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Show 62 ever the depth of my humiliation and regret. But by the aid and assistance of a kind and merciful Father I will regain what I have apparently lost. January 20th Twenty-five years ago as the sun came over the hill I was born. Yes God placed me upon this earth to accomplish some purpose. Twenty-five years-a quarter of a century has elapsed. And what are my accomplishments? Oh very few. There are very few of my weaknesses that I have brought into subjection-but few of my talents that I have cultivated-and I feel but little good I have done. If I did not see such great examples at my age-and even before --of greatness, nobleness, intelligence and worth, I might think I had accomplished all that was in my power, but I believe what one can do another can, especially a Latter-day Saint who can ask of the Father for his assistance with such unwavering faith and confidence of its bestowal. 0 what might not be accomplished! When I reflect upon the incidents of the past three weeks and of the many resolutions I have made, and the few I have acted upon, and the failures I have made-it looks almost vain and useless to renew them or add more to their number, but indeed I feel they have not been altogether unavailing, and although I make but little advancement, it is better than nothing. But I believe if I am more determined I can make more rapid progress. We have to learn from experience. It is very well to plan, meditate and theorize, but there is nothing like everyday life to prove what it all will accomplish. This day ever brings thought and solemn reflection! Memories of days gone by hover round me. "Childhood's hours now flit before me!" I can see a father's kind indulgent face, a mother's pure and loving look, brothers, sisters, friends and all can I see around the home fireside. And again I see a youthful maiden standing by the bed of a sick mother; how fondly that mother imprints the birthday kiss, how lovingly she strokes with a feeble hand the locks of her child, as she speaks of the great future before her, imparting advice and counsel in a mother's persuasive earnest way, bidding her child be kind and noble. And Oh how earnest did she entreat her to be a faithful Saint, to seek to understand the principles of this Gospel and to practice them through every day of her life. Eleven long years have passed since that morning but still the words of my own dear mother are fresh in my memory. It was her last advice to me, for in another week her spirit had departed and I was bereft of my mother, the truest most unselfish friend that mortals ever have. With her advice and instruction and her most perfect example (as |