--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 6 number: 9 published: 1903-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, \"Speaker's Contest,\" *Improvement Era* 6, no. 9 (July 1903): 641–651." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0609unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera0609unse start_page: 641 end_page: 651 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1903-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0609unse publication_year: 1903 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1903, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Speaker's Contest IMPROVEMENT ERA. Vol. VI. JULY, 1903. No. 9. SPEAKER'S CONTEST. ORATIONS THAT WON THE FIRST AND SECOND PRIZES. [The fourth annual Speaker's Contest of the Salt Lake stake Y. M. M. I. A. was held in the Assembly hall on Saturday evening, May 30, 1903. The large congregation was presided over by President Joseph F. Smith who, in closing, wished all the speakers joy. There was some good singing, among which was the beautiful hymn, "0 my Father," sung by Charles Kent. Elder B. H. Roberts made the presentation speeches to the winners of the prizes. There were four contestants, who spoke in the following order: Carl H. Carlquist, Fifth Ward; C. S. Booth, Twentieth Ward; James R. Smith, Thirty-third Ward; and Nephi L. Cottam, of the Twenty-fourth Ward. The last speaker won first prize, and James R. Smith the second. The judges on thought and composition were: Willard Done, Dr. Jas. E. Talmage, and Philip S. Maycock; on delivery: Apostle John Henry Smith, Nephi L. Morris, and Joseph R. Murdock. Since the orations in this contest are all creditable, full of thought and good argument, the Era will print them in full. Those who heard them delivered will readily perceive the great difference in effect be- tween reading a composition and having it pronounced by a good speak- er. The lesson is plain: if you wish to persuade the people, young man, learn to speak well. Nephi L. Cottam, who won the Boyd Park Improvement Cup, first Lake City, December 5, 1883, and is the son of prize, was born in Salt John and Anna G. Johnson Cottam. He graduated from the public schools, and is at present a student at the Latter-day Saints' University. He has been ordained a deacon and teacher, recommended for the office 642 IMPR0VEMEN7 ERA. of elder, and takes an active part in the organizations of the Church and its work. James R. Smith, who won the second prize, six volumes of the Improvement Era, is the son of Thomas C. and Sarah Smith, and was born in Heber City, Wasatch Co., February 23, 1880. He attended the common schools at Heber, and is now a student in the Univer- sity of Utah, having entered that from the Brigham institution Young Academy. In Mutual Improvement and Sunday School work, he has always been active and interested. "Gospel Affinities,"' by C. S. Booth, and "A Convincing Testimony— The Church Organization," by Carl H. Carlquist, will appear in the August number of the Era. Editors.]— THE TEMPORAL AND THE SPIRITUAL. BY NEPHI L. COTTAM. Dimmed by the mists of earth, men's eyes see not the glory of heaven. Long has the world busied itself with things that per- ish. Let the records of human existence point the mind back to the dawn of history, when man commenced his work. We see him a selfish being, eagerly grasping for his own comfort the best of earth. See how he gathers about him lands and cattle, money and precious stones. How he resents the thought that one of his fellows, less fortunate than he,might wish to share in the gathered wealth! Does he not account his brother less than the dust so carefully scraped together? Behold, men armed with weapons, destroying the lives of their fellow-men, laying waste fields, filling the world with sorrow; and for what? That above the grave of the vanquished might tread the victors, covered with praise, loaded with spoils wrested from the dying grasp of fellow mortals. Oh! that men, heaven born children of the Eternal One, destined it may be to dwell with God, should excel in cruelty the beasts of the field ! Why should those who might shed forth a divine radiance cast a gloom over this fair creation? Time is too short, life too brief for any to spend their best efforts on things that pass away. What are earthly honors when SPEAKER' T CONTEST. 643 man is no more? What is glory when the tomb is closed? Where some Pharaoh bade his hosts assemble, and decreed the destruc- tion of his foes, the rude Bedouin now stakes his tent. Halls that echoed with the revehy of kings, are silent, save for the cry of the jackal, or the mournful notes of the owl. Thus perishes all human greatness, as the grass of summer in the blasts of winter. The air is filled with the hum of the workshop, the artizan is busy with his task; the mart of trade is astir, the merchant is in- tent on his wares; the world is restless, all too restless, absorbed in worldly thought. Little does it heed the warning that the night will come, when man's work must end. Is this life, then, so barren that effort may hope for no lasting gain? Shall the grave exclaim unchallenged, "In me all achieve- ment hath its reward?" Down through the ages, above the din of contending foes, more sweet than hallowed peace, come these sol- emn, yet cheerful words: "Man, seek thou the kingdom of heaven; its righteousness faileth not." This message, this gospel of Jesus, this system more perfect than the philosophy of men, is for every creature. Its scope is as wide as the universe. Time cannot limit what God has ordained. Teach we then one another the precious truths that Jesus so freely offers. Let him who is strong minister unto his weaker neighbor. Aye, let him deem it a duty, a sacred responsibility, to show the erring one the path that leads heavenward. From