--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 13 number: 12 published: 1910-10 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Editor’s Table: Habit and Duty,” *Improvement Era* 13, no. 12 (October 1910): 1129–1139." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera13012unse 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: improvementera13012unse start_page: 1129 end_page: 1139 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1910-10) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera13012unse publication_year: 1910 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 1910, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editor’s Table: Habit and Duty 1 128 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . Give knowledge, wisdom, gift and grace, Supply his every need, Until the end of life's grand race, Our Savior's lambs to feed. In every noble, val'rous deed, Let patriot souls rejoice, Released from faction, myth and creed, To make God's Truth their choice. For soon the promised day will come, When time shall be no more, Each soul called hence to Father's home On heaven's shining shore, To meet a judgment wise and just, Immortal hearts to thrill, As we have spurned God's holy trust, Or wrought his righteous will. Col. Diaz, Mexico. Pray. {For the Improvement Era.) "Pray, my darling, God will hear you; You are his beloved child," Holy angels ever near you Sweetly say in accents mild. Pray, 0 youth! 'tis his commandment That his children come to him; Without prayer the soul must languish, And the eye of faith grow dim. He who spake as man ne'er speaketh — Said, "pray always, flock of mine; Lest ye fall into temptation Ye must seek for power divine." Wheresoe'er on earth you wander You're a subject of his care; great a,ver. Mary A. Freeze. lou're a suoject oi nis care; Yet, you'll feel your claim the greater When you bow in humble prayer. Ma Editor's Table. Habit and Duty. A speaker called attention recently, at a priesthood meet- ng, to a boy who was called up by his teacher. She told him she was going to tie him up with a spool of thread, and the boy laughed at the idea of a little, weak woman tying him with a spool of thread. She had him put his thumbs up; they were crossed at the joints, and she began to wind the thread around them. She twisted the thread around, and around, and around again, until it had formed a band so strong that he could not move his thumbs; he was bound by this little string of thread. After a while she said, ' 'Let's see you break loose." He was powerless; he could not move his thumbs; he was fastened as securely as if with iron bands. So it is with habit. It is a duty to form good habits, and a sin to form bad habits. President Joseph F. Smith followed the first speaker. On this subject of habit and duty he said: "The force of habit, the strength of the little thread of habit, becomes wound around and around our lives, until we are bound by the weakest little thing in the world, to begin with; but by con- stant winding, constant using, constantly yielding to the habit of doing a thing, it is made obligatory upon us, and we cannot extri- cate ourselves from it. "I thought the remarks of the first speaker a very nice illustration, and want to say to you boys, if you will habituate yourselves to doing right, habituate yourselves to shunning evil, to turning away from temptation, and make it a habit of your lives to refuse to say ugly things, to refuse to associate with bad boys, to refuse to use bad words, to refuse to do anything that would grieve your father or your mother, or 1130 IMPROVEMENT ERA. that would bring shame or confusion to yourselves— if you will do that, it will become, not just like the thread of bad habit, but nevertheless the effect of it will be the same, only for good. It will become like the thread of good habit. You will be so wrapped up, and so bound up, in the habit to do good, that no temptation or power of the wicked one can become sufficiently strong to turn you away from that which is right, and pleasing and acceptable in the sight of the Lord. "I want to say another thing to you, boys. The holy priest- hood has been conferred upon you. Now, do yuu realize what the result will be if you do not honor it? Will you remember that the Lord has said, "Where much is given, much will be required?" And where men receive much and are unfaithful, that they shall be beaten with many stripes? Do you remember this scripture? "I want to say to you, boys, that unless you do your duty, having been called to the lesser priesthood, unless you magnify it, and honor it, and listen to good counsel, it will not be a pleasing thing, not an honor, not a reward of good behavior and merit to you, but it will be a means of condemnation, and eventually of sor- row, and perhaps darkness and apostasy." What is a Boy Worth? A PRIZE OF $20 IS OFFERED FOR THE BEST ANSWER. Bishop Roscoe W. Eardley, of the Liberty Stake of Zion, re- cently sent to a number of the leading brethren and sisters of his ward and stake the following letter, asking that they give an an- swer thereto in order that he might better understand their feel- ings in regard to the youth in their care. The superintendents of the Sunday schools, the Primary, and the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement associations were asked to give written answers to the letter. In order that the idea may be made more universal, the Im- provement Era offers a prize of twenty dollars for the best an- swer to the questions asked in the letter. This is open to any one, and answers are particularly wanted from those who have charge of the youth, in the Priesthood quorums, Sunday schools, EDITOR'S TABLE. 