Editors’ Table: Thanks to Writers, Workers and Patrons

Editors' Table

Thanks to Writers, Workers and Patrons

This number closes the seventeenth volume of the Improvement Era, and the next number begins volume 18. The editors take some degree of pride in the splendid array of articles that has been provided for our readers during the year past. Many special writings of permanent value to the people have appeared and we hope that all the reading matter in the magazine has been educational as well as entertaining. The House of Worship number in June contained a very important collection of pictures of the temples and stake tabernacles of the Church, with articles on the worship of the Latter-day Saints, their temple building, music, hymns and the architecture of their church buildings. Many historial and doctrinal papers of value have appeared during the volume, written by leading writers. These with the stories and miscellaneous topics have made the magazine not only of permanent worth but of passing interest. Volumel8, which begins with the November number, will contain as heretofore the best products of our home writers. The editors of the Era give sincere thanks to our contributors for the efficient help and valuable suggestions given us. Wesolicit further contributions from them, and from all others who have a message for the people. Particularly do we thank those who aided in obtaining subscriptions for the past volume which, in point of numbers, was the largest in the history of the magazine and to the many young men throughout the Church who devoted their time and efforts to increasmg the circulation ;also to the authorities of the stakes and wards who willingly gave us the support that has enabled us to present a volume of such weight and importance as the one which closes with this number. We hope our subscribers have received full value for their money, and that they will renew their subscriptions promptly, and find much in the coming volume to interest them. We feel, sure they will, as our

best efforts, as well as what other means we have, will be directed to that end, so that the coming volume may be up to the standard. We shall try to keep in mind the main purpose of the pub- lication of the Era which is to imbue its readers with a knowledge of the gospel, aid them in all good work, and assist the officers of the organizations which it represents to perform their labors of love with greater efficiency, and interest them in all that is good, true and beautiful. Joseph F. Smith.

1164 IMPROVEMENT ERA

A Remarkable Statement On the 22nd of June, 1894, a temple workers' excursion of the workers in the Salt Lake Temple was arranged to Brigham City, Utah, the home of President Lorenzo Snow, president of the Salt Lake Temple at that time. Nearly three carloads of people joined the excursion, and a detailed account of their three days' outing appeared in the August, 1894, number of the Young Woman's Journal. President Snow considered it "a sacred excursion and one that would leave behind a trail of peace and glory that would refresh and enlighten for many months thereafter." Among those who were present were President Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Franklin D. Richards, Zina D. Young, Bathsheba W. Smith, Minnie J. Snow, Edward Stevenson, Margaret P. Young, Emmeline B. Wells, Lucy W. Kimball and many others. During the Sunday services a remarkable statement was made by President Wilford Woodruff, predicting calamities that were to come upon the nations of the earth "President Woodruff was filled with the power and influence of the Holy Ghost, on this occasion, so much so that it not only thrilled his own voice, but shook the hearts of his

hearers. He began his remarks by saying: " T should not try to speak to this congregation tonight, as I have spoken twice before today ; but there are duties resting upon me that I must attend to. And I want to ask this congregation a question : When I have the vision of night opened continually before my eyes, and can see the mighty judgments that are about to be poured out upon this world, when I know these things are true, and are at the door of Jew and Gentile while I know they are true, and while I am holding this position before God and this world, can I withold my voice from lifting up a warning to this people, and to the nations of the earth? I may never meet with this people again; I cannot tell how that may be. But while I live and see these things continually before my eyes, I shall raise my warning voice. Now, the question I wanted to ask you is this : Over the millions of people on this earth, there hangs a cloud of darkness almost entirely upon their shoulders. Can you tell me where the people are who will be shielded and protected from these great calamities and judgments which are even now at our doors? I'll tell you. The priesthood of God who honor their priesthood, and who are worthy of their blessings, are the only ones who shall have their safety and protection. They are the only mortal beings. No other people have a right to be shielded from these judgments. They are at our very doors; not even this

