Our Work

OUR WORK.

FAILURE OF THE ERA TO REACH SUBSCRIBERS.

In a few instances, for Volume VI, we have met with the complaint that only two or three numbers of the volume reached certain sub- scribers, and that they failed to get the remaining numbers. In other cases certain people subscribed for the magazine, and, through some error, failed to receive their numbers. Their names were not placed upon the subscription list. We desire to state to such subscribers, and to all our subscribers, that immediately upon your failure to receive any number of the magazine, you should drop the office a postal card or other notice, informing us of such failure, and the matter will be imme- diately looked up and the error corrected. We aim, and are proud of the record the Era has made in this matter, to have the magazine promptly in the hands of our subscribers on the first of every month, and as promptly to mail it to every person on the list, whether the names are sent by the individuals themselves or by our agents, the pres- idents of the associations. If the office is immediately notified of any

failure to receive the magazine, the error can be checked up without de- lay, and whether it be in the office, in the mails, or with the agent to whom the money has been given, it can be learned in a very short time; whereas, if the error is permitted to continue until the end of the year, it is impossible to unravel the complications and learn where the fault lies.Please, therefore, notify us immediately upon any failure to receive your magazine, or of any errors that may have been committed in our business relations with you.

A LESSON IN BUSINESS.

In attending the annual conventions of the M. I. A. this fall, some of the members of the General Board have learned and later reported

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that quite a number of the subscribers who were upon the delinquent list for theImprovement Era had already paid; some, weeks be- fore, and others, months before their visit to the convention. They had paid to the local officers of their ward, in some instances, and in others, to the stake superintendent, but the money had not been for- warded to the office, and through neglect had been held sometimes for months by the local officers. This condition of affairs is very regreta- ble, not only to the Improvement Era and to the General Board, but

also to such subscribers as have been erroneously placed upon the delin- quent lists. It should also be very humiliating for officers who have thus neglected to forward the money to its proper destination. We ap- preciate very highly the labors of our brethren in acting as agents for the Era, at the same time, we desire that they should act as they would in private affairs, and let good business rules regulate their actions. Using money in trust is a very dangerous practice for young men to engage in, and while we have not the least doubt there has been no thought of fraud in any way, it is a matter of history that the retention beyond the allotted time of money in trust, innocently may be, has often led to very serious financial complications, and in many instances to de- falcation. Many bank cashiers have innocently taken the bank's money and used it for a day, with the intention of replacing it at night, but something occurred by which they were unable to pay, and so the result was disastrous. Young men especially should be very careful in the handling of money, that they do it in a business way, and when they handle other people's finances that they carefully avoid using the means personally, even for the shortest time. It is the safest plan, it is

the only business way, and it is a training that every young man should subject himself to, for his own good and for his own moral and business welfare. Let us hope that it will not be necessary to call attention to this matter again, but that all the officers who hold money, either for the Improvement Era or for the Manuals, will promptly forward the same to the office, so that the individuals and associations may receive proper credit, and they themselves thereby learn a good lesson in business.

FOR CLASS TEACHERS AND PRESIDENTS.

In the preparation of our class work, the first essential is the selee- tion of competent class teachers. Those most competent should be

OUR WOBK. 66

chosen for the Junior class. If it is possible, have at least two teachers

for every class. The vital part of our w ork is to teach the truth, and make our stu- dents Latter-day Saints. The teacher's familiarity with the lesson is absolutely necessary. Home preparation is of the most vital import- ance, and special attention should be given to securing it. It is the most potent means for creating interest and enthusiastic study. Various methods have been suggested for ensuring this home study. One is to hold preliminary or preparation meetings; another is to visit backward members in their homes and go over the lessons with them; a third most excellent suggestion is to select quite a number of bright members as extra teachers, whose whole duty it is to coach the delinquents those — who do not prepare the lessons nor take part in the work in the meet- ings of the association — and get them ready for the meeting each week by assisting them to prepare the lessons. This method has the advan- tage of not only making active members of the delinquents, but it brings into prominence and encourages a number of leading members, and builds them up by giving them work to do. There are three essentials in teaching: order, interest, instruction. Instruction should have an aim, which should be developed or illustrated by the lesson, and then the aim or truth of the lesson should be applied to the student, so that it may become practical to him and be made a part of his life and being. Seek diligently to secure regular attendance. Irregular attendance destroys the interest of the student, and he is liable to discontinue at-

tendance altogether. In assigning the lesson, one or more topics may be given to a mem- ber, or there may be a general assignment of topics to various members, but the entire class should be urged to prepare on the lesson. One speaker should not be allowed to encroach upon either the time or the subject of another. Strictly prohibit Manual-reading in the class.