time to time, God has sent among his children some noble spirits to proclaim his word, to plead with the inhabitants of the earth to forsake their follies, or to rebuke them for their gross iniquities. There was Noah patiently exhorting, as the years rolled by, a heedless generation; Moses, striving with Jehovah's beloved but disobedient people; Isaiah, eager to put repentance into hearts filled with sin. How has a corrupt world repaid labors such as these? Monu- ments are raised to commemorate the deeds of the warrior. To save souls is not deemed greatness. One must needs plod, besmeared with blood, through battle to fame. Yet, heaven will speak after earth has bestowed its prizes, and what is here called failure may there be known as success. The value of a gift may be measured by its cost to the giver. — 644 IMPROVEMENT ERA. What sacrifices have been made by God's servants that their gifts of life and truth might be dispensed so generously! Behold Stephen, Christ-like, as he asked that his assaulters be forgiven, yielding up his life amid the cruel stones. How many have appeased the hunger of savage beasts, or served as torchlights in Roman streets? The blood of the martyr has enriched the truth. As in ages past, so now, light must meet its deadly enemy, darkness, that craven that fears the day, but in the gloomy watches of the night, in some sequestered cavern, laughs in fiendish glee, while with Satanic skill it forges its weapons. In this land en- shrined in freedom, whose forests gave shelter to the pilgrim, could aught but justice thrive? history, sadly write it that even here, God's anointed were mocked and slain. Joseph Smith though that name is pronounced with foul curses by the lips of the ungodly, to saints is an inspiration —that prophet of the Most High, to attest his love for men's souls, gave his strength, his life, his all. In many an unmarked grave on the plains of Missouri lie the ashes of gray-haired sire or youthful maidens. They fell before the fury of the mob. None placed flowers above their clay, yet angel-voices whisper, "These died for the testimony of Jesus." Our Father does not lack worthy messengers, for out of each hamlet, in the midst of his chosen people, go forth the sons of Zion with the glad news that Christ has again a Church on earth. Sing the praises of these noble youths who, in humility, perhaps with trem- bling, leave home and its sacred surroundings, to face a world oft devoid of kindness. What prompts them to do thus? Love that — love which says to the wicked, "Though ye spurn me, yet will I pray for you." Happy should they be who are engaged in this labor, for they serve a good Master. His life was matchless, his death sublime. Never did the wisdom of Plato conceive, nor the eloquence of Cicero portray a scene so full of meaning as that of the crucified Redeemer. On this pallid brow was placed a wreath of platted thorns, and the rabble mocked him, saying: "Hail, king of the Jews!" They led him to the dismal heights of Calvary. There they nailed him to the cross. Blood oozed from his hands and feet. It dropped from his brow pierced by the crown of thorns. While his lips quivered with agony, he had compassion on those who so SPEAKER'S CONTEST. 645 wrongfully need him. None but a God could now exclaim, "Father, • forgive them, they know not what they do." Darkness fell o'er the land. The ground trembled with sympathetic agony. The heavens were rent with thunder. Through the awful tempest, the voice of Christ was heard: "It is finished." ye children of the ages, men of every race, behold the price of your redemption! What think ye of Christ? Yet gaze not longer at the sunken head, the weakened frame, crushed for your sake. Await, rather, the third day. Look! The risen Lord appears. Triumphant death has met defeat. The earth now sees its bright- est day. Out of the depths of sorrow come life and hope. Let us contemplate the gospel of our Savior. We are raised above our ignoble selves to commune with holy thoughts. Here is a system suited for every condition. Through it, the wise may learn wisdom, and the foolish be made to forsake his folly. In hours of pleasure, it points to imperishable joys and a better world; and in moments of despair, it soothes the aching heart, and gently whispers, "Child of God, this world is not thy home." Shall we chase fleeting vanities when we may grasp the boon of salvation? Heaven forbid that the siren voice of pleasure shall beguile us to destruction. Let us, then, seek first the kingdom of heaven and his right- eousness; for has not Jesus himself said: "All other things shall be added thereto." Let us lift our voices, feeble though they be, in defense of truth. Revere the memory of those who, in trying times, when friends were few, stood valiantly for Christ. Help one another, patiently, lovingly, as becomes children of the same great Father. May we remember always, that though earth may claim our dust, beyond this life, and beyond the tomb, is a career of boundless joy and unending progress. MAN'S DUTY TO MAN. BY JAMES R. SMITH. "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay 646 IMPROVEMENT ERA. down his life for his friends." Being filled with such Divine in- spiration, and such perfect, active, undefiled love as that ex- pressed in this command, Christ would naturally give as his two great commandments: first, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," and, second, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." But both are so linked together that we cannot obey one and not the other; for "that which," he said, "you do unto the least of mine, that ye do unto me also." In his second great commandment, Christ discloses man's duty to man, as well as man's duty to himself; and he gives us an idea of the greatness and the importance of our duty