Be Thou Perfect: A Poem

LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 187 tumults among them, because of the love of God which dwelt in their hearts. In recording this glorious state of things, the Prophet, in the fulness of his rejoicing, exclaims: "Surely there could not have been a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God!" This was because they were one, the followers of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of heaven. That which was possible with the Nephites, eighteen centuries ago, is possible in this dispensation with the Latter-day Saints, upon their conforming to the same principles. Such results are not attained by mortals in an instant, or with a breath, but re- quire earnest effort and steadfast faith. As individuals, we are yet far from being prepared far the condition here spoken of. But we know the means by which it was reached, and have the same gifts, authority and powers of the gospel that the Nephites possessed. The position which they enjoyed is worth every effort to attain to. An important step towards it, and that brings its blessings with it, is that we "cease to find fault one with another," and devote ourselves more energetically than heretofore to labor- ing for the establishment of the love of God and of our neighbors in our hearts, to the exclusion of every opposing influence. Salt Lake City, Utah.

BE THOU PERFECT. (For the Improvement Era.) Stay thy tongue; judge not thy brother; He who fashioned ev'ry fibre, Can'st thou read his inmost thought: He alone doth hold the key. His heart's purpose can'st thou meas- ure, Doth thy trembling feet ne'er stumble? Whil'st with weakness thou art Art thou ne'er misunderstood? fraught? Are thy breathings always holy, Hast thou heard his anguished plead- And thy secret thoughts all good? m£s' Be thou perfect, my brother, As the bitter tear-drops start? clothe thygdf w|ft ^^ Hast thou seen his earnest str.v.ngs, Though fchy g . ftg were ^m moun _ To obtain the better part? taing Who made thee thy brother's keeper? Failingthis, they're dcoss to thee. Did Almighty plan with thee? Ruth May Fox. Salt Lake City, Utah.