--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Smith, Joseph F. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 10 number: 8 published: 1907-06 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Joseph F. Smith, "Editor’s Table: Fountain of Truth," *Improvement Era* 10, no. 8 (June 1907): 627–633.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera108unse 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: improvementera108unse start_page: 627 end_page: 633 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1907-06) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera108unse publication_year: 1907 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 1907, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editor’s Table: Fountain of Truth EDITOR'S TABLE. FOUNTAIN OF TRUTH. We hear frequently of men who throw discredit on the doc- trine of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, because some of the principles, doctrines, and philosophy which he taught are said to have been spoken before his day by heathen philosophers. A variety of examples are sometimes quoted to show that Zoroaster and other ancient philosophers made known truths, and that the Old Testament, the Avesta, and other writings, con- tain sentiments, which were repeated, perhaps in slightly differ- ent form, by the Son of God. He taught nothing new, they say, and so they incline to belittle his mission, and accuse him of plagiarizing the truth. It is conceded by a number of competent students that the ideals which have grown from the doctrines of Christ are a direct development of what is found in the teachings of the Old Testa- ment, particularly in the Psalms and in the second part of Isaiah. But, on the other hand, it is just as certain that these ideals re- ceive a finish and an enrichment, by the touch of the Savior, vastly beyond and above what they possessed before, and also they are placed on deeper and firmer foundations. This, let it be said to begin with, is because they were his before they were ever uttered by man. Even in the five distinctive and characteristic topics generally considered by commentators original in the teachings of Jesus, we find little if anything new, except the enlargement. These are named as, the Fatherhood of God, the Kingdom of God; subjects or members of the Kingdom; the Messiah; the Holy Ghost; and the Tri-Unity of God. 628 IMPROVEMENT ERA. But the idea of the Fatherhood of God was not unknown either to the Pagans or to Israel. Zeus from the time of Homer had borne the name "Father of -gods and men." But, |bothin Jewish and Pagan literature, the idea was superficial and meant lit- tle more than "originator" (Gen. 1: 26); and in the old Jewish scripture God is more particularly called the Father of his people, Israel (Deut. 14: 1; Isaiah 63: 16.) But in the teachings of Christ there is a fuller embodiment of revelation in the word Father, and the application which he makes of the Fatherhood of God invests his life with supreme tenderness and beauty. As an example: In the old scriptures, we are told, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him;'^ (Psalm 103: IS), but by the interpretation of Jesus, the love of God as Father extends beyond these limitations even to those who are unthankful and evil: "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them do good to them that hate you, and that curse you, pray for them which dispitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust" (Matt. 5: 45). "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest; for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." (Luke 6: 35). And so with other doctrines of Christ; while perhaps not new, they were enriched by the addition of fuller, broader, more loving conceptions of God and his purposes; in which compulsion was eliminated, and lowly service, love, and self-sacrifice were substi- tuted and made the true forces of an acceptable life. Even the answer to the lawyer's question, often called the eleventh com- mandment, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" had been given to the children of Israel, (Lev. 19: 18), over two thousand years before its perfected meaning was impressed upon the learned Pharisee. (Matt. 22: 34, 40). But what of all this? Are we therefore to discredit the teach- ings of the Savior? Verily no. Let it be remembered that Christ was with the Father from the beginning, that the gospel of truth and light existed from the beginning, and is from everlasting to EDITOR'S TABLE. 629 everlasting. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as one God, are the fountain of truth. From this fountain all the ancient learned philosophers have received their inspiration and wisdom— from it they have received all their knowledge. If we find truth in broken fragments through the ages, it may be set down as an incontro- vertible fact that it originated at the fountain, and was given to philosophers, inventors, patriots, reformers, and prophets by the inspiration of God. It came from him through his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, in the first place, and from no other source. It is eternal. Christ, therefore, being the fountain of truth, is no imitator. He taught the truth first; it was his before it was given to man. When he came to the earth he not only proclaimed new thought, but repeated some of the everlasting principles which had been heretofore only partly understood and enunciated by the wisest of men. And in so doing he enlarged in every instance upon the wisdom which they had originally received from him, because of his superior