Editors' Table: A Warning Voice

Editors' Table

A Warning Voice

To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints:

From the clays of Hiram Page (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 28), at different periods there have been manifestations from delusive spirits to members of the Church. Sometimes these have come to the men and women who because of transgression became easy prey to the Arch-Deceiver. At other times people who pride themselves on their strict observance of the rules and ordinances and ceremonies of the Church are led astray by false spirits, who exercise an influence so imitative of that which proceeds from a Divine source that even these persons, who think they are "the very elect," find it difficult to discern the essential difference. Satan himself has transformed himself to be apparently "an angel of light."

When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration, convey something out of har- mony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faith- ful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are ap- pointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and reve- lation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, demonstrated truths, or good common sense. No person has the right to induce his fellow members of the Church to engage in speculations or

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take stock in ventures of any kind on the specious claim of Divine revelation, or vision, or dream, especially when it is in opposition to the voice of recognized authority, local or general. The Lord's Church "is a house of order." It is not governed by individual gifts or manifestations, but by the order and power of the Holy Priesthood as sustained by the voice and vote of the Church in its appointed conferences.

The history of the Church records many pretended revela- tions claimed by imposters or zealots who believed in the manifes- tations they sought to lead other persons to accept, and in every instance, disappointment, sorrow and disaster have resulted there- from. Financial loss and sometimes utter ruin have followed. We feel it our duty to warn the Latter-day Saints against fake mining schemes which have no warrant for success beyond the professed spiritual manifestations of their projectors and the in- fluence gained over the excited minds of their victims. We cau- tion the Saints against investing money or property in shares of stock which bring no profit to anyone but those who issue and trade in them. Fanciful schemes to make money for the alleged purpose of "redeeming Zion" or providing means for "the salva- tion of the dead" or other seemingly worthy objects, should' not deceive anyone acquainted with the order of the Church, and will result only in waste of time and labor, which might be devoted now to doing something tangible and worthy and of record on earth and in heaven.

Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits established authority and contradicts true scientific principles and discoveries, or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the govern- ment of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, O ! ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning.

Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose,

First Presidency.

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Temple Site in Canada Dedicated

President Joseph F. Smith and party, consisting of Elders Charles W. Penrose of the First Presidency, George A. Smith of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and Charles W. Nibley, Presid- ing Bishop of the Church, with a number of Salt Lake associates, visited Alberta stake, Canada, recently, attended the quarterly con- ference there, and dedicated the site for the new Temple to be erected in Cardston.. The regular quarterly conference was ad- vanced three weeks and held during their stay in the country. Services were held on Sunday, July 27, at 10, 2, and 7:30 o'clock. The tabernacle was taxed to its utmost capacity, and the services were inspiring.

After the morning session, the visiting brethren, with the stake authorities of the north, visited the Temple grounds a short distance from the center of the city, on an elevation upon which the Tabernacle now stands, which is of easy access, and selected a site for the Temple. The afternoon session in the Tabernacle was addressed by Mrs. Elizabeth McCune, of the Relief Society, and by President Charles W. Penrose and President Joseph F. Smith. At the conclusion of the services, the visiting officials, Stake President E. J. Wood and counselors, and others, accom- panied by the choir, proceeded to the site of the proposed Temple and held short services. Prayer was offered by President Charles W. Penrose, after which President Smith dedicated the land to the Lord for the holy purpose of having a Temple erected upon it to His name. A short address was given by Bishop Charles W. Nibley, who stated that the Church by this action is taking a step which would mark an epoch in the history of "Mormonism" in Canada. Elder George A. Smith offered the closing prayer, and the choir sang a hymn. An evening meeting was held at which a number of the visiting and local brethren spoke. The Era in this number presents a view of the architects' drawing of the proposed Temple.

PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITHES DEDICATORY PRAYER

Holy Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift; the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and of our spirits, to whom we look for every blessing, for salvation, for redemption from sin, and for the resurrection of our bodies to immortality and

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eternal life. Thou who requirest thy children to prepare them- selves through obedience to thy word, which is thy law, for the mansions held in reserve for those who are faithful in keeping thy commandments, and their holy covenants with each other; unto thee, O Lord, we come at this hour and place, with our hearts full of gratitude for the many blessings we here enjoy. We are thankful that we have had the opportunity to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ in this day. We have met here this afternoon on this ground, which we have designated, to set it apart as a suitable place upon which to erect a temple to thy holy name, a place in which holy ordinances may be performed for the living and for the redemption of the dead.

We thank thee, Holy Father, that thou hast revealed to us the desires of those who have passed beyond the veil without a knowledge of the truth, to have ordinances performed for them, without which they could not enter into thy mansions with thee, and which thou hast made necessary to share thy glory. We are grateful that thou hast intrusted to us the care of the endowments, ordinations, and sealings for the dead ; even the sealings of hus- bands and wives, and the sealing of children to their parents who have passed beyond the veil. We thank thee for the privilege we have to build a temple in this goodly land, under the protection of this stable government. We appreciate the temples we already have, where sacred ordinances are being performed, both for the . living and for the dead.