1131 Mutual Improvement associations, Primary associations, and Re- ligion classes. The replies that we ask for, and which should be sent to the Improvement Era, No. 20 Bishops' Building, no later than November 15, 1910, should contain not more than one thou- sand words. The writer of the best article will be awarded twenty dollars. All the papers will bel< rig to the Era, and a number of the best will be printed. The letter follows: Salt Lake City, Utah, Aug. 22, 1910. • Dear Feothfr: What is a boy worth? "What is a good hoy worth? A wayward one? How can you get the full value out of the boy? If you had a hoy and some good neighbor spoke a kind word to him, that kept him in the right road, or if he had struck an open switch and a helping hand was reached out that drew him back to the main line, how would you feel towards that neighbor? If you had a neighbor who said of your boy, "Am I my brother's keeper?" or who crossed to the other side of the road, as did the Levite on his way to Jericho, when he saw your boy down, naked, bruised and bleeding, what would you think of that neighbor? We talked about boys yesterday morning in our bishop's meeting, and we want to talk about boys next Thursday evening in our teachers' meeting. That all may be interested, we suggest that if any of the districts have not been visited this month, they be visited between now and Thursday, and at least the name and age of every boy on every "beat" be learned. Let's be prompt at 7:45. Sincerely your brother in the Gospel. Close of Volume Thirteen. This number closes volume thirteen of the Improvement Era. The editors and managers are thankful to the writers who have made this volume one of the most interesting and valuable in the history of the magazine. Numerous letters from the elders abroad, and young men in all parts of the Church at home, have expressed their appreciation of the help the Era has been to them, in that it has been a medium through which they have received valuable instructions in a general way, and specifically pertaining to their work in the Priesthood quorums, in the Mutual 1132 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Improvement associations, and in the traveling and preaching of the gospel abroad. None the less grateful are we all to the officers of the Y. M. M. I. A., ably supported by the presidents of stakes, bishops of wards, and the priesthood generally, whose loyalty and energetic labors gave this volume now closing such a wide circulation that the general superintendency and the board of aids were enabled to add sixteen pages of reading to every number of the magazine. Through this means not only more but a greater variety of matter was insured, and subscribers have not only received what was promised, but much more, a characteristic of the Era from the very first. Now, 1-t us unitedly put forth every effort to circulate the new volume beginning in November, as extensively as the present one, and to bend every energy to make it merit the patronage and support of every lover of good literature. The prospectus in this number sets forth some of the attractive features for the new vol- ume, which we believe will appeal to all lovers of good reading, and an up-to-date magazine. The Improvement Era. is sent free to missionaries, which is a consideration for every subscriber interested in the spread of the gospel, for by this means he becomes an active agent in one of the grandest causes of the Church — the promulgation of the gospel message to the world- And at the same time he receives full value personally in the magazine itself for his investment. A manual — either senior or junior— is given free with each subscription as usual. These books in themselves are valuable and attractive reading for the home. The senior manual, a book of one hundred and eight pages, deals with economics as related to good citizenship, and the junior (one hundred and sixteen pages) is a book of anecdotes and stories on the development of character, especially suitable for young people. We invite every reader of the present volume to renew his subscription now, feeling assured that he will be pleased with what we have to offer in the new volume. We feel confident that a careful reading of each number will give delight and instruction to all, and create a genuine sense of enthusiasm for priest- hood, missionary, and Mutual work. It is with gratitude to the EDITOR'S TABLE. 1133 Lord for the success of the past that we pen these closing words in volume thirteen; and with hopeful anticipations for the future, we appeal to the priesthood and the officers of the Y. M. M. I. A. to prove loyal to the new volume fourteen. Death of Bathsheba Wilson Smith. Bathsheba Wilson Smith, president of the Relief Societies of the Church in all the world, and widow of George Albert Smith, who was counselor to Brigham Young and a cousin to Joseph Smith the prophet, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clarence Merrill, in Salt Lake City, September 20, 1910. She was born at Shinnston, Harrison county, West Virginia, May 3, 1822, and was the daughter of Mark Bigler and Susannah Ogden. She was a member of the first Relief Society organized by the Prophet Joseph in Nauvoo, March 17, 1842, since which time she has been promi- nently connected in various capacities with that splendid organiza- tion. On October 3, 1901, she was chosen president of the soci- eties in all the world, and the general conference of the Church ratified the choice November 10, of that year. She continued to act in that office until death. She was a loveable, true and faith- ful character, and a prominent worker in the temple for many years. Always, her life was devoted to the mission of the Church and the cause of God. Messages from the Missions. Elder W. E. Tangreen gives a report of the methods of conducting mission labors in Savaii. Samoa. His letter reached the Era July 29, and he states that about a year ago Elders L. L. Gardner