Personal Chastity: A Latter-day Saint Ideal
Improvement Era, vol. 33, no. 12, October 1930, pp. 821 to 825
Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations
The Improvement Era for October , 1930 821 Personal Chastity — A Latter-day Saint Ideal WHEN Jacob blessed his sons, he said of Reuben, "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel." And he said of another son, "Joseph is a fruitful bough whose branches have run over the wall; * * * his bow shall abide in strength." What was behind the difference in these blessings? Sim ply a difference in personal chastity, a standard measure of moral strength. The Grecian mother preferred her son dead upon his shield than alive without it: the Latter-day Saint moth- er thinks of her son as better dead than denied. Personal chastity is self loyalty; its opposite is self betrayal. Personal chastity is the distinguishing feature between a life in the upper or in the under world; personal chastity is a cit- adel which chivalry nev/er fails to defend; it is a sanctuary where love is protected by honor. Personal chastity is a pre-requisite to the enjoyment of the presence of God; among the beatitudes not one is of greater import than "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Divine commandments are of little or no value until they are adopted by the self and the greatest of the self- commandments is: "Be Ye Clean." -"lC-^SIS^Of— Attention, Stake Superintendents and Presidents COMMUNICATIONS from the ^ General Board to stakes, whether concerning matters of administration or department work are, generally speak- ing, addressed to Stake Superintendents or Stake Presidents. When such cor- respondence relates to the various de- partments, the Superintendents and Presidents are asked first to advise themselves of its content, and then to pass it on immediately to the de- partment or departments designated. Lack of promptness in this may cause serious delay in the progress of our work. The Life of Joseph Smith "C ACH year, one of the Standard ■-- works of the Church or some other volume of a religious nature, finds a place on the M. I. A. Reading Course. Last year it was the Doctrine and Covenants; before that, the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Moron, the Bible. This year it is the Life of Joseph Smith, by George Q. Cannon. Lovingly and tenderly this volume is written; in its perusal the reader feels the courage, the pathos, the spiritual exaltation in the life of the great Prophet. All M. I. A. officers and many other members of the association will wish to read this stirring faith-promot- ing biography. -"loc'ejis^si"- Activity Leaders THE new plan which provides for an activity leader in each depart- ment of the M. I. A., which leaders associated form the Community Ac- tivity Committee, under the chair- manship of a counselor from each organization, is now in operation practically Church-wide. It should be borne in mind that these activity leaders work in a dual capacity: (1) as the representative and advisor for the department to which they are assigned and in which they assist in every way possible to promote and stimulate the activities of the class (even though !in the M Men and Gleaner departments the class Presidents may have in hand the responsibility of carrying forward the program) ; and (2) as a community officer interested in furthering a spe- cific activity, such as drama, dancing, music, retold story, and public speak- ing among members of all ages. On the Tuesday evening half-hour program, the activity leaders will be called into intensive service, their di- rect association with a particular class group interrupted for the time, per- haps. Service will be rendered in the activity in which a leader is most proficient, regardless of class associ- ation. For example, during this last half hour the Junior leader may be giving instruction in dancing while (Continued on page 82^) Kewanee: Kewanee Steel Firebox Boilers are Universally Adopted for L. D. S. Chapels and all Other Representative Buildings Kewanee. Boiler Coloration HAWLEY-RICHARDSON- WILLIAMS CO. District Representatives 204 Dooly Bldg. Salt Lake City The Utah High School of Beauty Culture 331 Clift Bldg., Salt Lake Learn a profession that would make you independent for the rest of your life. Write for catalog. Mail this Coupon. Name — — Address ~ City We can provide room and board to students out of town. >*»,. t TEMPLE BRAND GARMENTS Of superior quality and workmanship manufactured for the SALT LAKE KNITTING STORE And sold at prices defying competition. When ordering from us remember We Pay Postage No. 703 719 792 751 711 710 714 715 FOR LADIES Flat Weave $ .95 Ribbed Light Weight 1.25 Fine Quality Cotton 1.50 Fine Silk Lisle 1.95 Silk Stripe Med. 