating-time comes with these young people, what then? Many a time hrs the writer had the heartache at the thought of families of young men and young women whose par- ents were Christians, and who were perhaps such them- selves, but whose only friends or acquaintances of the opposite sex were saturated with Mormonism. That genuine affection often springs up between such is be- yond question. What can be done? Often they marry; and if the non-Mormon is the stronger character and is well-grounded in the true faith the other may be won over. Or the reverse may very easily happen, and both go into Mormonism; though perhaps more often than either the resultant of the two forces is irreligion upon both sides, by compromise and moral gravitation downwards, to be perpetuated in the children. The so- cial, financial, educational and religious influence of the system in a Mormon village is so powerful that only a strong, intelligent and active Christian faith is likely to prevent such results, and such faith is all too likely to be itself deadened into powerless inactivity instead of conquering its adversary. To be deprived of the or- dinary means of grace anywhere is to run great risk of losing vital piety. In our work we are constantly watch- ing for and trying to help such cases. ^ ^ ^ THE EVANGELISTIC WORK. The proportion of meetings to calls for 1909 is slight- ly larger than usual, notwithstanding the fact that the lorg time in Ogden passed with hardly any meetings, hi summer our meetings are generally outdoors, and so not limited from lack of places to hold them. But in cold weather we are sometimes limited by the un- willingness of the Mormon leaders to let us have a room without much charge, and often by the fact that they have some meeting almost every night, if nothing more than a public dance. We can usually get in about three winter meetings a week in ordinary places. We held 178 services during the year, in 64 of the 79 places visited with the colporter work. Of these only 14 had any local Christian work, leaving 50 places in which it is almost certain that no Christian service had been held since our wagons were there before, from two to four year previously! The total attendance at these meetings was 10,400; an average of over 60. 9 Determined Opposition. At one place determined opposition was made to our meetings. We had held eight services on the street, at a place agreed upon with the marshal and with plank seats loaned free by an ex-Bishop, and the at- tendance had aggregated 1,300. Considerable thinking was being aroused, as we earnestly presented the great fundamentals of Bible truth, which always will stir human souls ; and we had visited hundreds of homes with our new booklet, too. Evidently too much good was being done. So, after a two-hours' meeting in 'which the Secretary had preached on "The Future Life," one of the two marshals jumped upon a seat and began to harangue against the speaker. We stayed and heard what he said that we had said about Mormons in lectures in the East, etc., denied his utter falsehoods, made another address in reply, and finally left the grounds about 1 A. M., convinced that we had done all we could to defend ourselves and the truth. The at- tempt was evidently to break our power for good there by blasting the writer's reputation for truthfulness ; and at the same time to stop his lecturing in the east by showing how they could make it hinder our work in Utah. Of course they had the advantages of num- bers, of prejudice, and of persons who were at least not careful about their statements. Several said that they had heard the writer say things east which he never did say, and which he then and there expressly repudiated as being ever said or even believed by him. But the local paper, owned by the church leaders there, was malicious enough to spread these falsehoods broad- cast in its "report" of the meeting, and to refuse point- blank any reply or correction by us — something which has never happened before more than once, and which is of course utterly contrary to decent journalism. But we hardly ever heard from the falsehoods afterwards in all the region. An evening or two later another similar attempt was made. But as we had held our meeting till after 10 o'clock, and had given opportunity for questions which had not been accepted, we declined, to be a party to another such affair, and started to leave the place, when the men began shouting after us, and then many began following us as though they meant mischief — one seizing the writer's arm and trying to compel him to return. But on being spoken to sternly, he desisted IO and we were not molested further beyond the yells and a few following for some distance. As we had held meetings two or three times in this place before without disturbance, and this was made chiefly by one of the marshals and the city attorney, it looks as if our work must have shown its danger to their cause enough to arouse them. The attendance at the following meet- ings of the week and Sunday was 1,525, though some evenings were cold; the total attendance at the sixteen meetings being 2,820, or two-thirds the whole population of the place. Never within the writer's knowledge have we had better preaching or music than in this series. And we have no doubt that while some believed the slanders and were embittered by them, many more were stirred up to think and read the literature, so that the net result of the opposition was for good, even im- mediately. And the printed messengers of gospel truth, of which we left fully 700 in our careful house visita- tion, are still there, will still be read in many cases, and will be used of the Spirit of God. It is hard to endure such attacks; but they are one of the proofs of disciple- ship given by Christ (Matt. 5:11, 12), and we ought not to shrink from or to be angered by them, or to be fearful as to their results. Far better such treatment than the blank apathy to all religious things which characterizes seemingly an increasing number of places. * ^ ^ THE NEW LITERATURE USED. Until early in July the No. 4 book, "The Wonderful Story of the Wonderful Book," (see third cover page), was used in the house-to-house work. We aim to put one kind of literature into every home before beginning with another. We started to use the new book (noted on page 8 of our last Report), at North Ogden, July 27. It is entitled "The Truth About God;" and con- tains a succinct, popular setting forth of the chief Bible truths about God, contrasted with the pagan errors about their idols, and with the Mormon doctrine; bring- ing out with telling force the fact that Mormonism has apostatized from