Editors’ Table: The Spiritual, Genuine and Spurious

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The Spiritual — Genuine and Spurious Wherever one finds the genuine, there, often side by side and just a little following, one finds the spurious and counterfeit.

Gold and the precious stones all have their imitations, often so much like the original that only the expert can distinguish the genuine from the counterfeit. As in the material world, so in the spiritual. Moses, the deliverer of Israel, through miracles sustained by Jehovah, had his magicians of Egypt who duplicated, through the power of Satan, nearly all his wonders. But not all, for one there was which could not be imitated. The sorcerers of Egypt cast down each man his rod and like Aaron's, it became a serpent, but Aaron's rod was the rod of life and power, and swallowed up the rods of the magicians, even as death, over which Satan has power, shall be swallowed up in victory, in the resurrection. (Heb. 2:14; I Cor. 15:54.) The Mosaic contest of miracles and judgments ended in — good, valuable, useful, practical results the deliverance of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. And in this lies the difference between the genuine and the spurious, not only in material but in spiritual things. It is the contrast between the right and wrong, the good and the evil, in miracles, visions, dreams, and all spiritual manifestations.

Just now there is a wave of "spiritism" sweeping over the land. Some features of it seem so genuine, that even the Saints, whose religion is founded upon spiritual messages from God and his Son Jesus Christ, and holy, resurrected personages, and spirits of just men made perfect, are often at a loss to distinguish between the genuine and the spurious; and this, notwithstanding our knowledge of the three grand keys by which we may prove whether any administration is from God. (Doc. and Cov. 129.) In a vision or a dream or a spiritual message presented by any one, let the receiver put it to the test, lest it mislead him and land him upon the ground of the evil one. Consider this truth, that genuine, spiritual messages have

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power in them for practical results. They do not end in them- — selves, a mere impractical and useless manifestation. Consider the visions of Joseph Smith, the modern prophet of God. (Pearl of Great Price, p- 85.) One hundred years ago, he saw the glorious vision of the Father and the Son. It resulted in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the organization of his Church, in the preaching of the gospel to many nations, and in the undying promise of the permanent establishment of his "marvelous work and a wonder" upon the earth. Consider, further, his later vision, in which Moses appeared and committed to Joseph and Oliver the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth. Witness the practical results in any settlement in the Zion of the Rocky Mountains, where, serving God, you may find people from almost all nations. (Doc. and Cov. 110; 133:12-14.) Consider the promise (Doc. and Cov. 27:6) that Elias should come to commit the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days; and how, later, he appeared and committed to them the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, promising that in them and their seed, all generations after them should be blessed (Doc. and Cov. 110). Then count the blessings that have come to hundreds of thousands whom so far the restored gospel has reached through the wonderful missionary service of the Latter-day Saints. Consider the vision of Joseph and Oliver, testifying that the time had come when Elijah was sent, as predicted by Malachi, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers, lest the earth be smitten with a curse. Then ponder the practical results in the building, so far, of seven great temples (the dedicatory prayer of one of which is pre- sented in this number of the Era), in which men and women, the living children of past generations, have performed the sav- ing ordinances for millions of their ancestors, thus having their hearts turned in love and service to one another. And this practical service is going on with increased speed, day by day, in the temples of the Lord. Consider the vision in which appeared Moroni, an ancient prophet, who revealed to Joseph the Book of Mormon, contain- ing the fulness of the everlasting gospel to the ancient in- habitants of the American continent. Then ponder on what that ancient record has done and is doing in the promulgation of the truth, and the principles of life and salvation. Millions of copies have been printed, in many languages, resulting in many converts to the great latter-day work. And so we might go on. Not a vision of the prophet but

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resulted in benefit to the human race. It is not necessary for the Saints to dabble in modern, spurious, and unprofitable — spiritualism a mere imitation to mislead,—to learn whether there is a spiritual world from which holy messengers with beneficial messages may return to this earth. We have the word of God, and practical results, by which we know there is communication between the spirit world and the world in which we live; by which we know, among many others precious truths, that the spirit lives after mortal death, and that life is eternal; that association with our families and loved ones, with our friends and associates, shall continue forever in the world to come. Weinvite all men and women in the world to partake of this knowledge which they may gain by faith in God, and by conforming to the principles and ordinances of the revealed, restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The reader's attention is called to the inspiring articles on spiritual themes by Elder Orson F. Whitney, of the Council of the Twelve, appearing in the Era, also to a thoughtful letter, on spiritual communication, in this number, by President William A. Hvde, and to the enligthening dedicatory prayer of President Heber J. Grant, in the temple at Hawaii. A.