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822 The Improvement Era for October, 1930 t^WMNKk1 and assure successful growth next Spring j i Fall is the only time to plant Tulips, Narcissus, Hyacinths, Crocus, Peonies, Iris, Lilies, etc. And don't delay planting Lawns, Shrubs, Trees, Roses, etc., until Spring. — Do it this Fall. Get Our Free Fall Catalogue i PORTER-WALTON CO. 42 W. 1st So. — Salt Lake City L The Concrete i Street Is Safe Concrete streets are safest — wet or dry. They are rigid and enduring un- der the heaviest traffic. Economical to build and requiring little mainten- ance, the concrete pavement gives un- interrupted service. When you pave, pave with Portland Cement concrete. Its attractive ap- pearance and other exclusive advan- tages make it appropriate for business and residential districts alike. PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOCIATION 506 McCornick Building, Salt Lake City PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE FOR PERMANENCE I COMMITTEE Dr. Arthur L. Beeley, and Lucy W. Smith, Chairmen; Dr. Joseph F. Merrill, Dr. Franklin S. Harris, Lewis T. Cannon, Dr. Lyman L. Daines, Ann M. Cannon, Rose W. Bennett, Emily H. Higgs, Charlotte Stewart The Manual THE adult committc of the General Board believes that an exceptionally good manual is presented in Com- munity Health and Hygiene. Of course it deals with a technical subject, but fortunately it is written in every-day language so that any reader can under- stand it. Further, the class leader does not need to be an expert in the sub- ject matter of the manual. Anyone who knows how to conduct a class by the discussion method — the method strongly recommended in the use of this manual — will find that he (she) can succeed as class leader in the Adult Department. Lecturers will not be needed. Occasionally an expert (if one is available) may be asked to lecture. The Project IN the preface of the book will be found a clear statement on how to use the manual. This preface should be carefully studied by the class lead- ers and its directions followed. At- tention is therein called to Chapter 25. This outlines six health projects and gives directions on how to carry them forward. It is assumed that one of these projects, or some other equal- ly good one, shall be selected and be carried forward as indicated. It is left to each community to make its own selection. It will be seen that, in general, each project is community wide and therefore, to be successfully carried out, all the adult classes in a given community should unite on the same project. There may be two or more projects going forward in the same stake if conditions in the differ- ent towns of the stake are different. Each town should select a health pro- ject adapted to its nee,ds. The manual has been written by two professors at the University of Utah — Drs. L. L. Daines and A. L. Beeley — each being an outstanding ex- pert in the field in which he has writ- ten. The information given by these writers is up-to-date and is wholly re- liable. Theories have been avoided and only well-tested facts presented. For the price — only fifty cents — the committee believes the manual gives more for the money than any other book in its field. The information it contains is worth to any home many times its price. Many lives will an- nually be saved, needless suffering and much expense be avoided if the plea made in the manual is heeded — a plea to apply in daily living the informa- tion given. Every home should have a copy of the manual. Certainly every member of the Adult Department will want one, for by its use will he find atten- dance at adult classes very interesting and profitable. Contrary to a wide- spread belief, the material in the man- ual does not duplicate the lessons that have been, or are being given in the Relief Society. Genealogy TN those wards where classes in gene- ■*• alogy are organized it is recom- mended that the plan of last year be followed, i. e. the genealogy and adult M. I. A. classes to meet jointly the first Tuesday in each month to carry forward the adult project, and separ- ately the other Tuesday evenings. In wards too small to support both class- es meeting simultaneously these classes meet jointly every Tuesday evening, the first Tuesday of the month being devoted to the project and the Tues- days alternately to the manual and to genealogy. In such wards this plan seems to be the best solution. Class Period TN a joint meeting September 3, *• 1930, of the General Boards of M. I. A. a motion was passed recom- mending that all ward Mutuals give forty-five minutes to class discussion in the departments. It is hoped that adult leaders will jealously guard this time for class discussion. In those wards where the Priesthood classes meet on Tuesday evening this means extending the closing time beyond 9 p. m. The Book HTHE book recommended for this *• Department is "Grandmother Brown's One Hundred Years," priced at $3.00. Every adult member may read this book with profit and delight. If each member will contribute a few cents to its purchase by the Depart- ment, the book may be loaned week by week to the members and all will have the privilege of reading it. It: is recommended that this plan be fol- lowed. (See page 828.)
