Editor’s Table

Editors ^Table Do You Know for Yourself? Any young man or woman connected with the Latter-day Saints will- necessarily desire to know the reason for such association. The professions of the Latter-day Saints are very distinct, their doctrines are far-reaching. Are they based upon the truth? Are they worthy the best effort of young men or young women? Do they make for hap- piness here and hereafter? Do they conform to the best teachings of the greatest and most useful characters who ever lived? Do they agree with the teachings and doctrines of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? All these questions will naturally arise in the minds of young people who are starting out in life and who want to know for them- selves. No person can stand upon a firm foundation in the Church who does not understand and comprehend all these questions for him- self, and can answer them and give his reasons. Naturally, therefore, every young man and woman will desire to know for themselves concerning these things. The doctrines of "Mormonism" should enter into and become a part of their lives; hence, should be looked into with the utmost and closest scrutiny. This can be done only by the individual obtaining a knowledge that will lead him to a testimony of the truth of the teachings set forth. Reading the standard Church works is one way that will supply this knowledge, and enable you to answer to your own satisfaction. We call attention to the sermon delivered at the M. I. A. con- ference by Elder John A. Widtsoe, of the Council of the Twelve, found in this issue of the Improvement Era, in which is given the method by which we may obtain a testimony of the divinity of the calling and mission of Joseph Smith, the Prophet. The doctrines of the Prophet do and should agree with the teachings, ethics and stand- ards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed to the world by the Master, in the meridian of time, because "Mormonism," so-called, was and is revealed by the Master to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and to his successors. This testimony is absolutely necessary, if one desires to base his life's faith and actions upon the doctrines and teachings of this Church. Hence, for their own good, we urge every young man and woman to read, during this year, when our slogan is, "We stand for a testimony of the divine mission of Joseph Smith," every book and every argument that will tend to create this faith and to give this light. Especially we urge that the Book of Mormon, brought forth by the Prophet Joseph Smith and translated by the gift and power of God, shall be read by these young people. How can they judge without a knowledge? How shall they obtain a knowledge without the read- ing? Faith, prayer, work, will bring results. — A.

992 IMPROVEMENT ERA A Chance for Poetic Flight We call attention to the article, "A Picture With a Story," in this number. We ask our readers, and especially the poetically inclined, for a metrical rendition of the story of the picture, the poems to be submitted to the editor of the Improvement Era. The author of the best poem will win the first prize; and the three next in merit, the second, third and fourth prizes. To the winner of the first prize, the author of "The Picture With a Story" will send a beautiful enlargement of the picture, size 8x10 inches, hand colored in oil, with frame, worth at least $7.50 in any art store. The next three in merit will be awarded a contact print, 4x5 inches, framed in wood, worth about $1 each, and possibly a trifle more. It is hoped that the highest idealistic conception of each contestant will be drawn out by the picture, and the little contest should result in some fine poetical contributions for the Era. Send no poems to the author, but send them directly to the Improvement Era. All poems in the contest should be in the hands of the editors no later than the 15th of September, 1926. The poems chosen as the best four will be printed with the picture in the Improvement Era, in the order of their merit, according to the judges, as soon thereafter as possible. We hope to receive many contributions in this contest. It is a good chance for poetic flight and for beautiful and original thought. You need not necessarily follow anyone's suggestion. Stay with the theme, and confine the length of the poem to five or six stanzas. The purpose in this offer is to bring "out the very best poetical rendering of whatever story any reader may see in the picture; the highest idealistic conception of each contestant should be drawn out, and should result in a word beauty that will arouse emotions and senti- ments in keeping with the beauty of the scene and the theme. Another object is to acquaint the readers of the Improvement Era with the scenic wonders of our state, and with the marvelous faith, work and sacrifice of the early settlers of Southern Utah. When Salt Lake City was still a little village in the western desert, these people were called to journey alone three hundred miles south, over unbroken roads, to form settlements and to wring from the soil their sustenance. Deserts, Indians, mountain defiles, surrounded them. They were with- out doctors. There were no sources of help except their own efforts and their faith in God. — A. One-Act Play Contest The Improvement Era has received eighteen short plays in response to the request for the best one-act play, advertised some time ago. One comes from Canada, four from Idaho, and the remainder from Utah. The plays are in the hands of a competent committee and will be passed on. and the award to the winner made, as soon as possible.