'■W^mF
The Improvement Era December 1957
..... _,.;
~yj ^ The Gift that Gives... and Lives Forever
The Holy Bible
. ■■ -:
AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION
A most eloquent expression of the true spirit of Christmas is yours to give in glorious World Bibles . . . superbly bound, beautifully printed on World Indo-Text, the loveliest of all India papers.
Available at your book, department, or religious store
THE NATIVITY BIBLE . . .
New, and especially appropriate to Christmas. A vibrantly colorful stained glass window set into the cover depicts the Holy Family. Ex- ceptionally legible self-pronouncing type. Newly revised Concordance, many other readers aids. Full-color illustrations and maps. Red Letter Edition. Morocco-grain Leathertex semi-overlapping covers, maroon edges. In black No. 240C, or maroon, No. 240CM-
$5.00
.; ■■-, ■ ■■■. ';-;"'■ ' ■ :,.i; :':- ' '■-.-■■ ■ ■
^-
, . • \
:
... ^v;0^:-: .j.<#*1
^riv***""*
::
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE . . . New full- color illustrations help young minds ap- preciate Biblical events. Easy-to-read, self-pronouncing Ebony type. Gift boxed. White imitation leather cover, zipper- closed, gold-stamped, amber edges.
No. 604Z— $3.50 Same, with overlapping covers.
No. 606— $2.75 Black Leathertex cover, zipper-closed, gilt-stamped, red edges.
No. 646Z— $2.95
WELCOME IN EVERY HOME . . .
Handsomely bound, modestly priced Bibles with Concordance. They contain beautiful full-color maps and illustrations and many supplements. New self-pro- nouncing type. Red Letter Editions. Gift boxed. Black Leathertex overlapping covers, red edges . . . No. 230C— $2.75 In black genuine leather, gold edges.
No. 232C-$5.50
TO DELIGHT A STUDENT . . . Zipper- closed Text Bibles with Concordance bound in handsome, practical Leathertex. Among their many features are full-color maps and illustrations, every aid to easy readability including newly-set, wonder- fully readable, self-pronouncing type. Red Letter Editions. Gift boxed.
Black, No. 231CZ-$3.75 White, No. 236CZ-$3.75
See inside back cover for more gift Bibles
THE WORLD PUBLISHING COMPANY • Bible Publishers to America 'CLEVELAND 2, OHIO
by Dr. Franklin S. Harris, Jr.
Stereophonic Sound
A new connoisseur stereophonic development by A. R. Sugden of England uses a single groove to re- cord two sounds on a disk. One of the sounds is recorded by lateral or sideways motion, the other by verti- cal motion (as in the "hill and dale" method of the old Edison records).
Ten New Kinds
Chemical synthesis of penicillin has now been accomplished at Mas- sachusetts Institute of Technology by Professor John C. Sheehan and Research Associate K. R. Henery- Logan. Ten new kinds are being tested for possible medical use.
Use of Water
The daily per capita use of water in the US varies from 60 gallons for each person in small communities to as much as 300 to 500 gallons in some cities. In 1950 the municipal water systems supplied an average of 145 gallons a day per person. Water requirements for 20 of the largest industries add up to over 21 billion gallons each day. For farms, homes, factories, and business estab- lishments in 1950 an estimated 170 billion gallons of water each day were withdrawn from the ground, lakes, or streams.
DECEMBER 1957
SMART NEW
CH
OCOLATEffcttgttitt
COOKIES
by PURITY
Smartly dressed up like their namesake, with white cocoanut cream and dark rich Ambrosia chocolate.
They're really like a fine confection in flavor and character.
Your favorite grocery store has them now.
c
oco^ , e
PURITY BISCUIT CO.
bv PURITY
Salt Lake • Phoenix • Pocatello
885
The Improvement Era, The Voice of the Church, Volume 60, No. 12, December 1957.
Official organ of the priesthood quorums, Mutual Improvement Associations, ward teachers, Music Committee, Department of Education, and other agencies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Church Features
Editor's Page: The Man of Nazareth President David O. McKay 898
Your Question: Translated Beings— Part II
President Joseph Fielding Smith 900
"Eye Hath Not Seen" Harold B. Lee 902
"Respect for Authority" ( Family Hour Discussion Topic )
Delbert L. Stapley 914
Jesus Returns to Jerusalem— MIA Reading Course: Jesus the Christ—
XVIII Doyle L. Green 918
The Church Moves On, 895; Melchizedek Priesthood, Common Sense Wins Converts, 932; Presiding Bishopric's Page, 934.
Special Features
Thoughts for Your Inspirational Talk: Gifts and Giving 905
Christmas in the Holy Land Alice Colton Smith 906
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Significance for Latter-day Saints
(First of two parts) Dr. Sidney B. Sperry 910
Letter from a Serviceman 913
Christmas, Christmas Beverly Turley 921
A Reading Christmas— A Joyous Christmas 922
Leadership Development: "Operation Andrew" Sterling W. Sill 924
Missionary Helps: The Scriptural Formula Gordon T. Allred 926
The Spoken Word from Temple Square Richard L. Evans 958, 969
Exploring the Universe. Dr. Franklin S. Harris, Jr., 885; These Times: Knowledge and Power, Dr. G. Homer Durham, 890.
Today's Family: Christmas and Children
Three Christmas Gifts
Bookrack
Letters and Reports
The Last Word
Thais T. Williams 962
Mildred Goff 966
967
892
972
Stories, Poetry
No Room at the Inn To Be a King-IX Poetry
Frances Yost 916
Hugh J. Cannon 928
904, 909, 913, 920, 930, 947, 954, 958, 969
David O. McKay and Richard L. Evans, Editors; Doyle L. Green, Managing Editor; Marba C. Josephson, Associate Managing Editor; Elizabeth J. Moffitt, Production Editor; Albert L. Zobell, Jr., Research Editor; Eileen Gibbons, Manuscript Editor; Gordon T. Allred, Editorial Associate; Ralph Reynolds and Ed Maryon, art directors.
Archibald F. Bennett, G. Homer Durham, Franklin S. Harris, Jr., Milton R. Hunter, Hugh Nibley, Claude B. Petersen, Sidney B. Sperry, Contributing Editors.
Elbert R. Curtis, General Manager; Bertha S. Reeder, Associate Manager; Verl F. Scott, Business Manager; A. Glen Snarr, Subscription Director; Thayer Evans, Regional Advertising Representative.
The Improvement Era Offices, 50 North Main Street, Salt Lake City 16, Utah
Copyright 1957 by Mutual Funds, Inc., and published by the Mutual Improvement Associations of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. All rights reserved. Subscription price, $2.50 a year, in advance; foreign subscriptions, $3.00 a year, in
advance; 25c single copy.
Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage
provided for in section 1103. Act of October 1917, authorized July 2, 1918.
The Improvement Era is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, but welcomes contributions. Manuscripts are paid for on
acceptance at the rate of l!5c a word and must be accompanied by sufficient postage for delivery and return.
Thirty days' notice required for change of address. When ordering a change, please include address slip from a recent issue
of the magazine. Address changes cannot be made unless the old address as well as the new one is included.
Cover— "The Virgin Mary Adoring the Infant Christ" by Correggio (1494-1534), reproduced in full color, is our December cover. This begins a series of masterpieces of religious art to be taken from galleries in many parts of the world. This painting is used by courtesy of Calleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy.
Picture credits and footnotes, page 971.
Member, Audit Bureau of Circulations
886
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
1. PATHWAYS TO HAPPINESS
By David 0. McKay
Compiled by Llewelyn R. McKay
Here's one of the most exciting new- comers to the L.D.S. books field . . . ready for you to give this Christmas. This vital volume by President McKay, reveals the path which must be followed by each individual if true happiness is to be found. In this outstanding com- pilation, are found the guideposts which point the way to a full rich life . . . with directions written with wisdom and beauty to inspire the soul of man. Influences such as education, courtship and marriage, free agency, death, labor unions, heredity, home life, and personal aspirations are discussed with skill and imagination, revealing the profound thoughts, noble emotions, and keen in- sight of the author. A significant and enriching addition to any library. $3.95
2. DO UNTO OTHERS
By Carl W. Buehner
Down to earth and practical in its approach . . . lofty
and inspirational in its contents, this brand new book
reflects the great love of the author for God and
humanity. Intriguing stories, rare experiences in the
South Sea Islands, counseling on ward teaching, choice
General Conference addresses, and select writings of
Bishop Buehner combine to renew one's faith in his
neighbors, workers and associates. Light, easy reading
. . . possessing great impact. $2.00
|
£*: |
|||
|
— ^7****** ^^^*~.\ |
|||
|
— sJStj |
P*?:': |
HI |
|
|
^.T^ |
•:-?*? |
ll |
|
|
•->'*>* |
|||
|
'^"'-•■^ |
|||
|
«ttSBs! |
§1 |
||
|
LJfjN: |
'*^-"~' ^ ^^— |
!$!' |
|
|
^^^^*e~ l£S |
|||
|
...... £■& |
MWMMMi
BOOKCRAFT
PUBLISHERS TO THE L.D.S. TRADE
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMm
1186 SOUTH MAIN • HU 7-7488
DECEMBER 1957
887
.... .. ■:■■■;-■ - ■
for*
MORMON
A PICTORIAL ACCOUNT OF MORMONISM
By Rulon S. Howells
Here is a rare treasure that should be a part of every Latter-day Saint's library. It is the long- awaited picture story of Mormonism . . . there is no other book like it! Hundreds of rare photo- graphs of early Church stalwarts and historical sites . . . beautiful, awe-inspiring full-color paintings of Joseph Smith's first vision and the receiving of the gold plates from the Angel Moroni . . . skillful illustrations of important events . . . charts and maps of organization and growth ... all combine in this unique volume to graphically portray Mormonism. Children will be fascinated with this picture story . . . adults will be thrilled and inspired. A tremendous aid for teaching and explaining the gospel. $3.95
BOOKCRAFT
PUBLISHERS TO THE L.D.S. TRADE 1186 SOUTH MAIN • HU 7-7488
888
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
m
" «* ' ■
STOJOES'
COURAGE
. FINDING YOUR FOREFATHERS IN AMERICA
By Archibald F. Bennett
Successful genealogical research is the result of a care- fully laid plan . . . and in this skillfully written volume is found the know-how to become a skilled researcher. Richly illustrated throughout 3 5 chapters, this book will help the reader to train himself in the principles of scientific
genealogical research which will bring gratifying results. Must-reading for all interested in finding their forefathers in America. $3*95
5. LD.S. STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE
By Preston Nibley
Young and old alike love a good story and stories with a moral teach with an unequalled effectiveness. Here is a particularly outstanding compilation of faith-promoting ad- ventures written for the youth of the Church to build courage, integrity, resourcefulness, and stability. An excellent supplement for Sun- day School, Primary, Scout and Priesthood studies. $2.25
6. ABOUT BAPTISM V"/^
By Emma Marr Petersen
The wonderful adventure stories that happen in the life of a little orphan boy from Denmark subtly tell the entire story of baptism as practiced in the L.D.S. Church. Here is a unique method to prepare children for baptism, for the author skillfully weaves sound gospel doc- trine into a great adventure story easily understood by youngsters. $1.50
Available
from Bookcraft
Dealers Everywhere
0/iM
/ s
|
BOOKCRAFT |
12-57 |
|
1186 South Main St., Salt Lake City, Utah |
|
|
Please send the following circled books for which |
enclose |
Name
Address..
City
State..
DECEMBER 1957
889
SAFEWAY
IS A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY ... AND A FRIEND OF THE FARMER
Safeway has become an im- portant stabilizing factor in the marketing of meat in Utah and Idaho.
A tremendous amount of choice meat, over $13,000,000 in 1956, is sold through Utah and Idaho Safeway Stores. All meat sold in these Safeway Stores is produced in the two states and purchased from the 25 leading packers in Utah and Idaho. All packers get a share of the busi- ness every week at prices deter- mined by the packers themselves.
This gives the packers a SURE market and tends to keep meat prices stable for the benefit of producers and packers.
With the recent sale of the meat packing plant at Nampa, Idaho, Safeway is now entirely and completely out of the slaughtering and cattle feeding business. All meat is secured from leading Utah and Idaho packers . . . and Safeway buys only the BEST — only govern- ment graded U S. choice.
This is just one more way that:
SAFEWAY IS A FRIEND
OF THE FARMER
as well as
A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY
SAFEWAY
These Times
^
Knowledge and Power
by Dr. G. Homer Durham Vice President, University of Utah
A new era in man's history began Friday, October 11, 1957, with the announcement from Moscow, Russia, that the Soviet Union had success- fully launched the first man-made satellite, and that it was circling the earth every 95 minutes, 560 miles above the surface. The news about the object, 22 inches in diameter and weighing 184 pounds, its subsequent flight and history, has now become part of the record of science. Inter- pretation of the first data available will go on for some time. The possi- bilities for new scientific theories, experiments, and achievements are legion. Their technical aspects need not detain us here. New textbooks, new chapters in old ones, will soon appear to occupy the minds and efforts of new generations.
Leaving the technicalities, what are some of the broader possibilities flowing from this event?
1. It is evident that a revolution in weapons-systems is occurring. Nikita Khrushchev, the Russian leader, on October 7, 1957, gave his opinion that bomber type aircraft were now obsolete. Whatever truth or misjudgment may be involved in that opinion, the fact of the weapons revolution remains. It appears to be more fundamental than the in- vention of gunpowder and firearms. There have been "missiles" since the first rock was thrown. But the pos- sibilities of a rocket that can hoist an object 560 miles above the earth's surface, in the age of hydrogen fis-
890
sion, far outrun a rock, arrow, bullet, bomb, or V-2.
Brooks Adams published his Law of Civilization and Decay in 1895. Brilliant scion of the house of John and John Quincy Adams, Brooks argued that the nature of weapons systems, coupled with the human motives of fear and greed, largely determine the patterns of society; for example, when offensive weapons seem to have the advantage over defense, centralization results; and vice versa. Thus before gun- powder the decentralized feudal system flourished behind the moats and walls of baronial castles. But with the coming of gunpowder, the more powerful barons became kings, and a new state-system was born.
Centralization of power has in- creased since that time. The his- toric event of October 4, 1957, in the wake of H-bomb tests, dramatizes the necessity for applying the best fruits of faith and reason in inter- national relations. The world has suddenly grown very small again.
2. The apparent revolution in weapons of attack presents the United Nations organization in a new light. The political challenge to the organs of the UN, in develop- ing peaceful co-operation, in harness- ing the fruits of the International Geophysical Year ( of which the Rus- sian, US, and other satellite launch- ing plans were a part), is apparent.
3. Particular and unique responsi- bilities ( Continued on page 957 )
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
!
A NEW AND DIFFERENT KIND OF HOSPITAL-MEDICAL-SURGICAL INSURANCE
TO AGE SEVENTY-FIVE!
YOU MUST COLLECT
. . . either in Benefits or in Cash Refund
r+\ GREATLY NEEDED FEATURES NEVER BEFORE \SJ COMBINED IN 1 "HOSPITALIZATION" POLICY'
YOU GET ALL THESE ADVANTAGES:
LL It cannot be cancelled or dis- continued by the company, even if you become a "poor risk"
A revolutionary feature for a low rate accident and health policy: only you can cancel the policy! As long as you pay the premiums, the policy remains in force to age 75 or until the full face value has been paid.
83* Rates cannot be raised.. ever!
Even if you insure a small child, the low, low infant rate will never be raised when he reaches manhood or old age.
£>*lt accumulates "cash value" for you or your heirs
If you drop this policy anytime after the second year, the com- pany will pay you a contingent premium refund in amounts which are plainly printed on the policy. If you die, the cash value is paid to your heirs.
4-i^ Benefits never can be reduced
Benefits listed in NC 701 can never be reduced. The policy remains— unchanged — until age 75 or until the full face value has been paid in benefits.
.AND THEN THIS MONEY-BACK REFUND!
3<* You receive the full face value of your policy in benefits or refund!
By keeping your policy in force, you must collect the full face
value : in benefits when you are sick or hurt, in cash as a con- tingent premium refund if you stay well, or in a combination of the two at maturity.
.WITH ALL THIS PROTECTION, TOO!
C3* All five of the costs of sickness or accidental injury are covered
NC 701 pays from $3000 to $7500 for women and from $2500 to $5000 for men depend- ing on your age at time of issuance. It includes specified amounts for:
i. Hospital Room and Board, (including general nursing care).
The exact amounts available are clearly printed in your policy.
The only limit on the total amount you can collect is the face
value of the policy. Exceptions, limitations and waiting periods
are clearly stated in the policy.
*Only Bankers Life & Casualty Company Offers Policy NC 701 The few exceptions — mental illness, acts of war, simple rest cures, etc., — are clearly stated in the policy. Hernia, heart disease, tuberculosis, tonsilectomy, etc., covered when originating six months after issuance of the policy. Benefits for other illnesses that begin 30 days after date of policy ; benefits for accidental injury begin from the first day. Policy NC 701 is not yet available in all states. Send name today. See if you are eligible.
~ J a © 8 I. 1 C. C».
2. Doctor's Bills at specified rates. In or out of the hos- pital.
3. Surgeon's Fees at specified rates. In or out of the hos- pital.
4. Hospital Extras (oxygen, iron lung, ambulance serv- ice, etc.).
5. Medicines prescribed by your doctor. In or out of the hospital.
"And John says that if he stays well, he will get $5000.00 back!"
AND THAT IS ONLY ONE OF THE SIX UN- USUAL. FEATURES NEVER BEFORE OFFERED THE AMERICAN PUBLIC AT SUCH LOW RATES
BANKERS LIFE & CASUALTY COMPANY again dares to challenge the entire Insurance Industry — by offering the public a sickness and accident policy so different that every reader will want to get every detail of every outstanding feature. Forget everything you've ever heard about "hospitalization" insurance. This remark- able new policy, NC 701 — which many insurance experts say is 10 years ahead of its time — will not only help pay the bills when you are sick or hurt: it will even pay you money back if you stay well! If you keep your policy in force, you must collect every cent of the face value — whether you are sick or well! NC 701 is guaranteed renewable to age 75 or until the face value of the policy has been paid to you. Mail the coupon for details of the benefits and costs that apply at your present age. There is no charge for this information now or ever, and no obligation to buy.
An Old-Line Legal Reserve Stock Company
OFFERING LIFE INSURANCE; AND BROAD COVERAGE ACCIDENT
AND HEALTH POLICIES, SOME GUARANTEED RENEWABLE AND OTHERS RENEWABLE AT OPTION OF THE COMPANY ONLY
BANKERS LIFE & CASUALTY CO.
HOME OFFICE:
J CHICAGO 30, ILL.
MAIL THIS "FREE INFORMATION" COUPON
This is not a» application for insurance. It is merely your request lor free information. No obligation.
