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OGDEN, UTAH, NOV. 7, 1877.
Vol.
THE AMATEUR.
Etlitel niid Published Bi monthly, under the auspices of the Younj^ Mcu's MntMiil Iiuprove- nieiit Association, of O^den City. U.T.
OETRY.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.
IIKR is a race, where some succeed, J While others are lesinniu!;: "fis luck at limes, at others speed,
That gives an early winning;. But if you chance to fall hehind,
NVer sla<ken your endeavor. But keep tiiis wholesome truth in mind, 'his better hite than never.
If you can keep ahead, 'tis well,
But never tr p your ne'sjhhor; 'Tis nolile when .von can excel,
B.v honest, jintlent labor; But if. you're outstripped at last,
Press on a< bold as ever; Remember, hon<;h you are surpassed,
'Tis Letter late than never.
Ne'er labor for an idle boast
f'f victory o'er another; But while you strive your uttermost,
Teil fairly withalirother. M'haie'er your station, do y..ur best.
Anil liold your purpose ever; And if you fail to beat tlie lest,
'Tis belter late than never.
Choose well the path in which you run —
.*ucceed by noble dar ns; Then, through tlie last, when fuce 'tis won,
■\our crown is worth the wearing; Then never fret if le.'t behind.
Nor slacken your endeavor. But e«cr keej) this truth in mind,
'Tis better late than never.
NOVEL READING.
HAVING often thought how fool- ishly some of the young peo- ple are spending their spare time in reading the seiisational litera- ture with which our country is flooded, I thought a few remarks on that subject might be beneficial. There are a great many who read the New York Ledger, Saturday Night and other papers of that class, when, if they would lay these aside and read historical and scien- tific works of different kinds, they would reap a benefit that they can never gain by continually reading these sensational papers. Let every one of us seek to gain a knowledge of all useful branches of education and let novel reading entirely alone; and if we do this we will find ourselves more useful if we are ever called to fill respon- sible positions. S. E. A.
A cheerful spirit gets on quick; a grumbler in the mud will stick.
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THE AMATEUR.
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.
IT is an undeniable fact that great interest is now being minifest- ed in the establishing of Mutual Improvement Societies throughout the Territory, and the feeling that all seem to have, to encourage and forward the object, should be, and undoubtedly is, gratifying and pleasing to those who are leading and trying to bring us up in the piths of righteousness. The in troduction of a journal in our So- ciety is calculated to do more good than anything thit has as yet been undertaken. How nnnv of us realize the favors and obligi- tions we .Tre under to our Presi dent ""nd those who rire seekina; ^o do all in their power for our p-nod? How many of us are now reidv to show our willinfrness to enrourasre them and take hold and ass'st. to show our grititude and thank*"ul- ness bv contributing: to so Hudib^e an object. We all realize thnt it is for our own good that our lead- ers, are endeavoring to r)'-»='nar'^ us for future usefulness, and in wh^t better wiy cin this be nc^om- p1ished,than thronqrh the medi"m of a journal published in our ^^- cietv? T-et us commence now with all our mi?ht and show a dp^ire to learn of those things pert"'inins: to the Kingdom of God. We -^re nil well aware of the fact that the re- sponsibility of this work will, at no distant day, come upon our shoul- ders; we should, therefore, be prepared to meet it. J.
ELDER D. M. STUART'S LECTURE.
niHE Lecture delivered by Elder -I- Divid M. Stuart on Wednesday evening last, before our Associa- tion, was truly of a most enter- taining and instructive character, the subject being "Early experience as a Mormon Missionary." The speaker begin by stating that he had prepared no set speech, but would endeavor to talk upon the subject appointed as the spirit of God should direct. He then pro- ceeded to carefully consider and explain the first principles of the Gospel, thereby endeavoring to show the causes which induced him to enter the missionary field, and the foundation that he had for that faith in (xod which after- wards sustained and preserved him under many perilous and trying circumstances.
He had been called to the min- istry in California when quite a youth where he labored for sever d years and subsequently went to Oregon, ret'irning from this latter place in tRc;;.
It would be impossible for us in our limited space to enumerate the many peculiar, instructive and trying scenes through which the speaker passed during these mis- sions; suffice it to say that he un- derwent trials of the most perilous
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THE AMATEUR.
character; his lite being often threatened by wicked men and mobs, and traveled year after year without purse or scrip, relying en- tirely upon the Lord. He illustrated the power of faith as exhibited in many marvelous circumstances of his life and sought to impressupon those present the importance of the exercise of this first great and grand principle by all who expect to achieve any success either in living or preaching the Gospel of Christ.
The speaker occupied about two hours, during which time the ut- most order prevailed, and the strictest attention was paid.
As the lecture forms but an in- troduction to the vast and valuable experience of Elder Stuart, he has kindly consented to continue the subject at some future time.
SOCIAL PARTY.
The Young Men's Mutual Im- provement ^Association will give a social party on Friday evening next, at the City Hall, commenc ing at 7 o'clock sharp, the pro- ceeds of which are to be devoted to defraying expenses incurred in the publication of our paper ond for other purposes connected with the Association.
It is hoped that there will be a good attendance of members, and that all will be punctual, as we 'de- sire to commence precisely at the time and close as near as may be at the hour of twelve. Admission 75 cents per couple.
A UTUMN.
AUTUMN is here with its ''sere and yellow leaf." The hot summer days are past, and the chilly winds of November remind us that ere long the fierce blasts of winter will be upon us. As we look abroad, we no longer behold the face of nature covered with ver- dure, and smiling in the sunlight, while the sweet odor of flowers is wafted to us on the balmy air. The trees have lost their beautiful foliage, and the leaves, which seemed to whisper in accents of gentleness their .tales of love be- j neath the summer moon, are now no more. The winds that now | whistle through the leafless trees seem rather to be singing some sad refrain, and mourning over the dying year.
Autumn is a season peculiarly adapted to meditation, and from it we can draw a lesson. We are now in the spring time of life, sur- rounded with the joys and pleasures of youth; the summer will soon follow, and* with it will come the heat of toil and the weariness of care. Ere long the Autumn of existence will be upon us, and we shall reap the harvest of our lives. But we shall reap what we have sown, whether it be the fruit or the flower, the tare or the thistle. Then let our lives be made up of noble deeds, of generous acts and pure thoughts, that our satisfaction may be great when the Autumn shall come. R. E. S.
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THE AMATEUR.
THE AMATEUR.
Editol and Published Bi-montldy, under the auspices of tlie YiiuuK Men's Mutual Improve- ment Assoc-ation, of Gulden City, U.T.
Joseph A. West,
Editor.
vVEUNESUAY, NOT. 7th, 1877.
INTR OD UC TOR Y
IN presenting to the Association the first number of the A m ateur it may not be improper for us to explain some of the motives that have induced us to undertake its publication, to briefly state our plans regarding its future manage- ment, and to refer to the purposes that we desire to accomplish through its agency.
Mutual Improvement Associa- tions as organized among our peo- ple have for their object the moral and intellectual advancement of the sons and daughters of Zion. In the accomplishment of this, no definite or fixed rules are made prescribing the exact nature of the exercises that should tend to the attainment of these ot)jects, but each Society is at liberty to pursue such a course as its circumstances and the wisdom of its members may direct, keeping constantly in view the general design and seek- ing continually for the Spirit of God to direct them in their pro- ceedings.
Now, inasmuch as we, as a peo- ple, are often called upon to ex-
pound and defend the principles of our faith through the press, and since the exercise of writing upon these and kindred subjects is high- ly conducive to our moral and intellectual advancement and therefore in keeping with the gen- eral objects of our organization, we have deemed it proper and believe it will prove of great benefit to us, as a Society, to undertake the publication of a small bi-monthly piper whose columns shall be made up exclusively of the contri- butions of members and devoted to the consideration of religious, literary, scientific and any and all subjects bearing a strictly mor.d character.
It is our intention to pub- lish the paper on Wednesday of each alternate week, dating from this issue, and it is expected- that we will hereafter choose from the Society, once a month, some 1 idy or gentleman to act as editor of two consecutive issues, who shall be held responsible for the character and general make-up of their respective papers. I
We have considered it advisd:)le, for the present at least, to distri- bute the p iper free of charge among the members of the Society and to a few of their immediate friends.
We sincerely hope that thp Ammeur will be the means of bringing into active exercise some of the latent t dent of the young, ■ and lead to the development of tho^e abilities which, under God's guidance, are so essential to the advancement and progress of the Kingdom of God upon the earth. \
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THE AMATEUR.
"/ CAN'T:'
WHAT is the reason we can't? Haven't we all abilities ard good sense? Of course we have. Then why not make some effort md try to accomplish what is re- quired of us, or what we set out to do? Don't sit down and say "I can't write," or, "I can't do any- thing so difficult as that," for it is all nonsense. The very reason why we "can't write" or do any- thing, is just because we won't; that is, we do not try. We im- agine that it is an utter impossi- bility for us to write a piece for a paper because we have never done such a thing in our lives. But did we ever try? No, we just think it is too hard and that we can't, in- stead of making an effort and doing our best, be it ever so little. Did you ever hear or know of anybody doing anything that did not try? I never did, nor do 1 ever expect to. If we wish to '"e- main always dull and stupid, just take it slow and easy, be contented and say, "I can't write," and "I can't do anything else," and wt will surely succeed. But if we wish to become noble men and
women, and have a name worthy , , . ,
send us their names as early as pos- of notice and one to be proud of, | ^-^^j^^ ^^^^ ^^^ publication, but that let us come out and struggle against ' every difficulty, and not be afraid
to try to make something of ourselves.
Look at such illustrous men as Shakespeare, Byron, Sir Walter Scott, etc.; how did they become so famed? Simply by struggling against and conquering every diffi- culty. Look at the Prophet Joseph Smith -a man who was unlearned, yet, where in history will we find his equal with the pen? How did he acquire such use and power of language? Because of his own iron will, aided by the power and spirit of (rod; and if we would rise like him, and be somebody, like him we must be self reliant; like him battle against ignorance and our own weak natures, and seek for the Spirit of God to guide and dictate whatever we may undertake. If we desire to become famed, or to be of any worth, we must feel that we have a mission and position in tlie world, no matter how humble that position may be, that we must j honor it; try, do our best, and | never say "I can't.'' Dot.
A Co'PLE of communications to the A.MATtUR have been handed i in, unaccompanied by the names of the contributors, and are, in con- j sequence, held over until our ne.xt. ! The writers of the same will please
we may know from whom the articles come.
THE AMATEUR.
HISTORY
HISTORY unfolds to us the great drama of life, enacted by past generations, with its mul- titudinous and multifarious phases embracing with more or less re- pleteness and perspicuity the es- tablishment, progress, power, im- portance and ultimate downfall of nations, together with their various achievements in political, literary and scientific knowledge.
It reveals to us the virtues and vices of different peoples and periods and illustrates with great distinctness and force the conse- quences flowing from the practice of each. How virtue has led to power, prosperity, and in many instances, to great achievement and far extending dominion, while vice and wickedness have brought decay and ruin to the greatest kingdoms, republics and emiiires that have ever existed upon the earth.
In short history affords a view of past examples and precepts, causes and effects, and in its broad- est sense, becomes an epitome of the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of past generations giving to one age the civilization of the former as a foundation upon which to build its own.
It is to a great extent through the agency of history that the
civilizations of to-day, among the more enlightened nations of the earth, is so far in advance of that of former periods, and that man, though living but about one- eighth as long as in the antedilu- vian age, learns more, becomes wiser, and advances further in the field of scientific knowledge in a life time than did they in those early times.
It is very difficult indeed to es- timate the true value to us of the history of former ages and civili- zations, embracing as it does the achievements in literature, civil polity, and the arts and sciences in general, which to-day_ are so extensively enjoyed by the hu- man family. Certainly a knowl- edge of this branch of learning should be sought for and obtained by all who expect to attain to any prominence as benefactors among mankind.
Just one week ago to-morrow the subject of publishing a paper was first presented to the Asso- ciation, and if, in the hurry with which everything has necessarily been done, some errors have occur red, we trust they will be over- looked. Our compositors are busily engaged six days out of seven, and have had to work after hours and at noon times, in order to accomplish the task in hand.
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THE AMATEUR.
S UN DA Y Sl ho OL .
WE, as a portion of the young people of Ogden, should en- deavor to attend Sunday school as often as possible; a place where we are taught to be honest and good to those with whom we as- sociate; to be chaste and tidy in our person; not to swear, steal, nor take the name of the Lord in vain; to be humble and prayerful and to cultivate a kind and loving feeling towards all; that we may grow up to be men and women of God having the Spirit of the Lord to be a "lamp to our feet and a light to our path,'' We are there t uight to read and study good books: histories, biographies and especial- ly the publications of the Church to which we belong, thereby get- ting acquainted with men of his- tory, how nations were governed, and are governed in this our own day; and to get acquainted with the principles of the Gospel, &c. By being taught these principles our manners and feelings become more refined^ in a measure, than if we were not to attend our Sab- bath schools and have respect for the Sabbath day on which God has commanded us to rest, and offer up our sacraments to the Hov. MfSEs THAXCHERsendsus Most High. For we find that those word that he will be able to favor who do not care for Sunday school \ us with his lecture within a couple nor have respect for the Sabbath ' or three weeks.
which God hath blessed, are those that are loafing around the streets, those that are frequenters of sa- loons, and who take delight in swearing, in stealing, in drunken- ness and all kinds of wickedness. But in regard to those that have respect for Sunday and attend I Sunday schools, what do we find? i We find that they are trying to do i right, and endeavoring to live; their religion; they will become; ornaments to society and will be i great and good in the Kingdom I of God, upon whose shoulders this ; work will roll forth, d herefore, ! we. as members of the Y. M. M. L ! .■\., should be diligent in attend- 1 ing Sunday school, where we are; taught the ways of life, that we- may, in a future day. be counted i worthy to fill positions of honor L in the Kingdom of God. |
B. i
GRA TIFYING.
It is a gratifying fact, and one worthy of mention, that the entire mechanical work of our paper is performed by members of the Association.
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THE AMATEUR.
BAD BOYS.
A great deal has been said and written upon the subject of "sowing wild oats'' among the young men of all communities, and various opinions on the ques- tion freely expressed, but there is another fully as important, namely, the morals of some of the youth of more tender years. While it may be conceded that it is an impossi- bility to place "old heads upon young shoulders," it must be borne in mind that the disposition and tendencies to mischief, on the part of many little boys, in our city, if not soon checked, may eventually lead them to lives of evil. To see boys of from 8 to 12 years, learn- ing the vices of the age, and fol- lowing in the footsteps of those older in wickedness, is really de- plorable. It should be the busi- ness of those who have the right to do so, to restrain their children in these matters; keep the children in the house at night, and try and make home interesting, that in- stead of seeking vicious com- panions, they may cultivate a de- sire for those things which ennoble and elevate.
The young men can do much by setting an example to their more youthful brothers, and should they discover any inclination to "hood- lumism" — if the term may be
used — on the part of the smaller ones, use their utmost influence to abate this growing evil.
RexG.
OUR NEXT LECTURE.
We are plea.sed to announce that Elder Wm. W. Burton has kindly consented to lecture to the Asso- ciation on Wednesday evening next, on the following subject: "The early habits the index to the future man."
The well known ability of this gentleman will undoubtedly secure a large audience and we would ad- vise all who desire good seats to come early. The hall will be open at 6:30 o'clock — lecture to com- mence punctually at 7.
OEFICERS
OF THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN CnV, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Foulter, Second Counselor. E. T. Myers, Recording Secretary. R. P. Harris, Correafjonding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
The regular meetings of the As- sociation will be held on Wednes- day of each week, at the City Hall, Ogden, commencing at 7 o'clock p.m. The public are invited to attend.
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No". 2.
Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogden City
OGDENj tJTAH, NOV. 21, 1877.
Vol.
THE AMATEUR.
EiSitecl flAil Publiihei Bi-Weckly iirider the luisijices of tl'.e Yoiiug Men's Mutual Improve- nieitt Association of Ogdcii City, t'tab.
dONTEXTMENT.
CONTENTMENT is a state of the mind which is extremely de- sirable, and is the grand object of all our desires, our aspirations, our hopes and our actions, yet is it conetantiy 'enjoyed by few if any of the human family? We may be hopeful, cheerful, even joyful, and yet not be perfectly contented. To be contented is to be fully satished. There is, however, a certain sluggish, slothful content- ment which is observed in those of indolent habits, who have no ambition, no high aspiration or ardent desire for anything further than a supply of those physical wantSj a contentment v^diich is negative iii its nature, and cor- responds to that observed in the
lower animals, when their wants are supplied. But the content- ment of an active individual is when all the faculties and organs of the mind and body are in healthful exercise, acting in such harmony that the hopes and de- sires are consistent, and the judgment, ability and energy suffi- cient to the attainment and accomplishment of all the legiti- mate ends of life. In proportion as these results are realized and obtained, will be the contentment and entire satisfaction of the mind. Such a condition for any con- siderable length of time is seldom realized.
Most persons are liable to ex- tremes cf character, have their extravagant hopes and expecta- tions, their impulsive passions and desires their errors in judgment and their various excesses and de- ficiences in their habits and prac- tices, and consequently are liable
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THE AMATEUR
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to their lips and downs and the extremes which are so constantly manifested in their feelings and character. For example, a man indulges in the most exalti.ve aiad extravagant hopes and expecta- tions in a certain enterprise, dur- ing which time he is not conten-ted, but constantly elated, excited arrd anxious as to the result; he fails in his enterprise and is disap- pointed, dissatisfied. Hetriesag^ain and fails, a77d thus' keeps himself in a whirlpool of excitement until he wears his health and life awa}'. Even if successful, he is not con- tented without still further attain- ments. Thus while some are seeking for wealth, others are in search of pleasure and amusement, and others of fame and renown, while all classes are more or less discontented with their present condition. Others are constantly troubled with fear, apprehending some evil, or brooding over some misfortunes by Avhich they are not satisfied with their lot. It is not only our privilege but it is our duty to be ever active in the affairs of life, and to be daily striving to obtain all the legitimate ends of our existence; but it doesj not fol- low that we should, in conse- quence, be discontented and dis- satisfied; on the contrary, we should do the best we can in all
cases, and feel satisfied with the results, but strive to improve and gain, not only by every success, but by every failure in life. Amid all the difficulties., troubles, ills, disappointments, failures, etc., of life, instead of feeling annoyed, iryitated and discontented, we should keep our feelings and pas- sions calm, our judgment clear, and be contented with our best efforts, improving ourselves from every experience, and thus amid contentment be growing wiser and better every day. W.
OUR LAST LECTURE.
ELDER Wm. W. Burton's lec- ture delivered on Wednesday evening last before the Association was, in every respect, a very grati- fying success.
The speaker began by relating a few incidents of personal experi- ence when he, like those present, was earnestly striving to gain an education and to prepare for the active scenes of life which were soon to follow. It was his early custom to study at nights after the day's work was over, but sub- sequently in pursuance of the advice of a friend he discontinued this and occupied the early hou'-s of the morning instead. He found that the latter course was much the
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THE AMATEUR.
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better, .his efforts being attended \ ■with more gratifying results, and advised all present whose avoca- tion prevented them from studying during the day to employ the morning in preference to the even- ing hours, as the powers of mind and body are then rested, yigffif- ous aud acti»"c.
He spote at same leT/gth npoR the life and achievements of Mr. George Stephenson, tracing his career from youth when he first started out as herd boy at two pence per day, Kntil he attained ^reat eminence as a Locojnotivve "/'imh Civil Eugiaeer.
He nexi referred to Aristides and Themistocles, compared their ■different traits of character, and related many interesting incidents connected with their lives. He also made brief allusion to Abra ham Lincoln, Andrew Johnston and others, endeavoring to show in each instance, that the early habits and customs of these men were in t\ery respect indicative of the greatness and renown to which they afterwards attained.
The speaker occupied about an hour and a half, during which time the profoundest attention was paid by all present.
A vote of thanks was heartily and unanimously tendered him at the close, after which the Society adjourned for one week.
•OUR PAJiTF.
€
Large and select company, composed principally of young people, assembled at the City Hall on Friday evening, the 9th inst., to participate in the party an- iaa'HK:ed in our last issue.
The assembly was called to or- der a little before eight and danc- ing soon after commenced con- tinuing with unabatijig interest a-nd acti-vity until 12 o'clock — the last dance being in progress when ihk, hour arrived.
At the close President F. D. E-ichards made a few remarks cornmemding the course of the management in discouraging "round dances" and thanking those present for their observance of this item of consel which but a short time ago was deliveied'to them by our late respected Presi- dent, Brigham Young. He spoke at some length upon the evils liable to result from these dances if indulged in, and exhorted all present to refrain from them and to use their influence to induce others to do likewise.
Although the party was a little crowded everything passed o^ very well, and we believe those present will agree with us in pro- nouncing it a social as well as a financial success.
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THE AMATEUR.
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THE AMATEUR.
EdittHl aiul Publislietl By-Wi>ckly, iii\(lor the auspices of tbo Young Mkii's JliUval Iiupvove- ment Association, of Ogden City, Utah.
Joseph A. West,
Epjtor.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 21st, 1877.
TO PRESIDENTS OF MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT ASSOCIATIONS.
^*E will Tie pleased to send the Amateur to all Presidents of Mutual Improv,ement Associations who will for\Yard us their names and addresses and tweuty-five cents postage. AVe also invito them, one and all, to favor U3 witl,i i^ft ocQ^siouol cor- respondonce.
TO THE
young fe'ople of ogden:
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THE day is not far distant when every faithful young man and woman now in Zion will be called to occupy positions of greater or less responsibility, prominence and honor.
Our parents who have born off the Kingdom of God so triumph- antly through many long years of persecution and hardships — hard- ships almost unequalled in the an- nals of history— are, many of them, fast approaching the evening of life, and are one by one, being gathered home to meet the reward of the just at the hands of a gra- cious, lovingand omnipotent God.
The responsibilities of the work M'hich they have so nobly begun are certain to come upon us, and each passing month and year brings them nearer and nearer unto us, while at tl\e same time oi,ir
leisure to educate and prepare our- selves therefor is daily becom- ing less.
Then, my young friends, why not arouse from our lethargy and endeavor to realize our true posi- tions. Why not educate while the day lasts and let the follies and vanities of the world cease to engross so much of our precious fi-We?
We are young now and our pow- ers of mind aixl body are vigorous and active, and if we turn them to good account great will be the harvest of oyr lives, but if we spend our youth ir^ frivolity and non- sense our after years will, in all probability, be n^arked with any- thing but pleasant and profitable results.
Our early habits and acquire- nients form the foundation upon which our characters, are built and to a great extent shape the ulti- mate destiny of our- lives. If we obtain a good education we shall be very likely to secure good pur- suits,and to occupy the more hon- orable positions in the communi- ties Avhere we reside, while oxx the other hand, if uneducated, we may have to stand aside for others who have improved the leisure of youth in obtaining knowledge and in training their minds to useful pccj-ipations. Besides, to educate
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refines and ennobles the individual, makes him in every respect abet- ter member of society, and enlarges his sphere of usefulness and his opportuKities ito do good. But we wi-sh it understood that by the terjri "to educate'" we meap that class of schooling which tends to moral as well as intellectual im- proyemenit and not by any means that which leads to so much infi- delity and scepticism.
It soroetiiTies happens that per- sons who receive a little scholastic training become so conceited that they consider them,selves capa- ble of judging all questions and of testing by the operations of their own minds alone the correctness of all religious as well as other principles, and hence are led into doubt and scepticism and some into infidelity and wickedness. Now this is the result of a false education or false conception. ]>te man or woman clothed upon with the weaknesses of the flesh and the errors of humanity, no matter how well taught in the learning of the world, is capable, v,'ithout the aid of the Lord, of comprehend- ing the Gospel of Christ, fov it is written "No man knoweth the things of God except by the spirit of God." Hence, while it is ne- cessary for us tQ rely upon the operations of reason for the obtain-
ment of knowledge, it is egotisti- cal and foolish for us to suppose that we are capable by this means aloae, unaided by the holy spirit, of learning the ways of the Lord.
Tljen, to educate properly, it is necessary for us to be humble, to cultivate faith, and to seek true enlightenment and aid from our Father in Heaven that we may be protected from error and pros- pered in the obtainment of correct principles.
