Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-12-31
THE PAST AND THE FUTURE,

A few hours more ana another year
"a past It has been a remarkable year
iu many respects.
IN the valleys OF the mountains the
hosts enlisted in the inglorious cause
of anti "Mormonisn' have done their
utmost TO SOW the dragon teeth Of con-
tention. strife, heart-burnng, and Bit
terness. They have done all that money
and brains can do to crush hearts and
homes and Injure the material Interests
OF the region. But, Notwithstanding all
these efforts, business has iiourished as
never before. and the future is bright
The Church Leaders, against whom tho
poisonous shafts have been directed
are strong ia the power and inspiration
that comes from above, and they have
the respect, love and confidence Of their
fellow men IN general, as well as the
Saints. The church has grown In
strength and influence, as well as IN
numbers. and the principles OF the Cos
rel have continued to penetrate the
thought Of the world. Persecution has
not impeded the progress Of the work
II may have proved the hearts Of men,
and revealed their true character But
as regards the Church Of Christ II
has served only as the storm that
makes the roots OF the oak take a
hrmer hold IN the soil, and the branches
10 become all the more strong and
sturdy. We do not forget that the oak
needs sunshine as well as storms, but
wher the latter rage. we find them serv-
ing useful purpose In the economy OF
Providence, and that ls one of the
great lessons OF the year that is now
ebbing away. mo weapon that is
formed against thee shall prosper; and
every tongue that shall rise against
thee In judgment thou shalt condemn
Us 81; 10
The United States was never more
prosperous Unprecedented crops big
wages, and demand for all the products
OF labor are the characteristics Of the
time. Thousands have focked to our
shores, to share our prosperity. But
Notwithstanding this, warnings have
been given by Providence In the form
Of disasters that have made the earth
tremble It is probable that in the
ncishborhood OF 100000 people lost their
lives IN earthquakes and other convui-
sions OF nature 1t has also been \ year
OF Investigations, resulting in drastic
legislation, the shlpwreck of reputa-
tions, and even deaths This is am alto
gether unique chapter Of American bis
tory.
Abroad many notable events have
taken place. Russia has had a year
at turmoil In France the state has
made war upon the Catholic church,
and In Cuba an insurrectlon resulted In
the resignation Of President Palma
These are only some Of the leading
foreign events But an through the
year, the truth Is declared IN the trend
OF history that God omnipotent reign
eth"
We have, an of as, had our own in
dlvidual experience. Every human
heart has It's own history. IN this rec
ord the year has written many para
graphs OF widely differing contents
Much of our experience may be COM
sIdered closed. while much is continued
We have had JOY and we have had sor-
row: we have had trials and tempta-
tions, and we have had Victories, All
these experiences have helped forming
our character They have been lessons
to us, that should enable us to fulfil
our duties On The future with more n
deity than before. only so win the
lessons Of the past be of value TO US Tor
the future.