abilities and wisdom,and his association with 'the Father and the Holy Ghost. He did not imitate men. They made known in their imperfect way what the inspiration of Jesus Christ had taught them, for they obtained their enlightenment first from him. He taught the gospel to Adam, and made known his truths to Abraham and the. prophets. -He was the inspirer of the ancient philosophers, Pagan or Israelite, as well as of the great characters of more modern times. Columbus, in discovery; Washington, in the struggle for freedom; Lincoln, in emancipation and union; Bacon, in philosophy; Franklin, in statesmanship and diplomacy; Stephenson, in steam; Watts, in song; Edison, in electricity; and Joseph Smith, in theology and religion, found the source of their wisdom and the marvelous truths which they advocated, in him. Calvin, Luther, Melanchthon, and all the reformers, were in- spired in thoughts, words, and actions, to accomplish what they did for the amelioration, liberty and advancement of the human race. They paved the way for the more perfect gospel of truth to come. Their inspiration, as with that of the ancients, came from the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, the one true and living God. This may also truthfully be said con- cerning the Revolutionary fathers of this nation, and all who have 630 IMPROVEMENT ERA. in the ages past contributed to the progress of civil and religious freedom. There is no light or truth which did not come to them first from him. Men are mere repeaters of what he has taught them. He has voiced no thoughts originating with man. The teachings of Jesus did not begin with his incarnation; for, like truth, he is eternal. He not only inspired the ancients, from the beginning, tut when he came to earth he reiterated eternal, origi- nal truth, and added gloriously to the revelations men had uttered. When he returned to the Father, he still took, and does take, an interest in his children and people, by revealing to them new truths, and by inspiring their actions; and, as men grow in the knowledge of God, they shall become more and more like him unto the perfect day, when his knowledge shall cover the earth as the waters cover the deep. It is folly, therefore, to discredit the Savior on the grounds that he has uttered nothing new; for, with the Father and the Spirit, he is the author of that which persists — the truth — that which has been, that which is, and that which will continue for- ever. Joseph F. Smith. ABOUT TWO HYMNS— APPRECIATION. President Joseph F. Smith: Dear Brother : — read your I article in the Era about that beautiful hymn, "Softly Beams the Sacred Downing," and that in a new edition of the hymn book it is credited to H. L. Birch. I saw the hymn first in 1849, in the eleventh volume of the Millen- nial Star, and the name of H. L, Birch attached as the author. I have since learned that was the nom de plume of Brother Jaques. John Jaques was too honorable a man to allow that hymn to bear his name if he was not the author. In volume 12 of the Millen- nial Star, pages 37 and 215, are two articles by H. L. Birch, and on pages 160, 240 and 335 are three more articles of John Jaques. Brother Jaques had his own notions for writing under an assumed name. ' EDITOR'S TABLE. 631 In that fine hymn by Sister Snow, "0 my Father," etc., in the first verse, I notice what for years has seemed to me a fault of the printers in punctuating: the words, "In my first primeval child- hood," the words "first"' and "primeval" are, of course, synony- mous. I think it should read, "In my first — primeval— childhood. ' The adjectives would then appear attributive, and we would not be left to infer that there may be a second primeval. Brother Smith, we often speak of men we love, when they are gone. I thought everything of President Brigham Young while he was a\ive, and I can say, you have the same love and respect from me as Brother Brigham. God bless you and your counselors, and all Israel. Your brother in the gospel, William Woodward. Franklin, Idaho. WILFULLY BLIND. In the Saints' Herald of May 1st, over the initials of "E. A. S.," and under the headline: "How the Utah Authorities Are Sup- ported, " a short extract from the opening address of the Annual Conference, by President Joseph F. Smith, is quoted from the Impovement Era, in which it is plainly stated that the interest on certain investments of the Church, in industrial, mechanical and mercantile institutions— which furnish employment to many people, and are a general benefit to the country— is sufiicient to maintain the general authorities of the Church, without having to draw upon the tithing funds for that purpose. To this fact "E. A. S." takes exception, as the men of his cult usually do to anything reasonable and commendable from the * * * "Thus far we have Church authorities, and says: failed to discover the differencebetween appropriating tithes and appropriating the proceeds of tithes after they have been invested in private enterprises." The failure of "E. A. S." to discover any principal is difference between the use of the interest, while the kept good and increasing in value, and the consumption of the ' 632 IMPROVEMENT ERA. principal itself, is rather pitiable; but we are not responsible for his obtuseness on such matters; some people are so constituted, and there are others who are wilfully but equally as blind. MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS. Rev. Carl L. Anderson, of Beaver, writes: "I enjoy the Era very much, and wish to get it each month because of the fact that it presents your doctrines in a ' concise, clear