BANKERS LIFE & CASUALTY COMPANY
Dept. 2250
4444 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago 30, Illinois
Gentlemen: Please supply me with information on rates and benefits available to me under your new policy NC 701. I understand there is no charge or obligation. I was born in the year
MR., MRS., or MISS
ADDRESS
CITY
ZONE or _RR f STATE.
HOME OFFICE: CHICAGO 30, ILLINOIS
09-0127
DECEMBER 1957
891
Cut yourself a bigger piece of the money pie!
current rate . . .
Accounts opened by the 25th of the month earn from the 1 st
Beehive^Security
yiMItimrJA
Brigham S. Young, Jr., President, Manager 1625 South Main • Salt Lake City, Utah
Approved and Regulated by the Utah State Banking Commission
BEEHIVE SECURITY COMPANY 1625 South Main Salt Lake City, Utah
Please send me information about your firm's 5% percent interest program.
Name
Address
City State
Letters
and
Reports
Gerldine Randall, Grant Ward, Rigby ( Idaho ) Stake, Junior Gleaner, has a perfect attendance at all her meetings for the past four years. To achieve this, she has foregone trips with family and friends. (Below, left)
892
Lois Esther Kraus (above, right) of Mesa Seventh Ward, East Mesa (Arizona) Stake, has not missed Mu- tual in three years. But that is only part of her story: she had a perfect attendance record in all her years at Primary and has an eleven-year per- fect attendance record at both Sac- rament meeting and Sunday School. She is an Honor Bee, Mia Joy, and historian of her Mia Maid class.
Columbia, Tenn.
Dear Sir:
The Era is marvelous, and I cer- tainly enjoy receiving and reading it. Each month I look forward to my next copy. The changes which have been made in it have really given it some spice and made it even more enjoyable to read.
May you continue to publish as wonderful an Era in the future as you have in the past.
Sincerely yours, Harry Gammon
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
\ I /
m
cms
^4,\
ii^- »
OF WORDS AND MUSIC TO
X-
BRIGHTEN YOUR
"t\.
,-v vr
Vol. 8 Christmas Gems
A priceless collection of all time Christ- mas favorites in- cludes: Deck The Halls, Silent Night, Come All Ye Faith- ful, O Holy Night, etc. $3.98
Let these beautiful 12" long- playing, high fidelity, Century records help solve your Christ- mas gift problems. Brighten the homes of friends and loved ones this holiday season with lovely music and inspiring words. Gifts that endure are long remembered.
IMife»
Vol. 7 A Collection of Treasured Mormon Hymns.
This album will be treasured by all who are inspired by such favorite Mormon Hymns as: / know That My Redeemer Lives, O My Father, Come, Come Ye Saints, etc. $3.98
OtTR LEAD E3 RB 1" O ~X~OTJ*Ttt
Vol. 16 A Our Leaders Speak ~ To Youth
20 Testimonies of the General Authorities in- cluding Pres David O. McKay, Stephen L Richards, Joseph Field- ing Smith, Matthew Cowley, etc. $3.98
Vol. 9 The Mormon Choir of k Southern California W 200-voice Choir sings se- lections performed in the L.A Temple, Holly wood Bowl, on Radio & TV networks $3.98
Vol. 10 Jessie Evans Smith
Soloist with Tabernacle Choir sings sacred songs by A. W "Mickey" Hart: The Missionary. He That Hath Clean Hands, etc. $3.98
Vol. 13 J. Karl Wood Readings k for Latter-day Saints I
Outstanding readings narrated by Francis Urry, Moroni Olson, Wendell Noble, etc. 2-12" records
$3.98 per set
>S*,
jAo. Vol. 12 Belshazzar's Feast
The combined resources of the B.Y.U. Music Dept. (600 partici- pants) perform one of the greatest choral masterworks of the cen- tury. $398
Vol. 14 Oratorio From The k Book of Mormon "
LeRoy J. Robertson's famous musical masterpiece. The Utah Symphony Orchestra and com- bined choruses of the Univ. of Utah. $3.98
£f
Vol. 3, 4, 5
Organ
Accompaniment for
L.D.S. Hymns
Now you can have beautiful organ ac- companiment for your group on best loved L.D.S. Hymns and music for special occasions Christmas, Easter, Patriotic, etc.
$3.98 ea. Vol.
Other Century releases: Vol. 1 — The B.Y.U. Madrigal Singers, Vol. 2 - B.Y.U. A Capella Choir, Vol. 6 - Young Rhythm (B.Y.U. Dance Band), Vol. 15 -Patriotic Songs-B.Y.U. Madrigal Singers.
"" I
MUSIC FOR
DECEMBER 1957
CENTURY DISTRIBUTING CO. Box 308, Saugus, Calif.
Gentlemen:
Please send me (postage prepaid) the following encircled records:
VOL. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16
Enclosed find check O, money order Q, in the amount of $
Name
(Please print)
.Zone State-
_J
(California Residents add 4% Sales Tax)
893
Give Yourself a Books Club Mem bersh ip for Christmas ....
• •
enjoy choice reading all year long!
rl il
"The Mormon Story," just off the press in time for Christ- mas, will bring you joy and happiness long after the holidays have passed ... so give yourself this prized gift for Christ- mas. Begin your LDS Books Club membership with this rare treasure (or any of the alternates listed below) . . . and order extra copies for your gift list. No book will be more appreciated! We'll mail in time for Christmas, enclosing a card with your name. And if you order at least four books, including the one for yourself, you are entitled to a free bonus book from the list below. "The Mormon Story" contains hundreds of rare old photographs, beautiful full-color paintings, and an inspiring text to explain Mormonism to readers of all ages. There is no other book like it.
4
HOW THE ClUB PLAN SAVES YOU 20%
T
1. With every four books you buy thru the LDS Books Club, you receive a fifth book FREE as a bonus book . . . thus you get five choice Church books for the price of four, a savings of approximately 20%.
2. You join by ordering "The Mormon Story" or one or more of the alternate selections de- scribed below. You may order as few as 4 books a year to keep your membership active ... or you may order one or more books each month if you desire.
3. Each month, several carefully selected books will be reviewed for you and these printed re-
views will be mailed to you . . . with one of the books being named book-of-the-month. If you wish to receive the top book you do nothing- it will be sent to you postpaid along with a statement. If you do not want the book, you return the postcard provided for an alternate selection (or none at all).
4. After you have purchased four book club selections, you may select your free bonus book from a long list of choice Church books which will be provided.
5. Other Church books are available to club members through the club. However, non-book- club selections will not carry bonus credit.
FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS COUPON NOW!
LDS BOOKS CLUB, 161 East Utopia Avenue, Salt Lake City 15, Utah
Gentlemen:
Please enroll me as a member of the LDS BOOKS CLUB and send me the selections indicated below.
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY AND STATE
Amount of check or money order enclosed $ (Utah residents add 2% sales tax.)
□ Please send "The Mormon Story" by Rulon S. Howells— $3.95
- ALTERNATES -
hi
Choose Free Bonus Books
From This Sample List
(And new ones are constantly being added.)
DISCOURSES OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH Alma P. Burton
TEACHINGS OF THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS William E. Berrett
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE COMMENTARY Milton R. Hunter
TEMPLES OF THE MOST HIGH N. B. Lundwall
PAUL'S LIFE AND LETTERS Dr. Sidney B. Sperry
CHERISHED EXPERIENCES President David O. McKay Compiled by Clare Middlemiss
PRIESTHOOD AND CHURCH GOVERNMENT John A. Widtsoe
VITALITY OF MORMONISM Dr. James E. Talmage
THE STORY OF OUR CHURCH FOR YOUNG LATTER-DAY SAINTS Emma Marr Petersen
REVELATION
Lewis J. Harmer
SERMONS AND MISSIONARY SERVICES OF MELVIN J. BALLARD Bryant S. Hinckley
□ JESUS THE CHRIST, by Dr. James E. Talmage $3.50
A study of the Messiah and his mission. MIA reading course for two years.
□ A STORY TO TELL $3.00
Choice children's stories that teach a moral. Selected for educational value as well as for their interest for children.
D PATHWAYS TO HAPPINESS, by David
O. McKay $3.95
Practical, down-to-earth guideposts which inspire the soul and show the way to true happiness.
□ PEARL OF GREAT PRICE COM- MENTARY, by Dr. Milton R. Hunter $3.00
A very helpful and useful aid in the study of the Pearl of Great Price.
(If you do not wish to mutilate your Era, send necessary information on separate sheet.)
LDS Books Club
894
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
The Church
Moves On
22nd
September
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., of the First Presidency dedi- cated the Timpanogos storehouse of the Church welfare plan. The First Presidency announced that the East German
Mission of the Church would henceforth be known as the North
German Mission.
Elder Alma Sonne, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, dedicated the chapel of the Lander (Wyoming) Branch, West Central States Mission.
San Mateo (California) Stake, the 247th such unit now func- tioning in the Church, was organized from portions of Palo Alto Stake, with Elder Melvin P. Pickering sustained as president, and Elders William L. Stoker and William Stanford Durrant as counselors. The new stake is made up of Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, San Mateo Second, Burlingame, San Bruno wards, and Sharp Park Branch. President David B. Haight remained in office as president of Palo Alto Stake, with Elders Richard B. Sonne and Lund A. Johnson as his counselors. Elders Sidney V. Badger was released as first counselor. Comprising Palo Alto Stake are Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Palo Alto Second, and Menlo Park wards. These stake organizations were effected by Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve and Elder John Longden, Assistant to the 'Council of the Twelve.
President Marion D. Hanks of the First Council of the Seventy dedicated the chapel of the Grover Ward, Star Valley (Wyoming) Stake. During this stake conference assignment, President Hanks also dedicated an addition to the LDS Star Valley Hospital.
Elder Alma Sonne, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, dedicated the chapel of the Sheridan (Wyoming) Branch, West Central States Mission.
It was announced that Elder Marvin L. Pugh had been appointed to the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associa- tion general board. The appointment of Elder Bertrand F. Harrison to the general board of the Deseret Sunday School Union was announced.
DECEMBER 1957
NOW!
SAMSONITE presents
the upholstered
look...
in the world's strongest folding chair
Samsonite
Vinyl-Clad
Chairs
Samsonite reaches into the future- to bring you a different folding chair! Samsonite's exclusive vinyl seat covering (lifetime bonded to the world's strongest steel chair) gives each chair the luxury-look of upholstered furniture — with these extras! Stack it... rack it... you can't scratch or tear it. Choose from tan or grey monk's cloth pattern. Write for information about Samsonite vinyl-clad chairs and matching tables, today.
Samsonite
strongest . . . last longest
SHWAYDER BROS., INC., INSTITUTIONAL SEATING DIV., Dept IE 12/Detroit 29, Mich, In Canada through Samsonite of Canada, Ltd.
895
SEARS
U^AJiMMl^
It's mighty easy shopping these days . . . a!! you do is reach for the phone from your easy chair and let Sears Catalog Shopping Service make short work of your long list.
DIAL EM 3-2676 Sears, Roebuck and Co.
754 South State
LIVE BETTER ELECTRICALLY
with Full
HOUSEPOWER
Electricity Costs So Little You Can Afford a Lot
UTAH POWER & LIGHT CO.
896
Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Council of the Twelve dedi- cated the chapel of the Metuchen (New Jersey) Branch, Eastern States Mission.
Elder John Longden, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, dedicated the chapel of the Lakewood and Lakewood Second wards (see picture, page 895), East Long Beach (California) Stake.
San Luis Obispo Stake organized from portions of Santa Barbara (California) Stake, with President Arthur J. Godfrey, for- merly of Santa Barbara Stake, as its president, and Elders David K. Bickmore and Harold Livingston sustained as counselors. The new stake, the 248th such unit now functioning in the Church, includes the San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Paso Robles wards and Las Flores and Arroyo Grande branches. Elder Harry Haldeman was sustained as president of Santa Barbara Stake with Elders Woodruff J. Beam and Joseph Fielding Chapman as his counselors. Included in the Santa Barbara Stake are Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula, and Ventura wards. Re- leased from the former Santa Barbara Stake presidency were Elders William O. Bradford and Lynn Gordon, counselors. These changes were effected by Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve and Elder Eldred G. Smith, Patriarch to the Church.
Elder Justin B. Lillywhite, former second counselor, sustained as first counselor in the Orange County (California) Stake, succeed- ing Elder Samuel H. Cortez, deceased. Elder Karl C. Durham sustained as second counselor.
The First Presidency announced the appointment of Elder David S. Romney, former mayor of Ogden, now a Salt Lake City resident, to preside over the Western States Mission, succeeding President A. Lewis Elggren. President Romney is a former missionary to New Zealand. He served for five years as a member of a high council in Ogden and was recently released after serving six years as president of the Monument Park Stake high priests quorum. He is a former bishop of Mt. Ogden Ward, East Ogden Stake. At the time of this call to the mission field he was serving as a Sunday School teacher and as a guide on Temple Square. Mrs. Romney will accompany him to the field of labor. The couple have two grown children.
The First Presidency urged support of the United Fund drives by the Saints residing in communities where those drives are being made.
The 249th stake of the Church, Monument Park West Stake, was created from a portion of the Monument Park Stake in Salt Lake City. Elder Frank C. Berg, second counselor in the Monument Park Stake, was sustained as president of Monument Park West Stake with Elders Ernest A. Nelson and John Farr Larson sustained as his counselors. Wards in the new stake are Monument Park Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth, with a membership for the stake of approximately 5600. President George L. Nelson and his first counselor, Elder Harold R. Boyer, were sustained in the Monument Park Stake. Elder Royden G. Derrick was sustained as the new second counselor. Monument Park, Second, Ninth, and Eleventh wards make up the stake with a membership of 3300. President Joseph Fielding Smith and Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve effected these changes.
Elder Thorpe B. Isaacson of the Presiding Bishopric dedicated the Taylor (Alberta, Canada) Stake recreation center.
Elder Wayne Reeves sustained as president of San Bernardino (California) Stake with Elders Shirley H. Bogh and Gilbert A. Snow. They succeed President Levern M. Hansen and his coun- selors, Elders Woodrow A. Miller and H. Duane Anderson.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Sign of our times . . .
Sir Winston Churchill had a similar sign during the 1940's . . . but now, Sir, times have changed and this can mean only one thing . . . keep your eye on channel five for television at its family finest.
The Mountain West's alive . . . with channel
5 KSL
TV
DECEMBER 1957
897
The Man
Again it is that season of the year in which we do special honor and reverence to Jesus Christ. Millions of people celebrate the birth dates of great national heroes, but Jesus belongs to all the world, the only perfect man who walked the earth. The world loves him because never a falsehood passed his lips, nor a taint of sin scarred his soul.
I wonder if we are getting nearer the time when statesmen will realize that the one great thing which the world needs is faith in the message that was heralded by the heavenly host of voices, when the Savior was born— "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14.)
In this day people are conjuring with names of rulers and leaders. The followers of each believe that political salvation lies in adhering to the theories advocated by their particular leader. Men are seeking a new and better order of life. It was so in Peter's day. He heard the arguments of Pharisees, of Scribes, and Sadducees. He knew the power of Rome and saw people subdued and oppressed. In the midst of it all Peter came to one conclusion, which he expressed before the rulers of the Jewish nation and the world— **. . . there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12.)
Jesus' teachings may be applied just as efficaciously to social groups and national problems as to indi- viduals if men will only give them a trial.
William George Jordan tells the story of some men in a ship, which, during a terrific storm, was driven far out of its course and, helpless and disabled, was carried into a strange bay. The water supply gave out, and the crew suffered the agony of thirst, yet dared not drink of the salt water in which that vessel floated. In the last extremity they lowered a bucket over the ship's side and in desperation quaffed the beverage they thought was sea water, but to their joy and amazement the water was fresh, cool, and life-giving! They were in a fresh-water arm of the sea, and they did not know it! They had simply to reach down and accept the new life and strength for which they craved.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
The Editors Page
of Nazareth
by President David O. McKay
Applicable to nations
The illustration is applicable to a large part of man- kind today. Men and nations are drifting. They have lost their bearings; their wisdom is baffled. Tried and true methods of the past have been discarded, and vague and indefinite theories offered as panaceas for social and economic ills. There is an inescapable necessity for a safe and experienced pilot at the wheel.
One of the soundest and safest bulwarks of society that is being undermined today is the family. Modern life is disintegrating the very foundation of the home. The evil of divorce is rampant. Though at present the number of divorces is decreasing, too many mar- riages are wrecked on the shoals of divorce. For the proper solution of this problem we may turn with safety to Jesus as our guide. He declared that the marriage relation is of divine origin. In his teachings the family assumes supreme importance in the de- velopment of the individual and of society.
Another present-day problem, and one most menac- ing, is the perpetual quarreling and strife between capital and labor. A cancerous growth in the vitals of this economic struggle is the spirit of coercion. Today capital and labor are organizing seemingly not with a view of helping each other, but with a view of dominating and compelling. One group is just as selfish and domineering as the other. As soon as one gets the upper hand, it becomes dictatorial and domineering. Unrighteous dominion whether exer- cised by employers or by labor unions is contrary to the spirit and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The ends of justice will never be obtained by coercion. Man must work; it is his right— it is his privilege; it is as essential to man's welfare as eating or sleeping. When men organize to interfere with an individual's right to exercise his freedom of choice, they are creat- ing enmity and animosity in society.
When labor unions or employers' unions are ad- ministered in righteousness and fair play, such organ- izations can be of great service to a community and to individuals. What I object to and what every fair-
minded American should object to is the spirit of coercion and intimidation exercised by such groups.
Jesus decried and condemned coercion on the part of those who hold power. The intensity of his invec- tives against the pride, greed, and selfishness of Herod, Caiaphas, Annas, Pilate, Tiberius, and others shows how deeply he was interested in pure government and how eager he was to uphold just authority. His ideal was that of a social organization in which every man would have the joyous consciousness of laboring and striving, not only for himself but also for the welfare of his fellow men, and where the highest re- wards and honors would go simply to those who were able to contribute the most to society.
Jesus taught that a man cannot be true to himself without being true to his fellow men. Neither can a man be true to his fellow men without being true to himself.
No principle of life was more constantly emphasized by the great Teacher than the necessity of right think- ing. To him, the man is not what he appears to be outwardly, nor what he professes to be by his words: what the man thinks determines in all cases what the man is.
No person can study the divine personality of Jesus, can accept his teachings, without becoming conscious of an uplifting and refining influence within himself. In fact, every individual may experience the operation of the most potent force that can affect humanity.
Divinity of Christ
Upon the membership of his Church rests the obli- gation to teach the divinity of Jesus Christ, in whose perfection we find every virtue; in whom are com- bined in wonderful harmony all the powers of the soul; in whose life and teachings we can find every comfort, and if we go to him in humility and faith, every guidance and inspiration we need.
Our Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the head of this Church. I know the reality of his existence, of his willingness to guide and direct all who serve him.