Now, my young friends and companions, the young people of Ogden, we appeal to you by every vahjabl*^ consideration, by the toils and sacrifices ol youi^fwrents, by those personal considerations of advantage and profit which a life of rectitude and morality affords, to arouse to the importance of your stations in life, to improve the golden hours of youth in preparing yourselves for future usefulness, and to meet those responsibilities which will inevitably come, if you are counted worthy to be classed among the honorable of the earth.
Put from you every appearance of evil and seek diligently to ob- tain a testimony of the truth of the latter-day work, that wjien the judgments of the Lord, so long predicted, are poured out and the Saints are tried as "gold in a
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THE AMATEUR.
refiner's fire," that you may con- tinue true and faithful to the cause of your fathers and the cause of God; that you must stand a Gibraltar against the sea of wick- edness and sin that is flooding the land, and working dissolution and death to the most potent na- tions and kingdoms of mankind. We invite you, one and all, to come to our meetings, to identify yourselves with our cause, and to humbly seek with us to improve those abilities which God has so bounteously bestowed, that come what may, we shall be able to act well and nobly our part in the great drama of life.
OUR A OVER riSEMEXTS
IT will be observed that the last page of the present issue is de voted to advertisements.
We did not contemplate using any of our space — before so limit- ed— in this way, but a few of our friends being desirous of aiding us to meet the expenses of our publi- cation, have kindly offered to advertise; and upon a more mature consideration of the matter, we concluded that if a sufficient number of small business cards could be obtained, we would use one page of our paper for this
purpose. How far we have been successful will appear upon ex- amination.
We feel to thank our friends, one and all, for their patronage, and trust that the A.aiateur may merit their many good wishes, so often expressed, for its future success.
L EOT If RE AXXO UNCEMEXT.
It affords us pleasure to an- nounce that the next lecture of the course will be delivered by Hon. Moses Thatcher. The sub- ject has not yet been communi cated, but as the gentleman is aa orator of considerable merit, a rare i,itellectual treat may be ex- pected.
OFFICERS:
OF THE V. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN LIIV, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. E. T. Myers, Recording Secretary. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
Ther« is bo eKeeilence without labor.
Truth crushed to earth will rise again.
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THE AM-ATEUR.
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WHAT TUEY SAY OF US.
The Young Men's Mutual Im- provement Association of Ogden City has commenced the publica- tion of a neat little semi-monthly periodical, called The Amateur. It will be edited alternately by a number of the young men of Ogden, the present editor being Joseph A. West. It is a credita- ble little paper, and the whole work, literary and typographical, is performed by members of the Association. We M'ish the Ama- teur abundant success, and hope it will become a permanent insti- tution.— Dt'scret News.
"The Amateur." — This is the title of a semi-monthly periodi- cal issued by the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association of Ogden, the first number of Avhich is at hand. It is very neatly gotten up in every respect; its typographical execution being especially excellent, the design being that of Mr. John P. Smith, of the Junction Office, also a mem- ber of the Society. Mr. Joseph A. West is Editor, and his articles have the true journalistic ring. Success to the Amateur. — Ogden Junction.
Satan can always find work for idle hands to do.
-Pastia
ASTIMEg,
Mv t
CHARADE.
I ;iin a sontpnro cmiijHiseil of JS letters: ...y I)..'), It), 'iti, is till' iiiiiiicof a Huiii;iri Emperor. My 4. Ill, It. 2(1, 20. i.s it musical iiistnimcut. My s, 2. I'J. 2S, isa tisU.
.My 20, S, 9, 19, 0, -I, v.), S, 12, 10, -s a TurkUli Onicer My 9, 3, 1, IS, 26, 2.S, 7, S, l.S, is a reliiriuris sect. My 2+, 2.j 20, 27, 2S, can liut kill the Ijody. My 11, 10, ir>, 1'.), 17,i.ssyui>ii()ini>u-< with miijlity, Mv 4, ;!. 6, can piirsiie bcviiml the grave. My l!l, 14, 16, is cssciitial'to lile. My 22, 2o, 19, 21, is one of the elements.
My whole is a (] notation from one of PirTlnlwer Lytton's liuest plays. G. G. T.
M
ICyiiJ.MA. Y first three letters fomi a name V\ hick all good folks tlespist , I'lato's realms this fiend he roves, llis doings are not wise.
My ne.xt four letters spell a word
Nut easily detine.!, Thou^'h Wehster says "to wander "round"'—
Interpret to your niiud.
My next throe letters form apart
And portion of mankind; They'ie oftimes much lieloved hy girls.
Though many may be ijliud.
Mv eleventh, (last) of many kinds — ■
Imperi.il. Jl. M., green; So much "tis used hy mort.Ms here,
A Ijoou much craved, I wean.
These disconnertions, when combined, Will form tl-e object of cur miuds.
J. r. S.
The following lines were recently sent by a "gushing" youth to his lady-love. They apjiear to be absolutely devoid of sense, but if read the proper way, the amount of atlection our young Komeo enteitairied for his sweetheart can readily be per- ceived, frobably some of our readers lan make them appear less absurd. Here they are:
1 thee real see that ine
l.ove is up will 111 have
But that and you have you 11
(jne and down and you if
Two men have eight gallons of wine between them, and wish to divide it eipially — four gallons to each: but in the absence of any kind of meas- ures, with the exception of kegs, they are in a quandaiy as to how to proceed One man has a 3 and 5 gallon keg, the other an S, which contains the wine; The task is finally accomplished by racHns. of the 3, 5 and S gallon kegs, leaving four gallons in the eight gallon keg ami four in the live Are any of our readers as smart as the two men? If so, (iivide the wine for us by means of the kegs only, and send in your answer.
«3- Aiixu'vrs III Ihi' ahnrr arr ,-cqiirxti'>K whi'h if recrlri'A in fun:', will iijipno- in our iirj-t issue.
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THE AMATEUR.
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>\ S. RICHARDS,
Attorney and Gonnselor,
OFFICE, COURT iroUSB, OGDES.
N. TANNER, Jr..
Att'y& Oounselor-at-Law.
Ojl'icc, GittJirk^s BlucJr, FOUKTII ST., - - OGDEN.
L. 31. RICHARDS,
General Insurance Agent.
Capital Assets, Eepressntsd over $190,000,000.
DWKLLIXG INSURAycE A .SPKCIALTY.
Office Cor. Cth ;vud Young Sts.
J. G. CIIAMRERS, Bookseller and News Agent.
All kinds of Educational Works constantly on hand.
FIFTH ST., BETWEEX MA IX ANI) YOVXG.
SHARP & BRO.,
Sixi-ftical &> Mleclianical I>entists«,
FIFTH STP.EET, OGDEX. Offire above Blaucetfs Produce Store.
THOS. W. JONES, Mercliartt T^ailoT,
J-filin St., three tViors t>in-th of otii, Ogden. %
JOSEPH TYRREDL,
BOOT and SHOE MAKEK.
Good Fit Guaranteed. OPPOSITE TITIIIXG OFFICE, OGDEX.
GEO. THOMPSON,
TONSOEIAL ARTIST,
Hair Bought and Sold, and all kinds of Ilair AVork neatly done to order.
JOHN STI.N'GEB,
LONDON BAKERY.
The only First-class Bakory in the City. FIFTH ST., Between MAIN and YOUNG, OG DEN.
Y/m. driver & SON, Wholesale & Retail Druggists,
MAIN ST., OGDEN.
Z. C. M. I., OGDEN BRANCH,
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
GENERAL MERCHANDISE.
CO R. MA IX A XD FO UR Ttt STREETS.
JNO. BOYLE & Co., Wholesale & Retail Furniture.
Live Geese Feathers a Specialty.
MAIN STREET, OGDEN. i MAIN ST., OGDEN, UTAH.
Yk
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iiiiiiiiiiiiiniiriiijiiiiiiniitmiiii
tH KKf WLED3E IS P0WS3. ^ iiriiiiiiiiiiKiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
liiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiii
■<if: UOTCN IS STBENOTE. Wr
PuStlSHED BY THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OgdEN CiTY.
No. 3.
OGDEN, UTAH, DEC. 5, 1877.
Vol. I.
THE AMATEUR.
Etlitp.1 nni Published Bi-VTeekly under the imsjiic«s (if the Young Men's Mutual luiprove- nivnt Association of Ogden City, Ltuh.
ADVICE TO THE YOUXG.
IAjM and always ha^e been deep- ly interested in the welfare of the rising generation among this people, hence I am impelled to offer a few thoughts for their re- flection.
When we were children we thought and acted as children do, but now as we are nearing man and womanhood, we should put away childish thi- gs and learn to direct our thoughts and spend our time in that right and proper way that will secure to us the most intel-' ligence and prepare us for the great struggle of life which is im- mediately before us.
We are engaged in a great and glorious work, which will require all the talents and energy, knowl-
edge and faith that we can muster, under the most tavorable circum- stances.
Our parents have passed from youth to manhood and woman- hood, and many of them to the de- cline of life, and are now burdened with care; so, in the course of na- ture will we tread the same path, be called to bear the same, or greater responsibilities, in carry- ing on the work of God upon the earth. Now while we have peace, and plenty of the comforts of life around us, is the very best time we will ever see*, to store up knowl- edge,develope the talents that God has given us, and be prepared to act well our part in the great drama of life.
Our words, acts and thoughts are the materials of which our characters are built. Let us, then, build well; for our present and eternal welfare depends entirely upon the use we make of our time
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THE AMATEUR
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and abilities, the habits we form and the heed and diligence we give to the cominandraents of our Heavenly Father.
Let us seek after truth, and strive to educate our minds in every good and true principle. Love and cherish virtue and puri- ty, patience and sobriety, kindness and charity; learn, and practice the Golden Rule, in the true spirit and meaning thereof, and the Spirit of God will be with us, which will bring more joy and comfort to the heart tkan all the pleasure which the fadrrrg' things of earth can afford. X. Q. Z.
EATIIAVAGANCE IX DRESS.
THE ED irons HI P.
THE question of appointing an editor to succeed the present one, was presented to the Associ- ation two weeks ago to-night, when despite our remonstrances, it was unanimously resolved that we con- tinue in charge of the paper for another term.
It was urged that as the paper was yet in its incipiency, and several changes in its general make-up and character were contemplated, it would not be abvisable to appoint a new editor until all necessary ar- rangements and plans were fully consummated. Hence, no change occurs with the present issue, as was expected.
V%^ '^^'^*^
IT is a matter of congratulafion that a great. many of the yoiJfig ladies and gentlcmefl of this and other portions of the TerfiCory, have inaugurated many measures of reformation aT!d improvement, and among others, that of re- trenchment; this being the case, a few words on the subject of ex- travagance in dress may noC, it" is hoped, be unacceptable:
Extravagance in dress appears to be tbe prevailing weakness with many people. It is not tobesiip- posed, however, that because an individual displays taste and neat- ness in these matters that he or she should be termed "foppish" or pro'dig'd. But when we see around us so much "style," as it is termed, it affords food for reflection. Do the votaries oi fashion know that the very "novelties" and "styles" which they are so anxious to imi- tate, are gotten up, in many in- stances, by persons whose charac- ters are such, that were they compelled to walk side by side with them through the streets, they would be o'ermantled with the blush of shame? Then, again, what benefit do or can we derive from being extrava- gant in these ni-itters? Every new fashion, no matter what, is expen-
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THE AMATEUR.
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sive, costing, in many instances, more than the material of which it is composed. Young ladies who take pride in being plain in their raiment, yet neat withal, appear to every sensible person, far more comely and beautiful, than when powdered, painted, or bedecked with several dollars' worth of gaudy apparal, panniers, etc.
"Ah!" perhaps some young gentleman will exclaim, "that is right I I perfectly agree with you! The manner in which some of the girls drees is really ridiculous!"
But stop a moment, my friend : Are you sure that your boots are not a trifle too small, and inconse- quence, you have several "pet corns?" Are you certain that your clothes are not so economically cut that, when you get them on, there is no chance to get them off unless your tailor rips the seams thereof, and releases you? Can you truthfully say that you do not re- (piire a civil engineer to part your hair exactly in the middle, lest one hair more on one side of your head than the other, should disturb "the balance of power?" These, and other points, we should look at as young men, and, upon due consid- eration, will find that our sex, as well as the opposite, can well af- ford to "mutually improve" in these as in other things; hence, the benefits already, and in the future to be derived from Mutual Im- provement Associations.
RexG.
KIXDNESS.
miTERE is nobody that knows -L how much good just one kind word can do nor how much joy and comfort it brings but those who have experienced it. A kind word is never lost, for our Heaven- ly Father takes notes of all our acts and we will be rewarded for all that we do that is of a kind nature. Besides, when we bestow a kind act upon anyone it always makes us feel more joyous than we would if we had not done it. We arenot any of us too old to learn to be kind. We should be kind to the poor; if they have not as fine clothes and comfortable surround- ings as others, remember that it is our Heavenly Father that blesses us with all that we have, and if Fie sees that we are proud and haughty He may some day take them away. Be kind and charitable to the sick, and where- ever we go be kind. Cad.
V.9
Our readers will, no doubt, note with pleasure the slight enlarge- ment and improved appearance of the present number of the Amateur? While "Mutual Improvement" is
our name, Ne'r ceasing improvement shall be
our aim.
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THE AMATEUR.
a3
THE AMATEUR.
rditei and Pulilislie.l By-Weekly, under the- RiiFpiccs f.'f tlie Yi.iuiic Men's Mut'ial Iiupiove- iiieiit Associatiou, ol'Ogdeu City, Utah.
Joseph A. West,
Editor.
WEDNESDAY, DEC.Stb, 1S77.
TO rSESIDEXTS OF 3IUTUAL IMPROVE-
MKyi Assocwrioys.
■We Tri?I he pleased to send the Amateuti to all Presidents of Mutual Improveiuent Associations who will forward us their names and addresses and ten cents postage. Vi'e al.so invite {Item, one »nd all, to favor UJ wfth au occasional corres- pondence.
DANCING.
OUR respected President, Apc?s- tle John Taylor, publishes in the Deseret Evening News of Nov. 2ist, a somewhat lengthy commu- nication, entitled "Dancing Par- ties and Kindred Amusements," all of which, being of special in- terest to the young, we would be glad to publish, did our space per- mit. As it is, we will have to be content with presenting only such portions as specially refer to danc- ing,and these in as brief a manner as possible.
In regard to the time for closing parties, the writer says: "It is also the unanimous sense of the coun- cil (of the Twelve Apostles) that our parties never be continued after midnight; but that the Priest- hood encourage the closing of. pub- lic parties and other social gather-
ings at an earlier hour, say at ten or eleven o'clock p. m."
He then goes on to state, that as parties given for the purpose of making money are not generally as s.elect as those for which social enjoyment is the principal object, that all such dances should be dis- countenanced and prohibited. Also that before any party is given a list of those to be invited should be submitted to the Bishop or presiding authority of the Ward, and that such list, when so submitted, should never be devi- ated from without the Bishop's consent.
The following in regard to round dances we clip from the closing paragraph:
"There has been, among all cor- rect feeling people, a strong pre- judice against them, as they tend, though not always intentionally so, to demoralize our youth, and op- erate prejudicially to those inno- cent enjoyments which oug'it to characterize the recreations of the Latter-day Saints. We do not wish to be too restrictive in those matters, but would recommend that there be not more than one or two permitted in an evening.
***** We invite the co-operation of the young mens' and young ladies' Mutual Improvement Asso-
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THE AMATEUR.
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ciations, and of all good Saints to discountenance anything wrong, and to assist their Bishops in the furtherance of these desirable objects."
These most excellent and salu-, tary counsels are delivered to us by the highest acknowledged authori- ty of God upon the earth, and it becomes the duty of every Lat- ter-day Saint, both old and young^ to render strict obedience to them.
The round dance, here spoken of, has been the subject of much comment, of late, not only with our own people, who have striven for some time past to eliminate it from the recreations of the ball- room, but also with the press and pulpit throughout the land. The leading religious denominations of the world, especially the Catho- lics, set their faces like a flint against its practice, and the day seems not far distant when the modern waltz, with its close embrace and giddy seductive whirl, will be driven entirely from the recreations of all respectable people, and its votaries be classed among the disreputable and vul- gar element of society.
What! the gill that I love liT another emliraced! Another iiiau'sarm rouml iii.vchosen one's wiiintl What! touched in the wkirl by another niiin'i
knee; And panting recline on another than nie! bir, slie's yours; you have brushed from the grape
its soft blue, From the rose you have shaken the delicate dew; What you've touched you may take — pretty
wultzer adieu!
ELDER M TIIATOIIER'S LECTURE.
rpHE lecture of Elder Moses -L Thatcher delivered on Wednes- day evening last before the Asso- ciation was truly the event of the season, and we regret that our limited space prevents us giving it a more full and extended notice. The subject from Shakespeare's play, Othello, is as follows: "Who steals my purse steals trash," &:c.
The speaker referred to the vir- tue and integrity of our fathers and mothers, and said that while they were possessed of such sterling qualities it would be unreasonable to suppose that we, their children, were lacking in these respects. Spoke of the exalted worth of vir- tue, and endeavored to show that the power, prominence, durability and dominion of a nation in any age of the world was only measured by the purity and freedom from social corruption of her sons and daughters; that while chastity and social excellence were a notice- able characteristic of the early founders of all great nations and empires, that the absence of these virtues inevitably presaged ulti- mate political decay and ruin.
He referred for examples to Rome, France and our own coun- try, and closed with a most elo- quent pero'-ation, the substance of
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THE AMATEUR.
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which was that within the crum- bling ruins of the political and so- cial decay of nations, God, in his infinite wisdom, always preserved an element of virtue, which subse- quently arose, asserted the right to dominion, and built kingdoms and empires which lasted while virtue endured, and perished when virtue lied.
The speaker's. review of the his- tory of America contained a scath- ing denunciation of the vice and corruption which have crept into high places and cannot seemingly be dislodged.
The lecture throughout was a remarkably fine display of forensic ability and historic lore, chaining the attention of the audience from first to last.
uoxEsry
HONESTY is one of the noblest virtues, and one that should be cultivated above all others. Honesty leads to success, it mat- ters not in what position we are l)laced or in what business we are engaged. If we cultivate this principle and live by it we will get through this world loved and respected by all by whom we are known, or with whom we have anything to do. Think for a moment of the great Rothschilds, the richest men in the world.
How have they obtained so much wealth? Was it by being dishon- est? No; it was by being honest with those with whom they have had business transactions. Again, think of A. T. Stewart and Van- derbilt, who died but a short time ago, two of the richest men Ameri- ca had produced. How did they become so immensely rich? It was by being honest and upright with those with whom they had to deal. Some will say: "Well, there are those who have gained fortunes by being dishonest." That is so, Wm. M. Tweed for instance, who stole money trom the New York treasury, we all know what be- come of him; he landed in the penitentiary, and is to-day a bank- rupt and a wreck. We will find in all the various transactions in which we engage that it is best to be honest. S. E. A.
OUR NEXT LECTURE.
Our next lecture will occur on Wednesday evening, the 12th inst., and will be delivered by Elder David M Stuart, who has kindly consented to continue the subject with which he so much in- terested us four weeks ago to- night, entitled "Missionary Ex- perience Abroad." The bare announcement will undoubtedly secure a crowded house.
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THE AMATEUR.
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TO THOSE DES/RfiVG OUI^PAPER.
WE haVe lately feCeiVed niaiiy inquiries in regard to the price of oUr little papef both from fesideiits of Ogddil and othei' placee^.
In reply we would say that it has not been our design to publish a paper for general distribution, ouf pufpose being simply \o meet otif own necessities and promote the general interest of our own Asso- ciation. However, inthis,'.ve do not wish to be selfish, arid if other So- cietie;^ .iti this arid the adjacent counties desire our' paper" We will be glad to supply fheili at five Ceiits per copy, or fifty cents for the re- maining numbers of this volume including the ])resent issue, ten numbers in all, postage paid.
Please address all communica- tions upon this subject to the Amateur, Lock Box One, Ogden City, Utah.
AIMS IN LIFU.
THE first object in life of every individual, should be the mu- tual improvement and happiness of all with whom they are associated. To this end each one should en- deavor to store his mind with use- ful knowledge and true wisdom, learn and do those things which
are pleasing to our Father in Heaven, Whd is the source of all that is great alld Wisg, as Well as good. When we take Up a book or paper to read, it should hc Of that clasij that w'ill iilstfuct aftd benefit, leading us to high and noble thoughts alld action.'^, a*id not of that light arid trivolous character which weakens the powers of the mind alld render the a'^fairs of real life irtsipid and valueless, filling us with nonsense' and frivolity. When the fir:^t step is taken in the right direction, thg s^ecortd is Easier, aikl tile next stil{ niofe so; alld so oflwai'd until ire we arrive to the greatest dggfee Oi perfection that k possible for us< to attain to. 0. T.
m
On Wednesday evening last the Association decided to institute 1 measures for the purchase of an organ also for the organization and systematic instruction of a choir to be under the able leader- ship of Prof. John Fowler.
A series of parlor entertainments are to be given in connection with the ladies of the Relief Society of this city, the first of which will oc- cur on Friday evening next, the yth inst.,as per programme en- closed. The patronage of the public is I'cspcotfully solicited. Admission 25 cts.
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THE AMATEUR.
W\
MEETING OF THE CENTRA L COM- MITTEE OF THE V. M. M I A'S.
AT a meeting of the Central Committee of the Young Men's Mutuil Improvement Asso- ciations, held at Salt Lake City on Saturday, the iSth of last month, the following officers were elected : Junius F. Wells, President. Milton C. Hardy, ] ^ Rodney C. Badger, \ Counselors. B. V. Cummings, jr., Secretary. R. W. Young, Assis't Secretary. Geo. F. Gibbs, Cor. Secretary. Mathoni W. Pratt, Treasurer.
It is expected that there will be appointed in each Stake of Zion a President of Mutual Improve- ment Associations who will have the general supervision of all societies within the Stake, and will direct and supervise a system of missionary labors among the soci- eties.
It will also be the duty of this President to receive the quarterly reports and condense them into one — to be forwarded to the Cen- tral organization.
We have received the first num- ber of The Amateur, edited by Joseph A. West, under the auspices of the Y, M. M. I. A. of Ogden City. Its motto "Knowledge is power, Union is strength." Of course this is experimental, but we feel sure The Amateur will be successful in its mission. We heartily rejoice in every new avenue of this sort, which opens for improvement among the young people. We trust it will be wide- ly circulated, and so well sup-
ported, that it may increase in size and become as popular as any of the publications of the Latter-day Saints. We give the Amateur a cordial greeting and feel that it has a wide field of labor before it, in which to sow good seed of which the reward may be a rich harvest for Israel.— Woman's Ex ponent.
OFFICERS
OF THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN Cnv, UTAH:
Joseph A. Wes^, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
JlNSITERSTO PASTIHES.
The answer to tlie cli.inido publisheii in niir!a^t issur is as fi)llow-i: "The Pen is iiiipli- ier than t'e Pwor 1." Coritict answers have been received from Alma D Chambers, Martha lIor.ipool,St»phen A. Browning and Ileber J. Purdy. -•"
Answer to enienia. "I'pprovemont." Correct answers receive 1 t'nim Elizv Purdy, Martha Ilors- jiool and Eliza A. StratiDrd
The solntion of he kep; problem i« as follows: First fill 'he 3 (gallon kej; and empty this into the 5, then fill the 3 callon again from thcS and pour into the 5 until full, wh»n these will remain one palion in thn 3 pill n\ ke^. Now empty the 5 jrallim into the S gallon and pour the one gallon f^om the 3 pillon ke^ to the 5 jrallon keg. Then fill the 3 Rallon kes from the S, an I again empty this into the T) calhrn keg. There willtbenbe four gallons in the 5 gallon keg and four gallons in the S gallon keg. Correct answers to the above have been received from C. C. Richards, W. 11. West, .1. X. Ballantyne, Hobcr J. Purdy and Jes»e G. Stratford.
Tlie verse was correctly rea^ by Kate Penrose, Martha Ilorspool and Stephen A. Browning.
Conttibntionsofcharadoi. puzzles, enigmai,etc., are solicited from our readers, which, if received in time, will appear in the Pastime Column of uur next issue.