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people will escape them entirely. They will come down like the judgments of Sodom and Gomorrah. And none but the priesthood will be safe from their fury. God has held the angels of destruction for many years, lest they should reap down the wheat with the tares. But I want to tell you now, that those angels have left the portals of heaven, and they stand over this people and this nation now, and are hovering over the earth waiting to pour out the judgments. And from this very day they shall be poured out. Calamities and troubles are increasing in the earth, and there is a meaning to these things. Remember this, and reflect upon these matters. If you do your duty, and I do my duty, we'll have protection, and shall pass through the afflictions in peace and in safety. Read the scriptures and the revelations. They will tell you about all these things. Great changes are at our doors. The next twenty years will see mighty changes among the nations of the earth. You will live to see these things, whether I do or not. I have felt oppressed with the weight of these matters, and I felt I must speak of them here. It's by the power of the gospel that we " shall escape,'

Daniel Hanmer Wells

President Daniel H. Wells, whose portrait supplies the frontispiece of the Era, was born at Trenton, Oneida, Co., New York, on the 27th of October, 1814. He died in Salt Lake City, on the 24th of March, 1891. His family have made a commendable practice of celebrating his birthday by a reunion of all its members annually for over forty years. They were pioneers in this observance. This year being the one hundredth anniversary of his birth, the family is making some extra efforts suitably to commemorate the occasion. Among other things that are being done in honor of their patriarchal ancestor, who gave much of his life to sacred work in the Temples, they have prepared lists of their dead kindred in such numbers that every son and daughter that can do so will have the privilege of officiating for a hundred names. Then a genealogical and historical family pageant is being arranged in which groups of the children and grandchildren will be shown representing interesting periods and events in the family lineage back to the time of the first American ancestor, Gov. Thomas Wells, of Connecticut, 1636-1660. This period embraces ten generations of which Daniel H. Wells was the sole male representative of the seventh, in the direct line, which would have

1166 IMPROVEMENT ERA expired eighth had he not emhraced the gospel, so-called in the "Mormonism." Through his conversion and acceptance of all its principles he infused a new life in the old stock, and as a result there are now living over one hundred and fifty of his descendants with their married relations. President Wells was a great lover of his family, and they in turn, have always loved and honored his memory. The Latter-day Saints as a people in the r various fields of :

endeavor also honored him as their faithful servant, counselor and friend. He was chosen by them to the following offices and positions of trust, and became distinguished in them all, for his capacity, sterlingability and fidelity. He commanded the respect and had the confidence of the people equally in h:s industrial, civil, military and ecclesiastical offices and his memory ;

is cherished among them to the present day

Justice of the Peace and Alderman, Nauvoo, 111., 1837-1846. Attorney General, State of Deseret, 1849-50. Member Utah Legislature, 1851-64; 1880, 1882. Lieutenant-General Nauvoo Legion, 1852-1887. Mayor, Salt Lake City, 1866-1876. Chancellor University of Deseret, 1867-1878. Second Counselor to President Brigham Young, 1857-1877. Counselor of the Twelve Apostles, 1877-1891. Superintendent of Publx Works, 1848-1864. President European Mission, 1864-65; 1884-87. President Manti Temple, 1888-1891. t

A Day of Prayer

Peace in Europe will be the subject of the prayers of the people of the United States on Sunday, October 4, according to a proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson issued September 8, 1914, as follows

A DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE NATION

Proclamation of the President of the United States Whereas, great nations of the world have taken up arms against one another, and war now draws millions of men into battle whom the counsel of statesmen have not been able to save from the terrible sacrifice and ;

Whereas, in this as in all things it is our privilege and duty to seek counsel and succor of Almighty God. humblmg ourselves

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before him, confessing our weakness and our lack of any wisdom equal to these things and ;

Whereas, it is the especial wish and longing of the people of the United States, in prayer and counsel and all friendliness, to serve the cause of peace ;