DECEMBER 1957
899
What is the mission of translated heaven before receiving the
QUESTION: In studying the mission of
Elijah a question arose in relation to translated beings. What is their mission? We know that Jesus Christ was "the first fruits" of the resurrection, yet the scriptures state that both Enoch (Moses 7:21 and 69) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) were taken into heaven. How can translated beings dwell in heaven before receiving the resurrection?
Your Question
by Joseph Fielding Smith President of the Council of the Twelve
Note— Response to Your Question is so
great that it is possible to answer on these pages
but a small percentage of the questions submitted. In
some cases it may seem advisable to answer
questions by mail. This can be done, of
course, only if you include your name and.
address when you write.— J. F. S.
ANSWER: Once before we discussed the
question of translated beings,1 but perhaps some further discussion would not be out of order. We learn from modern revelation that there are no angels who administer to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it.2 Therefore the angels who appeared to Adam and the antediluvian prophets must have been spirits who had not yet tabernacled in the flesh. Since that time messengers coming to give instruction to the prophets could have been spirits of just persons who had lived on the earth or trans- lated beings who had been reserved for that purpose. We may be sure that any messenger coming before the resurrection of Jesus who had a tangible body was a translated being who had lived on the earth and had been translated to become a messenger to men on the earth. Such would be the case evidently in the visitors who came to Abraham and the personage who wrestled with Jacob.
According to the Pearl of Great Price, when Enoch was translated, the inhabitants of the city Zion were also taken and were also translated. How many others have been given this great honor we do not know, but there may have been many of whom we have no record. Prominence has been given to the case of Elijah as well as to Enoch, and the purpose of grant- ing to prophets this great blessing is that they may minister upon the earth. Moreover, the Lord, of necessity, has kept authorized servants on the earth bearing the priesthood from the days of Adam to the present time; in fact, there has never been a moment from the beginning that there were not men on the
900
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
beings? How can they dwell in resurrection?
earth holding the Holy Priesthood. Even in the days of apostasy, and apostasy has occurred several times, the Lord never surrendered this earth and permitted Satan to have complete control. Even when the great apostasy occurred following the death of the Savior's apostles, our Father in heaven held control and had duly authorized servants on the earth to direct his work and to check, to some extent at least, the ravages and corruption of the evil powers. These servants were not permitted to organize the Church nor to officiate in the ordinances of the gospel, but they did check the advances of evil as far as the Lord deemed it necessary. This truth is made manifest in the state- ment of the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, sec- tion 49, wherein the following appears :
"Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of."
We know that John the Revelator and the three Nephites were granted the privilege of remaining on the earth in the translated state, to "bring souls unto Christ." We know that this was the request of John3 and likewise the desire of the three Nephites.
Entertained by holy messengers
It is reasonable to believe that they were engaged in this work as far as the Lord permitted them to go, during these years of spiritual darkness. There are legends and stories which seem to be authentic, show- ing that these holy messengers were busy among the nations of the earth, and men have been entertained by them unawares.4 We may well believe that these translated prophets have always been busy keeping constraint upon the acts of men and nations unbe- known to mortal man.
Translated beings have not passed through death; that is, they have not had the separation of the spirit and the body. This must wait until the coming of the Savior. In the meantime they are busy fulfilling their glorious mission in preparing the way for the elders of Israel to go forth with the message of salvation
See page 971 for footnotes.
in all parts of the world.
The Prophet Joseph Smith has given us, through revelation, much that we know about translated per- sons and the nature of their work in the following ex- cerpts from his teachings:
A place prepared . . .
"Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this Priesthood. There are many things which belong to the powers of the Priesthood and the keys thereof, that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world; they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the last times.
"Many have supposed that the doctrine of transla- tion was a doctrine whereby men were taken imme- diately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fulness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead. 'Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.' (See Hebrews 11:35.)
"Now it was evident that there was a better resur- rection, or else God would not have revealed it unto Paul. Wherein then, can it be said a better resurrec- tion? This distinction is made between the doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body, but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory."5
"Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death. Trans- lated bodies are designed for future missions.
"The angel that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos was a translated or resurrected body (i. e. per- sonage). Jesus Christ went in body after his resur- rection to minister to resurrected bodies. There has been a chain of authority and power from Adam down to the present time."6
DECEMBER 1957
901
F( fs jl ■
"£ye Hath Not Seen "
I should like to make, as the introduction to what I may say, reference to two experiences which have come to me. I shall refer to these two incidents in such a way as to safeguard the confidences as they have been given me by these lovely people. And then if I address myself to them, I am sure I am say- ing something that will, I believe, lay the foundation for you to find the strength which I hope these young people will find in the message which the gospel of Jesus Christ can give to you and to them.
This first experience is that of a beautiful girl. A few years ago she suffered humiliation and a shocking experience because of the betrayal of a man, and she became a victim of her sins. Shocking as that expe- rience was, she felt she was fortified against a repeti-
°From an address delivered to the Brigham Young University student body.
tion of it, and yet that sin was repeated, not once, but more often. And sadly she recognized that her powers of resistance were diminishing with each experience. Then she asked the question as she sobbed out her story, "How can I obtain the strength to resist future temptations?"
I cannot think of a more important question. I have thought about her question. I am going to try to answer a little more fully than I was able to when we talked, because I have thought more about it.
The second experience is that of a young couple married a few years ago. The girl, heartbroken because of the unhappiness of her home, this last week visited an attorney and took the prelim- inary steps toward a divorce. She had sought to invite her husband to have an interview with one of the Church leaders in her local community and else-
902
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
by Elder Harold B. Lee,
of the Council of the Twelve
where, but he had stedfastly refused, and now she came asking if I would meet with them. I invited her to be at the stake conference where I was in attend- ance, and invited her husband to be there with her, so that we could arrange a time when we could sit down together. They came up at the close of the conference, where there had been a marvelous spirit. There with their arms entwined and with my arms about both of them, I heard them say, with tears streaming down their cheeks, "Brother Lee, after the wonderful spirit that we have felt here in this con- ference today, it is unlikely that we will need to have any further talk with you."
It's the comfort of that second incident that I want you, my dear little girl of the first experience, to catch, and having found that, you will have found in part the realization of the strength for which you seek. "No
With insight and under- standing, Elder Lee an- swers the question: How can I gain the strength to resist temptation?
one," someone has said, "with a heart full of hate can find God." Just so, no one with lust in his heart can experience a pure, fully sacred love. No one who covets what belongs to another can be truly honest, and no one who is envious or jealous can enjoy the thrill of sacrificing for the welfare of others. But to get the full meaning of that may I turn it about and say, no one who knows God can have a heart full of hate. No one can have a pure, sacred, holy love and at the same time have an unholy lust in his heart. No truly honest person can covet what belongs to another, and no one who has the thrill of doing things for others, unselfishly, can ever be envious or jealous of that other person.
The Apostle Paul said something which was in reality but a quotation from the Prophet Isaiah:
But as it is written, Eye liath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (I Corinthians 2:9.)
Sometimes that has been taken to mean blessings hereafter, and too little thought has been given that those great and wonderful blessings which ". . . Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, . . ." (Idem) can apply to us here and now. And it is about some of those things and the following quotations from the Prophet Isaiah that I would have you keep in mind as I relate some of these wonderful experiences and blessings which we here can enjoy. This is what Isaiah said:
But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Isaiah 64:8.)
I've read that many times but had not received the full significance until I was down in Mexico a few years ago at Telacapaca where the people feature the molding of clay into various kinds of pottery. There I saw them take lumps of clay which had been molded, usually by crude, primitive methods, the molder wad- ing in the mud to mix it properly. Then it was put upon a potter's wheel, and there the potter began to
DECEMBER 1957
903
fashion the intricate bits of pottery which he was to place on the market. And as we watched, we saw occasionally because of some defect in the mixing, the necessity of pulling the whole lump of clay apart and throwing it back to be mixed over again, and some- times the process had to be done several times before the proper kind of mud was mixed for the potter.
With that in mind, I thought I began to see the meaning of the scripture: We are as clay in the hands of the potter, and we are all the work of his hands. Yes, we too have to be tried and tested by poverty, by sickness, by the death of loved ones, by temptation, sometimes by the betrayal of supposed friends, by affluence and riches, by ease and luxury, by false edu- cational ideas, and by the flattery of the world. A father, explaining this matter to his son, said,
And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things tuhich are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. (2 Nephi 2:15.)
You remember the old prophet had said,
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scour geth every son whom he receiveth. (Hebrews 12:6.)
It was the Prophet Joseph who said, speaking of this refining process, that he was like a huge, rough stone rolling down the mountainside, and the only polishing he got was when some rough corner came in contact with something else, all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. But he said, "Thus will I become a polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty."
So, to you, my dear girl, to whom I am particularly
addressing my remarks, you and I must be refined; we must be tested in order to prove the strength and power which is in us.
Now, what are the blessings that are so great that "no eye hath seen nor ear heard" the magnitude there- of? I'd like to give you just a handful, if I may- five wonderful blessings that all who have been born into this Church can enjoy and in part have enjoyed up to this time, and that all who come in as baptized members of the Church through conversion may enjoy.
The first endowment of spiritual power that each of you has, as do all who are born upon this earth, is spoken of in the scriptures as the ". . . Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:9.)
This is what the Lord said in a revelation concern- ing this spirit:
And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit. (D& C 84:46.)
That means that wherever one lives, in whatever na- tion he may have been born, no matter whether he be in riches or in poverty, every soul who walks the earth might have at birth an endowment of that first light which is called the light of Christ, the spirit of truth, or the Spirit of God as it is sometimes referred to, that universal light of intelligence with which every soul is blessed.
Mormon spoke of that spirit when he said,
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to fudge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by {Continued on page 948)
WINTER POND
by Jean Mergard
The pond is crystal now,
Where once the waves
Twisted and rolled like blue
And silver doves.
On the luminescent shore,
Hard packed with snow,
Fresh gold-tipped tongues of fire
Speak warm and gay.
Black figures crouch and leap,
Awkward on steel;
Still others nick the slope
Toward the ice-locked shoal.
As blades meet glass, bright songs
Of exhilaration
Blend with the wind on wings
At this transition
To the swift skimming over
sleekness where, Short days ago, deep liquid rippled
there.
904
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Gifts
and
Giving
Thoughts for Your Inspirational Talk
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variable- ness, neither shadow of turning.
—James 1:17,
If thou doest aught good, do it quickly; for what is done quickly will be acceptable. Favors slowly granted are unfavorably re- ceived.
— Ausonius, Epigrams.
We open here our treasures and our gifts;
And some of it is gold,
And some is frankincense,
And some is myrrh;
For some has come from plenty,
Some from joy,
And some from deepest sorrow of the soul.
But thou, O God, dost know the gift is love,
Our pledge of peace, our promise of good-will.
Accept the gift and all the life we bring.
—Herbert H. Hines,
Contemporary American.
What can I give Him Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give him a lamb, If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part,— But what I can I give Him, Give my heart.
-Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1894.
He gives too late who waits to be asked.
—Henderson, Latin Proverbs.
Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only gift is a portion of thyself. . . . Therefore the poet brings his poem; the shepherd, his lamb; the farmer, corn; the miner, a gem; the sailor, coral and shells; the painter, his picture; the girl, a handker- chief of her own sewing.
—Emerson, Gifts.
The most acceptable gifts always are those which the giver makes precious.
—Ovid, Heroidcs.
The greatest gift which God in his bounty bestowed in creating, and the most con- formed to his own goodness, and that which he prizes the most, was the freedom of the will, with which the creatures that have in- telligence, they and they alone, were and are endowed.
—Dante, Divine Comedy.
Weigh not what thou givest, but what is
given thee. „
—James Howell,
English Proverbs.
Who gives to whom hath naught been given His gift is need, though small indeed, As is the grass-blade's wind-blown seed, Is large as earth and rich as heaven.
—John Greenleaf Whittier.
DECEMBER 1957
905
CHRISTMAS
in the
HOLY LAND
by Alice Colton Smith
We drove through the winding canyons of the Judean hills toward Bethlehem. United States em- ployees stationed in Israel, we were joining the countless others on their way to spend Christmas Eve in Bethlehem at Jesus' birthplace. As we began our journey, the lowering, storm-piled clouds seemed as menacing as the constant threats of war hanging over the land.
We had lived in Israel only six months. Like un- numbered Jews and Christians, however, we were not strangers to this land. We had known it all our lives. Our earliest memories were of its stories. Our earliest maps and pictures told about its troubles and its heroes. In sermon and in story we had learned that in this valley Samson slew his thousand with the jawbone of an ass, on that mountain the prophet Samuel crowned Saul king of Israel, and that upon the very highway over which we now traveled Pontius Pilate had ridden to Jerusalem.
The stories we had heard since childhood were suddenly the histories of real people and real places. The cries of both ancient and recent battles rang in our memory. Along the canyon road the twisted, rusted wrecks of trucks were horrifying reminders of a recent war's cost and carnage. Since that war between the Jews and the Arabs in 1948, the trucks had lain in mute protest along the way to Jerusalem. It was hard to forget them and to remember that a man named Jesus, in dusty clothes, hungry and thirsty, had walked this way, hallowing these hills with his presence.
We tried to remember only him and how long ago he had called men to the service of peace. Amid the reminders of war, we lifted our voices in familiar Christmas carols. We thought of Mary, the young mother, of her newborn Son who was to bring peace
to the hearts of men, and of the manger wherein the Christ child lay to receive the gifts and adoration of the lowly shepherds.
Then, at the end of the steep road, on the top of the mountain, was that city of unbrotherly love, Jerusalem. Soldiers walked the streets. Houses, pockmarked and gutted by war, testified to an ever- smoldering hatred. An angry No-Man's-Land tore the city in two, Arabs on one side, Jews on the other. We grew silent in the face of such enmity.
We had dreamed of this moment for months, this hour when we would go up to Bethlehem to worship in the town where Christ was born; not just read of it; not just imagine it as we sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem," but actually to be there on Christmas Eve.
At the border, a long line of cars waited to cross from the new Jerusalem of Israel into the old city of Jerusalem in Jordan, which is built on the site of Christ's city. Papers had to be filled out and permits granted. Americans stationed in Israel were not par- ticularly welcome in Jordan. Jerusalem and Bethle- hem, however, are such sacred cities that diplomatic pressure had persuaded Jordan to allow all Christians, even those in Israel, to enter. at Christmas time.
As we settled down to wait a tedious hour for our turn to cross the border, we remembered how remote this "war" between Jew and Arab had seemed in our Rocky Mountain college town of Logan, Utah. All we could think of then was that we would be going to the Holy Land, the Bible land, the land of Jesus. When the United States government asked my pro- fessor husband to take an assignment in Israel, we had not realized that at the end of thirty-seven flying hours we would be plunged into a world at war. True, there was an armistice, but there was no peace
906
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
in the homeland of the Prince of peace.
Warm greetings from American friends, also wait- ing to visit Jordan, revived our holiday spirits. In a moment we were talking joyously about how wonder- ful it was to be spending Christinas in Bethlehem. We discussed, planned, and replanned our brief holi- day. We thought of all those who had so reverently traveled this way; those who had come in times of peace; those who had come with armies; the poor and the rich.
Suddenly, the sight of a hooded guard and rifle in one of the shattered buildings of No-Man's-Land recalled us to reality. Abruptly, the gray day seemed oppressive. The damp promise of rain increased our discomfort. We could have wept. We loved the talented, vivacious, tempestuous Jew of Israel. We loved the talented, amiable, tempestuous Arab. Each needed the other. Each had so much to give the other. The Jewish learning, modern industry, or- ganization, and skill could well complement the Arab's classical learning, traditional skills, arts, and design.
At last, our turn to cross came. We drove across the three hundred feet of No-Man's-Land to the Jordanian border station. Christian Arabs from Israel packed the space between the two border stations. Families, loaded with bundles, drooped with fatigue. Children, miserable with the ordeal of protracted waiting, cried and complained. Their elders an- swered irritably. Tempers flared with little provoca- tion. Many looked enviously at our American car which allowed us swift passage and preferential border treatment.
As they cleared a path for our car, the Jordanian guards were rough with Israeli Arabs waiting to cross into Jordan. Children and women cried out with
fear as they were pushed against the car by the force of the dense crowd. We were not allowed to stop. We drove as slowly as we could, panicked as we felt the bodies jostle against the moving car, praying that no one would be injured. We grieved that we should go so easily while others must wait so long.
With our entrance permits, we moved from the West into the East. The contrast was everywhere. Men were dressed in western business suits, in long, voluminous robes, their heads covered with the color- ful, hoodlike kaffiyeh and egal; in ankle-length gowns topped by coats from western business suits; in the huge baggy pants of the Middle East. Some men were spotlessly clean, some were incredibly dirty.
Women wore suits from Paris, dresses and coats from America, traditional woolens from England; but many were of the past and wore the black shoes, thick black stockings, the black coat, and the envelop- ing black veil that permits no one to see their faces. The women of the villages walked with uncovered faces in richly embroidered gowns, with long shawls covering their hair and with the grace and easy car- riage a western model might envy. On their heads they carried laden baskets as if they were hats with feathered plumes. Children followed us everywhere: children undernourished, children blue with cold, in tattered clothes; some whose runny eyes foretold the blindness the dread trachoma would bring. Medicine has helped erase this scourge, but there is still much to do.
The best hotels of Jerusalem lie outside the old city's ancient walls. Because Christmas is a big tour- ist season, our Israeli connections made it impossible for us to secure lodgings in these hotels. Our hotel was situated deep in the old city, a stone's throw from No-Man's-Land.
DECEMBER 1957
907
We entered the medieval city of Old Jerusalem through Damascus Gate. The streets were too nar- row for cars, so we carried our bags for what seemed miles through the tortuous, covered ways thronged with humanity and donkeys. A tattered but cheerful urchin carried the luggage we could not handle. The shops on each side emitted the blended odors of cof- fee, spices, vegetables, fruit, pastry, and meat.
Our hotel was ancient, cold, small, and uncomfort- able. The lobby's pot-bellied stove furnished the only heat in the entire building. As we entered, the jam of Christmas pilgrims provided an unusual warmth. A babble of languages filled the air. The Arab proprietor with a huge scar dividing his left cheek rushed in and out. The unexpected sight of several US airmen linked us joyfully with home.
Upstairs, our unheated bedroom had one unshaded electric light bulb. The beds were without inner- spring mattresses or coil springs. To keep warm we not only asked for extra blankets but also used the
sleeping bags we had brought. Our washbasin had running cold water only. Each morning we were brought one teapot of hot water in which the four of us had to wash and my husband and son to shave. We spent only the time necessary to sleep and eat in our hotel.
Before we left for Bethlehem, which as in the time of Jesus has little room for travelers, we shopped in the cubbyhole stores where all the fabulous merchan- dise of the East has been brought to tempt the tourist: great trays of brass, copper, and silver from Damascus, Persian rugs from Iran, elegant gold and silver jewelry from Lebanon and Syria, linens embroidered elaborately with gold thread from Tripoli, velvet capes fashioned after those the Crusaders wore, enameled vases from Kashmir, and carvings of olive wood cut in Jerusalem. The shops were cold, and the solicitous merchants brought lovely, small brass braziers filled with glowing coals around which we
huddled while we bargained. As always, in accord- ance with eastern hospitality, we were served some- thing hot to drink.