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iiiaiiiaiiitiiiiiiEiriiniiiniiiiiiiiii
•^ KNOWLEDGE IS P0WE3. f^ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
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•^ UNION IS STRENGTH. ^
Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogden City.
No. 4.
OGDEN, UTAH, DEC. 19, 1877.
Vol. I.
1
THE AMATEUR.
Edited and PubliKhed Bi-Weekly hy the Young Men's Mutual Improvemeut Asuociiitiou of Ogileu City, LUUi.
O^TRT,
THE FROST'S FROLIC.
JIT? frost stepped out one eveninq bright, •lust as the sniis la^it rny of lifrht Wsr: ca«tn"ermnuata,iQ top rooM, To burnish each with tinge of gold.
He \Tiindered up and down the slreet Palutinc .',11 he ch.mced to meet. At lasit, in spangles pure and white He settled 'gainst a window light.
Not idle he. one might supposed He'd stop awliile to warm his nose; I!ut with a will and magic touch. That night lie did accomplish much.
His paints were pure and strictly white, Conipo?ed of damp and dew of night: His subject.^ gleamed from far and wide, i'rom brook and hill and mountain side.
A tlionsianil neat, fantastic forms He wrought, iis fine as 'ere adorns A mansion; and as fair withal. As e'er bedecked a palace hall.
I fain would detail each and all, liut, as my space is raliier snuill, One more; have patience ore I close, Then j'ouand I will to repose.
The sun ascends! bis zenith near.'-.! )!e(iui('t child, anil ruli vonr cars! .«.Min w II liesDund lYost's fnn.Tnl luudl. Thou off, sir, to your narrow cell.
z. r,.
FREE AGENCY.
FREE AGENCY is a blessing 'which is bestowed upon every man that cometh into the world, and if we yi reflection, cerUre our thcjughts upon it, we cannot but admit that it is one of the greatest boons that mankind enjoys, given, as it is, by God, the giver of all good gifts. I will quote a few lines of the poet, who, when writing upon this subject, says:
Know this, that every soul is free To choos* his life, and what he'll be, For this eternal word is given, Tliat God will forct no man to Heaven.
So it is, then, that every child is free to act according to its desire, or according to the promptings of the spirit which dwells within it. If a young man has a desire to be reckless, or careless about what he shall do, or if he desires to steal, cheat, lie or swear, he has his own free will to do so, but thfiv is a sting to all this, which at times lie
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must feel. His conscience smites him, and he feels within himself that he has not feared Ood who created him, neither regarding man with whom he dwells, but has been serving and laboring for the F2vil One. Consequently, he entails the wages of sin for his reward: And the wages of sin are death!
So it is also with a young man who, on the other hand, has a de- sire or a will to do good; who determines to listen to the instruc- tions of God's servants, to work the works of righteousness, and to keep the commandments of God, But with him his conscience ap- proves of his work, he feels joyous and happy, everything is pleas- ant and agreeable, because he has feared God, and regarded and re- spected his fellow man. He receives the reward of the just, viz: a crown of glory in the Kingdom of God.
'J'ruc, it may bo said, that Satan tempts mankind and uses his in- fiuence to lead them astray, and to I)ro'.npt them to walk into crime and every manner of wickedness. But notwithstanding this there is a jjor- tion of the Spirit of the Lord within every man that is born into tlie workl to light, guide, direct and prompt him to do right, to help , him fight against Satan, and to work the wtjrks of righteousness,
so that after he has filled the measure of his creation, or fin- ished his probation on this earth, he may then return, to God and receive his reward for the works do»e in the flesh. By this we learn that God is not so unmerciful as to leave His children by themselves. Neither is He so compulsory as to force His children to serve Him, but has sent them here to try, and prove them, or to see what they will do; He has given them a free agency or will, tO' act for them- selves, and do as seemeth them good, and then abide the conse- quences. He has also given them His words that if they will to serve the Devil they must abide the penalty, which is death and con- demnation, but if they will to serve God eternal life in Jlis Kingdom is their reward.
N. G.
OVIi SOCIETY, .jc
I FEEL that our Association has been organized for a good and wise purpose. It is calculated to protect us from the many tempta- tions and snares of the adversary with v/hich we are surrounded. Do we realize that we are sur- rounded by the enemies of God, whose object is to overthrow this kingdom, and who expect to ac-
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complish it in some degree, at least, by the influence they exert over the children of the Saints? They are not our friends, neither are they the friends of God, for they seek to destroy the priest- hood. There is no person who has the Holy Ghost that can be- lieve iheir doctrines.
My Brethren and Sisters, if we suffer ourselves to be led from the counsels of our parents and lose the light of the Holy Spirit we will become infidels to God, but if we are obedient we have a right to the Holy Ghost, which will teach us our duty, and by it w'e shall know truth from error and light from darkness. My parents have taught na-e the truth arid so have yours, amd no tongue can express the gratitude we owe to them for their faithfulness. It is our duty to honor and defend the princi- ples which they have taught us, and to promote by every means in our power the advancement of the Kingdom of God. H.
LECTURE A NNO UNCEilEXT.
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Elder Wm. W. Burton has kind- ly consented to favor us with an- other of his interesting lectures on Wednesday evening, the 26th inst. ; subject, "Incidents of travels in the north of England." The public are invited.
FLL TRY.
OW easy it is to say "I can't." Many young people say it, and not only say it, but act it out when some difficulty arises in their path which they are required to overcome. When Ave fail in anything that we have been trying to accomplish our energies are weakened and we are less able to battle with the next difficulty that presents itself. We can form the habit of saying "I can't" and of giving up faint hearted when difficulty presents itself until we are unfit to contend with the stern realities of life. On the other hand we can form the habit of saying "I'll try," and learn to battle with difficulty with a strong will until to succeed will be v/hat we may reasonably expect in every contest. Every victory that Alex- ander the Great, and the armies under his command gained over their enemies, seemed to make them more invincible and give them additional assurance of victory in tl;ie next approaching battle. Let us all leave off saying "I can't" and learn to say "I'll try," and so become in- vincible in overcoming the many little difficulties that may arise in the pathway of life. H.
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must feel. His conscience smites him, and he feels within himself that he has not feared God who created him, neither regarding man with whom he dwells, but has been serving and laboring for the Evil One. Consequently, he entails the wages of sin for his reward : And the wages of sin are death!
So it is also with a young man who, on the other hand, has a de- sire or a will to do good; who determines to listen to the instruc- tions of God's servants, to work the warks of righteousness, and to keep the commandments of God. But with him his conscience ap- proves of his work, he feels joyous and happy, everything is pleas- ant and agreeable, because he has feared God, and regarded and re- spected his fellow man. He receives the reward of the just, viz: a crown of glory in the Kingdom of God.
True, it may be said, that Satan tempts mankind and uses his in- fluence to lead them astray, and to prompt them to walk into crime and every manner of wickedness. But notwithstanding this there is a por- tion of the Spirit of the Lord within every man that is born into the world to light, guide, direct and prompt him to do right, to help him fight against Satan, and to work the works of righteousness.
so that after he has filled the measure of his creation, or fin- ished his probation on this earth, he may then return, to God and receive his reward for the works do»e in the flesh. By this we learn that God is not so unmerciful as to leave His children by themselves. Neither is He so compulsory as to force His children to serve Him, but has sent them here to try, and prove them, or to see what they will do; He has given them a free agency or will, to- act for them- selves, and do as secmeth them good, and then abide the conse- quences. He has also given them His words that if they will to serve the Devil they must abide the penalty, which is death and con- demnation, but if they will to serve God eternal life in His Kingdom is their reward.
N. G.
OUR SOCIETY, .jc.
I FEEL that our Association has been organized for a good and wise purpose. It is calculated to protect us from the many tempta- tions and snares of the adversary with which we are surrounded. Do we realize that we are sur- rounded by the enemies of God, whose object is to overthrow this kingdom, and who expect to ac-
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complish it in some degree, at least, by the influence they exert over the children of the Saints? They are not our friends, neither are they the friends of God, for they seek to destroy the priest- hood. There is no person who has the Hely Ghost that can be- lieve -their doctrines.
My Brethren and Sisters, if we suffer ourselves to be led from the counsels of our parents and lose the light of the Holy Spirit we will become infidels to God, but if we are obedient we have a right to the Holy Ghost, which will teach us our duty, and by it we shall know truth from error and light from darkness. My parents have taught nae the truth and so have yours, amd no tongue can express the gratitude we owe to them for their faithfulness. It is our duty to honor and defend the princi- ples which they have taught us, and to promote by every means in our power the advancement of the Kingdom of God. H.
LECTURE ANNO UNO EMEXT.
Elder Wm. W. Burton has kind- ly consented to favor us with an- other of his interesting lectures on Wednesday evening, the 26th inst. ; subject, "Incidents of travels in the north of England." The public are invited.
I'LL TRY.
HOW easy it is to say "I can't." Many young people say it, and not only say it, but act it out when some difficulty arises in their path which they are required to overcome. When we fail in anything that we have been trying to accomplish our energies are weakened and we are less able to battle with the next difficulty that presents itself. We can form the habit of saying "I can't" and of giving up faint hearted when difficulty presents itself until we are unfit to contend Avith the stern realities of life. On the other hand we can form the habit of saying "I'll try," and learn to battle with difficulty with a strong will until to succeed will be v/hat we may reasonably expect in every contest. Every victory that Alex- ander the Great, and the armies under his command gained over their enemies, seemed to make them more im-incible and give them additional assurance of victory in tlie next approaching battle. Let us all leave off saying "I can't" and learn to say "I'll try," and so become in- vincible in overcoming the many little difficulties that may arise in the pathway of life. H.
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THE AMATEUR.
by the Youns .^pociatiou, of
Editofl and Published Bi-Weekly Men's Mul'Jiil Improvemeut Ogdeu City, Utah.
Joseph A. West,
Editor.
NVEDNESDAY, DEC. 19th, 1877.
TO I'Ml'SIDfJNTS OF MUTITAL IMPROVE- MENT ASSOCIATIONS.
TVe will lie plensed to send the Amateur to all Presidents of Miitual Iiuprovement Associations who will -forward us their uamos and addreKseaivnd ten couta postage. We also inrite them, one and all, to favor ua Mith an occaaioual corres- pondence.
OUR TERM EXriRED.
ri1W0 months have elapsed since J- the first number of the Ama" TKUR was issued under the auspices of the Young Men's Mutual Im- provement Association of this city, and according to our plan then announced, a change in the editor- ship must now occur.
While we have nothing to say in regard to the literary -character of the past four issues, unless it be to apologize for their imperfections, it affords us pleasure to be able to state that we have never, from the first, lacked for contributions with which to fill our columns, but on the contrary, our file has been continually crowded, so much so that pieces designed for one issue have often been laid by for the next because of our lack of space.
Financially, too, our most san- K- —
guine expectations have been more than realized. At first it was thought that the expenses of our little periodical Avould have to be met entirely by the Association, and that it would probably retpiire for this purpose all the means that we could possibly obtain during the period of its publication, but through the kindness of our friends in favoring us with advertisements, we have thus far met all current expenses without the least embar- rassment, and have been able to turn our attention to other mea- sures of improvement involving pecuniary outlay, such as the pro- fessional discipline of a choir, the purchase of an organ, etc. We have also been able to increase our issue from 200 to 300 copies, and to add four pages to the original size of our paper, thereby accom- modating our advertisements with- out encroaching upon tur limited space.
Before retiring from the posi- tion to which the Association has seen fit to appoint us, we desire to return our thanks to all those who have favored us with contributions during the period that we have been in charge of the paper. Also to our patrons we would say: Your kind appreciation of our humble efforts, and the valuable aid which you have afforded us
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will ever receive our kindliest remembrance, and while v/e make no pretentions to literary learning or journalistic ability it shall be our constant aim to give you as good a paper as our circum- stances, our abilities and the time at our disposal will permit.
CORRESPONDENCE.
Ogdem, Dec. 9th, 1S77. Dear i\rr. Editor:
Although I am not a member of the Young Men's Mutual Im- provement Association, your un- tiring efforts for improvement in the different departments of the Society, over which you have been appointed to preside, have by no means passed with- out my notice. More es- pecially since the advent of your enterprising little paper, the Amateur, have I noticed your unceasing labors in behalf of the youth of Zion, and it is with pleasure that I assure you of my most devout wishes for your con- tinued success in the great and glorious work which has been placed upon you through your appointment to the presidency. Trusting that your earnest en- deavors to do good may be crowned with brilliant success, I am, dear sir,
very respectfully yours*, Frmz.
''BOHEMIAN' ETIQUETTE.
INASMUCH as there are many curious notions in the world as to the manner in which persons, should conduct themselves in order to gain the respect of all right- minded people, the writer of this article considers it his duty to ex- patiate upon this subject, and en- deavor to show up the fallacy (?) of such old-fashioned ideas.
Now, young men, do not be led away with the notion that to be gentlemen is the great object in life. It is not according to the modern ideas of civilization and improvement. Whenever you see an opportunity, deviate as much as possible from the rules laid down by those insane individuals who have such straight-laced ideas of decorum. We are advised to take advantage of the opportunities we have in youth, and learn of those things which will make us useful members of society. Pshaw ! Let us "enjoy life while we are young. " In accordance withthisprogramme it will be in order to make nightly visits to the nearest beer saloon, and by all means to stay there up to the last minute permitted by law, and an hour or so later, if possible. However, be that as it may, when you do start for your abode, be sure that those_in the
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neighborhood are not left in ignorance of the important fact. A few healthy yells will enliven those "old fogies" who think that ten or eleven o'clock p. m. is the right time to retire. Be sure to speak of your parents as "the old man" or "old woman." It is a well known fact that you owe your fathei and mother nothing! They have only taken good care of you from your babyhood up, and tended you through sickness; fur- nished you with clothing, food, etc., but what of that? It's no more than their parents did for them! No better opportunities are afforded for a display of your abili- ties as "nonconformists" to the foolish ideas of etiquette than at public assemblages. At a party be sure to emit such copious discharges of tobacco juice from your mouth as you may feel necessary for the dis- comfort of those around you. The instant the floor manager puts in an appearance, to "call on," make a desperate rush across the hall, clutch a lady by the wrist, and drag her upon the floor. Tread upon everybody's toes, and should any individual presume to complain, strike him to your feet, — if you can — this is a free coun- try, and the man who seeks to re- strain you is an usurper.
In short, do everything if your
power to break down these foolish notions of laAV, order and politeness, and the probabilities are that one fine day you will have the satisfac- tion of boarding at the expense of the law-abiding community — in a "government hotel."
Rex O.
OUR i:ntertji^'3ient.
rjlHE Parlor Entertainment at -L the City Hall on Friday even- ing, the 7th inst., was tolerably well attended, though not as largely by members of the Asso- ciation as could be desired. The pieces, with but few exceptions, were very creditably rendered, eliciting from the audience loud and continued applause.
On Friday evening next the Association will give another en- tertainment at the sam* place, when an entirely new programme will be presented, the musical part of which will be performed by the members of the North Ogden Choir. Mr. Cox, of Hooper City, will also favor Us with a few comicalities. For particulars see programme enclosed.
Where lives the man that hath not
tried How mirth can into folly glide, And folly into sin!
— Scott.
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THOUGHT.
HOW many of us appreciate the importance of learning to think? What I says some, is not thought spontaneous? Can the art of thinking be cultivated and acquired? We answer yes. It is just as essential that we learn to think correctly, as that we learn the art of reading properly, for while the latter is one of the medi- ums through which we receive in- formation and intelligence, no amount of reading will make us wise unless we reflect upon what we read, and, by thought and re- flection, make it a source of profit and benefit to us.
By pursuing this course we will find new ideas presenting them ■ selves to our minds from time to time, which, if 'promptly received and considered, will help to dc- ve-lope our mental faculties and give them strength and pov/er. And, although we may not pos- sess the genius of a Shakespeare or a Newton, we may all attain that healthy condition of mental development which will enable us to impart to others some ideas and thoughts which will benefit them, and thus we can give as well as receive intelligence. Then let us try to learn this art by reflecting upon and digesting whatever we read or hear, being careful al- ways to read only good books, such as will teach us truth instead of error, and closing our ears to all improper or unprofitable commu- nications.
We should also learn to write our thoughts and thus give others the benefit of our ideas and reflec- tions. To aid us in this the Amateur has been established in our Association. May it accom- plish the object of its existence. S.
SWEARING.
THE liabit of swearing is such a vile and complicated crime that I am surprised that men who wish to- be considered wise and polite, should ever be found guilty of it. It is low, coarse and wicked; a vice to which there is no temptation, and one of those sius which may be called presump- tuous.
Swearing is not only reprobated by the laws of good taste and good manners, but forbidden by th» commandment of God. He who makes use of oaths would seem to give us to understand that his bare word is not to be taken.
It is our duty as members of an Association for mutual improve- ment, to do our utmost to improve our conduct, and to set a good ex- ample to all, both old and young: for a bad example tends to corrupt in some degree, every one that lives within its baneful influence; and since swearing is an example that is an insult to refined society, a breach of good manners and an offense in the sight of God, none who wish to maintain a good character or to obtain the favor ! of the Lord, should ever be guilty i of its practice. W. J.
THE AMATEUR.
OUR LAST LECTURE.
ELDER David M. Stuart was greeted with an overflowing house on Wednesday evening last, it being the occasion on which he was announced to continue his very interesting lecture entitled ' ' Missionary Experience Abroad . ' ' The speaker began by stating that he would endeavor to con- vince the skeptic of the necessity of faith in God and a reliance on his never failing promises. He gave a careful account of his experience and travels in Ore- gon and Washington Territories, in all of which the overrul- ing providences of the Lord were illustrated in the most positive and striking manner. He made many converts; had many marvelous dreams and visions; passed through trials and hardships oi the must perilous character; and at length when on his return to Utah, his party, composed of seven men three women and two children, was at- tacked by Indians. Their animals stolen; one of their number shot full of arrows and they were left in an Indian country, not knowing where they were, without animals and almost without food. But they were marvelously delivered from all of this by the hand of God, and in time all arrived in the valley of the C^reat Salt Lake in safety. The lecture throughout was full of interesting narratives and historical facts, maintaining the strictest and intensest interest from begmning to end.
i^STX^lEJS,
CHARADES.
I am a sentence compoeerl of 16 letters: Mv 1 , 0. 7, R, 9. is a kiniJ of cloth. My 10, 14, 4, S, is a pliice to w«Ik. My 11, 7, 13,12, '1, is tile name of a stream. My 14, 16, VI, is a kind of drink. My t>, 14, 4, 12, 2, wo conld not live without. My 11, 3, 4, 5, is the n«me of a girl. My (), ,"1,7, 4, 12, is a clean color. My (i, 15, 4, 6, is a preposition. My 13, \S>, U, 4, 3, 12, wo should ever keep.
My whole is a well known quotation.
I am composed of 17 lottors. My 14. 2, 10, 17, is used fiT roofing houses. My 4, 5,15, is what fanners need in «bundance. My K, 9, 10, n, is a favorite aninscnient. My 3, 1, Si, 7, J 1,17, is'whal mothers need. My 14, 17, 12, is much used »s a beverage. My S, 2, 8, 11, 17, is a sacred volnnie My 14, 5, 13, 16, 17, 6, is a lawyer of Ogden. My 7, 17, 12, 14, 4, all muat meet
My whole is the name of a gentleman well known in Ogden. G.
Two little boys are peddling apples, each having ."U ai)iecc; one meets a customer and sells at the rate of 2 for a cent, and receives in return 15 cents- Tho other meets tlie same party, to whom the former had sold, and in order to dispose of his ap- j)le8, is compelled to sell 3 for a cent, and Feoeivss i)Ut 10 cents. Amount received from both sales, 26 cents. Now 2 apples for a cent and 3 apples for a centis equal to 6 apples for 2 oeuts;l]Ut 1^0 apples at the same ratio would cost but 24 cents. Now how did the boys obtain the extra cent, they have ing rec«ivcd 26 cenls, as before stated .
t^' Answers to the above, are requested, viliich if received in time, will appear in our next issue.
OFFICERS
OF THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN CITY, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. Wasliington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Wiilard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
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S AMAl
Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogden City.
No. 5.
OGDEN, UTAH, JAN. 9, 1878.
Vol. I.
THE AMATEUR.
Editort and Published Bi-Weekly by the Young Jleii'.s Mutual Improvement Assueiatiou of Ogdeu City, Utah.
LIFE AND DEATH.
II
[THAT a world of conflicting thoughts and emotions throng the mind of one who attempts the contemplation of the true and full import of the words, Life and Death! In the English language, with all its beauty of simile, its wealth of synonym, there are to be found no other words so laden with the joys and sorrows of existence, so fraught with mean- ing to mankind.
Life, in its broad, unlimited sense, is the representation of hap- piness, of glory, of pleasure, of honor, of truth and even of eter- nity. Death, equally broad in contrast, presents the sombre pic- ture of misery, of darkness, of degradation, of annihilation.
Considered thus, mere existence is not life; and, even as life includes all that is bright and joyous, so to live means to fill up the measure of our creation with persistent, heaven-directed efforts, with noble, god-like deeds, and by leav- ing behind a pure, untarnished re- cord for the emulation of those who follow us. To fall short of this is to fail in the fulfillment of the purposes for which the Al- mighty placed us here on earth. Nor is death merely the cessation of respiration — no, to the saint of God this is but the gateway to life. To sin deeply and beyond forgiveness is to drink of death in all its bitterness. But for those whose lives are blameless this as- pect possesses no terror. Happy are they who can welcome the sleep called death as being the path which they will joyfully tread to reach the Throne of God and there receive the crown of Life Eternal. Kennon.
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CORRESPONDENCE.
TooKi,E City, Dec. 14, '77. Editor A.matelr:
Dear Sir — Having had the privilege of perusing a copy of your little paper, and noticing your invitation for correspondence I avail myself of the first oppor- tunity of writing.
Our Association hailed with great pleasure the announcement that Prest. J. F. Wells and Elder B. F, Cummings, Jr., were com- ing out here to look after the in- terest of the young people of this stake of Zion, and before they had completed their tour, we learned to aj^preciate more fully the labors in which they are engaged.
They arrived here on Monday, the loth inst., and held meetings in the afternoon and evening,, Prest. Jv F. Wells pointed out in a clear and forcible manner the benefits to be derived by being connected with such associations. It is almost impossible to realize the advantages we have, until we are called to fill a mission or other important duties in life. Elder B. F. Cummings gave a very interesting account of his labors in the ministry, also of his connection with improvement as- sociations, where he had gained much that was valuable to him when called to other and greater duties.
Bro. Moroni Picket -was chosen Supt. of the Y. M. M. I. A. of Tooele, and was unanimously sus- tained.
On Tuesday our party, which was composed of Prest. J. F.
V/ells, Elder B F. Cummings, Jr., Prest. F. M. Lyman, of the Tooele Stake, Supt. Maroni Picket, Prest. O. H. Barrus, Assistant Sec,, T. Hale and your correspondent, proceeded to Grantsville and held meetings in the afternoon and evening. From Grantsville Ave went to St. John's in Rush valley, held two meetings there and on Thursday returned to the ter- minus.
The spirit of the Gospel pre- vailed; and much good and time- ly instruction was given.
We desire to see the Amateur prosper, and your efforts toward mutual improvement crowned with success.
I remain yours in the Gospel, Thos. W. Lee.
Salt Lake City, Jan. 2, '78. Editor Amateur:
I wish you and all the readers of the Amateur a "Happy New Year." I thought, perhaps, a few items concerning the manner in which the new year was spent in this city wouki be of interest to the readers of our paper. The day was observed as a general holi- day, the principal stores and places of business in the city were closed and the employees free to partici- pate in the enjoyments of the day. As the old year began to draw near its close, people might be seen both from town and country, making purchases of the good things of earth to enjoy themselves on the beginning of the new year, causing the hearts of both mer- chant and purchaser to be made glad. The new year dawned with
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a clear sky above, aiid earth, adorned in her fairest robes, af- fording excellent sleighing, which was largely participated in by both old and young, causing the tintinabulation of a hundred merry bells to be heard until a late hour at night. Among other amusements were those of skating and dancing, the latter of which was enjoyed in the various ward school houses and public buildings throughout the city. The one, perhaps, most worthy of note was that held in the Eleventh Ward Assembly Rooms on New Year's eve, which reflected great credit on the committee of ar- rangements, for the taste and skill they displayed in decorating the hall so beautifully for the occasion. The music was excellent and every- thing passed off to the perfect satisfaction of all who attended. The party closed at a few minutes past twelve o'clock, each attendant wishing the other a glad and pros- l^erous new year. Wishing the Amateur every success, I am yours,
Parker.