Therefore, I. Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America, do designate Sunday, the fourth day of October next, a day of prayer and supplication, and do request all God-fearing persons to repair on that day to their places of worship, there to unite their petitions to Almighty God, that overruling the counsel of men, setting straight the things they cannot govern or alter, taking pity on the nations now in the throes of conflict, in his mercy and goodness showing a way where men can see none, he vouchsafe his children to heal again and restore once more that concord among men and nations without which there can be neither happiness nor true friendship nor any wholesome fruit of toil or thought in the world praying also to this end that he ;

forgive us our sins, our ignorance of his holy will, our wilfulness and many errors, and lead us in the paths of obedience to places of vision and to thoughts and counsels that purge and make wise."

Oliver Cowdery's Last Letter

The following letter from Elder Samuel W. Richards, enclosing one from the late Oliver Cowdery, one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, appeared in the Deseret News, in March, 1884. This is believed to be the last letter written by Mr. Cowdery, and for that reason bears a peculiar interest. It is a plain and pointed testimony concerning the restoration of the Holy Priesthood by heavenly messengers, from one who participated in the glorious manifestations from on high

Salt Lake City, March 21, 1884. Editor Deseret News: I take the liberty to hand you the accompanying communication,

written by Oliver Cowdery, as a direct testimony of the facts therein set forth by myself personally, at the time indicated by the date affixed. At that time he, with his family, was spending a few days with me at my then residence in Misouri, as he was on his way to visit David Whitmer and family in Richmond, Mo., prior to his contemplated de- parture for Salt Lake City that coming spring, to spend the remainder of his days with, and in laboring for, the Church. As he was about to take his leave, after several days of most interesting and familiar conversation with me, he penned, with his own hand and in my prcs-

1168 IMPROVEMENT ERA encc, ihe testimony and statement herewith, which I deem worthy of record. Saml. W. Richards.

OLIVER COWDERY'S LETTER.

While darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the people; long after the authority to administer in holy things h^d been taken away, the Lord opened the heavens and sent forth his word for the salvation of Israel. In fulfilment of the sacred Scripture the everlasting Gospel was proclaimed by the mighty angel (Moroni), who, clothed with the authority of his mission, gave glory to God in the highest. This Gospel is the "stone taken from the mountain without hands." John the Baptist, holding the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood; Peter, James and John, holding the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, have also ministered for those who shall be heirs of salvation, and with these ministrations ordained men to the same Priesthoods. These Priesthoods, with their authority, are now, and must continue to be, in the body of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Blessed is the elder who has received the same and thrice blessed and holy is he who shall endure to the end. Accept assurances, dear brother, of the unfeigned prayer of him who, in connection with Joseph the Seer, was blessed with the above ministrations, and who earnestly and devoutly hopes to meet you in the celestial glory. Oliver Cowdery. To Elder Samuel W. Richards, January 13th, 1849.

The Language of Kings

In an issue of Harper's Magazine published in 1904, J. C. Thompson collected a large number of Tennyson's "Suppressed Poems," some of surprising beauty. Of the one quoted below and referring directly to America, Mr. Thompson rightly asks, "What reason can Tennyson have had for suppressing such stanzas as these?

"Gigantic daughter of the West, We drink to thee across the flood; We know thee most, we love thee best, For art thou not of British blood?

"Should war's mad blast again be blown, Permit not thou the tyrant Powers To fight thy mother here alone; But let thy broadsides roar with ours.

"O rise, our strong Atlantic sons, When war against our freedom springs! O speak to Europe through your guns, They can be understood by kings."