Messages from the Missions

A New Field of Labor President E. Wesley Smith, of the Hawaiian Mission, writes concerning the dedication of the temple. He says: "We had a most enjoyable time during the dedication. The weather was ideal. The visit of so many leading Church officials to this land, made a wonderful impression upon the minds of the people, and I am looking forward to the time, and I trust it is not far off when we will be able to reap the harvest that will no doubt spring from the goodly seeds that were planted. The people seem enthusiastic in the work and we are trying in our humble way to

keep the goodly feeling burning in their hearts, by teaching them the word of the Lord, and the great importance of living clean, sweet lives, so they may be prepared to enter into the house of the Lord and do the work for the living and the dead. From now on, we will have a new field to labor in, for the temple will add to our labors and in turn increase our blessings.**

Attitude Towards the Saints Favorable Peoria, President E. K. Hanks, of the Northern Illinois Conference December giving an account of the Peoria, Illinois, Illinois, writes 24, conference, held December 6, and 7, 1919. Winslow Farr Smith, was pres- the importance of ent and gave some excellent instructions, relating to were inspired, delivering the gospel message to people. The missionaries furthering the and instilled with a determination to do their utmost in were present at the cause and preaching the gospel. Many investigators

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various meetings. President Smith won the hearts of the elders, Saints, and those who were present, with his spirited personality. It was the first conference held in Peoria for upwards of five years. "The papers were very liberal with their space, and printed much of the matter provided for them thanking us for the news. This branch has been recently organized and at present is in a flourishing condition. On the 7th, we held a baptismal service in the First Christian Church, the owners of which treated us in a very friendly manner and stated that any time we desired to use their font, we were welcome to it. A street meeting was held in Peoria, with about two hundred listeners, on November 1. Our missionary force now numbers twenty-five, and at the conference, the various missionaries were assigned to various parts of the conference. The attitude of the people towards the Latter-day Saints is very favorable."

Progress of the Work in Columbus, S. C. The elders Columbus report the people eager to hear the gospel in and anxious to receive our literature, especially the Book of Mormon. Many new friends and investigators are found and many homes are being opened for cottage meetings. All the organizations of the Church in the branchy are in a thriving condition under the leadership of the presiding

local elder, E. T. Colman. The Era is always a welcome guide to the Saints and elders. The elders in the accompanying picture are, left to right: W. L. Powell, W. M. Funk, D. N. Hansen, and B. L. Willis.

Elders and Lady Missionaries of the Northwestern States Mission

Top row left to right: Theron Griffin, G. N. Christiansen, Myron Standley, Seynnur Thompson, Marion Frost, R. L. Walker, Myron Abraham, Clifford Mayer. Second row: Nellie Griffiths, Chas. P. Lloyd, Conference president; Ellen Spencer, Heber C. Iverson, Mission president; Lettie A. Sorenson, C.H. Petersen, Branch president; Marguerite Holyoak, local member. Sitting: Ivan Mathis, S. M. Dudley.

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Doings in London

Mrs. Anna Olsen McKay has been a member of the M. I. A. of Ogden stake, Utah, over four years; she is the daughter of Bishop E. A. Olsen, Fourth ward. She is now visiting her husband, President James Gunn McKay, at "Deseret," London conference, formerly superintendent Ogden stake Y. M. M. I. A. She is a traveling missionary, also serving as clerk of London conference and doing good work among the young people of the mission. President and Mrs. McKay have just returned from a visit among the families of the McKays in Scotland, where they found many relatives of Patriarch Angus McKay, a pioneer of Huntsville, Utah. They have held branch conferences in all the 15 branches of the populous London conference, which they found in flourishing condition; 37 lady mission-

aries, 103 local men holding the Priesthood, 4 Mutual Improvement Associations, 7Relief Societies, 14 Sunday Schools. The missionaries and the local brethren sold 2,642 pamphlets, 43 books, and distributed 19,600 tracts and held 200 meetings. One of the most delightful features of Mrs. McKay's visit to Portsmouth branch, recently, was her unique trip in an aeroplane, accompanied by her husband, from Portsmouth Harbor, around the beautiful Isle of Wight. The day was clear, bright and balmy, and the view around the Isle of Wight most lovely. This Ogden lady was perhaps the very first Utahn to fly over Southern England. London semi-annual conference, last Sabbath, broaght over President George Albert Smith and Elder Junius F. Wells, who are looking in perfect health, and are entering upon the labors of the British mission with an energy that indicates a wonderful season. Officer Glen Harmon, from Price, Utah, was an interested visitor at the conference at "Deseret;" he is in the khaki of our Uncle Samuel, and is serving in the headquarters of the American army in France. "This is the first opportunity I have enjoyed for some months to hear a familiar L. D. S. Church service; therefore, you can imagine how thankful I am to be among you all here in 'olde England', he remarked in the afternoon meeting