PARLOR ENTERTAINMENT.
THE entertainment of Friday evening, Dec. 21st, was better in every respect than any former one of which we have any recol- lection.
The North Ogden choir per- formed their portion of the pro- gramme in a very masterly and creditable manner, receiving voci-
ferous applause at the conclusion of each piece. Messrs. Robt. Cox, Washington Jenkins and W. H. West also did themselves much credit in the various pieces as- signed to them, each receiving in turn a liberal meed of applause, the two former gentlemen being separately encored.
We feel to return thanks to all who have kindly aided us in our past few entertainments, and par- ticularly to the North Ogden choir, who came from a distance through inclement weather, we would say: your kind and able assistance is much appreciated by us and will be gladly reciprocated whenever opportunity permits.
OUR HOLIDAY PARTIES.
"IHE two social parties given by the Association at the County Court House, one on Christmas and the other on New Year's eve, were well attended, and both passed off in a very orderly, pleas- ant and highly enjoyable manner. The music under the leadership of Prof.Fov>^ler was most excellent. The floor managers and attendant committees were very gentlemanly and courteous. The company that assembled was strictly select, and the utmost vivacity and spirit pre- vailed during the entire evening. Both parties closed at 12 o'clock sharp.
rse
THE AMATEUR.
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THE AMATEUR.
Edited and Published })i-Weekly, by the Younp; Men's Mutual Improvement AssociatioD,, of Ogden City, "Utah.
Austin C. Brown,
Editor.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9th, 1878.
OUR ENTllEE.
S we have been chosen to the editorship of the Amateur for one term, we enter upon the necessary labors timidly, hoping that the public eye will not scan too closely our feeble efforts, but remember that we and many others are amateurs, who are striving to advance in the scale of intelli- gence and usefulness, so that when the fathers pass away their places may be filled by honest, active and efficient, young men. Improve- ment is our watch-word and by the blessing of the Lord, and the strength of union we intend to press onward until the most san- guinary hopes of our leaders are fully realized.
MARRIA GE.
f\P all questions that have agi- ^ ' tated the human mind, that of marriage claims its place as one of the greatest. It originated with the Gods in eternity, has been given to their children for a blessing and exaltation, and is the one great
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source through which every bless- ing ever promised to man is re- ceived. The greatest promises ever made to man were to Abra- ham, for he was told that to the increase of his posterity there should be no end; and in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. This promise, made to some of our pious Christian friends of the nineteenth century, would be considered a great re- proach, and no doubt they would be much offended, considering it low and vulga^-, and fit only for v/orldly-minded people. But the great Patriarch viewed the matter very differently. He considered himself greatly favored by being the father of a multitude of na- tions— the father of the fiiithful. It is evident that this promise never could have been fulfilled only through the marriage covenant, which was held by them to be most sacredybecause they understood the magnitude of such promises and the penalty of an unvirtuous life. The same promises were made to Jacob, and directly from him sprang the Twelve Tribes of Israel, who were scattered in all the world, and are now receiving the Gospel and beginning to return from their long dispersion.
The history of nations furnishes much food for reflection on this
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TfiE AMATEUR.
subject, and as they are so similar in this respect, it is needless to make distinctions.
While the marriage voav was held sacred and offspring consid- ered honorable, while celibacy was looked upon with disfavor and sometimes even punished, the people were generally virtuous and the nation prospered; a race of honest, active and intelli- gent men and women sprang up, spread abroad their do- minions, and at times ruled the world. But mark their decline: By honest industry they become wealthy and gradually the extrava- gant fashions of older and declin- ing nations are introduced among them, and then begin those lavish expenditures which render it im- possible for a young man of moderate income to maintain a family. At first they cannot afford to marry, then have no desire to, and what is the result? It becomes unpopular to marry and still more unpopular to become a parent. In a few generations the place of their sturdy, self-dependent ancestors is filled by a pampered and sickly race, pride and extravagance take the place of the simple and frugal ways of their sires, virtue soon ceases to exist except in name, and the marriage vow is disregarded and often entirely unknown. Libertines and courtesans swarm the streets and public places, and
1
the land is full of the fruits of ille- gitimacy. Honesty exists only in name, public faith is violated, every department of government is manipulated by fraud, and at length the judgments of an offend- ed God fall upon them, and their greatness and glory are known only as things of the past.
Our own proud nation is no ex- ception to the rule. Their is no need, however, to recoimt her crimes and corruption; they are but a picture of the past, and the same results will foUov/ the hame causes in all ages of the world.
The Lord in His infinite mercy has, at length, revealed the holy order ot celestial marriage, and a work of regeneration has begun in the earth. While marriage is un- popular with the world, among t'lose who have embraced the Everlasting Gospel it is regarded as honorable, and a father of many children assumes that patriarchal standing in the community with which Abraham and the patriarchs of his time were honored. A gen- eration, the legitimate fruits of virtue, has sprung up, with the principles of honesty and integrity firmly rooted in their natures, and as surely as will truth triumph over error, and virtue over corruption, so will the march of regeneration ultimately give 'them the ascend- ency, until "the little stone, cut out of the mountain without hands, will roll forth and fill the whole earth." Mankind as a race, by obedience to this law, will eventually attain to their primi- tive longevity, and the age of a man will become as the age of a tree.
TV
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THE AMATEUR.
M
j-i-
OUR LAST LECTURE.
ELDER W. W. BURTON de- livered a very interesting and amusing lecture on Wednesday evening last, his subject being "Travels in the North of Eng- land."
He was called to the ministry when only eighteen years of age, and sent to preach the unpopular doctrine of Jesus Christ without purse or scrip. Being young and inexperienced he found it a great task to preach; but knowing it to be his duty he continued, and whenever an opportunity offered, lifted up his voice in defense of the Gospel, that al! who desired might have a knowledge of the truth which he liad received.
Sometimes he found friends, who ministered to his wants. Upon one occasion he visited thirteen houses to obtain lodging for the night, but the people, having been warned by their pious. Christian (?) minister, not to entertain a -'JMor- mon" on pain of losing their em- ployment, refused him lodging, and he was obliged to stay out of doors.
At another time he was chal- lenged to debate upon the prin- ciples of the Gospel wi,th a learned minister. The proud man, in a very arrogant manner, related, in
a short speech, how he had met and vanquished the greatest men that could be brought against him, and now he was about to engage in debate with a boy, whom he looked upon with disdain, and would ''soon teach his place." The discussion lasted five nights, before large audiences. At the end of which time the boy, with truth and consequently good logic on his side, had gained such a decided advantage that the modern Goliath was obliged to slink from the crowd without "whipping the boy," as he had declared he would. Elder Burton continued to preach in that part of the country with much success.
As the subject is by no means exhausted, the lecturer will per- haps continue it at some future time.
THE FORTHCOMING LECTURE.
ELDER Joseph Stanford will lecture to the Association on Wednesday evening next, the i6th inst. Subject: "Language."
Bro. Stanford is a speaker of considerable merit, and no doubt will present for our consideration many valuable and interesting truths in regard to the all-impor- tant subject upon which he has kindly consented to treat. Let us give him a full house and an ap- preciative hearing.
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THE AMATEUR.
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SELF CULTURE.
rilHE cultivation of the mind is J- one of the highest pursuits in which we can engage, and one in which we should all be deeply in- terested. There is a broad field spread out before us in which to labor, and a rich reward awaits the diligent.
If we have not fully realized the necessity of self culture we should try to do so now. Let us imagine for one moment, gold, silver and precious gems scattered on every side in rich profusion, and, like the glad sunshine, free to all. Have you any idea that we would set calmly by and see others en- riching themselves, while we are quite as needy as they? Without doubt every one of us would exert ourselves to the utmost to obtain a portion of that which we consid- ered so valuable.
Now there is in reality before us, an extensive field of inexhaus- tible gems of far greater value than those referred to, for they will enrich the mind, and if wise- ly used will greatly increase our capabilities for doing good. As mutual improvement is our watch- word, let us go to work in earnest, resolved to do the best for our- selves and others that we possibly ean. Let us improve every oppro-
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tunity for adding to our store of knowledge. Watch carefully the precious moments, for when once gone, they are gone forever. Read the best books, and reflect upon what we read, that we may be bene- fitted thereby.
iSLiny have risen to eminence in literature, who have labored under greater difficulties than those with which we have to con- tend, and this fact should furnish us a motive to improve the time and talents conferred upon us in such a manner as to become a blessing to ourselves and to so- ciety. We need not be discour- aged because we see many in advance of us, for if we only exer- cise patience, and are sufficiently energetic, we shall see ere long that Ave are making rapid progress and shall feel amply compensated for all our trouble.
But while we are seeking intel- lectual attainments, let us not neg- lect the culture of our moral faculties. For without morality, however highly educated we may be, our lives will prove to be a curse, rather than a blessing.
Glyn.
A local company will present a splendid comedy bill at the Ogden Theatre on Saturday evening next
40
THE AMATEUR.
'^(
Zi^
Idleness is the dead sea' tliat swallows up all virtues, and the self-made sepulchre of a living man.
A cru^^ada asiaiost dancing has been inauj/uratcd in Bahimore upper circles. Many of the young lady church members have ceased to trip the "light t'autastic," and asseit that the ball-room will kuow them no more forever.
Eill Shute was a member of the Twenty sisth While the boys crowded around the old fl^g at the recent reunion, Bill, with an irre- pressible humor, called out:
"Boys, I am no speaker, but there's a blamed sight more of you here than I erer saw in a fight."
This brought down the house. — Franklin (Ky) Review.
OFFICERS
OF THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OODfiN CITY, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
TO rRESIDENTS OF MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT ASSOCIATIONS.
We will be pleaded to semi the Amateur to all Tresidcnts of Mutual Iniprovemeut Associations who will forward us their names and addresses and len cents postage. Wc also invite them, one and all, to favor us with an occasional corres- pondence.
>^(^L.
-PiTiSTIM
^S,
VIIAEADES.
(No. 1.)
1 am composed of 24 letters: My 14, 3. 10, 17, 13, is what we all should love. My 1, 2,2(1, 17, 21, is a color. My 4, 2, 10, 11,6, is a u-eiul article. My 12, 111, 2."., is a pronoun. My 7, 0, lo, 4, 24, is worn by ladies . My 19, 22, 15, 21, is wliat we should try to be. Mv 5, 10, 9, 20, 12, is a hidv's name. Jly 14, 0, 8, 23, i s a kiml olVruit. My 17, R, 21, 3, is good to oat.
My whole is a. quotation from tho Bible.
M. ir.
(No 2.)
I am composed of 12 letters: My 0, 4, 2, is a plai'e of confinement. My 1 1, 12, 10, 3, forms i);(rt of a f Ttune. My f), 'J, 2, is nnicli admired by women. My 1, 3, is a pronoun.
My S, y, 11, .1, sometimes causes speculation. My 0, 12, 10, is used extensively. My b, ".), 11, 7, is the soi-ond roverins of nutmess.
My whole is one of the greatest evils of the a-;
!>.
(No. 3.)
Place the numbers, from 1 to 16 inclusiv®, in the above diagram, in siiih a manner that they may be reckoned IS different ways, amounting to 34 each tmie. Z.
The answers to Charades in our last number were KicmRD B\u,a>ty.m>^ (a prominent man of Oi;deiri and Tp.n'ii w'lLi. prevml (a w»ll known quotation.) Correct answers liavo been received from Charles W. Hill, Bon. E. llich, Emily J. Newman, and Wni. Van Dyke.
>6S?" Anxwers tn theahorc arcrequMtcA, which if received in time, will appear in our next issue.
r-:.
m
Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogden City.
No. 6.
OGDEN, UTAH, JAN. 23, 1878.
Vol. I.
THE AMATEUR.
Edited and Published Bi-Weekly by the Young Men's Mutual Improvemeut Association of Ogdeu City, Utah.
POLITICS.
rilHERE seems to be, among th^ J- more respectable classes of the American people, a growing dis- trust for all things political, and a consequent desire to avoid po- litical parties s,nd political posi- tions. That this should be the case may seem strange to some but to those v>'hb have noted the gradual degeneracy of American politics during the past few years of republican administration, it seems but a natural and legitimate consequence.
It is Certainly very deplorable that those who should be the most interested in maintaining a good government, and who might exer- cise the greatest influence for good in political circles should feel
thus inclined, for no system of republicanism can long escape degeneracy when the moral influ- ences of the more respectable classes of society are withdrawn.
A nation to be truly republican, must not only be intelligent, but truly moral as well — willing to ac- knowledge and respect the rights of others and to sacrifice private interests for the public weal when- ever and wherever circumstances may seem to require it.
As the average of virtue, intelli- gence and self-restraint declines among a people, more strict and arbitrary laws have to be enacted to prevent crime; more stringent police and other regulations for public safety enforced, and finally as moral degeneracy proceeds, the government gradually assumes a despotic character. One by one the liberties of the people are taken away and at length republi- canism ceases to exist.
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^ 42
THE AMATEUR.
w...
Our nation deems to betrodding this downward road to-day. Crime is increasing; political leaders are becoming more and more corrupt; gradually the liberties' of the peo- ple are being encroached upon, and some of the very tyrannies which led our fathers to sever their connection with the mother coun- try are being practiced upon cer- tain secti(^'ns of this great republic.
No wonder, then, that the better classes of society feel to shrink from political responsibilities.
But to shrink from public duty simply because it is dishonored by others is nevertheless wrong, for it encourages the evil complained of by removing restraint. Every citizen should feel it a duty owing to his country in return for the liberties guaranteed to him by her laws, that he take an active inter- est in all matters relating to the good government of the nation. That he not only exercise his right of franchise, but that he uses his best judgment and most potent in- fluence to secure good men in office and always stand ready to chastize by rejecting and ostracis- ing from political circles, all those who can be controlled by any other motive than a love of coun- try and a devotion to her laws. All young men and young ladies too, who expect or desire to exer-
1
cise the rights of American citizens should elrly acquire a knowledge of the fundamental principles of our civil polity and the local laws by which they are governed. They should firmly resolve not only to never seek for public office, but also to never shrink from a public duty or trust when properly ten- dered or committed to them. They should fully and forcibly it- alize that our gor'ernment is a "government of the people, for the people and by the ])eople ''' that to this end public officei's are pitblic s'^ervantff' and ri6f ^iTbri'i rulers, and that the influence of their votes when cast in connec- tion with those of their fellow citizens will inevitably shape the character of the administration o^ the government.
Without a knowledge of our laws and a proper appreciation of republican principles generally, no 6'il'e 6a'n intelligi'bl}^ live within or above the law, can properly exer- cise the functions of citizenslii]) or become a safe custodian of those inestimable principles of American freedom, which have been bought at the cost of blood and transmit- ted to this generation by the truest and sincerest patriotism.
A.
Error. — In consequence of thft hurry with which the last issue had ilrecessarily to be prepared, an error inadvertentlycrept into ' Oar Entree."
THE AMATEUR.
43
now TO TALK.
THE \vriter of this article, being one of those unfortunate indi- viduals not in possession of this gift, has lately given much thought to the all important subject, and has arrived at the following con- clusions, which if not being the means of making orators of some, will undoubtedly render aid in the accomplishment of our object:
How to talk well ip a taieiit not possessed by all, and few of us imagine how easily it may be ac- quired. In the first place it is our duty to familiarize ourselves with the use and meaning of words. We should be careful in our daily conversation to avoid false, vicious or low forms of expression. A little care in the choice of words at home and in our ordinary talk might amply be repaid, and if we were half as earrsest in the forma- tion of our habits of conversation as w.e are in trying to gain other accomplishments, there undoubt- edly would be an additional charm given to our conversation. In- stead of rummaging Webster's Unabridged from one end to th^ other in search of the "biggest words," and mixing them up in our speeches and essays regardless of sense' or meaning, the word which most directly conveys the
idea should be used. It would not injure us to read, occasionally, some good, terse author, whose style will insensibly forrii and color ours, and if wishing to giye scope and vigor to our imagination, read, after the Bible, Shakespeare and Milton. We .should never be without some volume which will feed us intellectually.
In public speaking, if we fail a hundred times we should not give up. "Can't" accomplishes noth- ing, "try" everything.
Above all we should cultivate the spirit of truth, and endeavor to be guided by it in all our efforts at public speaking, particularly when we desire to be instructive.
To be able to express our thoughts in a clear, forcible and effective manner, is a gift worth seeking and one that can be attained by all, even those of moderate intelligence, if we will but persevere. J. P. S.
OFFICERS
OF THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN
CITY, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poultei-, Second Counselor. Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec, Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
Sa
THE AMATEUR.
1
THE AMATEUR.
Edited apd Publishad Bi-Weekly, by the Young Men's Mutual Iniprpvemeut Association, of Ogden City, Utah.
Austin C. Brown, ■ Editor.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23d, 1878.
TO PRESIDENTS OF MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT ASSOCIATIONS.
We jvill be pleased to send the Amateur to all Presidents of Mutual Improvement Associations who will forward us their names and addresses and ten cents postage. We also ipyito them, one and all, to favpr us with an occasional corres- pondence.
SLANDER.
IT IS a fact much to he regyettgd that there is a growing disposi- tion with many to vilify their neighbors or associates by s|>read- ing reports to their detriment, which either have no foundation in truth, or, if understood accord- ing to the intent of the heart, would be wholly justifiable: but when changed considerably and colored more, appear very bad. Slander is like a two-edged sword, which cuts right and left regard- less of whom it strikes, and many times leaves wounds deeper than the glittering steel — wounds that can never be healed. Like any other habit, it gains strength by each repetition, until those gui'ty of its practice become as incapa- ble of telling the truth as others are of believing him.
When in company, for want of more entertaining subjects, con- versation turns upon the supposed misconduct of some acquaintance, repeating what has been heard, always being sure to add a little to make it interesting. ''What harm can there be in it?" says one. Look at it for a moment. Who author- ized you to render judgment against your brother and expose what you think to be faults, to the inspection of the public, with only surmisings as to what could have been his real intentions?
Remember that the difference between outward appearance and inward meaning may be very great. Besides you are contracting the low and vile habit of telling for truth that which you know or believe to be false, laying a snare which will bring shajiie and confusion upon yourself, besides tending to ruin the character of others, leaving a suspicion against thepi which will perhaps require the |ap§^e of years to efface.
If a man take his neighbpr's cow, horse or other property, he is called a thief, and is punished according to law; but he may rob him of his reputation, which he has labored for years to establish, he may sweep away his good name and blight his fairest hopes, but still he i§ left to go on with his
THE AMATEUR.
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45 15
work of destruction, rejoicing in the ruin he has made.
If those who are in the habit of slandering others would turn their thoughts inwardly, search their own hearts and give an honest and impartial account of all they find there, it might teach them a use- ful lesson and convince them that there are many who are far more worthy than they.
It is the duty of the sons and daughters of the Latter- day Saints to so live that every word and action may bear the strictest scrutiny, and when laid open to the public gaze will re- flect credit upon themselves.
They should shun the very ap- pearance of evil, and try by every legitimate means in their power to lead the erring to a better life, but should not trample a man in the dust because he nia.y have a fault. Be charitable to the weak and wayward, while there is a chance to save them from utter ruin. Assist the needy and down- trodden, and seek to disseminate light and truth, peace and good will throughout the earth, until perfect love will fill every bosoro, the tongue of the slanderer be silenced forever, confidence be fully restored and every man be able to meet a brother and a friend.
COURTSHIP.
rpHIS is a very complicated ques- -L tion, one which admits of a great many variations, so many in fact that no rule can be made ap- plicable to all cases, or set forth any definite mode of procedure.
Courtship is a matter full of in- terest, both to the observer and to the observed; and is often quite laughable to the tormer when wit- nessing the operation through the keyhole of the door which separ- ates the inspector from the parties officiating.
The place usually selected for making the debut is a Sunday evening meeting, though a sociable or other entertainment is often chosen for the purpose. As the end of the proceedings of the evening draw near, an experienced eye may detect an unusual activity or restlessness, accompanied by a change of color in the face of the one, increasing constantly until the moment for making the appli- cation arrives. Here he falters, shrinks almost from his self-im- posed task. However, he finally obtains permission to "s^e her home." But few words are spoken, the time being occupied chiefly in meditation. This is a good idea, though conversational powers should be qgltivated also. Arrjv-
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THE AMATEUR.
"^
ing at the gate he is invited in, but declines and they separate for the evening, both chuckling over the adventure. The task becomes easier -vvith each succeeding at- tempt, until finally the invitatipn to "come in" is accepted." Being seated, conversation is opened by the "old folks," upon health and other topics. Th^e interview being agreeable, the .siay is prolonged until, if the family be a dev.out one, the hour for prayer is an- nounced, and the head of the family, being desirous of ascertain- ing the true character of the visi- tor, requests him to pray. This is a moment of great embarrass- ment, and if the cajididate has not the precaution to catch a bad cold or some oth.er malady, he is in a strange predicament. To avoid a repetition, the next even- ing is spent alone in an adjoining room, as are also the succeeding ones. At first considerable room is necessary, but this is gradually overcome, and soon the space be- tween the two is very materially lessened. As time passes and the visits become more frequent, they become careless as regards sur- rounding objects: the fire is neg- lected and other means for keep- ing w?>rm are resorted to.
Finally, after careful delibera- tion, a proposition is drawn up,
and being du'y considered and re- modeled, is offered. Faintingen- sues, (though it is se'dom genuine) followed by a restoration to con- sciousness wheij the matter is briefly considered. Her consent generally follows, and unless the old g^entleman runs him off with a shot gun on the first intimation of what he has done, the wedding day is set, the cererponies are soon after solemnized, and the happy pair enter upon life's copartner- ship together, ladened with the best wishes of numerous friends. B. M.
"B 0 HE MIA N'' ' ETIQ UETTE.
[COXCLUDED.]
AVING, in my last chapte?' on this subject, thrown out a few hints for the benefit (?) of the masculine gender, it rnay be as well, in order not to excite jeal- ousy on the part of the fair sex, to address myself to the latter on this important subject.
Fair readers, probably you are aware that, in this mundane sphere, there is a class of people who hold the singular idea that a person may be dressed in rags and yet be honest and good! What is going to become of the rules and laws governing society and upper-ten- dom if such ideas
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THE AMATEUR.
47
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,?r
are permitted to predominate? It wiH be necessary, therefore, in ordCi' to break through this and other old fashioned notions, for you to deport yourselves as fol- lows:
In your circle oY acquaintances there must be some who, through poverty o'r otherwise, are com'- pelled to wear "frights of bonnets"' or "jDerfectly horrible dresses." Here is your chance. Nature ha5 beeti lavish enough to give you a nose; elevate the aforesaid as high as possible; gather the folds of your own "lovely silk or satin" garment and sweep past with an air of awful grandeur. That will most probably be a settler. If the poor girl is of a sensitive dis- position, she will probably, up- on reaching home, shed a' few tears. Ah! What a triumph! It is true she may be a good, kind, hard AVorking girl, but she is poor, and hence must be despised.
Whatever you do, be sure to cause as much bad feeling as pos- sible with your tongue. Be sure to say spiteful things about those A^^ith whom you are surrounded. This is one of the finest diversions in the world; it keeps nervous' people in a delightful state of in- dignation. Should a friend, by some mishap commit a little indis- ifetion, be iure to magnify his o r
her fault to the utmost. If it be one of your own sex, be particu- larly fersh; \tomen always deserve more blame than "perfectly splen- did" or "awful sweet" men, because the latter are probably "sowing wild oats," but for faults in your own sex (except they be in yourself) have not one iota of mercy.
In short, make this life as spicy for yourself and uncomfortable for others as possible; learn all the current items of gossip, and make it a point to repeat them with dis- patch and additions; never give a civil answef to any but those whom you wish to "captivate," and if you are compelled to do so, Tva?h out your mouth with an extra dose of disresp'ectful remarks or answers, at the earliest opportuni- ty; make all manner of ridicule of the aged and infirm; and, above all, no matter what befalls, "run the h-ouse!" I call special atten- tion to this last rule, as it brings many a gray hair and heavy sigh, whereas a different course would lead to happiness and love on the part of your parents.