its own early and true belief to one which agrees in almost every point with paganism and thus contradicts the Scripture truth almost completely. The pages further on in this Annual, printed in small type parallel columns, are from two plates of that book ; II and are worth careful study as showing the great depths to which Mormonism has fallen and the great need of its victims for help. Some of our men feared that the hook would arouse antagonism from its very plain statements; hut the writer felt quite sure to the contrary — which view has happily been confirmed by our experience. No reason- able person is offended, but we believe that many eyes are opened in astonishment at the facts, and some hearts surrendered to the true JEHOVAH. As their leaders acknowledge, their doctrine of God is their fundamental point, and if it breaks all must go with it. We believe it has broken in the mind of every reader of the book who has ability to comprehend its truth and honesty of heart to acknowledge that truth to himself ; and that the book is destined to be used of God for great things in Utah. About 3,500 copies of this book had been used up to January 1 — each with careful explanation and comment in calling, as our custom always is ; and ac- companied with a copy of No. 3, "The Guard's Great Question," as a help towards positive conversion — to- gether making 108 pages. Besides these, little gospel slips are usually given at each call, suited to any spe- cial need ascertained in the conversation. About 982,000 pages of Nos. 3 and 5 had been used to January 1. *p THE SECRETARY'S WORK, EAST AND WEST The Secretary began the year under considerable dis- ability, largely but by no means wholly the result of the accident noted in the last Annual. He is very sorry to say that this has continued through the year, much to the disappointment of all concerned, constituting a con- siderable hindrance to the great amount of foot travel which has heretofore been an essential part of securing funds and men for the work. It is certain that mail work must replace walking as much as possible for the coming year on this account ; and special attention is asked to the note on page 16 in this connection. During the most of March and April the Secretary was on a Mission trip which included Pittsburg, Cin- cinnati, Louisville, Galesburg, Monmouth, Chicago and places from thence back to Cleveland. Then time enough was taken at home to get the copy for the No. 5 book typewritten and into the linotypers' hands, to be 12 set while the next trip was being made. Then he jour- neyed through New York, Massachusetts and Connecti- cut to Boston, back through Rhode Island to New York, Princeton, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Xenia, Hamilton and Cincinnati to Knoxville, Tenn., for the United Presby- terian General Assembly; back to Berea, Ky., thence to Delaware and Tiffin, O., and home. Then getting the books printed and shipped, arranging about men, etc., kept him very busy till the last of June, and then came the western journey, arriving in Utah July 2. These last weeks were especially strenuous, and after a few days of like work in Salt Lake the culmination came in the shape of about ten days of illness in wagon 1. Re- sponsibility for the work could not be entirely laid off even then, of course; but owing to the presence of experienced men like Bros. Fischer and Mitchell, the work went on about as usual. As soon as possible we were all in the field; the Secretary conducted all of the 44 metings held together, though making the effort as light as possible, and preaching only 11 times during the nine weeks. He started back east October 1, speak- ing three times on the way. During the year he has spoken on Mormonism 44 times, to over 6,000 people, in places from Boston to Parkville, Mo., and from Knoxville to Benzonia, M'ich. Many of these audiences have been chiefly composed of students and ministers, the work thus meaning an un- usually wide distribution of the truth. Over 5,000 miles of travel were necessary, besides the Utah journey. He has given unusual attention to following up the work of Mormon emissaries; of which more is said further on. In view of appeals and evident need of effort to counteract the work of the Mormon "elders," the Mis- sion last year voted to send literature to such addresses of converts and others as might become available, in places where proselyting had been done, especially in the South. Pursuant to this action, suitable matter has been sent to about 600 addresses, and many more are awaiting time and literature. This work has cost about $38 in cash, besides using about 98,000 pages of our literature. The total literature used from the office during the year aggregates about 240,000 pages— far more than in any previous year. We should quadruple this mailing work during the year 1910. In no other way could the 13 truth be spread more effectively, if pastors and others would only send for the tracts, providing the cost as per list on 2nd page of the cover of this Annual if possible, or we will mail direct to addresses of persons in special need of light, even without payment, when really necessary. We solicit funds to provide for this work. The South, especially, ought to be "sowed knee deep" with literature, as Neal Dow used to speak of the literature used in his grand temperance campaigns. ^ ^ ^ CONDENSED SUMMARIES Of the Work Done, Literature Used, and Expenses, for the Year 1909 and From the Begin- ning of the Work in June, 1901. FOR 1909. IN THE WEST. Calls made in the regular visitation 9,514 (These families containing about 55,000 people.) Settlements visited this year 79 (Of which about 61 were destitute of Christian work.) Our special gospel meetings held 178 (In 64 of the 79 places visited.) Total attendance at these meetings 10,400 (Average attendance 60, largest 350.) Pages of gospel literature carefully used, mostly ours. . 1,042,272 IN THE EAST. Addresses by the Secretary, 44; attendance, over 6,000; liter- ature used or sold from the office, 240,000 pages; miles traveled by rail or boat, over 5,000. TOTAL SUMMARIES, 1901 to 1909, INCLUSIVE. IN THE WEST. Total number of Colporter visits made 109,693 Total number of invitation calls made, about 33,500 Total of all calls 143,000 Total number of different settlements visited 515 (Of these, we have held meetings in about 363 places. About 408 of the 515 were destitute of Christian work.) Total number of meetings held 1,519 Total attendance at these meetings 119,800 (Average attendance about 79, largest 800.) Pages of literature used, mostly of our special kinds. . .9,948,102 Miles traveled by wagons about 17,100; probably 18,700 more on foot and horseback; total 35,800 IN THE EAST. The totals of the eastern work are as follows: Addresses by the Secretary, 449; circulation of his articles, etc., in the press, about 2,325,000; literature used or sold from the office, about 2,575,000 pages; miles traveled by rail, about 58,200. Total cost of all the above (both East and West) $24,096.65 Total pages literature used, East and West, about.... 