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at conference. He will divide half his vacation on "leave" of ten days in Belginm. President Ralph Pugh and Mrs. Pugh entertained President G. A. Smith Elder Wells, President and Mrs. J. G. McKay and Officer Glenn Harmon] in a motor tour around Londontown and suburbs, followed by a dinner at the Pugh residence, 99 Lonsdale Road, Barnes, London, on Tuesday. Mrs. Pugh was formerly Grace Tout, daughter of Edward Tout, architect and singer of Ogden, Utah (sister of Margaret Romaine and Hazel Dawn). Miss Nannie Tout rendered a vocal solo after the dinner at the Pugh residence. Miss Nannie Las been studying in Milan, Italy, and possesses a marvelous voice. She will probably return to America before long. The Improvement Era is eagerly scanned, as it arrives at old "Deseret," where visitors will find the "latch-string" out, 152 High Road, South Tottenham, London, England. With all the elders, we all join in wishing the Era every success, and all its readers — scattered all over Christendom, we wish you all a very merry Christmas. Percy Percyval, London, October 18, 1919.

The Victoria Conference, Australia In the Victoria conference, many trying ordeals have been experienced, especially during the last twelve months. Elder C. B. Bobbins, conference president, has proved a most worthy leader, whose labors have been rewarded by good fruits. Unity has received a severe test. Sickness has played a part in the series of adversities which has tested our community in Victoria. Influenza was prevalent, but the elders worked with heart and soul. The Saints have had great faith in the priesthood. As a conference, we have decided to push along and strive to obtain a place — of meeting a church and dwelling which will be owned by the Latterday Saints. A concert was held recently for the purpose of obtaining funds; tickets were issued as souvenirs; success was attained. Approximately $96 were collected. Other concerts will be held, and the stone kept rolling. Elders who have labored in Australia in this conference will note this move with a feeling of appreciation. We later on will ask

Conference Some of the faces of the Victoria Conference, 1919. president C. B. Robbins is in centre of back row, with Elder Milton Jensen on his right and Elder S. Johnson on his left.

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362 IMPROVEMENT ERA them remember us in our endeavors for the pushing ahead of God's to work. Christmas festivals will be marked by an entertainment for the — children a christmas-tree and other suitable arrangements. Elder C. B. Robbins, has just been released from his labors; the Saints in Victoria learned to love him, and regret to have to part with him. The work now falls on two elders, Elder Milton Jensen, who succeeds Elder Robbins, and Elder S. Johnson. The full support of the local priesthood has been promised and they can gloriously assist in the work of the Lord and help lighten the burdens that rest on the two elders remaining; the Saints also will assist. The government has refused to allow missionaries to come into the Commonwealth. We trust this obstacle will soon be removed. Inability of missionaries to obtain entrance into Australia, accounts for the shortage of elders in the various conferences. The responsibilities resting on the elders are greater, and the requirements of the local priesthood greater. Before Elder Robbins' departure, a significant baptismal service was held, five in all being initiated into the Kingdom, ranging from a dear old sister, 75 years old, down to a child, including all stages in life. Raymond Kneate, Conference secretary. Chapel Opened to the Elders Dewey Farr, president of the Mt. Stirling district of the Southern Illinois of the Northern States mission, writes under date of conference, October 31: "The elders in this picture, reading from left to right, are: President Dewey Farr, St. Johns, Arizona; Elders M. M. Larson, Safford, Arizona; Robert F. Perry, local member; Dan Boyce, Salt Lake City, Utah. During the past few weeks, the Reorganized church has given us the opportunity of explaining our claims in regard to the succession in the presidency. We have spent some time explaining the principles of the

gospel, such as "Vicarious Work for the Dead," "Tithing," "The Word of Wisdom," and "Celestial Marriage." These principles made a wonder- ful impression on them. They admitted they were taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and could not explain why their church has not always taught and practiced them. The barrier of prejudice has been now broken down, and we have a standing invitation to teach in their chapel. We dis- tributed the Era quite freely among them, and find that the faith-pro- moting and instructive articles therein have been great factors in spreading the truths of the gospel. We expect to use the Era even more extensively in the future than in the past."