Do all this, and I will assure yo\i that the ill-will of your ac- quaintances, the shame of your friends and sorrowful indignation of those who love you longest and dearest shall be your lot! This, it is true, is called the evil way. You should know which is best.
Rex G.
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48
THE AMATEUR.
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THE LAPSE OF TIME.
ONWARD, and ever onward flows the stream of time, never vafrying from its even course, and never pausing for any tardy ad- venturer that may be floating idly upon its surface, We may stand by its banks, and gaze upon its moving waves, and we think hoAv slowly they roll along; but ere we are aware, the little ripple which but a moment before started at our feet, has imperceptibly glided away, and is now lost in the dis- tance; and although A^e see it no more, it is still slo\Vly, but surely proceeding on to the great sea of eternity. Thus it is with the mo- ments of our time; they come and are gone before we have scarcely noticed their existence, and when once gone they can never be re- called. The miser may offer the hoarded wealth of years for only a few hours of the time which he has spent so foolishly, but his offer will be vain. And vaiti 'Mso would be the prayers of the poor sinner just entering the portals of death, for a few of those precious moments he has wasted, in which to make atonement for the past wickedness of his life.
The necessity of making the best use of our time has been the theme of poets; it has been sound- ed from the pulpit by men of ex- perience, and whispered in the ears of the young by those who were just passing away; but still the great mass of the people rush on heedless of the Warning so kindly given them, and perhaps realize only when too late, the great good
they might have accomplished had they pursued a different course. Let us be determined that we will not be numbered with this class, but ever seek earnestly for wisdom to guide us, that oitr lives may be replete with good deeds, that when our little bark shall have completed the voyage of life, it may be safely moored in the har- bor of Heaven, and we receive the Avelcome plaudit: "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the jovs of thy Lord," ' G.
yvii
(No. \^
William has olevcn oraQ;.,'cs wiiich he wishes to divide betwteeii James and Jolin, piviiiR .James three-sevenths more than Johu; hu* many auuuld eacli have.
|
16 5 |
3 10 |
■2 |
^3 |
|
11 7 |
8 |
||
|
9 |
6 |
12 1 |
|
|
4 |
^5 |
H |
No answer having been received tfl the above wd piii)lish it. Add np and down, right iind left; from corner to corner cro.sswise: tlie lour corners; the four ends of the two middle lines each way; four i-enti'e squares; the four sqiiafes otl each corner. It may berdad three ways still.
Answers to Charades in our last issue are as fol- lows: No. 1, "Blessed are the Peacenvakt^rs. ' No. 2, "Intdnipbrance." Correct answers have been icceived from Miss Belld I'arr, Chas. W. Ilill and Heber Piirdy.
Contribhtors to this column should he certain that their puzzles contain points of merit, and above all be certain that they are correct. They should also be accompanied with the answers.
^^i§=C)
M
IIIIIII!!!!lll!Iilllllli:lEIIIIIIIIIIIII
■^ KNOWLEDGE IS POWEK. ';if iiriffiiKiircrHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiiEiiiiiiiiiiiii
4* UNIck.lbsTKENGTE. If- iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiii
Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogdeit City.
No. 7.
OGDEN, UTAlt, Feb. 6, 1878.
Vol. I.
THE AMATEUR.
Kditrd and Puhlislied Bi-Wookly by tlip Younp; Mull's Mutual Iinprovciiiuut ASBiiciiition of Ogciou City, Ltiili.
igEtRY,
A MOTTO FOIi BOYS.
THE boy wlioddcs a stroke aud sti>iw, Will ne'ur a great man lie; Tistlic aggi-cgaie of single di'ojis Tbat makes flte.-^ca the pca.
The mountain was not at its birth
A niouatain, so tospeak; Tlie little atoms of sand and earth
Iluvte made itf {*eak a peak.
Not all at once the morning streams
The gold above the ^ray; ,- 'TisthousauiJ little ycHo'v gleams
Thi>,t makes the day a day.
Not from the snowdrift May awakes In pui-ples, i-eds.and greens;
SjH'iug's whole brij;ht retinue it takes To nuike her qiioiju of queens
Upon the orchard rain must fall. And soak from branch to root, ,
And blossom blooms and fades withal, Kefore the fruit is fruit.
The f.irmer must needs sow ^ijd iill, And wait the whcaten bread,
Then cradle, thresh, and go to mill Before the bread is bread.
THE PRESENT. P A ST AND FUTURE.
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WE aie living in an age when all erection seems to totter; when nothing in the shape of hu- man wordmanship, either mental or physical, seems to have any foundation to it. One nation of people are being swept away by another, and others likely to be dha\*Hi into tlie conflict. King- doms fear and tremble because of the great disasters which appers so imminent in the sign of the times. Man has lost all confidence in maii. Wickedness and crime of all descriptions have taken a firm foot-hold in all nations aiid are footing deeper and deeper. But we niust not dwell too long on i\\^ present state of afiairs, for it will only sicken the hearts of those v/hd couten4)laLe the awfiil sight. As for the workings of the past, especially the last forty-eight years, most glorious have been the
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results. A new dispensation has been opened, and one which is different in its character from any yet given to mankind. The king- dom of God has been established never to be thrown down again.
This dispensation has brought forth more hidden treasure and genuine knowledge for hu- man enlightenment than any one since theMeath of our Lord and Savior. It has opened the channel of inspiration and com- munication between man and his maker, and restored to earth those sacred keys by which her inhabi- tants can grasp the tree of life and feel their way back from where they came, to that paradise of love where sin and cruelty never enters, where sorrow never seeks the ach- ing breast and death, with all its pangs, has noc a claim. It is here we stop to contemplate eternity, the bitter and the sweet. But where comes the knowledge of all this bliss and happiness. It is from God the giver of all good gifts. The gates of heaven hat^e been opened and the spirits of jus-t men been permitted to enter there-- in. Angels have visited the earth and conversed with men in the flesh; delivered to them the keys of the Priesthood of the Son of God in their purity. Unbound the captive hearts of many of the
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honest and' innocent people of the earth, and the cry has gone forth, "Gather ye together oh my peo- ple and flee to the mountains for safety, for great are the scourges and calamities that are coming upon the children of men be- cause of their wickedness and abominations, which are great." The Lord has said that this land of America is a choice land above all others, and that whatsoever people dwell upon it shall serve Him, the Lord their God, or be swept away when the cup of their abomination is full. Now, the signs of the times plainly indicate that great disasters are nigh at hand, when many of the prophe- cies uttered by men of God in olden times are about to be ful- fdled. Kingdoms and Empires, which to human view have been the strongest in existence, will crumble to decay and pass away like the dew when the first bright rays of the sun sheds its resplendent light. upon the earth. But what great and mighty changes must take place be- fore that awful day, that the tares may be separated from the wheat and the pure in heart come out clean and unspotted. "Then awake ye defenders of Zion," put on the mantles and robes of righ- teousness and make yourselves as a
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solid mountain of rock against wickedness and crime, that when God shall call you can say ''here am I, Lord," and be prepared to meet Him in His glory. Then let us early and most carefully set to work and purify ourselves and honor God and His command- ments, that we may not. in the final day of reckoning, be found among the tares and be burned, "for behold the day cometh, saith the Lord of hosts, that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be as stubble, but unto you that fear my name shall the Son of Righ- teousness arise with healing in his wings and ye shall go forth and
grow up as calves of the stall."
K.
CORRESPOKDEXCE.
Morgan City, Morgan Co., January 15th, 1S78 Editor Amateur:
Dear Sir: — Having had the pleasure of reading two copies of your valuable little paper and no- ticing your invitation for corres- pondence, I improve the oppor- tunity of writing.
We have a M. L Association here, and a portion of our commu- nity realize much good from it. Some of our young men do not as yet, appear to fully realize the
necessity of availing themselves of every opportunity for adding to their store of knowledge, but I am in hopes they will do so soon. Those of us that are con- tributors to the M. L Association fully realize the necessity of self- culture, and that mutual improve- ment is our aim.
The subjects we treat are prin- cipally theological, and when any thing is advanced by the young members it is generally substanti- ated by scripture.
Our Bishop and other experi- enced Elders are members of our Association, all of whom are pleased to explain to us subjects that we do not comprehend. We are desirous of seeing all Mu- tual Improvement Associations throughout the Territory prosper, and the objects of your little paper crowned with success.
I remain yours in the Gospel of
Christ,
Jno. S. Barrett.
OF THE Y
OFFICERS
M. M. I. A.J CITY, UTAH:
West, President
OF OGDEN
Joseph A. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
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Edited nnil rnblisli.>a ]ii-Wcs'l;l.v, by the Ycmii- Men's Mnt'uil liiiiniivenieut. Assoc. atiuii, of Ogden Cily, Vtali.
Austin C. Brown,
Editor.
"iVEDKKSUAY, VEH bt\., 1S78.
TO PJiESiDE-XrS OF MUTUAL IMl'ROVE- ' MENT ASfiOCIATlOXS.
AVE will be pleafeil to semi the Amateur to iitl Presidents of Mutual Inii)i-ovenieut Association.^ wlio will forward us their names and addresses and ten cents jiostage. AVe also \v,\\tc tlioni, one and all, to favor us A^ifti an oetJisioual corres- pondence.
Our term as editor expired v/ith the last issue, but because of the discontinuance of meetings in pur- suance of resolutions by the City Council, no opportunity has of- fered for appointing a successor, hence, we are .compelled to con- tinue for another term.
TO THE YOUNG MFX OF OGDEX.
MUCH has been said and much might yet be said which would be of great beiVefit to the young men of this community if they would' carefully consider and l^rofit by such instructions.
It has often been remarked that the young are the hope and pride of Zion. It is expected that they will take up the work where their fa .hers leaye ofj. and carry it on
with increased power and ability. They should prepare themselves to step 'to the frCnt hnd take an actiye part in bearing off that kingdom which their fiithers have labored, suffered, and many of them died, to establish.
Realizing the responsibilities that will soon devolve upon us, it is surprising to see the indifference of many v\'ith regard to the ■ac(iui'- sition of knowledge, })rcferring to spend their time iu idle conversa- tion in which there i.-^ no ])rofit, \.\rile such a world of useful infor- mation lies before them, and a\l that is required is to reach outancl grasp the rich' treasures. But to excel requires the unceasing labor of years, and this is the reason why so few ever reach the top of the ladder of fame.
The Gospel is to be preached to all nations and Israel gathered from every land, from the islands of the'sea,' from the wilds of North and South America, Zion is to be redeemed, temples and cities are to be built to the name of our God, and many other great and • mighty works are to be accom- plished. Then will be needed judges, legislators,' governors and men of^ intelligence in every branch of public and private inter- est, men df high moral standing and intellectual culture, Ayho are
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willing to devote their lives to the building up of the great latter-day work.
Such is the high destiny q|^ every faithful young man in this com- munity. Let us then improve the fleeting moments while they are ours a.id make n a rule to learn a little every day so that when the duties ot life are laid upon us we may be able to bear them off with honor to ourselves and satisfaction to all with whom we may be asso- ciated.
L'o^ i-:sTr.
POLITICS.
Acelebr
ated writer has said that
w
F we wish to be honored and re- spected through life, we must be honest in all our action-; and ever strive to be honest in whatever position we may be i;)laced. By being honest and truthful wj >yill gam a name that will never be lost, and will be re- spected by our friends and by all with whom we are associated. If we see any of our associates going astray let us be honest with them a.Kl talk to them kindly and never say anything to rob them or their name. We should be honest with ourselves, with our friends and with cur God; in this way we will be honored and resi:)ected wherever v/e gc/ ' ?!•
sary evils— their ^^teqessity arisintj trom the selfishness and stupidity of mankind."
This may seem a strange saying, but is nevertheless a true one. Were all mankind willing and able to acknowledge and respect the rights of others and to commit no crinie it is evident th.-.t there would be no necessity for a code of laws defining the rights of the peopj-e or providing against ag- gression and wrong. But as we are a fallen race prone to do e\il and slow to do good governments have to be instituted to protect us against one another, which as- sumes a liberal character among the more inteligent and moral sub- divisions of mankind, and atyrani- cal and despotic form among the more selfish and ignorant. Thus it will be seen by reference to his- tory that in all ages of the world the character of govei.nments have been conformable to the character of the people composing them and that as the people became corrupt their governments necessarily be camedespotic and in time crum- bled to decay.
The American government was estabished under the broad ceges of
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moral and intellectual supremacy. Our fathers fled from the oppression of the old world to seek an asylum in the promised land, where no law existed but the law of nature, and where freedom reigned su- preme. At iirst they knew no man-made laws and bowed in sub- mission to no man-made govern- ments, but as their numbers in- creased and a proneness to evil was manifested on the part of some, regulations for mutual pro- tection had to be instituted, the enforcement of which, in the course of time, necessitated the as- sessment of a tax, and thus the elements of a government gradu- ally became instituted upon this continent.
For lack of space the above ar- ticle had to be continued. A.
[to be CONTISUKD.J
INDUSTRY.
THE habit of industry is one which should by no means be neglected by the young man or wo- man whose oljject in life is to ac- cpiire knowledge, both as relates to the physical and a mental char- acter. We should realize that we are required by our Heavenly Father to be industrious and that it is essential to our health and happiness, as well as being the means of providing those things
that are necessary for our daily sustenance. ''There is no excel - once without labor," is a truism which is well understood by all, and why try to evade the carrying into effect of the same by wasting our time in idleness, frequenting saloons, billiard halls, and other places of a like character? Better by far study the arts and sciences which are so necessary to make us useful and honorable members of society. We have the privilege of attending meetings of a literary and religious nature, both of which tend to draw our minds from the many temptations that are con- tinually presented before us, which would, if indulged in, render us unfit for the associations of those who have been industrious, and have sought to perfect themselves in every good and n-oble undertak- ing. Hence, young friends, let us cultivate those traits of character that will, in after years, redound to our honor and be a continual source of joy and happiness to the soul, that it may be said of us when we have finished our course his life was characterized with in- dustry. P.
HOME.
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THERE q;-e very few, if any, ot the Latter-day Saints, who are without good and comfortable homes; yet, how many there are.
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especially among the young, that do not realize or appreciate this great blessing, and are careless and indifferent in regard to making them what they should be, a heaven on earth.
At home we lay the foundation of our whole lives; hence, how important that it should be a hap- py and orderly one; if it is not such, i"; is because we do not en- deavor to make it so; and as we form habits whde young that will follow us through life, let us commence at home with father and mother, brothers and sisters, by forming habits that v/ill be worthy of imitation, and that will bring to us honor and respect from those with whom we may associate.
We can make ourselves, and all
around us. hajjpy, if we constant- ly seek for the spirit of God to di- rect Us, and strive to fill our homes, and the hearts of those who are near and dear to us, with sunshine and love. Valentine.
INFIDELITY.
WE are all awtire, or should be, that there is a growing dispo- sition among all classes of people to disbelieve the precious truths that are contained within the lids of the Bible, truths that have been i
accepted by all Christian denomi- nations that have sprang up since the Christian era. Our country is teeming with learned men that are using their utmost energies through the press to produce a reign of infidelity in the land and lead the most devout believers in the Bible to deny the existence of a God that rules over the universe and answers our pravers. How ridiculous it seems for men to travel about the country teaching the people that there is no God when we have plenty of evidences to substantiate our belief that there is such a being. When we look around us and see the sun shine and see the firmament in all its glory, the mountains, oceans, seas, lakes and rivers and all the beau- ties of nature that we gaze upon, does it not seem absurd to believe that there is no God that has brought into existence all these things?
If we wish to escape the snares that are laid to catch us and lead U5 from the truth, we have got to be less skeptical, read sacred books more than we do, and be- come thoroughly acquainted with all kinds of historical and scientific knowledge; if we do this we will never drift into infidelity and say that we believe there is no God. S. E. A.
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MEMORY.
IIT EMORY is tii'e Svrecl nliislc of the past; it brings happy thoughts to our remembrance. What a blessing it is that our Heavenly Father has, through his goodness, permitted us to live and enjdy blessings thaf bring glad- nes to ou'- he.irts. There is riot a
person who cannot remember s'orii^
. "v . . . ■
happy and enjoyable time in life
that . is a source df con- solation fo them when they arc oppressed and borne down with trouble and grief. Even the child can call to memory pleasant and happy hours' thatlave been spent in climbing the hillside or roani- ing through fields and meadows' culling the choicest flowers that could be found, or indulging in such other pastime that is common to children. We all, no doubt, can remember i:i'duble, but if we look on the bright side of it it amounts to nothing compared with those happy thoughts that dawri upon the mind and cause us to re'- niember the pleasures that are past and gone never to return. It is thus that the sweet reminiscences of the past shed a ray of light upon our path when apparently every other avenue is closed against us.
Cad.
A Niagara hackman during a quarrel the other day was shot through the heart. Not being hit in a '7ital part, he has recovered, while a fellow hackman, who was kicked in the pocket during the same (juarrel, died instantly.
"Why do you paint?" asked a violinist of his daughter. '-Forili^ same reason that you^use rosin," papa, ;;What'^^^ tha,t?'' Why it helps mc to draw my beau.
ASTI
yMLES,
CHARADE.?.
(No..-).;) ,^ I .am cnmpos"tl of-2"2 lottery. My lit, 3, t), ,i, i.? II rapiiciiiiH bivJ. ^|y 1(5, S, 2, 12, 11, is tliy name eCa river. JI.v 1, 2, 22, 5, 1:3, i.s the uaiiu? oCa city. My 15, 21, 2, S, 11, i.s a niu.siual iiistruiiiciit. My 7, 15, 5, \n a tool.
My 17, 1, 0, 5, 11,14, is what Wl, slionliUry fo be. My wliiile i.s a (luotatioii from the Uible. ;
I My My My My ]Mv Mv
ny
My
(No r,.)^,
.ain composed (if 19 letter.-^.
0, 15, IS, 16, is a licaveiilv body
4, 1:1. :;, 16, i.s a small liiril.
2,7, S, i.s a n--ftiilf(i\vl.
4.,1), 1;!, 11. i.s sumctliiTi- that crawls.
17, ',), 11, 3, is part ot'a house.
0. in, is a piepositioii.
1, 5, i;!, i), S, 1. 15, is a lar.a-f" city.
whole ia the title ofabook. " C. W. II
, _•:. (Xo. 7.) . .
1 am a snnaijie of woman or inaiS Now try and .:;iioss nic if you cau. Bi'Iiead me as a bird I^iug . -
.*(,) sweetly while I'm on the wing; Behead aj^iliil and ymi'll behold- A thing that w:\s in diiy-f ol' old; *e.s it was |na<lc. before <-he llond ,, liy one wlio lovtd aud worshij ed Gad^
Ci.ulribulors to. this enluMin should be ccrtaiii that their puzzh s conlain points of nierit, and aliove .all Ije certain that they are correct. They Bhould also lie accomi)anicd with the answers.
AKJ^" Ansv>rrs tn the ahove urt> rcqxeslai, which if received in time, ivill iipperir in ejur ne.rt issue.
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M
iiiittiniiiiiiriiiinkiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
UNICH IS CTEENGTH. ^
niiniiiiu'uiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiinisiii - , /^^'A rV*
-5> KN0WLE23E 13 PO\rEE. s-j- ^p -"^1fe-'4|>5
iiiiiiiimusmninimjimiiimin 'I j'^k'M^^^'^ iiiinit;iiiiimii.!.tilJJiM^minniiii
Published nv the V. M. M. I. A., of Ogden Citv.
No. 8.
OGDEN, UTAH, Feb. 20, 1878.
Vol.
THE AMATEUR.
Editp.l ar.<\ Piil.lislifil ISi-AVecldy Uy tlio Yontis Mfii's Mutual Inii)ri)vc;iifciit Association of Oj^auii City, Liah.
POLITICS.
nihe early colonists of this country J- lived in what has been termed the golden age of literature, when the contest between intelligence and free thought on the one hand and ignoring superstition and thraUdom on the other were work- ing mighty revolutions throughout the whole face of Europe. Emerg- ing frorn the conflict with reli- gious convictions and political sentiments purified by the fires of these reformatory times they were eminently fitted to bcconic the worthy founders of a great repub- lican nation. Inured to hardship and taught in nature's school their ideas of government naturally as- sumetl the most practical shape, and while they Avere ready to cast
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aside the dogmas of the old world they were also equally ready to adopt whatever of good its politi- cal systems possessed.
Such was the school of our fathers, and when at length they were made to feel the hand of for- eign oppression and taught their mutual dependence, city upon city and colony upon colony their friendship increased, and their union became so cemented that the combined power of one of the greatest nations of the earth became inadequate to subdue them. The pent up fires of freedom belched forth like the spontaneous forces of a mighty volcano consuming the last vestige of despotism upon this fair land, clearing the moral atmosphere of every clement inimical to freedom, and erecting a political structure whose dome towers far above the political monuments of time.
Thus our nation early became a
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nation of tried and tnnty patriots wlio \rere willing to sacrifice their lives and all they possessed for the boon of liberty. And since it re- quired such unselfish devotion to a common cause to establi^^b this government, so also will it require the utmost love of country and re- gard for republican principles to perpetuate our nation's greatness. ^Ve want good men in office; but before we can expect this there must be a pure republicai\ senti- ment directing the votes of the nation. Blind partizan fanaticism must be driven from the political field and intelligent, liberal, cos- mopolitan motives direct the poli- tical affairs of the country. To this end every American citizen should become a political student and be educated to that standard of republican excellence which will secure the utmost freedom and in tegrity throughout all the depart- ments of our local and national governments. A.
0 UR IMPR 0 VEMENT A SSOCIA TIONS.
Salt Lake City, Feb. 4, '78. Editor Amateur: ri"^HE organization of M. I. Asso- -Lciations throughout the Terri- tory marks the first outgrowth of that spirit of genius which must for a time lie dormant in any com-
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munity of pioneers. In the first years of the settlement of a new country, all talents and time must be called together to subdue the evils of climate and soil; and it is not until the first generation is v/ell in its j)rime, tlsat any of the better arts of learning and culture will penetrate their midst. Even so has it been with Utah: the past quarter of a century has sten the fight of the hardy settlers with Mother Nature; and i^ow that they may look abroad over wide fields and comfortable homes, and feel that the wants of life are assured, they may turn their thoughts to the cultivation of their craving intellects, and engraft in the minds of their children those principles of enlightenment to which they have so long been comparative strangers.
My own limited experience does not permit me to make mention of Associations outside of this city; but hereabouts, as far as I have seen, the young people have deep- ly appreciated this nev/ movement for their benefit. The nineteen different M. I. Societies of this city are all in a flourishing condi- tion, and those vituijcrative bodies who have so much to say about the ignorance of the "Mor- mon" youth might find something to astonish them if they could
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bring themselves to visit our ward associations. I have the honor to preside over the M. I. Society of our ward ; as it is the youngest and smallest ward of the city, our attendance is not as numerous as many others, but, though essen- tially juvenile, it comprises the greater portion of the youth of our ward. "The gir's" are admitted as well as "the boys,'' and in their exercises are fully as efficient; each evening a programme is made out by a committee, which assigns to a certain number of members such duties as readings, declamations, essays, dialogues, music, &zc., and -though the society is understood to be mainly a religious one, it is not thought best to restrict the ex- ercises altogether to religious topics; for the most part, however, they are of a moral or religious tone, and the committee on pro- grammes usually require the read- ings and declamations to be from such books as Spencer's Letters and Key to Theology; essays are assigned to be written ©n Truth, Faitii, Happiness, etc., etc., and nearly every night the meiaabers hand in a sufficient number of questions on various topics to be •distributed equally around, and which are returnable at the nexi meeting v/ith an answer. That your Association is flourishing, is (jiiite apparent from its little pub- lication, the Amateur, a copy of which lies before me; a better means of bringing out your literary
talent I think could not be devised ; in ray opinion many of the articles are as good as any that are found in like periodicals of the world, and that it may "wave long and wide" is the sincere wish of your friend, IxMPRovement.
FRIENDSHIP.
WITHOUT friendship life has no charm; uncheered by social intercourse, life would, indeed, be barren. The only things which can render friendship sure and lasting, ar<e virtue, purity of man ners, an elevated soul, and perfect integrity of heart.