12,023,000 i4 ABOUT MONEY MATTERS Our finances are not in quite as favorable a condition as we had hoped. Late in November we were threat- ened with a deficit of from $400 to $500; but letters to friends not already heard from during the year brought gifts which enabled us to close the year with receipts only about $31 less than the payments for the year, though about $30 more is due on bills payable. For this we are very thankful. During the year almost every old friend whom we have learned to depend on for the work has helped as usual or more ; while many new small contributors have been found. But we miss the familiar name of one whose help was never before missing on our Treasurer's books with the sum of $50 opposite, dating from even before the field work was begun — Mrs. Florence Mather, of Cleveland, who passed to her reward late in December of 1908. Prob- ably no woman in Cleveland has been more missed in benevolent matters than Mrs. Mather during the past year, for she was a noble Christian woman, inter- ested in many efforts and always glad to help. Her last gift to us was sent only a little while before her death. Several items of unusual expense have appeared this year and make the outgoes heavier ; while some have been less. Among the former are the loss of three horses, though only one has yet been replaced; the serious illness of one of our men, besides the Secretary; extra repairs on wagons, extra railroad and other ex- pense for men, the mail work already noted, and the necessary increase in rent allowance voted by the Board. Together these have added about $370 to the cost of the work, of which about $32 is due back as a refund. The receipts have exceeded those of last year, but have not quite met the year's expenses, as noted, reducing our balance from $348.06 to $317.14. This balance really ought to be treated as an emergency fund and never otherwise allowed to go below $350, while $500 would be little enough to always have on hand in case of illness, accident or other emergency stopping receipts while perhaps increasing expenses. Below we give a careful synopsis of receipts and ex- penditures for the year 1909 and to the close of business January 4, 1910; the latter date owing to emergencies of time which prevented the accounts being closed De- cember 31, as usual. The statement is compiled from 15 the Treasurer's Report, adopted by the Annual Meeting January 25, and the personal knowledge of the Secre- tary as to sources and objects of the different amounts. As usual with us, names of donors are not published, as this is not necessary and would be contrary to the wishes of many. RECEIPTS CLASSIFIED BY SOURCES. Balance with Cleveland Trust Co., Jan. 1, 1909...$ 348.06 One contribution of $625 625.00 One contribution of $400 400.00 Two contributions of $200 each 400.00 One contribution of $150 150.00 One contribution of $125 125.00 Three contributions of $100 each 300.00 Five contributions of $50 each 250.00 Seven contributions of $25 each 175.00 One contribution of $20 20.00 Two contributions of $15 each 30.00 Seventeen contributions of $10 eacli 170.00 Church, S. S. and C. E. contributions 92.08 Refunds 17.50 Interest on funds in bank 26.37 Smaller and unclassified sums 349.25 Total receipts per treasurer's account $3,447.34 Deducting refunds 17.50 Leaves net contributions and balance $3,429.84 EXPENDITURES, CLASSIFIED BY OBJECTS. R. R. and field expenses of missionaries $1,615.35 Printing and engraving, for both eastern and western work, including first edition of 15,000 No. 5 booklets for field use, literature bought, etc 572.38 Rent of headquarters, telephone, etc 618.00 Personal and traveling expenses of Secretary in eastern work, including about 5,000 miles of R. R. travel, office postage and help 345.07 Total as above $2,156.80 Deducting refunds counted, $17.50, and $9.10 counted twice 26.60 Leaves total actual expenses for Mission work. .. .$3,130.20 Plus cash balance in bank, Jan. 1, 1910 317.1 4 Equals total expenses $3,447.34 OUR BUDGET FOR 1910. For this year there will seemingly be no large print- ing bill, as there are probably enough of the 15,000 book- lets printed last June to carry us through 1910; a second edition being necessary early in 1911. The figures are on the basis of a full force of nine workers after June. Present force of six workers, till June $ 800 Nine workers from June till January, 1911 1,100 Three new horses and other items 325 Rent, telephone, eastern travel, office printing and postage and help for Southern literature work 925 Total for the year $3,150 i6 Pledges and cash received to date of writing aggre- gate about $770, leaving $2,380 yet to find, aside from keeping any reserve fund, as we should do. ^ ^ ^ SPECIAL NOTE— PLEASE LET US HEAR FROM YOU! We have been accustomed to urge friends to let us know very soon after receiving this Annual what they expected to be able to contribute for the next year, so as to save the time necessary to secure support and to allow the Secretary to give this time to other very urgent work. But this year the matter becomes very imperative, owing to the facts stated elsewhere. We are enclosing with each copy of this booklet mailed to supporters a blank which will make it. very easy to do this. May we not hear from each one soon? If con- venient to enclose the check in reply, the amount will begin drawing interest in our savings account, and will mean that much more to the cause; if not, then just the assurance of help to come later will be greatly ap- preciated. ^ ^ ^ MORMON CONVERTS IN OHIO AND ILLINOIS. Within two blocks of a fine Theological Seminary in Ohio and with plenty of Christian churches at hand, the writer found a group of Mormon converts, holding reg- ular meetings and working to get more into the snare, with Utah "elders" to urge them on. Those whom he met were firm in the faith that there was no more polygamy in Utah, and no belief in many gods ; but still persisted in their M ormonism after we had com- pelled the "elders" who came in to own up to both of these, which they at first denied. The converts whom he met had been members of the M. E. church there not long before. In an Illinois college town we talked with a local convert who was a