Mutual Work

458 IMPROVEMENT ERA

The divinely revealed prayer, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland

temple, recognizes and is loyal to civil authority. Sec. 109, especially

verse 55. Loyalty to civil executives, Sec. 134:3.

Loyalty to authority is definitely provided for in the article of faith

which demands that we shall be subject to kings, rulers, and presidents, and

that we shall honor, obey and sustain the law.

For an exposition of Church government and loyalty in the Church the

student is cited to an address delivered by President Joseph F. Smith, in

Parowan, Sept. 13, 1917. It is the opening article in the November issue

of the Era, 1917, and contains a simple, lucid, authoritative exposition of the

principles of government in the Church.

Problems:

1. Name five elements of loyalty.

2. Show that loyalty like all other ethical virtues must be based on

sincerity.

3. Discuss the necessity of "confidingness," as an indispensable element

of friendship, and especially in the family circle.

4. Give an example of loyalty in respect for and sacrifice for.

5. What event in the life of Moses indicates that he exercised the

special privileges of loyalty? Exodus 32.

6. What is the function of advising and admonishing in personal

loyalty?

7. What instance in the life of Abraham shows that God confided in

him as one friend would confide in another, a father with a son, a president

with a counselor?

8. How may a man become the personal friend of the Lord Jesus

Christ? See Compendium, Gems, p. 269, under question, What is the other

comforter?

9. Give an example of loyalty to authority being heroically kept above

personal loyalty.

10. Distinguish by example the difference between reverence and respect.

11. Name five provisions of Church government calculated to develop

loyalty to authority. Nov. Era, 1917.

12. Show that the safety of our nation and the freedom of the world

depends on the loyalty of the American citizen to legislative and executive

authority.

Lesson Seventeen — Loyalty (Continued)

Loyalty to covenants is a reinforcement of all other forms of loyalty.

Its function is to furnish a bulwark against disloyalty, a refuge for fidelity,

a support to cling to when other things have failed. When a pre-accepted

penalty becomes a part of the covenant, the highest possible guarantee is

given for loyalty. These principles hold good throughout the entire social

universe, and their application as a source of power has been made use of

from the beginning.

Sincere covenant-making is one of the loftiest forms of conduct, and

wilful breaking of covenants is one of the basest forms of conduct, either

in the individual or in the nation. In essence the breaking of the marriage

covenant has in it all the vicious characteristics of the violation of a na-

tional treaty.

Divinity makes covenants with humanity in two ways: directly, as in

the case of God's personal covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses and Joseph

Smith; and indirectly, through the words of his agents or those holding the

priesthood or authority from God. The promise made in the blessing of

a child by one authorized of the Lord, under the inspiration of his Holy

MUTUAL WORK ^59

Spirit, is a covenant to which God will be loyal if the conditions are lived

up to.

So vital is loyalty to covenant in the estimation of Divinity, the Lord

has said: "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no

wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:18). In this latter day,

through Joseph the Prophet, the Lord has declared, "though the heavens

and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be

fulfilled" (Sec. 1:37-38).

The student is reminded that the main body of the book of our text

the "Doctrine and Covenants," is under the heading Covenants and Com-

mandments, and the very title of the book is "Doctrine and Covenants."

Covenants as a basis of special privileges (Sec. 28:12,13).

Everlasting privileges dependent upon everlasting covenants (Sec.

66:2).

The super-seriousness of an official covenant, or the violation of an

oath of office (Sec. 84:41).

Eternity of the family relations dependent upon eternity of covenant,

and eternity of authority in making the covenants (Sec. 132:12-21).

Exaltation dependent on covenant and covenant-keeping (Sec. 76:50-70,

and especially verse 67).

The acceptance of an ordinance with its privilege is a silent covenant

to keep and to honor the ordinance.

The sacrament is a review of our baptismal covenant and of Christ's

covenant concerning his resurrection and redemption.

A covenant becomes a part of the covenanter, a deliberate part of him,

not the impulsive part, and a violation of a covenant is therefore a betrayal

of the highest qualities of the individual. An impulsive or thoughtless dis-

regard of covenant may be recommended for mercy, but a wilful violation

of covenant must be met by the demands of stern justice.

Problems :

1. Why is our text called the "Doctrine and Covenants"?

2. Wherein is a man made ethically stronger by covenant?

3. Why is an indirect covenant just as sacred as a direct one?

4. How may a contract on earth be made so as to carry over into

eternity?

5. On what ethical grounds is the covenant person entitled to greater

privilege than the non-covenant one?

6. What would happen if an officer-elect should refuse to take the oath

of office?

7. How would the testimony of a witness be affected by a refusal to

covenant that he would tell the truth?

8. Why is it worse for an officer to break the law than for a civilian

to do so?

9. Why are all falsehoods told on the witness stand double lies?

10. Wherein is covenant-breaking self -betrayal?

11. Why are covenant-keepers as a rule socially optimistic?

12. How is loyalty to covenant affected by a frequent review of it, or

a symbolic renewal of it?

