Greater Love

GREATER LOVE By Georgia L. Pinkerton Mona Belisle sat in a low chair on the shady porch busily embroidering an intricate B on the corner of a crisp, snowy napkin. As she sewed, she hummed a soft little song, breaking, unconsciously, now and then into its words. She made a pretty picture, with the sun flecks shining through the leaves, making a study of sunlight and shadow on her green dress and her wavy, brown hair. The light of dreams was in her eyes. Donald Bruce crossed the lawn, unseen by the girl in the chair, his footsteps making no sound in the soft grass. He stopped near her, silent adoration plainly visible on his good-looking face. But there was doubt there, also, and a little sad- ness; for, much as he loved this winsome miss who had promised to be his wife, he sometimes wondered if her religion meant as much to her as it did to him, and he knew that he had come to test her. "My busy bee's at work as usual," he finally said; and that she was not greatly startled to find him there seemed to prove that he had been in her thoughts all the time. As she waved him to a seat on the step she said, "Yes, something more for our House o' Dreams. And think, Donald, this is Sep- tember. Three months more, and our dreams will come true." She looked down at him to see the light of love that her pretty enthusiasm always brought, and then, for the first time she saw that something was troubling him. "Why, Donald, what — " she began, but he interrupted her. "Little girl, what if there can be no wedding in three months? What if our House o' Dreams must do without its queen for a while?" Mona's eyes got big and frightened. "No wedding! Why! Don't you love me any more?" "Love you!" he cried, beginning to rise. "You know I love you better than my life." He started toward her, but drew back a step and stood straight before her while he went on, "But there is something else. I — well, I've been called on a mission, I am to go almost at once. It will be better this way, for I shall be back sooner." His words sounded stilted and cold, but his voice was pleading. But Mona seemed not to hear the pleading tone. "Going on a mission now? Before December? You don't want to mary me?" "Marry you!" he echoed. "Why life with you has been for years the best and the greatest of all my dreams. But, Mona, don't you see that the dream must be delayed? I could never look anyone in the face again, if I refused to do this for my Church. And I

GREATER LOVE 573 should be ashamed to ask God for another blessing, little girl, can't you see?" But, Mona, staring past him, seemed not to hear his prayer. A cold, hard look was beginning to dawn on her face. "But you could ask them to wait. A year would make no dif- ference to them, and it would mean so much to us. Think of the House o' Dreams shut up and silent for so long. And Eileen and Helen and all the girls are married already, or are going to be, soon. Don't you think of me at all?" "Yes, I have thought of you, more than of myself or anyone else," stated Donald in a steady voice. "But how would you like to marry a slacker? And that is what I should be if I refused to fight God's battles, just as surely as if I would not fight for my country. I don't want to be dramatic about it, but I can understand that thing about not loving you so well if I didn't love honor more. If I shirked, you couldn't love me, because I couldn't respect myself. No; I must go. But let me not go without your consent and an assurance of your love. With these it will be as much your mission as mine. After this long speech, he waited, white-faced but determined. Mona sat without speaking. After a minute he took her hand; she withdrew it angrily. "You may go," she said, "but not with my love nor my con- sent. The latter is no longer necessary, for we are no longer anything to each other. I know now how little your love for me is to you." Rising, she darted into the house before he could protest. Alone in her room, she flung herself on her bed and sobbed wildly. But when the sobs ceased, and the last of the tears dried on her hot cheeks, there was no relenting in her heart — only self-pity and anger. The days passed. Donald sent two letters, but Mona returned them, unopened. He called, but she refused to see him. She was careful to go no place where he might be. Yet she knew that prepara- tions for his departure were being made. She was urged to attend a farewell party that the ward were giving for him. And then she heard that he was gone. After his departure she tried to take up her old life, but every- thing seemed changed. The friends that she and Donald had in common treated her rather coldly, or she imagined that they did. When she was among them, there were frequent allusions to him and his work, and questions that she found it hard to answer; for, though they all guessed that all was not right between her and Donald she had never told them of her broken engagement. To avoid this embarrassment she went more and more with an- other crowd. Their careless appearance, their rude behavior, some- times were revolting to her refined and fell-bred nature. But she knew that this association would be greatly disapproved of by Don- ald, and she wanted to hurt him as she had been hurt. Then, too,

5 74 IMPROVEMENT ERA she thought that this behavior was proving to herself as well as to others that she did not care. Only with Eileen Houston, her chum from little-girl days, was she her frank, old self. Eileen, with Robert Loring, was to have shared that Christmas wedding day. To her only did Mona sob out the whole miserable story. Eileen had almost allowed her love to overcome her sense of justice and her love for her Church, and had petted and comforted Mona as she would have done a child. Then Eileen had a sorrow of her own to confide. She told Mona of her fears concerning Robert. They had for a foundation dissatisfied grumbling about his salary and unjust treatment by his employer, the unpleasant odor of cigarettes in his clothing, a broken engagement with her which he had explained so clumsily that she feared he had not told the truth, and once, at a dancing party, the unmistakable smell of whisky on his breath. She was trying so hard, she told Mona, to make him see his mistakes. "Sometimes," she said, "he is ashamed and promises to do better, but at others, he is cross and acts as if he does not love me at all. Then I can only pray that God will help me to bring him back. And our wedding day only a month away." And then, the day before the one they had expected to be so joyous, Mona was called to the 'phone. A voice which she recog- nized as Eileen's,, though it was sob-choked, begged her to come to her. Mona lost no time, and soon Mrs. Houston, distressed, but gentle as ever, was telling her to go to Eileen's room. There she found a grief-sticken little creature, convulsive sobs shaking her body: "O Mona! Robert," she cied. "He — " "He isn't dead, is he?" gasped Mona. "No, not dead," Eileen answered after she had become more calm. "But he stole from his employer. They arrested him. Maybe he will go to prison. I saw him, and he told me all about it. How he had got into a fast set and had learned to smoke and drink and gamble. How these had weakened him until, when he needed more money, he had stolen it. He doesn't blame the others, because, he says, he has had a Christian raising and had the Church to help him, while many of them grew up to the life they are leading. But, O, he sees now how wrong it all is, and he is going to take whatever punishment they give him, humbly, because he knows he deserves it. And when it is over, he is going to be the man he knows how to be. And I am going to wait for him. God heard my prayers after all, and this is one of the mysterious ways he has of performing his wonders." And as if the telling of her sorrows and her hopes to her friend had lightened the first and enlarged the last, she lay quietly smiling and finally went to sleep. As Mona sat by her friend's bed, she thought of what she said: "I am going to wait for him." How great must have been her love

