--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Roberts, B. H. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 21 number: 9 published: 1918-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Roberts, B. H., \"Editors' Table: The Foreground of Fundamental Things,\" *Improvement Era* 21, no. 9 (July 1918): 821–831." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2109unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera2109unse start_page: 821 end_page: 831 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1918-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2109unse publication_year: 1918 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1918, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editors’ Table: The Foreground of Fundamental Things EDITORS' TABLE 823 Still stands, also, God's ancient law — the law written in — stone by the finger of God, and given to Moses The Ten Com- mandments, not abrogated, but re-inforced and emphasized by — the new form given to them by the teaching of the Christ both old and new forms remaining. Still also stands the gospel of Jesus Christ among funda- — — mental things the power of God unto salvation with its more than hope of eternal life which "God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." More than hope? Yea, verily! With its assurance of eternal life to those who believe and obey the same. Stands, also, with all these fundamental things, the justice — of our cause in this world's great conflict the maintenance of human freedom; the perservation of civilization itself; the upholding of a reign of justice and honor among the nations of the earth, as against a reign of brute force; the maintenance of the community conception of life, as against the jungle conception — of life the rule of might irrespective of right. To discuss these things and many others, in some detail, was my hope, now dashed to the ground. But I submit to the decision of my commanders in the matter of my furlough, in the spirit of a good and true soldier ; and I shall comfort myself with the reflection that from among the many more worthy sons of our great organization, one or more will be found who will more profitably occupy the time and the attention of the great congregation that will be gathered in the Tabernacle on Sunday night. Meantime, I shall strive that night to be with you in spirit. I shall recall the great good achieved by the organization with which I have been so long associated, and in which I have found so large an opportunity for service. — That night, I shall in my prayer say God bless the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion, with all the other auxiliary organizations. God bless their officers. Especially, Lord, bless thy servant President Joseph F. Smith, thy prophet, seer and revelator to thy Church, and the General Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations. Grant to him freedom from physical pain and suffering, may his days be full of peace, and his life receive a fulness of joy; and preserve him, Lord, unto thy people. Bless, I pray thee, Brother Heber J. Grant, my fellow yokeman in the General Superintendency, whom I love, and who has ministered unto my soul, and always sought my salvation; whose reproofs have been the reproofs of a brother and friend, now through many years, and whose hand has always been stretched out to help when the days were dark, and the way seemed closed — up God bless him for ever! ! 824 IMPROVEMENT ERA And so all the brethren of the General Board, and the sisters of the Young Ladies' General Board, bless them. And bless all Israel in all their abiding places, and hasten their deliverance everywhere. And, Lord, may thy kingdom come, and thy will be done in earth as in heaven for thine, indeed, is the kingdom, ; and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen Truly your brother, Brigham H. Roberts, Lt. and Chaplain 145th F. A. (1st Utah). Nation- Wide Prohibition The Mutual Improvement Associations placed themselves at the front of western organizations, as advocates of nation-wide prohibition, when, in 1916, they unanimously adopted, at the annual conference in June, the slogan: We Stand for State- and Nation-wide Prohibition The State has come, and the Nation will follow. Hence, when the National Dry Federation suggested to President Heber J. Grant as chairman of the Betterment League to interest this state and her various organizations further in the subject, he took the lead and presented the resolution which follows to the conference of the M. I. A. on Sunday, June 9. Before doing so, he read to the large audience the following declaration and facts prepared by the Federation: "All our allied forces for good are aligning themselves for the battle against liquor, so that on or before July 4, anniversary of another inspired fight for freedom, there shall go to the halls of Congress more than 250,000 