Editors’ Table

Editors' Table 'Jesus the Christ" This book, by Dr. James E. Talmage, is not only a new book, but a new Church work, in that it brings together and presents, for the first time, in orderly and connected sequence the holy scriptures of all ages and peoples relating to the Savior and Re- deemer of mankind. The title page is expressive and impressive : Jesus the Christ, A Study of the Messiah and His Mission according to Holy Scrip- tures both Ancient and Modern. Among the distinguishing char- acteristics of the work — characteristics that make it in truth unique, is the application of modern revelation — of the scriptures peculiar to the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times — to the in- terpretation of the Messiah's mission. Manv important and indeed valuable works dealing with the Life of Christ have issued from the pens of learned theologians, and countless commentaries on particular incidents or phases of the great subject have been published ; but all such productions have been based on human interpretation of the holy writ of ancient times. The work now before us turns the light of later revelation, and this, as the author incisively affirms, like "a power- ful and well-directed beam, illumines many dark passages of ancient construction." The work may be said to be a treatment of Jesus the Christ and His appointed mission in the eternities past and throughout the eternities to come, as made known by Himself in sacred writ and authoritative revelation. The author thus cogently expresses his conception of the appropriateness of his work: "It is particularly congruous and appropriate that the Church of Tesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — the only Church that affirms au- thority based on specific revelation and commission to use the Lord's Holy Name as a distinctive designation — should set forth her doctrines concerning the Messiah and His mission." Practically all notable works heretofore published on the Life of Christ begin with a consideration of the birth of Mary's Babe in Bethlehem of Judea, or at most precede this treatment with a summary of the social and political conditions of the world in general, and of the Jewish people in particular, at the time of the great event. The author of Jesus the Christ brings prominently to the front the antemortal existence of the Firstborn among the sons of God, and makes plain, on the basis of scriptural proof,

EDITORS' TABLE 1103 that the then future Savior and Redeemer of mankind was chosen and ordained to His great msision before the earth was made ready as a habitation of the human race. It is further demonstrated that in His antemortal or pre-ex- istent state, the Firstborn among the begotten spirit children of God the Eternal Father— the Being who was named in the heav- ens and afterward known as a Man among men, Jesus Christ was the Word of Power through whom the Father directed the work of creation ; and that Jesus Christ, therefore, is rightly des- ignated the Creator. Before taking upon Himself a body of flesh He was with the Father, and inferior to the Father alone in station, power, and authority, in matters relating to the world and its prospective fam- ily or race of mankind. As definitely affirmed and conclusively proved, Jesus Christ was the God who gave commandment to the antediluvians, from Adam to Noah; the God who made covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; the God who revealed Himself to Moses ; the God of Israel as a united nation; the God of the divided king- doms of Judah and Israel, and the God to whom were offered the countless sacrifices on Israelitish altars ; in short, the great I Am — -Jehovah Himself. A comprehensive analysis of the prophecies and predictions relating to the earthly birth of the Savior, from the revelations given to Adam down to the annunciation of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin of Nazareth, is followed by the narrative of the Savior's life and ministry in the flesh. This part of the work from the birth to the crucifixion occupies twenty-eight of the forty-two chapters comprised within the book. This section may with pro- priety be called, "The Life of Christ." In it the wondrous story is told with the impressive conciseness so characteristic of the writings of Dr. Talmage, who employs, here as in all his writings, eloquently descriptive yet impressively simple language. From the visualized word pictures of the "Babe of Bethle- hem," and the "Boy of Nazareth," the reader is led on to a con- sideration of the Savior's ministry, from His baptism at the hands of John, down to the last triumphant utterance from the cross. Every parable, every miracle specifically recorded, every doc- trinal principle, and every important lesson taught by Jesus Christ while in the flesh, are cited and analyzed. Between the accounts of our Lord's crucifixion and His bod- ily resurrection from the dead, appears a chapter peculiar to this work, entitled, "In the Realm of Disembodied Spirits," in which the ministry of the Christ among the dead is explained, in the place to which it belongs, according to chronological sequence. Following the ascension from Olivet comes a splendid sum- mary of the most important features of the "Apostolic Ministry,"

