Editors’ Table

Editors QTahle "Mormon" View of Evolution A statement by the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." In these plain and pointed words the inspired author of the book of Genesis made known to the world the truth concerning the origin of the human family. Moses, the prophet-historian, who was "learned" we are told, "in all the wisdom of the Egyptians," when making this important announcement, was not voicing a mere opinion. He was speaking as the mouthpiece of God, and his solemn declaration was for all time and for all people. No subsequent revelator of the truth has contradicted the great leader and law-giver of Israel. All who have since spoken by divine authority upon this theme have confirmed his simple and sublime proclamation. Nor could it be otherwise. Truth has but one source, and all revelations from heaven are harmonious one with the other. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is "the express image" of his Father's person (Hebrews 1:3). He walked the earth as a human being, as a perfect man, and said, in answer to a question put to him: "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). This alone ought to solve the problem to the satisfaction of every thought- ful, reverent mind. It was in this form that the Father and the Son, as two distinct personages, appeared to Joseph Smith, when, as a boy of fourteen years, he received his first vision. The Father of Jesus Christ is our Father also. Jesus himself taught this truth, when he instructed his disciples how to pray: "Our Father which art in heaven," etc. Jesus, however, is the first born among all the sons of God — the first begotten in the spirit, and the only begotten in the flesh. He is our elder brother, and we, like him, are in the image of God. All men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother, and are literally sons and daughters of Deity. Adam, our great progenitor, "the first man," was, like Christ, a pre-existent spirit, and, like Christ, he took upon him an appropriate body, the body of a man, and so became a "living soul." The doc- trine of pre-existence pours wonderful flood of light upon the other- wise mysterious problem of man's origin. It shows that man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to ma- turity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal body to undergo an experience in mortality. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, basing its belief

EDITORS' TABLE 109! on divine revelation, ancient and modern, proclaims man to be the direct and lineal offspring of Deity. By his Almighty power God organized the earth, and all that it contains, from spirit and element, which exist co-eternally with himself. Man is the child of God, formed in the divine image and en- dowed with divine attributes, and even as the infant son of an earthly father and mother is capable in due time of becoming a man, so the undeveloped offspring of celestial parentage is capable, by experience through ages and aeons, of evolving into a God. Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley, First Presidency. Teaching Bible Stories Recently a number of communications have come to the Era set- ting forth in splendid language and in very clear thought the literary advantage of teaching Bible stories; also, that Bible stories are mainly literary tales" written for the simule Israelites to glorify God, and that they should therefore not be taken too seriously. In other words the idea is expressed that they are not historical, not actual, but that they are fiction. In our opinion, if God is left out in teaching Bible stories, and literary excellence, rather than historical truth, made the only reason for their study in school or otherwise, we may as well study Shake- speare. We think the teaching of Bible stories in this way would be unfortunate. We dislike to call the Bible stories "tales," which means legends or fiction, in other words. The whole trend of such teaching is to impress the reader that the stories of the Bible are literary fictions, "made up" to boost the God of Israel and the Israelitish re- ligion—they are not real. Taught this way they become a joke, and God a myth. We mean by Bible stories such stories as the creation, the flood, the wooing of Rebecca, Joseph and his brethren, Moses, the Ten Plagues, the passage of the Red Sea, the Ten Commandments received on Mount Sinai, the golden calf, Samson, David and Goliath, Jonathan and Bathsheba, Daniel, and many others. The Bible must be studied for more than its literature, however excellent that is. That more is the vital and essential purpose, the un- derlying fact of all facts — to gain a knowledge of the Fatherhood of God and a testimony of his existence, and interest in mankind as his children and offspring. This lesson must be impressed above all others, for it is the paramount truth which rises above the Bible's wonderful poetry, its concise, direct, clear and beautiful orations, essays and songs, and reaches to the spiritual heights to which the Latter-day Saint youth and all American citizenship must rise if we shall continue a Christian nation. — A.