We pray, Holy Father, that we may be able to carry out thy plans, and fulfil thy laws and requirements in building this, an- other house unto thee, wherein thy Holy Spirit may dwell, also, the power of thy presence may be felt by those who administer and by those administered unto; that all things may be done ac- cording to thy requirements ; and that all who enter may have in their hearts the love of God, the love of neighbor, and of mankind, and that they may be instrumental in thy hands for the redemption of the dead and the saving of souls from sin and death.

Holy Father, we are grateful for all the sacred ordinances of thy house which thou hast given us, both for the dead and also for the living who may go into thy temples to perform ordinances necessary to the uniting together, under the bond of the everlast- ing covenant, fathers and mothers, children and parents, into a whole and complete and perfect union, a welding together, not only of the kindreds of the earth, but also of the dispensations, keys, powers and glories which thou hast revealed through thy servant the Prophet in these latter days. We are grateful for these glorious doctrines and for these ordinances which belong to these sacred temples which thou hast commanded us to build to thy holy name.

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And now, Holy Father, we have designated this piece of ground on which to build another temple unto thy name, for the benefit of thy people, and those who have departed this life who are in need, and shall prove worthy of the privileges and blessings of the gospel ; sanctify — O Father, this plot of ground, and make it holy before thee. Fill those who walk upon it with the Spirit of Divine love. May they feel that they are walking on holy ground, and when the temple shall be completed, cause that those who enter it may be constrained to do so with clean hands and pure hearts, desiring above all other things the salvation of souls ; and may all that is done therein be done unto the honor and glory of thy name. May thy people learn to reverence that which is sacred, and revere that which is holy, and may they be endowed with the spirit of searching the records that they may do the nec- essary work for their dead.

And in the erection of this building, which shall be built for the worship of God and for the benefit of thy children, may every- thing be done in wisdom ; may nothing be left undone that should be done. May no one be hurt or receive any injury. May per- fect knowledge be ever uppermost in the minds of those who labor in or upon the building, to do their whole duty, bearing in mind always the sacred object and purpose of their work.

Holy Father, hear us, we pray, for we now set apart this ground, and dedicate it, and all that pertains to it, unto thee for the purpose of building thereon a House which shall be called the House of God, for the sole use and good of thy people, both the living and dead.

And we do it in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, and by virtue and authority of the holy priesthood. Therefore, accept of this dedication, sanctify this ground, the work which shall be performed, and the building that shall be reared hereon, we ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Comments on "The Educator"

To those of our readers who are interested in poetry and its mission, and all should be, we commend the leading article in this number, by Elder Orson F. Whitney, as one that will throw a clear light upon the subject. In the August number we printed Elder Whitney's excellent poem, "The Educator," written in honor of the N. E. A. convention at Salt Lake City. The poem has received much favorable comment wherever read, and a number of literary

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people and teachers have congratulated the distinguished author upon its merits.

President Joseph F. Smith says: "It is multum in parvo."

Dr. Guy Carlton Lee, President of the National Society for Broader Education, Pa., writes: "It is powerful, and of great power for good. * * * * You strike several notes whose warning should ring in the ears of some of those who today are offering incense unto atheism. Your poem wins my most hearty approval."

Dr. John A. Widtsoe, of the Utah State Agricultural College: "I congratulate you sincerely upon the poetic fervor and strength that it possesses, and the manner in which you have been able to concentrate the great underlying principles of education in the beautiful poetic form. It would be a most excellent thing for the cause of education if every teacher in the state were obliged to read and memorize the poem, for the vanity of the class is pointed out just as clearly as is its vast power for good. I should be tempted to re-baptize the poem and call it 'The Teacher's Code,' and to use it as such in the Normal School. * * * I am glad to know that the heavy routine work of your life does not make it wholly impossible for you to exercise your great literary gifts."

J. M. Sjodahl, editor of the Deseret Nezvs: "An exceptional priv- ilege was granted to Utah's most gifted poet, Mr. Orson F. Whitney, when he composed the poem, 'The Educator.' * * * * One of the strong points in this poem is the high ideal it offers for the true edu- cator. The concrete images which his poem creates in the minds of the receptive readers are equaled by the consistency of thought ?nd expression. Totally lacking are all the rhymster's tricks. The heart and intelligence of a true poet throb in the lines. 'The Educator' is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the poetic literature of our Coun- try. It is a genuine poem both in form and thought."

Elder B. H. Roberts writes: "You must permit me to say that in this last production you have quite surpassed all your former achievements, save only, perhaps, your great work, 'Elias,' which still remains, and may always remain, your masterpiece. But this new production, 'The Educator,' I want to thank you for it; for the lofty ideals it presents of the teacher and the teacher's vocation. For the scorn it breathes of the pseudo-teacher * * * I thank you for the terrible lashing you give the false teacher. I thank you for the thought that there is oneness in creation and education— union be- tween Creator and Educator. * * * I admire the form of the poem as well as its content; the music of the lines as well as the thought expressed. * * * It is a joy to think that when our Nation's edu- cators came to Utah, and to Salt Lake City, to discuss the great and important problems of education, they were greeted by you with a poem that sets forth in such lofty strains such conceptions ^ of the Educator and Education. I rejoice in your great achievement."

