Benediction

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such of his simple teachings as will enable the young to understand something of the noble greatness of the man, and the value of the truths he taught, and for which he suffered and died. We have frequently been implored to print in the pages of the Era more matter suitable for our younger readers. This "life" is especially written for young people of twelve and fourteen years and upward, and we are confident that not only they will be thoroughly inter- ested in the narrative as it will appear in the Era from month to month, but that many of our older readers will be delighted with

it, so much so that they may even turn from tales of heroism, pa- triotism, and adventure, to enjoy this more fascinating life of the great apostle. It is such reading as the family circle on a winter's

evening will delight to hear, and parents who gather their children about them that they may listen to the story will be amply com- pensated. It is one of the many attractive features of volume nine of the Era that should insure many subscribers for our maga- zine. Speak about it to your neighbor, and help us get another subscriber. Other special features for Volume IX, are as follows: President Joseph F. Smith, the Senior Editor, will contribute articles on topics of interest to the Saints and the young people. No articles that have ever been published in a home magazine have been received with greater favor than the contributions of Presi- dent Smith in the past volumes of the Era. He will continue for Volume IX, and this feature alone is of great value and interest to both old and young.

Short Stories. —Offers to Writers. For volume nine of the Era we expect several short stories. The Era offers $25.00 for any story submitted to its editors during the year beginning October, 1905, that will be deemed available by the editors for publication in the magazine. Stories must contain no less than 2,000 words nor more than 7,000, and may be submitted at any time during the year, those not used to be returned at the close of October, 1906, and the available ones paid for at the time of publication. The right to reject any stories submitted is reserved. Stories of true expe-

62 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

rience and adventure, inspiration, action and achievement, suitable for boys and young men, are preferred.

Memorial Number.

One hundred years ago, in December, the Prophet Joseph Smith was born. The December Era will be devoted to his career and character, and articles thereon are anticipated from Dr. John A. Widtsoe, Bishop Orson F. Whitney, Dr. James E. Talmage, Prof. J. H. Evans, Susa Young Gates, Prof. Willard Done, Histor- ian Andrew Jenson and other writers. It is hoped to make the tribute worthy of the man, and all the people will wish to secure the volume containing these valuable contributions on the great prophet of the latter days.

A University Scholarship.

To the young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-two years inclusive, who are members of the Young Men's Mutual Im- provement Association, for the best essay on '*The Internal Evi- dences of the Truth of the Book of Mormon, ' ' the General Board offers one year's scholarship in any one of these three educational The Latter-day Saints' University, Salt Lake City; the institutions: Brigham Young University, Provo; and the Brigham Young College, Logan. The school to be chosen by the successful contestant. The essay must consist of not less than two thousand nor more than four thousand words, or from five to ten pages of the Improvement Era; must be typewritten; and must be in the hands of the editor of the Improvement Era by April 1, 1906. The best •essay will be pubUshed in the ninth volume of the Era. The essay will be judged on the following points: Originality, logical arrangement in statement of subject matter and argument; ^nd literary excellence. By originality is meant, that the work must be rigidly the competitor's own effort. The scholarship will consist of: First, free transportation from his home to school and return,

Including a holiday trip home and return. Second, free tuition, and books in school. Third, free board and lodging, (ordinary student's fare) for forty weeks.

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Fourth, clothing, and a reasonable allowance for incidentals. This liberal offer should create a decidedly interesting com- petition. We hope that every association will hold a competitive trial among their membership, and forward the one best essay for the general competition.

Miscellaneous Subjects Already in Hand.

A large number of short essays on religious, historical, social, literary, and scientific themes will appear, all of which have been written by a variety of entertaining authors, old and new. Among the titles, now on hand or promised, are many of excellent value and of attractive interest. Doctrinal Subjects.

Doctrinal topics will receive due consideration, and our efforts will be extended to make the Era, as in the past, a leading doc- trinal exponent of the Church for the missionary field, for the stu- dent, and the investigator. The Era will appreciate prompt renewals by our old subscrib- ers, and energetic action by all the officers in securing new sub-

scriptions. On October 6, the First Ward, Rexburg, had already — secured 38 paid subscribers more than 5 per cent of the popula- tion— a good example.