Twilight came and was followed by foggy night. The shops were closed. We returned to our hotel to eat the strange, delicious food of the Middle East: stuffed grape leaves, chicken with lemon-flavored gravy, stuffed marrow, and pistachio-filled cookies flavored with rose water.
A drizzling rain was falling as we left Jerusalem and drove the narrow, steep, twisting road to Bethle- hem. Before we had gone far, a great star flamed in the darkness of approaching midnight. The electric star of today's Bethlehem lighted our way across the barren, wet Judean hills past the fields "where shep- herds watched their flocks by night" to the church now guarding the manger where Christ is believed to have been born. Again, we sang the carols in joy- ful anticipation.
Bethlehem, built on the mountaintop, its roads, steep, winding, and narrow, and its houses crowded to the road's edge was quiet in the rain-swept night. Only the raucous voices of the taxicab drivers and the calls of the merchants whose shops line the street opposite the Church of the Nativity disturbed the peace of Bethlehem.
The old Crusade-built church, cleaned by the rain, was softly lit by many lamps. Stooping almost double to enter by its low door built to keep carousing horse- men from riding in, we were hushed by the solemnity of the chapel. From each of its many chandeliers hung a huge, colored Christmas ball.
Upstairs, outside the chapel, we stood for over an hour before we could enter. Many persons in the crowd pushed and shoved for priority in line. Finally, the doors were opened. Arabs, Englishmen, French- men, Scandinavians, Spaniards, Chinese, Abyssinians, Americans— people from all over the earth crowded into the church.
908
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Diplomats, resplendent in gold braid and red and purple velvet, entered in great solemnity. Common men and notables bowed their heads in allegiance to God.
We sat on narrow, uncomfortable benches without complaining, because this was Bethlehem. In this town, on this very spot perhaps, the Son of God had been born.
Full of awe we watched the beautiful service. The bells pealed out the midnight hour. It was Christmas in Bethlehem, and Christ was born again in the hearts of men.
We drove back across the silent hills to Jerusalem. We passed the Mount of Olives where Christ often paused to sorrow over his city; passed the Garden of Gethsemane whose ancient olive trees, believed to be the very ones under which Jesus prayed, were now dark shadows on a darker hill; passed the night- blurred walls of the ancient temple area; and came at last to the city of his death and resurrection.
Christmas day brought more rain, and no customary Christmas tree, gaily wrapped packages, or friends with Christmas greetings. Instead, we spent a long day visiting Samaria, Jacob's well, Emmaus, and other sites famed in biblical lore.
Wearied, we finally went back to the hotel with lagging footsteps. As we opened the lobby door, we paused. We couldn't believe our eyes. Streamers of red and green Christmas paper twirled in the warm air of the brightly lit lobby. Candy and nuts were heaped on the beautiful inlaid tables. Belgians, American, Frenchmen, Arabs— all the hotel guests were talking and laughing together like friends. We
were dazzled by this Christmas miracle.
The unexpected turkey dinner awed us: cranberry sauce, pickles, colossal American olives, and finally, fruit cake— wonderful American fruit cake! Two men in United States Air Force uniforms approached our table, offering more cake. This wonderful Christmas was then explained. Not the management but the US Air Force men stationed in Dharan in Saudi Arabia were our Santa Claus. They had flown their Christ- mas dinner with them to Jerusalem. Their generous leftovers fed all the hotel guests.
Drawn together by the delightfully unexpected munificence, all the guests sang songs and were gay together in a dozen languages. We discovered that joy makes gesture a universal language, and we were merry until Christmas ended. Forgotten was the bitter history of Jerusalem when Nebuchadnezzar carried its inhabitants captive into Babylon; when the Romans laid waste this city and tore its temple down; and when the Crusaders fought every step of the way to this Holy City. Forgotten was the agony of betrayal and death which Jesus suffered here; for- gotten was the present enmity between Arab and Jew whose guns and No-Man's-Land were a short half- block away. The uniform of the US Air Force, some- times a symbol of war, became for these hours an emblem of brotherhood drawing us all together to worship in song the Child of Bethlehem. Men of war and men of peace, we had all made the long journey to the Holy Land in his honor, and in his memory different customs, different languages, dif- ferent songs blended together in one joyful Christmas celebration.
CHRISTMAS
by Vesta Nickerson
Beside the winter hearth the fragrant fir Bespeaks the passing of another year. Upon each weighted bough the breathless stir Of burning candle points the season's cheer. Ribboned wreaths, the pendent mistletoe, And eastern holly, sharp in unsheathed sprays, Accent the turning cycle, clearly show The rich inheritance of months and days.
The mind can trespass lightly over space, The symbol flame and guiding star unite, Or, disregarding time, in thought replace The silver fir upon the mountain height. Remembrance of His wondrous words and way Keeps faith alive within our hearts today.
DECEMBER 1957
909
First of two parts
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Significance for Latter-day Saints
by Dr. Sidney B. Sperry
Professor of Old Testament Languages and Literature
Brigham Young University
Few events have excited Bible scholars and laymen alike more than the chance finding of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. The main facts of the discovery are now pretty well known, but it will not hurt to review them. In the spring of 1947 a goatherd of the Ta'amireh tribe of Bedouins, Mu- hammad Adh-Dhib ("Mu- hammad the Wolf") by name, while grazing his flock near the Wadi Qumran, an area northwest of the Dead Sea, came upon an ancient storehouse of Hebrew and Aramaic documents. All accounts of the find are by no means agreed in detail, but here is how Mr. C. Lankester Harding, Director of Antiques in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, describes it in The London Times of August 9, 1949:
"One of the goats strayed in search for better pas- tures, and the goatherd, looking for it up the steep rock hillside, chanced upon a small circular opening in a rock face. With pardonable curiosity he looked in cautiously, but could make out only a large dark cavern; so he picked up a stone and threw it in— and heard something crack and break. Nervously appre- hensive at the unexpected result of his effort, he with- drew, and returned later with a friend. Each made brave by the presence of the other, they wriggled through the small aperture into the cavern, and in the dim light could distinguish some large jars standing on the floor, one of them broken by the recently thrown stone. Fragments of others were lying all around, but they quickly proceeded to examine the contents of the intact jars.
"Instead, however, of the expected golden treasure they drew forth a number of leather rolls covered in,
to them, an unknown writing— had they but known it, a treasure far greater than any gold."1
Muhammad and his friend proceeded to Bethle- hem, where they attempted to sell the scrolls. In a few months time the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of St. Mark in Jerusalem and Dr. E. L. Sukenik of the Hebrew University had acquired the scrolls. The Syrian Archbishop of Jerusalem, Athanasius Yeshue Samuel, recognized that the script on the rolls in possession of his monastery was Hebrew, but beyond that fact neither he nor any of his colleagues knew anything about the nature and significance of the documents. The archbishop consulted scholars, in- cluding the famous Dutch Professor J. van der Ploeg, of the University of Nijmegen, who happened to be in Jerusalem at the time. Professor van der Ploeg, on seeing one of the documents, recognized it as a He- brew copy of the book of Isaiah. He accordingly reported this interesting fact to one of his friends at the Ecole Bibliqiie, a famous scholar in the field of manuscripts, who told him that it was preposterous to suppose that genuine documents of such an early age as the Isaiah document appeared to be could possibly exist. Professor van der Ploeg therefore dropped the matter from his mind, but it was not long before he and his friend were to change their opinions regarding the early date of the scrolls.
On February 21, 1948, Father Butros Sowmy of the Syrian Monastery approached young Dr. John C. Trever, Acting Director of the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem, concerning the five rolls. The next day he and his brother brought the rolls to the American School and, inasmuch as no cameras were then available, permitted Dr. Trever to copy some lines from the largest scroll. Father Sowmy explained that the rolls had originally been found in a cave near the Dead Sea.
When his visitors departed, Dr. Trever quickly realized that the Hebrew characters from the roll he
910
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Dr. Sperry and Dr. Hugh Nibley of BYU examine photostats of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The delicate unroll- ing completed, the scrolls are ready for study and transla-- tion.
See page 971 for footnotes.
DECEMBER 1957
911
J.
had copied were from the book of Isaiah and were more archaic than any of the kind he had before seen. Accordingly, the next day he persuaded Archbishop Samuel to allow the rolls to be brought to the Ameri- can School and photographed. On February 23, the project was begun; however, one of the rolls was so badly damaged and difficult to unroll that work on it was discontinued. It was observed that this roll was not written in Hebrew but in its sister-language, Aramaic.
The plates were developed as soon as possible, and some prints from the Isaiah scroll were airmailed to Dr. William F. Albright of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Dr. Albright, one of the greatest bibli- cal archaeologists of our time, quickly responded by airmail and said these now familiar words:
"My heartiest congratulations on the greatest manu- script discovery of modern times! There is no doubt in my mind that the script is more archaic than that of the Nash Papyrus. ... I should prefer a date around 100 B.C. . . . What an absolutely incredible find! And there can happily not be the slightest doubt in the world about the genuineness of the manuscript."2
When Dr. Millar Burrows, director of the American School, came back from a two-week visit to Iraq near the end of February, he immediately plunged into active study of the scrolls with his colleagues, Dr. Trever and Dr. W. H. Brownlee. It was urgent that the manuscripts be prepared for publication. Dr. Burrows told Archbishop Samuel that in his judgment the Isaiah scroll was the oldest known manuscript of any book in our Bible. The archbishop was so im- pressed by Dr. Burrows' words that within a week he had sent the scrolls to a safe place outside the con- fines of Palestine.
In 1949 Archbishop Samuel arrived in this country with the five scrolls (later it was discovered that in reality two of them were parts of one original scroll) and handed them over to the American School of Oriental Research, to be kept there for three years with a view to publication. And, indeed, three of the scrolls were promptly published. The fourth roll still resisted attempts to unroll it.
Finally, attempts were made to sell the scrolls, but institutions hesitated to bid for them— possibly because of doubt as to legal ownership. On February 13, 1955, it was announced that they had been purchased for the State of Israel, the stated price being two hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars. In this way all of the scrolls were united under one ownership, Dr. E. L. Sukenik having purchased the other scrolls for the Hebrew University, as was pointed out above. Israel's premier announced a proposal to build a special museum to house the scrolls, which should be known as the Shrine of the Book.
Not only has the original cave of discovery been
explored, but numerous other caves over a large area have also been investigated by Bedouins or experts or both. Large numbers of fragments of documents have been discovered. These caves have been sys- tematically numbered, the first one naturally being known as Cave 1 or 1Q (Q = Qumran).
I must mention an unusual discovery in Cave 3 of two rolls of inscribed copper— not, as usual, of skin or papyrus. One of the rolls consisted of two strips of copper rolled together; apparently they were orig- inally riveted together to form a metal sheet about eight feet long by one foot wide. Although the rolls contained writing, it was difficult to decipher, since the documents could not be unrolled because of the oxidation of the metal. Only early last year (1956) did Professor H. Wright Baker of the Manchester College of Technology succeed— brilliantly, I may add— in opening the scrolls for decipherment. Only about five percent of the text was destroyed in the operation. When announcements were made in 1956 concerning the contents of the copper scrolls, it was revealed that they contained traditions about the hid- ing places of about sixty portions of treasure. The combined weight of the treasure, consisting of gold, silver, incense, and the like, would, so the report goes, amount to over two hundred tons, hidden mostly in the neighborhood of Jerusalem. Parts of the treasure are said to have been stowed away in places as far distant as Mount Gerizim and Hebron (fifty miles apart). Whether or not this is true is a matter yet to be determined. I have not as yet heard of any of the treasure being dug up.
As excavation has proceeded in the caves, untold thousands of manuscript fragments have been re- covered. In Cave 4 alone, tens of thousands of these fragments representing about 330 separate books have been retrieved. It is said that ninety of these books are parts of the Bible; in fact, every Old Testa- ment book except Esther is represented in the finds. Apocryphal works, some hitherto unknown books, commentaries and paraphrases, hymns, and religious documents having to do with some community are among the finds.
To clean, unfold, and photograph all of these frag- ments is alone a monumental task, not to mention the problem of translating and piecing together the parts which belong to one and the same document. A team of eminent scholars is now engaged in this tedious work in the Palestine Archaeological Museum, in a long room known as the "Scrollery." A full re- port of their labors will come out gradually in a series of volumes, one of which, Discoveries in the Judaean Desert, has already appeared (Clarendon Press, Oxford) under the editorship of the Catholic Fathers D. Barthelemy and J. T. Milik.
When were the manuscripts, especially those found
912
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
in Cave 1, written? Opinions differ somewhat, and some of the documents must be dated earlier than others. Dr. Millar Burrows seems to think that various lines of investigation would place all of the manu- scripts within the historical period from about 300 BC to AD 68 or 70. One of the most important scrolls, the complete Isaiah document (Isaiah A), has been dated between 175 and 100 BC; the Habakkuk scroll is placed between 100 BC and AD 25, while the Rule of the Community scroll has been dated between 125 and 100 BC. Of special interest to us is the fact that the complete scroll of Isaiah is about one thou- sand years older than any Hebrew text of a complete Old Testament book known before the finds of the Qumran community. Prior to the finding of this latest text of Isaiah, the oldest manuscript of the Hebrew Old Testament whose date was positively known reached back only to AD 916.
Now let us examine the nature of the main manu- scripts found at Qumran and observe their general importance to scholars and especially any points of significance to Latter-day Saints.
The first scroll to be published, and one that re- ceived unusual publicity, was the complete manu- script of Isaiah. This was one of the documents which came into the hands of Archbishop Samuel of St. Mark's Monastery in Jerusalem. It is referred to as the Isaiah A scroll. Professor Sukenik of the Hebrew University, now deceased, acquired an in- complete copy of the text of Isaiah, now known as the Isaiah B scroll. This manuscript consisted of one large piece containing the text of Isaiah from chapter 38 to 66, with some gaps, and several smaller pieces containing parts of chapters 10, 13, 19-30, and 35-40. The text of this incomplete manuscript of Isaiah is better written than that of Isaiah A and agrees closely with the traditional Masoretic Hebrew
text of later times. I have not as yet had the oppor- tunity to work with the text of Isaiah B and so shall confine my discussion to the text of Isaiah A.
The text is for the most part very similar to the traditional Hebrew text familiar to scholars, but with many differences in details more or less significant. When word of the discovery of this scroll got around, scholars, not to mention many educated laymen, be- gan to wonder whether or not it would resolve many of the literary problems that have been raised con- cerning the text of Isaiah. Would the manuscript prove, for example, that there were not two or more Isaiahs? Was there anything to the usual scholarly appellations "Deutero-Isaiah" and "Trito-Isaiah"? And I was especially interested because of the light the manuscript might be expected to throw on the prob- lem of the text of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon.3
Now that the text has been published, the critics tell us that it reveals no more than we already knew. However, I insist that it is up to the critics to prove the existence in the text of authors other than Isaiah the son of Amoz, which they haven't done. Certainly the text of Isaiah A and the Septuagint (Greek) text give no comfort to the critics, for these documents contain no hint that authors other than Isaiah of the eighth century BC had anything to do with the text. When we have a manuscript as old as Isaiah A pur- ports to be, and as near to the time when the authors of Deutero-Isaiah and Trito-Isaiah were supposed to live, we could reasonably expect that the writer of the scroll would know something about them and betray it in his copying. But the scribe seems to know nothing about Deutero-Isaiah or Trito-Isaiah and other supposed authors. And the scroll definitely throws out the theories of certain critics that one or two sections of Isaiah are to be dated in the age of the Maccabees, that is, (Continued on page 970)
QUEST
by Mary Lucretia Barker
This is the time for which I dreamed and worked
Through days of faith and trust, through empty years,
When'love was lit by storm, baptized in tears.
There lies the yoke whose weight I never shirked.
I once had visions of a path of peace,
A quiet resting place where burdens fell,
A calm hiatus from the waves that swell;
But now I know that struggle will not cease.
There must be striving to attain a goal,
There must be effort that will never halt,
The quest must be eternal for each fault
To be destroyed by man's immortal soul.
Beloved, you and I have shared great dreams,
And still beyond the ancient vigil gleams.
DECEMBER 1957
913
Authority
by Delbert L. Stapley of the Council of the Twelve
In preparation for the next visit of the ward teachers, it is hoped that each family will read, as a part of their family hour, this stirring arti- cle. It is one of a series in which General Authorities, in cooperation with the Presiding Bishopric, discuss the monthly ward teaching topics.
Respect for and support of Church leaders at all levels is incumbent upon Church members by direct counsel and admonition from the Lord. Said he,
"For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
". . . and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
". . . and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom." (D & C 84:36-38.)
According to the gospel by the Apostle John the Lord declared, "He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." (John 13:20.)
The Savior in a revelation to his people of this dispensation gave this admonition: "I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine." (D & C 38:27.)
The Apostle Paul writing to the Hebrew Saints counseled:
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow . . . and submit yourselves : for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Heb. 13:7, 17.)
We must remember there is not a single officer in the Church who has selected himself for the position in which he serves; he has been called by a higher authority and often responds at considerable personal sacrifice for a position he did not seek. His love for the Lord and faith in the Lord's work, also the sin- cere interest the chosen leader has for the welfare of the souls of men, impels him to accept appointments with devotion and true dedication.
Respect for the priesthood
R. H. Roberts in a general conference of the Church declared, "There should be respect for the Priesthood of God, and when I speak of respecting the Priest- hood, I do not mean merely the President of the Church nor the Apostles of the Church, nor the Gen- eral Authorities of the Church. I mean them of course; but I also mean all those who hold the Priest- hood. I bespeak respect for the presidents of stakes; for bishops of wards; and also for the priests, who teach the Gospel at the firesides of the people. I bespeak for the humblest of God's servants, as well as for the highest; for it is all one authority; it all comes from God." (John A. Widtsoe, Priesthood and Church Government, pp. 196-197.)
George Q. Cannon taught: "If we talk about the living oracles and want to pay respect to them, how shall we do this? Shall we do it by never reading their words; by paying no attention to that which
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Family Hour Discussion Topic
they say? That is a very poor way of doing. We ought to listen to their words. When we cannot hear their words, we should read them; for they are the words of the authorized servants of God. I feel that there is a great neglect among us in this respect." (Ibid., pp. 63-64.)
Priesthood and righteousness
He who enjoys a position of leadership and author- ity must by an exemplary life and good works and with love, kindness, and patience, earn the respect and honor of his people. President Joseph F. Smith gave this wise counsel: "If you will honor the Holy Priest- hood in yourself first, you will honor it in those who preside over you, and those who administer in the various callings throughout the Church." (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 1928 edition, p. 207. ) He also' exhorted that leaders should live so as to be worthy of the authority vested in them and worthy of the gifts that have been bestowed upon them. He gave this further counsel: "I believe it to be the duty of the Church to recognize and acknowledge every man who holds an official position in it, in his sphere and in his calling. I hold to the doctrine that the duty of a teacher is as sacred as the duty of an apostle, in the sphere in which he is called to act, and that every member of the Church is as much in duty bound to honor the teacher who visits him in his home, as he is to honor the office and counsel of the presiding quorum of the Church. They all have the priesthood; they are all acting in their callings, and they are all essential in their places because the Lord has ap- pointed them and set them in his Church. We can- not ignore them; or, if we do, the sin will be upon our heads." (Ibid., p. 204.)