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Messages from the Missions

This is a portrait of Elder George B. Davis who, under the direction of President Ben E. Rich of the Eastern States Mission, has been giving illus- trated lectures in the New England slates on the important subject, "The Rise and Progress of 'Mormonism.' " His collection contains many' pictures of interest, among which are the in- terior of the great Salt Lake Temple. The machine and slides were pur- chased by the elders of the Eastern States Mission, to whom much credit is due for giving President Rich their loyal support in making this lecture course a grand success.

Elder Louis Cole, Wilmington, North Carolina, May 24: "We enjoy orr mission and have traveled the past three months preaching to the people at their homes and in some churches, with a good attendance at all our meetings. We have made many friends and have allayed some preju- dice. We held cottage meetings where people had never heard the elders before, and they invited us to come again. The ministers of Wilmington are holding street meetings on Sunday as the people do not attend Church very well. We have one healing to report. An old lady who had not walked for more than a year and whom the doctors said could not be helped, heard that the elders of the Church were in the city and sent for us. We administered to her, and the Lord an- swered our prayers, and the following morning she was able to walk. She has remained well since. The Saints in Wilmington are buying a lot to build a church."

Hyrum J. Richards and Hugh S. Fackrell, Buckvalley, Pa., June 4: "We have traveled without purse or scrip for the past three weeks, in the country districts. The people were bitterly oposed to what they understood to be 'Mormonism,' owing to slanderous reports circulated by anti-'Mormons.' Frequently we were compelled to ask many times before securing entertainment, but in every case where the Lord pre- pared the hearts of the people to entertain us, we feel that much good was done. We worked our way up the country to Tomstown where we met President D. Rolla Harris and held a very successful confer- ence of the Fairview Branch of the Church. We are proud of the work being done in the West Pennsylvania Conference and are confi- dent that our travel without money has given us a better opportunity to show our devotion to the cause of God."

"In November, 1912, the Church granted the elders in the Bir- mingham Conference, England, permission to erect a meeting house. This new Birmingham chapel was dedicated Sunday evening, Decem- ber 1, 1912, on which occasion some 450 people, — elders, Saints, inves- tigators and strangers listened to the exercises. This chapel in Bir-

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mingham is the only house in England erected by the Latter-day Saints, the others owned in England having come to them as com- pleted structures. The chapel is of pressed red brick, beautiful in design, the assembly room being thirty by sixty feet, inside measure- ments, furnished with four hundred comfortable chairs, a neat pulpit and stand. The vestry is fourteen by twenty-six feet, having a seating capacity of seventy people. The baptismal font is installed in the vestry under the floor. The building is lighted by electricity and heated by a hot water system. Connected with this valuable property is a parsonage or home for the elders consisting of nine comfortable rooms with bath, kitchen and numerous closets. Since its dedication on December 1, 1912, more strangers have come out to meetings than ever before, and in spite of the onslaughts of our enemies we have

more friends in this city than we have had for a number of years past. The picture herewith presented is one taken of the building and elders the day before the dedicatory services. Elders, left to right, front row: David H. Cannon, Conference clerk; Mrs. Albert T. Smith, Albert T. Smith, retiring president of the Birmingham Conference; President

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rtltn row: /. J. operry, vvuiuiu jxccuci, xsaa^ ^. vvw^/u.

"The following picture represents the elders attending Conference Presidents' Convention, March, 1913. Elders, rear row, left to right:

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Peter S. Condie, Cyril Duffin, Wm. H. Stayner, Wilford W. Rich, Samuel H. Cornaby, Lafayette Jackson, Milton Jacob; front row: John

F. Olsen, Thomas E. Briggs, Warren S. Tew, Rudger Clawson, E. Taft Benson, Hugh Ireland, Associate Editor of the Star, Melvin J. Benson; sitting: Thomas E. Winegar, and Amos R. Cook."

Judge C. M. Nielsen was the orator at the American celebration of the Fourth of July in Christiania. Verdens Gang of July 5th gives a short synopsis of the speech and a little biographical sketch of Judge Nielsen. They say Judge Nielsen gave a very interesting oration which was made specially attractive by his melodious accent. The oration held the people interested from beginning to end. The judge compared the national condition of the Americans in the Revolution of 1776 with the great work of the Norwegians in 1814. The same spirit animated the Norwegians that was manifested by Americans in the Revolutionary War.

Elder Levi Anderson, Minneapolis, Minn., May 31: "The people here are taking a great interest in 'Mormonism' both for and against. About twenty denominations, representing two hundred individual churches are studying 'Mormonism' from the same text, a book enti- tled 'Mormonism, the Islam of America,' written by Bruce Kinney, former superintendent of Baptist missions in Utah. We have held splendid open-air meetings, of late, with from two hundred to five hundred listeners, many of whom are studying the truth from our books. The Twin City branch has a large attendance at the regular services. We have had several baptisms lately and have bright pros- pects for the future."