peddler, going about spreading Mormon doctrine and literature as he sold his goods. He was a man of some ability in talk, and vehemently affirmed that he would be burned at the stake before he would give up Mormonism ; being so prejudiced that for some time he refused even to take literature discussing the doctrines of the system. So it is in a great number of places, ^especially in the South. i7 There is any amount of work waiting to be done along" these lines by those who have the experience and train- ing ; and sometimes we ache to be free enough of other duties to do a great deal of it. The one hopeful fea- ture regarding these converts is that many of them do not stay Mormons long; though very many do, and many go West to grow up and bring their children up in the terrible atmosphere of the system. ^» ^ OUR BIBLE WORK. We have carried on this work during the whole year. In three large places a regular agent had just preceded us and supplied the most of the demand. In outlying districts the sales have been good, and some success is had everywhere. Over 600 volumes have been placed during the year — mostly the 23 and 38-cent King James editions, though many of the 28-cent Revised have also been sold. This is especially a blessing, where people can be persuaded to use it. There is great apathy among Mormons about the Word, as is very natural with per- sons having three other books which are practically Bibles to them, and doing little reading of any kind. There is little enough Bible-reading now, but many times more than a few years ago, according to reports. We believe that this is partly a result of our work, which has visited nearly every home twice and thou- sands three times, with literature and personal work calculated to accomplish this very thing. And if they will only study the Word, the daylight will surely come. Mrs. Baxter rn Calling Work, Bingham Canyon, Dec. 1909. Additional Chapter. WHY MORMONISM GROWS: THIS ITS DAY OF OPPORTUNITY. That Mormonism has grown rapidly of recent years is beyond question. The United States Census of 1890 found about 144,000 Mormons of the Utah kind in the whole country. About the years 1903-4 they claimed to have about 300,000 in the world; then 325,000, 350,000, and now the usual claim in their papers is 400,000, or sometimes even 500,000. Mormon statements must usually be taken with many of the proverbial "grains of salt;" but probably 350,000 is now a safe figure. Per- haps 20,000 of these are outside of this country, chiefly to the north in Alberta, Canada, and to the south in old Mexico ; leaving thus about 330,000 in the United States. If this is correct, Mormonism has doubled AND ONE-THIRD IN TWENTY YEARS ! The sources of this increase are two-fold : First, the natural growth by birth in Utah. Where having children is regarded as the most important duty, one will naturally expect an unusually large increase. Sec- ond, by proselyting efforts in Utah and elsewhere. Every "good" Mormon is anxious to get recruits to his sys- tem ; and every young man expects to give at least two years "on a mission" for this purpose, without salary, though finding friends to help him meet his expenses. About 800 such men are usually working in this coun- try alone, outside of Utah — about 250 in the Southern States ; and 1,200 more in other lands. This whole country is districted, each district with its office, "Presi- dent" and "elders," in constant touch with the Utah authorities. The "elders" work from house to house with their literature, hold meetings, and get favorable matter into the secular press whenever possible. This has been going on for years, till there are local groups of converts in many localities, often with Sunday Schools to teach Mormonism. and "branches" of the Utah "church." Such facts will give some idea of the great Mormon proselyting-machine, which has been in *9 construction and operation for many years with in- creasing size, precision and power. In Chicago, Chatta- nooga, New York City, Independence, Mo., London, Liverpool and other places headquarters buildings are owned, some costing heavily; and from several of these large amounts of printed matter are issued, including periodicals claiming large circulations. Besides these the multitudinous publications issued in Salt Lake are used everywhere. The greatest mischief done by Mor- monism is probably in this insidious and permeative scattering of false doctrine by the printed page, worded so as "to deceive, if possible, the very elect;" claiming to be the only true Christianity as taught by Christ, yet denying every fundamental of such truth, to those who do not perceive the wolf of wicked falsity under the sheep's clothing of fine pretensions. And right here Mormonism finds its greatest oppor- tunity, in the religious conditions which too often pre- vail. If a Mormon emissary comes to one who is well posted in religious truth, from the Bible and by good thinking, he may be astonished by the disgusting crude- nesses and outlandish twistirgs of Scripture presented, but that will be all. Yet if the same man could be divested of his knowledge of such matters he might fall an easy victim. And the great majority of even church members now have little definite knowledge of the fundamental Christian truths, holding them in too vague a way to resist attack; while the multitudes of non- church-goers usually have less, or none. It is thus clear that our defenses against false proselyters, of what- ever kind, are woefully weak in these respects. In most churches there has been no such amount of "doc- trinal" preaching for many years as would have pro- vided adequate defense against the attacks of Mormon- ism, Christian Science or any other crafty system. We are not by any means so "rooted and grounded" in (he truth as we ought to be (Eph. 3:16-19; Col. 1:23, 2:2-5); and few are able, as Peter enjoins all to be, and "ready always to give an aswer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and godly fear." (I Pet. 3:15). Such faith is always the result of a well informed mind and a consecrated heart. An ill-informed, prejudiced, though well-meaning person is often only '"meat" for the Mormon "elder." The church of Christ was placed on earth largely to be the "pillar and ground of the 20 truth," and her pulpits should ring with these great truths now as perhaps never before. Rightly handled, they will attract thinking people as nothing else will. They are the basis of the church's own existence, and the source of all conviction and conversion. For the church to fail to emphasize them is for her to commit slow suicide, carrying with her all we hold dear. But here we come upon