Editors’ Table

IMPROVEMENT ERA clares furthermore, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to him must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." It is especially true that, if a young person is thoroughly imbued with faith in God, and in his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the restoration of the gospel to earth in the latter-days, very naturally good works will follow in his life. Furthermore, the first requisite to the acceptable life of a Latter-day Saint lies in faith in these declarations, and without it, he has no permanent basis for good works. Faith alone makes him truly a son of God, and from this foundation, good works, a desire to keep the commandments, and obedience to the will of the Lord freely follow. Faith is truly the hand wherewith one takes hold on everlasting life. Again, the very first revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith was the voice of the eternal Father commanding him to hear the Son. If a person have faith in Christ, he will love the Lord Jesus, who says, "If a man love me, he will keep my words (hence, do the works), and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him." From these references one may easily see that it is primarily essential that faith shall be founded in the hearts of — our children faith in God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in the restoration of the gospel in the latter-days, in order that the works following may be acceptable to God. This faith, as has already been stated, must come through hearing the word of God, and for this, all parents are responsible in the home. And "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," says the apostle. We have a slogan in the Church which reads, "We stand for a weekly home evening." Thereby it is intended to give parents an opportunity to call their families together for a little season of instruction and communion, that faith may be implanted in the hearts of the children. This work should not be entirely left, as we are sorry to say is largely being done, to the priesthood quorums and to the auxiliary organizations of the Church. These are very necessary, but are mere public helps to the family, the unit of the Church, where faith in God and in prayer to him, and righteous living, should be persistently and thoroughly taught by precept and example. The First Presidency of the Church, in 1915, urged the inauguration of a "home evening" throughout the Church in which they instructed fathers and mothers to "gather their boys and girls about them in the home, and teach them the word of the Lord." Attention of parents is called to another revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 93:41-50) in which it is pointed out that their

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own salvation as well as the salvation of their children depends largely upon them teaching their children to walk uprightly before God. The Lord said to Frederick G. Williams: "You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments, and that wicked one has power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction." He then commands him to set his house in order, if he wishes to be delivered. To Sidney Rigdon, the Lord said that he had not, in some things, kept the commandments concerning his children; "therefore, firstly set in order thy house." To the Prophet Joseph the Lord said: "Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place. What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place." Further he said: "Newel K. Whitney, also a bishop of my Church, hath need to be chastened and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of their place." If the commandments of the Lord were followed more strictly, in the course of a few years, we should be free from such expressions as that any service rendered without faith in God is just as good as service rendered with faith in God; and we should likewise have a community of young people growing up in righteous living, keeping the commandments of the Lord, having faith in God's mercy and in his responsive ans- — wers to their appeals through prayer a mighty generation surging forward with an unquenchable faith towards the establishment of righteousness in the earth, sustained by good and mighty works. A.

Messages from the Missions

Visiting Both Rich and Poor

Harold H. Jenson, writing from Birmingham, England, December 22, says: "This conference is progressing under the able leaderchip of Presi-

dent and Mrs. Charles W. Hatch, of Woods Cross, who have labored for a long time without assistance. The Lord is blessing us in our work. The sentiment against the 'Mormons' has changed in this community. In trading, we find many honest, upright souls, and we receive a large number of invitations to visit. Every meeting is attended by a few investigators, and we have visited the homes of both the rich and the poor in Birmingham. This is partly due to the fair-mindedness of the people, and greatly to the record left by previous elders. President Heber J. Grant's acquaintance with Mr. Wilber Gracey, U. S. Consul of Birmingham, is also helping the cause, for Mr. Gracey has expressed his willingness to aid in any way

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450 IMPROVEMENT ERA possible. Mr. Gracey met President Grant on his way to Japan and has never forgotten their pleasant association."

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Back row: J. Fred Pingree, Andrew T. Jacobsen, Frank Lockyear, William H. Harlacker (Ireland), C. Douglas Barnes and Richard Williams, Jr.; center row: J. Arno Kirkham, John O. Hughes, George H. Hansen, Arthur L. Crawford, Gordon W. Mathis; front row: Harold H. Jenson, James Gunn McKay, president of the London, Norwich and Bristol conferences; Anna 0. McKay, clerk; John J. Kirby and John Black. This group is the largest number of missionaries that have arrived since the war. They are now (Nov. 8) taking preliminary missionary training at "Deseret" preparatory to assignment. Harold H. Jenson.