GREATER LOVE 575 and faith to have made that possible, in the midst of all the sorrow and disgrace. Then she thought of her own love, and for the first time she became ashamed of her actions on that day three months before. She had been asked to wait, and she had refused, though the waiting would not have been one-tenth as hard as Eileen's. And what had happened? Her love had failed! Was it because it had been founded on selfishness and worldliness, rather than on unselfishness and trust in God? Mona tiptoed out of the room, and leaving word with Mrs. Houston that she would be back later, she hurried home. There, she wrote a long letter. What is said we can only guess, but a few days later, a young man in a far-away town read that very letter, and from the look of happiness and joy xhat came to his face wt can scarcely doubt that it contained very good news, indeed. "Well, you must have received word that you have fallen heir to a fortune," jokingly remarked his companion missionary who had just entered the room. "I have," Donald laughed shakily, "a pearl of great price." He did not explain further, but his companion, who had known him for several weeks and who was a discerning young man, under- stood. Red Mesa, Colorado Adversity's Test Be glad of the trials that come in your way, Let them not fill your hearts with dismay; For the strife of this life forms a ladder by which We ascend to the heights we've been hoping to reach. In this ladder we climb, every hardship's a round, Which lifts us up farther away from the ground; For we rise by the things that are under our feet, That we've conquered with courage that knows no defeat. Every conquest we make in our journey through life Gives us strength to endure still more of the strife, We grow in our strength by each battle we've won, In the trials we meet, till life's race is run. Consider the oak which stands all alone, And weathers the elements till it is grown, You will find it much stronger and tougher by far Than the trees which never have known adversity's scar. Then be glad and rejoice if your journey seems hard, For each knock lifts you upward though your pathway is barred; If you meet it with courage and strive with your might, To be on God's side, and always do right. Swedish Mission Vance °- LlND

HOW I WAS CURED OF PURLOINING By Glen Perrins Mother always maintained I never really stole things when I was little, but she admitted rather reluctantly that my idea of what was my property, and what was my neighbor's was somewhat vague. I had a "taking way," so to speak. Many's the time my dear mother herself returned to the owners little "trinkets" or what not, I had "borrowed" and stored away in my "junk" box. In a safe corner in the woodshed I kept my treasure chest, all my own, and filled with things dear to the heart of a boy rare rocks, pretty beads, bent nails, a hammer head or two, old tin cans, and other "valuables" of a miscellaneous nature. Without doubt, this "picking-up" habit of my childhood days would characterize my maturer years, but for a certain experience I had when I was eight or nine years old. One day father and mother and I were walking along the street on a quiet afternoon. We passed a fruit stand where luscious peaches, grapes, pears, etc., were temptingly displayed. I looked longingly at them and fell unnoticed a little behind my parents. A certain box held my eyes — a crate of red plums. I could not resist. The decision came quickly, and as quickly I reached out a small hand and clutched one of the largest and ripest of the lot. I hurried on and overtook father and mother. The fruit dealer had not seen me and my parents had not missed me, so I "fell in" just as if nothing had happened. We had gone a block when I essayed to eat my plum. In the act of putting it to my mouth and before I had sunk my teeth in the delicious morsel, father saw me. My face registered guilt and never shall I forget the look on father as he demanded to know how I had come into possession of my plum. "The store down the street had a lot — " I began timorously and half coaxingly. "They won't ever miss — " But he interrupted my explanation. "It is about time, young man, that you should be taught not to steal. Do you know what happens to boys when they grow up if they keep on stealing?" He said "steal" and "stealing" bluntly, and it shocked me into full realization. "They are put in jail, I suppose," I whimpered; "but — but, would they put a feller in jail just for takin' a plum?" "For stealing a plum," he corrected me. "Maybe not; but if

HOW I WAS CURED OF PURLOINING 577 you steal little things now, you will steal big things as you grow older, and you will be a thief." There was a pause, during which father looked at me, and I looked at him. The suspense was terrible. Finally he said: "I should not like to see you arrested, and I can't punish you here on the street. What do you think I should do to break you of your bad habit?" "I could take the plum back," I replied, "and nobody- — " "That's just what I was thinking," interrupted father, "and when you take it back, tell the store keeper you 'stole' the fruit and that you're sorry." "He might put me in jail an' then I couldn't see mama, and then — then — " I broke down. But father was firm; his command was immutable, and back I had to go to the fruit stand with my stolen plum. On the way I saw a policeman; I thought he had come to arrest me, and my heart was in my throat as I ran past. I ran into an old gentleman and tripped over a stylish woman's poodle dog, and as they protested against my precipitate course I imagined they were calling, "Thief thief!" I was all a-breath when I reached the fruit stand. The fruiterer was not expecting me at all — in fact, he seemed surprised when I thrust the plum at him with the confession that I had stolen it, and that I was a thief and would he please not put me in jail. I managed to stammer that father had sent me beck, and the look that came to his eyes, I know now was one of keen compre- hension, but to my boyish conception I thought that with great difficulty, and due only to his over-weening sympathy, he was restraining a righteous desire to call a policeman. I was cured of purloining. Moroni Sound your trump, Moroni, Sound it loud and long, Till you wrest attention From the hurrying throng; Proudly tell your story, Why in shining gold You stand on the capstone Of an Eminence so bold. Tell them how you wandered In ages long since past, O'er mountain, plain and river. And dared the desert's blast. To place a sacred record In a heaven appointed tomb, Until the Lord should send you To take it from the gloom, And give it to another, Who by gift from the Great Head, Should read the hidden secrets Of the land the Indians tread; Of their wars, their wild dissensions. How through wickedness they fell From communion with Jehovah To a fate too sad to tell. O tell the world, Moroni, The record is for them; The mysteries of a continent Is now revealed to men; Yea. the mysteries of Godliness Within it they may find; The way of love and happiness Is found for all mankind. Ruth May Fox.