a still more fundamental difficulty, which is also a great open door for the false religious cult. The only standard we have for faith and practice is the Bible, the Word of God. If that be taken out of men's minds as such a standard, as beyond question has been done in multitudes of cases in recent years, a doubly awful evil is wrought. First, one man's opinion on religious matters is then as good as another's, — the Mormon's or pagan's as good as ours — because there is no standard of measurement left. Second, the hunger of the soul for something authoritative in religion is left unsatisfied, and he must grope after something in place of the Bible which has been taken away. If then an "elder" comes along who is crafty enough in his work, insistently and impera- tively believing his Mormon books and false miracles and priestly power as the other man ought to be be- lieving his Bible, he may find an easy victim in even a fairly intelligent man. So, also, with the man who still theoretically holds to his Bible, but practically ignores it and is thus weak and vague in his beliefs. In either case the insistent, definite faith in a terrible falsehood may conquer the weak and vacillating faith in even the very truth of God, and another victim may thus be secured. And even more than this is true. It is becoming a stock statement of Mormonism that the inspiration of Joseph Smith is being proven by the increasing ac- ceptance of his doctrines among many denominations. Of course this is mostly crass ignorance, or falsehood, as when the rejection of infant baptism is quoted as proof — a doctrine which Smith himself got from the Baptist people where he lived and which had been ad- vocated for hundreds of years before him. But that there are sad defections from the truth, and along lines of depravity which were common both to Smith and many before him, is evident, and is often a result of the facts already considered. The Mormon press quotes Campbell of London as preaching Mormon doc- 21 trine, which is beyond doubt measurably true — to his disgrace. But that is small compared with other facts. The saddest point of the writer's experiences the past year came in talking with three men who were ex- pecting soon to enter the ministry. To two of them the Word of God was no longer more than a collection of the best religious writings of men ; one saying "what in the Bible appeals to my consciousness is the word of God to me;" making his beliefs the standard by which to judge the Bible, instead of the Bible that by which to judge his beliefs ! The other quoted a very danger- ous statement from a professor. That similar mis- chievous ideas are very widely current is beyond ques- tion ; and the resulting destruction of our defenses against such religious frauds is self-evident. "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Any person or community in this condition may be- come the prey of religious harpies as soon as the momentum of past convictions is lost, — which we may be thankful is not instantaneously. To the writer it seems that there was perhaps never a time so characterized by these aspects of unfaith — certainly not since the present religious frauds began ; that they provide the greatest opportunity which the Mormon and other engines of proselytism have ever had ; and that unless we bestir ourselves to sound abroad both the warning facts about these evils and the positive truths of Christianity a still more terrible harvest of evil is certain ! ^ ^ WHY SHOULD WE OPPOSE MORMONISM? Many think, "Because of its polygamy;" and when the "elder" comes along and affirms most solemnly that there has been no polygamy for years and that the "church" has given it up, such a person is bereft of his only ammunition and may possibly himself fall a prey. But if the statement was true — which it is not at all — the greatest reasons for opposing Mormonism would still remain. The above chapter gives some- thing of these ; more is shown on the pages of this Annual giving the abominable Mormon doctrine of God ; while all these together show only a part of the reasons existing in its very nature. If a man should come about scattering the germs of small-pox, we would deal with (Two pages from our new book, 'The Truth About God." See item 12, second cover page.) PARALLEL COLUMNS CONTRASTING THE BIBLE AND OTHER TEACHINGS ABOUT GOD. f* T-T TJ7T7 T7T7 \ T T T "T> 17 C i~\T? TUT? T5TT3T T? IDEA OF GOD. Condensed From Chapter II. IDEAS OF GOD. Condensed From Chapter III. V-tllJl-r fLAlUKts Ur 1 ri-fc. MUK- MON IDEA OF GOD. Condensed From Chapter IV. 1. There is only one God. 1. There are many gods. 1. There are many gods. 2. This God is eternal, without be- ginning, change or end; he existed before all else. 2. These gods had each a beginning, are constantly changing, and some have died. 2. These gods _ were all born, and are constantly changing by growth and learn- ing, but will not die; matter always ex- isted and is thus eternal, but gods did not. 3. God "created the heavens and the earth" — the whole universe. 3. The gods did not create even this world; the idea is foreign to paganism. 3. The gods did not create, but only "organized" the worlds; bringing the seeds, plants and animals from "heaven." 4. God is not and never was a human being, but was always God, just the same as He is now. 4. The personal gods were born, of di- vine or human parents (or both), some- times from licentious relations; matter existed before gods. Trees, rocks, evil spirits and even vices were deified. 4. All gods were first born human beings, becoming gods by evolution. 5. There is no thought of sex in the Bible idea of God. 5. The sex-idea is often the most promi- nent one, and is present in nearly or quite all pagan systems; it led to vice even in temples. Gods are male and fe- male, have children, and_ are often polygamous, or simply licentious. 5. The sex idea is very prominent, with the gods all male or female, and con- stantly rearing children; often, at least, in polygamy. 6. God is a Spirit Personality, without physical body. 6. The gods are flesh-and-bones people, very much like ourselves. 6. _ These gods all have flesh and bone bodies, "with every organ and material part that man possesses." 7. God is infinite (unlimited) in every direction. 7. The gods are finite (limited) m every direction, like human beings. 7. Ihese gods are all finite (limited), in every direction. 8. God is a Trinity — a three-in-one Being. 8. The gods are not trinities; each is a separate individual. 8. These gods are not trinities, but each is a separate, fleshly person. 