to our fellow- men when he places it second to our duty to God. There devolves upon us as children, equal in the sight of our Father, a duty greater than merely helping to secure justice and right; greater than refraining from injuring and disturbing others; greater than giving only security and peace. These are but a form of negative life. The commandment "to love thy neigh- bor as thyself," makes duty positive in character and result; con- sequently, justice and right become secondary to the higher powers of benevolence and love. If we love our neighbor as our- selves, we will not only refrain from wronging him, but will give him help and encouiagement. If he sin against us, we will not only bear him no grudge, but will forgive him, and return go'od for evil. Thus, love is the great agent that will cleanse the earth of sin, and prepare it for the Millennium — it is the fundamental principle of true happiness and an eternal life. It is a man's special duty to cultivate his own life; for he can be sanctified in the kingdom of God only through his individual effort and desire to become virtuous and pure. In this respect, man's duty to himself does not exclude his duty to others; for he who makes the best improvement is and can be the greatest bene- factor to mankind. Individual welfare, and the welfare of society, are so interwoven that whoever cares for his own true well-being also promotes that of society. Man's selfish nature, however, is generally sufficient for his own protection and material existence- The greater problem with which we must contend is the over-de- velopment of this selfishness which is too often forgetful of • SPEAKER'S CONTEST. 647 the consideration and respect due our fellow-roan. This cold, hard, selfishness is best illustrated in Shakespeare's Shylock, who says, The pound of flesh which I demand of him Is dearly bought; 'tis mine, and I will have it. And then listen how love teaches sympathy and kindness when Portia pleads that he be merciful in his demands: And earthly power then, doth show likest God's When mercy seasons justice ***** ****** we do pray for mercy, And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy. Again, this part of the commandment, "to love thy neighbor," must be limited by the vital interests of the home. It is the Divine will that man shall first look after his wife and family. If this were not so, the human race would soon dwindle into sinful- ness, degradation and misery; for the greatest school in all the world, the home and fireside, would be neglected. Indeed, it is written that, "if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own household, he hath denied the faith and is worse than the infidel." The neglected home soon becomes mere cold? uninviting walls, within which sadness and sorrow too soon plow deep furrows in beauty's cheek, and where peace, happiness and love, seldom encourage life's daily toil. In such a household, there can not be pure, reciprocal love between husband and wife, parents and children, which must exist, if there be a heaven in home, and if home fulfill the function that God intended it should fulfill. Another restriction of this principle of love toward neighbor, from an unwise, promiscuous application, was clearly taught by Christ. Unwise kindness is not true kindness, nor is unwise char- ity true charity, "Again and again is it true of the charity of to- day, that it curseth him who gives and him who takes." The in- dulgent and unwise mother, a mother of indiscriminate charity, who loves her child so much that she gives it every thing it wants, and rears it as a parasite that always has its desires gratified without effort on its part, will naturally develop a child that will be weak when it has to meet the tempests of practical life. 648 IMPROVEMENT ERA. The mother's motive is of the highest character, yet the result is evil; for she destroys the self-reliance and self-dependence of the child she so blindly loves. Likewise, promiscuous alms-giving does more harm than good, for it, too, hinders the development of the sense of responsibility, and of a desire for improvement and self-reliance in the unfortunate recipient. Let us, therefore, love our neighbors in so far as this can be done without neglecting the problem of our own lives; without violating the special duties of home; and, finally, without weaken- ing the self-reliance and self-exertion of those we try to help. By these three restrictions, which were clearly taught by Christ, we have confined love toward neighbor, or man's duty to man, to a fixed channel through which it might always flow like a permanent stream producing banks of beauty, bedecked with flowers of happiness and everlasting life. The love that Christ speaks of in his great commandment is the same that Paul describes in his song of love, "Charity suffer- eth long and is kind; charity envieth not." This is the real true love between neighbor and neighbor. Wherever it may go, it brings happiness, pearls of great price, to the lonely, the sad, the destitute and the fallen! Such a benevolence is of the greatest good, and seems to tap the spring of moral life. If we are guided by such a love, "It might be given to us to stir within our brother the dying embers of a faith and hope blighted by failure after failure, and awaken in him the old high ideal and purpose of his life." The thought that he still has a friend who sees within him a spark that might be fanned into the flame of noble manhood, will excite within him a desire and strength to turn from his downward course and look to a new hope. Many wicked and for- lorn sinners were filled with new life by the sympathetic and en- couraging words of him who said, "Neither do I condemn thee, go sin no more." how many criminals may In contrast with this, trace the beginning of theirdownward course to an unkind act, an unkind thought, an unkind word ? If an unseen hand could at the right moment stamp upon their hearts' tablets, however black they may be, the words "Home" and "Love," "Lips would quiver, eves would swim," and from the bottom of every soul, in which the bud of love and truth had long since seemed dead, would burst — SPEAKER'S CONTEST. 