1092 IMPROVEMENT ERA William Jennings Bryan When William Jennings Bryan, the great Commoner, died July 26, 1925, at Dayton, Tennessee, the nation lost a remarkable char- acter, and Christianity, an earnest defender. He died without any previous indication of the approach of the end. He had partaken of a hearty meal, then retired to take a rest. That was his last. He went to sleep to awake no more in this life. Seated on the porch, Mrs. Bryan thought her husband was sleeping longer than usual. At 4 p. m. Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Bryan's nurse, passed through the bedroom noting an unusual pallor on Mr. Bryan's face. She bent over him. The spirit had gone, death had come, apparently without pain or struggle. Mr. Bryan, orator, editor, and public official, was born in Salem, Illinois, in 1860. He was a member of Congress 1891-5, and sub- sequently, in his long and well known political career, was a candidate several times for the Presidency, and acted as Secretary' of State for a time under President Woodrow Wilson. He was a staunch Democrat for many years. He visited Utah several times and each time took much interest in the religion of the Latter-day Saints. At one time, particularly, he visited a conference in the Tabernacle and became very much interested in the speeches that were there delivered on the Latter-day Saints' idea and belief in God. He came often also on political missions, in the heyday of his life many years ago, and later. Recently he came into prominence in defense of the Bible in the case of the Copes trial in Tennessee which involved the question of the constitutionality of the Tennessee anti-evolution law, making it a misdemeanor for a school teacher to teach the children of Tennessee that a man is descended from a lower order of animals. He has often defended the Bible. Speaking in 1923 before the legislature of West Virginia, which was then considering a bill to prohibit the teaching the so-called Darwin theory in the schools of that state, Mr. Bryan said: "School teachers paid by taxation should not be permitted to teach under the guise of science or philosophy anything that undermines faith in God. impairs belief in the Bible or discredits the Son of God as the Savior of the world. Evolutionists rob the Savior of the glory of the virgin birth, the majesty of his deity and the triumph of his resurrection. They weaken faith in the Bible by discarding the miracles and the supernatural, and by eliminating from the Bible all that conflicts with their theories. They render the Book a scrap of paper." Later, in an address in New York, Mr. Bryan declared that in the schools evolution, as taught, was undermining Christianity. He said: "I don't object to scientific truth, for no truth disturbs religion. What we object to is for any scientist to put forth his guess, and demand that we substitute it for the word of God. Evolution is an enemy of the Bible and furnishes a respectable excuse for men to deny the Bible." He came to Dayton to defend the Bible against attacks by atheistic evolutionists, and on the witness stand he declared his faith with child- like strength and purity. In his last testimony to the world, in reply to the opposing attorney, Mr. Darrow, he said:

EDITORS' TABLE 1093 "I have from the Bible all the information I need to live by and die by." "Have you ever pondered on what would have happened if the earth stood still?" asked Mr. Darrow. "No, the God I believe in could have taken care of that, Mr. Darrow." When Mr. Darrow asked specific questions as to the Bible miracles, Bryan replied: "The Bible states it; it must be so." This may be considered the last testimony of Mr. Bryan to the world. He prepared an argument, however, in the defense of the Tennessee evolution law, but did not deliver it owing to the early termination of the case. On the 28th of July Mrs. Bryan gave out this address for publication, and it was telegraphed throughout the country and printed in many of the papers. It is a long, remarkable address and entitles William Jennings Bryan to be called, "Defender of the Bible." This address, we expect later, to print in the Improvement Era, believing our readers will be deeply interested in its contents. — A. John J. McClellan In the passing of John J. McClellan, the community sustains a distinct loss, and the musical world, an original and distinctive leader. Utah born, he had come to be an institution in the realm of music in the western communities, and for that matter, well known interna- tionally and in all the country, from the fact that he had presided at the keys of the great organ in the Salt Lake Tabernacle for the past twenty-five years, and had played before presidents, governors and senators of the United States, the King of Belgium, and representatives and rulers from practically every country in the world, touching them with his power as a musician. Only recently Joe Mitchell Chappie, in the Toledo Blade, paid tribute to our well known artist, and declared that "acute intelligence, sympathy and imagination, in matters musical, are the characteristics of John J. McClellan, master organist, conductor, composer and teacher." Mr. Chappie named one recital, not unusual as we all know, in which people were present from twelve different states, and also declared that more than 300 selections were at the finger tips of the great organist who was always ready to provide a program to meet the moods of the people, and appropriate to the season. Furthermore, he says: "With more than three times the number of compositions that many great musicians have in their repertoirs, Organist McClellan lives in the atmosphere of his tabernacle music. * * * What Kreisler is to the violin, what Rachmaninoff is to the piano, McClellan is to the organ. He has won his title, 'Wizard of the Keys', and the thousands who are traveling westward find in this awe-inspiring tabernacle the musical magic of the organ." Then he goes on to say: "When I saw him sitting at the keyboard absorbed in his music, I felt that the music was more than the mere instrument. There is something ethereal in the music of this organ, with John J. McClellan, the artist, at the keys. Now it whispers and roars in