9. Cod is Omnipresent; Himself present 9. The gods, having material bodies, 9. These gods cannot be in more than everywhere at once. cannot be in more than one place at a time. one place at once, having material bodies. 10. God is Omnipotent — all powerful. 10. None are all-powerful; some are very powerful, others less, like human beings. 10. None are all-powerful; they vary in power, and their greatness depends on the size of their families, as well as on the stage of evolution reached. 11. God is Omniscient — knows every- thing. 11. None know everything, some know much, others hardly more than men. 11. None know everything; degrees of knowledge; this is attained by evolution. 12. God is Invisible — has not been seen by natural eyes, and cannot be. 12. These gods can be seen, and have often appeared to men, even for trivial reasons. 12. Gods are visible, and have often ap- peared to human beings in their fleshly bodies, like men. 13. God cannot be fully understood, be- cause He is Infinite. 13. Many gods, being hardly more than men, can be very fully understood; men have even outwitted them at their own games. 13. These gods can be understood very fully, being only human beings developed. 14. God is perfect — complete — and al- ways has been so: there is no evolution, growth or development in Him, because He was perfect in the beginning. 14. No god is perfect; all are imperfect in every direction, as the above items show. 14. As the gods are still developing and in different stages, none is perfect. 15. God is Love — disinterested affection and devotion to the good of all. 15. These gods do not have anything like Christian love, but do have all kinds of evil passions and desires. 15. The divinities have human kinds of love, but hardly the divine; of none could it be said, "God is love," for all are yet selfish. 18. God is Holy — absolutely without sin, past and present. 18. These gods are all sinners, and many have committed the most revolting crimes. 16. Being human, these gods must be sinners at least as to their past, and so not holy: while some, if not all, are sin- ners now. Summing these up we have the true conception of God — An Almighty Being with the above main qualities. Summing up the above we find that the pagan idea of divinity is simply that of many human beings grown large, sins and all included: in extreme contrast to the true Bible idea. Summing the above up, we have the resulting conception of numerous men and women grown large and called "gods" — totally different from the Bible view of God and not one of them all really a God at aM. 24 him vigorously by the law, or by force instantly. In religious matters force is not the weapon, but the reason for interference is the same ; spiritual and moral evil are not less important than physical. We must be kindly in the work, but terribly in earnest, if the plague is to be stopped. Mormonism is hostile to every fundamental idea of Christianity. Another reason is because of the terribly needy con- dition of the Mormon people themselves. They do not usually suffer for temporal things ; but spiritually they are as the foregoing statements show. If the Truth means anything in the formation of character and the decision of eternal destiny, then its opposite must mean the reverse; and that .opposite is the very bone and sinew of this system. Its effects are not yet fully evi- dent, even in Utah. Generations of subjection to these doctrines and exclusion from better influences would be necessary to show them; and these have not yet come. But enough is shown to make one who knows the facts shrink back aghast from the system, and long to help the people. All the love we have for lost or spared souls ought to go out to these for their own sake — brother and sister beings who have been trapped in this pitfall themselves and are often blindly eager to snare others, thinking the pit the highest mountain- top of religious life! This is why the Utah Gospel Mission was organized, and why it calls upon friends for the necessary help in thus helping others, East and West. Its Western work is to bring the clear truth and the real gospel to hearts which seldom or never have any other fair chance to have them. We go without salary, because of their prejudices, asking only sufficient aid to cover actual expenses; and the work needs thrice as much as has ever been provided thus far. Will not the reader think seriously of this point? ^ ^ ^ ANECDOTES FROM THE FIELD. The following occurrences in our work during the past year or so are valuable for the light they throw upon the condition of the Mormon people. They are given as accurately as possible to reproduce them, even to the very words spoken — taken usually from letters of our workers. "When I visited the bishop of this town he was not 25 at home ; but his wife was busily engaged in making up the tithing reports. She told me that the Mormons were to be judged out of that book, for the bishop had to keep a record of every Mormon, whether he is a good one or not ; i. e., pays tithing, etc. Next day an- other officer was helping m. the work. He assured me that it was the Book of Life that he was making up, etc." (This is the real doctrine of Mormonism — the tithing books are those used in the Judgment; thus making salvation a matter of money.) "I never heard the Adam-gcd idea as plainly taught as yesterday in the meeting of the 'seventy' at which I was present by invitation. About thirty were present, and all with one accord said that Adam was a god, though one did not believe that he was the god of this world ; all the others did." From items about a Mormon meeting; "It was said that there are 20,000 'saints' who pay no tithing — 600 ward officers and 51 'stake' officers who do not pay any at all. They spoke also of the drinking saints, saying that in a town of 26,000, out of which number only 616 were Gentiles, there were fourteen saloons. "There is an old man in this town who has been 'sealed' (married for eternity, Ed.,) to 129 women, pay- ing 50 cents each for sealing. Another Mormon said that he also went through the temple, to see what is going on there ; but he regrets now, because it is so hard to get away from Mormonism if through the temple. Otherwise I think he would become a Chris- tian." (This is on account of the terrible oaths taken in the ceremony, Ed.) "One Mormon woman was very earnest about her soul. She had found that there was nothing that could satisfy her. She made a complete surrender to the Lord, promising me to read her Bible daily to get a message from Him, whom she promised to serve there- after." "I beat my sister in marriage ; I have five children and she has only four. For some time we were even, but this time I got twins and