649 heart-rending confessions, soon to be followed by repentance. If that helping hand be not offered, henceforth the "sun of life" smiles not upon them, they see but the clouded side of their ex- istence, which grows darker and darker with each succeeding day. Man's duty or love towards neighbor means more than mere giv- ing and helping. For "Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; I ***** an(j although I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." Indeed, our gift, our encouragement must be accompanied by true love and sympathy, otherwise it can relieve but immediate suf- fering; it can have little value in enriching and expanding the souls of those who give and those who receive. Well might we think of that great lesson taught in the Vision of Sir Launfal. Well might we study it, and ponder over it, for therein lies hidden the secret of true charity and love. Sir Launfal went in search of the Holy Grail, but as he left his own gate, he beheld, crouched low in the dust, a leper who with outstretched hands begged piteously for alms. He hated the sight of the unclean thing, so "Tossed him a piece of gold in scorn": The leper raised not the gold from the dust; Better to me the poor man's crust, Better the blessing of the poor, Though I turn me empty from his door; That is no true alms which the hand can hold; He gives nothing but worthless, gold Who gives from sense of duty; But he who gives his slender mite, And gives to that which is out of sight, The hand cannot clasp the whole of his alms, The heart outstretches its eager palms, For God goes with it and makes it a store To the soul that was starving in darkness before. Sir Launfal spent his whole life in fruitless search, and finally returned, weak, hungry, feeble and poor. Thus brought down to a — 650 IMPROVEMENT ERA. repentant mood, he beheld, in the leper whom he was once loath to look upon, the "Image of him who died on the cross." Humility and love conquered his prouder nature, and taught him sympathy and kindness. Gladly did he now share his last crust of bread with the once despised leper, who now stood before him glorified. Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare; Who gives himself with his alms feeds three Himself, his hungry neighbor, and Me. Prompted by love, man will help those who need help, not by giving alms but by giving encouragement, and extending sym- pathy in all emergencies. This is man's duty to man: to visit the widow and the orphan; to comfort the sick and the afflicted; to give to the poor; to preach the gospel in the world; to warn the sinner of his evil way; and to extend the hand of fellowship and assistance to the wayward and to those in distress. It is his duty to forgive the traspasses of his brother, to bear him no ill will, and return good for evil. Truly, then, the significance of love, as man's duty to man, lies in the fact that it diminishes suffering and want; increases happiness; makes life richer, both to the giver and the receiver; and unites hearts in confidence and affection. It transforms the lion-like nature of man to lamb-like meekness, and makes wrath flee and anger quail. This is the love that was burning within the bosom of our Savior when he spoke those inspir- ing and heartfelt words: "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." True to this command, our devoted Master finally went to Cal- vary where his love for mankind, for you and for me, reached its zenith. Picture, if you can, that awful scene, as he hangs upon the cross; while the mob are spitting upon him and giving him gall to moisten his feverish lips. Notice the large drops of blood standing upon his forehead as a result of his great suffering. See the atoning blood staining his hands and feet and side. Look ! the scene grows silent, and darkness spreads over the earth, for the end is nearly come. Listen ! now Love's deepest and fullest bud — SPEAKER'S CONTEST. 651 bursts forth into the richest flower, as our Savior, with words of kindness and sympathy and mercy towards his murderers and cruci- fiers, lifts his death-stained eyes toward his Father, and with his last, faint, fleeting breath, in humble supplication pleads, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." • TO THE FAITHFUL MISSIONARIES OF THE CHURCH. WRITTEN FOR THE IMPROVEMENT ERA. Precious among the sons of men are you, Ye chosen servants of the living God! The world often judge you wrongfully. In your Spiritual ministrations, many do not divine By human wisdom your purposes or aims; Neither comprehend they the power which guides you. How maDy phases of experience 'tis yours to share! Blessed are they who receive you in their homes, Ministering to your needs. Their reward is sure. The angels take cognizance of such men as these, Their kindly acts are recorded in the archives Of heaven. Blessed ministrants are ye! Clothed with the majesty of the Melchizedek Priesthood,, how great is your calling! The heavenly graces, gifts and inspirations Of the Holy Ghost are yours, legitimately. Because of this divine authority conferred upon you, Ye are in possession of the power to unlock^ The depository of wisdom, knowledge, light And truth, and the Lord will not deny you The power to bless the pui-e in heart continually. Eternal Father! Bless and preserve these thy Servants whose time and services are dedicated Unto thee, for the good of the chosen seed of Israel, In all the world. George W. Crocheron.