Y<3ur friend ! What words can picture all he is to you — all he in- spires you to be to yourself — all the goodness ai^d greatness which, in his presence, seems possible in life? The sweetest, and truest, and best part of our nature is mag- netized, and thrilled to its very centre.
Lovers -of victue should have Eone but men of virtue for their friciids; and on this point the proof of worthiness ought princi- pally to turn; because where there is no virtue there is no security tliat our honor, confidence and friendship will not be betrayed and abused. The necessary ap- pendages of friendship are confi- dence and benevolence. W.
GO
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EiJitwJ Rod Jhililishwl Bi-W»-«>kl>, liy tlit Young Meu's Mnt'uil luiptu\'eiiieut Assoviiitiuu, nf Otfaen City, UtaU.
Austin C. Brown,
Editor.
WliDNESDAY FKB COtli, ISVS.
ro riiEsiDEsrs of sivrrAt imi^kove-
J/A\V3* AJ^SOCJA 'JJOXS.
■WEwi)! lie pleased to s»nd tlio Amatkitr to all Preaiilents of Mutual Improveiu&iit AssooUttiuiis who will forw-aril us their iitimes ami tttlili-esses and twi cents j>(>»tagd. Ww «{so^ ijirite them, one and nil, to luviir us ViitU au occusiuuat cunes- pondeuco.
ova MFETISGS KESiMED.
ABOUT five weeks ago the city of Ogden was placed under quarantine in consequence of which our Hicetings were suspend- ed; anxiety and foreboding seemed to pervade the public mind, busi- ness was paralyzed and a recur- rence of the scenes of a year ago for a time appeared imminent. But by the blessing of the Lord and the good management of the City Fathers, that fearful calamity is averted, the dread disease is once more forced from our city, business is beginning to resume its former activity and Ave are again permitted to enjoy the association of friends in our meetings and lis- ten to the rich instructions of those
whose practical experience is most valuable and is calculated to mate- rially aid us in battling with the stern realities of life.
For these great blessings our minds should be drawn out in thankfulness to our Father in heaven^and we should endeavor to manifest our ap[>reciation by re- newed diligence in attending our meetings and performing those duties which may be assigned to us.
It is understood that Elder Joseph Stanford will deliver the lecture previously announced, on the subject of "Language," on Wednesday evening, the 20th in- stant.
Bro. Stanford is a speaker of un- questioned ability, and no doubt will present for our consideration many ideas which will be of great value to those who profit by them. In this connection we Avould re- spectfully suggest to our lecture committee the propriety of secur- ing the services of some able lec- turer, who will favor us with a dis- course upon the resources, business prospects and natural peculiarities of Utah, that our young men who will be sent with the message of the gospel to the nations may be able to answer the numerous (jues- tions that wiE! undoubtedly be asked on these subjects, and no doubt much good will come of it.
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COR R ESrONDEXCE.
We received a communication from North Ogden, from which we condense the following:
Elder Thos. Wallace delivered a lecture before the Y. M. M. I. A. of this place on Sunday evening, Jan. 27, his subject being "The Remarkable Features of the Nine- teenth Century "
He referred with great force and plainness to the restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the rapid development of the arts and sciences since that time, which would exercise a pow- erful influence toward the accom- plishment of the greatest work ever given to man. Referred to the martyrdom of Jose])h and Hyruni while under the pledged faith of the State of Illinois for their protection, and the subse- quent drivings and the final exodus of over 20,000 people from the borders of civilization^ who were forced to seek a home in these interior wilds.
The lecturer next referred to President Brigham Young; to his remarkable ability as an organizer, statesman and philanthropist, and the success which characterized all his efforts in whatever capacity his energies were directed.
The lecture was interesting throughout and was listened to with marked attention.
Bro. Wallace has kindly con- sented to repeat the above lecture before the Y. M. M. I. A. of Og- den City, on Wednesday evening next. We trust that he will be greeted with a good attendence.
THE LESSON OF SUBMISSION.
iV
'IT/'HILE domiciled with my ' ' earliest friend, Uncle Laron, I learned a lesson, the remem- brance of which shall never leave me. I was nursing with impatience my wound, which improved so very slowly that under the con- tinued confinement and pain I grew restive, and complained bit- terly of my condition.
"Don't speak so, my boy," said Uncle Laron one day, when I had been unusually demonstrative in speech, "to do so evinces a spirit of rebellion against Providence."
"But why?" I asked, although awed somewhat by his grave man- ner, "surely there is no sin in be- wailing one's misfortune?"
He answered, "There is a dif- ference between chiding circum- stances and speaking doubtfully of the wisdom of 'Him, who doeth all things well.' I have lived in this world many more years than you, my boy; and I tell you, if you wish to be happy in life, you should endeavor, instead of con- tinually repining at your afflictions and the hardness of your lot, to say — in all humility, 'Not as I will,OhFather,butasThou wilt." "
"Uncle Laron," I ventured to remark, "did you ever find it easy
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in the hour of trial to say those words?"
"Often, my boy, and from the spirit which prompted me, I have derived comfort far beyond that which any earthly power could give. Not that I have always so firmly relied on the wisdom of Di- vine Providence, however : once, ere I had fully learned that God's ways are infinitely superior to our ways — I mean when Adina, the wife of my youth, was taken irom the earth, during the first stage of my grief I felt to upbraid Provi- dence with gross injustice, and re- fused to be comforted.''
A long silence ensued. I sat mo- tionless regarding him while a few tear drops stole silently down the kind old face, as memory vividly recalled the loving form- of the young wife whose body was laid in the cold, damp earth a quarter of a century since. After a time I softly spoke: '^Uncle Laron, tell me of her death: it occurred after you came to the valley, did it not?"
"Yes, after we came io the val- ley of the Great Salt Lake, my boy. But I will tell you all."
Then in his deep, thrilling voice he spoke on. And I — forgetting all else in the interest of his story, seemed carried back to the time when the cities and towns of this valley were in their infancy, and
the site of the now luxuriant orchards and fields was but a bar- ren waste.
"My boy, from the first time I heard the glad sound of the gospel in old Connecticut,! felt impressed with its truth ; so much so that when I was obliged to choose be- tween remaining among my kin- dred and friends i:! ease and com- fort, and taking my departure to join the Saints in the far west, with no reluctance I chose the -latter. The trials of the Saints — of VN'hich I was a partaker — in per- secution, in hunger and distress, in traversing hundreds of miles of trackless and unbroken country to reach this valley, the haven of their rest, have become subjects of history: no need to recount them now. Enough to say that after five years of toil and hardship, willingly undergone, I found my- self here with youth, health, and a fair proportion of the comforts of existence as my lot. We, Adina and I, had been married but a year when we moved into our oicn modest little house. Very proud and happy we were in it; for though it was built of unhewn Ipgs and si-tuated mearly two jsniles from any other human habitation, still it was all our own, and as such, better than a palace belonging to anyone else. Then we settled
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down to the enjoyment of life, fondly anticipating the joys of the future and believing ourselves the happiest people in the world.
"But alas for our rose colored dreams of futurity! Ere six short months — so very fleeting that they seem to have vanished as a breath of summer wind, had glided by, an event occurred which shattered all my castles, and plunged me for a time from the heights of bliss into an abyss of pain. Just as the first chill blasts of November gave token of approaching winter, Adina sank into a wasting fever. Day after day as I came in from toil, to my unspeakable sorrow I found her sinking lower and Ijwer, until finally, out of sheer anxiety, I was obliged to give up my usual labor and remain constantly in the house.
"As the days sped on, she grew worse; and at length the life I loved s I well — that I would gladly have died to save — lay trembling in the balance. Oh, the ag-jny of those weary hours of watching! How I hoped and prayed and begged in trembling tones that she might be spared !
"Just at the close of one of those dreary, mournful days, with her sweet, musical voice reduced to the faintest breath, she called me to her bedside and asked to be raised from the pillow. I lifted
her in my strong arms and held her against my beating heart, while a look of ineffable peace stole over her dear wasted face. For half an hour I held her thus — no word being spoken; but her licpiid, loving eyes, far more be- seeching and eloquent than words, fixed intently upon rne; then, without a single quiver of the white lips, without a single tremor of the frail body, the pure, un- stained soul took its departure, and I held in my almost nerveless arms the material substance, with- out the quickening spirit, of Adina, my beloved wife.
"With bursting heart, with pas- sionate, rebellious feelings, I laid the lifeless form on the bed, de- cently composed the limbs, cov- ered with a sheet the white, marble face, and then with grief-bowed head passed through the desolate house into the gloomy world be- yond.
"Oh, fitting type of my sorrow! Black, heavy clouds had settled down upon the earth like a pall; the universe seemed to mourn with me; so far as I could see, not a living thing stirred on the face of the earth; the sky was still shroud- ed in funeral gloom. Suddenly a few gentle rain-drops fell in token of sympathy; and then, as if re- lieved by the slight flow of tears,
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the vault of heaven brightened; far in the west the clouds rose from the bosom of the lake, disclosing a scene of marvelous beauty. The sun had set; but — beyond the dark curtain which had slowly lifted like a proud artist gently slid ng the veil and jealously revealing the loveliness of his picture — his rays had 4yed the heavens with crimson light and transformed the patches of fleecy clouds into masses of molten gold Yet, even as I looked, ♦he glory died away; the brilliant colors faded into amber and violet hues; and at last came darkness.
"I sawand realized all this — how a flash of brightness could pierce the blackest cloud; yet in my blindness I would not allow a ray of light to illumine my spirit even for an instant; and, as the dark- ness of night now hid from my carnal gaze the things of earth, so the darkness of my soul obscured from my spiritual vision the light of God's truth. In my sin and folly I cried, 'Let midnight reign forever on the earth, since the sun of my lite is extinguished!'
"Then with a shudder at my own blasphemy, I tried to pray; the effort had a powerful effect upon me; I began to struggle with the adversary. All night long I paced up and down before that humble
house, determined not to enter until I could recognizeGod's hand in my bereavement. Thus strug- gling the grey dawn of morning found me; and thus determined the glory of morning sun burst upon me, bringing instant convic- tion and flooding my soul with calm and holy joy.
"For, did not the sun that de- clined in darkness, rise o'er the eastern mountains in peerless effulgence? Did not the Lord Jesus say, T am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, tliough he were dead, yet shall he live?'
"Then, with broken and contrite spirit, I entered the room where the mother and sister of Adina had laid out the earthly tabernacle in pure, white robes. Standing there, gazing without a sigh upon the impassive form, involuntarily I spoke: Tt is sown in corruption; it is reaped in incorruption!' "
Verily, "He doeth all things well." Kennon.
OFFICERS OF THE V. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN
criY, UTAH; Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
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Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogden City
No. g.
OGDEN, UTAH, March 6, 1878.
Vol. I.
THE AMATEUR.
EditeJ and Published Bi-Weekly by tbe Young Men's Mutual laiprovemeut Association of Ogdeu City, Utah.
HAVE AN Am IN LtFE.
NEVER go a drone throngli lifef But always have an aim; Though tliis world be full of strife,
Yet strive to win a name. Time is valued more than gold"
By those who strive to win: They who get the firmest hold,
Are they who fii'st liegiu. Though the path seems rough to you,
And rugged all the way. Yet with courage tirm and true,
Tou sure will win the day; Others they may scofl' and jeer,
But do not step aside; Stniggle on and do not foar,
The path will open wide. Highest prizes are not won
By those who do not work; Steady on 'til daj- is done.
No duty you mtist shirk; Choo-eyour lesson, learn it well.
And muster all you can: Perseverance sure will tell,
And make of yon a man. Sweetest roses always bloom
The highest on the bush; In the world for you there's room,
If you will only push; First be sure ycni're in the i-igbt,
And then just look ahead; Sure the goal will come in sight
Before the day is sped. Do not then, discouraged be.
Nor give up in despair; TVork, and in the cud you'll seer
The prize will be your share. Enter bravely into the strife,
You sure will rise to fame; Sweet success is yours in life
If you but have an aim.
THE LECTURE.
ON Wednesday evening, the zoth ult., Elder Joseph Stantord de- livered his lecture on "Language" which was announced to have taken place previous to the quar- antine regulations being placed upon the city. The building was crowded to its utmost capacity, and many people were unable to gain admission. The lecturer re- ferred to and repeated a number of English provincialisms; spoke of the necessity of acquiring a cor- rect knowledge of our mother tongue, of cultivating a habit of correct speaking, and expressing our thoughts clearly and intelli- gibly. Hoped ere long to see colleges and other institutions of learning established in this place, where our young men can be taught other languages besides the English; also every other branch of literature that will embellish
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and adorn their minds, and be to them a source of lasting pleasure and utility.
The lecturer spoke a little over an hour, and handled the subject in an interesting manner, during which the utmost attention pre- vailed. We regret that our limited space prevents us giving a more extended notice of the lecture, which it richly deserves.
THE DOOM OF NATIONS.
HOW frequently the doom of nations has been determined by the issue of a single combat be- tween a few thousand men. A.us- terlitz, Marengo, the plains of Waterloo, the battle of Sadowa and the capitulation of Sedan, amply testify to this. What were the numbers employed, the time occupied and the number of lives lost on any one of these occasions compared with the momentous consequences produced upon the states and kingdoms whose fate was involved in the issue? A de- cisive battle is lost, and the will of the conqueror is imposed upon a whole kingdom. Military men tell us that to maintain an army of a given strength in the field at least three times that number of trained men must be reckoned upon. One-third of this force
faces the enemy, a second is held ready to supply the casualties in the first and the third to fill up the va- cancies in the second. When Germany,in i87o,invaded France, what did we expect to stop the progress of the German forces but the army opposed to them? But when the first line of the French defence was defeated, she had no reserve, and her militia and the levy en masse which took place proved useless. From the wars of 1866 to 1870 some most important lessons may be obtained as to the short, sharp and decisive character of modern warfare, and we may be excused for briefly recalling two or three leading facts as to dates as- sociated with each of these remark- able campaigns.
On the iSth of June, 1866, Prussia declared war against Aus- tria. Five days afterward — on the 23d — the Prussian forces were in Pohemia; on the 3d of July, or fifteen days after the declaration of war, Benedek was utterly de- feated at Sadowa, and the war was practically ended. On the 4th of July Austria ceded Venetia to Italy, and a fortnight afterwards was witnessed the formation of the new German confederation, which was superceded in 1871 by the es- tablishment of the Germ.in Em- pire.
I'he events of the Franco- Prussian war of 1870 were almost
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as abrupt, sudden and overwhelm- ing ^\^ar was declared in Berlin on the 19th of July; on the 23d, four days afterwards, the bridge of Kiell was blown up by the Ger- mans, and on the 6th of August, eighteen days after the declaration of war, McMahon was totally de- feated at the battle of Woerth. On the first of September the bat- tle of Sedan took place, and, on the following d-iy, or forty-five days from the opening of the war, the Emperor Napoleon was a prisoner.
The facts thus briefly summarized show the hopelessness of trusting to "making soldiers" after a war has been declared, and the abso- lute necessity, above all things, of forming a powerful force of train- ed men in time of peace, for a re- serve, but living in their own homes. M.
TR UE RELIGIOX.
ALTHOUGH the Nineteenth Century has produced the most enlightened race of people that has ever inhabited the earth, so far as art, science and scholastic refinement are concerned, it has also produced Christian denomi- nations that are far from practising the precepts taught by the worth'es of olden times. Each of the sec- tariaij^ denominations of to-day profess to believe in the same God aad the same Savior; each sect contends that // is right and all the rest wrong. Now there is only one
right, consequently all others must be wrong. The question arises, which z> the right religion? This question has perplexed the great minds of the religious world for a number of years without a satisfac- tory solution. Each thinks his religion contains the most merit, and produces a better chance for him to fill his pockets with that which is worshipped by a majority of the world — money. The reli- gion that teaches the most elevat- ing principles and practices the commands laid down by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, when he was upon the earth, is the religion that will in some future day be looked to as the only plan of sal- vation and exaltation. How many of the eminent preachers of Christ- endom are there that sincerely be- lieve the doctrine they preach, and live up to the principles they ex- pound, in their daily walk of life? Are there not many that put on a very solemn countenance for Sun- day and preach a most excellent sermon — enough to make their audito's look upon them as para- gons of purity and sincerity? But when Sunday is over, that is the last of their religion until Sunday returns, and during the time in- tervening,these very preachers may be seen dabbling in all kinds of sin and wickedness, thereby trans- gressing the laws of Him whom they profess to worship.
S. E. A.
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THE AMATEUR.
Edited and Pulilished Bi-Wcckly, by the Young M«n's Mut'iiil Inipiovenieiit Association, of Ojden City, Utah.
John P. Smith,
Editor.
TVEDNESDAY, MARCH 6th, 1878.
TO PRESIDE^'TS OF MUTUAL IMrROVE-
AlEiXT A SSOCIA TIONS.
We will be pleased to send the Amateur to all Presidents of Mutual Improvement Associations Trho will forward us their names and addresses and ten cents postage. We also] invite them, one and all, to favor us with an occasional corres- pondence.
THE FIRST.
FOR the first time in the course of our existence, and despite our protestations of lack of expe- rience and ability, the duties of an editor have devolved upon us. We very much regret, and can truth- fully say that we do not in any way feel exultant or joyous over the brilliant prospects offered us through this channel. We make no pretentions to literary learning or journalistic ability, and other obligations place us under the ne- cessity of conducting our editorial duties by lamplight, which, to- gether with the limited time at our disposal may be the cause of errors, grammatical and other- wise, creeping in here and there.
despite our most careful scrutiny and attention. We are amateurs, just commencing the struggle of life, contending and battling against ignorance, striving with all diligence and exertion to climb the ladder of fame, and seeking con- tinually for the Spirit of God to direct us in our proceedings. We firmly believe that the Amateur will be the means of bringing into active exercise some of the latent talent of the younger portion of our community, and lead to the development of those abilities which are so essential to the ad- vancement and progress of the Kingdom of God upon the earth. We therefore ask that the eye of the critic scan not too closely our feeble efforts, but that he will take into consideration the above im- portant facts, and kindly "pass our imperfections by. "
GOOD AND BAD.
ONE hundred and forty-six years ago, on the 2 2d of February last, on the homestead at Bridge's Creek, in the State of Vermont. George Washington, "The Father of our Country," was born. George had only the commonest advantages of the day — no lan- guage but his own, and simple in- struction in the ordinary branches
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of an English education were the extent of his privileges. On the i2th of April, 1743, while yet in his prime, George was afflicted by the death of his father, Augustine Washington. By this sudden and great loss, Mary, the mother of George, became his guide and in- structor, and moulded his charac- ter for the future eminence which he attained. From a child he was fond of the mimic sport of a sol- dier's life. This love of adventure grew upon him. As an illustration of his obedience, it is said that at the age of fourteen years a mid- shipman's warrant was obtained for him, and his luggage was on board a man-of-war when, his mo- ther's heart failing her, George, the ever obedient son, gave up the plan of seeking fame in the navy. Returning to school, George de- voted his attention to improvement in all those branches calculated to fit him for civil or military service. Perseverance and completeness marked his whole course, and the habits of method and order which were then established, adhered to him through life. He found time to do everything and to do it well. In short, his was a character which, even in boyhood, marked him out to be a leader and guide of others. His schoolfellows came to him to decide their little differences, and
his sincerity and fairness gave him the ascendancy at all times.
The life of Washington, his obedience and truthfulness to his parents is well known to every school boy. We have only given a short sketch of his early history in order to show the differences ex- isting between him and some of the boys of our day. True, we have in our community many good and honest boys and girls, who will evidently, at some future day, fill honorable positions. On the other hand there are many of a different character, boys who, un- like Washington, have a growing disposition to do evil. "Satan always finds work for idle hands to do," and consequently, mischief, quarrels, fights and disturbances of every nature and description are general with them. We might enumerate a great many vices prac- ticed by this class of the youth, if neceesary, but they are too well known to need particularizing. Such conduct in boys is sometimes thought to be the fault of parents in not giving proper heed to their religious and moral guidance, and preparing them for the duties and responsibilities of life; but as a general thing it is not. Parents have a great deal more of the outside element to contend with to- day than they had several years
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ago. All classes of people, good, bad 'and indifferent, are flocking into our community yearly, and some of the worst and most de- graded specimens of humanity are frequently dropped here; Ogden, being the terminii of so many railroads, is particularly noted for this one feature. Our boys are caught in the snare, and are soon victims to the most foul and vicious habits and vices.
The question naturally arises, what is to be done with such boys? We are unable to say, but at the same time feel certain that some means could be devised by which they can be brought to a knowl- edge of their situation. Something ought to be done, as they are fast becoming a nuisance and disgrace to the respectable portion of our community, and are only a draw- back to those of their schoolmates who are endeavoring to do the will of their parents and teachers. If allowed to pursue the course they are taking they will inevitably bring remorse upon themselves and sorrow and affliction to the hearts of their parents, many of whom are entirely ignorant of the vicious ways of their offspring, and whom, if informed of the fact, would un- doubtedly 'exclaim in the words of the father of Washington: "I would rather have seen him nailed in his coffin," etc.
&)lv^
Let us use our influence for the reformation of these boys. Let children be kept out of the streets, away from bad company, and let us have a class of boys, intelligent, honest, moral and religious in char- acter. Give us plenty of boys like George Washington, ''Active, en- ergetic, prompt, ready; knowing how to obey quite as well as how to command." These qualities might well have raised him above his fellows, and indicated the greatness and nobleness of the ca- reer before him.
rOSTPONEMEXT OF OXE ISSUE.
IN consequence of a ''rush" of very urgent work at the Ogden Junction office, wherby the type, etc., used in the publication of our little periodical will be needed for a week or two, the next number of the Amateur will, as a necessity, have to be posponed until Wed- nesday, March 27th — three weeks from the date of the present issue. We trust this explanation will be satisactory to our readers and patrons.
. — ♦ • ♦ ■
OFFICERS
OF THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN CITY, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor. Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
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A WORD ON CHARITY.
CHARITY is one of the noblest virtues that God has given to man. Yet how few of us cultivate it? How few of us realize the many obligations we are under to our Heavenly Father for the blessings and com/orts of life — for our very existence upon the earth.
The Lord has commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us, therefore, be kind and charitable to all with whom we come in contact; let us scatter seeds of kindness, love and chari- ty, wherever we go, that we may be the means of brightening the life of some weary soul. We know not how much good just one kind word may do to those who are on the path to ruin; or how much comfort it may give to those who are cast down, or bereCL of friends.
Let us search for the good qual- ities in each other, instead of finding fault. If we are tempted to speak unkindly of any one, we should examine our own hearts and see if we are free from error. I think we will find that none of us are perfect. We should, there- fore, cultivate the spirit of charity and love. Bring peace and hap- piness to all around us, not only to the rich and to those who treat us well, but it is the poor and
friendless, the weak and wayward to whom we should bring our offer- ings of love and charity.
Let us do all the good we can in this life, that when our Heavenly Father shall call us to lay our bodies in the grave, we may meet Him with a clear conscience, well satisfied with our career upon the earth, and that we may long be remembered for our deeds of love and charity. Lu.
YOUTH.
WHAT is youth? It is the springtime of life; the morn- ing of our existence in this world of joys and sorrows; the time when are imbibed the principles which, to a greater or less extent will gov- ern in more mature years. Then of what infinite importance to the future man are the teachings he re- ceives at his mother's knee; for, "as the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined," or, as the clay is shaped so in the heat of the fur- nace will the vessel appear.
Every one must have an educa- tion. If he does not receive good education he will inevitably obtain one of a different character, and if left, with so many adverse in- fluences to bear upon him, to pur- sue his own course, he will, in a
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majority of instances, prove a dis- grace to himself, to his parents and to society. Of such, come the victims for the gallows; and how often we hear of the re- mark: "Had I been properly in- structed by my parents, such would not have been my condi- tion." thereby throwing a stigma upon the character of those whose lot might have been widely differ- ent had the proper course been pursued. But there are exceptions to all rules; and occasionally we hear of those whose early training has been good, and who have had every opportunity to become hon- ored members of society, falling into vicious habits and becoming degraded. Such cases, however, are rare. If a child is properly governed at home, and taught while yet there may be an impres- sion made, the principles of truth and honesty, and to shun the path of the evil-doer, few are the in- stances wherein he will deviate from the principles taught him.
B.