"BREAD CAST UPON THE WATERS" By Harold H. Jenson A missionary may never know what good will spring from his labors, or when they will bear fruit. This true story is told in order that missionaries may ever be encouraged. After all, it is the mis- sionary who gains the most from his efforts, for his work lives after him. Their "bread cast upon the waters," using a Biblical expression, often results in great good. Five years ago, a missionary, arriving in London, on a cold foggy night, lost his way at the Seven Sisters' corner, near "Deseret," the mission headquarters. Anyone acquainted with a London fog can appreciate his predicament. He asked several passers by the direction to go, but the reply invariably came, "Ask a Bobby." Where to find an English policeman in such a mist was indeed a question. At last a ragged little urchin of the streets, dirty of face, with shoes worn to the ground, and smoking a "fag" happened to bump into the tall stranger. "Hey, mister, why don't ye look where ye be goin?" piped the small, forlorn figure. His face, however, soon changed to a smile, when the little fellow recognized an American. "Beg pardon, mister, I see ye be a stranger, can't I help ye?" This was the first kind word or pleasant answer received to an unasked question read upon his face. "Where is 152 High Road, or the 'Mormon' headquarters?" "O, them blokes that keeps all them wives, I'll show ye where they be." So saying, he took the "Yank's" hand and together they made their way through the fog to mission headquarters. At the door the youngster hesitated, "Can't you come in for a moment?" asked the stranger. "Not 'till I sell these," came the reply. "I'll buy them, then let's have a good talk." Coupling deeds with words they went in. As it happened, a Mutual Improvement Association meeting was just beginning. In- troducing himself, the stranger found a warm welcome from fellow missionaries. The little tad of the streets was, however, a curiosity and followed doggedly at the heels of the Utahn. He had never before seen so many shake hands, and when told to kindly leave his "fag" outside, he promptly did so. Then questions followed, for the two went upstairs and had a good heart-to-heart talk. The lad of the streets admitted he had par- ents. They cared little for him, he said, and only for the money he could give them to buy liquor with. He seemed not to have a friend in the world. At parting the missionary asked the boy to come back next Tuesday with his friends, if he had any. He thought that was the last he would ever see of the little fellow. Next Tuesday came. Mutual had begun. Singing was under

"BREAD CAST UPON THE WATERS" 579 way. A noise was heard at the door. It burst open and about twenty of the raggedest, dirtiest little urchins came rushing in, all smoking ''fags." They greeted with lusty outbursts the doorkeeper and crowd- ing past the missionary at the entrance, made their way up the aisle. Their leader recognized his lost stranger of the fog, and greeted him. Seeing the little fellows seemed lost, themselves, and not knowing what to do,. he went down and, after handshaking, persuaded them to sit down, which they did. They sat through the service, watching with apparent interest everything that went on. After adjournment to classes the president put them in a back room. He told the elder that if they kept still they could stay. The missionary, with the help of his newly found partner and convert, a one-legged soldier, whom he had incidentally met on top of a London bus, one Sunday morning, herded them into the room. The topics for discussion were cleanli- ness, and baseball. The latter immensely interested the street gang who promised to come Saturday to learn the game. They came, and also came next Tuesday, with more of the gang. This time they quietly entered and with their hands cleaned off the dirt from their faces. They kept coming for nearly a month. Each Saturday, or after Mutual, the crowd would race through the streets. The street boys wondered why they could never beat the "Mormon" Scout boys in foot races, especially in the fifty pace walk and run style. They learned it was their cigaret smoking, and many tried to quit. Some had already stunted their bodies by the use of tobacco for there were boys there over sixteen who looked but twelve. Unfortunately, at least for the boys, the elder was transferred to another conference. As the little tads always made a lot of noise in meetings and insisted on chewing gum, other missionaries, including the conference president, came to think their absence better than their presence, and lost interest in them, and so some of them drifted away, although many of their big brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers came to meeting now and then out of curiosity. Five years elapsed, the convert of the missionary, who had joined the Church chiefly because he hungered for friendship and found it, sent the following letter under recent date: "I feel stronger in the gospel now than I ever did. You remember the boys you took off the streets. Well, it was reckoned you had undertaken an impossible task, for they were all rough. Well, some went away and never returned. Two weeks ago I went into "Deseret" and saw three soldiers there. They greeted me with 'How do, Burt.' They told me they were three boys that Elder brought to meetings. Then I knew them. After a long gospel talk they told me your teachings had stopped them from doing things they might otherwise have done. With God's help I am going to try and carry on where you left me off."

TILL THE VICTORY'S WON toLji ( rnrn^tH-tr Music by Brigham Cecil Gates 1. Ral - ly a- round the standard, Gather 'round it with a vim; 2. True men all hate a quit-ter; Courage helps in an - y race, Our ggli_Jfc-k L ii l|i k |» y itt__P- i v y. v i I v v ' 4- 3_: ^ J J — J-— P — p« ys Zi - on's men are marching With a lead - er that will win. mot - to, faith and vir - tue, Truth maintains us in our place. f — f—f f_UL he gggiiil^p t — h :zt: 4=£ «j ±=± e» ^ We will need all our soldiers, With each u - nit kept in line, Are yon We're not a-fraid of e - vil, As we all go marching on; For our marching with us, fellows? Are you keeping step and time, and time? Sav - ior is our Cap-tain, So we sing our bat- tie sons:, our song. i i & =J^J^fc: -U- f II I. f=F=F CHORUS, a tempo. Marcato. Marching onward ev-er onward, Marching onward, ever on, tet EBJ -j ,1 I, 1 r=£ -4—4 £=£pW=i #- * t; =•= rr March with our colors flying, Keep your fac - es to the foe; Marching on-ward ev-er onward, Marching onward, ever on, s l=±=i=± .0 — 0 — 0- ~l EQ^£ j=ri=* -gj- -4-4—^- Ea p=k«