The Improvement Era for October, 1930 823 Gleaner Girls Department COMMITTEE Emily C. Adams Grace C. Neslen, Chairman, Rachel G. Taylor, Martha G. Smith, Margaret Newman, Sunday Evening Joint Program THE rare privilege has been accorded the M Men and Gleaners of furn- ishing two programs for the Sunday evening Conjoint M. I. A. meetings, during the coming year. The first one is to be the first Sun- day in November, and those who are to participate in this program should begin their preparation immediately so that a program of a high standard may be presented in every ward in the Church. This affords the young men and women an opportunity to appear pub- licly before the whole ward and should be a splendid means of development for them as well, as a chance to furnish an uplifting and interesting program for their hearers. In selecting the musical numbers, be sure that those suitable to the Sab- bath day are chosen. • See Executive Department for de- tailed suggestions. The Project While there are but two evenings of the Gleaner program devoted to their project it constitutes the "home work" for the entire year. Dr. Bennion, in his manual on Gleaning says, "Gleaning is a process of Harvesting — a Gathering In." To "gather in" and make a permanent record of life experiences, as they have been influenced by the Gospel teach- ings, is the binding of the Gleaner sheaf, as well as the 1930 project. A constant check of progress should be made from week to week. Individual conferences of the leaders with the girls will be absolutely necessary for this work to be carried over success- fully. If the leaders and officers of the Gleaner organization have caught the vision of what "Treasures of Truth" may mean in their lives, and in the lives of their girls they will ever be on the alert to stimulate the Gleaners by example and inspirational help in put- ting over their project. On September 23rd a clear and de- tailed explanation of how to proceed with the compilation of "Treasures of Truth" should have been given. On page 123 of the manual on "Glean- ing" this subject is treated. If for any reason it was not possible to get the project launched on that night. time should be taken at your next meeting of the Gleaners to thoroughly discuss this subject. As to the type of book or binding used, the girls should be left free to choose. The permanent record should be one in which just pride may be taken on account of content, neatness and attractiveness. To obtain such a result the first draft of the family history, experiences, and true stories may be written in a common note book, as in most instances it will be necessary to make alterations, additions and improvement in style of writing before the girl will feel that her effort is ready for final copying into her permanent record. Attention, Gleaner Leaders! The time has arrived when every- thing for the new season should be in full swing. Have you Gleaner leaders studied the manual so that you know ahead what the entire year's program is? We are particularly fortunate in having the whole program all together in one manual. The splendid class discussions — "Gleaning," by Dr. Adam S. Bennion, twenty-five in number, are all there, as are the activities for the M Men- Gleaner evenings. The Project- Sheaf — "I Will Gather Treasures of Truth" — is explained in detail. The books for the M Men and Gleaner departments are reviewed and the Question Box is discussed, as well as are other /things pertaining to the Gleaner Department. Altogether it is a very comprehensive little volume and one which will be invaluable to all Gleaner leaders. Read it and digest it and pass the enthusiasm which you are sure to get on to the girls, so that every one of them will want to own and study this manual. The Project and Sheaf Every Gleaner leader will do well to have a "Treasure Book" in which she can put many faith-promoting and in- spirational events, which would be the means of creating an incentive in the girls to do the same. Attendance and Enrollment Now is the time to get the girls around you and sell the M. I. A. to (Continued on page 827) The cM. E. cM. Salt Lake School and College of Beauty Culture offers their entire course in- cluding all equip- ment and Mari- nello text books for the regular price, payable in monthly payments This is a six months' course in- cluding Hairdress- ing, Permanent waving and all subjects pertain- ing to Cosmetology. We pay commission on all work done by advance students. Day and Evening Classes FREE Catalog 135 East Broadway Wasatch 7537 Listen to K S L at 2:30 every Tuesday and 2 p. m. Thursday to "Beauty Hints," by Elizabeth Moogk. ,ll«BII^(!<l'>«>!>«»<>«B|> ■ DISTINCTIVE 1 LIGHTING FIXTURES For Residential or Church Purposes 5 Send for Catalog [ Elder Bros. Electric 136 East Broadway- Salt Lake City Branch Stores at Ogden 2337 Washington Ave. Provo 2 1 5 West Center St