A mistake made by teachers frequently is their failure to take a general view of the subject, that is, to get a general understanding of the Manual from first to last, so that they will know at what the lessons are aiming, and will understand the connection between one lesson and another, and between one lesson and all those which precede and suc- ceed it. The one great, grand idea for this year's senior work is the gaining of a knowledge of the truth of the Book of Mormon. This can only be obtained through the influence of the Spirit of God and by fasting

66 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

and prayer. Our work, therefore, is to encourage the young men to study carefully this subject, and to diligently seek by these means to ob- tain a knowledge of the truth of this great work. In using the review questions, a general question is recommended as preferable to a direct one. The Book of Mormon being of such general interest, and this being the first time that an analytical course of study 'has been prepared upon it, the officers are urged to invite the older brethren to attend the meet- ings of the associations and take part in the study, and it is believed they will receive much profit therefrom.

HOW ABOUT MISSIONARY WORK.? The following resolution was adopted at the general conference of Y. M. M. I. A., on Monday afternoon, June 1, 1903:

Resolved, That the general missionary work be suspended and we bend our efforts and energies to the local missionary work; and that the local missionaries be called sufficiently early to be present at the fall convention and there receive their instructions. And further, that a committee from the General Board be appointed to look after this work.

The missionary work for the coming season, therefore, is confined to the local missionaries. In addition to the local officers of each associa- tion, two or four competent young men are selected by the presidency of

the association, with the approval of the Bishop of the ward, and set apart by the Bishop as local ward missionaries. The missionaries called last season are not released, but are to continue their labors. Where, for any reason, brethren are released from this mission, the vacancies should be filled at once. These should be released from all other duties in the ward, and should devote the entire time which they have for Church labors to this missionary work. That is, no other duty should interfere with it. The stake organization of the Y. M. M. I. A. should take charge of all the ward missionaries, calling a meeting weekly or monthly to receive re- ports and give instructions concerning the work of the missionaries. These brethren will labor in the ward under the direction of the ward presidency. The stake superintendency will report monthly on the mis- sionary work to the missionary committee of the General Board. The fol- lowing brethren have been appointed the missionary committe: J. Golden Kimball, Jos. W. McMurrin, B. F. Grant and Thos. Hull. It is distinctly understood that the officers of the associations are and shall also act as

OTJB WORK. 67

local missionaries. The local missionary work must not be discontinued, but it must be made more effective. This local missionary work is the most important that the officers have to do. Upon it depends greatly the success of our organization and its power to do good. It should be the spiritual labor of the season. Remember, the first step to take in the conduct of the missionary work is to have two or four, as may be deemed necessary, competent brethren called and set apart. Those already called, and who have been faithful in the discharge of their duty, should continue their labors; but where any have been neglectful and cannot be converted to a faithful performance of these duties, they should be released, and others selected in their places. In all of this missionary work, it must be understood that you will be in perfect harmony with the stake presidency and the bishops, and all must be done under their sanction and approval. In making the selection, first let the superintendency of the stake go to the stake president and obtain his sympathy and assistance, and his authority to select the necessary missionaries in each ward, and when his support is secured, ask him to kindly instruct the bishops to earnestly co-operate with you in this work. When this is accomplished proceed as follows: The ward president will meet with the bishopric of the ward and select not less than two nor more than four, as may be deemed nec- essary, of the most competent men in the ward. The bishopric will set these brethren apart, and release them from all duties which will in any way interfere with the work. In selecting these missionaries care should be exercised to obtain men of experience and intelligence; men who can secure the confidence of the boys; who have the spirit of missionary work, and who are exem- plary in their lives. We have in the past requested stake superinten- dents to select this class of men for our general missionaries, and we quote from the letter sent to them as to the qualifications of these breth- ren. In each of those letters it is said:

We want men of intelligence and experience in the Gospel, zealous in the work of the Lord, but wise and prudent; congenial and capable of making friends; able to express their ideas with a reasonable degree of clearness. Of course they must be men of good standing, upright, moral and exemplary in their lives; but it is not sufficient that a man possess these qualifications alone; he must have in addition the ability to perform this special missionary work.

It may be said that this calls for a perfect man, but we are holding up in this the ideal missionary, and we ask that you select those in your ward who come the nearest to this ideal. At one of our Board conven-

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tions, President Smith, in speaking upon the qualifications of mission- aries, said:

"There are many excellent men, but very few really good mission- aries. "The characteristics of a good missionary are: — "A man who has sociability whose friendship is permanent and — sparkling who can ingratiate himself into the confidence and favor of men who are in darkness. This cannot be done off-hand. You must get acquainted with a man, learn him and gain his confidence and make him feel and know that your only desire is to do him good and bless him; then you can tell him your message and give him the good things you have for him kindly and lovingly. Therefore, in selecting missionaries, choose such as have sociability, who have friendship and not enmity to- wards men; and if you have not any such in your ward, train and qualify some young men for this work. Some men can never make good mis- sionaries and you should not select such. In the very first place, a mis- sionary should have in himself the testimony of the Spirit of God the — witness of the Holy Ghost. If he has not this he has nothing to give. Men are not converted by eloquence or oratory; they are convinced when they are satisfied that you have the truth and the Spirit of God,"

