Messages from the Missions

Agree with Teachings, But Will Not Join the Church Elder James M. Adamson, Sunderland, England, May 26: "We have only about one-half of the usual number of elders in this confer- ence. We are in need of more missionaries. So far, however, we have had to close none of the branches in this conference. We feel not to complain for the condition which has resulted from the great war. We have met recently in tracting a number of people who agree with the teachings of our Church, and who have practices and beliefs in their own churches which are unscriptural and who admit that our teach- ings are in conformity with Holy Scripture. Some others agree with all our teachings, but still will not join the Church. A soldier of the king, on a few days' leave of absence, called on us last evening and related some of his experiences in preaching the gospel among the soldiers. Many of them are Latter-day Saints as far as belief is con- cerned, but they do not seem to know it. The soldier is not a mem- ber of the Church." Ranks Depleted Owing to the War Elder Mathew F. Noall, Bristol, England, May 18: "Our ranks here are greatly depleted in numbers because of the present war, but we are firmly resolved to bear the armor of the Lord until the last. Strengthened by mutual fellowship and a common cause, feelings of anxiousness for personal safety have vanished. The national situation in so far as it is applicable is being used to show the lack in the world of the true brotherhood of man as taught in the gospel^of Christ. Nothing but sympathy goes out to those required to suffer." LET US LEAD THE WORLD Utah was the scene of one of the most glorious episodes in American his- tory. Men and women, our fathers and mothers, came to this land because here they could worship God and live their lives according to the strong faith which was within them. Ideals, not love of wealth or luxury, impelled them on. They conquered a land which appeared to the world at that time as unconquerable as appear today the rocky mountain sides which surround our valleys. We wisely cherish their memory. No future glory will ever dim their wonderful achievement. Our task, now under the blessings of modern science and the enlightenment of the arts is 'to build upon these noble deeds of the past a history of prog- ress which shall carry us to the world's front. We have a rich citizenship, sons and daughters of the Pioneers, and the many other thousands who came and are coming to the intermountain country to build homes. To train our youth for conquest of our yet undeveloped West is the purpose of the Utah Agricultural College. The courses are broad and liberal in the natural and physical sciences and in mathematics, English history, eco- nomics, literature and languages. The courses are practical; they prepare men and women for useful and paying occupations. The different Schools of the College are (1) Agriculture, (2) Agricultural Engineering, (3) Home Economics, (4) Commerce, (5) Mechanic Arts and (6) General Science. A letter is always welcome. Explain your hopes a"^ambitionSh;i^j;°Utoneae^ help, and thousands of our best do need help, the College may be able to aid you. Write for a catalogue. Address- The President, Utah Agricultural College Logan, Utah

"The Solid and Enduring Satisfactions of Life." What are they? Are you interested in them? Take time to read and enjoy Dr. E. J. McEwan's talk to young people in this number of the Era. The story which won first place, in the Era story contest for June, was "The Undertow," by Ruth M. Bell, of Logan. The story appears in this num- ber. It will be decided later which of the six winning stories is considered the winner for the gold pin. The judges for June were: James H. Anderson, Mary Connelly, Thomas Hull, Harold Goff, and the associate editor. From the catalogue of the Fleet School, Highland Lake, Flat Rock, North Carolina: "Since the use of tobacco is injurious to bodily health and detri- mental to proper mental development in growing boys, its use in any form by pupils while under the school care and authority is forbidden. The use of intoxicants in any form, or gambling, will result in immediate dismissal." William C. Harper, Battle Creek, Michigan, August 7: "The Era is in every phase constructive. I desire specially to mention the article by Mrs. L. H. Roylance, 'Wild Oats.' Study life in a great institution of relief to the dying, and you will see twenty to thirty cases daily which prove a sequel, and that the 'Wages of sin is death.' See sin lay waste the heart, the soul, the body of young and old to the third and fourth, and ninth generations, and the war of Europe becomes a toy, in the hand of nature, by comparison." Improvement Era, September, 1915 Two Dollars per Annum with Manual Free Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second class matter. Address, 20 Bishop's Building, Salt Lake City, Utah Joseph F. Smith, ) Editors Heber J- Grant» Business Manager Edward H. Anderson, j Moroni Snow, Assistant TABLE OF CONTENTS The Tower of Jewels by Night Frontispiece The Panama-Pacific Exposition. Illustrated 945 The Philosophical Basis of "Mormonism" Dr. James E. Talmage 947 The Sunken Isle. A Poem Josephine Spencer 964 Outline for Scout Workers. Illustrated Luoy G. Smith and D. W. Parratt 965 Good-Bye, Old Booze. A Poem Jack Borlase 968 Man Sent of God Newel K. Young 969 To My Successor. A Poem Tom Cordry 972 The True Note Nephi Jensen 973 President Charles F. Middleton. Portrait 981 Choosing a Vocation Samuel Clawson 982 Yellow Clover Blossoms. A Poem M. A. Stewart 985 Nathan, Come Home! F. E. Barker 986 Utah Building and Panama-California Exposi- tion Grounds, San Diego 989 The Solid and Enduring Satisfactions of Life. .Dr. E. J. MacEwan 990 Shooting the Apolima Passage J. V. Nelson 998 Picturesque Reminiscences. Illustrated Shirley Penrose Jones 999 The Undertow. Prize Story Ruth Moench Bell IOOj View of the Panama-Pacific International Ex- position JJJJf Editors' Table— Official Announcement First Presidency 1U11 Early Days in the West J. M. Studebaker 1011 An Important Message - • • 1012 The Ogden Tabernacle Choir J014 Genealogical Society Contention • 1015 Messages from the Missions J016 Priesthood Quorums' Table J 022 Mutual Work 1026 Passing Events ! 1032