President Smith further advised: "I do not think it is my right or prerogative to point out the sup- posed defects of the Prophet Joseph Smith, or Brigham Young, or any other of the leaders of the Church. Let the Lord God Almighty judge them and speak for or against them as it may seem to him good— but not me; it is not for me, my brethren, to do this. Our enemies may have taken advantage of us in times gone by, because of unwise things that we may have said. Some of us may now give to the world the same opportunity to speak evil against us, because of that which we say, which should not be spoken at all." (Ibid., p. 223.)
What we see amiss in others, we should not permit in ourselves. The Savior in his profound Sermon on the Mount said: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the
beam that is in thine own eye?" (Matt. 7:3.)
Men cannot be good leaders without also being good followers. The Apostle Paul counseled the Thessalonians, "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
". . . and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among your- selves." (I Thess. 5:12-13.)
In our day the Savior has revealed: ". . . verily I say unto you, teach one another according to the office wherewith I have appointed you;
"And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practise virtue and holiness before me." (D & C 38:23-24.)
It is wrong to sit in judgment upon the presiding officers God has called through his appointed serv- ants. It is our duty to pray for them, that they may have the faith, courage, strength, and desire to meas- ure fully up to their callings. We also have an obli- gation to sustain them by word and deed. President John Taylor taught responsibility in sustaining au- thority in these words: "We hold up our right hand when voting in token before God that we will sustain those for whom we vote. And if we cannot feel to sustain them, we ought not to hold up our hands because to do this would be to act the part of hypo- crites. And the question naturally arises, how far shall we sustain them? Or in other words, how far are we at liberty to depart from this covenant which we make before each other and before our God? For when we lift up our hands in this way, it is in token to God that we are sincere in what we do, and that we will sustain the parties we vote for. . . . How far then should we sustain them, and how far should we not? ... If we agree to do a thing and do not do it, we become covenant breakers and violators of our obligations, which are, perhaps, as solemn and binding as anything we (Continued on page 938)
Elder Delbert Leon Stapley of the Council of the Twelve, who penned this soul-stirring article, was sustained a member of the Council at the October 1950 con- ference. At that time he was serving as president of one of the Arizona stakes.
DECEMBER 1957
915
NO ROOM AT THE
INN
by Frances Yost
NOTE: Down through the ages people have come to believe that the innkeeper at Bethlehem was a mean and hateful person. Yet the Bible itself does not imply this, merely that there was no room at the inn. Today we do not consider every innkeeper who puts out the "no vacancy" sign as cruel and hateful. Perhaps it really happened like this:
Sarid had never been so meticulous. Today she had scrubbed and polished not only the tables and benches, but also the moldings and the casings. Now she was on her knees scrubbing the rough floor of the inn. When one is scrubbing, there is much time for thinking.
Only this morning while Raham was at the stable gathering milk from the kine, Sarid had read from the holy writings of Isaiah a passage which was so beauti- ful she had read it again and again. Now the words kept coming back as she cleaned and scoured: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
"Ah," said Sarid, "if only the Prince of Peace could
come and free the Jews from bondage. It would be wonderful to be the hostess of the inn for the Prince of Peace." Her scrubbing brush flew as with wings.
The big walnut door of the inn opened. Raham, returning from the market, entered with fresh bones with which to make broth for the evening's tired travelers. He also carried a rolled parchment in his hand.
"It is news I have," said Raham; then at sight of Sarid on bended knee scrubbing the large rough floor of the inn, a look of concern came over his counte- nance. "Why do you wear your fingers to the bone, Sarid?" Raham asked kindly. "Caesar's legionnaires will neither see thy clean floor nor honor it. Wine will flow freely; brawls will be common while they drink and make merry. Save your strength, my wife, for the evening's work of waiting on tables, and light- ing the upper chambers."
"What was the message on parchment, Raham? Surely Caesar will not raise the tax on the already burdened Israel!" Sarid lifted her weight from her arms and flourished the scrubbing brush as if shaking it in Caesar's face.
"It is a message which commands me to reserve food and shelter for thirty of Caesar's legionnaires,"
916
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Raham said. "I loathe having the inn full of these Romans. If only a ruler of the Jews would rise up and free us from this Roman tyranny!"
"Raham, it is written by the prophets that a Prince of Peace will come. Who knows, he may come now when Israel is under bondage and free us all. He may even stop at our humble inn. My thoughts were on this great prince; that is why I scrub the floor on bended knee."
"By eventide the place will throng with Roman guards and tax assessors, and each one will think he is a prince," Raham laughed.
"Raham, my beloved, it is not a Pilate or a Herod I speak of," Sarid pleaded, her eyes like placid pools. "Scripture reveals that a lawful successor to the throne of Judah will come, a king of the Jews! The words are so beautiful I have committed them to memory, 'The government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called the Prince of Peace!' '
"Sarid, is this a trick to get me to whitewash the front of the inn?" Raham asked.
"Time passes too quickly to whitewash the inn to- day, but we can air the mats in the chambers and sprinkle new straw on the barn floor."
"Ah, woman, now even our stable is not fit for your dream prince's camels. The life of an innkeeper is hard at best, but with a dirt-chasing wife, there is no rest." Raham was teasing. He lifted Sarid from the floor and, giving her a light tap with his hand, exclaimed, "Go to thy stew pots, woman. I shall finish this scrubbing though it will not be done with equal skill. Then I shall clean up the barn like a good husbandman."
"And I shall help scatter straw with thee, Raham." As Sarid prepared the broth, she crooned a little over- ture from the Psalms.
Later when the inn and surroundings were in order, Raham and Sarid sat on a bench beneath the row of fig trees at the entrance to the stable. It was a quiet, secluded place, cool and pleasant, yet offering a con- venient view of the passersby and the front door of the inn, should anyone seek lodging.
Together they watched the weary travelers wending their way into the city of David. Since the word of Caesar Augustus had been heralded in every kingdom and province saying the people must report for taxa- tion, enrolment, and registration, men, women, and children traveling on bare and sandled feet had passed the inn. Others with moderate means traveled on donkeys. Still others more fortunate traveled in camel caravans, wearing colorful cloaks while their women hid their faces behind dark veils. All came to be taxed, everyone into his own city, for a census under Roman rule.
"Israel, our beloved people who are usually so con- tent to stay at home and tend the flocks, have become
as swarming bees flitting hither and yon," Sarid said.
"Look at them come," Raham replied, "men, women, and children from all walks of life and from all provinces. How glad I am that we are of the city of David and need not seek taxation in a far-off city."
"Yes, we are fortunate indeed, Raham. Perhaps among these moving people will come the Prince of Peace, the wonderful counselor, to rise up and free our people from Roman tyranny."
"Reading the scripture hast made thee a woman of dreams." Raham said reprovingly. "Come, let us prepare ourselves lest travelers stop and find us sitting like beggars under a fig tree."
The afternoon wore itself away; still weary travelers entered the gates of Bethlehem. Raham washed and anointed his beard and long hair with a cinnamon perfumed oil which Sarid had prepared for his anni- versary gift. He washed his feet, put on his sandals and a brown homespun robe flecked with red; this, too, the work of Sarid's hands. Raham was dressed to welcome his patrons. He hoped that his appearance and the first impression of the inn would be that of a modest, industrious innkeeper's establishment.
Raham looked about the entrance hall. It was clean. Sarid had dusted the cobwebs from the log beams overhead. She had even cut curtains of parch- ment to hang at the bare windows. Every table boasted a lamp and every lamp a clean wick and oil to feed it. Sarid had placed clean robes on the lounges about the walls. Many guests liked to lounge as they supped of their evening broth. Yes, Raham thought, Sarid is a good wife.
Sarid entered the long entrance hall of the inn. Raham caught his breath at sight of her. No longer was she a humble scrubwoman. Now she stood tall and slim of waist, wearing a black bodice, white blouse, and full green skirt. She had draped her hair with a bright red scarf, pinning her dark tendrils under, except for a stray curl or two about her face and forehead. He felt that no man had a more loving or more beautiful wife than his Sarid. He must try to make this day easy for her. He stopped polishing the goblets and walked across to her.
"Ah, Sarid, you look like a girl."
Sarid's face took on an almost sacred appearance. "Tell me, has anyone come seeking shelter while I was washing and dressing?"
"Not yet, but daylight is still with us," Raham re- plied. "Travelers on foot cannot stop while the sun is still high; it would make their travels too short. Yet wise is the traveler who seeks shelter before the owl hoots."
A rap sounded on the big walnut door. The hinges squeaked as Raham pushed it open. "Welcome to the Inn of Raham," he said, then stopped short, for the sight before his eyes (Continued on page 944)
DECEMBER 1957
917
MIA Reading Course: Jesus the Christ— XVIII
Could he now be bothered by such a little thing as the blindness of one man? His followers must have waited in breathless silence as Jesus asked that the man be brought to him.
With all haste, even casting aside his outer garment so he wouldn't be slowed down, the man rose and hurried to where Jesus was waiting.
"What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" the Lord asked.
Jesus Returns to Jerusalem
by Doyle L. Green, Managing Editor
"Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me!"
It was the voice of the blind man, Bartimeus, son of Timeus, crying out. From his place by the wayside near one of the entrances to the city of Jericho down in the valley of the Jordan where he had been begging for alms, he had heard the assorted noises of a great multitude approaching. Asking who these people were he was told that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.
Although he was blind he had heard the stories of the many miracles this Man of Galilee had wrought. He had been told of his healing the sick, raising the dead, and restoring sight to unfortunate men such as himself. Seemingly he had been waiting for just such an opportunity as this so he could ask the Savior to heal him.
Since he feared that Jesus might not hear him, he had called out lustily. Many of the multitude com- manded him to be still. But he was a man of great faith and believed that the Lord could heal him too, and he would not be silenced. ". . . thou son of David, have mercy on me," he pleaded more loudly and vigorously than ever.
Hearing the plaintive cry of the man, Jesus stopped his trek and halted the great procession.
It was late March. Jesus was now but a day's journey from Jerusalem. The time had come for him voluntarily to lay down his life as part of the great plan developed before the world was made, to make it possible for all men to be resurrected. The massive weight of the whole world hung heavily upon him.
See page 971 for footnotes.
'Christ's triumphant entrance into
Jerusalem" from a painting by
Bernhard Ploekhorst
918
"Lord, that I might receive my sight," the faithful man pleaded simply.
Without further hesitation or questioning Jesus said, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole."
Immediately the man was made to see, thus becom- ing, according to the record, the sixth sightless man to be thus blessed by the Lord. And when he was healed, he followed the Savior and glorified God as did "all the people, when they saw it."
Word that the Lord was passing through the land traveled fast, insomuch that great crowds of people gathered along the sides of the street to see him and his followers as they went by.
In Jericho there was a man who had an especially great desire to see Jesus. His name was Zacchaeus. Jericho, which was located about fifteen miles north- east from Jerusalem, was known as the "city of palm trees." Lying in a valley several hundred feet below
sea level and some five miles from the north end of the Dead Sea, it had a semi-tropical, though dry, climate. At the time, it was a very important and fruitful area, requiring the services of a number of tax collectors of whom Zacchaeus was the chief.
We will remember that the Jews despised tax col- lectors, and even though Zacchaeus was wealthy, he was accorded no special favors. Not having arrived in time to obtain a place on the front row, and being very short in stature, his view of the street was blocked. But, determined to see the Lord, he climbed up into a sycamore tree.
Picture the surprise of the assembled multitude, yes, and even of the tax collector himself, when Jesus stopped near the tree and looking up into its branches said, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to- day I must abide at thy house."
Hastily descending, the publican escorted Jesus to his house "and received him joyfully." His fellow townspeople, however, who looked upon any tax col- lector as a "sinner," were very disturbed, and mur- mured against Jesus. But the Savior, as always, had purpose behind his actions, and had chosen his host well. So thoroughly was Zacchaeus converted to the words of the Lord that he avowed: "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."
It is easy to suppose that Zacchaeus had been unfair in some of his past dealings, but Jesus was convinced of his sincerity and knew he had truly repented. "This day is salvation come to this house," he said, "forso- much as he also is a son of Abraham.
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Why was such a great multitude following the Savior and why was there so much interest in him along the way? It is true that many of the people were making their annual trek to attend the Feast of the Passover, but the answer to this question seems to lie in the belief many had that Jesus was actually going to Jerusalem to establish his kingdom upon the
earth. They thought that this was the time which had been spoken of by their prophets, when they would be liberated from their hated enemies, and the glories of the days of David and Solomon would return.
Jesus knew their feelings and did not want them to be disappointed when their expectations were not realized. Again he tried to explain to them the nature of events to follow. In doing so, he told the story which we have come to know as the parable of the ten pounds. This parable concerned a nobleman who, before going into a far country "to receive for himself a kingdom," called his ten servants and gave to each of them a sum of money, a pound, to keep until he returned. He wasn't a very popular man with the citizens of his country, who sent word that they would not be subject to him. Upon returning he called his servants to him to see how each had fared with the pound he had been given. One of them through the proper use of his money had turned it into ten pounds and because he had been so faithful, was made ruler over ten cities. A second had gained five pounds and was made ruler over five cities. A third returned only the pound he was given: "For I feared thee," he said, "because thou art an austere man."
"Out of thine own (Continued on page 936)
mO*&*&i?
>
THE GIFTS
by Alice Thurston
Always, always will my children remember With crystal delight, the month of December: December, December, scarlet and white When songs of the Christ Child were sung
through the night And Grandmother's voice, full of wonder and
light, Told the wondrous tale of the first Christmas
night. Sweet are the memories, dear to remember Of the wonderful days of vivid December.
Yet still in my heart and bright as an ember Is the memory sweet of quiet September. Quiet September, when the lamp's amber
core Revealed Mother sewing, building her store: Gifts for the lonely, gifts for the poor, For her own large brood and the child at
the door. Oh, always, always will I remember The beginning of Christmas in quiet
September.
920
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Christinas, Christmas
by Beverly Turley
The mere sound of Christmas brings joy to my heart! It brings the glow that only Christmas can bring. It brings warmth and cheer and gladness. It brings gaiety, music, and mirth; it brings reunion with cherished friends; it brings glitter and glamour to our everyday household; it brings back the anticipation, the fun, the thrill of my childhood as I remember past Christmases.
I remember the Christmas that I caught fire! In those days we used candles to illuminate our trees, and while they were a breathtaking sight to behold, they were dangerous. I lit the candles at the bottom of the tree first and then leaned over them to light the top ones. My dress was soon blazing as brightly as the tree. I had to be rolled quickly on the carpet to be put out!
I remember the Christmas of my last doll and the sadness of knowing it was my last doll— much like the sadness a mother feels when she realizes she has had her last little baby to snuggle in her arms.
I remember the Christmas of my first real watch. The finest watch, set in dazzling diamonds, could not have been more gratefully received. It actually ticked! Oh, Christmas, Christmas!
I can still hear the sleighbells jingle as the sleighs passed over the frozen crusty snow; I can still feel the warmth of the big old stove in the parlor as we children snuggled behind it, giggling and whispering of Santa and presents and good things to eat; I can still see the beauty of our tree as it stood in the same corner year after year; I can still see the stocking I used to borrow from my mother— the biggest, the longest, the fattest one she had; it was always bulging on Christmas morning with coconut balls with rich creamy centers coated with chopped nuts, and the chocolate fudge that just melted away in my mouth— mmmmmmm. Oh, Christmas, Christmas!
I can remember those interminable hours dragging by until we could open our presents!
I remember the wee (Continued on page 970)
DECEMBER 1957
921
C3CZ7C3a
A HISTORY OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, George Q. Cannon
Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City. 1957. 236 pages. $1.75. The reprint of this book is of particular, value for young people, parents, and teachers who will rejoice that this biog- raphy will help instil in young folk a knowledge of the divine calling of the Prophet. This volume is particularly basic to young folk's understanding of the Church, since, in addition to the biographical matter it contains, it also focuses on the historical background in which the life of the Prophet was Iived.-M. C. J.
THE LIFE OF NEPHI, George Q. Cannon Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City. 1957. 167 pages. $1.25. President Cannon states in his preface, "I have felt that, as I owe so much of my own success in life to the important and interesting lessons contained in that precious record (the Book of Mormon), it was a duty incumbent upon me to do all in my power to have it read and appreciated as widely as possible by every member of the Church, especially the rising genera- tion." Therefore he wrote the biography of Nephi. This biography is written in easy-to-read language and will prove both enjoyable and stimulating to young people.— M. C. /.
ABOUT BAPTISM, Emma Marr Petersen
Bookcraft, Salt Lake City. 1957. Illustrated. 70 pages. $1.50. Enhanced with two color illustrations, the adventure stories of a young orphan boy from Denmark who comes to the United States unfold the story of baptism as practised by the Church. The author skilfully weaves sound gospel doctrine into this adventure in such an adroit manner that it is easily understood and readily accepted by young people.— R. S. II.
LDS STORIES OF FAITH AND COURAGE, Compiled by
Preston Nibley
Bookcraft, Salt Lake City, Utah. 1957. 220 pages. $2.25.
Young and old alike love a good story— and stories with morals teach with unequaled effectiveness. These faith-pro- moting adventures build courage, stability, integrity, and re- sourcefulness in the youth of the Church.— R. S. H.
*
PAUL OF TARSUS, Beta Petersen Neeley and Nathan Glen Neeley
Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City, Utah. 151 pages. $2.00. This book, the second in A Child's Story of the New Testa- ment (the first is Jesus of Nazareth) is a joyous one to read—
A Reading Christmas
A Joyous Christmas
even for an adult— and the sure knowledge of the worth of Paul will come to young people written in words of their own under- standing, and with force and drama and assuredness.
From the Preface we quote, "The scientifically controlled vocabulary makes it possible for any person possessing fourth grade reading ability to read this book with ease. However, about 12 percent of the words are peculiar to the New Testa- ment, which is a higher percentage than is found in the Book of Mormon series, A Child's Story of the Pearl of Great Price, or Jesus of Nazareth."
This is a book that should find its place, together with the Neeleys' other volumes for young people, in every Latter-day Saint home where there are children.— M. C. J.
IT'S FUN TO LIVE AT HAPPY HOUSE, Pictures & rhymes
hy Vera K. Gohman
Warner Press, Anderson, Indiana. 1957. 75 cents.
For the young this little picture book will bring joy into the happy way of living— casually mentioning those things which are essential in building a home.— M. C. J.