1104 IMPROVEMENT ERA with prominence given to the manifestations of the resurrected and glorified Christ during that period. The ministry of the Lord Jesus on the western hemisphere is given due attention ; and this topic is followed by a short but in- tensive chapter on "The Long Night of Apostasy," as a prepara- tion for the treatment of the glorious events of modern times. What the author designates as "the greatest theophany of the ages" — the personal appearing of God the Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith — is comprehensively set forth ; and the restoration of the priesthood to earth, together with the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ, is described and on scriptural evidence affirmed. The assured nearness of the Lord's second advent, the millen- nial reign of Christ on earth, and the celestial consummation of the Savior's mission, in the final vanquishment of Satan and death, constitute the closing section of the work. As readers of the Era are already aware, the First Presi- dency of the Church issued an official announcement of this work before it had left the press. As explained therein the author un- dertook the work under appointment from the general authorities of the Church, and the book is published by the Church. The book is commended by the First Presidency as follows : "We desire that the work, Jesus the Christ, be read and studied by the Latter-day Saints, in their families, and in the organizations that are devoted wholly or in part to theological study. We commend it especially for use in our Church schools, as also for the advanced the- ological classes in Sunday Schools and priesthood quorums, for the instruction of our missionaries, and for general reading." The book is of superior quality, printed in large-sized type, on good paper, and is bound in half leather, a well-made home production throughout. Except the introduction, each chapter is followed by a series of notes for the use of students, and abundant footnotes through- out the volume greatly extend its usefulness by the ease with which readers may find the scriptures bearing on the several topics dis- cussed. The table of contents is extensive and presents in analyt- ical form the body of subject matter. The unusually large and well arranged index will be much appreciated by students. But aside from these aids to study, the text in the eight hundred or more pages of the book itself is pre- sented as a continuous story of entrancing interest, from the first page to the last. The Close of Volume Eighteen We express our appreciation to our many M. I. A. and lit- erarv friends, and to our subscribers, who have made it possible

EDITORS' TABLE 1105 to present to the reading public such a valuable volume of the Era as that which ends with this number. The co-operation of the Priesthood quorums and Church schools with the officers of the Y. M. M. I. A. and with the members of the Church in general have made possible what we have done. Without the blessings of the Lord and the co-operation and aid of these institutions, or- ganizations, and people, it could not have been accomplished. We are greatful for divine assistance, and extend to our friends our sincere thanks and gratitude. We solicit their assistance for vol- ume 19, beginning in November, and can assure our subscribers that every effort will be put forth by the editors and the manage- ment to keep up the high standard of the magazine, and to make improvements and betterments wherever possible. Volume 19 will be made as valuable in all its departments, di- visions and contents as the best talent obtainable can make it. The Priesthood quorums will receive especial attention, as well as the activities of the priesthood in the wards and stakes of Zion. Presi- dent Smith remains as editor in chief of the Era, and will con- tinue to contribute to its columns from time to time. One new feature which we hope to introduce during the new year will be the publication of short, pertinent papers, dealing with religious topics, doctrinal and theological, and especially subjects which will comprehend that subtle religious power that touches the emotions and lies at the basis of all worthy action. Many peo- ple are beginning to partake of a spirit so prevalent throughout the land, which absorbs the materialistic rather than the inspiring emotional. In the necessary scramble for material advancement and intellectual progress there is a dearth of faith and sentiment such as have always been at the foundation of great deeds and achievements in the past. These short sketches are intended to exalt religion and sentiment, and will be prepared in a readable and attractive manner by the best writers obtainable. We espe- cially invite short and pointed papers in this line— good samples are found in this number in "The Temptation of Christ," and 'The Lost Chord." Our late story contest brought out much talent among the story writers, and for the coming volume from January to June, the Era will provide at least one story each month of the best that can be obtained, our purpose being to delight as well as instruct those who are fond of good home stories, and to encourage local writers. Good stories will appear each month, the year round. In the department of Mutual Improvement work the various committees laboring on the General Board will present, from month to month, instructions and presentations of methods and facts intended to help the officers of our organization in their work and to make their arduous duties a pleasure. Contributions

