Our Work: A Correspondence Bureau Proposed

OUR WORK.

A CORRESPONDENCE BUREAU PROPOSED.

Some time ago the editors of the Era received the following communication. It treats of a very important matter, and we think is worthy of serious consideration by the associations, to whom we commend it. Furthermore, we solicit suggestions of this character from the readers of our magazine; and we say if you have ideas relative to any work which could in your judgment be undertaken by our associations, by all means let us hear from you.

Dear Brother: —Hoping do not intrude too much upon your valu- I

able time, I take the liberty of laying before you a little matter which I ask you to consider as to its merits and advisability. You in your position as editor of the organ of the Young Men's Associations are no doubt taken up with measures that concern the welfare of that organization, and it is in considering this that I think it pertinent to lay before you this subject, which I have for some time contemplated. It is a feature of M. I. work which, from my view at least, would prove to be of value to the Y. M. M. I. A. were it incorporated with that valuable organization. First, I may begin by referring to a commendable feature of the press in general in devoting columns for the correspondence and use of the readers; thus opening up a medium through which people may discuss topics, and exchange ideas and opinions; recount the natural resources and physical advantages of their respective localities, etc. Now, one characteristic that impresses me is that in the periodicals that occasionally come under my notice, I scarcely ever see any corres-

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pondence from this State, while the majority of other states are represented. The reason of this may be that, as the press in the past has been inolined to misjudge us — — that is the Latter-day Saints we have had to be silent with respect to writing in our papers; but Utah's advent into the new sphere of statehood, and the course of other events have had a tendency to obliterate this indifference, and as a result an era is now dawning in which we are receiving a more liberal share of the editors' good will. No doubt they would now publish letters relative to the interests of this State with as much readiness as they publish communications from other parts of the Union. Considering this apparent neglect on the part of Utah writers, we will all agree and think it proper that something be done to impress the people —the young people in particular —with the importance of this matter of correspondence. This opportunity of writing to the press is an avenue that can be utilized to a great extent in removing the prevalent prejudice, and in inculcating a desire among readers in the world to investigate our "strange" faith. To my mind, an interest in this direction and a use of this avenue can best be effected by establishing in the Young Men's Association»a bureau or department for the purpose of fostering and conducting correspondence with the press, and subsequently writing to the individuals who may respond to the original press letter, and also of diffusing tracts and Church literature through the mails. This feature would supply the need for more practical work in our association. It would develop an increased desire in members to read Gospel literature with a view to acquire a more comprehensive knowledge of our doctrine so as to be able to conduct a creditable correspondence; it would stimulate more ardent sentiments favorable to the establishment of libraries. But the most important feature as a consequence of this new departure, would be the abating and lessening of the bias and prejudice in the world as a result of the letters disseminated through the press, and later the correct exposition of our doctrine to individual investigators, in the subsequent personal correspondence that would ensue.

A pertinent objection might be raised on the grounds that attention to this matter would prove more experimental than practical. A friend of mine, together with myself, had some little experience that I think would tend rather to counteract the objection, and warrant my view as here expressed. Some months ago we wrote a short article to an eastern periodical in which we referred to some of the characteristics of this country; referred to the moral situation of the people; made some mention of our

faith, and closed by expressing a wish to correspond with readers on questions relative to religion.The missive elicited some six responses from different persons, who avowed a wish to learn our real faith, some inquiring about the truth or falsity of certain absurdities; others more informed pointing out apparent strange doctrines and asking for Biblical passages to substantiate our views, etc. I may here add that these enquirers in every case, I think, had never had a meeting with an Elder of our Church. So far, I believe, we have defended and elucidated fairly well our Gospel principles, and eliminated to some extent the false impressions that some have had of us. We have also mailed correspondents above referred to, tracts and books, which, upon being read, are forwarded from one person to another. I may add that I believe the enquirers had good motives in their soliciting information. One of them is a contributor to a religious monthly, while another is connected with the profession of school teaching. Considering the little that this effort effected for the sake of the Gospel, it appears to me that the efforts of the young men in general, yiroughout Zion, would be of incalculable value in the promulgation of the Gospel if they would give it their attention. My opinion is that the young men of the association would be enthusiastic in the move of incorporating the corresponding bureau, above proposed, with their work. There is in correspondence a certain fascination, particularly when it

comes to a discussion of Gospel principles, which I think will imbue members in general with a desire to attempt writing. The systematizing of this plan of correspondence upon a practical basis would perhaps involve work for a time upon some committee, but when accomplished it would certainly be a feature to be commended; an excellent school for association members, as well as helping in the Latterday work of preaching to "every kindred, tongue, and people" the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yours very respectfully, Peter Sundwall, Jr.