--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Unknown collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 3 published: 1925-01 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Unknown, “Editors’ Table,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 3 (January 1925)*: 295–300." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2803unse 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: improvementera2803unse start_page: 295 end_page: 300 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1925-01) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2803unse publication_year: 1925 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 1925, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editors’ Table EDITORS' TABLE 295 Professor Chester C. Haworth, superintendent of schools of Burlington, North Carolina, says: "We employ about sixty teachers in our schools, and never consider a candidate who uses tobacco in any shape, form or fashion. I find there are still plenty of good men who neither eat nor smoke tobacco." President Daugette, of the State Normal College at Jacksonville, Alabama, has announced that hereafter no certificates will be granted to students who smoke, adding: Nothing is to be gained by post- poning a reform that is bound to come. There is also a rule barring any smoker from teaching in an accredited Normal School, or even getting a certificate to teach. The use of tobacco turns the scale against recovery from pneu- monia, poisons the system, creates insomnia, headaches, has a de- bilitating effect upon sexual virility, and spells degeneracy for the race, physically, mentally and morally. The Lord has warned us: "Tobacco is not good for man." Let us abandon it and so save our health, wealth and morals. Let us save the million dollars for better purposes, and so enjoy a happy and prosperous New Year — A. President Seymour B. Young In the passing of Dr. Seymour B. Young, the community loses a loveable character, a noble man, a kind and considerate leader among his people, a loving father, and a patriotic and exemplary citizen. He was a genuine gentleman, full of patience, with a smile and kindly greeting for all. In his time, the Church has practically been established. He is one of the old guard, whose early life was inter- woven with many a thrilling incident of the persecutions, and pio- neer hardships of his people. His mother fled with him in her arms, at the terrible massacre of Haun's Mill. He was one of the very few among us who have any recollection of the prophet Joseph and Nauvoo. With his family he had his chances with the driven remnants of Nauvoo, and participated in the dark days of Winter- quarters, followed by years of trying experiences on the plains, pio- neering in the west for years before the family entered the Salt Lake Valley. His active life in our mountain valleys for nearly three-quarters of a century as pioneer, soldier, physician, and Church official, is one glorious round of service, rendered in cheerful patience, always with the good of his fellows and the growth and welfare of the Church and his people uppermost in his heart and mind. As one of the rare and early physicians he gained a well deserved reputa- tion, and eased much pain and suffering. As a participant in the Black Hawk Indian war, as one of the company who was entrusted by our Government to guard the mail route and telegraph line, as a pioneer in Cache Valley, as a railroad builder, and missionary, he 296 IMPROVEMENT ERA toiled enthusiastically, cheerfully and with honor. In his office as member and President in the First Council of-Seventy he rendered faithful service and was true to every duty. He was thoroughly imbued with faith in God and a knowledge of the gospel, a true Latter-day Saint; and his loyalty to country and flag, and the prin- ciples of liberty for which they stand, made him a staunch patriot and devoted citizen. Thousands to whom his words of wisdom and encouragement have come in all parts of the Church, will revere and do honor to his noble life. The whole community of the inter- mountain west join in extending sympathy and love to those who are immediately bereaved, and bless and honor the memory of Dr. Seymour B. Young. — A. A Comparison On Sunday afternoon, October 5, at the general conference of the Church, and just before the close of the final meeting of the great semi-annual gathering, President Heber J. Grant said: "All over the Church today, at this hour, from Canada on the North to Mexico on the South, with the exception of the immediate vicinity of Salt Lake City, fast meetings are being held in all the wards and branches, and men and women are testifying as to their knowledge, individually, regarding the divinity of the work in which we are engaged. These testimonies, as a rule, occupy only a minute or two or three, very seldom more than five minutes, and a great many people in each of these meetings pour out their hearts in gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the knowledge they have, individually, of the divinity of this work. I shall call a half dozen men to the stand and ask them to bear their testimonies regarding the divinity of this work, speaking not to exceed five minutes, each one." All six elders responded and bore effective testimonies. Among them was Elder Hugh B. Brown, president of the Lethbridge, Canada stake of Zion, who spoke as follows: It is quite fitting that I should speak immediately after President Pratt, he having represented the Mexican mission, I representing the stake of Zion farthest North. The Lethbridge stake comprises that section of this great country, from a few miles north of the international boundary line, including the North Pole. I appreciate the privilege of bearing my testimony to the truth of thr great work. During the great World War I had the opportunity of com- paring service in other organizations with service in the Church of Jesus Christ. It fell to my lot to be the instrument of bringing to some of our boys certain favors by way of transfer, or temporary relief, or leave of absence, by virtue of authority vested in me as an officer in the Canadian army. Upon one occasion I was called upon, as I thought, to bring some relief to one boy, I was asked when in the city of London to visit a boy whose name I did not know. I supposed that he would ask for a tempor- ary release that he might