13. Wherein does the ethics of the "Doctrine and Covenants" hold out

the highest hope of reward and the greatest fear of punishment as incen-

tives for loyalty to covenants?

Lesson Eighteen — Ethics of Finance

Part I — Fundamental Principles

a. There is universal sufficiency (Sec. 124:17).

460 IMPROVEMENT ERA

b. Needs or righteous wants the basis of equitable distribution (Sees.

51:3; 82:17; 42:33).

c. The laborer is worthy of his hire (Sec. 31:5).

d. Common consent should be the controlling element in fixing com-

pensation (Sec. 124:121).

e. Honesty and ability the basis of fundamental responsibility (Sec.

104:70-80).

Part II — Provisions for Various Conditions

a. Miserly wealth (Sees. 56:16; 104:18).

b. Parasitic poverty (Sec. 56:17).

. c. Humility safe from humiliation (Sec. 84:112).

d. Economic necessity (Sec. 48:4).

e. Over production (Sec. 51:13; 42:55).

f. The tendency towards landlordism (Sec. 48:2).

g. Worthy institutional dependency (Sec. 78:3).

h. Credit and exchange (Sec. 42:54).

i. Necessity for accounting (Sees. 69:5; 104:12).

Problems:

1. Prove from the Doctrine and Covenants the truth of the statement:

If distribution were as equitable as production is plentiful, no one need

suffer for the necessities of life.

2. Why are needs limited to righteous wants?

3. Show that the laborer is worthy of his hire, while the employe may

not be worthy.

4. Show that society is struggling towards the democracy of wage fixing.

5. Prove the accuracy of the statement: Miserly wealth dooms its

possessor to friendlessness, Godlessness, and heavenlessness.

6. Discriminate between the poor of the Church and the poor in the

Church.

7. What is meant by the word "broken" in Sec. 56:17 and the word

"humbling" in Sec. 84:112.

8. Wherein does the Doctrine and Covenants provide for conservation

and increased productiveness for special purposes?

9. Wherein is "landlordism" a bone of world-wide contention, today?

What safeguard against this evil does the Doctrine and Covenants provide?

10. Describe the Church policy of land ownership, in the settlement of

Utah, under the direction of Brigham Young.

11. Wherein is institution charity superior to personal charity? (a)

in its effect on the giver? (b)in its effect on the receiver?

12. Wherein is our fast offering system doubly economic?

13. Discuss the problem: The repudiation of an honest debt is one

of the worst forms of debt.

14. What is the command of the Lord Jesus Christ to modern Israel,

concerning debt-paying?

15. Through what special committee of expert accountants does the

Trustee-in-Trust render an account of his stewardship to the Church?

Snowflake in the Front

T. W. Tanner, Snowflake, Arizona, writes that Snowflake ward received

the stake pennant for 1916-1917 and that the same ward has received the red,

white and blue every month so far for 1917-18. The efficiency report for

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December shows the whole stake well up in the various activities of the

M. I. A. work.

Wasatch Stake Efficiency Report

Owing to the Efficiency Report of the Wasatch stake being written on

a letter head with other items instead of on a report blank, the letter was

filed by mistake without being handed to the editor. We, therefore, give

the following standing of the Wasatch stake for the month of December,

1917, which should have been printed in the February number: Member-

ship, 10; attendance, 10; special activities, 10; scout work, 5; social work,

10; Era, 5; fund, 5; vocations and industries, 5; stake board meetings, 10;

ward officers' meetings, 10.

Corn and Bean Contests

The following suggestions come from Alvin Allen, Hyrum, Utah:

"I am interested in the growing of corn and beans and naturally take

great interest in the yields of the prize-winners. I feel it would be a good

thing to have some of these winners write short sketches of how they did it.

Other growers would undoubtedly like to know. This might include the

kind of soil, the distance apart of plants or hills, the mode of cultivation,

varieties of corn and beans, cost of labor, etc."

We think that these suggestions are good, and invite the winners in the

corn and bean contest of last year to write short notes containing informa-

tion on the points spoken of by Mr. Allen. Who will be the first to give

the Era a short statement of the work which he accomplished and how

he did it?

Death of Morris Gottfredson

This sad message comes from Supt. John R. Nielson, Jr., South Sanpete

stake, dated Manti, January 23, 1918. Morris was the winner in the Y. M.

M. I. A. corn and bean contest for 1917, as reported in the February Era:

Dear Brethren— We were delighted to learn that Morris Gottfred-

son of our stake received the first prize on corn. The family are

very pleased. Sunday evening a member of the stake board phoned

the news to their home, but Morris was so ill that he scarcely realized

what it meant. He lapsed into unconsciousness Monday, and after

very much suffering died Monday night, January 21.

The mother is a widow, and Morris was a large part of her sup-

port. The prize money will be very welcome to help pay the funeral

expenses of the boy who won it. It is a sad thing to face.

Mutual work is doing very nicely in this stake.

Your brother,

Jno. R. Nielson, Jr., Supt.

The General Board, at the meeting on February 5, passed a resolution

of sympathy for the bereaved mother and family.

