have sprung up numerous Genealogical Societies in the United States and in most of the countries of Europe. In a later chapter we shall refer to this subject in greater detail. These Societies have for their object the establishment of great genealogical libraries, the publishing of parish records, and the preparation and printing of books and periodicals on the fascinating subject of pedigrees and genealogy. Thus the Spirit of God through the mission of Elijah has worked in the hearts not only of the Latter-day Saints, inspiring them to build temples and do work in them, but also it has inspired the world to seek after its dead and to gather their records and place them in accessible form. History of Genealogy. The study of genealogy is as old as Adam, as old therefore as the race. Modern revelations given through the Prophet Joseph Smith tell us that "Adam spake as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost, and a genealogy was kept of the children of God. And this was the book of the generations of Adam." We are given the exact descent of the early families in Genesis, while Moses wrote a book to establish the lines of descent from the twelve sons of Jacob. With the Hebrews, the preparation of genealogies was one of the classic arts, and employed the finest talent amongst the people. They were exceedingly particular about descent and tribal relations; the Levitical priesthood, after the days of Moses, was held only by those of proved descent. A man's word could not be accepted when there were no genealogies recorded to substantiate that declaration. No man was permitted to labor, even on the walls of the Temple, when Ezra and Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, unless he could prove his genealogy.§ *Chap. 9. †Pearl of Great Price; Book of Moses, 4:5, 6, 7. Ezra 2:59-63. That the Nephites built temples after the manner of their Jewish forefathers and kept careful records of their genealogies is amply attested in the Book of Mormon. Soon after Nephi's assuming control of the new world pilgrims he built and equipped a temple patterned after Solomon's splendid edifice in Jerusalem (2 Nephi 5:16). His brother Jacob who succeeded him in the leadership of the Church taught from this temple (Jacob 1:17; 2:2, 11). Mosiah and later Alma all refer to this and other temples erected by the prosperous people (Mos. 1:18; 2:6, 7; Alma 16:13; 23:2; 26:29). Centuries afterwards, Heleman refers to the building of many temples and sanctuaries. The Savior, when he appeared among the Nephites, graced their central temple with his presence and teachings (Hel. 3:9, 14; 10:8; 3 Nephi 11:1; 24:1). References clearly indicate the scrupulous care taken by the Nephites to record and preserve their genealogies. Indeed, Nephi and his brethren were sent back to Jerusalem to secure the brass plates from Laban which contained, in addition to the sacred scriptures, the tribal genealogical tables of both Laban and Lehi (Nephi 3:3, 12; 5:14, 16). Nephi gives us the information that this tribal genealogy is not repeated by him in the small plates which form the first four books in the Book of Mormon as the Prophet finally translated it. That precious pedigree was fully recorded in the 116 pages lost by Martin Harris (1 Nephi 6:1; 19:2). Jarom, Enos and Ómni all refer to this same fact (Jar. 1:1; Omni 1:1, 18). Then, centuries later, Alma also refers to this preservation of their pedigrees on the larger plates (Alma 37: 3). Moroni quotes the direct line of Coriantor when he translates the 24 plates of the Jaredites (Ether 1:6-33). The keeping of genealogies has been extant, to a greater or less degree, in every land, and at every period of history. Yet none understood the reason for this careful preservation of lines of descent save the chosen seed of Abraham, who doubtless learned by revelation and tradition the vital significance and value of this labor. The pagans, especially the Chinese, have been at great pains to prove descent from the fabled heroes and demigods of the races to which their names are attached. So prevalent was this practice, and so strong was the effect of this reverence for ancestors, that in China and Japan it gradually took the form of ancestor worship. Among the pagans of ancient Egypt and Asia the necessity of securing proper proofs of descent in order to hold or to dispose of land or property was sufficient incentive to induce those people to prepare and preserve genealogies to a limited extent. Then, too, all had corrupted traditions of the foundation principles of the Gospel as taught by Father Adam to his posterity. The study of heraldry and of given and surnames, carried back into the beginning of the human race, gives a vivid picture of the development of language, as well as furnishing ample proof that this practice of keeping genealogies is not at all a modern one, nor is it accidental in its character. The double genealogy of the Savior given by Matthew and by Luke forms the longest and most remarkable chain of genealogy in the world. It establishes without question that Jesus-Son of Mary and through her lineage was born in direct descent from David, Moses, Abraham and Adam. Who is Benefited Through This Work of Genealogy? The question is frequently asked, "What advantage will come to me by my becoming a member of the Genealogical Society?" It is yet human to want to know what the personal gain will be by an investment in time or means. Some say they cannot use the library because they do not live in Salt Lake City. Thousands of names have been obtained from our books, and there are many thousands yet awaiting the searcher, yet no one can be assured that his family name or genealogy can be found in the records now in the library. But what of that? Do the Saints ask to be assured before they accept a call to go on a mission that they shall reach some of their own kin with the Gospel? In any good work of the Church, does it matter just who are benefited? All selfishness should be eliminated from the work for the dead. One soul is as precious as another, and all should have an equal chance for salvation. What if those from a distance cannot at present make personal use of the library. By their membership support they are giving opportunity to help someone else. Some suggestions for absentee members are given in a later chapter. Who shall say which one is doing more, he who does the work or he who makes it possible. "No man liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." The whole human race is bound together by the relationship of blood and kinship with God; therefore no service can be rendered to a fellowbeing that will not become part of the great whole which is to save the race. CHAPTER 3 THE CONVERT'S GENEALOGY The glow of truth which lights the mind of a convert to the Gospel is often centered, after his own baptism, on the redemption of his ancestors. Lacking definite instructions as to the manner in which he may secure and prepare the necessary information, he too often postpones any action until he comes to Zion. On reaching the headquarters of the Church he may be disappointed, if not discouraged, to learn that he failed to secure and prepare the records of his dead while on the ground; this is a mistake that will cost him loss of time and money to hire others to do what he could have well done himself. Therefore, this chapter will include some simple instructions that will serve as a guide to those still in their own home places. To begin with, the information found in each of the former chapters is adapted to both classes of Saints-those at home and those abroad. However, it has been considered wise to specialize in this chapter on items adapted especially to converts. The convert researcher should begin his labors: 1. In the library of his home town or city. 2. In the parish or county where he and his parents lived. 3. He should seek assistance through personal visits to old friends, relatives, and elderly people in the parish, gathering all that can be thus gleaned through memory or tradition. 4. Then he should visit churches where he or his relatives worshiped, going carefully over all church records, gravestones, monumental inscriptions and registers. This will cost him time, effort, and in England it will cost money for fees-but it should be done. 5. Then civil records should be carefully searched. (See Research chapter.) 6. In all of this search the worker should carefully |