and J. T. Blake established the Falelima school, and began the labor of allaying the strong prejudice against the Latter-day Saints mission, so general throughout the island of Savaii. Teachers of other denominations were working eagerly to poison the minds of the people with untruthful stories concerning the Church. One of these untruthful reports was that the L. D. S. mission had gained the governor's disfavor and was 1134 IMPROVEMENT ERA. about to be driven from Samoa. Under these conditions, the natives would scarcely have courage to join our ranks, even though converted to our doctrine, neither vould they show an interest in us, lest they bring the reproach of the community upon them, as the Samoan is greatly influenced by old customs and traditions. Strange to say, through the craft of sectarian ministers, many communities in that region have been led into making an oath to God that their families would join no other church. If any one breaks this oath, he is liable to be disfellowshiped or driven from the village, unless he has enough adherents to make him safe in the establishment of a branch of the Church. This holds in dark- ness many an honest soul who would gladly accept the gospel, but has not courage to leave for it father, mother, inheritance and worldly prestige. Elder Tangreen continues: "Elder D. C. McBride, president of the Savaii conference, attended the April conference at Upolu and reported the labors of the Savaii elders and Saints. He explained that there was a growing sentiment in favor of 'Mormonism,' and that it needed only a little work in some villages to give them prestige enough to establish a branch of the Church. Many prospective converts were waiting to see some of the fruits of our labors on Upolu and Tutuila, and to get an assurance that the Latter-day Saints' mission is permanent. . 4 i*' 7 WP*" a^ Br" 2. "^1^^ " -<*-w_- . Zl.~rf«^ -**•'' *-■ -Ul i wfi ELDERS AND SAMOAN SAINTS WITH THE L. D. S. MISSION BOAT. EDITOR'S TABLE. 1135 "The Sauniata Amusement Club, composed of young folks who have studied in the Church schools, had just given a very impressive enter- tainment before the conference gathering. It had convinced all present that 'Mormonism' is alive and growing. "President William A. Moody called about twenty of the best sing- ers and actors to accompany him in a tour of Savaii. The writer was also privileged to join the party. It was planned to hold meetings and give an entertainment in a number of the most favorable villages. "With a party of about twenty eight in number, we set out in a row-boat from Apia, the capital and chief seaport of German Samoa, and landed at Lalomalava, Savaii. There, five converts were baptized and a branch was established, in the midst of a bitter community. A native missionary from our party was appointed to preside over the new flock. "Word spread quickly throughout the island that the Latter-day Saints' school choir was traveling with a program. Their fame went before them, and people were anxious to receive the party. Invitations were received from many villages to visit them, but the limited time would not permit the acceptance of all. We had but twenty-five days to complete the trip, so it was necessary to stop only in villages where the most effective work could be done. "After several days of very effective work, the party reached Pale- lima, the largest of the three Savaii branches. There we spent two days. Four meetings were held, one of which was at the water's edge, where three were baptized. With a growing interest in the gospel, and a pro- gressive school taught by Elders J. T. Blake and M. I. Bird, Falelima bids fair to become a very thrifty branch. Near the end of the journey we called at Si 'Ufaga, where Elders E. P. Christensen and E. D. Hick- man are in charge of the branch and school. "During the twenty-five .days spent in circling Savaii, twenty-two meetings were held, and the program was given in sixteen villages. In almost every instance a large and appreciative audience was in attend- ance. A few villages, however, seemed cool in their reception of the party.but after spending a night and the greater part of a day with each of them, we parted with a feeling of friendship. There is now a stand- ing invitation, in most of the visited villages, for elders to call. Con- ference President D. C. McBride feels elated over the party's success. He has bright hopes for the future. Many new homes have been opened to the elders, and much prejudice allayed. People have come to know that the Latter-day Saints' mission is alive and growing. The demonstration made by the choir added greatly to the ever-growing fame of the mission school. It also added ten or twelve to its enrollment. 1 136 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . ' 'One of the many pleasant experiences of the journey was a two- days' visit at the Savaii volcano. The great crater has continued active during the past five years, weakening at times, only to break out afresh to flood the surrounding country with a new coat of lava. "Upon returning to Apia, President Moody was shown a letter writ- ten by the governor of German Samoa to a native missionary at Laloma- lava, the new branch on Savaii. It was a notification to the missionary to discontinue Latter-day Saint services in that village, until permis- sion was given by all its chiefs. It was easily to be seen that if such rul- ing remain, there would be little chance of establishing a new branch of the mission in German Samoa. With difficulty President W. A. Moody and Conference President A. Jensen succeeded in getting an interview with his excellency, Governor Solf . At first he seemed bitter, but upon learning something of their purposes, and of the work being done by the mission, he considered their plea for rights. A letter bearing his seal was sent