824 The Improvement Era for October, 1930 Every article which leaves our shop is not only cleaned and refreshed but also guar- an teed free from objection- able odor of all cleaning ma- terials. You Cannot Afford to be Without a "Caterpillar" Trac- tor During 1930! Make your profit by lowering operation costs and increasing pro- duction. The "Caterpillar" Tractor is the only sure way of doing this. We have a size for you at a price you can pay. Landes Tractor & Equipment Company Dealers SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH Branches Logan, Tremonton, Nephi, Utah — Malad and Preston, Idaho rQMlWrt Junior Girls Department COMMITTEE Laura P. Nicholson, Chairman; Agrnes C. Enowlton, Julia S. Baxter, Emma Goddard, Katie C. Jensen JUNIOR Leaders are referred to the Junior Manual "Believing and Do- ing," page 103, for complete calendar, of the year's program. Note especial- ly items for November. We hope you are well started in reading the book selected for this de- partment (either life of Schumann- ,Heink or Bambi), and are greatly enjoying it. Begin early to plan for the "Junior Home Evening with Songs" for the December class activity night. We shall be glad to hear how your girls are responding to the discussions "Believing and Doing." The Project "We will develop vigorous minds and bodies through right thinking and right living." November class activity (Manual, p. 105). "Who learns and learns, But acts not what he knows, Is one who plows and plows But never sows." — Oriental Proverb. Have the girls select from the class a representative girl who rates high in personal grooming. Judge by — Personal cleanliness, hair, hands, skin, personal appearance, cos- tume harmony, color harmony, etc. Select a girl from the class repre- sentative of good standing and sit- ting posture. Judge by the straight line test. Select girl with the best looking feet. Judge on Muscle tone, straight inner line, freedom from corns and callouses, and the straight line up the back of the heel. Do not be afraid to slip off your shoes. Select the well nourished girl by weight, muscle tone, distribution of fat over the body, color of skin, gloss of hair, carriage of the body, etc. Use the above score card and have the girls score themselves. Have them list the items they con- sider necessary to beauty and vigor of mind and body and give their import- ance as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. We would like to have this mailed into the Committee — 34 Bishop's Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah. Sample Health Score Are You as Attractive as Nature Intended You to Be? Score Yourself. Pom fs 5 a. Hair. "A woman's chief glory lies in her hair." 5. Glossy and free from oil. Not dry and brittle. 5 b. Eyes. "Eyes that sparkle like stars at night." 2. Bright, sparkling, alert, not dull and heavy. 1. Not strained; no puckery lines or frowns. 2. Clear white of eye; not muddy or yellow. 5 c. Mouth. "Smile p,nd the world smiles with you." 2. Pleasing expression. 3. No mouth breathing. 5 d. Teeth. "The charm of your smile comes in your teeth." 3. Well cared for. 2. Good apposititon (teeth meet properly) . 10 e. Skin. "A skin you love to touch." 2. Clear without eruptions. 2. Good color, not anemic. 2. Moist and smooth, not dry and scaly. 2. Tissues firm and elastic; not flabby or soggy. 2. Lips naturally red. 5 f. Hands. "Beauty at your finger tips. 3. Skin immaculately clean. Smooth without abrasions or cuts. 2. Nails and cuticle clear and carefully cared for. (No extremes) . 5 g. Feet. "A foot of comfort means miles of happiness/' 3. Normal (of good shape) . Shoes worn evenly on heels and sole. 2. Feet properly shod. (No extremes.) 10 h. Posture. "Graceful Carriage." 1. Head well poised. 1 . Shoulders level (one shoulder not higher than the other) . 1 . Graceful body line un- fa r o k e n by abdomen. Chest high. 1. Feet in good position — slightly apart and parallel. 1. Arms in graceful relaxa- tion. Good lines and grace while seated.
