The Fourth Week

The First Book of Stirling

Chapter 4

Many strange things come to pass as District 22 continues their learnings. Many goodnesses are witnessed by the people. Great progress is made in the language. District 10 is stir-crazy.

1. It has been save but one Moon since I began my journey. I, Stirling, do venture to tell you somewhat of content of these, my days, for it is pleasing unto me that I should share the things which are given to me with all those that will hearken unto my writing.

2. Yea, and I, Stirling, being few of days, nevertheless being very blessed in all things by the Lord, do endeavor to make known these tales, though I am not mighty in writing like I am in word.

3. And it came to pass that we have seen great contention with our brothers, Branch 10, for they are stirred up in their hearts against us for boredom.

4. Yea, and it came to pass that they did toss down forks, and spoons, and all manner of silverware and other strange items.

5. Yea, and they did toss these items with great force from the fourth floor of our home.

6. And it came to pass that in the very same hour these things were thrown, a messenger went forth from amongst our people who did pick up the red emergency phone and call upon the administrative desk.

7. Yea, and the administrative desk did succor us, and send us aid in the form of campus security.

8. And it happened that the campus security could find not our brethren, for we knew not their names.

9. Nevertheless, we were protected from having to bring down wrath upon our brethren, for which we were thankful.

10. And it came to pass that many lessons were taught in those days, and much Russian was learned, that the Elders and Sisters of 22J did grow in the Lord to a greater understanding of the Russian language.

11. But, behold! There were some who were discouraged in their hearts, for they were fearful that they might not progress in the language.

12. Nevertheless, all were lifted up, and edified by our teachers unto the fulfillment of their learnings.

13. And many things were learned.

14. And it came to pass that I, Stirling, did learn many words, that my brethren were exceedingly astonished at my knowledges.

15. And I did come to know these things by trusting in the Lord.

16. Yea, and so it is in all things that when we trust upon the Lord, we will do many things which shall be strange and wondrous.

17. And it came to pass that I did kneel in prayer before the Lord, my God, and offer my thanks unto Him in all things.

18. And all this did come to pass that the 3rd week was ended.

19. Behold! Upon the Sunday of the 4th week we did lift up our voices in praise to the Lord Almighty! And our hearts were greatly uplifted by the words which were spoken to us by Lloyd Newell!

20. And it did come to pass that I, Stirling, was released from my calling as District Leader.

21. Behold! Our brother, Elder Arave, was called in my stead, that he might lead the district in righteousness.

22. And there was much rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord.

23. Yea, and It came to pass that I, Stirling, did find my cousin, Sister Robison, and there was much rejoicing in the reunion of family that day.

24. And it did come to pass that on the Monday of the 4th week, our people were stirred up in great alarm.

25. For behold! By the work of a prank, an English-speaking Elder did partake of 24 laxatives.

26. And we were sore afraid.

27. Yea, and we feared for the health of that brother, who we knew not. And we did search for him continually until we did find him.

28. And it came to pass that he was taken away to be cared for, and I know not of his fate.

29. And it came to pass on Tuesday of the 4th week we did again lift up our voices in praise.

30. Yea, and I did speak unto my brethren many words, and did quote to them from the Book of Alma.

31. Yea, and I spake unto them these words:

32. "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just - yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them- Therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."

33. Yea, and my brethren and sisters did also speak much of the goodness of God, and of the things of the Spirit, which they had gained strong testimony.

34. And I make an end of my record for now, being short of time in which to write upon these electronic plates.