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Messages from the Missions

Mary Smith Ellsworth reports a conference of the elders and Saints, held in Chicago, August 8 and 9. President German E. Ellsworth, of the Northern States Mission, President Litzen Buma, of the Chicago conference, and Elder J. Alex Jex, of the office, instructed the missionaries. Apublic meeting was held in Rosalind chapel at two o'clock, in the evening at seven, a street meeting, and at eight o'clock a public meeting in the chapel. A splendid spirit prevailed, and there was a good attendance in each case. On Sunday morning at seven a Priesthood meeting was held in the chapel at Logan Square, at which elders spoke on subjects previously assigned. Secretary Reese spoke on "Due Respect to Authority," Charles R. Rogers on "How to Cut

ELDERS AND LADY MISSIONARIES OF THE NORTHERN STATES MISSION Top Row: Alma Packer, Shelley, Idaho; Silas Owens, Paragoonah, Utah; Jas. C. Rose, St. Anthony, Idaho; Theodore H. Salisbury, Provo, Utah; Chas. A. Jensen, Cardston, Canada; Chas. C. Heaton, Moccasin, Arizona; Alva J. Despain, Sandy, Utah; Uriel A. Hudson, Cardston, Canada; Roy Millet, Pleasant Grove, Utah.. Second Row: Chas. A. Jones, Rupert, Idaho; Frank R. Tanner, Payson; J. Alex Jex, Spanish Fork, Utah; Chas. R. Rogers, Pima, Arizona; Emma Anderson, Provo, Utah; Archie Q. Hale, Oakley, Idaho; Irvin L. Warnock, Monroe, John H. Larson, St. George, Samuel Lapray, Trenton, Utah. Third Row: Mary Parker, West Point, Utah; Elizabeth Berg, Davenport, Iowa; Frank B. B'owers, Salt Lake City; C. W. Reese, mission secretary, Salt Lake City; President German E. Ellsworth; Lutzen Buma, conference president, Salt Lake City; Marinus Hatch, Rigby, Idaho; Lua Linton, Provo; Nora W. Cook, Vernal, Utah.

Down Expenses," J. Alex. Jex on "How to Fill Cut Reports Properly," Sister Mary Parker, on "The Value of Taking a Personal Introspection from Time to Time," Theodore H. Salisbury, "How to Use and Continue to Use the Local Priesthood," Irvin L. Warnock, "Personal Cleanliness in Language, Habits and Dress;" James C. Rose, "Tracting and Re-tracting;" Frank B. Bowers, "Our Singing;" John H. Larsen, "True Comradeship Among Elders;" Nora W. Cook, "Attention in Class and Meetings;" Emma Anderson, "Good Will, Industry, Prudence and Economy." At ten o'clock a public meeting: was held; at

1170 IMPROVEMENT ERA three o'clock baptismal service at which four wire baptized; and at seven-thirty a public meeting at which valuable instructions were given by President Ellsworth and several of the missionary force. There was a large attendance and a good spirit prevailed, and many strangers enjoyed the services throughout.

Elder John A. Maynes, Birmingham, England, July 14: "The most interesting reunion of the elders of the Birmingham and Nottingham conferences was held at Swithland Woods, near Leicester, Eng- land, July 4. The elders sang, 'High on the Mountain Top a Banner is Unfurled," and had a picture taken of the scene. The rains of the preceding two days made the foliage and flowers most beautiful and placed the roads in perfect condition for auto riding. We left the Mid-

ELDERS AND SAINTS OF THE BIRMING- Center, John A. Maynes, president; right, HAM AND NOTTINGHAM CONFERENCES Jos. B. White, late secretary left, Ferry ;

Swithland Woods, July 4 J. Faux, sec'y. Birmingham conference.

land railway station at 9:30, in autos, for a fifteen-mile ride to points of interest in and about Leicester. We visited Abbey Park, with its gorgeous display, the home of Macaulay and the home of Bishop Latimer, and then through the charming country of hill and dale to Swithland Wood, where we spent the day in social reunion with plenty of good things to eat, served by the kind friends and Saints of the Leicester branch. Races, shot puts, broad, high and standing jumps, and a tug of war were events contested for by the elders of each conference. The tug of war was won by Nottingham. A most interesting game of baseball was played by chosen nines, and the score stood twelve to ten in favor of Birmingham. All present felt that it was a grand celebration of our nation's birthday. Old Glory was raised on the mountain peaks, surrounded by the elders of both conferences. Arrangements were in charge of President John A. Maynes, Elders Ferry J. Faux and Joseph F. White of Birmingham, and President E. W. Watkins, Elders W. H. Pyatt and Nelson of Nottingham.