telegrams urging, pleading, demanding interdiction of intoxicants while men die and women are in agony for an ideal. "Victory will come to this land not so much by bullets as by bread. The cataclysmic conflict overseas will be won not alone by the sword but by the sheaf. The war will not be won by a whim of fate but by the side which saves most. "In substantiation, the National Dry Federation presents these facts: "While babes die and frail mothers and valiant men cry feebly for bread on the ensanguined fields of Europe, more than 52,000,000 bushels of grain are wasted annually in the United States in the manufacture of liquor. "While the earth cries aloud for surcease, and the light of life is denied myriads of men, millions of bushels of grain are EDITORS' TABLE 825 sent to distilleries and brewers in Europe to form the dregs of the cup of sorrow that runneth over. "More than 70,000 soldiers recently were recalled from the British front to take the places, in munitions works, of drunken men. "Brewers in the United States use enough grain annually to make 5,000,000 loaves of bread daily. "Reports by the Interstate Commerce Commissions, for 1914, show that more than 500,000 freight cars were used to haul almost 8,000,000 tons of liquor. Later reports show almost similar conditions. This, when the world looks to the United States for the salvation of humanity. "In 1917 the liquor traffic wasted more than 7,000,000,000 pounds of foodstuffs. In 1917 the liquor traffic wasted the work of 300,000 men. In 1917 the liquor traffic wasted millions in money, while other millions of men sweated and gave up their lives for all that humanity holds dear. "More than $2,000,000,000 are spent annually in the saloons of the United States and more than $2,000,000,000 additional are lost by inefficiency due to drink. "In 1917 brewers of the United States wasted more than 3,000,000 tons of coal. And then came the order for heatless Mondays. "Almost 66,000 persons die in the United States yearly from the direct effects of liquor; several times as many die from disease indirectly due to drink. "In all the world last year more persons died because of drink than were slain in battle on the English and French lines. This is proved by data of insurance companies of Britain and the United States. "Unless the government in Washington heeds the overwhelming cry for prohibition during the war, it doubtless will demand more heatless days, lightless nights, wheatless days, meatless days, short bread rations, scanty food portions among the poor, while there will be more food and fuel riots, with an increase of idleness and crime. "We ask all interested individuals to send three telegraphic — messages to Washington one to each of the United States senators and one to the representative of the congressional district demanding prohibition during the war. Every organization, religious, social, civic, philanthropic, industrial, commercial, fraternal, educational, every co-ordinated activity of life is urged to send similar telegrams." President Grant then presented the resolution, first explaining that one telegram in behalf of our whole membership of about 80,000 young men and women would be sent to our sen- : 826 IMPROVEMENT ERA ators and representatives in Congress, expressing the desire of the Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A. wherever organized for nation-wide prohibition, not only for the duration of the war but forever Resolution Whereas, approximately one hundred million bushels of cereals are used annually for the manufacture of alcohol, thereby diverting the grain from use as a food product that is of inestimable value to a use which has proven to be of incalculable detriment to the people now engaged in war; therefore, Be it resolved, that we urgently request Congress to enact legislation which shall prohibit the use of cereals for the purposes of manufacturing alcoholic beverages. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Messages from the Missions In the Hills of Alabama Elder Ashael Allen of the Alabama conference sends the following picture taken on the 10th of March at De Funiak Springs, Florida. "The elders are all stalwart workers in the cause. Left to right, Carl B. Preece, Vernal; Hay Morrill, Kingston; William G. Piatt, Kanarraville, all of Utah; Ray Fuller, Pine, Arizona; Anion Bartholomew, North Ogden; Joseph C. Leavitt, Pine Ariz.; Arthur Hendricksen, Salt Lake City; Ashael Allen, Chandler, Ariz. They are all blessed with physical, mental and spiritual qualifications for the work in which they are engaged, and are seeking with energy to deliver the message of the Lord to the lost sheep of the house of Israel in the Alabama hills. Their aim is to search out the honest in heart, and give every one a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation." EDITORS' TABLE 827 The Work in Ireland Writing from