The work of the missionaries is to convert all those who are care- less and neglectful of their duties, whether they be young or old, as well

as all persons who are not of our faith who will receive them. We want it understood that we are not working alone for Mutual Improvement and the increase of its" membership, but for the salvation of souls and the glory of the Master. We have reports from Salt Lake Stake which show that the work of the local Mutual Improvement missionaries in-

creased the attendance of the Sunday School in one instance twenty-five per cent. While we expect the missionaries to be specially interested in Mutual Improvement work, such as the Era, the General Fund, class work, membership, etc., our work is not only to get the young men to we can get a boy who is unkind to his par- join the associations, but if ents to be kind and gentle and obedient to them; one who smokes or drinks to abandon the evil practices; one who is profane, converted to reverence for the Deity and purity of language; or, if we can get those who are careless to attend the sacrament and other ward meetings and Sunday Schools, all this is Mutual Improvement work; and, in fact, any- thing that will make men better is part of our work. The missionaries should watch the amusements of the young people and set an example of moderation and modesty in these matters. Use an influence to improve the manners of the young people in their social gatherings. Advocate and inaugurate social gatherings in the homes of

OUR WORK. 69

the people, where the young people may meet with the parents. Intro- duce at them any good plan which will attract those who do not attend meetings. Urge the parents to take part with the young people in all their amusements. It would be well to hold cottage meetings occasion-

ally, and at these meetings introduce some social entertaining features so that they may be made attractive. In all your work, and in every plan adopted, remember that you are seeking to attract those who are indifferent to religious meetings, and you must therefore throw out in- ducements to get them under Gospel influences. The presidents of associations and ward missionaries should meet with the bishopric of the ward once each week, and make verbal reports, and fill out the weekly report blank, sending same promptly to the stake superintendent. The stake superintendents should then summarize the weekly reports, and forward the summary, on the first of each month, to the missionary committee of the General Board, addressed to Elder J. Golden Kimball, Templeton Building, Salt Lake City. These reports and summaries will be made on blanks furnished for the purpose by the General Board. The stake superintendency and aids are to meet with all the ward missionaries once each month at some convenient place, and if the stake is so scattered that all cannot come each month to one place, they should hold district missionary meetings, so as to fully instruct the missionaries from time to time, and ascertain positively whether they are working faithfully and carrying out the instructions. In conclusion, it is the instruction of the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations that a mighty effort be made to make this local missionary work a perfect success. Therefore, let us one and all take up this work with interest and devotion, deter-

mined that our great organization, approved as it is in all its lines by the authorities of the Church, shall, more than ever, be felt as a mighty power for good in the midst of Israel.

THE LATE M. I. A. CONVENTIONS. Without exaggeration, the conventions of the Mutual Improvement Associations, which were held this fall, were the most successful that have ever been convened. The brethren who visited the various stakes

of Zion give good reports of the condition of the associations, and the work generally in those stakes. For the first time since the inaugura- tion of the M. I. A. Conventions, every stake in Zion, including those in

70 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

Mexico, Arizona 'and Canada, has been visited by a member of the Gen- eral Board. The spirit of the meetings in every case has been uplifting, and will tend greatly to accelerate the work during the present season. A pleasing feature of every convention was the presence of the Presi- dents of stakes and their counselors, and the Bishops and High Coun- cilors, and other authorities of the Church, who took a living interest in the labors of the young people, and whose presence gave prestige and encouragement to the leaders in the work. The representation at all the conventions was the largest ever witnessed, and was all that could be expected in zeal and intelligence. Frequently officers came for a hun- dred miles or more to attend the conventions, and the instructions and exercises were all given with spirit and vim. The holding of the Young Ladies' conventions at the same time and in the same settlement was a new feature this year, which added to the interest of the gather- ings. It is safe to predict that much good will result, if the spirit

which was made manifest in these conventions is carried to the various associations; and the year 1903-4 will outdo all previous years in the pro- gress and usefulness of Mutual Improvement work. The Board can only urge the officers to continue the labors so well begun, and are united in asking the Lord that the zeal and energy and interest displayed in the conventions may continue through the season in every association throughout the Church.

SEND ORDERS TO THIS OFFICE. The attention of Mutual Improvement officers and others is called to the fact that the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. is publishing the Era, Manual, and Roll Books, and all orders for these should be sent directly to the general office of Y. M, M. I. A. , 214 Templeton Building, Salt Lake City. Orders are sometimes sent to other offices, and delay is thereby caused, which may be avoided by ordering directly from the general office.

OUR STUDY AIM FOR TWO SEASONS: To prove the origin oj the Book of Mormon to be what the Latter-day Saints say it is; and the book itself to be what we proclaim it to be —a rev- elation Jrom God.