TILL THE VICTORY'S WON 581 ^ ifefii^rt March on your way, With a smile every day, As on we ev-er go, ev-er go, gfcfrr-?-?^*- ft ft \V^ I L f!Tf- M M EH Marching ever onward, Onward till the battle's done. H 1— I— 1 p-i \ 1 i-r±-J-j- V f W Fight for the right never ceasing, Till the day when the battle's done, With a- Marching onward ever onward, Onward till the battle's done. *£ 4- i=i SEE tiEEi -\ #-r.« = — *— Erff=E= Marcato e poco rail a tempo. ■V-2- far the day star tm fi^lzEf^-r-^FF won. 4- rfg m. |— I rri ZtZZI &> ?:2: Al - ways fight for the right, We will fight for the right, the right.Tillthe N N J m ~-w-tt y—v— V — 14- •b1— v1- *-P vie - fry's won, Till the vie -I- 3 dt=E: rfi^ 2 fry's won.(vicfry's won.) -4— 4^t4 — ^#— F— Z5 mm — r Copyright, 19 25, by B. Cecil Gates This piece of music is one of two pieces that will be sung by the ensemble of the male choruses of the stakes in the musical contest at the Jubilee, June 6-10. 1925 in Salt Lake City. The number to be contested is "Good Night," by Targett. The above piece, and Park's, "I'd Like to go Down South Once More," will be sung by all the contestants. For Musical and Literary contests at the M. I. A. Jubilee, see "Mutual Work," this number of the Era.

PROPHECY AND HISTORY A Study for the Advanced Senior Class M. I. A., 1924-25 Prophecy — The Book of Mormon Lesson XXII — Prophecies and Promises to the American Indian Special References for Class Study II Nephi 10:18, 19; II Nephi 30:3, 4, 5. 6; Mormon 5:19; III Nephi 20:14; Ether 13:8, 10. Questions and Problems 1. Discuss prophecy, (a) as a means the Lord uses to let man know that he lives and knows more than man does and that he is interested in man; (b) as a warning against sin and an encouragement towards right- eousness; (c) as a means of escaping calamity. 2. Why is the prophecy recorded in II Nephi 30 of great importance to the Indians? 3. Who made the promise in III Nephi 2:14, and under whose instructions did he make it? 4. Wherein is the promise made in II Nephi 30:2 covered by the one recorded in Mormon 5:19? 5. Who are to be the builders of the city spoken of in Ether 1 3 :8, 10? Lesson XXIII — Prophecies and Promises to the United States as a Nation Special References for Class Study I Nephi 13:30; I Nephi 14:6; II Nephi 10:10, 11, 12; III Nephi 20:15-20; Ether 13:7-12. Questions and Problems 1. Discuss prophecy, (a) What it is, (b) The two kinds of prophecy — the conditional and the unconditional. 2. Give illustrations of an unconditional prophecy made concerning the United States Republic. 3. Read or quote what you consider to be the greatest conditional prediction made concerning the United States of America. 4. Prove from Book of Mormon prophecy that the Lord has had a hand in the building of the United States Republic. 5. According to Book of Mormon prophecies and promises, what are the conditions upon which the perpetuity of the United States as a nation may survive? Lesson XXIV — Prophecies and Promises to the Latter-day Saints Special References for. Class Study II Nephi 3:11; II Nephi 10:13, 16; II Nephi 28:21, 22; III Nephi 21 :4. 5, 6, 8: Ether 13:8, 10. Questions and Problems 1. Discuss prophecy and promise, (a) As one of the guiding lights to the Church, (b) As a source of comfort to the members.

PROPHECY AND HISTORY 583 2. In the light of II Nephi 3:11, discuss this problem: Every mis- sionary to the Indian becomes a factor in the destiny of the "Remnant" and a fellow missionary of the Prophept Joseph. 3. Give illustrations of the fulfilment of II Nephi 10:13, 16. 4. What does the prophecy recorded in II Nephi 28:21 mean to you? Illustrate. 5. Discuss the proposition: Both the Latter-day Saints and the Indians are of the seed of Joseph and will fulfil jointly, Ether 13:8, 10. 6. Name in historical order ten Book of Mormon prophets. American Indian Traditions These indicate that their progenitors were Israelites: An article by Dr. George Rogers, in The Mentor magazine of March, 1924, tells of his visit to a Navajo Indian village, in New Mexico, where he found an aged medicine man named Klah, who was induced to relate some traditions of his forefathers. Klah's statements were interpreted for Mr. Rogers by a trader who acompanied him to Klah's tepee, and some of them appear in Mr. R.'s articles, as follows: Klah is one of the chief medicine men of the tribe. The old men of the Navajos respect Klah's judgment. He is a personage. Klah calls his god "Ya". Phonetically, this suggests the name of the God of the Hebrews, which would be written Ya-weh in a phonetic transcription. The story Klah tells of the origin of the Navajos is nearly identical with the story of the creation as it appears in Genesis. The Jew has looked upon himself for centuries as the chosen among God's people, and, curously enough, the Navajos' name for themselves in dine, which means "the people." Whether or not the story Klah tells is a myth, it is a very good story and worthy to be heard. One does not expect to find a story that parallels Genesis, coming out of the New Mexico desert. But when the story is laid over against the actual geological facts it becomes something to think about. There is little doubt that this part of the continent is one of the oldest sections of the world. * * * When Klah, the medicine man, stood beside his primitive loom and told the story of the coming of the Navajo, paraphrasing the Book of Genesis, both in word and action, it was not hard to feel, under the spell of his oratory, that it might have been here that the world began. * * * Before ever man was, said Klah, there was the great god, Ya. All the earth, even the hills, were void and covered with water. There was nothing but water and space. Then Ya put forth his hand, and the land came up out of the water. Again Ya put forth his hand, and the sun and moon and stars were made to appear in the sky. Out of the earth came all life, fol- lowing four great roads. Then in his own likeness Ya created man, and for man he created woman. These, said Klah, were the first people, the Navajos. Ya caused the squash, corn, beans and tobacco to grow. The Navajos lived then in a place like a garden beside a river and a great sea. There was only happiness among them until the evil spirit came. Here Klah waxed too eloquent for the trader to follow, and much of the story was lost. But in the end one gathered that Ya triumphed over the evil spirit and caused him to be cast into the depths beneath the earth.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things." — Romans 10:15. Forty Baptisms in Arkansas The results accomplished in the year 1924, in this conference, indi- cate and give evidence that the work of the Lord is progressing and that the elders and Saints have been zealous in the performance of their duties. A considerable decline in the prejudice is noticeable among the majority of the people. Yet indifference is our biggest handicap. During the past year thousands have been introduced to the teachings of "Mormonism" and forty souls have accepted the truth through baptism. The elders have tra- versed the whole state in their efforts and many successful meetings were held, and many have expressed themselves very favorably towards our teachings. Elder R. D. Iverson and C. W. Bunker recently met a couple of young men who had attended the National Summer School, at Logan, and who were deeply impressed with the external effect of our people. One remarked, Central States Mission Jlrkansas Conf zr ence J/»NU«K> ~ I9Z5 Elders top, left to right: E. H. Anderson, Huntington; R. D. Iverson, Salt Lake, conference president; Jas. A. Davis, Ogden; Middle: S. L. Gillette, Tooele, Ut.; V. J. Holmes, Montpelier, Ida.; Bottom: O. W. Bunker, Delta; O Gubler, La Verkin, Ut., and W. W. Potter, Mesquit, Nev. "I care not what people say about the 'Mormon' Church, what impresses me is that it works." Our doctrines demanding the respect and attention ot the people and at the same time the strength of our position is being felt