Belfast, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1917, Elder Sydney L. Wyatt says: "We, missionaries laboring in the 'Emerald Isle', extend our greetings to the Saints in Zion and to our fellow workers throughout our Lord's vineyard. One of the most successful years of the Irish conference is just closing. We are pleased to report a double increase in baptisms over 1916, and 200 per cent increase over the year 1915. When one takes into consideration the fact that we have only three elders 3 ' : from Zion now when, before the war, there were as many as thirty, the results become very interesting. No doubt we are reaping the harvest of work done by laborers before us. Then, too, we have twelve lady missionaries who aid in distributing tracts and in bringing in- * w i r 7 4 vestigators to our meetings. The local brethren also assist in preaching the gospel to strangers and in teaching the Saints. Our meetings are exceptionally well attended, especially by investigators, many of " * si i whom have been brought to our halls by hearing the gospel preach- *4f ed at our street meetings. This war is causing a certain class of people I ll ml JF i IBIPP'^f^^SCl^J^'*' to think soberly and search for L j* ~7 V something in religion more stable than is offered by man-made creeds; but, as a whole, the people seem to be fulfilling the words of our Savior when he said, 'As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.' Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the fact that the Lord is gathering more into his fold than were to be obtained in the days of Noah. The elders of the Irish conference, left to right: Joseph H. Ririe, Ririe; Alma Moss, Antelope, Idaho; conference president, Sidney L. Wyatt, Wellsville, Utah." School Work in Tonga The Latter-day Saints school work in Tonga, Friendly Islands, forms a working basis for our missionary work here. It affords a channel through which we can reach the people by creating an interest, through their children, in the work that we desire to do for them. The "tanaki tuuga," or examination of the various schools is a great factor for bringing out the people to witness the little acts or dialogues called "faiva's" that are carefully prepared for the occasion. Some people may wonder at our laying so much stress on our teaching school; but a few facts of the history of our missionary work here will suffice on this point: About 1893, some six or eight elders were sent here to the Tongan Islands to preach the gospel to this people. They traveled two by two, preaching in the villages where they could procure houses. By this method during the eight years the elders were here, they baptized only three people. The work here was then abandoned for the time being; but when it was 828 IMPROVEMENT ERA again started under the direction of the Samoan Mission, the elders were instructed to teach English in schools and try and get out among the people as best they could. The result has been that now the Islands are under a separate mission president and the work growing very rapidly. It is estimated that seventy-five per cent of the children who attend these schools eventually join with us, and the others always have a warm spot for the Lord's work here. The school represented in this picture is being conducted in Houma, being established here in September, 1917. There are also shown a few children from the Faahefa school. At the left of the picture is Elder Elmer Fullmer, Abraham, Utah, and standing on the right is Elder Francis L. Clark, Eden, Utah, under whose direction the school is con- — ducted. Elder Charles J. Langston. A Spirit of Brotherly Love Elder L. D. Wilde, Columbia, S. C, May 13 : The elders here are few in numbers and range in years from 17 to 24. We rejoice in the work of the Lord, are united, and a spirit of brotherly love exists among us. We are using every effort to invite all to become partakers of the true plan of salvation so that they may enjoy the gifts and blessings promised to the believers. Shortly after a recent conference we held at Columbia, one of the attendants who is not a Latter-day Saint, said: "You 'Mormons' are different from any people I have ever seen. I have watched you very closely, and find a spirit of brotherly love among you which I find among no other people. You all seem to be one large family." That is true; and our religion has made us so. We are following the example of Jesus who said, "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love for one another." The elders laboring here are: J. E. Deaton, local; W. G. Raymond, Smithfield; L. N. Barber, Centerville, Utah; J. A. Hancock, Eden, Ariz.; J. S. Wade, Stone, Idaho; W. A. Silver, Salt Lake City; D. E. Arave, Shelley, Idaho; F. B. Hansen, Salt Lake City; J. L. Hancock, Eden, Ariz.; L. D. Wilde, Croydon, Utah; President Evan J. Larson, Snowflake, Ariz.; T. C. Sutton, Salt Lake City; J. H. Sparks, Dingle; D. N. Hansen, Teton, Idaho; J. H. Smart, Roosevelt, Utah. EDITORS' TABLE 