to Lalomalava, to cancel the order of his first letter, and to inform the village chiefs to give the Saints their rights. He also promised not to interfere with our work. Word was received, last week, from Elder D. C. McBride, that another branch of the mission had been established on Savaii, and that others are expected to follow soon. Aided by the guiding hand of the Almighty, we hope the good work will continue." Concerning the banishment from Berlin, mentioned and commented upon in the September Era, President Thomas E. McKay reported further to the Millennial Star of August 11, as follows: "At a regular registered Thursday night meeting, held in our hall at Berlin, Landsbergerster 32, there were assembled about three hun- dred of our members and friends. Among these were about twenty-five • Americans, some of whom are students of music, registered in Berlin, others were visiting for the first time, and some were missionaries, who were seeing a few of the larger cities of Germany on their way to the big conference at Rotterdam. "They were all present at this meeting, especially to hear President Clawson. During the services, and while President Clawson was still speaking, a uniformed officer, followed by a policeman and six or more detectives, walked through the aisles to the speaker's stand, and the officer in a loud, excited tone of voice declared the meeting closed, and ordered all women to leave the hall at once. There would have been some excitement and remonstrance right here, but one of the elders, in a subdued but firm tone of voice, told the officer not to get excited, and also requested the people to leave the hall as quietly and as quickly as EDITOR'S TABLE. 1137 possible. As soon as the women were out, the men of German birth were allowed to go. Then all the Americans, students, tourists and missionaries were escorted in twos to the police station. Here a request was made to get into telephone communication with our ambassador, Dr. Hill. Mr. Andelin, a grand opera singer, also asked the privilege of communicating the news of his whereabouts to his wife and babes. Both requests were denied. The twenty-one Americans were required to give their names, ages, birthplaces, parents' names, home addresses, etc., and then empty their pockets. Their money was carefully counted, and a detailed account of every article written down. All articles were then placed carefully away in large envelopes, and properly named. They were then shown to their sleeping apartments. These consisted of separ- ate cells, about six feet wide and twelve feet long. The beds were clean. "The next morning at seven, breakfast, consisting of a cup of coffee and a piece of black bread, was served but not eaten. At ten o'clock all were lined up, the roll called, and then marched to a small waiting room, where they were detained until 2:30 o'clock, when, with- out any hearing whatever, they were each given banishment papers, which allowed three days to lea/e Prussia. No other reason than 'undesirable foreigners' is given for the banishment. "The case is now in the hands of our embassy, and will be vigorously protested. "The intelligent and thinking class of Germans, and the police authorities themselves, are disgusted with such actions, which are brought about almost entirely by a few officers who are used as tools in the hands of so-called Christian ministers— Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees. "The desire of the people in Germany for a square deal to all, and especially for religious freedom, is becoming too strong to much longer allow such high-handed discrimination to continue." Elder Joseph S. Johnson, writing from Thames, New Zealand, July 27, says that the elders are energetic in their labors, and the work of the Lord is progressing steadily in that far-off land, while opposition is gradually dying out. "While we enjoy the many beauties of this south- ern land, we have not forgotten our mountain homes, and one who sees the beauties of that goodly land cannot help but declare that the hand of the Lord is over his people, and by his aid they will become a power in the earth." Elder Johnson sends a picture of the elders laboring in Thames, and adds: "Two are native elders of New Zealand, who have been called to labor in the ministry in connection with the elders from Zion, and it is with great pride that they perform their labors and testify ELDERS LABORING IN THAMES, NEW ZEALAND. Reading from left to right the elders are: (standing) A. E. Burt, Brig- ham City, Utah; E. T. Kupa, New Zealand. (Sitting) F. E. Thomas, Manassa. Colorado; J. S. Johnson, Collinstoh, Utah; W. H. Humph- reys, Millville, Utah; E. Kamau, New Zealand. to the divinity of the work that they are engaged in. And it is through their faithfulness to the commandments of God that they are able to bear testimony to the world that the gospel of Christ has been restored to earth, with all the keys and powers necessary to carry on the work for the salvation of the souls of men, and bring about that peace on earth and good will to men, that the gospel will surely bring." Elder Joseph W. Nuttall, writing from Huntsville, Missouri, Septem- ber 2, encloses a photograph of the elders laboring there, and says: "Up until June 1, we elders had been working in the eastern half of the state by counties, and doing what good we could. The president decided to change our efforts to campaign work, so that we would be able to accom- plish more and come in contact with more people, and also enable us to hold meetings in the cities. On June 12, five of us, who formed Com- pany A, met in Huntsville, where we commenced our work. Other elders met in other counties and formed companies. Street meetings were held in Huntsville, but the people were prej- udiced and paid little heed. The elders traveled through the northern