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 585 more keenly than at any other time. The missionaries are in splendid health, both physically and spiritually, and are united in their determination to carry on the work of the Lord to the best of their ability. The Era is a potent agent in the spreading of the gospel in this state, and we wish it continual success. The elders of this conference extend their greetings to all co-laborers in the work of the Lord throughout the world. One Hundred-three Baptisms in Leipzig Vernon M. Rhodes, conference president of Leipzig, Germany, states that their conference on the 30th of November, witnessed a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. "The year 1924 has indeed rewarded the efforts of the Saints and missionaries, there having been 103 baptisms. Among those who were not too old to make a covenant with the Lord is a man 74 and a lady 83 years of age. We are working together in love and harmony for the furthering of the world's greatest message. All our problems are solved by two words, humility and work. The Lord takes care of the rest. The year 1925 began with a baptism in every branch of the confer- ence during January. We are all very thankful for the source of good thoughts which comes to us every month from between the covers of the Era. The picture enclosed was taken after a two days' spiritual feast and before one of the best thanksgiving dinners ever cooked on foreign soil, thanks to the good sisters who prepared it." Missionaries standing, left to right: Karl Sachs, Frankfurt, Germany; Hans Sust, Berlin, Germany; Vernard L. Beckstrand, conference secretary, Shelley, Idaho; Leslie R. Matheson, David O. Thurman, Salt Lake City; Duwayne L. Anderson, Pleasant Grove; Erhard M. Neubert, Wellington, Utah. Sitting: Milton B. Leishman. Baker, Oregon; Albert A. Quellmalz, Salt Lake City; Mission Presi- dent Fred Tadje; Roland B. Smith, president Dresden conference, Clearfield; Vernon M- Rhodes, president Leipzig conference, Garland, Utah-

586 IMPROVEMENT ERA A Word from Switzerland Something over a year ago a new star appeared in the mission firma- ment. Or more correctly, an old star was given a new burst of light when the French mission was reorganized, after nearly ten years of dissolution. The unique feature of the mission is that it has two dis.inct fields of activity: one in the war-weakened Belgium, and the other in the peaceful environs of Switzerland. There are branches in Lille and Lyon, of France proper, but as yet they are incorporated in the Belgian and Swiss conferences, re- spectively. The branch in Lyon having been in existence only since last December. Scattered here and there in the scenically-glorified villages and cities of French speaking Switzerland, one can find 210 members of the Church. 22 of whom have been baptized within the past year. Some of them have been listening to sermons and discussions of the gospel for Swiss conference, French mission, Dec. 3 1. 19 24: Front row, left to right: Otto R. Fife, conference president; Clifton F. Hansen; Gordon M. Romney, mis- sion secretary; Alton P. Wangsgard; Grant J. Wright, released conference president. Second row: Weldon Taggart; Wesley Hiltbrand; Milton Christen- sen; Joseph Ballif; Odell Barnson; Thomas Cardon. Back row: Paul Miller; Henry West; Kenneth Farr; Preston Robinson; Verle Fry. thirty or forty years, since the first misionaries were sent into the French- speaking territory. Their knowledge of the teachings of the Church, gleaned from the opinions and studies of many missionaries, would astonish no small number of the brethren in Zion who have been somewhat sluggish in their study of Church works. Picture yourself opening your heart and your home to missionaries from a foreign land, making their needs your needs and their hunger your hunger, then perhaps you will appreciate the con- ditions which make our foreign brethren so devoutly appreciative of the gospel and always anxious to learn more of its beauties. People of Switzerland are, as a rule, courteous and attentive, but rather skeptical as to the importance of our message. For ages they have worshiped God

