Editors’ Table

EDITORS' TABLE I 0 5 I ing one's faith through hearsay is unsafe. Reading the scriptures for oneself will bring new understanding, new thought, a clearer vision. The reading of the Book, of Mormon is accompanied by peace, calmness and the spirit of consolation, which can come only from the reading of a book divine. In the Book of Mormon, the story of Christ and his gospel plan are plainly presented. It is a book divine in very deed. Every illustration in it shows that iniquity brings punishment, and real righteousness in daily practice brings the blessings of the Lord. The Book of Mormon is a confirmation of the truths of the Bible, which latter record alludes to its coming out of the earth. It is a new witness for Christ and a confirming evidence of< the reality of our Lord's spiritual and bodily resurrection, — a strong testimony of the resurrection and mission of Christ. It is full, like- wise, of truths dealing originally and intellectually with profound subjects; such as, the Fall of Adam, the Purpose of Man's Existence, Pre-existence and Immortality of Man, Man's Free Agency, the Atonement, the Need of Opposites, and the Opposition of Good and Evil. The Book of Mormon is not only a spiritual guide, but contains fundamental doctrine, ethics, and rules of practice that should be lived by the Latter-day Saints and adopted in their lives. Every Latter-day Saint should be as familiar with it as with his daily walk and conversation, because its rules of life are what he should follow. Its spirit and influence are referred to in a message by the General Superintendency and also clearly set forth in an article in this number of the Era, by President Wm. A. Hyde, which we commend to our young people for study. President George Q. Cannon said: "Let me recommend this book to young and old, if they need comfort and encouragement. No man can read it, partake of its spirit and obey its teachings, without being filled with a deep love for the souls of men." Parley P. Pratt 'said, in a sermon, "The joy which filled my bosom in reading that sacred record I can never express to any being. To have such joy understood, it must be experienced." On the spirit of the book, Elder B .H. Roberts says, "Men have gone to the Book of Mormon in despondency, and have come away cheered; they have gone to it in sorrow, and have come away comforted; they have gone to it at times when overwhelmed, for the moment, by the mists which the speculations of men sometimes throw over truth, and have come away from it enlightened, with faith, and hope, and charity renewed. It created for them a firmer faith in God. In the presence of its Spirit, doubt took wings. Its moral and spiritual standards they find to be the highest and noblest." What more can we say than to encourage young and old to read this sacred record, which has so largely added to the spiritual life of our day? Do it, as Moroni says, "with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, in order that he may manifest the truth of it to you by the power of the Holy Ghost." We commend every article in this number of the Improvement Era to the attention of our readers, as giving encouragement to them to peruse the Book of Mormon and to make it a study. Ask yourself, What About It?— A.