THE BOOK OF GOD, Adventures from the Old Testament, April Oursler Armstrong
Illustrated. Garden City Books, Garden City, New York. 447 pages. $4.95.
This book deals with Old Testament stories and becomes a companion volume to this author's Stories from the Life of Jesus. The book is well-written and will be a delight for young people to read for themselves to learn of God's love for and concern about man.— M. C. J.
THE PROUD CIRCUS HORSE, Written and Illustrated by
Reiner Zimnik
Panteon Books, New York. 1957. 232 pages. $2.75.
The story of a white horse that ran away because he was so sure of himself may serve to teach an indirect lesson to youngsters who at times run away— or desire to.— M. C. J.
STORIES OF LONG AGO, Ruth S. Gray Illustrated. Warner Press, Anderson, Indiana. 1957.
This small book will interest young people in some of the Old Testament stories. It is easily handled and legibly printed so that the young people can read it for themselves.— M. C. J.
JUDY'S SURPRISING DAY, Sally Scott
Illustrated. Harcourt, Brace and Company, New York 17, New
York. 1957. $2.25.
With an unerring insight into family life— its difficulties and its pleasures— and with lively humor, Mrs. Scott has written
922
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
a story that small children will want to read again and again.
-E. J. M.
THE BRAND NEW KITTEN, Sally Scott
Illustrated. Hat -court, Brace and Company, New York 17, New
York. 1956. $2.25.
Peggy wanted more than anything to accept Mrs. Barton's offer of a brand new kitten, but Old Eb, the mean "rat- catcher," was jealous of all Peggy's friends, so what would he do to a tiny helpless kitten? How Peggy works out her prob- lem is charmingly told by Sally Scott.— E. J. M. •
JENNY, Jean Poindexter Colby
Illustrated. Hastings House, Publishers, New York 22, New
York. 1957. $2.50.
Jenny was an extraordinary dog. She took over the job of guarding the two younger children of the Clark's as well as entertaining the whole family with her many tricks.— E. /. M.
THE PEWTER PLATE, Florence Parker Simister Illustrated. Hastings House, Publishers, New York 22, New York. 1975. $2.75.
Life in Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War was hard. Food was scarce; towns were raided and occupied by the British; and pewter dishes were taken from the shelves to be melted down for bullets.
Hannah Williams, aged 10, refused to give her pewter plate away. She didn't realize how selfish this act was until her brother was wounded in battle. How she made up for keeping the pewter plate is the story of this book.— E. J. M.
CHEROKEE BOY, Alexander Key
The Westminster Press, Philadelphia. 1957. 176 pages. $2.75. Tsi-ya, fifteen years old, returns home from a hurried trip to the Secret Place in the mountains to consult with Utsala, the wise man of his people. He finds the soldiers already there with orders to remove all Cherokees so white settlers can have their rich farm land. After a wait in an open stock- ade, they begin the long march west, the Trail of Tears, dotted with graves of the many dead. With four others Tsi-ya es- capes as winter sets in and despite many obstacles makes his way back the five hundred miles to the Secret Place.—/. II. Z.
BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER, Selected by Phyllis R.
Fenner
William Morrow & Co., New York. 1957. 192 pages. $3.00.
These are stories of courageous men— and boys and women— who were involved in the great Civil War. The war touched their lives in various ways, and their reactions make interesting stories. Authors include Carl Sandburg, MacKinlay Kantor, Walter D. Edmonds, and Stephen Vincent Benet.— /. H. Z.
INSECT ENGINEERS, Ruth Bartlett
William Morrow & Co., New York. 1957. 128 pages. $2.75.
All about ants, how they build their homes, raise their own food, care for the babies. The queen is the mother of the city. The workers feed and care for her and her many babies.
-J. H. Z.
THE OUTSIDE CAT, Jane Thayer
Illustrated. William Morrow & Co., New York. 1957. 32 pages.
$2.95.
Samuel was the outside cat, but he wanted to be an inside cat. The door opened for the postman, the laundryman, and the inside cat, but never for Samuel. Then he got inside only to find that everyone else had left and he couldn't get outside again. But it all turned out well in the end.—/. H. Z.
BROOMS, BUTTONS AND BEAUX, Emily R. Dow M. Barrows & Co., New York. 1957. 189 pages. $2.25.
This is a "how to do it" book for teen-agers. Plain talk about everything to help a girl keep house, care for children, entertain, and be popular and well-groomed. This book is crammed full of facts, clearly indexed— better than having an adult on tap for advice.—/. H. Z.
THE SWEET PATOOTIE DOLL, Mary Calhoun William Morrow & Co., New York. 1957. 32 pages. $2.75
Lucy made the Sweet Patootie Doll from a sweet potato, a yellow handkerchief, and a bit of wool. She loved her doll very much, but one day she left her lying on a stump. The animals and even Old Houn' Dog found the Sweet Patootie Doll and planned to eat her for dinner, but the doll wasn't worried. She knew what she was for, and it wasn't for eating.
-/. H. Z.
LEAPER, The Story of an Atlantic Salmon, Robert M. McClung William Morrow & Co., New York. 1957. 64 pages. $2.25
The life story of a salmon from the time he hatches from a pale pink egg in a quiet pool in a small stream until he returns to that same pool years later to spawn, after many perils and adventures in the stream and the vast sea.—/. H. Z.
MICE, AT HOME AND AFIELD, Olive L. Earle William Morrow & Co., Neiv York. 1957. 64 pages. $2.25.
There are many kinds of mice in the world, a few destructive, some beneficial, but all interesting. This book tells about their nests, their habits, their enemies, their physical features.
-/. H. Z.
THE WISHING BOOK DOLL, Gwendolyn Bowers
William Morrow & Co., New York. Illustrated. 1957. 64 pages.
$2.25.
Today Nicole was eight years old. More than anything she wanted the talking doll with the blue eyes and frilly pink dress in the Wishing Book (mail order catalog). Could six white horses and three red-haired ladies all seen on the same day get her wish for her?—/. H. Z.
THE RAINBOW BOOK OF NATURE, Donald Culross Peattie Illustrated. World Publishing Co., Cleveland and New York. 1957. 320 pages. $4.95.
The name of this author insures delight and magic in the unfoldment of the world in which we live. He has long ac- complished this magic for adults; now he has introduced young people to the vibrance of his interests. Of course, most par- ents will treasure this book for themselves and will let their children handle it on rare occasions. This is a book to live with and to use to create a new awareness of the world about us.-M. C. /.
ROBERT E, Florence Musgrave
Hastings House, Publishers, New York. 1957. $2.75.
Robert E is an appealing story for boys and girls of the upper elementary grades.
Robert E was named after the great general, Robert E. Lee. Whether living up to the name made him such a scrapper, no- body knew. And scrapping was all right, of course, in the easy-going life with his grandfather; but when his mother ap- peared and moved them both to the city, things began to happen.— E. J. M. ( Concluded on page 961 )
DECEMBER 1957
923
Leadership Development
Operation Andrew
by Sterling W. Sill Assistant to the Council of the Twelve
At the very beginning of the Savior's ministry, John the Baptist was at Bethabara beyond Jordan, and when he saw Jesus he said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Two of John's disciples heard him and followed Jesus. One of the two was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. As soon as Andrew had satisfied himself about the divine mission of Jesus, he hurried to tell Peter, and the rec- ord says of Andrew, "He first findeth his own brother, Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, . . . And he brought him unto Jesus." (See John 1:29-42.)
We are familiar with the tremendous impact that Jesus had upon the life of Simon Peter and with the great work which Peter subsequently did. But Peter didn't find Jesus by himself. He was brought to Jesus by his brother, and someone has called this process of discovery and contact, "Operation Andrew." It in- dicates one of the most important areas for leadership development. There are many people who may never have found themselves nor their places in the world, if others had not been their discoverers.
Influenced by contacts with others
One of the most important ideas that every Church leader should impress upon his own mind is the tre- mendous influence that one personality may have upon another. We are not only our brother's keeper; we are also responsible for his discovery and progress.
The influence of individual, personal attention can produce one of the strongest powers known in the world. Many lives besides Peter's have been greatly changed by it. This individual work was the basis of one of the most instructive of the teachings of Jesus. In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus pointed out with obvious common sense that a good shepherd should give each of his flock his individual, personal atten- tion; that is, all of the work cannot be done in the
corral on a "flock" basis. There must be many indi- vidual trips out into the mountains to visit those with a tendency to stray away.
Inspiration is usually borrowed
Most of the inspiration that activates any life is usually borrowed from someone else. And the most effective way to influence human beings for good is on a personal, individual, face-to-face basis. The sick patient feels better after a visit from the doctor. The mentally ill can be cured by the psychiatrist with- out medicine or surgery, if the practitioner is skilled in the science of human understanding.
In the Church we frequently refer to our privilege to receive inspiration. We do not always remember the importance of our privilege to give inspiration. A great personality can exercise a creative, vitalizing, regenerating power in the lives of others; in fact, ability in this area is the foundation of almost all suc- cess in business, law, medicine, social work, spiritual activities, and a big proportion of the whole field of human relations depends upon it. Almost every ac- tivity flourishes under its touch and withers when it is discontinued.
In the Church, skill in personal, individual relation- ships is the foundation of conversion, training, super- vision, and motivation. All personal welfare work depends upon it, and it is the very heart of our pub- lic relations. Some call this process "the missionary approach"; others call it just "personal work." For this occasion, I would like to call it "Operation An- drew," to help me to remember that this was the way the chief apostle was brought to know the Lord. It may also help us to remember the great power that we have to influence others for good in the same way.
A little individual attention at the right time can work wonders. Sometimes entire lives are changed by the smallest circumstances, and probably every
924
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
There are many people who may never have found themselves nor their place in the world, if others had not been their discoverers.
person owes much of his success, just as Peter did, to the friendly assistance of someone else. One great man was once asked the secret of his radiant, useful life, and he replied, "I had a friend."
When I was seven years old, we had a kindly ward teacher who used to come and talk with our family about the principles of the gospel. I suppose that in one way, every human spirit is "radioactive." There is something that we might call "spiritual fall-out" that we get in the presence of a great man. The woman in the crowd received virtue from touching the gar- ment of Jesus. That is the way I felt about being in the presence of our ward teacher. Even at age seven, I could feel the spiritual radiations that came from this humble, devoted servant of the Lord, and I could feel the response in my own heart which even then I was aware was helping to give my life its direction.
One of the greatest of my experiences came one Sunday when I was ten and met the stake president. I just happened to get in the aisle at the right time, and he stopped and shook my hand and asked me what my name was. Then he asked me what my father's, name was, and he told me that he knew my father. I suppose that this interview lasted for a
total of one minute, but something wonderful hap- pened to me in that period, as I felt his warm, spiritual interest. I decided right then that someday I would like to represent in my life some of the qualities that I felt in him.
A similar experience has been had by everyone. Consciously or unconsciously we are influenced every day by our contacts with others. Thomas Curtis Clark has written up our common experience as fol- lows:
7 saw him once: he stood a moment there, He spoke a word that laid his spirit bare; He clasped my hand, then passed beyond my ken- But what I was, I shall not be again.
One of our greatest opportunities for leadership development is to learn to use this great power more often and more effectively. The parable recommended so strongly by Jesus said something about leaving the ninety-and-nine to help the one that was lost. If we were to bring this parable up to date statistically, and apply it to our own Church work, we might find that there were only forty in the sheepfold each Sun- day morning and sixty in need of our special attention.
When Jesus said over and over to Peter, "Feed my sheep," he certainly did not mean to feed just those that were safe in the sheepfold where the feeding could be done on a mass basis. One of the greatest opportunities to feed the flock of Jesus is to do the "outside work" with those who don't show up very often at the corral. We need to learn our way around in the mountains a little better.
We sometimes practise too much of the "verbal Christianity" spoken of by James, where we merely say in substance, "Be ye warmed and filled" and let it go at that. The organization known as Alcoholics Anonymous can teach (Continued on page 954)
DECEMBER 1957
925
Missionary Helps
The Scriptural Formula
by Gordon T. Allied, Staff Writer
A question for the Christian world: What is it that distin- guishes the valid scriptural inter- pretation from the private one?
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (II Pet. 1:20.)
In a Christian world of some 250 conflicting sects, each with its learned theologians, each with its scholars— one question appears persistently: What distinguishes the valid scriptural interpretation from the private one?
Most Bible students agree that some of the scrip- tures have lost their original clarity. This they at- tribute to various factors, including errors in transla- tion, alteration and deletion of passages by uninspired men, and changes in the language itself.
Bible students generally agree that scriptural under- standing may be enhanced by studying Biblical history, analyzing scriptures in their context, by learn- ing Greek and Hebrew. None of them agree, how- ever, on whose scriptural interpretation is valid and whose is private.
The Jehovah's Witness argues that his interpreta- tion is valid because he has a Bible translation "from the original Greek,"* or even because he carries a variety of translations. The Catholic priest claims tradition, the "infallibility of the pope," and years of personal study. Likewise, the Jewish rabbi claims erudite scholarship as the key to Old Testament un- derstanding.
In addition, everyone is egocentric to an extent. Somehow almost every religion, by the very virtue of its existence, by the sole fact that it is what it is, claims to have the best interpretation.
Many a Bible student can recite Peter's declaration that, "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." And, it is so very natural, so human to maintain, "My interpretation is correct because . . . I am who I am. Your interpretation is private, false."
*No one actually has the original Greek— merely the earliest records available.
In the face of such disagreement, attempts at in- terpretation seem absurd to many people. Even more absurd, to some, is the young Mormon mission- ary who, often without worldly wisdom or secular training, strides into the scriptural thicket. For he, too, claims the correct interpretation.
Curiously, however, he pretends to no scholarship, line of tradition, or special translation. He does not imply that such things are unimportant but says that they are not enough. He does not suggest that his understanding of God's word is superior simply be- cause he is a Latter-day Saint. For him, to claim superior interpretation through any earthly means would be futile and ridiculous. He would then be placing himself and his church on the same level with every other sect of Christendom.
He represents an organization which has asked some telling questions: "Who correctly interpreted the scriptures when they were first recorded? Who cor- rectly interpreted the Old Testament in Christ's time? What was the key?" Such queries bring an inevitable conclusion: The only men with a key to the scriptures were the men through whom those scriptures came— the prophets of God.
Simply stated, a good deal of our Bible scripture is the recorded word of God, spoken through his proph- ets. Whenever these divine words are altered by mortal tampering, God himself must clarify them through his prophets.
Peter's statement regarding interpretation bears this out, when read in its full context: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1:21. Italics author's.)
Scholarship not the key
It is evident then, that the scriptures themselves set forth the formula for their own interpretation.
If scholarship were the key, why did the Jewish savants, two thousand years ago, reject the very Christ of whom their scriptures foretold? Why would they have committed such an error as to have ac- cepted the Old Testament predictions of his second coming as a mighty king, but have overlooked or mis-
926
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
The roll of the Law: Pales
interpreted the predictions regarding his first coming as a lowly Lamb?
Obviously, scholarship was not the key; neither was tradition or ancient scriptural record. The Jews had all these. With all their worldly acumen they lacked the essential ingredient— revelation— continual word from God.
Only by revelation could the unlettered fisherman of Galilee have interpreted Old Testament scriptures, on the day of Pentecost, in such a manner as to con- vert the multitude of unbelievers.
Only by revelation could he have cited Joel to ex- plain the manifestation of tongues— the phenomenal fact that his own words were understandable to each of the nationalities assembled on that day:
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saij- ing one to another, What meaneth this?
Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel:
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: . . . (Acts 2:12-17.)
Similarly, Paul interpreted the Psalms, to convert the residents of Antioch:
And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also writ- ten in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
For David, after he {Continued on page 942)
During the four hundred years that elapsed between, the Old and New Testament prophets, scriptures once clear had become ambiguous. Scholars had taken the helm and prophets had disappeared. If four hundred years so obscured the Old Testament that its readers could not even recognize the Christ of whom it prophesied, what will nineteen hundred years have done to the New Testament?
Since prophets were necessary to clarify the Old Testa- ment during Christ's first advent, should they not also be necessary to clarify both the Old and New Testa- ments before Christ's second advent? Have the scrip- tures since Christ's birth become less subject to confusion than they were before? The confusion of Christendom denies it.
DECEMBER 1957
927
To Be a King
by Hugh J. Cannon, a Former Editor of the Era.
SYNOPSIS
David, a descendant of John Hyrcanus, the founder of the Jewish monarchy, is a pretender to the throne now held by Herod Antipas. Just as David feels the throne is truly within his grasp, however, a grave problem arises. David has en- countered a Nazarene carpenter, whom he believes is the promised Messiah. But none of his associates, including his inamorata, Ruth, agree with him, and already trouble is brewing. During a turbulent council meeting in Jerusalem, David has come to blows with his arch-enemy, Zebulon, and has tendered
his resignation. He will not and cannot deny the divinity of the Nazarene. Only a few days after this, he meets with a close friend, Elihu, and the venerable old man seems determined to rescue David from his dangerous new obsession. David's return to Jericho from Jerusalem is followed by an attempt on his life. With the aid of his stalwart servant, Hassan, David over- whelms the would-be assassins and discovers one of them to be Gideon, acting as Zebulon's henchman. Gideon, however, penitent, promises to provide David information concerning plots against the Nazarene.
Part IX
One day, as David was returning from a solitary walk, a letter was handed to him by Elihu. The old man's face was suffused with smiles. The letter was from Ruth.
"My Beloved,
"Will you pardon my boldness in addressing you thus after all that has occurred? But verily you must always be beloved by me whether you relent suffi- ciently to forgive me or not. Can you come to my home this evening? Constantly since we parted my heart has pleaded with me to send for you. At last I am prepared to share with you what appears now to be disgrace, as I was to share honor. Father Elihu and I discuss you constantly. He has been true and loyal even when I, who should have been the last to waver in devotion, was resentful and judged you harshly. Can I ever be forgiven?
"David, I do not understand your feelings nor what impels you forward in this strange course, but I do believe in you and trust and love you."
As David finished reading, Elihu said, "David, you are heaven-blessed. Only once in my life have I known a woman Ruth's equal. You must hasten to her."
"Yes, I must. I am overcome with joy. Will you go with me?"
"Most certainly not. I would only be in the way. But perhaps I shall call by for a moment before the evening is over."
With heart beating tumultuously and sensations that were almost overpowering, David approached Ruth's home. The happiness in her face as she rushed to meet him would have brought about a reconcilia- tion had it not already been effected.
"David, I feared I had lost you forever," the girl said when she had partially regained her composure. "Forgive me for my disloyalty," she sobbed, "in the hour of your greatest need."
Holding her close, he replied, "You must not ask forgiveness; you have heard evil and nothing else of him in whom I so profoundly believe."
"That matters not," replied Ruth. "Unless a woman has confidence enough in a man to follow him, she should never consider him as a husband."
Taking her hand firmly in his own, David said, "Let us walk." Silently, as though there was too much to be said, the two of them strolled into the garden. By the time Elihu called later in the evening, they had
reconciled a great many things.