she has only one little girl." This said in all earnestness by a Mormon woman of about 25. Bearing children is woman's mission on earth, according to Mormonism." "If I ever was welcome, it was at the home of an old Mormon woman who in spite of Mormonism is a Christian. I had visited her three years ago, and at 26 that time she gave me two dozen of eggs and some bread. She said she had expected me a year ago, as I had told her that we would come back again in about two years, and by this time had given up all hope that we would come again. Besides two dozen eggs she gave me fifty cents, saying, 'Don't tell anyone.' " "While talking to two Mormon elders the wife of one said, when I left : 'I see you have something, anyhow ; and I shall read the Bible and I don't care what the priesthood says.' I urged her to trust in God's Word and not what men say. All this in the presence of her husband. It is an encouragement to find some real sincere persons in spite of the system." "An 'elder' said in all earnest, 'God is certainly a man, for the Bible says that he shaved his beard with an hired razor.' If it were not so awful this would be laughable ; but if is rather to weep about. Such utter materialism; no spirituality at all! It is real foolish to take the passage (Isa. 7:20) so; it simply means that the Lord used the king of Assyria to chasten the Jews." "One lady said that she did not believe in M'ormonism, but sent her children to their Sunday School and then told them that everything they heard there was un- true." "One lady told me a story that was almot pitiful. She said she had been back in the hills all her life and had little education — only one month after she was eight years old. Although a Mormon she had been cheated by the 'church' members till she had no con- fidence in any of them — especially those in authority, as the bishop and counselors." "A Mormon girl (married) said, We did not have any Bible till Joseph Smith gave us one, did we?' This was sincerely believed, and she seemed surprised when I told her differently." "Said a Mormon woman : "I just love the Book of Mormon ; it is better than the Bible." "Mrs. told of living on bread and water when a child, because the bishop refused to give tithing meat ; he said it must be sold for the church. She told of a family in absolute want and losing a child, when the bishop would not go near. Said the Episcopal people were far more charitable to the poor." "Mr. joined the Mormons in Denmark. After they had been here awhile he noticed that some of 27 them stole, lied, drank coffee (against professions) and whiskey. At one of their 'testimony' meetings he got up and said that he had- seen those things, and that he did not understand why they should do so. One of the bishops took him aside and said : When you see people steal and lie the fault is with you; the ones who do these things are right, it is you that is at fault; God is not as strict as he used to be ; we can lie a little, or steal a little, and it is all right." "A lady in told me that she used to be a Mor- mon but was not now ; they said one thing and did an- other, so she quit them, but sent her children to their Sunday School, because there was no other place to send them. I was telling her of a woman in town who told me that she was a polygamous child, her father having had two wives who lived in peace and harmony. She repilied that they lived like cats and dogs ; that the husband would live with one 'wife,' who was a school teacher, as long as she had money, and then go to the other, who was a dressmaker, as long as she had any; that he would get mad and choke them, and then go away. She said that if the only way to be saved was to marry in polygamy she would not want to be saved." "Speaking of certain public blunders of one of the most prominent Mormon professors in a school : 'Cer- tainly any one who has a real knowledge of the Bible will not make such awful blunders ; all is simple, and i.t proves that the Mormon professor don't study the Bible, but like others only knows proof-texts for their doctrine. He is a good talker and knows Mormonism all right, but not the Bible." "An old polygamist said to me: 'You cannot be saved, because you are not married.' Finally he admitted that I would reach a low degree of glory, where I should be a servant of polygamists." , "A little boy came into our wagon one night. I asked whether he had been baptized ; he said 'I would not do it, but my mother promised me a quarter and so I did it. I swallowed a lot of water.' This was when he bad become eight years old, when they are supposed to know what baptism stands for." "An elder's version of Num. 23 :19, 'God is rot a man, that he should lie, etc' That means that if he were not a man he would lie. But he doesn't, i. e., therefore he is a man." 28 "An elder's idea of the dictionary and the Bible: 'Now I look at the dictionary about as I do at the Bible. It ain't always correct, but when it is right I accept it.' " " A man said to me, ' Well, I like the religion of Jesus Christ all right, only one thing.' I asked him what that was, and he replied, ' Well, that polygamy business of his. I am a Mormon, but I don't go much on polygamy.' Surely you don't think that Christ taught polygamy, I said. ' Taught it ! Well, I guess he did ; not only taught it but practiced it too ! ' " Two girls were talking after an examination at school ; one said, " There were two questions that. 1 couldn't answer; I asked the Lord to tell me, and He did." "Was it right?" "No the Lord made a mistake." ^ ^ ^ MISSION WORKERS WANTED. We are often short of workers, and are always glad to learn of suitable _ men who can go. To succeed, one must have fair health, ability, education and knowledge of Bible truths, joined with devoted love for God and for souls, a conviction of duty in this field, unselfish perseverance, and reasonable adaptability. He should also be able to sing gospel hymns with others, and we need some men who can play these; while if one is used to teams and has mechanical resource so much the better. The best gifts in preaching and personal work will find full play, while lesser ones are not excluded, and the work affords invaluable oppor- tunities for the cultivation and growth of all one's gifts by practical experience, while helping meet one of the greatest gospel needs to be found anywhere. Persons who are fairly qualified as above and who can give at least one year to the work with support to cover only his entire expenses (including R. R.) are invited to write at once to the Utah Gospel Mission, 1854 E. Slst St., Cleveland, giving full particulars and refer- ences. The term of service