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 587 according to the dictates of their pastors, within the heavy stone walls of massive old cathedrals, some of which date back to the period of Catho- lic supremacy. They were built by Catholics but seized and rebuilt by the Protestants immediately following the Renaissance. So thoroughly have they absorbed the spirit of the present Protestant regime that their most frequent response to the advances of the missionary is that they have their Bible and their Church; anything more is superfluous. This is another prophecy of the Book of Mormon being fulfilled. The widely-known Alps, the beautiful mountain lakes and such phenomena of nature as pine and bamboo trees growing side by side serve to enhance the joy derived from the mis- sionary work. At present, the mission force is largely composed of young men in the mission field, but blessed with the characteristics of faith, hu- mility and diligence, which spell success in any line of endeavor. I am sure that the labors of the men in the Swiss conference during the years to come will be blessed with a rich harvest of souls snatched from the darkness of ignorance. — Verle N. Fry. Big Sale of Books From thg elders of the North Carolina conference, Southern States mission, we receive word that they had a record of 439 Books of Mormon sold, for one month, besides many other books and tracts distributed. ¥& W* m *» **# 31 r 4 * * 4 h 1 m ■ 3 ' * 7it^ V - * * . v. J < 1 ** y V * The missionaries of this conference are as follows, 1st row, left to right: I. Owen Rogers, Miles B. Lund, Benjamin F. Merrill, Carl W. Slater, Stanley K. Lar- son. 2nd row: Asahel D. Woodruff, George K. Karren, Marcus R. Wilde, Reed D. Nielson, Guy A. Brown. 3rd row: T. Joseph Steed, Joseph E. Geertsen. former conference president; Charles A. Callis. mission president; Asa J. Merrill, conference president; Noah W. Arrington. 4th row: H. L. Sanders, local elder; J. Lamar Foremaster; Darrel G. Proctor; Clifford A- Coon; Walter C Barney, J. Orlando Jolley.

588 IMPROVEMENT ERA Four Baptized in Brussels, Belgium "On this, the last day of the year, 1924, we take great pleasure in sending greetings from Belgium to all Church workers. With joy we contemplate the progress made in this branch in the past few months. In this capital city of the Belgian kingdom, the work of spreading the truth has just been reopened, having been closed of necessity during the World War and subsequent disturbances. On No- vember 29 the first branch confer- ence for over ten years was held with 5 8 persons in attendance, 29 of whom were friends. We have baptized four recently and have several more preparing for the or- dinance. We enjoy the faith- promoting articles in the Era and Elders left to right: Alonzo P. Kesler and pray our Father's choicest bless- C. Vernon Coggle ings on our co-workers through- out the world." — Elder C. Vernon Coggle. One Hundred Fifty Baptized in Denver Geo. S. Daines, president of the Denver conference, Western States mis- sion: The work of the Lord is progressing in this conference. The lady missionaries for the past three months have been conducting three weekly neighborhood primaries, at which as high as thirty-five children, with an average of about twenty, were in attendance. The majority are children of investigators. Much good is being accomplished through this organization. The average number laboring, in this conference during the past year, were eight elders and seven lady missionaries, and we have been privileged to baptize 150 people. We have held 1,022 cottage meetings, have called at the homes of thousands of people, distributing, among other 'literature, 525 Books of Mormon, besides many other standard works. Our recent conference, held Dec. 12-15, was eminently successful and the Spirit of the Lord was manifest in rich abundance. The missionaries in their addresses displayed evidence of careful preparation, and many principles of the gospel were treated in an inspiring, convincing manner. The spirit of humility and dependence upon the Lord was the keynote of the success of all. The powerful testimonies borne by President John M. Knight and wife gave strength and were an inspiration to all. The most inspiring sermon was given Sunday morning to a crowded house, by President Knight, his theme being "The Divinity of Christ." The audience went away with no uncertain ideas regarding the life and mission of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The music during the first three sessions of the conference was furnished by the missionaries, under the direction of Elder Wm. A. Strong, with Sister Venola Ohlwiler presiding at the pipe organ. — Clare Middlemiss, Mission Stenographer. Assignments in the Denver conference: Elders Milton Bodell and Vestus A. Mahoney to Greeley, Colo.; Elders Raymond Holbrook and Joseph L. Orr to Fort Collins, Colo. ; Elders E. Reed Shields and L. Lloyd Carter, Denver, Colo.: Elders Joseph M. Jensen and Alma Winters to the Pueblo conference; Elders Ralph F. Giles and Myron R. Moyle, East Ne- braska conference; Elders Richard E. Gardner and Chas. M- Wentz, San Luis conferences.

s « c 2 in" o 5 "5 .is .8 j3 y g g ;-; EJ>e"j5 ^ -o > o o g 3 . "^ o « " " D MPS! U QS? .a .2 O _ to >— i B "> 2 ^ " J "3 £ 6 m j •; n, . c §•£ O 's * -• o W 5 ft!£ -S « >^ < S ■« ,2 ffl n H -- •a _o . o o | " . 81 B <« c>2 •a .- m "a .2 •£ « b> - ■a ^ .a c * ^ ?; « <u « § ^ .2 - & & rf b .2 C fc 5 u 3 E >- 3 £ < ^ ■ B * § 2 ^ y « t M g s -j g |S|.I.1S|8| S3 .3 *a 2 s j<! cQ w E _£ < u * -C "5-, cj - B T3 K J3 -° iu e "O p/ ft- >. M . .g j C < 3 c2 s5 I S X tf J o o (-U c <- "2 w >- W-. a 2 pi""- — ,BU J3 > G e - B O ^ h •• •- -^ ^ 42 B "° s s &!«!! * Dn o