return home, as I thought to recuperate; and. feeling the thrill of the power vested in me by virtue of the uniform I EDITORS' TABLE 29 7 wore, I went down to that hospital with the intention of interceding for that boy, with the powers higher up. When I went into the little room which he occupied he extended his hand to me, and instead of addressing me as an officer in the army, he said to me: "Brother Brown, I sent for you to ask that you intercede with God in my behalf, that I may not die in this hospital, but that I may be allowed to return home to my widowed mother. Will you administer to me?" When this boy made that request at my hands, I could not help making the comparison; Great though it may be to wear the uniform of the king, I never felt more pride in my life in any position than I felt as I knelt by the side of that boy, placed my hands on his head, and in the name of Jesus Christ asked that his life might be spared. I compared then the authority which I held in the Church of Christ with the authority held by men in other organizations, and from the bottom of my heart I felt to say: "Thank God for this work, and for the Priesthood which we have." I went into that hospital a proud British officer. I came out a humble "Mormon" elder; and I say to you, my brethren and sisters, that I prefer membership in the Church of Jesus Christ to presidency or command in any other organization in the world, civil or military. I bear testimony that I know this is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and that it is the truth, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I Don't Know It is said that the Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone system dis- courages any clerk or laborer in its offices to reply to any question, "I don't know." They follow the plan of always finding out, and while nobody knows everything, and is not expected to, the clerks and workers in this organization are taught to see that a guest who asks for information gets it or is told that it can not be obtained. People who say, "I'll find out" generally do find out, and one who finds out is much more helpful in an organization, be it telephone, hotel, railroad, restaurant, or publication office of any kind, than the one who gives you a languid, "I don't know," and lets it go at that. It is well to remember that courtesy and helpfulness costs little and buys much; if we all realized how much, we would never be too busy or too tired to go out of our way in courtesy to find out something for a person who really desires to know. And this applies to peo- ple in private life as well as to those who are in any way connected with business or public organizations. — A. Brigham Young as Seen by Mr. Werner The first number of a series of seven articles promised on "Brigham Young" appeared in the- December issue of the. Ladies' Home Journal. published at Philadelphia, the author, M. R. Werner. All are well aware that when anything connected with "Mormonism", when presented in the magazines and in other public press, is usually filled with deliberate mis- representation. We welcome, therefore, such an attempt as this first article of the series, to present the facts regarding our history and our great leader. 29 8 IMPROVEMENT ERA Brigham Young, as Mr. Werner has been able to find and understand them. The facts and the history presented in this first article, the millions of readers of the Ladies' Home Journal will aid in clearing the atmosphere for the true presentation of the gospel by our elders and Saints in the United States and Canada, and wherever the Journal circulates. The inaccuracies in the article, we believe, are not deliberate, but rather the result of misunderstanding on Mr. Werner's part. When he states that Brigham Young was "shrewd enough, skeptical enough, and well enough acquainted with the progress of religious speculation in his neighborhood to realize that as a business proposition this new religion ('Mormonism') might be worth looking into," he is far from a correct understanding of President Young as he was known to the Saints throughout his life. Join- ing the Church was not a "business proposition" with Brigham Young. Neither did he make the Church, but rather the Church made him. It was the salvation of his eternal soul that concerned him, and the gospel brought him so much joy that he was anxious to proclaim it to all the world. Here are his own words, "When I went to Kirtland I had not a coat in the world, for previous to this I had given away everything I possessed that I might be free to go forth and proclaim the plan of salvation to the in- habitants of the earth." That does not look much like a "business prop- osition," giving away everything one possesses. When Mr. Werner was in Salt Lake last summer, he was told that he would find it difficult to understand Brigham Young except by the same spirit that actuated him. Unless one has the spirit of the gospel, and feels it in his soul, he cannot understand the Latter-day Saints, nor what they are about. "No man knoweth the things of God except by the Spirit of God." However, we hope that succeeding articles will be no less fair and just than this first one appears to be. — A. A Love Story The following story of love, from a current Syrian legend, is retold in the Millennial Star, by President J. Wilford Booth: Three men stood, one stormy night, at the threshold of a wayside cottage. Their knock at the door was answered by a modest little damsel who inquired of their names, their nativities and the purpose of their visit. The foremost of the strange trio spoke frankly and said: "My name is Love. My companions are Luck and Riches. We are seeking places for rest and refreshment. One of us would be pleased to receive the hospitality of this home to-night, and the choice of whom it is to be, we leave to you." The girl was bewildered ; she ran and called the other members of the family, who gathered quickly at the portal of their home to hold a speedy council and decide upon which of these distinguished callers they would receive. They learned and repeated over and over the names of the would-be guests, studied their characters and listened again fo the humble petition they made. Wisdom ruled the family's decision, and the choice was soon made. In unison they exclaimed: "We will entertain Love!" As they gave way for the guest to enter, they noticed the