1106 IMPROVEMENT ERA from successful stake M. I. A. workers will appear, showing how Mutual work can be made to "go." The Church schools will be represented by the best literature that can be obtained from the leading writers engaged in teaching. We promise our readers the full worth of good reading for their money, even as in "the past. Either the senior or the junior manual is given as a premium. The former treats "Conditions of Success," and the latter con- tains fifteen "Lessons on Success." They are both worthy a place in every home, and aside from serving as texts for teachers, are especially suitable for Home Evening study and for general read- ing and instruction. We are grateful for the blessings of the past, and pray that the Lord may aid the work now and in the future. We ask that our brethren and sisters will co-operate with us in making the Era a means of pleasure and profit to the people and to our axiliary organizations. To this end we invite the co-operation and aid of all who are interested in first-class literature. Our aim is the ad- vancement of the work of the Lord, the welfare of the youth of Zion, and the building up of the Church of Christ upon the earth. The Secret of Success Attention is called to a letter appearing in this number of the Era under the title, "The Sigh of the Weary." In it young men will find pertinent thought for serious reflection. It is the decision of a son who had asked and reluctantly received the con- sent of his parents to mortgage their home to invest the proceeds in certain speculation. There is much leaning upon others in this world, and some young men in our community are no exceptions. They often bear very heavily upon father and mother. They look to them to meet their expenses which are often out of all reason. They depend upon father for their schooling, and their start in business. These items of expense appear to be of little importance to them, but in reality they are often the cause of great anxiety, care, toil and effort upon the part of the parents. To a youth there is nothing more helpful in the building of his character than being independ- ent, than the feeling that he is making his own way, treading his own path, overcoming his own difficulties, making things go on his own account. Both the senior and the junior manuals this season treat upon success, — the former, on conditions of success ; and the latter, in story form, on the meaning of success and the character traits necessary in achieving it. In the senior manual for this year there is a symposium

EDITORS' TABLE 1107 from leading Churchmen, educators, scientists, and successful men of the world, answering the question, "What is Success?" Fn the fourteen pages of matter there are answers from the Presi- dency of the Church, a number of the apostles, and the first Coun- cil of Seventy, State and Church educators, business men, super- intendents of the Y. M. M. I. A., and prominent professional men- Among national characters who have kindly contributed may be mentioned David Starr Jordan, of the Leland Stanford Univer- sity ; Colonel George W. Goethals, builder of the Panama Canal ; Rear-Admiral Robert E. Peary, the discoverer of the North Pole ; A. E. Winship, editor of the Journal of Education; Ella Wheeler Wilcox, poet and author ; A. A. Michelson ; Samuel Gompers, the labor leader; "Billy" Sunday, the evangelist; Cyrus E. Dallin, the sculptor ; Dr. Lyman Abbott, editor of the Outlook, and others. The remarkable thing is that in nearly all the answers this one great thought is emphasized — it is not success unless he who has made the achievement has rendered and does render service not only to himself but to others. We take the privilege of quot- ing two sentiments : "In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, success to me means the achievement of something of benefit to others as well as to the individual. And it should be recognized that even if success is not at- tained, the result of the effort to attain it is important— to deserve suc- cess is second in importance only to achieving it."— George W. Goethals, Builder of the Panama Canal. "To your question, What is success? I reply in the words of Jesus, 'Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.' Success consists in rendering service to the world. The way for any individual to be great is to render the best service which he, with his tempera- ment, education, and position, can render to the community and the age in which he lives." — Lyman Abbott, Editor of "The Outlook." That is what we wish to impress upon our young readers. The son, in "The Sigh of the Weary," rendered a service to his parents which was quite as great in a negative sense as if he had accom- plished some object positively. To succeed one must be independ- ent as far as one can, make one's own way, and give service to others rather than crave help from them. In this way we suc- ceed ; in this course we gain happiness and contentment, and feel free. The youth of Zion may receive great comfort and strength for their tasks in the story of the lives of the early settlers of this community. Here were men and women who fought their own battles, who made their own way, looked for no easy positions and places.' no favors ; but who, with strong strokes of muscle and thought, in faith and toil, cleared each his personal road to sue- cess This is one of the lessons we shall learn from the Manuals,