590 IMPROVEMENT ERA Cologne on the Rhine, "The Cathedral City" Nearly under the shadows of the third largest cathedral in the world (Catholic) , the Latter-day Saints assemble to worship the Lord in that same spirit that is so marked in all the branches of the Germnn mission. And although this city is the stronghold of the Roman Catholic church in Germany, the work, of the Lord is pushing for- ward; there having been twenty-six baptisms performed in the pas year. We have also been privileged in securing a school-auditorium in Kalk. a suburb, where regular meet- ings are being held. There seems to be a growing tendency of the people not to be satisfied with thei "old beliefs" and many opportuni- ties for the gospel message to be re- ceived, is thus afforded. We ap- preciate the Era. and feel that it is a welding link between the home Elders left to right: Aaron C. Taylor. Salt Lake City: Bertie W. Winward, Whitney, Idaho; Rulon S. Howells, branch pres., Salt Lake City. and mission events and the missionaries. "The Cologne cathedral is the chief landmark of the whole Rhine district. The huge "Kaiserbel!" which was taken from its towers during the war to make ammunition, has just re- cently been replaced with elaborate ceremonies, in course cf which the bell was blessed and dedicated with oil, and kissed by the cardinal and a host cf pastors." From Leipzig, Germany In a cottage meeting recently held in this branch- attended by a number of so-called "Bible students," the questions of "spiritual gifts" arose. After having discussed this theme for some length of time, we found that these "students," who in the beginning of our discussion impressed upon out minds their firm belief in the Bible, finally denounced the necessity of "spiritual gifts." Although unable to convince them that these gifts should be found in the true Church, we firmly believe and know that they accom-

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 591 Elders left to right: E. M. Neubert, branch pres., Wellington; D. L. Anderson, S. S. supt., Pleasant Grove, Utah; V. L. Beckstrand, con. sec, Shelley, Idaho. party the Priesthood in this day. We have been personal witnesses of sev- eral cases wheie those, having faith in God, were marvelously raised from their sick-beds. Having seen these things, we are able to testify with a certainty, which oftimes cannot be understood by the people of the world, that these gifts should be and are in the true Church of God. We enjoy the spirit of the Lord continually in our meetings here. Conditions in this branch wanant satisfaction and great joy. We are very much indebted to the Era for its help to us in keeping up the good work in this part of the Lord's vineyard, and we look forward anxiously each month for its appearance. — Duwayne L. An- derson. Word from Belfast, Ireland George A. Baker, conference clerk, Belfast, Ireland, reports the work progressing favorably in northern Ireland. "The people here, however, are very prejudiced against our Church because of the scurrilous stories cir- culated against us. We are endeavoring to break down these walls of pre- judice, and thus far have met with much success in this attempt. Our meetings are well attended and the number of investigators for January were considerably increased. We appreciate the Era and eagerly look for- ward for each issue." Missionaries: Ernest C. Moore, Preston. Idaho, president fklfast branch; Robef Souter, Provo, superintendent Sunday schools of the conference; front row: Russell C. Copener, Riverside, Utah, president of the Ulster conference; an.l George A. Baker, Huntington Park, California, conference clerk.

5$2 IMPROVEMENT ERA Saints Active in Norwich, England James D. Moyle, writing from Lowestoft, England, Norwich confer- ence, reports new life given to the missionary work there by a recent visit of President James E. Talmage. The results both to the elders and the Saints were gratifying. He addressed two large audiences during the short visit, impressing many with the gospel message. "We are working v«.»r hard to secure better places of worship at this time to gain added prestige in this section. The Saints are active and are helping the few elders in this conference." Elders laboring in the Norwich conference: left to right, standing: Rulon L. Rus- son, Lehi; Harold L. White, Salt Lake City; Maurice R. Barnes, Kaysville, Utah; Clifford D. Gough. Raymond, Alberta, Canada. Sitting: Ben. E. Summers. Ririe, Idaho; James D. Moyle, conference president, Salt Lake City; James E Talmage, president of the European missions; Walter F. Whitehead, clerk, Provo: Selvoy J. Boyer, Springville, Utah. Mission Work in California The regular semi-annual missionary conference of the Long Beach conference, held at Huntington Beach, California, Jan. 16-18, was the last of a series of conferences recently conducted throughout the California mis- sion. President Joseph W. McMurrin, President Margaret K. Miller of the Relief Societies, President Elsie Hogan of the Y.L.M.I.A., and Primary organizations, and Supt. Joseph G. Jeppson of the Sunday School and Y. M.M.I. A. organizations, of the mission officers, were in attendance. Auxiliary meetings were conducted in the various branches of the mission and in twelve of them Supt. Jeppson and Sister Hogan gave the illustrated lecture on temples and temple work to approximately fifteen hundred people in all, many of whom were non-members of the Church. The meetings in general were unusually well attended and a united and harmonious spirit reigned supreme throughout. The Saints in the various districts are very loyal to their faith and are aiding the missionary work very materially

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS m by brtiging their neighbors and friends, most of whom are non-members, out to- church with them. ' There are at present nine conferences and thirty- nine branches in the California mission all of which are effectively organ- ized and functioning properly. Reports for 1924 show a decided increase over 1923 in practically every^ phase of missionary work, the results being equal. The Book of Mormon selling contest held during six months of 1924 not only increased enormously the sales of the good book but greatly increased the number of earnest investigators and accelerated the missionary cause in general. President J. Frank Robison, of the Arizona conference, who was the winner of the contest in six months, disposed of 229 Books of Mormon, his highest for any one month being 119. Sister Constance Pet- erson, of the Los Angeles conference, winner among the sisters, disposed of 95 in six months, her highest for one month being 28. In all there were 3,385 Books of Mormon disposed of in six months. Besides the powerful and inspirational discourses given by President Joseph W. McMurrin from time to time the Saints and missionaries of Los Angeles and near by points have been privileged to listen to our beloved President Heber J. Grant, Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve, and President Emeritus George H. Brimhall of the Brigham Young University, who have had occasion to visit us in the recent past. These visits are greatly appreciated for they are responsible for the renewing of many testimonies, as well as giving many testimonies to those who are investi- gating the truth, as a result of the diligent efforts of the missionaries. — Lavin C. Miles, Mission Reporter. Los Angeles Conference, back row, left to right: A. W. Bradshaw, Willis E. Dutspn, Noel A. Fuller, J. E. Crook, Louis S. Iverson, William R. Scott, Fresno con- ference; Elsie Hogan, president of Mission Y. L. M. I. A. and Primaries; George E. Harris, A. L. S. Oklebury, Milton W. West, Ferdinand Hansen, Arnold C. Brems, Leland Burnham, Fresno conference; L. A. Perry, Charles Higgs. Middle row: Joseph G. Jeppson, superintendent of Sunday schools and Y. M. M. I. A.; Anna B. Quist, Sarah Cornick, Frlank Brown, president of Los Angeles conference; Margaret K. Miller, president of Mission Relief So- cieties; Joseph W. McMurrin, mission president; Charlotte Stahr, vice-presi- dent of Mission Relief Societies; Laura I. Astle, mission corresponding secre- tary; Tira Butterfield; Thelma Taylor, Verene Adams. Front row: Reed S. Gardner, mission secretary; Louis E. Rowe, C. L. Memmott, Editor of the Calimis; Mark C. Black, Lorin C. Miles, Lelland R. Wright.