other two closely following their leader into the newly-found rooms of rest. Ob- serving their astonishment, Love turned to the kind hosts and said, with a smile all divine: "Be not alarmed. Wherever I am made a welcome guest, there my companions also will make their abode." And that home was blessed forever more. ^Priesthood Quorums The Melchizedek Priesthood Study- Subject: Doctrines of the Church: Text: A Study of the Articles of Faith. LESSON 5 : THE ATONEMENT Text: Chapter 4, pages 74-89. Stress the relationship between the Fall of Adam and the Atonement wrought by Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the race. The fact that the atonement was provided for even before man was placed upon the earth shows that the sinful tendency of the race, inaugurated by the fall, was also forseen. Emphasize the fact that through the atonement redemption from the power of death is assured to all by the resurrection, and salvation is povide for all who will comply with the appointed requirements. LESSON 6: SALVATION Text: Chapter 4, pages 89-93. Show the distinction between general and individual salvation. It is important to know that salvation may not include exaltation; note the dif- ference. Stress the fact that graded conditions are provided in the hereafter. A further treatment of the subject appears in the text-book, pages 405-411. Study Appendix 4.. LESSON 7: FAITH Text: Chapter 5, pages 96-108. As prominent topics the following should be emphasized: that faith in God is a principle of power; that it is essential to salvation; that it is a gift from God; that faith implies and embraces works. Study Appendix 5. LESSON 8 : REPENTANCE Text: Chapter 5, pages 109-116. Stress the characteristics of genuine repentance and the conditions requisite to securing divine forgiveness. Read Appendix 5:4, 5, pages 481, 482. Ordinations to the Lesser Priesthood It is a commendable custom in some wards for the ward teachers to notify the bishop concerning all young men who are worthy to be ordained to the offices of priest, teacher or deacon. The bishop then writes to the young man, telling him that he has been suggested for ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood, and for him to consult with his parents and to write the bishop his feelings in the matter. After further instruction by the bishopric, the candidate is presented at fast meeting before the congregation in person, and if sustained by the membership of the ward, is finally ordained. Following is a sample of a letter recently received by a bishop from a boy who was reported for ordination to the office of deacon: "Dear Bishop: As all the boys of twelve generally receive the Priesthood and are ordained to the office of deacon, I would deem it an honor if such Priesthood and office were bestowed upon me. Ever since I can remember, I have been going to Sabbath school, Priesthood meeting and Religion class. I have been taught to p/ray, keep the Word of Wisdom, to be kind and truthful and honest. If you feel that I am worthy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and to be ordained to the office of deacon, I promise to do everything required of me. "Your brother in the gospel, QjVLutual Work Jubilee Certificate to be Awarded To Stake Superintendents Y. M.M.I. A., and Stake Presidents Y.L.M.I.A, Dear Brethren and Sisters: We feel sure that each stake and all workers of the organizations of both the Y.M. and Y.L.M.I.A. are waiting anxious- ly to know just what can be done to show proper appreciation, and the strength of the two great organizations, during this Jubilee year. The definite dates have already been fixed and the committees of the General Board are at work planning for the great celebration next June. We know that you will put forth a special effort and help us make this a real banner year in the history of our organizations. In order to show our appreciation to all stakes for their good works, we are having prepared a specially engraved Jubilee certificate to be awarded at the June Conference to each stake organization which makes a 100% record on the efficiency report during any month in the year prior to June 1, 1925. One of the things we desire to celebrate in the coming Jubilee year will be the fact that after fifty years of existence, we are 50,000 strong. However, it will be necessary for every ward and stake, especially the larger wards, to materially increase its enrollment over the preceding year. The way to do this is clearly outlined in our present plan to secure membership by making a working list containing name of every boy in each ward be- tween the ages of 12 and at least up to 25 ; and every girl from 14 to at least 25, and then organizing to conduct a personal campaign with each of these boys and girls to have them enrolled. If the work is done in this way, we will all be able to rejoice that, after fifty years, we are 50,000 strong in each organization. We feel that this record of achievement is possible in every stake of the Church. Organize your forces at once, in each department, and let us all make a special effort, during the month of January, to reach this worthy accomplishment. Will your stake be numbered among the successful ones when the January record is published? Please answer on the enclosed card. Write us at once, if we may assist you, Your brother in the gospel, Melvin J. Ballard, Chairman of General Committee Jubilee Celebration, June, 1925. December 17, 1924. Y. M. M. I. A. in the Great Northwest "The Mutual Improvement Associations in the Northwestern States Mission have increased, both in number of associations and in enrollment, over last year. We are trying to follow the outlines and carry on the Mutual work here just as it is done in the organized stakes and wards. But the work is new to many of us and we are, therefore, weak in many respects, but hope to overcome these handicaps as time goes on. Some of our associations are held jointly with the young ladies. This class of association is necessary because of the small number of members in some of our districts. We have an enrollment of 226 with 12 otft of the 16 associations reporting; and for October, had an average attendance of 182. There are approximately 5,000 Saints_Jn this mission. Many of them live in remote places where it is impossible for them to attend any of our organizations. Those who live in the districts where our organizations