A Niagara hackman, during a quarrel, the other day, was shot through the heart. Not being hit in a vital part, he has recovered, while a fellow hackman, who was kicked in the pocket during the same quarrel, died instantly.
jpASTIjVSBS.
CHARADES.
(No. 8.)
I am compoped of 16 letters. Mv 1, S, S, 11 is a fuel, Mv 7, S, 16, 1, 10, 3 is a bird. My 1,15, S, 16, U. 5 is a city. My 8,7, 8, 4, .% 14, 6, is a popular joiimal, Mv 9, '2, 13, is a part of the linman bo<ly, My T2, 4, 14, S, 6, 11 is a mount. »
My whole is a ci.y in one of the temperate zones.
J. G.S.
ENIGMA.
(No 9.) My first appears in all that's good,
And gracious, grand and great, It never does appear in sin
Nor wickedness, nor hate. My second shows itself in love,
And lends its useful aid To glory, and — 't may seem strange —
By it is sorrow ma<le.
In wickedness my third shines forth;
It deals in deeds most dread; It has no place in happiness —
Of death it is the head. Together these three letters plac»,
And net them right, and true; Tlie subject, then, you're sure to find,
Should be beloved by you.
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BE-UEADINGS.
(No. 10.)
Behead a kind of fruit and leave a portion of the human frame.
Beheiil a puhstance and leave an article used for illuminating purposes.
Behead two or more animals and leave a kind of grain.
Behead an impossibility and leave an insect.
Behead a kind of grain and leave an element. Behead 8gain ami leave to consume.
Behead a mass of mineral matter and leave a term in niubic. Behead again and leave a number.
Contributors fo this colnmn should be certain that their puzzles contain points of merit, and above all be certain that they are correct. They should also be accompanied with the answers.
>B®- Answers to theahore are rpqiiestrd, which if received in time, will appear in our next issue.
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PUBLtSHED BY THE Y. M. M. I. A., OF OgDEN CiTY.
No. lo.
OGDEN, UTAH, March 27, 187S.
Vol.
THE AMATEUR.
Edited an<l Pulilished Bi-WceUly by the Young Men's Mutuiil Improvement Association of Ogilou City, Utah.
P
OETRT
THE MOUMOX COLLIER.
JN 'Walei a Mormon collier Stood up bis fiiith to preach, And thoufrh uneducated,
He tried his best to teach. He knew he had the gotpel. Received God's Spirit too, Enjoyed the blessings promised, And know the work was true.
A learn'd divine was present:
OhS thing he'd like to know; "Sir, have you sern tlie Spirit?"
The collier answ>,rd ''no.'" "You've heard him then?" he queried;
"No sir."' "You've tasti'd, then?" "I hive not." Then yon smelled him?'
The "'no" burst forth again.
•'Well, have you ever /f/; him?''
The collier shoutel "Yes; 1 felt the iloly Spirit
Just burning in my breast." "Ha, ha!" rejoiced the scholar,
As if his point was won; "Of all this man's five senses,
He cannot use but one."
The great divine grew warmer
Tlie collier lo oppose, And said; "His simple /«>>//«g
la all that collier knows." . 'Twas true; but now the collier.
An argument to find, just stuck a pin, point upward,
Upon the »cat behind.
The champion, havinjr ended.
With joy flow took his seat; But. quick as lightning, screaming,
He jumped upon his feet The pin had pierced him deeply:
The collier' he would blame; Who, thus accused, made ready,
And to the contest came.
"You saiv the pin?" he questioned.
"No, " qUoth the parsoa, sh)'. "You heard it tlien most surely?"
The "no" came harsh and dry. "You tasted it your reverence?"
The "no" came harsher still. "You itneU-ed the pin, 'tis certaiu?"
This "no" would almost kill.
"You did not feci the pin. sir?"
(The parson knew too well.) "I did," then cursed the collier
Down to the depths of hell. Ten honest souls were read.y
To join the Mormon Cliurch; The collier left, quite happy,
'Ahe parson iu th» lurch.
THE TELEPUONE.
l£UAX.
THE telephone, one of the most marvelous of modern inven- tions, has at length found its way into our Territory, and its capa- city as a transmitter of oral sound has been satisfactorily demon- strated by a number of our citi- zens on lines between this place and Salt Lake City.
That we are living in an age of
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unparalleled progress in all that appertains to science and the arts can scarcely be denied by any who are at all posted in the inventions, discoveries, and general scientific achievements of the past quarter of a century. A few short years ago the ordinary telegraph was regarded with almost superstitious wonder by the bulk of mankind not acquainted with the mysteries of the subtile though all-powerful element controlled and directed by the finger of man. To-day be- cause of the march of progress it is viewed with ordinary concern, and is as common among the me- diums for communicating intelli- gence as the general postal facili- ties with which the more enlight- ened nations of mankind are at present provided. No sooner had it descended to this level among the affairs of life than the ge- nius of discovery and invention brought forth from the hidden resources of nature another and greater wonder to arouse the mind of man to speculative inquiry and (c a partial realization of the great field of intelligence in which, through God's benificence, he has been placed, that his attainment of Jcnowledge might almost he com- mensurate with the asperations of his soul.
To enter into a minute expla-
nation of the philosophy and mechanism of the telephone would perhaps occupy more of your valuable space than the claims of other and more worthy correspondents would permit,* hence, I will be content with giv- ing a few general ideas under this head.
For fear that some of the readers of the Amateur may not under- stand the philosophy of sound I would here say that sounds are transmitted or propagated through the air by waves, that travel swiftly from their source and strike in quick succession upon the tyn- panum or drum of the ear, produc- ing to our senses the sounds sent forth, or shot forth, from the mouth of the speaker or sound- producing object. These waves in the aerial medium are supposed to resemble the ripples produced upon the calm surface of a pond or lake when a stone is suddenly dropped into it. At first quick, short waves are sent out in rapid succession, all radiating from the point where the stone fell which become smaller and farther separa- ted as they recede until they are lost or subdued by the resistance of the sleeping waters which the far-spent force of the waves is unable longer to overcome. \Vhen the aerial sound-transmitting waves
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THE AMATEUR.
are lost in the distance or unable longer to reproduce these vibra" tions with sufficient intensity upon the adjoining air the sound also is lost and silence prevails.
Now the sound or words to be communicated through the tele- phone are spoken into a tube or key, as it is called, at the extremity of which is placed a very thin sheet of iron called a diaphragm. Against this the sound-waves beat as against the tynpanum of the ear and throw it into vibrations which are communicated by means of electricity over wires connected for the purpose to another dia- phragm similarly arranged at a distant station. This latter dia- phragm simultaneously reproduces the vibrations of the first, creating a new but similar set of air waves which in turn are commu- nicated to the tynpanum of the ear and thus the original sound or voice is heard.
By means of this wonderful in- strument an oral conversation can be carried on between two persons over a distance of many miles, as from Ogden to Salt Lake, or song sung, or music played upon a piano or other instrument at Salt Lake can be communicated to peo- ple listening in Ogden. The voice reproduced through the telephone, though very clear and distinct, has
a weird, curious sound, as if it were coming from a long distance through a vaulted underground passage.
Many experiments with the tele- phone have lately been made and its curious and wonderful opera- tions have created universal praise and admiration for the man (Mr. Bell by name) through whose deep study and keen ingenuity another lightning link has been added to the chain of man's intelligence and power. "W^
RE-ORGANIZED.
A meeting was held in the First ■^ Ward assembly rooms, on Tuesday evening, 12th inst., for the purpose of re-organizing the Y. M. M. L Association of that ward. Bishop F. A. Brown and counselor W.H. Pidcock pre- sided and a permanent organiza- tion was effected. Following are the officers, who were elected for a term of six months:
G. R. Hill, President; E. T. Myers, First Counselor; C. C. Brown, Second Counselor; C. J. P'lowers, Treasurer; E. T. Myers, Corresponding Secretary; John Volker, Librarian.
Some of the young members of a church in Tunbridge, Vt., got themselves into trouble by turning a prayer meeting into a kissing
party.
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THE AMATEUR.
Edited and Pulilislied Bi-Weekly, liy tlie Young Men's Mutual Improveiiient AssocjutioD, ot Ogden City, Utah.
John P. Smith,
Editor.
WEDNESDAY MAKCH 27th, 1878.
TO PRESIDENTS OF IHUTUAL IMFROVE- MEXT ASSOCIATIONS.
■We will be pleased to send the Amatei-r to all Presidents of Mutual IniproToment Associations who will forward us their names and addresses and ten cen^s postage. We el.-to invite them, one and all, to faror us with an occasional corres- pondence.
AN ART TO BE CULTIVATED.
MORE than 500 years before the advent of our Savior, Confu- cius, the greatest of the philoso- phers of China, wrote: "Woulclst thou know if a people be 1 well governed, examine the music it practices." Beranger, the idol- ized song writer of France, gave expression to a similar idea when he exclaimed: "Let me but make the songs of my people, and I care not who makes the laws." 'Tis said that the music of a nation has a marked effect in shaping its des- tiny, and is a guide by which the stranger can judge of its civiliza- tion. A nation without its char- acteristic music would be a nation without patriotism. The people
who depend upon others for their songs are very apt to depend upon others for their liberties.
Some few persons may consider music a useless and frivolous art. They do not sense or comprehend it, and they are not to be blamed for this when nature has not en- dowed them with a musical ear any more than a blind man would be for not admiring the beauties of a rich sunset, or the great produc- tion of some grand master of painting or sculpture. Every one of the fine arts may be rendered frivolous by the folly or sin of man, but when this is so the fault is in the artist, not in the art. No doubt all the line arts may be con- sidered useless things from some standpoints. Music and its kin- dred arts will certainly not till the ground or weave cloth, but at the very least they can contribute to the happiness and innocent plea- sures of this life.
The perilous surroundings of the first settlers in Utah gave them but little time to cultivate the beauties of harmony, yet more was done and better done than coiild be ex- pected of any other people placed in the same position. But these days have passed forever, and the time has arrived when we can turn our attention to the cultivation of the divine art. That this is being
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done largely in our midst is, among minor things, one of the most encouraging signs of the times.
While the value of musical ex- ercises in our Sunday Schools has been so generally acknowledged, yet the manner in which it has been done has not always been the most effectual. From the want of experienced teachers and the dif- ficulty of obtaining text books, schools have been taught to sing by ear instead of by note, conse- quently where children have not the faculty of imitation they can- not progress, because the road of progression has never been opened to them. That teaching music by scientific rules is better than any other plan, we believe will be gen. erally acknowledged. Therefore the question is: should science and method be introduced in teaching Sunday School scholars to sing the praises of their Creator and Savior? Wherever it is practica- ble we contend it should. The publication of suitable music is be- ing increased by every issue of our home musical press, and the infor- mation that is being placed in the hands of the people is creating many students who are acquiring knowledge and experience enough to enable them before long to be- come instructors of sufficient abili-
ty to guide the children in so muc h of the art as is necessary to execute the simple melodies of the Sunday School. Wherever there is such an institution there should be cor- rect musical instruction.
We believe in home-made music as we believe in home-made cloth, each to us is a source of strength and union- therefore home publi- cations should be subscribed for, and home industries encouraged whereby home talent would be fostered and developed.
OUR LAST MERITING.
PLDER David M. Stuart, who, -L* it was expected, would address the Y. M. M. I. A. on Wednesday evening last, was unavoidably pre- vented from being present and th€ time was occupied in a very inter- esting, able and instructive man- ner by Elder Richard Ballantyne.
The speaker began by relating his early experience in the Church and spoke of the natural abhor- ance which he felt to the princi- ple of celestial marriage when first confidentially revealed to him by Apostle John Taylor. He felt that he could not possibly accept such a doctrine as from God, and that death would be preferable to its practice by him. However, he concluded to appeal to the Lord, in whom he hid implicit Ltith, and
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through whose divine administra- tion he had been convinced of the truth of the gospel, to know if this peculiar doctrine was right, and if, as he had been told, its observance and practice had been commanded. He retired to a secret place and prayed, as was his custom when desiring to be enlightened of the Lord, ajad at length received such a testimony of the correctness and divinity of the principle as has re. mained indelibly with him from that day to t^e present.
He next spoke of his mission to India in 1852, commencing Avith his departure from Salt Lake City. He traveled in company with some 38 missionaries via Southern Utah to San Bernardino, and thence to San Francisco, where over $8,000 was raised by the branch of the Church at that place to convey them to their various fields of la- bor. One man, Bro. Harner by name, donating over ;$4,ooo of this amount from his private purse. From San Francisco he proceeded to Calcutta; where he remained a short time, and from thence went to Madras. He remained in Madras about one year, and here published a paper entitled "The Millennial Star and Monthly Visitor.' On the 24th of July, 1854, he took his depar- ture for homesailing via Liverpool
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to New Orleans, and thence trav- eled up the Mississippi and across the plains to his home in the Rocky Mountains.
He thus traveled entire- ly around the world, and is, we are informed, the first "Mormon" missionary who ever performed such a journey. The discourse was full of interest throughout, and was listened to with marked attention by all present.
CHARACTER.
A GOOD character is the great- est treasure that man can pos- sess. It has an influence that will be felt every moment of a person's life, and it exercises a greater power for good than wealth, for it is the result of established honor, rectitude and consistency, and commands the respect of our friends probably more than any- thing else.
A nation that is well governed has men of moral inteillgenee and uprightness of character to -make and administer the laws. If corrupt men hold office, it is gen- erally the result of the corruption or ignorance of the people. When bad characters aspire to high po- sitions they generally use fraudu- lent means to obtain them. But
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if the people have moral intelli- gence and sufficient torce of char- acter, they will elect such men to office as will attend to them, and maintain their rights and privi- leges. 1 he strength, the industry and civilization of a nation de- pends upon the individual char- acter of its citizens.
We have a great diversity of characters in our midst, but the true one whether it be in secret or in the presence of men cannot be mistaken. 'ihe boy was well trained, who, when asked why he did not take some pears, as there was no one to see him, said: "Yes there was, I was there to see myself, and I don't intend ever t© see myself do a dishonest thing." If every boy would take this example to heart and cherish the admirable sentiment through life, we would soon have a nation of people that would have but lit- tle need of police and magistrates to enforce the laws, for the people would live up to its requirements.
Every person should aim to be the possessor of a good character, and in order to obtain it should acquire and cultivate good habits while young. An inspired writer said : -'Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." If a person has acquired the habit of
using tobaccc, strong drinks, pro- fane language or any other of a per- nicious character, the sooner he re- nounces' it the more easily it will be overcome. Habits formed while young are like a cut in the bark of a tree the elder it grows the larger it becomes. Lord Col- lingwood said to a young man whom he loved: "Remember, be. fore you are five and twenty, you' must establish a character that will serve you all your life."
We should carefully cultivate a happy frame of mind and the habit of taking a hopeful view of any discouraging circumstance which we may encounter. Dr. Johnson wisely remarked, that "the habit of looking at the bright side of a thing is worth more to a man than a thousand pounds a year." We all have the power of looking at the bright side if we choose to do so, but are very apt, if we do not guard ourselves closely, to look at the dark side and thereby cause bad feelings; whereas if we were to look at the bright it would bring good feelings to ourselves and our consciences would not condemn us. By so doing, happy thoughts would spring up and we would grow with a genial nature, having a good temper, and always being in a happy frame of mind, which is worth more to
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a man than many other accomplish- ments.
In all our dealings we should be honest and trustft'orth)'; always be in time and endeavor never to dis- appoint any one. By cultivating these habits we will form a char- acter that will be of great value to us in after life. J. T. B.
ELDER WALLACES LECTUUE.
ELDER Thos. V/allace delivered his lecture, entitled "The Reftiarkable'Features of the Nine- teenth Century*" on Wednesday evening, March 6th, 1878.
He commenced by reviewing the condition of Europe at the begin- ningof the 19th century, recounting some remarkable events which have occurred in that quarter of the globe since that time. He mentioned, as one of the most re- markable features of this century, the restoration of the Gospel through the Pi'ophet Joseph Smith.
The speakef alltlded to the com- mencement of Spiritualism; and showed the folly of such notions entertained by believers in that religion; dwelt briefly on the re- cent war between Russia and Tur- key, and England's chagrin in consequence of its issue.
The lecturer occupied about one
hour, large
artd Wag listened to by a attentive and appreciative audience. At the close Bro. Wallace Was tendered a unani- mous vote of thanks for his highly entertaining and interee*ting lec- ture.
OEFICERS
OF TUB Y. M. M. }. A., OF' OODfiN
C\1\ , UTAH?
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, Fifst Counselor. Moroni PoUlter, Second Counselor Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Farr, Treasurer". AVilliam James, Librarian.
THE NEXT L ECTLtRE.
0
UR readers will, no doubt, be pleased to learn that Elder F. S. Richards has kindly consented to deliver a lecture before our As- sociation on Wednesday evening next, April 3d, commencing at 7 p.m. Subject: "An evening in Italy. = '
The abilities of Elder Richards as a speaker are well known to everybody; his excellent language and graceful style of delivery being unexceptionable. The subject is a good one and Wt may expect a large attendance.
AnsweCs to Pastimes in our last issUp are as fol- lows: No. 8, (Charade) "Pietermaritsbprs:;" No. 9, (Kngma) "Odd;'' No. 10, rDeoapitations) "Pea', foil, gouts, ^Vheat, stoMe." A correct answer to Enigma has been received ironi G. A. Ilorspool.
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PuSLtsHED BY THE Y. M. M. I. A, ,01' OcdEJJ Citv.
No. li.
OGDEN, UTAH, April 24, 1878.
Vol. t.
THE AMATEUR.
E<)it(>il ami Fiiblislie<l Bi-AVookly by tlw Vtmng Men's Mutual iinproveiiient AssoCiafiufl of Os'isu City, Ut.lh.
HEP OUT
Of the Yeurtf/ Men s Mutual Iwprovement Axsocialion of Oydin to Ihe Quarierly Conference of the Wdier Stake of Zion; held at Ogden City, April 20fh, and 21sl, 1878.
THE Yoiirig Men's Mutual Inl- pf o'tement Association of Og- den City was organized by Apos- tle Franklin D. Richards and the Fresidency of the Weber Stake of Zion, on fhe 6th day of Jiffle, 1877, with the following officers to wit:
Jo-seph A. Wesf, Presideflt; David Kay, First Counselor; Mo- roni Poulter, Second Counselor; Ephraira Myers, Recording Sec- retary; R. P.- Harris, Correspond ing Secretary; AVillard Farr, Treasurer, and William James,
6^s,_ _Jiiizznii
Librarian. Ephfiafti Myers re- signed on the 13th of October, 1877, and Washington Jenkins was appointed in his stead. With this exception the board of officers stand as first appointed.
Since the date of ouf organiza-- tion regular mctings have been held once a week, except during the prevalence of small pox in our midst, with an average attendance of about ofie hundred. During the first two months of this period however, our meetings were com- paratively small, but (t'mi-i the be- ginning of Xovember last they have been so largely attended, both by members and rion-mem- bers, that our hall, on many occa- sions, has beert far too small to accomm-odate those who have as- sembled. Our exercises princi- pally consist of extemporaneous speeches, speeches on appointed subjects, embracing history, biog- raphy and religion, testimonies,
THE AMATEUR.
select readings, declamations, etc. On each alternate Wednes- day, since the 26th of Octo- ber, with but few exceptions, public lectures have been given under the auspices of our Society, in which much interest has been manifested, and through which we feel that much good has been ac- complished, especially among the young people of our city. On the 7th of November last we began the publication of the AiMatf.ur, a small eight page bi-weekly peri- odical, devoted to the moral and intellectual advancement of our members and designed to promote the general interests of mutual im- provement in our midst.
The editor of this little paper is usually appointed once a month from the members of the Associa- tion. He is held responsible for the character and general make-up of his respective issues, and to him all pieces for publication are submitted for inspection and criti- cism. It is distributed to adver- tisers and members free of charge and circulates on sitbscription to a few members of other Mutual Im- provement Organizations in this and the adjacent counties. None but members of the Society are suj)posed to write for its columns, and as the typographical and other mechanical work is i)erformed by
us the paper is both edited and published by the Association. Our first three issues numbered two hundred copies, but the sub- sequent ones were increased to three hundred, hence, with nun.- ber 10, the last paper published, we have issued 2,700 copies of this periodical^ at a cost in round numbers of about $120.
The Association has received and expended for various purposes since June last $240, numbers 145 members, and is in all respects in a very satisfactory and prosperous condition.
Jos. A. West,
President. R. P. Harris,
Cor. Sec'y.
COMPAXr.
v-f
DO we realiz-e how important it it is that w^e should keep good company? Many do not; and many are enticed away from their happy homes by those who are low and degraded. We should never allow ourselves to mingle in so- ciety of this kind; ahVays seek to rise or step higher instead of going lower; our parents will be proud and look with pleasure upon our advancement if we do right, and honor them and obey their coun- [sel, for they will seldom give bad
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counsel; but if you are reckless and
careless, and mingle in society that will tend to lead lower and lower, they will be grieved and perhaps be hurried from this world to a premature grave by our conduct; we should do all in our power to make our parents happy, for they are always striving to make us happy. If we see them troubled we should try to comfort them; the Lord has commanded us to honor our fathers and mothers, and He says that our days shall be many upon the earth; then if we wish the blessing of God we must do as He has commanded.
If we wish to be respected by those who are respectable, or to be looked upon as anybody in this world, let us keep good compuny. How many respectable young men have been brought to a drunk- ard's grave! how many have come to disgrace, and to the gallows by mingling in bad society I
Nor are the young women ex- cepted; they too, sometimes, are caught in the snare; we often see those who were once respected, led away, to disgrace, and to ruin; they lose their good name, and wnen that is gone it will take some time to replace it, even if they try to retrace their steps; the best way is to avoid this evil, and we will not have to repent it when it is too late. M.
DILIGENCE AND PUNCTUALITY.
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OW many are there among us who fully realize the import- ance of keeping ourselves busy while we are here upon the earth? or how many realize that we have but a short time to live, compared with the work we should per- form, and that even that time not our own,> I sometimes think we do not; that we spend a great many moments idly. We are too careless and let a great many precious moments go to waste, that might be employed to good advan- tage, that when once gone we cannot recall; they are num- bered with the past. Then let us try to improve the time and turn each moment to some account. If we wish to succeed in business we must observe punctuality; when we have a day's work to perform let us be up in the morning and at our work at the appointed time, that we may accomplish what we set out to do. If we have prom- ised to meet a person at any par- ticular time, we should be there at the time, and if we owe a man let us make it a point to fulfil our promise with him; by taking this course, we will gain the confidence of our associates. Let us not, then, forget that diligence and punctuality are indispensable to success.
P. H.
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THE AMATEUR.
K<lited and Piildished lii-Wrt-kiy, liy tlie YounK M«n> Mijtvitl liiipiovcnioiit AssocisitioUj of Ojrden City, I: tah,
Zachariah B-allantyne, Editor.
Fr,D5fBSpAY,,....... ,,APRJL 24t)i, J8T8.
TO rJiES/DEyrS of mutual IMl'ROVfl- MEXT ASSOCTA TloyS.
'^^■E«ill lie piooBod to send tlio Amatei It to all Prttsidents of Muti^al Iniprovonient Assgriations who will forward us their nnnics and addressosaiid tpn conts postTigo. We also; invite them, one and nil, to favor us with an o>;p.asional oorres.- pondence.
AMBITION is that Avithin us which prompts us to aspire to something higher and more excel- lent, and to imitate the example of those who are wiser and better than ourselves; or if our inclina- tions are different, it may lead us to pattern After those who take a more vicious or ruinous course. If properly excrcisecl it is one of the noblest attributes of our na- ture: without it a person cannot attain to excellence; take from him this diviiie instinct, and he is left to grovel in. obscurity, to live unknown, and die unregretted. Without it God could not have attained to His present condition of glory, and it is the desire He has implanted in us to excel, that ^e may be like Him. By its
proper use we may become of gf#at benefit to oijr fellowmen; for by it .'jome raen have immortalized their names; others, V)y it great in their sphere, have been ruined. This Jt was which prompted Abra- ham and Jacob to seek for the promises they obtained from God; n.nd this it was which caijsed Alex- ander, Cc'vsar,. Napoleon, &<^., to aspire to that glory which proved their ruin. And though in hi<5- tory their actions are eulogized, and though we, too, may extol their virtues we cannot but con- demn the course they pursued,
It is astonishing to mark the power, this passion has over the human mind; son^e aspire to the accum^kition of wealth, others to fame and the applause of their fel- lows; and we sometimes see men who will sacrifice their honor, their regard for truth and every moral tie, which should be dear to man, to gratify their avarice, and this in- satiate thirst for momentary glory. Truly has the poet written: ••How like a mounting devil in the heart rules the unreined ambition," for by the undue gratification of the ambition of those who have held the reins ot government, nations, the greatest the world has known have been thrown from the zenith of powef into obscurity.