829 Many Books Sold Group of Elders of the North Carolina Conference of the Southern States Mission: Back row, left to right: M. C. Wiser, Lewiston; C. L. Singleton, Hooper; J. E. Rich, Ogden; C. F. Gardner, Pine Valley, Utah; W. Mouritsen, Bennington, Idaho; J. Evans, Ogden; W. A. Bowler, Shelley, Idaho. Center row: C. J. "White, Teton, Idaho; G. A. Bean, LaGrande, Oregon; incoming president, J. M. Stephens, Jr., Ogden; retiring president, W. T. Bailey, Idaho Falls, Idaho; H. Blackburn, Penrose, Wyo.; E. B. Allred, Boise, Idaho. Front row: J. I. Huskinson, Teton, Idaho; H. R. Pond, Lewiston; W. R. Evans, Boneta; W. C. Wald, Morgan, Utah. Elder J. M. Stephens, Jr., writes: "We feel that during the past year we have accomplished much in proclaiming the truth in this part of the Lord's vineyard. We have sold 751 Books of Mormon, 8,885 small books, 65 standard Church works, have distributed 145,740 tracts, and held 1,487 meetings, during the year of 1917. We have also baptized 87 people into the fold of Christ." Elders Before a Y. M. A. in Japan J. Ray Stoddard writes from 4 Tachibana Cho, Kofu Shi, Yamanashi Ken, Japan, as follows: "Having been invited to lecture at the Asakami village's young men's association, we gladly accepted. Soon after Sunday school exercises were completed, on the morning of May 5, we went by train, about one-half of the way on our journey. A horse-carriage took us along another portion of the way, but as the road became more narrow and rough we proceeded to walk the last quarter of the distance. By the aid of our guide, we followed one of the several narrow trails through the garden-like fields and beautiful nature-colored mountains; and at 3 p. m. arrived at the pretty little mountain village. Here we were greeted, enter- 830 IMPROVEMENT ERA tained and fed by the highest officials of the place. A few minutes later we found ourselves on reserved seats before an audience of old, middle aged and young, numbering seven hundred and fifty souls. "Three long breaths were taken on the safety-first plan, as Mr. I. Hara, a native, gave a stirring introductory speech which was followed with vocal music by elders and applause from the house. Elder Bryan L. Wright next favored the audience with a fifteen-minute, well rendered native tongue lecture on the subject, 'The Physical Man,' which was greatly enjoyed by all present; next Elder Jos. S. Pyne spoke English for some ten minutes, on 'The Word of Wisdom;' this being given in a foreign tongue, was a source of pleasure and quite a novelty, as a large number of those assembled had never before heard a foreign language spoken. As the applause silenced Elder J. Ray Stoddard translated into more understandable terms the previously rendered sermon. Instrumental music by Elder Wright occupied a few minutes, followed by Elder Stoddard with a twenty-minute talk on 'The Mental Man.' Some closing remarks by one of the town officials ended the meeting. "This kodak picture is of one of the two Sunday schools of this branch. Elders, left to right: Jos. S. Pyne, Provo; Conference President J. Ray Stoddard, Richmond; Bryan L. Wright, Ogden, Utah." "We were next entertained at a table social gathering, one hundred members of the Young Men's association present; refreshments, congratulations, and also questions pertaining to our homes, cities, states, country and our first impressions of Japan came pouring in a good deal more rapidly than they could be taken care of. This meeting closed with more thanks, and an invitation to come again; then we were escorted, by three gentlemen, to a larger town hotel where we again received nourishment. Later we went viewing the sights of the children's festival; an arrangement and care of dolls for the girls, intended to instil into their lives the importance of virtuous motherhood. For the boys, large paper or cloth-made fish floating in the EDITORS' TABLE 831 breeze from the tops of tall flagpoles, representing fish going against the current, this to encourage the boys to work diligently even if, at times, odds are against them. "In larger towns and cities two celebrations are held, one for the girls and the other for the boys; however, in small country places they are often combined. "The gentlemen remained with us the entire evening and on the following morning paid all expenses and escorted us a few miles on our homeward journey. "As was previously stated, we were invited to lecture; no subjects were suggested to us; however, we were informed that no church doctrine of any kind would be allowed, as the building in which the meeting was to be held, was a government school building, and the school laws were to that effect. Realization came to us, however, that if any beneficial topic whatsoever be discussed it would of necessity be a portion of our Church doctrine, therefore we proceeded to discuss the subjects before mentioned. "I am