Thrift Stamps and Savings Certificates

The following joint circular has been sent to stake superintendents and

presidents with request that they be sent to the proper officers in every

association in their stakes:

Some time ago the General Boards of the M. I. A. endorsed the Thrift

Stamp Campaign. We are anxious to know how many of your members

have purchased Thrift Stamps or War Savings Certificates. We suggest that

you ask the different wards of your stake to place in some conspicuous place

before the association, on a large placard, the number enrolled and the

number who have purchased Thrift Stamps or War Savings Certificates.

This will stimulate interest until these numbers become equal.

To facilitate the sale of the Savings Stamps and Certificates, it is sug-

gested that you ask your ward presidents to have stamps for sale at the

association meetings. These stamps may be obtained at any postoffice or

bonk. Arrangements may be made to return the unsold stamps at the close

of each session.

We will ask you to kindly report your standing at the end of February

and alrfo at the end of March. Inclosed you will find the report blanks.

Please forward these with the necessary information at the end of February

and March. Stamps purchased at any time may be included in the report.

By order of the General Boards Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A.

Moroni Snow,

Clarissa Beesley,

General Secretaries.

M. I. A. Activities

Scoring in M. I. A. Activities closes on March 26.

Public Speaking Contest. — It is hoped that large numbers of our Mutual

Improvement members will participate in the Public Speaking contest this

year. Try-outs should be held in wards, stake districts, stakes, and Church

districts The final contest will be held at the June conference. Commit-

tees having this work in charge will please send to the general office, not

later than May 25, the names of winners in the Church district tryouts and

also copies of addresses.

Scoring Reports. — Stake Joint Activities Committees are asked to send

to General Secretary Moroni Snow, the following reports on activities:

1. A compilation of the reports received each month from the wards:

a. Points scored by the associations.

b. Points scored by individuals- — Y. M. M. I. A.

c. Points scored by individuals — Y. L. M. I. A.

2. The number of wards in the stake having earned the three colors

permanently; that is, three months during the season, one of which is the

closing month.

This report should be sent by May 1.

Milwaukee on the M. I. A. Map

Walter H. Loobs, secretary Y. M. M. I. A., Milwaukee branch, Milwau-

kee, Wis., writes, February 9: "The Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mu-

ual Improvement Associations of the Milwaukee branch are very active this

season. There are at present sixty-two member.* enrolled. The member-

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ship is divided into two classes, one of young ladies and one of young men.

The young ladies' class is studying the lessons assigned in the Young Wom-

an's Journal, and the young men are studying the Improvement Era lessons

for the Advanced Senior class. Almost every member has been kept busy

with special activity work. About twelve hundred points have already

been made. About fifteen minutes of every meeting, before going to class,

is given to this work. One entire meeting was devoted to this division of

the Mutual work, when a mock trial, a debate, and a musical program oc-

cupied the entire evening. This organization has given the members of the

branch a number of amusements. After the Mutual meeting, a few games

are played until about ten o'clock. The mock trial, and an evening party-

furnished much amusement. The officers of this association are now plan-

ning a sleigh ride party, and an entertainment in which "Won by Wireless"

will be played. A dance will be given at the close of Mutual.

The Saving of Souls

Supt. Ernest P. Horsley and the Stake Superintendency of the Box El-

der stake Y. M. M. I. A., have sent out in circular No. 11, for the month be-

ginning January 1, the following instructions to officers under the above

title:

"The most enjoyable labor ever performed by any man, woman or child,

was the labor of directing someone into the path of truth and right.

"You are asked to call on the ward clerk and make a list of all the boys

in your ward between the ages of 15 and 19. Check all those who are en-

rolled in your M. I. A., and then make a list of all who do not belong to

the Y. M. M. I. A. You should have this list ready to present to a Mutual

Improvement Association misionary, who will be sent into your ward to

labor for one week, commencing Monday, January 14, 1918. Every boy be-

tween the ages of 15 and 19 who is not enrolled will be visited by the mis-

sionary, and will be asked to give his reasons why he is not a member, and

further what he can suggest to make the M. I. A. suitable, alive, and modern,

and an organization that will please and improve the boys.

"We will send you a Board member to call on brethren who are enrolled

but indifferent. The Board member will not be with you a whole week but

will work until he has visited the brethren and had a good talk with them."

This is certainly an effective way of interesting young men in our work,

and is in line with the suggestions made by the General Committee, in the

Y. M. M. I. A. Handbook, for 1917, in which it is particularly requested

that a missionary system be established in each stake with a view to winning

and holding the 15-19 year old boy. The plan adopted in the Box Elder

stake is commendable and worthy of careful consideration by other stake

superintendents.

Efficiency Reports

Stake superintendents and ward officers will please glance at their stake

record in the efficiency report for January. If your stake is not repre-

sented, determine it shall be for February. Let us all make a supreme ef-

fort, in this matter, so that every stake shall be represented in the report for

February to be printed in the April Era. Your report should be in the

hands of the Era by March 10. If you have no report in figures, please

say so in words.