594 IMPROVEMENT ERA Sunday School Organized in Louisiana Rulon J. Carroll, writing from Louisiana conference, reports 88 bap- tisms performed during the year 1924, as compared with 52 for 1923. The people in that district are of a religious nature, but it is difficult to get them to investigate the gospel, since many consider the "Mormons" of bad repute, and are prejudiced, which prejudice, however, is being broken down more and more. One cause for this is the visits of the tourists who observe conditions and the lives of the people, and their reports are doing much to change the minds of the people here. Most of our missionary work is confined to the country, summer and winter. We are handicapped by not having the privilege of meeting in churches or schools to hold our meetings. We have many investigators and need more elders. A Sunday School was recently organized in New Orleans, which city has a popu- lation of about 380,000 people. This is the first Sunday School organized in that city by us and will be a great help to the missionary work. New Orleans L. D. S. Sunday school, left to right, back row: Newton Ficklin, local elder; Herbert Lochtee, Missouri; William Ficklin; G. C. Jacobs; D. T. Berrett; Mrs. S. S. Beaty, Missouri; K. N. Durrant; Bessie Powell, Missouri; Dr. L. J. Stookey; C. H. Davis. Front row: Major H. S. Bennion; Mrs. Birdie Lochtree, Missouri; Myrtle Raffey; Ernestine Chambers; Mrs. Marion Bennion; and Mrs. L. Stookey. Sympathy Make your sympathy count for more than mere words. Well do I remember when I was a girl. Mother was very sick with pneumonia. There was a tiny baby besides the work of keeping a big family. Many people came to see how Mother was and to sympathize, but left with just saying, "Now if there is anything we can do, just let us know." I was still left with the baby to care for, washing, ironing, and all the work, together with helping Father care for Mother. Then one day Mary H. came, and as she took off her coat and cap and donned an apron she said: "Now I am sorry for you folks and I want to help. Where shall I start in?" Well, she got supper and then next day did the washing and ironing, and cleaned up the house. I shall never forget how much I appreciated that kind of sympathy — LUCY G. BLOOMFIELD, Toadlena, New Mexico.

Editors ^Table Faith in God an Impetus to Righteous Living The first principles of the doctrine of Christ are faith in God, and his Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost; repentance; baptism by proper authority for the remission of sins; the laying on of hands by authorized servants of God, in which the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed to lead the convert into all truth; the resurrection, through which the spirit of man and his renewed and changed body shall be reunited after death; and the judgment, by means of which men shall receive reward or punishment from the Lord, the just Judge, for their deeds and conduct in life. Faith in these principles, ordinances and doctrines is funda- mental to righteous living. Our performance of the practical laws, re- quirements and commandments of the gospel, such as prayer, observ- ance of the word of wisdom, devotion and worship on the Sabbath day, the payment of tithing, and walking and dealing uprightly with our fellowmen and before God, the Father, is based primarily upon belief in the spiritual principles and doctrines, such as faith in God, in his Son Jesus Christ, the resurrection; and the life hereafter, and the eternal judgment. Without faith in these, there is no impetus to spur us on to such conduct in this life, as will enable us to merit, through works of righteousness and the mercy of the Lord, "peace in this world" and "eternal life," the greatest gift of God to man, "in the world to come." But having a strong faith and a deep love of God, and being in possession of his commandments given by his Son Jesus Christ in both ancient and modern revelation — the doing, the action, the work, the struggle, devolves upon us. Knowing what the commandments are, great emphasis must be placed upon doing them. In this way comes the struggle, because no requirement finds fruition without work. But we must have faith in and know God and love him. Then we shall have heart to do his will and keep his commandments. "The Lord is Risen Indeed" Easter, or the Paschal celebration, which this year falls on April 12, is commemorative of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The observance, however, seems to have de- generated into dress-parade by the adults, and to colored egg rolling,

596 IMPROVEMENT ERA and other amusements by the children; whereas, it was intended to remind mankind of the most marvelous miracle of all time, far- reaching in its beneficent effect upon the human race. Would it not, therefore, be . eminently fitting to place greater emphasis upon the religious significance of the Paschal observance in the home and in the Church? A serious word, at this time, on the resurrection is timely. The Latter-day Saints believe in the doctrine of a literal resurrection; an actual reunion of the essential parts of the tabernacles of the dead with their spirits. It is a Biblical doctrine, the sacred record being replete with testimony attesting the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His apostles and thousands of other witnesses were convinced by sight and personal contact of his resurrection from the dead. And all men shall be like him, in this respect. His apostles fearlessly testified that he arose from the dead. Peter on the day of Pentecost cried to the multitude: "This Jesus hath God raised up, wherefore we are all witnesses." It is mentioned by Paul as one of the common beliefs of the early Christian faith, and was by him declared to be the saving, basic principle upon which all Christianity rests. (I Cor. 15). To that wonderful testimony may be added this one from Moroni's address to unbelievers, found in the Book of Mormon (Mormon 9:13, 14) : The death of the Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which is a temporal death. And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon "them ; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still. And again we may add the testimony of Christ himself as given in modern revelation: And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory, with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off. But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud. — (D. 8 C. 45:44, 45.) An additional convincing witness of Christ's resurrection is the testimony of Joseph Smith who saw the Savior and the Father, the latter pointing to his Son, saying: "This is my beloved Son, hear him." The resurrection is real. Christ is risen. Let us on this day