1094 IMPROVEMENT ERA quick succession. As I listened, the volume cf an entire orchestra, playing its various instruments, poured forth in harmonious chords, resounding through the auditorium with unearthly sweetness. It re- minded me of my day with Sir Arthur Sullivan at Saint Mary's near Walton, England, when in the dun organ loft he played the Lost Chord." Mr. McClellan had been Professor of Music in the University of Utah, and until 1918 was dean of the Utah Conservatory. He was always an advocate of good music, being completely absorbed in it. He led out in original lines, and improvised pioneer heart-songs and old melodies in a most pleasing way to the delighted congregations gathered from all parts of the world to enjoy his art. The organ was certainly a living thing to John J. McClellan. But now his unequalled touch, by which the keys spoke or sang, is stilled. We shall hear his art no more. Over a year ago, the great musician was stricken with illness, but he had begun his work again, and thought he had recovered. Not long before his passing he reiterated his great life desire that during the re- mainder of his days he would be devoted to the gospel of better music. He was a graduate of the University School of Music in Ann Arbor and also studied music in Berlin with Scharwenka and Jedliczka. He was appointed organist of the Salt Lake Tabernacle in 1900 on his return home. The people of the Church and of the State and of the Nation will greatly miss him, and we can all say to our friend, in his own words in the last letter received from him by the Era, in June, 1925, that we bid farewell, "with best wishes and much affectionate regard." Exalted and more perfect music, "the food of love," such as his soul desired on earth, will doubtless await him in the great beyond, where we believe he will play on. — A. The Music Master is Gone (A tribute to J. J McClellan, organist, Salt Lake Tabernacle for 2 5 years, born Payson. Utah, April 20, 18 74; died Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, August 2, 1925.) The famous old organ is silent today, And mute are its mellow-voiced keys, Asleep 'neath the fragrant, love-laden bouquet, Fair blossoms of peace and heart's ease! The famous old organ is silent an hour — In stillness of spirit it grieves — - And lo! faith's immortal celestialized power. A solace of glory enweaves! The famous old organ is silent today — Its soul-gifted master is gone — But veiled from our view in the realms of bright da) Our love-cherished brother lives on! Salem, Utah. MINNIE IVERSON HODAPP.