Through Forest Trails and Lava Fields Elder L. H. Stott, Conference President of Palauli Savaii, Samoa, writes under date of Dec. 8: "Although our staff of white elders is small here, on Savaii, only three, .we feel that through our humble efforts and the help of the Lord, the work is progressing. We are received with friendliness and respect wherever we go, and people listen to our message, many are believing and we expect a big harvest soon. Elder R. A. Knowlton and myself recently returned from a trip around the island, visiting all our branches and Saints and preaching the gospel at every opportunity. It is about one hundred and sixty miles around the island, the whole trip being made on foot, and a great deal of the distance being over rocky forest trails and sharp lava fields. One day's journey of twenty-five miles, through a forest, we began early in the morning without breakfast, and had nothing to eat except a cocoanut apiece, until we reached our journey's end. We see very few white men, and live entirely with the natives,

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but we are happy with them and glad for the privilege of laboring among them in the cause of truth. On reaching Matautu, we enjoyed a week with Elder C. J. Wilcox, who is laboring in that section. While we were there all together, we held a priesthood meeting at Saleaula at which were gathered all our native elders of the island. An excellent spirit was enjoyed by all and some fine testimonies were borne. We also held a meeting in the evening for outsiders, and over a hundred and fifty people heard the gospel preached. During the two following days, like meetings were held in neighboring villages with very good attendance. We are happy in the work, and, though small in numbers, we have a strong band of native helpers and the great work is growing."

The Work in Kentucky Elder Martin E. Ellsworth, of the Kentucky conference, writes under date of January 20: "There are twenty elders laboring in this conference, fourteen of whom are at present in Louisville. Elder P. James Skouson, of Mexico, is the presiding elder, and through his untiring efforts the conference laborers are succeeding. The elders and Saints are working in harmony under his able leadership. The following are four of the elders laboring in LouisviUe: (Top row) W. E. Christenson, Salem ; Abe Losee, Lehi ; bottom row: Vernal L. Neilson, Huntsville, Utah; Martin E. Ellsworth, Show Low, Arizona."

Prohibition in Australia

Local Elder, James D. Howard, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, gives some information relating to his work and the condition of the cause in that district, from which we make these selections: "In answer to the inquiry of the organizer of the Strength of Empire Movement, made to the presiding elder of that branch in regard to Prohibition, he was answered that the Latter-day Saints would not only give their vole, but would willingly assist in forwarding truth and destroying evil at any and all times. The result was, that three of the elders were chosen to represent the Latterday Saints at the committee meetings of the Movement organization. In this way, the elders were called into service, and had opportunities to explain the principles of the gospel, and in so doing, made many friends who at least have learned to respect the Latter-day Saints and their belief. Notwithstanding the fact that two ministers resigned from the committee because of the presence of the 'Mormons,' it was generally conceded by the

452 IMPROVEMENT ERA other members of the committee that they could trust and depend upon the 'Mormon' people, and this was fully demonstrated at the polls; for there were Latter-day Saints at every polling booth doing their bit. The elders had been accused of coming to Queensland because America went dry. To this accusation, Elder James H. Harris replied that they had #

helped to put over prohibition in America, and they were going to do their best to put it over in Australia. "The mountains of prejudice are gradually melting before the truth, and we look forward to the time when the gospel of Christ shall reign supreme upon the whole face of the earth."

New Church Appreciated Elder W. D. Morrill, Conference President, Spokane, Washington, writes under date of February 8: "We appreciate highly the new Church edifice at Spokane. It is a great help to the missionaries in the work of teaching the gospel. We are able to get many investigators to attend, who heretofore felt that our accommodations were inadequate. At a recent conference, the church was filled with people, many of whom were investigators and friends. President H. C. Iverson, of Portland, in his persuasive and humble manner, delivered a discourse on, 'The Practical Phase of "Mormonism" '. It is gratifying to note the success attending the labors of the missionaries here, and the gradual change in the attitude of the people in general towards 'Mormonism.' Respect and admiration are readily replacing the old feeling of prejudice and hatred.

"Elders, back row, left to right: A. E. Christenson, W. H. Cowley, V. V. Van Buren, E. G. Luke, J. E. Woolsey, W. H. Holt. Second row: L. C. Hanney, M. J. Bunnell, Emma Larson, Eva Osborn, Sasie Heath, J. L. Pixton. Front row: G. G. Wood, V. S. Tanner, W. D. Morrill, Conference President; O. R. Whitehead, F. S. Hopkin, R. V. King."

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In Great Britain Elder James Gunn McKay, President of the London conference, writes a letter under date of January 25, to the editor of the Era, from which we select the following interesting items:

Economic Conditions in England This country is very badly off, having a million men registered at their employment bureaus receiving "out-of-work pay," and this list is being added to fifty thousand a week. Factories are closing down and hard times have really set in. The people are in a bad mood. Revolution could easily be raised among them; in fact, already there is great clamor against the government. The people are contentious, much giving to rioting and to damage upon the slightest provocation. The government and everybody else is blamed for the present condition. If something is not done to relieve this difficult situation, serious trouble may result. In fact, never was this nation so near to the fulfiling of the prophecy: "The time will come when he that will not take up his sword and fight against his neighbor must flee to Zion." When you think of staid and steady Old England being in this condition, one realizes how near the besom of destruction is upon the inhabitants of the earth. Think of England, who had upheld before the world a standard for nigh respect for law and for order for centuries, catering to the whims of a riotous mob. Think of all her past traditions, her gentry, her class distinction, her boasts of fair play, being wafted away as mere tradition. Then you will realize how near to the brink this country is to ruin. As bad as our land may be, it has a better prospect than they have anywhere in Europe. Lantern Slide Lectures The lantern slide lecture on "Utah and Her People" is proving to be a very effective way to reach the people. In the last week the lecture has been given at Nottingham, Sheffield, and South London, to very large audiences. The pictures have been a revelation to the people over here, while the talk itself has interested them. Many prominent and influential" people come out to these, that could not possibly be reached by trading, and almost in every case they have expressed themselves to the effect that their prejudice was removed and that they would look upon Utah and her people as among the greatest people in the world. We have had a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction that have attended our efforts in this direction. Already we are scheduled to give lectures at Lowestoft, Cardiff, Portsmouth, Sittingbourne, Birmingham, Narthampton, Saltley and Kiddminster between now and the 22nd of February. I only wish that we had some means to use for this purpose. We could, I believe, double the lectures popularity and success. We are also «trying to secure favorable articles in the papers and have succeeded in at least one or two of them. In fact, all of them wrote articles which, while not in our favor and giving us a mild skit, have not been vindictive in language. I am sending you under separate cover several of these papers, including a statement gotten up by a committee composed of President George Albert Smith, myself, President Hawkes (North London Branch), President Ralph J. Pugh ( Hammer smolh), and President E. W. Wheatley (Holloway) which we have sent to most of the papers.

South Africa and President Sessions By this time no doubt you have learned that Elder James Wyley Sessions has proceeded on his way to South Afriea. I feel very happy that I

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454 IMPROVEMENT ERA was able to assist President George Albert Smith to secure permission for bim and his family to enter South Africa. The experience that was gained in helping to secure Bishop Angus J. Cannon permission to enter Switzer- land, in 1916, was of value in this case; in fact, the whole tiling was done in about one day. I was not only pleased to see the matter accomplished but to have the pleasure of seeing Elder Sessions and his good family leave for that distant land. I feel that I was giving another substantial contri- bution toward the success of the South African Mission, where I spent more than three years and one-half of hard work. If Elder Sessions had remained here, of course I would have been released, but now that he is gone, I must wait for a successor. I felt that I had labored so long here and in South Africa, that, as the opportunity came to do another good turn for that far off Mission, I accepted it gladly. It has brought me many pleas- ant thoughts since, and is a source of satisfaction to know that in a measure one can help this great cause, be it ever so little.

President Grant in Los Angeles President Heber J. Grant was a visitor at the Priesthood Meeting at Los Angeles, Saturday, Jan. 8. He gave some invaluable instructions to the missionaries and upon their invitation sang the songs, "Come go with me," and "The Flag without a stain," accompanied by Elder Van H. Grant. The missionaries were blessed by his presence, and feel to voice^their appreci- ation through the columns of the Era for his kind remembrance and gift to them at Christmas time. We wish him a joyous New Year, and pray that the Lord's protection may be over him as he shall journey through the world. E. A. Lemon, Mission Secretary.

New Presidency for Long Beach On Sunday evening, Jan 9, Mission President Joseph W. McMurrin, and Acting Conference President, Axel A. Madsen, met with the Saints at Long Beach, and effected a reorganization of the branch presidency there. Presi- dent Geo. M. Tonks was released, having removed from Long Beach because • of ill health. The new presidency appointed are: Bertram M. Jones, pres- ident, with Lars J. Larsen and Frank Hawkins as first and second counsel- ors. Francis W. Hotaling was chosen to act as branch clerk. A splendid spirit exists among the Saints, and the branch is in a thriving condition. All seemed greatly pleased the appointments made, and heartily voted to at sustain the new presidency. E. A. Lemon, Mission Secretary.

In the University of Idaho The State University of Idaho is located in Moscow, where we have from forty to forty-five members of the Church attending school. The towns-people have become quite well acquainted with us on account of our boys attending the school. A Baptist minister, who is* at the head of the Y. M. C. A. activity, has organized a committee to try and get students to attend their own church denominations. He kindly asked us to send a representative, to work on this committee, which we did in the person of Brother F. L. Bolton, a returned missionary from Paris, Idaho. Will you kindly 6end us the Improvement Era, our "Big-Little Magazine"? People are treating us wonderfully in this little town, and we are beginning to think that we have not accomplished a good morning's tracting unless we get two or three invitations to call. Hoping that you may be able to send our splendid messenger, the Improvement Era, to the University of Idaho, Y. M. C. A. "Hut," we remain, Sincerely yours, George G. Wood, William H. Coivley, Missionaries.