"Father Elihu, rejoice with us," exclaimed David, "for in spite of all that has occurred Ruth consents to marry me."
Elihu took the girl in his arms and kissed her tenderly. "I have known for a long time that she would," he beamed. "When does the marriage take place?"
"Immediately— that is, within two weeks."
"Splendid; you are acting wisely in hastening it!"
Suddenly the old man grew solemn. "There is some- thing which you should know, David. You cannot comprehend the hatred which is entertained for the Nazarene. There are those who would gladly kill him and even now are planning to bring about his death."
"Planning to kill him!" exclaimed David, paling. "How can they consider such a thing?"
"Is it nothing that he calls us a generation of vipers? Besides, he recently caused a great disturbance in the temple at Jerusalem and gave unpardonable offense to many. But no matter. Personally, I have no venom in my heart against him."
"You alarm me greatly. Is his danger imminent?"
Then followed a debate between the two men. Fearful for the Nazarene's safety, David seemed bent on leaving straightway for Jerusalem. Simultaneously, he felt his immediate obligations to Ruth— to their marriage. Indeed, as Elihu averred, it was possible that Ruth herself might be in danger now that she had courageously cast her lot with David once more.
"How is one to decide between two equally in- sistent duties?" the young man exclaimed.
"There is no conflict," interposed Elihu. "Your duty is here. If you are under obligations to this man, I can discharge them better than you. Some of those whose names have been mentioned as plotting against him are my friends and will be reasonably frank with me, whereas you, being a believer, would defeat your- self. Besides, I have in mind your own safety."
"I must have a better reason than fear for remain- ing here."
"Wisdom and duty, not fear, must detain you. If danger actually is impending, it completely refutes your belief in him, for if by any possibility he is what you suppose, no mortal aid in his behalf will be re- quired. The Messiah could call down fire from heaven to consume his enemies."
Ruth added her arguments and entreaties to Elihu's
DECEMBER 1957
929
reasoning.
"Your words are plausible," said David, "but do not carry complete conviction. If serious danger threatens this man whom I have acknowledged as the Messiah, I should exert myself to avert it."
"Now, my boy," Elihu said decisively, "this is my final word on the subject. You would be committing a gross wrong to leave Ruth alone at this time in order to assist a man who is above danger if he is the Messiah, and deserving of severe punishment if an impostor. Whatever he may be, I pledge myself to extend to him all possible aid. Shall I undertake it or will you go alone in your own blind, impulsive way?"
"My dear old friend, I know you express the con- victions of your heart, and I no longer resist. You go, then, with the promise to keep me informed."
"In view of your impatience," Elihu said, "I shall be off immediately for Jerusalem, where the Nazarene is reported to be."
"You will be back for the wedding?" Ruth asked. "It will not be the elaborate affair we formerly planned, but it would be most incomplete if for any reason you should fail to be present."
"Then trust me to make it as complete as possible."
He embraced her again, and there were tears in the kindly old eyes. "I hope you are happy, my daughter."
"Very happy, though still much troubled."
"Between us we must take this young man in hand and train him to our liking! Now, David, the dawn is almost here. I have much to discuss with you and will gladly accept your hospitality. Say farewell to Ruth and let us be on our way."
It was only tw7o days before their marriage date that David and Ruth sat together on the broad roof of her home. There, in the twilight, they discussed for the hundredth time their hopes for the future.
For a while they sat pensive, watching light fade along the horizon, smelling the odor of the myrtle twining beneath their feet. David was thinking of Ruth's courage, and love. What if that fateful call
upon the Nazarene had never been made? Of course, he told himself, he would have remained a happy, carefree man, in comparison, honored and praised by his fellows. One five-minute conversation had cost him a kingdom and changed the whole course of his life. And now, it had changed the course of Ruth's life, subjected her to a tremendous sacrifice.
Still ... he rejoiced that his path had crossed that of the Savior.
He was recalled to the present by Ruth's gentle voice.
"Father Elihu should be here tonight."
"Yes, and he will not disappoint us. Perhaps that is he coming now."
But instead of Elihu, Haran and Martha appeared. The girl's lips were trembling, but the tears which she vainly tried to repress did not lessen the resolu- tion shining in her eyes. She made a heroic effort to greet her friends in the usual manner, but the inward tumult was too strong, and she threw herself into Ruth's arms and sobbed bitterly.
"Why, Martha, what is the matter?"
"It has come to an issue in our home. Father de- mands that I choose between my parents and my belief, and I have followed David's example by choos- ing according to my conscience. Father drove me forth. I am penniless and homeless."
"She need not remain so," Haran made haste to explain. "I am urging her to marry me at once and come to my home."
"Uncle Nicodemus rebuked Father for his harshness and invited me to live with him; but Haran and I understand and love each other and now have so much in common that. . . ."
David and Ruth joined Haran in urging her to con- sent, and a hearty invitation was extended for her to remain with Ruth until she could go with her husband to her own home.
It was so obviously the right thing to do that Martha consented. While the details of the wedding were being arranged, Elihu joined the group. All hastened to make him welcome. (Continued on page 942)
EVE OF CHRISTMAS
by Maude Rubin
A resiny freshness fills the house tonight
Reminding me of mountain ridges where
These branches wore a snowstorm, soft and white;
The smell of forest dusk, of frosty air,
Where chipmunks shuttled through the early dark
Striping their orange-brown ribbon on the green; Where chickadees outsang the meadowlark. . . . How different is this tinseled indoor scene— And yet, its glittering miracle of light Fills young eyes with wonder on this night!
930
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
A young sergeant in France pleads
iidon"t let our servicemen down" in a letter addressed
Dear Brother McConkie
During the past year I was given the assignment by my group leader of reaching a young LDS service- man whose mother was worried about his activities. I met and talked with this young man on several occasions but was unable to interest him in attending our group meetings or even to persuade him to talk about his reasons for this lack of interest.
Some weeks later I had the occasion to visit the French town not far from our base, and while there I happened across this same fellow, who was well along his way to becoming drunk. He subsequently was very desirous of telling me of his falling away from the Church.
To a serviceman such as I it was the same old story of being taken from the family hearthside and being placed in a barracks with fifty or sixty other men of approximately the same age but most of whom have completely different backgrounds. When you kneel to pray they are there to ridicule and laugh at you. When the instructor or NCO in charge calls time for a smoke break you are standing there by yourself wondering what you should do, and your so-called buddies start making fun of you. On the week ends when all your friends go to town leaving you alone, you start wondering in your own mind if all this is really worth it.
During this period you have only two things to look forward to: your Church meetings and friends, whom you usually only spend one or two hours a week with, and those precious letters from back home. Very often when you need that letter or Church Sec- tion or The Improvement Era, it just is not there.
So, slowly the weeks go by and the months pass. As the pressure from the barracks buddies mounts and the letters from home become fewer, you find yourself slipping. Perhaps you start saying your
prayers in bed after lights are out, or not saying them at all. When the tactical instructor calls for a smoke break, you find yourself reaching for a cigaret. When your buddies chide you for not going to town with them on week ends, the emphatic "no" becomes a little weaker until it becomes "yes." The cycle is then com- plete. The downhill road has been started upon, and it is the hardest task in the world to check this descent and start the uphill grade again.
In order that you might better understand why I am writing this letter, I will explain a little about myself. I was born and reared in the Salt Lake area, spending the first eleven years of my childhood in Bingham Canyon, and the rest until my eighteenth birthday in Murray. At the age of twelve I was reactivated by a member of the local bishopric and was baptized that same year. Since my enlistment in September of 1952 I have served two years in the Far East and short periods of time at air force bases in the Gulf States, Southern States, California, and Eastern States mis- sions. Presently I am assigned to a base in the French Mission.
As neither my father nor mother belong to the Church I soon became a forgotten figure in my home ward and was in the "no letter today" class. Event- ually I, too, started that downhill slide away from the Church. I would probably still be sliding if it weren't for a very wonderful Saint who gave me a push in the right direction when I needed it most.
So I come to the real reason for my writing to you. I feel that the bishops, priesthood quorums, and serv- iceman's co-ordinators all too often are letting our servicemen down, when just a letter would frequently serve as that "helping Saint" to keep some fellow from
y' Your brother in the gospel,
A Serviceman
DECEMBER 1957
931
Melchizedek Priesthood
Common Sense Wins Converts
Suppose the stake presidency calls you and your wife in to their office. They tell you there is a very important Church position they want you to fill, one that will take some real leadership and a lot of good hard work. They ask your wife if she will support you in it and help in every way she can. She agrees.
Then they say to you, "We feel impressed to call you to serve as the president of the first quorum of elders."
You feel a bit flattered that they should want you; after all, you haven't done too much in the Church up to now; and you know there are a number of brethren in the quorum who you think could do a better job than you could.
However, you know the Church tradition of re- sponding to calls (and you know your wife will be proud of you!) and so you say, "I'll do the best I can." But so far you don't have a real understanding of what is expected of you.
"You will need counselors," they say. "Suppose you think it over carefully, pray about it, try and get the best inspiration you can, and then let us know whom you want." You follow this direction, and the brethren agree with your choice. Soon you find your- self sustained by the quorum. Then you are set apart and given the keys of presidency.
Fortunately you have a good, energetic stake presi- dency. They call you in to meet with them and the members of the stake Melchizedek Priesthood com- mittee at 7 a.m. on Sundays for several weeks. To- gether you go over the basic directions in the Melchizedek Priesthood Handbook, analyze the con- ditions of the quorum, and map out some general objectives. Also you get some good help out of the departments in the regular stake priesthood leader- ship meetings.
It is beginning to dawn on you that you have a big job, a lot bigger than you ever dreamed that morning
when you promised to do your best. And although you have had some mighty good counsel and advice, you realize that you must step out now and really go to work.
You are not too concerned about the quorum meet- ings; your class instructor is able. You know you can have some socials, which those who are already active will enjoy; and your quorum projects somehow get done with a little push and effort.
But there is one big problem that worries you. You have been told over and over again that you must reactivate those in your quorum who are not doing anything in particular in the Church. Some of them smoke; many of them fail with their tithing; some are just too busy (they think) and have no interest in the Church. You know they need to be converted, but you wonder how you can reach them, since no one else seems to have done so in the past.
Then you remember what you were told at the last priesthood leadership meeting: "Priesthood reactiva- tion is just a matter of good common sense, of good hard work, and of a reasonable amount of organiza- tional ability. Remember, you have the keys of presidency. Use them. Go out and do the job."
Well, why not? What is there to do? And how shall it be done? After all, you do hold the keys of presidency, and those keys are the right to preside, to govern and control the manner in which others will use their priesthood! Perhaps the secret is to use a little initiative and apply the general principles to the particular problems confronting the first quo- rum of elders!
You turn to the Doctrine and Covenants and read: "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
"Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in
932
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
"iiisBiiisssSssi-sil:
Ml
' »
■::|.::V:;;"'?;.v:v:v;V:v:v:;:'v::': ':':.|:'
tf good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
"For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
"But he that doeth not anything until he is com- manded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned." (D & C 58:26-29.)
So, you decide to use the principles you have learned and apply the facts you have gathered to your par- ticular situation and see how many of your inactive brethren you can reactivate. Your three standing committees are organized. The white cards are all completed. Now the committees must be used; the data must serve the purpose for which it was col- lected.
You sit down and make yourself a work sheet. After a little thought the following is born:
Work Sheet for Quorum Presidency
(Use for reactivation of one man only)
1. Name of man to be reached: .
2. What the Fact Finding and Reporting Committee will do: Field of action decided Date completed
3. What the Church Service Committee will do:
Field of action decided Date completed
4. What the Personal Welfare Committee will do:
Field of action decided Date completed
Results:
The essentials of this information should be transferred to the back of the white card.
You are gratified with the realization that you have done some- thing on your own and that the general Church priesthood committee didn't have to figure out the details of your work; nor did the local stake officers.
Then you get to thinking about a possible work sheet that your standing committee could use to aid them in keeping the reactivation work rolling. A little thought and experimentation brings forth something along the following line:
Work Sheet for the Standing Committee —Cross out two — (1. Personal Welfare) (2. Church Service) (3, Fact Finding and Reporting)
1. Write here the names of quorum members you want to reach.
2. Write here which field of action you intend to use. (Handbook pp. 33-37.)
3. Detail the project which you expect to use in reaching the men named in No. 1.
4. Task committees appointed to do the job:
A. What to do: B. What to do:
Who to do it:
Who to do it:
Dates Checked
Dates Checked
C. What to do:
D. What to do:
Who to do it:
Who to do it:
Dates Checked
Dates Checked
5. Will any of those listed in No. 1 work on the committees? Name them here:
6. Date when project starts:
7. Date for its completion:
8. Names of men listed in No. 1 who responded:
9. Names of those in No. 1 who did not respond:
10. Date Nos. 8 and 9 were entered on white card:
You soon discover that use of these forms pays off. They enable you and your committees to follow through on reactivation cases; they keep bringing your attention back to the basic principles which must be followed if inactive brethren regain the full fellowship and blessings of the priesthood.
Initiative has paid off!
Maybe priesthood reactivation is just a matter of common sense, hard work, and ordinary organizational ability, after all!
DECEMBER 1957
933
The Presiding
■.■■■■■.... ■ .,, :.,,■,,..,,,,,,,.
Bishopric 9s
.::■:::: ,:■ :■:■::■:■-,. :■.- ■ ■ :-, :. ■-:-;;: :: ■: ■: ,;■:■: :■: ,.,,■: .:■: ■■;; ■ w:o:- s,™™:**:
Page
CULTIVATE APPETITE FOR THINGS SPIRITUAL
Inherent in man are three hungers: the physical, the intellectual, and the spiritual. The satisfying of these hungers is vital to his progress and happiness. Physical hunger exerts the most powerful influence of the three. It is marked by a strong craving for food. Intellectual hunger consists of mental longing for an increased knowledge and new experiences. Spiritual hunger is less vivid than the other two, but it is the most vital because it provides food for the soul. It is the yearning of the heart for closer com- munion with things heavenly. It is elevation of the mind to contemplate things which are pure and holy and to sense one's relationship to his maker.
Physical hunger is demanding. It is accompanied by keenness of pain until food is supplied. If nourish- ment is withheld long enough, death of the physical body ensues. Intellectual hunger is satisfied in seeing, hearing, feeling, reading, studying, and in gaining new experiences. If these opportunities are limited, we do not die, but we fail to progress rapidly in the acquisition of knowledge. Unlike bodily appetite, spiritual hunger does not have the power to cry out distressingly, but if suppressed too long it becomes silent and we are no longer conscious of the need and value of food for the inner man. Spiritual hunger is an appetite that has to be developed. It must be sustained regularly; otherwise, we suffer the loss of thirst for things spiritual. Loss of desire for this essential food ends in spiritual death.
One of the most abundant supplies of spiritual food is that which is made available to us at Sacrament meeting. Each blessing pronounced upon the sacred emblems concludes with the promise that if we always remember the Savior and keep the commandments which he has given us, we will always have his spirit to be with us. What more could we ask?
There should be no discrimination in satisfying these three hungers. Nourishment for the physical
body keeps it alive; knowledge and experience satisfy the longing of the intellect; and adequate spiritual food sustains the spirit of man and keeps it from withering. We fall short of our potential blessings if all three of these hungers are not provided for.
HIGH MORALE IS FACTOR
IN WARD TEACHING PROGRAM
Everyone benefits when he is a member of an or- ganization where personal relationships are ideal. Proper morale promotes harmonious conditions. It eliminates friction and annoying differences. It is a necessity where success depends on group effort. There is unity of purpose when all members of an organization work together as one happy family. Satis- factory progress is seldom made without this type of teamwork.
Building morale should be an objective of all leaders in ward teaching. It motivates good relationships between members of the stake committee on ward teaching and members of ward committees. It insures co-operation from those who serve as ward teachers as well as those who supervise the program. It moti- vates voluntary response. It is a two-way street where everyone works together to reach the same goal.
The advantage of being a member of a ward teach- ing organization with high morale is more than just emotional pleasure. High morale stimulates planning and thinking on ways and means of improving the program. Where morale is high, members of the group are not self-satisfied. In this atmosphere leaders and ward teachers alike are inspired to do better.
Leaders in ward teaching should make a conscien- tious effort always to keep morale at a high level. It is one of the important elements of efficiency. It stimu- lates the growth of initiative and enterprise. It gives us new energy and increases our self-confidence. It insures greater loyalty because it makes each member feel he is a member of the team and that he is needed by the group.
934
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
AARONIC PRIESTHOOD MEMORIAL UNCOVERED ON TEMPLE SQUARE
The Aaronic Priesthood memorial which was to have been dedicated October 4, 1957, was uncovered by the Presiding Bishopric October 25, 1957. The monument stands to the north and east of the Taber- nacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City and faces the temple to the east.
The dedicatory services were indefinitely post- poned by decision of the First Presidency because of the influenza epidemic. A new date for the dedica- tion will be announced when plans have been com- pleted.
The Presiding Bishopric felt that the memorial should no longer be veiled and that those visiting Temple Square should enjoy the privilege of viewing the monument commemorating the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist, May 15, 1829, when he conferred the Priesthood of Aaron upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
The Presiding Bishopric again express their appre- ciation to the more than 60,000 bearers of the Aaronic Priesthood whose voluntary contributions made pos- sible the completion of the memorial without any ap- propriation from the general funds of the Church.
Plans are now going forward to erect a suitable marker near the place where, on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, the Aaronic Priesthood was restored more than one hundred and twenty-eight years ago.
The Presiding Bishopric uncover the Aaronic Priesthood me- morial on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Left to right are Bishop Carl W. Buehner uncovering the monument; Pre- siding Bishop Joseph L. Wirthlin; Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson. Avard Fairbanks, sculptor, is at right rear.
STUDY GUIDE FOR WARD TEACHERS JANUARY 1958 Respect for Authority
One of the most fundamental principles of success- ful government, whether it be Church or civil, is respect for authority. It is necessary in any body in which people hope to live in peace and harmony. In civil government constituted authority is empowered to enforce respect for its officers and its laws. This policy is necessary for the good of society. Without it chaos would reign. Latter-day Saints are taught to respect civil authorities. The twelfth article of faith commits us definitely to such an attitude: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magis- trates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law."
To Latter-day Saints respect for authority in Church government is no less important. Members of the Church recognize the authority of the Church as God's authority. The fact that it has been delegated to man in no way lessens the respect that is due those who hold it. Respect for those in positions of authority in the Church is not enforced; it is a voluntary matter. It is established and maintained through the spirit of obedience, education, understanding, and respect for the Lord's anointed. Veneration for authorities of the Church as vested in its general, stake, and ward leaders is one of the greatest factors in the Church's development, growth, and progress. If it were not forthcoming, disorder, lack of unity, and disintegration would result.
Respect for general and local officers of the Church is an indication of loyalty, of faith, and of devotion, and is a necessary attribute of conduct which is be- coming of good members.