The Melchizedek Priesthood Study Subject: Doctrines of the Church. Text: A Study of the Articles of Faith Lesson 35: Christ's Reign on Earth, Continued. Text: Chapter 20, pages 363-371. Lesson 36: Renewal of the Earth. Text: Chapter 21, pages 375- 381. Lesson 37: Resurrection of the Body. Text: Chapter 21, pages 381-387. This lesson deals with resurrections past. Lesson 38: Future Resurrections. Text: Chapter 21, pages 387- 392. Lesson 39: Religious Liberty and Toleration. Text: Chapter 22, pages 395-404. Lesson 40: Man's Accountability. Text: Chapter 22, pages 404- 411. Lesson 41: Submission to Secular Authority. Text: Chapter 23, pages 413-422. Lesson 42: Submission to Secular Authority. (Continued.) Text: Chapter 23, pages 422-427. Give particular attention to the last topic, pages 425-427. Lesson 43: Practical Religion. Text: Chapter 24. pages 429-435. Lesson 44: Tithing. Text: Chapter 24, pages 435-437. Read "The Lord's Tenth" in Appendix 24, page 526. Lesson 45: tewardship in the Church. Text: Chapter 24, pages Lesson 46: Marriage. Text: Chapter 24. pages 442-447. 439-441. Lesson 47: Sanctity of the Body. Text: Chapter 24, pages 447- 449. Let the "Word of Wisdom" here receive careful and analytical study. Lesson 48: The Sabbath Day. Text: Chapter 24, pages 449-45 2. Book of Mormon Diversions Test Your Knowledge of the Book of Mormon 1. Who, in building a ship, provided for the carrying of "fish of the waters"? 2. What is a deseret? 3. Where is it recorded that men "fought like dragons"? 4. What king built seats in a temple, which were set apart for the high priests, which were fronted with a breast-work built in such a manner as to allow the priests to rest their bodies and arms while speaking to the people? 5. What people boasted that fifty of their men could stand against thousands of the Lamanites? 6. What righteous man saw the finger of the Lord? Answers: 1. Ether 2:2. 2. Ether 2:3. 3. Alma 43:44. 4. Mosiah 11:11. 5. Mosiah 11:19, 6. Ether 3:6.

One-day Convention Program The following dates have been set: September 13 — Cache*, Logan. September 13 — Box Elder. September 13 — Tooele. September 20 — North Davis*, South Davis. September 20 — Ogden*, Mt. Ogden, North Weber, Weber. September 2 7 — Utah*, Kolob, Alpine, Palmyra, Nebo. October 1 1 — Salt Lake*. Ensign. Liberty, Pioneer, Grant, Granite, Cottonwood, Jordan, Oquin!:. Where stakes are grouped together, the stakes starred will take the ini- tiative in determining places of meeting. In these 24 stakes it has been decided, for 19 25, with two exceptions, to group the stakes as above indicated for union gatherings of M. I. A. workers, through which, for this year at least, instructions and inspiration and enthusiasm may be obtained. The officers of the group stakes should immediately meet and arrange the details of the program, copies of which have been sent to each stake, and which program differs very slightly from the program for the stakes in which two-day conventions are held. In the evening meeting the selections to be sung should be sung by the combined choruses of the stakes. In the afternoon program, which takes the place of the evening session in the two-day programs, three- minute talks are provided by the stake representatives, one from each of four stakes, on the theme, The Inspiration I Received from the Jubilee, including the divisions, the general conference sessions, the contests, the pageant and the parade. Each speaker should choose one of these topics and consult with other speakers to avoid unnecessary duplication. One of the Few Recently I visited the Alpine Camp of the Boy Scouts of the Timpanogos District Council, in company with Charles N. Miller, regional director of the Twelfth Region. Boy Scouts of America; Scout Executive A. A. Anderson, and Commissioner Carl F. Eyring, both of the Timpanogos District Council. While at the camp Mr. Miller was informed that Howard Kelley, a youth who had received the gold medal for life saving from national headquarters, was in the group. Mr. Miller asked young Kelley to step forward, declaring that it was a rare thing to meet a scout who had received such distinction. As the two shook hands I drew my camera on them thinking that a picture of the two in the act of shaking hands might be of interest to readers of the Era. and especially to the boy scouts of the inter- mountain district. Only about fifty such medals have been given out in the entire United States, Mr. Miller declared. Most of these, he stated, had gone to the parents of the heroes rather than to the heroes themselves on account of the fact that in many cases the scouts had given their lives in the attempt to save life. "I want to shake hands with a boy who was fully prepared when the crisis came." Mr. Miller said. "It is fine to meet a scout who has risked his life to save another, especially when he has been able to accomplish the great deed. In so many cases our young heroes have given up their lives