The Improvement Era for October, 1930 825 1. Lower spine against chair back. 1. Knees almost touching each other. 1. Feet parallel or one cross- ed over the other. Har- mony of movement while walking. 1. An elastic step — firm, not heavy. 1. Good rhythm of entire body. 10 i. Correct weight for height and age. 10 j. Good hearing. Can your hear ordinary conversation at sixteen feet? 10 k, Good vision. Can you read ordinary print at arm's length without straining? Can you read the usual billboard sign across the street? 20 1. The All-Important First Im- pression. 5. Radiating good health and spirits. (Full of en- thusiasm and interest; magnetic.) 5. Poise. (A perfect control of self, often inspiring others with confidence and admiration.) 5. Voice. (The depth, the warmth, the force of your personality should speak through your voice.) 5. "Pep." (The power that makes the world's wheels go round.) 100 Total. Is your score what you would like it to be? If not, why not remedy it? "Health Makes Beauty." From the Journal of Educational Method, March, 1925. Teacher Train- ing and Health Education. Mary L. Preston, State Teachers College, San Francisco, California. Height and Weight for Girls of 16 and 17 years of age Height 16 17 58 in 91 lbs. 59 in 96 lbs. 98 lbs. 60 in 102 lbs. 104 lbs. 61 in 108 lbs. 109 lbs. 62 in 113 lbs. 114 lbs. 63 in 117 lbs. 118 lbs. 64 in 120 lbs. 121 lbs. 65 in 123 lbs. 124 lbs. This age and weight table is taken from the one prepared by Thomas D. Wood of Columbia University. It is to be remembered that in using such scales, that they are average. An al- lowance of 10 per cent may be made if over weight or light weight is a family characteristic. Activity Leaders (Continued from page 821) the Adult or M Men leader is con- ducting the section in retold story. The development of activity inter- ests among all ages and groups is the objective of this program and toward its realization every officer and mem- ber of the M. I. A. should bend every effort. The Spirit of the Organization THE results of combined united ef- fort are always best when persons work with each other, for each other, help each other, criticize each other in a friendly way, and in the highest degree each offers his best for the other and for the whole. Then there exists the Spirit of the Organization. YOUR HOME MERCHANT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND When you buy at home you make a direct contribution to the development fo your community. REMEMBER— Your HOME MERCHANT is a Convenience as well as a Necessity. You can See and Inspect your Purchases from Him and Receive his GUARANTEE of SATISFACTION. He Contributes Largely to the Support of Local Churches. Schools, Colleges, Charitable and Public Institutions. MONEY— Which you send to Distant Points for Supplies NEVER RETURNS to BENEFIT YOU or YOUR HOME TOWN. i Pocatello, Idaho Boise, Idaho The$alfLafajL_ /^cflarrtwan Salt Lake City, Utah cHardwargOb, Grand Junc- tion, Colo. ><)»()»nnw><i WHM <*-mm »<>«— »<»^»-r>-«^<}-^»-r) <Wt4^(»«»0«ltO« »i>-u»i:«wi i *■»<>« Prices ARE Interesting— Scars, Roebuck & Co. ^CONOMICAL shoppers are Jo quick to note unusual prices ■ r\ and take advantage of the V>^ savings thus made possible. Sears, Roebuck and Co. prices are always interesting. For over 44 years Sears, Roebuck and Co. have been serving the thrifty people of the United States with merchandise for the home, farm and for personal use at worthwhile savings. Today they have over twelve mil- lion regular customers! Every ar- ticle is sold with a guarantee of sat- isfaction. We invite you to shop where the value of your dollar is considerably increased. RETAIL DEPARTMENT Salt Lake At Broadway at State STORES Ogden 2229-31 Washington Ave.