1108 IMPROVEMENT ERA from the symposium of leading men, and from the letter to which reference is made : Be not a leaner but a doer and a lifter. Be not one unto whom service must be rendered, or who expects and is always looking for a lift, but rather be a man determined to render active, loving service. Herein lies true success. Messages from the Missions [Important messages breathing the spirit of the gospel, faith-pro- moting, extraordinary, or unusual, are solicited from the elders. Be brief and to the point and send pictures of action. — Editors.] Healed through the Power of the Lord Elders Joseph A. Mortensen and Gustav Drechsel, Macon, Georgia, September 3: "There are about forty members of the Church here and several investigators. We hold several cottage meetings each week, Sunday School every Sunday, and evening services. During the short time we have been here we have disposed of four books of Mormon and one hundred and twenty-five other books such as "The Voice of Warning,' 'Mr. Durrant,' 'Brief History of the Church,' 'Rays of Living Light,' etc., in addition to many tracts. Recently the elders were called in to administer to a person who was very ill. After the administration the pain and sickness left, and he has been bearing testimony that he was healed through the power of the Lord, through obedience to the ordinance of administration, taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A large number of friends were present at a funeral we held here, August 24, over a member of the Church who died. They came to learn the way that the peculiar 'Mor- mons' taught the resurrection, and many left with a better idea con- cerning 'Mormonism' than they had heretofore had." Learning to Appreciate One's Parents Elder H. Leroy Frisby, Leicester, England, August 24: "We have thirteen elders in the conference at the present time, but ere long our number will be greatly reduced by the brethren returning home. Elders in the portrait, left to right: Samuel C. Gerrard, Charles J. Smith, H. Leroy Frisby, Ernest E. Greenwood (conference president), George

EDITORS' TABLE 1109 S. Balhf. Street preaching has been one of the most important fea- tures of our work this summer. Many are very prejudiced towards the 'Mormons' and often refuse to accept our tracts We are TJw eyer, determined to get the true side of 'Mormonism' before the peo- ple, and open-air meetings have proved to be of great value to us in this work. Words cannot express the joy and satisfaction that we feel after one of these meetings. It is then that we are most grate- ful to our Heavenly Father for the light of the gospel and for the good and noble parents that bless us. It is then that we feel we are doing at least a little towards delivering the great, dear, gospel mes- sage. If there is a place on earth that will make a young man appre- ciate his parents, and what they have done for him, it is in the mis- sion field. Not only have they clothed and fed us, but they have in- stilled within us a sense of duty and right, and have taught us the sweet gospel message of salvation." Change of Presidency in Japan On the 24th of July, 1915, Elder H. Grant Ivins, of Salt Lake City, who for two and a half years acted as president of the Japanese mis' sion, (his separation from home was close on to five years) sailed from Yokohama bound for Zion. His work here has been unex- celled. During the two years that he labored as an ordinary mission- ary, he gained the love of the elders and Saints to such an extent that in their minds there was only one candidate for president, Elder Ivins. During the two and a half years that he labored as presi- dent, he gained the love and respect of those under him, and the missionaries and the Saints came -to him for both spiritual and personal advice. He set before all people with whom he came in contact such an example of manhood that it brought the best that was in them to the surface. His whole heart and soul was in his work, and before he sailed away from fair Nippon, he had not only made numerous friends, translated the "Articles of Faith" by Talmage, into Japanese but had gained such high esteem from the natives that his name will always be held dear, as a remem- brance of the highest manhood. Elder Joseph H. Stimpson, of Ogden, who succeeded President Ivins as president of the mission is a man whose whole life has been spent in the work of the Lord. Previous to Elder Stimpson being called to the Presidency he had already filled a five and a half years mission in Japan, during which time he had gained an excellent knowl- edge of the language. President Stimpson will be a great boost to the Japan mission. He shoulders his new duty with a perfect knowl- edge of the needs and requirements that he must face. He has gained Left: Retiring President H. Grant Ivins; right: Incoming President Joseph H. Stimpson

