Reading the Book of Mormon

READING THE BOOK OF MORMON [To encourage the reading of the Book of Mormon, the Improvement Era in November offered to the winning M Man a two-years' subscription to the Era for the best five-hundred-word statement and application on the "Waters of Sebus;" and for the second and third-best stories, each a one- year's subscription. LaVern Wilkinson, Third ward M Men class, North Weber stake, won first place; Perry D. Whittle, Fairview, Franklin stake, Idaho, won second place; and Hans Schotel, Rotterdam, Netherlands conference, third place. The writers will please let the editor know to what address to send the Era, and the magazine will be forwarded promptly. The response was not as gene.ral as we anticipated; therefore, we make another offer to the M Men throughout the Church, with a further view to encourage the reading of the Book of Mormon: For the best five-hundred-word story and application, connected with the "Waters of Mormon," (p. 168-8. 183-18, 205-3) written by an M Man, a two-years' subscription to the Era will be given; and for the second and third-best stories, a one-year's subscription, each. The writings must be sent to the editors by the first day of March, 1927. Each paper must give the name and address of the writer, and the ward M Man class of which he is a member. You are invited to write, and we should have a thousand papers by March 1, 1927. — Editors.] WATERS OF SEBUS By LaVern Wilkinson, Third Ward M Men Class, .North Weber Ammon, one of the sons of Mosiah who rejected the right to the kingly office to become preachers of righteousness, was journeying at one time as a missionary among his brethren, the Lamanites, in the land of Nephi. The Lamanites were "wild and a hardened and a ferocious people." They murdered the Nephites to rob and plunder, deeming it right to gain riches in this way rather than by righteous labor. Soon after entering the land of Ishmael, Ammon was taken bound before Lamoni, king of the Lamanites. The king was to decide whether Ammon should live or die. Ammon gained favor with the king and was allowed to live and become his servant. He was sent to guard the flocks of the king, as they grazed near, and were watered at, the "Waters of Sebus." On the third day of his service, certain of the Lamanites scattered his flocks, insomuch that the shepherds were hard pressed to gather them. The gathering was accomplished under the leadership of Am- mon, and they returned again to Sebus. As they approached, Ammon went forth to meet the enemy. With God-given power, singlehanded, he defeated them. Having smitten off the arms of many and slain a few with his slingshot, he caused the remainder to flee. A report was carried to the king, who was pleased with the great service Ammon had

READING THE BOOK OF MORMON 347 rendered in the protection of his flocks. He recognized the power of Ammon and gave him permission to preach throughout the land. This instance of God blessing man with miraculous power is the result of man's obedience to God. In this chapter we are told of three laws that Ammon obeyed to gain such great favor with God: First: In the second verse of the seventeenth chapter of Alma we read of Mosiah's sons: "For they were men of sound understanding, and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God." Thus we see that man must first prepare by diligent study for the work of the Lord. Second: We are told in the third verse, "They had given them- selves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore, they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they- taught with the power and authority of God." Also, because of prayer, Ammon was given power to overthrow his enemies. Thus to knowl- edge gained, we add the power of God, by prayer and fasting. Third: We find Ammon and his brethren had the desire of service. This is shown in the fourth verse, which relates that they had been teaching the word of God to the Lamanites for the space of four- teen years, causing many to turn from their si-ns, and come to a knowl- edge of the truth. Ammon possessed the knowledge of God, gained by preparation; the Spirit and power of God, through prayer and fasting; and the desire to use these in the service of God and his fellowmen. He was thus enabled to gain favor with the king and to open his entire domain to the teaching of the word of God for the salvation of souls. By preparation, by prayer, by fasting, and through a desire to serve, we may, like Ammon and his brothers, be a power for good among our fellowmen. Ogden, Utah That Boy of Ours If we could have our wish, could know, and feel, That boy of ours is clean, and pure, and strong; If we could be assured that he is safe, Then in our hearts there'd always be a song. If we could know that he is brave, and true, Fighting with the side of truth and right, If we could feel that he is JUST A MAN, Then would our hearts be thrilled, with true delight, If we could know that he is going straight, That as a boy, and man, he'll win the game Of life, that each of us must play. Our hearts would then rejoice to hear his name. Moab, Utah F. M. SHAFER