The Acceptable Fast

EDITOR'S TABLE 73 the annex, the corridors and various rooms of the temple, is described. Under the title, "The Temple Block," dear old memories are awakened by the mention of the Old Bowery, and we have here also descriptions of the Old and the New Tabernacles, the Assembly Hall, and the general service plant. In chapter ten, "Other Utah Temples," including- those at St. George, Logan and Manti, receive merited attention. The concluding chapter treats of the operation of ancient temples under the Aaronic Priesthood, and points out that the temples of today are operated by the Higher or Melchizedek priesthood. The plate section contains ninety-eight pages of portraits with careful descfiotive and historical sketches of all the temples, and particularly the interior of the Salt Lake Temple. In the text of the book are many precious ddctrines and historical facts for the investigator as well as for the member of the Church. Among the important quotations is. the prayer offered at the dedication of the great temple at Salt Lake City. As the only official and authentic work on this subject, published especially to give a correct impression and description of the interior of the temple, the book will be accepted by members of the Church and the public generally as a welcome contribution on a topic which lias awakened widespread interest. The Acceptable Fast "Please inform me through the Era if it is required that members of the Church should refrain from partaking of water as well as food, at the times set apart for fasting." It has been and is generally understood and accepted, by the leading authorities of the Church, that water should not be partaken of during a fast. The late President George Q. Cannon, on several occasions, gave explicit instructions to that effect. However, the obtaining of the Spirit of God is the great object of fasting. The spirit of an acceptable fast is well expressed in Isaiah 58 : to loose the bands of wickedness ; to undo the heavy burdens ; to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke ; to deal bread to the hungry ; to cover -the naked ; to bring the poor that are cast out, to your home, and to satisfy the afflicted. Re-