"What," says one, -'Shall we
not be ambitious?" Yes. But in all our aspirations let us be guided by truth and a sacred regard for integrity and honor, and our aim the eventual exaltation of our- selvea and the good of our fellow- men.
niE LECTURE OF ELDER F. S. UICUARDS.
TflE lecturer began with a recital of the principal incidents con- nected with his journey from Switzerland to Italy; gave an ac- count of a visit to Genoa, the birth-place of Columbus, ajul of a visit to Pisa, and the leaning tower: touched upon Elba, the scene of Napoleon's first banish- ment. The speaker also dwelt to considerable length upon the history of ancient Rome: its rise, beauty and wealth, the extent of its en)pire,and its ultimate decline, Made inentiou-of a visit to modern Rome ai)d its principal places of interest, the seven hills of Rome, where are to be found many places and scenes of renown; Catacombs, tomb of Cresus, yie^y of the coun-- try in the vicinit)' of Rome, ac- count of the wars of the Romans, paintings by the most famous ar- tists of ancient Rome, &:c. The lecturg wap delivered before a large and appreciative audience, who gave their undivided atten-
tion, and was, from beginning to end, very interesting and instruc- tive and we regret that our space will not permit us to give it en- tire. At the close of the meeting it was announced that Mr. T. H. Hadley would deliver a lecture be- fore the Association, on some scientific subjects, three weeks from date, but we understand it has been postponed untilWednes- day evening. May ist, 1S78. The lecture will, no doubt, be one of interest and a full attendance is solicited,
THE OR GA KIZA TIOX.
A S per announcement in the ^ semi-weekly Ogden "Junc- tion" on Saturday, March 13th, Bro. B. F. Cummings, Jr., of the I'erritorial Central Committee of the Y. M. M, I. A., has been up from Salt Lake City and has made a detour of the County, for the purpose of arranging the preliminaries for the organization of a Stake Central Committee, consisting of six members, a President, two Counselors, a Re- cording S^c'y, a Corresponding Sec'y and a Treasurer, to preside over, and arrange programmes of exercises for the various Associa- tions of the County, as this is be- lieved the best method fn- secur- ing a permanent and effectual or-
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'"'m
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ganizatiGia and t^iie universal pre- valence of tlie Y. M. M. I. A., (tjjroughouit: tlje County. Bro. Junius F. Wells, President of the Central Co,mi»it.tee, intendcsd to accompany Bro. Cumniings in his visits, but circumstances prevented his coming. After completing his tour, Bro. Cummings started on Thursda)^ morning last, on a mission to the Eastern States for the piirpose of collectijiig genealo- gies. An expression was also ,tal;£jt from the Associations upon fhe continuance and enlargement of the Amateur, to be the organ of the various A^sociatjoiis of the County, of which we shall speak in our next; suffice it to say the measures well received.
INTEMPERAXCE.
TNTEMPERANCE in nearly -L everything is manifest to the critical observer; it may be seen in ail classes of people, from the wealthiest and most responsible men, down to the beggar in the street. In various ways may a person be ijUejpperate, some of which are fhe adornment of the person, reading, eating, sleeping, etc., but what I most particularly wish to make mention of is intem- perance in the use of spirituous liquors. Probably there are but
very few cities, towns or villages where there is iiat strong liquor to be found in abundance, and where the drunkard rerels in his low and degraded sphere, caring for noth- ing bitt to satisfy his ravenous ap- petite. Can anything be conceived that is productive of so much trouble, discord and disgrace as is intemperance m the use of spiritu- ous licjuors? It has been the means of rendering homes desolate; in many instances families have been broken up and brought from the height of prosperity and honor down to poverty and woe, and left to plod their way through this world of turmoil, grief and pain as best they can, with no one to care for them or provide for their wants. What is there that is more disgusting in the eyes of a moral and temperate person than to wit- ness a drunkard staggering through the street towards his miserable home, which place he oftimes does not reach, but is either doomed to pass the night in some gutter or is picked up by the police and taken to jail, there to await the pen- alty of the law. The drunkard is censured by his friends, if any he may have, for his downward course to ruin, and besouglit with every feeling of tenderness to be temper- { ate, but all to no purpose, for he j will, tlespite all inducements, pur-
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sue the evil tenor of his way, and before many years pass aAvay he is numbered with the dead.
The intemperate use of tobacco is common all over the civilized world, and parts of the uncivilized. It is on every day occurrence to see boys of the age of nine and ten years and upward, strutting about the streets with cigars or cigarettes in their mouths, smoking away their lives and bringing them- selves to premature graves. Drink no liquor, use no tobacco, and your lives wHl be those of health and happiness. S. E. A.
GOOD ADVICE.
S improvement is our motto and watchword, Ave have a large field of labor before us. No one need grumble for want of room; no one can .say the world is vain. The work before us re- quires our energy, ambition and perseverance.
We have the light, and the com- mandment is to let it so shine that the world may see our good works and glorify God.
Our duties lie in the direction of culture and refinement, as main spokes in the wheel of improve- ment. Cultivate every noble re- solution, every good talent and every holy feeling; extend a char-
{table hand <§f' fellowship to those in need; resolve to do good when- ever an opportunity jl)'t>"esents it- self, and banish every feeling of discontent, as- an obstacle in the road to happirjess. If we do this Ave shall surely accomplish' the de- sired end, and fill op the measure of our creation Avitis \m\or and glory to God. X.
THE OR GA NIZA TIOK
We ^regret that Ave are not able' to give in this issue, a report of the organization effected on Sun- day evening last. But on account of having most of our matter in type before that time we Avere com- pelled to omit it; a full report, however, Avill be given in our next.
CORRECTION.
Ol'k readers Avill remember see- ing, in the report of R. Ballan- tyne's lecture, the name of one John IIarner,Avho donated a large amount of money to fotAA'ard the missionaries to their destination, whose name should have been given as John Horner.
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THE AMATEUR.
Ql'ESrIOS'S AX J) ANSWERS.
What is a Bishop?
'J'he most abused of niari'tinct.
What is his- instaUment to that? office?
The signal for the accumulation' of fat..
What is an editor?
One who is better qtlalified to recommend than to imitate?
Who is the best orator?
He who can use' the most words, and say the least.-
What is a judge?
A tool for lawyers.-
Wno are the poor?
Those who have the most money and the least brains.
What is a medium?
A person who has communio?i Avith the devil.
Who is the be.^^t lawyer?
The best wool-picker.
What is a man?
The judge of all other mci.
What is a woman?
The person to put that jU(ig- ment into execution.
^^'hat y a fop?
A person with his hair parted ill the middle, with a quarter of an ounce of brains lodged in the nethermost part of his cranium.
TIIJE CA USE.
f\\JR readers have been disap- ^ ' pointed, no ^-loilbt, at the iion-appearance of the Amateur, which should have been issued on the ioth inst.. but on account of A press of work at the "Junction" office^was postponed one issue. It is expected, fJowevef, that our next will apipeaf at the proper time.
There are guns made Which i\'i'll pierce the sides of the heaviest ivonclade>, and th? conclusion has almost bce;i reached, that thsir force is irresistible; but the eun- clusion is premature,, they have not been tried on the cheek of our em-ment "financiers-."
OFTlC^IiS
Of' tUE V. M. >I. J. A., OF OGfjr.'N ClTV, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor Washington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. "R. P. Harris, Corresponding Sec. Willard Faff, Treasurer. William James, Librarian.
^
Jfy first is * tiling from a land fi'i'r a\(n.v. My snodiir; by some is ol't iis«<I fnf "bay;"' Mrthiril, yoiT will sue, much rusemlilps niyfir»t. And niv fourth is a very irm"' thing for a tliirf-t. Co, eearoh fur my fiftli in 1he(lf^i)th.s of ii '-ivhII';" In mv sixth von will see "he" iloi« follow "hel." Jitv seventh i'n S^otrh is a rollini; plrtythins And my wholo is a vory detivitalilo being.
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Published by the Y. M. M. I. A., of Ogden City.
No. 12.
OGDEN, UTAH, MAYS, 1878.
Vol. 1-
THE AMATEUR.
>'«'ii"s Mutual Iniproveiimut Assuciatiou of' Oftdfu City, LtiiU
SPECIAL MEETING.
Poetry,
FPiOST BOUND.
On, Kiiitli. poor Earth, loekeri fast nnd Ijouud III chaius of ire aud flriffed suowi — How sliidl (leliver»!ii;e be- found
For tliCf.? \Mi»t strong hanil shall uaclose Thy fetters, Icttinj; loose tlie souuil Of 'au^rliijig watei's; trom the jxrouiul CaJliug tile violet an I the rose?
How pr-aoefnlly, how fiuietly
Thou waitest, uiidauntfii, midismayed ! Is there Sf)nie secret hid'len from nie^.—
>^om« mes..iige in the st<iriiiand shade Wliich tells of a rpconiponpe to l© I'or fiio'i liiave souls as bide like thee,
The l-drd's good leisure, u afraid?
Oh, heart, poor hsart, whose frozen springs
>feli not !or ray of star or suu, but lie in icy fi bled rings
I'iil.seless and voicless evcy one— Whose hopes fioc for h on nipid w;iip:8 And vanish witli .sweet v.-tnishsf tliiuga
Eie yet the winter vas begun.
Learn thiis great patienf-e, and abids
Coura}:;eously tlie bitt*'r<iay: Tr.i.«;t the K'ernal Love, nor chiile
Thouih still thy summer sh(ji;ld delay. ?'op» is dercri'ed but not denied; And in Ibe deepest snowdrifts hide
'i'Jiie b.OiSC'mj of a coming ilay.
— from t't}nday Aftprnoon.
IN pursuance of a previou.s an- nouncement, a special meeting of the young j;eople of Ogden and of Weber county was held in the Ogden Tabernacle on Sunday evening. April 21st, for the pur- pose of organizing a Stake Central Committee to preside over the Youpg Men's Mutual Improve- ment Associations throughout the county.
After singing and prayer Bro. Junius F. Wells, president of the Territorial Central Committee, arose, and, having stated the obr ject'of the meeting, viz: the or- ganization of the above-mentioned board, he proceeded to show the good effects produced among the young men where these Associa- tions had existed, and said that he had heard many young men testify that they had never had any serious reflections On religious
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THE AMATEUR.
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matters, nor had even read a chap- tr r in any religious work until they became members of these so- cieties; the speaker referred to Cache county, where a system of intermissionary labor, such as this board will institute here, has been in vogue during the past winter, and stated that from cwo hundred to three hundred young men be- longing to these Associations had performed actual missionary labor each month, and denominated it as a kind of wholesale missionary manufactory. He also gave an es- timate of the number of Associa- tions and members at present in the Territory, which was as fol- lows :
•Number of Associations, 170; average membership, 50: Total number of members, 8,500.
'J hUs we see that the work of mutual improvement is one of no small dimensions. The duties of the Central Board, he said, would be to reorganize, and \ ave a gen- eral supervision over all the asso- ciations in the county; and the medium through which any in- struction the Twelve might wish to impart could be readdy conveyed to each Society.
Orson Whitney and J. T. Hardy each spoke a short time, giving their early experience as missionaries abroad.. and showing
the embarrassment attending an inexperienced Elder in an effort to preach, and urged the young men to undergo that experience at home.
Prest. J. F. Wells then present- ed the following names as officers of the Stake Central Board :
Joseph A. West, President; A. C. Brown, L. A. Herrick, Coun- selors; Washington Jenkins, Re. cording Secretary; C. C. Rich- ards, Corresponding Secretary; Zcchariah Ballantyne, 1'reasurer; all of whom were unanimously accepted.
Mr. Wells then proceeded to organize Associations in the dif- ferent Wards of the city, as fol- lows:
First Ward.— G.R.Hill, Presi- dent; E. 'I'. Myers and C. C, Brown, Counselors; C. J. Flowers, Secretary; Moroni Poulter, Treas- urer; John Volker, Librarian.
Seco>?d Ward. — John McQuar- rie, President; James Douglas and Wm. F. James, Counselors; John G. Ellis, Secretary; Henry J. Garner, Treasurer.
Third Ward. — Elijah N. Free- man, President; L. M. Richards and Joseph Farr, Counselors; W. H.A^^est, Secretary; J. H. Wat- kins, Treasurer.
FouRTFrWARD. — Vrillard Farr, President; £. A. Stratford and
O
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THE AMATEUR
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A. D. Chambers, Counselors; John P. Smith, Secretary; Asa Farley, Treasurer.
Jos. A. West then addressed the meeting a short time, expressing his willingness to act in the posi- tion to which he had been ap- pointed, after which the meeting was adjourned.
THE RELIABLE MAX.
r\Y all the qualities that combine ^ ' to form a good character there is not one more important than reliability. Most emphat- ically is this true of the char- acter of a good business man. The world itself embraces both truth and honesty, a'lid the reliable man must necessarily be truthful and honest. We see so much all around us that exhibits the absence of this crowning quality that we are tempted to deny its very ex- istence. But there are, neverthe- less, reliable men, men to be trust- ed, in whom you may re]:)ose con- fidence; whose word is as good as their bond, and whose promise in- sures performance. If any one of you know such a man, make him your friend. You can only do so, however, by assimilating his char- acter.
jump at conclusions. Fie is not a frivolous man. He is thoughtful. He turns over a subject in his mind and looks at it from all points. He is not a partial or one sided man. He invariably tells the truth. He sees, through a thing. He is apt to be a very reticent r^-an. He does not have to talk a great deal. He is a moderate man, not only in habits of body, but also of mind. He is not a passionate man, if so by na- ture he has overcome it by grace. He is a sincere man, not a plotter or schemer. What he says may be relied upon. He is a trust- worthy man. You feel safe with your property or the administra- tion of affairs in his hands. He is a brave man. He is a good man, for no one can be thorough- ly honest and truthful without be- ing good. Is such a quality at- tainable.^ Most assuredly so. It is not born, it is made. Character may be formed oi course, then its component parts may be moulded to that formation. P.
OFFlVEliS
OF THE y. M. M. I. A., OF OGDEN
CITY, UTAH:
Joseph A. West, President. David Kay, First Counselor. Moroni Poulter, Second Counselor '■\ ashington Jenkins, Rec. Sec'y. R. P. Harris, Corresponding See. The reliable man is a man of | WiUard Farr, Trer^surer. good judgment. He does not | William James, Librarian.
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THE AMATEUR.
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•THE AMATEUR.
Editod and Pnbliflipd Bi-^Vppkly, l.y the Yoinis Meu's Mut'iiU Improvemeut Associitiuii, ol OL'den City, Utiib.
Zechariah Ballantvne, Editor.
WEDNESDAY, MAY Stli, 1S78.
TO PRESIDESrS OF MUTUAL lMPE&r£- MEJT A.'iSOCIA'nOXS.
TTe will" be pleafetl (o send tlio Amatf.uk to all rresirterts of MutiiiU Imiirovenieiit AsBociatioiis who will foi-wai-d us their imnies and luldrossesaiia ten cents postHgc. ^\> also invito them, ou» nud hU, to favor u3 with au occasional corres- pondeuce.
OUR LAST.
THE present number completes the first volume of the Ama- teur. And when we take into consideration the circumstances under which its publication wa:5 undertaken, we think it not too much to congratulate ourselves upon its gratifying success. Our fi^st number was issued on the yth of November, 1877, and at that time it was expected that part of the expenses would have to be paid by contributions from the mem- bers of the Association, but by the aid of paeans obtained from parlor entertainments, &c., from sub- scribers and through the patron- age of some of the business men of Ogden, in advertising, we have been able to meet all our obliga-
ons, and circulate the paper free Dfcw
to members of the Association, to advertisers and many Presidents of Mutual Improvement Associa- tions in this and surrounding counties without making a single call for donations from the mem- bers. 1 his si:)eaks vvell for the people of this city, and shows that they take an interest in the ad- vancement of the young; and they will please accept our sincere thanks for the able assistance they have rendered us, and we hope they have been amply, repaid in noting the progress made by the young people in the writing of essays, and in observing the gradual decrease in the do- main of the word "cant," for we are confid'ent that it has been a great benefit to those who have contributed to its columns. The paper has been edited and published and the mechanical work performed by members of the Association.
This volun-^e having expired, the Central Board are requested to continue its publication. Accor- dingly a meeting of the Board and of the officers of the four Associations of this city was held, (those in the coun- ty being consulted by letter) and it was decided to make a thorough canvass of the city, and invite the Associations in the va-
THE AMATEUR.
9?>
rious settlements of the county to do the same in their respective lo- calities, to determine whether the means would justify the end. We are pleased to state that the meas- ure has succeeded favorably, and the youi.g people of the county may look for a periodical of at least double the size of the present one, of a greatly im- proved character and appearance in re;^ular newspiper form, and devoted to their moral and intellectual advancement. The first number will appear in two or three weeks.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
TMMEDL\TELY after the or- i-ganiz-ition of the Central Board, the members entered upon their labors in real earnest and took in- to consideration the measures best calculated to promote an interest among the young in these Asso- ciations. Having decided upon the proper course to be pursued, appointments were made in a num- ber of the surrounding settlements; and on Sunday, April 2Sth, they visited and organized the associa- tions in Slateryille, Marriott's and Lynne, and in the evening visited the Mound Fort Association, which was already organized At all of these places they were
met with expressions of cor- dial welcome, and both old and young manifested a lively interest in the work of mutual improve- ment. On the Monday evening following, a Mutual Improvement Association was organized in the Third Ward of this city. On Tuesday evening an Association was organized in the SecondWard, and on Thursday night in the Fourth Ward, the Association in the First Ward having been pre- viously organized. The names of the officers of these Societies will be found in the report of the meet- ing held in the Tabernacle. On Sunday last the board met with and re-organized the Associations in Harrisville and North Ogden; and in each place the young men manifested by their presence, their appreciation of the privileges placed within their reach.
riiiLosopnrc lecture.
THOS. H. HADLEY delivered his lecture, entitled, "The Forces of Nature," before the Y. M. M. I, A. of Ogden City, May ist, 1S78.
Upon entering the hall a sight presented itself which brought forcibly to mind a scene in an apothecary shop: tubes of every
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THE AMATEUR.
conceivable shape, and phials con- taining acid enough to convert the earth into a sea of glass. .Besides these there were several galvanic batteries, a pan of ice and a sort of one-sided gallows which at first seemed intended for the execution of musquitos, but was afterwards turned to a very different use.
At half-past seven the lecturer entered. Order was at once re- stored and services began by sing- ing the hymn on page 325. Prayer by Thos. Wallace. Sing- ing, "Come all ye Son's of Zion."
The speaker then arose and said that as philosophy is rather a dry subject when spoken upon in a de- tailed manner, he would there- fore have to be brief.
He said the term "matter," in philosophy, applied to everythirg material, and that the atoms of matter were so small that no mi- croscope had yet been made suffi- ciently powerful to detect them in the most minute form. His first experiment was with a glass tube, partially filled with a liquid, form- ing a right angle, one end' being in a bottle, the other protruding through a cork into a larger tube filled with air; by heating the larger, which causes the liquid to descend, he illustrated the expan- sion of air or other matter, which is termed a "mode of motion."
lie next illustrated the laws of gravitation, by using a glass tube, in which the electricity had been excited by frictions, holding it near a small piece of chalk sus- pended by a cord, the lattei in- stantly approached the tube, and again rebounded; he also placed it near one end of a piece of wood poised on a pivot, causing it to revolve. This, he said, could be done by folding a piece of brown paper. Another experiment was made which was somewhat jocular; placing a quantity of albumen in a phial and applying heat, it was made to whiten and expand; dur- ing the operation the utmost si- lence prevailed, but after finishing he explained that albumen was nothing more than the white of an egg, soliciting a burst of merri- ment. Said that the sun's rays contained seven difierent colors, and made an experiment showing the use of light in the art of pho- tography. To produce a proper light he used wire called metal magnesium; when ignited this wireproducesa very brilliant light, and upon being extinguished left the audience as in an eclipse of the sun. Fired the first shot, in the Anglo-Russian war trom a minia- ture piece of ordnance set off by the agency of electricity from the battery, making such a concussion
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THE AMATEUR.
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as to extinguish the light at a dis- tance of severjil feet.
He explained that cheniicaj force is the property which causes the different elements to combine, to form the various substances. To illustrate it, a chemically pre- pared substance in the form of a circular i)ieceof paper, called nap- tha, Avas placed on the surface of the ice and thoroughly saturated, and by placing upon it a piece of metal called sodium, a fire was produced without the application of heat. The same result was produced on the surface of a glass of water. The last was with a pair of glasses called precipitating glasses. -By placing in one a quan- tity of muriatic acid, and in the other water amnivonia, and placing the mouths of the glasses together they were instantly filled with a cloud of smoke.
The speaker closed by quoting from the Scriptures that, 'Tn all and through all the God of NaUire reigneth.'' After the remarks a vote of thanks was tendered for the able and explicit manner in which the lecture had been deliv- ered. The lecture occupied over an hour, and, as will be readily seen, we have only been able to give a brief sketch.
'* comforters:
" 4 H! poor soul! it is just the
^ way my poor dear James
Augustus went off. I hope, my
dear Mrs. that your boy will
get over it, but I hardly think it possible." Exactly; and it would be a sad disappointment to your •'sympathetic" soul if the poor boy should "get over it, "wouldn't it? How fortunate that "dear James Augustus" so prematurely shuffled off this mortal coil! How very accommodating on the part of ihe aforesaid young man to per- mit himself to be thus nipped in the bud! Were it not for his un- timely "taking off," what chance would you possibly have for "en- couraging" tne already half de- spondent invalid and his weary, watching parents, by hinting that the time was near at hand when he would probably be face to face with the "dear" defunct J. A.?
There is too much of this in- fluence brought to bear in the sick chamber. Individuals who are suffering from one or more of the ills flesh is heir to have enough to bear without being in- vaded by a class of people who seem to gloat over the prospect for an early and "intere?ti;!g" funeral. If von have not a \vord
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THE AMATEUR.
of cheer for the invalid, keep away from his or her abode. There is enough trouble, anxiety, and sorrow attendant in cases of ill- ness without the services of pro- fessional whiners and "funeral- brokers.'' Is it not a sin to thus work upon and depress the feel- ings of the sick person, harrass and afflict the mmJs of the watch- keeping parents, who beheld on yonder couch the emaciated form of their beloved, and perhaps, only child? For shame! Let what you have to say be words of cheer and comfort. Show to them ih at you believe in life — eternal life! Let them feel by the influ- ence you carry, that while there is life there is hope; and even should the tyrant Death claim your friend you may rest assured that your Avords of comfort have not gone for nothing. Mormonism, as it is commonly termed, teaches us cheerfulness; shows us more par- ticularly how to /ii'e, not to die. Be confident that he who can live right, will never be at a loss when his lease of this mundane existence expires. 'J herefore it is our duty to encourage the desire to live; we iihould properly govern ourselves, that our existence here may be a source of joy and usefulness to ourselves and those by whom we are surrounded; and the man or
woman who seeks to discourage an individual who is struggling against disease and sickness, has sadly mistaken his or her calling, and should be excluded from the presence of the afflicted, to make room for those of a more cheerful disposition.
Parents, if you have a son or daughter sick — and the advice is applicable to sons and daughters, should their parents be afflicted — admit none but ihose who are cheerful and hopeful; let the in- valid have all the joy and sun- shine possible, but for pity sake exclude the professional, or even amateur whiner and snifHer.
G. Rex,
Truth and PALSEHOOD.-False- hood flies swift as the wind, and truth creeps behind her at a snail's pace. But falsehood makes so many twistings, that truth, keep- ing steadily on, looking neither to the right nor the left, overtakes her before long.
Proverb. — If a word spoten in its time is worth one piece of money, silence in its time is worth two. ■
Show. — Show may be easily purchased ; but happinesp is always a home-made article.— Home Circle.
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