way. From the Elder's Journal we learn that there were 37 baptisms and 22 chil- dren blessed in the eleven conferences of the Southern States mission for the two weeks ending April 12 . There were 468 meetings held, and 8, 376 gospel conver- sations. The Journal will consolidate with Liahona about June 1. Elder W . J. Hutt, of Hutt Brothers, merchants, Ngaruawahia, Waikato, New Zealand, writes under date of March 20: "Please continue my Era. I am send- ing money with Brother William G. Woolley who is returning to Salt Lake City via Australia. I must have the Era to keep me in touch with Zion." From the Elder's Messenger, we learn: Elder Woolley was released March 25, and after spending ten days in Australia, sailed for home on the Sonoma. Elder Benjamin Goddard and wife, Rufus K. Hardy and wife, and two other missionaries arrived in Auckland on this ship, on Thursday, March 28, at midnight. President Louis G. Hoagland has been released, and Elder Hardy will succeed him as president of the mission, with Lawrence Jorgensen as Messenger editor and mission printer, to release Elder David P. Howells, who is to labor in behalf of the Academy. The Liahona for April 17 announces the consolidation of the Liahona and the Elders' Journal, the latter publication of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and the name of the magazine after the consolidation is effected, will be Liahona, The Elders' Journal, and the form of the magazine will remain the same as the Elders' Jour- nal, so that the new publication will appear with thirty-two pages instead of six- teen as now printed. The two subscription lists will be united, and where the same person has subscribed and paid in advance for both publications the term of his subscription will be extended long enough to cover the amount he has paid. The seat of publication will be Independence, Mo., and a part of the offic3 equip- ment of the Elders' Journal will be shipped there. The contents of the magazine will be representative of what has heretofore been printed in both papers. S. Bennion is manager, and B. F. Cummings editor. Price will be $1.00 per year. It was intended that the consolidation should be effected May 25, and the first number of the magazine under its new name will be Volume V, No. 1. We wish the new publication success. ' ' EDITOR'S TABLE. 633 Elder Marion B. Naegle, of the Mexican mission, writing from the City of Mexico, March 9, says: "On the 7th of March, 1907, seven people from San Pedro Martir,were added to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by baptism, Elder Marion B. Naegle officiating. A suitable place was secured in the city, where the baptisms were celebrated. Immediately afterwards the converts retired to the mission headquarters, where they were confirmed by President H. S. Harris and Elder M. B. Naegle. Two children were also blessed. We expect that some twenty or more from the same town will receive baptism soon. The mission is in a pros- perous condition at present, and, with the help of the Lord, we hope to reap a ' bountiful harvest during the ensuing year. The March report for the Swedish mission shows that there are 63 missionaries laboring, and that they held 260 meetings during the month, and 2, 240 gospel conversations, and visited 17,857 homes; baptized six people, ordained one, and blessed four children. The conference at Gothenborg was held on the 6th and 7th of April, with George C. Smith presiding. There are five branches in that conference. Meetings were well attended, and a good spirit prevailed; there was good singing by the choir, under the direction of Arvid Nylander. In the Scandi- navian mission, there were 132 missionaries who held 473 meetings in March, 5,538 gospel conversations, visited 27,941 homes, baptized eleven people, and blessed six children. Elder George Chase Matthews, writing from Apledoorn, Holland, April 27, says: "The Era is a great help to us in our work. The gospel which is being preached in this part of the Lord's vineyard, will eventually bring about a great religious revolution here, as these people as a whole, are a God-fearing and re- ligious people. To such a folk the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught by us, must and will appeal. The ministers and preachers here can see this, as well as we can and are now planning a vigorous campaign against the Latter-day Saints; but unto us is the promise that the Lord's cause will triumph, and we are rejoicing in the fact that we have been found worthy as ambassadors of this great light unto this people." Secretary G. N. Curtis, of the Northern States mission, writing to the Era from Chicago, May 8, says: 'We are now busy holding our conferences through- ' out the mission. We have already met the presidents and elders of Wisconsin, Iowa Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota. In all these conferences we find the a flourishing condition. President Ells- elders feeling well and everything is in worth is now holding conference in Winnipeg, Canada. The elders and their friends have nobly supported us in helping to establish the Liahona. We are grateful for all they have done. We believe the Liahona will be a powerful mis- sionary in the homes of the people. The elders have determined to sell as many In the conferences Books of Mormon as possible during the coming months. al- to sell eight Books of Mormon each ready held, each elder has pledged himself two each week. We desire to get the Book of Mormon in every home month, or a blessing wherever it goes. You have our in the land, for we know it will carry .' support and prayers