commonly begins late in June, but vacancies are filled at almost any time. ^ ^ THE REAL MORMON ISSUE. One can hardly emphasize too strongly the fact that the fundamental need of the Mormon people — that alone which will solve the problem so it will STAY solved — is the TRUE RELIGION in place of their false and really pagan system. That is the whole issue in a nutshell. Nothing else can touch the real, bottom need of the every-day Mormon. He is what he is, because he believes his system to be the ONLY TRUE RELIGION. All the other evils of the system depend on this. Make him see that his doctrine contradicts every fundamental teaching of the Bible and reason, and he will begin to open his eyes, and if honest with the truth, to change his belief and character. That is the only way to solve the Mormon problem. We are just as surely in a great battle of religions as ever were Elijah and Ahab; and the issue is the same, "If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." (I Kings 8:21.) Seldom has there been an opportunity of service offered to clear-headed, consecrated, strong men, equal to this. And sel- dom, indeed, has there been an equal chance to transmute money into enlightenment of soul through the self-denying labors of such men. Christian friend, HELP US to find both money and men, for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Our Publication Lt si— (continued) 14. ' -The- Mormons- and Their Bible. A complete annihilation I (if the claims of the Book of Mormon, from internal evidence; I by Rev. M. T. Lamb. Illustrated, 152 pages. Every Mormon I should read this book.:;.-.";.;;;.] 25e I 15. Lights and Shadows of Mormonism. 535 pages, illus- trated, cloth, by J. F.. Gibbs, an ex-Mormon of Utah. Very valuable for Quotations, documents, etc., and forming a good history of Mormonism from its beginning, with special reference to its political aspects, though not entirely free from favorable' bias as to .certain .Mormon persons and classes. Gives the facts, about Mountain Meadows Massacre, Brigham Young's distillery, polygamy,- priestly politics, etc. .$1.25 Sample packets, containing all but the last two on this list, I with our circulars, postpaid, 45 cents. The whole list, $1.75; ACTION OF THE PRESBYTERY OF UTAH. |§fe^v2p^ ' Springvllh, Utah, Aug, 26, 1904 , To the Presbytery of Utah: "Your committee appointed to consider and report upon the work of the Utah Gospel Mission,' with headquarters in Cleve- land, Ohio, and the statements- made before the Presbytery by Rev. John I). Nutting, the secretary of the organization, would recommend the adoption of the following: ' In view of the fact that there are in Utah some 33 towns of over 500 population, and about 185 towns with less than 5CCT people, in which no- Christian work has ever been done* the Presbytery of Utah does hereby recognize - the Utah Gospel Mission as a most effective agency in reaching these non-Chris- tian people with the saving truths of the Christian religion, and a valuable means of supplementing the work of the Christian churches in Utah. The" Presbytery also commends the self- sacrificing labors of Secretary Nutting in. his efforts to reach thtse needy people with the Gospel of our Divine Savior and Lord." R. G. McNiecr; N. E. Climkn 3fiM, S; E. Wishard/ ("This refers to ordinary 'Christian work.) Committee. ACTION OF THE ML E. CONFERENCE, j At the -Annua) meeting of the Utah "Mission of the M. E. } Church, lreld in Salt Lake City Aug. 15, 1905, the following resolution was adopted - "Wc express our confidence in the work of the Utah Gos- ] pel Mission, under the direction of Rev. John D. Nutting, and ; i earnestly desire for him and his co-workers the utmost success J in their efforts to spread the gospel in the destitute portions of I ACTION OF THE UTAH BAPTIST CONVENTION. Whereas, ' The Utah Gospel Mission is engaged in preaching I the gospel of salvation in our state and in distributing helpful I literature by house-to-house visitation, • Therefore be it Resolved; That we assure" the Utah Gospel Mission that we appreciate the importance of and sacrifices necessary to .-main- i tain this work, and commend them in their labors. (Adopted I at Salt Lake City, Sept. 31, .1908.) Officers of The Utah Gospel Mission. (January 25, 1910.) I President, REV. J. R. J. MILLIGAN, Pastor 1st U. P. Church. \ Vice-President, REV. ALBERT EHRGOTT. L Secretary, REV. JOHN D. NUTTING, Pastor in Salt Lake j City, 1892-1898. : Treasurer, MR. DOUGLASS PERKINS, Cleveland Trust Co. Auditor, MR. EDWIN V. HALE, Citizens' Savings & Trust Co. i EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE— The President, Vice-President, Secretary, President Chas, F. Thwing, D. D., and Rev. J. D. Williamson. BOARD OF TRUSTEES— -(Cleveland) \ Rev. Walter R. Breed, D. D., Rector St. Paul's Episcopal Church ' A. G. Carpenter, Attorney, Society for Savings. ; Rev. Albert Ehrgott. R. C. Findley, Merchant. Rev. J. H. Goldner, Pastor Euclid Avenue Christian Church, i Rev. C. W. Hiatt, D. D., Euclid Avenue Congregational j Church. Rev. J. R. J. Milligan, First United Presbyterian Church. j Rev. George K. Morris, D. D., Presiding Elder, East Ohio Con- I fere nee. Rev. John D. Nutting, formerly of Salt Lake City. Dr. J. R. Owens, of First Baptist Church. Rev. Paul F. Sutphen, D. D., Second Presbyterian Church. Rev. Charles F. Thwing, D. D., President Western Reserve University. Rev. J. D. Williamson. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. NEW york: boston: Rev. W. R. Huntington, D. D. Rev> A> Z . Conrad, D. D. Rev. Robt. S. Mac Arthur, D. D. Rev . Arthur Little, D. D. Rev. Chas. H. Parkhurst, D. D. Rev. Chas. J. Ryder, D. D. utah: Rev. Henry A. Stimson, D. D. (Several ministers of different Rev. Joseph Strong, D. D, denominations.) Chicago: Rev. Jesse W. Brooks, Ph. D. elsewhere: Rev. W. T. McElveen, Ph. D. Rev. S. E. Wishard, D. U, Lot Cleveland • Angeles, Cal • H Clark Ford ' Rev - Geo - H - McGrew, D. D. Tn'clmn WAT eonard D D Rev - H. C. Applegarth, D, D. Rev T Z Tyler Rev - W - C - Bittin S. D - D -> St - X. X. Crum „ Lo « is v R . Rev. J. N. Brown, r, a p "TS b urg: Rev. J. L. Cheney, Wheaton, 111. Rev. R. A. Hutchison, D. D. Pres> w> G _ Frost Berea Ky . Secretary U. P. Board of Rev> w . S. Hawkes, Idaho « Hol ?fr M ' SS1 °P 8 - „ ^ Rev. I. L. Kephart, Dayton, O. Rev. W A. Stanton, Ph, D. Rey R B Neal Grayson, Ky. Rev. J. M. Thoburn, D. D. Rev w _ L> pi c kkrd - oberlin: Rev. B. L. Smith Prof. G. Fred'k Wright, LL. D.Rev. H. B. Steelman BEQUESTS. The Utah Gospel Mission is duly incorporated at Cleveland, under the laws of Ohio, and is thus competent to receive bequests. The Board of Trustees is the corporate body.