thankful to be a member and an ambassador of a Church whose doctrines include all goodness and all truth. It is a religion for every occasion, and although at times we may not be allowed the privilege of applying the name, yet it is the truth of the gospel of Christ: " 'We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men, indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, 'We believe all things, we hope all things.' We have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.' Conditions in Sweden Writing from the Norrkoping conference, Sweden, Verner L. Stromberg, Salt Lake City, John W. Carlson, Logan, and Peter Anderson, Salt Lake City, president of the conference, send their greetings to friends at home and toreaders of the Era: "Under the disturbed conditions caused by the war, the Era is indeed a true friend, and we are always anxious to get it. The g;>od spirit and influence which it radiates is a great! encouragement to us. The war has reduced the number of elders in this conference to three. We have two active branches and a Sunday School, public services are held regularly with good attendance of Saints and friends. Notwithstanding our isolation, we feel that the Lord has blessed us. We have seen the fruits of our labors, in connection with those of the elders who preceded us, and prospects for the work seem bright. The government has fixed the maximum price upon all food products, and these are all controlled by the government. This action gives the poorer people a fairer chance for existence." MUTUAL WORK Plan for Summer Workj Suggesive Programs for Sunday Evening Joint Sessions and for Special M. I. A. Gatherings or Rallies THIRTEEN Sunday Evening Joint Session, August 4 General Subject: "Religious Forces that Have Influenced Nations." Great Migrations 1. Opening hymn, "Israel, Israel, God is Calling." Prayer. 3. "The Pilgrims' Chorus" (From Afar, Gracious Lord, S. S. Song Book). 4. Great Migrations. a. The Exodus from Egypt. b. Coming of the Pilgrim Fathers. c. Journey of Modern Israel to the Rocky Mountains. 5. Readings, "The Breaking Waves Dashed High," by Mrs. Hemans; or "The Utah Pioneers" (See Young Woman's Journal, July, 1917; Era, July, 1916). 6. Closing hymn, "Come, Come, Ye Saints." FOURTEEN Patriotic Rally or Special Gathering, Tuesday Evening, August 13 General Subject: "Our Allies." Italy 1. Opening song, "Land of the Free." i 2. Prayer. 3. Song, "Santa Lucia." 4. Our Ally, Italy. a. Italy'6 part in the great war. b. Great Italian leaders. c. Display and explanation of the flag. 5. Reading, "To the Young Men of Italy" (See "Battle Line of Democracy" " p. 132). 6. Song, "Juanita." 7. Mixed quartet, "O, Italia, Italia Beloved." FIFTEEN Patriotic Rally or Special Gathering, Tuesday Evening, August 27 General Subject: "National Efficiency." The Nation In Arms 1. Opening hymn, "Star Spangled Banner." 2. Prayer. 3. Songs of Home and Country. j a. "Meaning of the U. S. A,," MUTUAL WORK 833 b. "Old Folks at Home." c. "Dixie." "The Nation in Arms" (See No. 2, "War Information Series"). a. America's answer to the call. b. Value of army discipline. c. The home army. Reading, "The Meaning of the Flag" (See "Battle Line of Democracy,'' p. 37). Closing song, "The Flag Without a Stain." Annual Report of M. I. A. Scouts, Year Ending May 31, 1918 Troops registered 183, an increase of 27; scout masters registered, 183, an increase of 27; assistant scout masters registered, 158, an increase of 2. Scouts registered, 3,705, an increase of 744 number, of scouts doing scout ; work but not registered, 2,162, an increase of 662 ; total number of scouts, registered and unregistered, 5,867. There are 16 stakes with no registered scouts, a decrease from last year of 10. Out of these 16 stakes, only five are doing no scout work. There are three stakes in the Church that have not had registered scouts during the past five years. We have 22 registered scouts in Chicago, and 14 in Bisbee, not included in the above total of registered troops. The yearly report of the National Organization show that there are more scouts in Utah, in proportion to the population, than in any other state. This has been the case during the past five years, the number being one scout to tf ?* IS If v JHJeI ^ 1 Ci^ 'W "lH 1 4MB; -'^JI^B •* i UF s*' *m>~ \ -*££££££ "***|3Hj^t: M W ' X ' ''JrW [ w. J ^^m wmmm * - , -*» ^^KRK^wE^MK^^m Scouts Gathering Books to be Sent to the Soldiers every 137 people. The nearest to Utah is Connecticut, with 147 scouts; Idaho is the third state, with 178. Nearly one-half of the registered boys in Idaho are M. I. A. Scouts. In Utah we have 46 college men, 51 high school men, and 29 men with grammar school education, acting as scout officials. We have 46 married scout masters, with boys of their own, and 42 married 6COUt masters with no boys, and 40 officials who are single. The Scoutmasters' Association of Salt Lake City is doing a splendid