Lady missionaries, Chicago Conference, left to right: Mary p arker, Layton; Zelda Kirkham, Lehi: Ida R. Bistline, Logan, Utah; Olive Owen, Ammon, Idaho; second row: Fern Halliday, Pleasant Grove; Mary Smith Ellsworth, Lehi; and Flora C. Myerhoffer, Salt Lake City, Utah.

James M. Adamson, Sunderland, England, May 14: "We are enjoying a reign of quietness in this part of England at present, having no violent opposition. We have made many friends since the persecutions of 1912. We occasionally hear people making remarks about the genuine manhood displayed by the elders in this locality at that time. To these elders we owe much, as they opened up the way for real missionary work. The officers of the town are friendly towards us. Elders back row, left to right: K. M. Jones, Ogden, Utah: B. O. Clegg Bench, Idaho; L. K. Sims, Salt Lake; J. C. Hancock, Ogden: W. R. Rose and V. E. Israelson. Hvrum, Utah: James C. Lindsay, Ovid, Tdaho; Gerald Cazier, Nephi, Utah; middle row:

1172 IMPROVEMENT ERA . E. Miller, Bloomington, 'daho; R. L. Harrison, Auburn, Wyo.; Marion Knight, Conference President, Plain City, Utah; Hyrum M. Smith, Mission President; Jar'.es M. Adamson, conference secretary, Carey, Idaho; V. E. Gilbert. vVinter Quarters, Utah; D. E. Roberts, Bloomington, Idaho; front row: F. C. Jensen, Huntsville, C. E. Bramwell, Ogden, Utah; L, C. Ockey, Beazer, Canada; J. E. Hope, Rexburg, Idaho.

"In the second group: W. R. Rose, H. L. Harrison, Marion Knight, officer P. C. Gray, L. K. Sims, F. C. Jensen, James M. Adamson, all but the officer are elders laboring in Sunderland, England."

Elders of the Logan Square Branch, Chicago Conference, from left to right: H. C. Sylvester, Elsinore; J. L. Myers, Murray; L. Buma,

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Salt Lake City, President; A. M. Taylor, Payson; J. A. Jex, Spanish Fork; Irvin L. Warnock, Monroe, Utah; Charles R. Rogers, Pima, Arizona.

Elder David P. Kimball, Perth, Australia: "At our conference, on May 31 last, at King's Hall, Elder William W. Taylor* the president of the mission, was present it being the first time for three years that the

mission president had been with us, since this is the most isolated conference in the Church, being a twelve-days' journey from Sydney by water. Last year we baptized seven in the Perth branch, and have had two thus far this year. Elders, lefi to right, back row: Lester Facer, Brigham; Wilford Bailey, Nephi; Arthur D. Hulbert, Salt Lake City; front row: Grant S. Clark, Farmington; William W. Taylor, mission president, Provo, Utah; David P. Kimball, Thatcher, Arizona."

The new county of Duchesne has been formed by proclamation of Governor William Spry, following the election which was held in Wasatch county, Utah, on the 13th day of July, 1914, for the purpose of voting on the proposition as to whether or not a new county, to be known as Duchesne, should be created from a portion of Wasatch county. The result of the election in the boundaries of the new county, was 783 votes for its creation, and 98 votes against; and the result of the vote in the remaining portion of Wasatch county was 851 votes for such a proposition, and 425 votes against it, making a total majority for the new county of 1111 votes. The creation of the county will take effect on the first Monday in January, 1915, and from and after twelve o'clock noon on that date Utah will have a new county which shall be known as Duchesne, and shall belong to the fourth judicial district of the state of Utah.