no IMPROVEMENT ERA S,Sj2VisSd*l.8-tC™^f 3l! the dderS and Saints' aml Clltei"s »Pon his dut.es with their faith and prayers. J. Vernon Adams, Tokyo, Japan. Aged Twin Brothers Baptized Elder Paul B. Talmage, Philadelphia, Pa., August 27: "Baptismal serv.ce was held at Towanda, Pa., July 17, at which four membe s were added to the Church. Pres- dent Arrington, of the East Pennsylvania conference, and Elders E. W. Stucki, Simpson Roper and Paul B. Talmage were present. This is the sec- ond baptismal service held at this place, this summer. All are greatly encouraged with the re- sults of the work done in that vicinity. There were several in- vestigators at the service, and many are at nearly all our meet- ings held there. The Saints hope to own their own meeting- house in Towanda before long. I enclose the picture of twin brothers who were baptized, and who are in their seventy-third year. Brother Delanson Fenner (on the right) has had the eld- ers live with him for twenty years, whenever they have been in Towanda. His wife has been a member for sixteen years, but he has waited until his brother, Orlando Fenner (on the left), was ready to join also." Died in the Service of the Lord. Elder Albert Lester Wilkes, of Salt Lake City, died August 28, 1915, in a hospital in Honolulu, of blood poisoning, according to a cablegram from President S. E. Woolley to the First Presidency. Elder Wilkes is the son of Albert Wilkes, manager of the Utah Photo Materials Company, Salt Lake City. Elder Wilkes left for his Ha- waiian mission on May 7, 1913. He was born in this city May 14, 1894, and was educated in the city schools. He was a bright and prom- ising young man, and had enjoyed excellent health while on his mis- sion, until the sickness which took him away. He had written reg- ularly every week to his parents, giving an account of his health and his labors, and the last letter was received just a week before they re- ceived word of his death. His funeral was held in the Ensign ward chapel Sunday, September 12. First Chinaman Baptized J. Leonard Davis, secretary of the Tahitian mission, writes, June 24: "The Tahiti headquarters are located 3.600 miles southwest of San Francisco in the center of the Pacific. It is the beauty spot of the South sea. The climate is ideal at all seasons of the year. All mis sionaries here stand at the head of the different branches and confer-

ences and have to rely to a great extent upon their own judgment as to the wants of the people in the islands over which they preside. Hence when they leave this field they have developed qualities fitting them for any position required of them in the Church at home. At our last conference, which was not as well attended as usual owing to the war in Europe, two native brethren were advanced in the Priest- hood, and we baptized the first Chinaman in this mission. Great inter- est in the work was taken by both old and young. The people closed with their usual feast, consisting of twenty pigs baked whole in their native ovens, two barrels of flour baked into bread with native poi and fish. Until lately we have had only few friends in Papeete, but since tracting the town systematically, both among the natives and French people, we have found many new friends and are finding more every day. We have sold a number of Books of Mormon and loaned others to those who expressed a desire to read the book. Elders of Papeete and Hikueru branches, standing: Otto Stocks, Lewiston, Utah; J. Leonard Davis, Blackfoot, Idaho; S. Albert Shaw, North Ogden; sit- ting. President Ernest C, Rossiter and wife, Salt Lake City. Elders Ervin Pearson and William Orton, laboring in Takaroa conference, were unable to be present. Why a Mission is Good for Women Sister Edna Crowther, doing missionary work in East Pennsyl- vania conference, writes: "I believe the missionary movement among the women will be of untold value, causing the young women to re- devolve upon them, bv becoming spiritual aias xo uieir nusu«uUa and giving an incentive to their children to understand the glorious gospel and live in sympathv with the great work of the future toward the preparation of this continent for the coming of our Lord and Mas- ter. Why should not our magazines which represent the women do something to encourage our women in the mission field and show tne work that is being accomplished by women missionaries? It is#clear to me that they should have a missionary section in their magazines [The Era will be glad to hear from the ladies; give mis some ^fa.th- promoting incidents; or unusual experiences, showing the blessings 01 the Lord in your efforts. — Editors.]