An Easter Prayer

460 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

statement is no longer a fact. There is more reason to believe, how- ever, that the public take what is provided for them, and that decency pays, even in the theatre, if it were given a reason- able chance. It pays in hotels, in resident districts, in the better

walks of life, where the vicious and evil are not tolerated, why not in the theatre? But if managers and players still persist in presenting either unfit subjects, or fit subjects in an unfit way, why there is only one remedy, and that is for the people to withdraw their support, and patronize only such plays and playhouses as are clean and whole- some. This can be done by their making selection, as one would select a friend, an associate, or a book. Degrading plays, it is 'true, should not be permitted in the theatres and amusement halls of the Latter-day Saints, but if for any reason they gain entrance, the people, by a system of investi- gation and choice, should shun them, withdraw th^ir patronage, and let them as severely alone as they would spoiled food, or .coarse, vile associates. The character and value of the play and the entertainment are well given by President Young in the opening sentence of this article. They should be clean, refined and uplifting. Can you, if you are a Latter-day Saint, apply the test that he gave to dancing to what you have seen and heard and thought and learned in the play and entertainment? Can you ask the blessings of the Lord upon your efforts to obtain recreation, entertainment and amuse- ment from them? If so, they are clean and sweet and worthy of your patronage; if not, they are neither fit for you nor your chil- dren. But it is your duty to choose before you accept them, or permit yourself or your children to attend. Joseph F. Smith.

An Easter Prayer. Make us strong, God, to overcome daily difficulties by faith. Such faith as gives us will and strength to act right towards our loved ones; to render loving service to all mankind. Open the understanding of our minds to clearly comprehend the wonderful