Children should be taught in the home and ki Church organizations to respect those who are called to positions of leadership in the Church. If parents set the proper example, children will follow the pat- tern with little or no deviation.
INTRODUCTION OF STUDY GUIDE FOR FEBRUARY 1958
Search the Scriptures
Man cannot be saved in ignorance. It is important that we acquire knowledge of God's plans and pur- poses. The Savior during his ministry said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39.) All Latter-day Saints should become familiar with the truths and doctrines contained in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
DECEMBER 1957
935
Jesus Returns to Jerusalem
{Continued) mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant," his mas- ter said. "Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?"
"And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
"For I .say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him."
It is doubtful that the people un- derstood the meaning of the story, but they could not have been un- acquainted with the circumstances on which it was based. They all knew that some years earlier Arche- laus went to Rome to be made ruler over Judea, and the Jews sent a delegation of fifty men to try to per- suade Caesar Augustus not to make him king. Archelaus' magnificent palace was in Jericho, perhaps with- in the sight of the multitude.
Through this story the Lord tried to make his hearers understand that they were not to look for an imme- diate establishment of the kingdom as they viewed it, but that he, the nobleman who someday would be the king, would have to go away for a time, leaving the responsibilities of the kingdom in the hands of trusted servants. And when he re- turns, the unbelievers as well as his servants who have been unfaithful, will be justly punished. After the Lord had finished speaking he con- tinued his way up the rocky trail on his way to Jerusalem.
Many faithful Jews had assembled themselves at the Holy City a week or more before the Passover to per- form certain rites of purification to make themselves worthy to partici- pate in the scheduled events of the holy week. The main topic of con- versation among the people was Jesus. Would he dare appear in public at the feast? If he did, would the Jewish leaders carry out their threats to arrest him?
Meanwhile, others also were won- dering about Jesus. Halfway around the world the people in the Western Hemisphere were awaiting the signs of the Lord's death which Samuel the Lamanite had predicted would
announce the death of the Lord- three days of darkness, earthquakes, tempests, thunder, and lightning. Their reckoning showed that the thirty-three years had passed, "and there began to be great doubtings and disputations among the people, notwithstanding so many signs had been given."
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany where lived his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. By this time word was abroad that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, and many people had come to Bethany, not only to see him but also to see Lazarus who had lain in the tomb for three days before he had been brought back to life.
In Lazarus there was living evi- dence of the power of the Savior, but rather than considering this as unmistakable evidence of his divin- ity, the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus, since many believed in Jesus because of him.
The events of the last week Jesus spent as a mortal upon the earth are so numerous and important that volumes have been written about them. This period of time has be- come known as "the week of the atoning sacrifice." The first day of the week was Sunday. The prob- able date was April 2, A.D. 30.
This was the day chosen by the Lord to make his entry into Jeru- salem. He must have left Bethany very early on this Sunday morning and, accompanied by his disciples and other followers, made his way to the Mount of Olives, just outside the Holy City. Calling two of his disciples to him he instructed them to go into a nearby village where they would find a young donkey upon which man had never ridden before. This young animal they were to bring back with them. If anyone asked them what they were doing, they were merely to say that the Lord had need of the animal, and they would not be detained.
On this animal, a lowly donkey, the Son of God, the Creator and Savior of the world, was to make his "triumphal entry" into the great city of Jerusalem, soon to face in- sult, arrest, persecution, trial, and death by crucifixion.
And so the Lord's disciples placed robes on the animal, and when Jesus had mounted, they started the
descent from the Mount of Olives into the city. Great crowds had gathered along the way. They were joyful and jubilant at the sight of their king. So delighted and elated were they that they spread their garments along the road for the ani- mal to walk on. Some cut branches from the trees and strewed them along the way. And as they entered the city, repeatedly there rose a glorious shout from the people: "Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
"Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest."
Amid all the happiness, the shout- ing, and the rejoicing Jesus was sad. He knew that the people had mis- interpreted the whole purpose of his mission upon the earth. In spite of all he had told them they did not believe he was going to his death. When the disciples "began to . . . praise God with a loud voice for the mighty works that they had seen;
"Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest," the Pharisees among the multitude asked the Lord to rebuke them. Answering, he said, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." But looking upon Jeru- salem he wept, and lamented:
"If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
"For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side.
"And they shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; be- cause thou knewest not the time of thy visitation."
With his disciples, Jesus went through the streets of the city and entered the temple. We have no record of his doing any teaching this day, but he did spend the entire day in the city and his Father's House. When evening came, he re- turned to Bethany with the twelve.
Monday morning came and Jesus started again for Jerusalem. As he neared the city he became hungry. Seeing a fig tree along the way he
936
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
Wherever they go, Dean Bennett will be
To bring you BYU BASKETBALL
From Madison Square Garden, from coast to coast, KSL Radio will bring you on the spot play byplay reports of all BYU games plus interviews with coach Stan Watts . . . sponsored by Phillips Petroleum.
on the big
K
KSL RADIO
1160 on your dial
CBS for the Mountain West
iPfuUips,
DECEMBER 1957
937
hoped to get fruit from it, but was disappointed to find it barren. Look- ing at the tree he said, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever."
Later when they passed the tree the disciples noticed that it had withered. Calling attention to this fact Peter said to Jesus, "Master, be- hold, the tree which thou cursedst is withered away." Answering, Jesus said, "Have faith in God." He then made the incident the subject for a discourse on faith, saying that any- one who had enough faith could say unto a mountain, "Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea," and if his faith was strong enough, the mountain would, indeed, be moved.
"Therefore," he added, "I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
What a lesson to leave with his disciples! They were soon to face, in his death, a test which they must have great strength to withstand.
The cursing of the tree was another evidence to them of the great power that Jesus possessed. He had healed all manner of sick; he had stilled the winds and calmed the waves; he had multiplied food and turned water into wine; he had brought the dead back to life. This latest incident demonstrated that he had also power to destroy, but this power he used on a barren and worthless tree.
Entering into Jerusalem Jesus went to the temple and seemingly spent the day there. Repeating his performance of three years earlier, he "overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
"And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Following this he healed the blind and the lame who were brought to
him. Naturally, the chief priests and the Scribes who were watching his every move were angry when they saw him performing miracles in the temple and when the people called out to him, "Hosanna to the son of David," they said, "Hearest thou what these say?"
"Yea," Jesus answered them, "have ye never read, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast per- fected praise?"
And so the second day of the week passed. In his Father's House he spent his time with the people teach- ing and healing. How the priests, Scribes and the Pharisees wanted to destroy him! But that time still had not come, and would not come until he voluntarily surrendered to them.
As night approached he again left the city to spend the dark hours in the vicinity of the Mount of Olives.
(To be continued)
Respect for Authority
(Continued) can enter into.
". . . if a man be a teacher, and I vote that I will sustain him in his position, when he visits me in an official capacity, I will welcome him and treat him with consideration, kindness, and respect. If I need counsel, I will ask it at his hand, and I will do everything I can to sustain him. That would be proper and a principle of righteousness. . . . I would not say anything derogatory to his character." (John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, pp. 174-175.)
The rebellious among the Lord's people are to be pierced with much sorrow for the Lord has declared:
"And the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his serv- ants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from, among the people;
"For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;
"They seek not the Lord to estab- lish his righteousness, but every man wa]keth in his own way, and after the image of his own God, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall
perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall." (D & C 1:14- 16.)
Here is an important warning we should remember:
"Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and which I com- manded them.
"But those who cry transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the children of dis- obedience themselves.
"And those who swear falsely against my servants, that they might bring them into bondage and death—
"Wo unto them; because they have offended my little ones they shall be severed from the ordinances of mine house.
"Their basket shall not be full, their houses arid their barns shall perish, and they themselves shall be despised by those that flattered them.
"They shall not have right to the priesthood, nor their posterity after them from generation to generation." (Ibid., 121:16-21.)
And then this promise and further admonition from the Lord:
"And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have ap- pointed to lead my people, behold verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.
"But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pol- lute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them." (Ibid., 124:45-46.)
God's house is a house of order where faithfulness is enjoyed and obedience required. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. As we respect our leaders and honor them in their callings, the Lord in turn will honor us and permit us to grow in the graces of the gospel and in the powers and functions of the priesthood which will obtain for us peace and happiness in our hearts and in our homes.
Respect for our leaders also builds in each of us increased faith and strong character values. We develop confidence, admiration, and love for those chosen to lead and guide us. True respect for them adds luster to authority, and gives strength, sus- taining power, and encouragement to the work of the ministry.
938
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
sweet treats for Christmas with . . .
sugar
For holiday baking and candy mak- ing, you'll want the whole family of U and I Sugar one-pound cartons on your shelf: Brown; Fine Granulated, Superfine Dessert, and Powdered.
DECEMBER 1957
939
w
ft
#
O O
00
::::s;:r
x:-.:: u
i:Oillt
D X
>- :';
cQ
o
*- u
s
X
,«:■. ::ao:j:
^ME the BfST PUC£
fiUV ALL CHURCH BOOKS
^*$THE BEST PI
Top-selling new book for 1957!
1
Answers
Gospel
esfions
i
Joseph Fielding Smith
This popular book contains questions and answers that have appeared in the Improvement Era the past few years in the popular feature, "Your Question." The questions were selected as most timely, most significant, or most frequently asked. These questions, asked by readers of all ages, pertain to Church doctrine and his- tory, and to the interpretation of many points and problems. President Smith has spent a lifetime study- ing principles of the gospel and his interpretations are widely read and respected.
$2.50
8
S
</>
CO UI
X
%
And His Mhiion
¥■??*#■*■'<■
Ssteai**!*^1
6. ELIJAH, THE
PROPHET AND
HIS MISSION,
AND SALVATION
UNIVERSAL
Joseph Fielding Smith
President Smith explains the importance of gen- ealogical and temple work and clarifies misconcep- tions concerning the mis- sion of Elijah and the confusion of Elijah with the Prophet Elias. $1.50
J, ;-■'.!; :
•;u
7. GOSPEL IDEALS
Discourses of President David O. McKay
Important gospel prin- ciples are expounded with deep insight by the Church's ninth president. Subjects discussed: the Prophet Joseph Smith, Priesthood and Its Work, Ward Teaching, and many others.
$4.00
A
8.
THE KINGDOM
OF GOD RESTORED
Carter E. Grant
The . early days of the Church, through the Utah War and into the pres- ent, are described with realism, vitality, and fresh new insight in this impor- tant volume on LDS his- tory.
$4.00
• rHE BEST PLACE TO
oUY M-L CHURCH BOOKS
RiM^
9. THE EVERLAST- ING THINGS
Richard L. Evans
The seventh and newest of a distinguished series that contains the finest "sermonettes" or essays from Richard L. Evans' world - famous "Spoken Word" broadcasts with the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir and Organ.
$3.00
*^^^^5^^- M
*&$$& THE BEST
940
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
ACE TO BUY ALl CHURCH BOOKS :<#$
.# ♦ ,
•^ THE BEST PLACE TO BUY ALL Cf/ '
Pathways To Happiness
2.
David O. McKay
Compiled by Llewelyn R. McKay
%
m
PA
HWAYS
to U>PINESS
In this new book Pres- ident McKay shares some of his personal gnideposts that point the way to lasting hap- piness and a full rich life . . . providing keen insight into such uni- versally vital subjects as education, court- ship and marriage, free agency, death, home life and person- al aspirations.
$3.95
10. WHAT IS DIS- TINCTIVE ABOUT MOKMONISM
Dr. Adam S. Bennion
In the last April Confer- ence Dr. Bennion pre- sented a discussion of the 23 specific things the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has given to the world that the world didn't already have.
25c
3.
Where Is Wisdom?
From the Addresses of Stephen L Richards
An invaluable collection of addresses and excerpts from speeches given by President Richards on the meaning and purpose behind the LDS Church, its leaders, and its doc- trines. $3.50
lilt." I' » "
11. ARCHAEOL- OGY AND THE BOOK OF MORMON
Dr. Milton R. Hunter
President Hunter relates his experiences on a tour of "Book of Mormon Lands" in Mexico and Central America. Numer- ous photographs, in both color and black and white, pack the book with time- ly interest. $4.50
Cherished Experiences
From the Writings of President
David O. McKay Compiled by
Clare Middlemiss
President McKay shares many of his personal faith promot- ing experiences in this heart- warming book — experiences that have resulted from per- sonal experiences with Saints throughout the world.
$3.00
Our Lord of The Gospels
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
This comparative study of the Four Gospels of the King James Version and Third Nephi in the Book of Mormon brings all the teachings and experiences of Jesus into one complete harmony.
$5.00
Use your convenient Deseret Book charge account. Mail orders accepted for pre-Christmas delivery through December 12.
DoscrctESBooh Co.
^,44 East South Temple •- Salt lake Cm Utah . -
Deseret Book Company 44 East Sou'h Temple Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Sir: Enclosed you will find ( ) check ( ) money
order ( ) I have an account, p!ease charge
(amount) for encircled (numbered) books:
1 23456789 10 11
PLACE TO BUY ALL CHURCH BOOKS jtft^
Name — Address
City
Residents of postpaid.
Utah include 2%
..Zone. State.
sales tax. All
books sent
DECEMBER 1957
941
To he a King
( Continued) The old man looked in surprise at the glowing face of Haran. "What miracle has been wrought in you?" he asked. "This is not the same man I saw last in the council chamber."
"Thank heaven it is not. That pitiable creature is dead and buried. But for your absence from Jericho, I should have come to you, as I went to all others who were present on that shameful occasion, and declared my intention of following the Master."
"I rejoice in your courage, my dear friend. But I see that David is con-
sumed with curiosity to learn what I have accomplished." "Truly, I am anxious." "Then dismiss your fears." "You mean to tell me that the threatened danger to the Master is passed?"
"That is too much to say. I can- not promise that your friend is per- manently beyond peril. This Jesus speaks what is in his heart, a habit I have noticed in the records of all prophets, and ofttimes his words are so irritating to a certain class that continued safety can never be guar- anteed him; but I have assurance that temporarily at least he will not be molested."
"I appreciate your kindness."
"Did you ever see the Nazarene?" asked Ruth.
"Yes, many times."
"What impression did he make upon you?"
"I was greatly amused at some of his sayings."
"Is he then so witty?"
"Not witty, though he could be that or anything else he desired, but he certainly is pungent at times."
"Tell us about him," demanded Ruth, "without making us draw every word from you. I am as eager to hear your opinion as the others are."
(To be continued)
The Scriptural Formula
(Continued) had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. (Ibid., 13:32-37.)
By revelation, Philip interpreted Isaiah to "a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethopians."
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him,
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth.
In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall de- clare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of him- self, or of some other man?
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (Ibid., 8:30-35.)
Some four hundred years had elapsed between the Old and New Testament prophets. During that time, scriptures once clear had be- come ambiguous. Scholars had taken the helm, and the prophets had disappeared.
If four hundred years so obscured
the Old Testament that its readers could not even recognize the Christ of whom it prophesied, what will 1900 years have done to the New Testament?
If prophets were necessary to clarify the Old Testament during Christ's first advent, should they not also be necessary to clarify both the Old and the New Testaments before Christ's second advent? Have the scriptures since Christ's birth be- come less subject to confusion than they were before? The confusion of Christendom denies it.
Of course, it is almost axiomatic with any generation that prophets are creatures of the past. God has spoken in the past, but he cannot speak today. The miracle of divine intervention becomes acceptable only as it becomes remote.
In each generation, only the most open-minded have unfettered them- selves from such prejudice long enough to make a simple inquiry: Are there prophets today— or do any men claim such a calling?
Since the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does profess to have prophets, the search for scrip- tural enlightenment might logically commence there. For a start, it should be sufficient to learn that one Church applies the same rule to scriptural understanding that Christ's Church did originally.
The seeker can commence with an examination of Joseph Smith, the first Prophet of the restoration, through whom the Church orig- inated. Joseph Smith maintained, for example, that only by an explana- tion from God, himself, could one expect to unravel the mystery and symbolism of the book of Revela-
tion.
What, for instance, is the meaning of the sea of glass referred to in Revelation 4:6? It was revealed to Joseph Smith that: It is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state.
What was the significance of the little book eaten by John, recorded in Revelation 10? The explanation: We are to understand that it teas a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; be- hold, this is Elias, who, as it is writ- ten, must come and restore all things.
Regarding the two witnesses men- tioned in Revelation 11, it was said: They are two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the lews after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers. (D & C 77:1, 14, 15.)
Significantly, both the approach and the answers to such mystifying scriptural queries were spontaneous and positive— totally unlike the scholar's careful plodding through commentaries and ancient languages.
Scholars have long debated the meaning of Peter's statement that Christ, following his crucifixion, ". . . went and preached unto the spirits in prison." (I Peter 3:19.) His declaration in this connection: For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit, has caused endless confusion. (Ibid., 4:6.)
Joseph claimed an answer from God: Those having no chance to ac-
942
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA
FOR YEARS OF ENJOYABLE READING AND REFERENCE
Missionary Programs Our Specialty
Over the years we have printed thousands of programs for mis- sionary farewell testimonials. This experience will go into print- ing your missionary program,. We are also specialists in wedding in- vitations, cards, letterheads, en- velopes and every type of printing for office or church.
BIND YOUR
Improvement
ERAs
ONLY $3.00 PER VOLUME
PLUS POSTAGE
Timeless articles of instruction and highly entertaining reading matter are found every month in your Improvement Era. Why not pre- serve these for years by permanent binding. You'll enjoy hours of helpful reading and excellent reference over the years and a ready handbook for talks and lesson instruction.
The cost is just $3.00 per year's volume plus necessary postage.
Please accompany your orders with payment in advance, plus your copies of the Improvement Era.
Use the following guide to determine postage costs.
Distance from Salt Lake City, Utah Rate
Up to 150 miles 43
150 to 300 miles 49
300 to 600 miles -. .59
600 to 1000 miles 73
1000 to 1400 miles 88
1400 to 1800 miles 1.06
Over 1800 miles 1.23
Deseret News Press
THE WEST'S FINEST PRINTERS AND BINDERS
33 Richards St. Industrial Center
DECEMBER 1957
943
cept Christ's gospel during mortal life will be given a chance after they have died.
Joseph F. Smith, a more recent Latter-day Saint prophet, shed further light on the subject, pro- claiming that Christ had not only visited spirits in the hereafter but also established a missionary system among them, similar to the one he had organized on earth.
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? (I Cor. 15 :29. ) This question posed by Paul to the Corinthians must have been
clear enough when it was issued, yet ministers today discreetly shy away from it.
Again, Joseph Smith claimed a revealed answer: Living proxies can be baptized for those who accept Christ's gospel in the spirit world.
The answers are logical and bear tremendous impact. They afford in- sight into God's personality, lend vast scope to his purposes. Still, the scholars, ruminating throughout the centuries, never derived them.
It is with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then, that one may begin his search for scriptural understanding. Men dig
first where the gold is reputed to lie. The ore is assayed later.
Those who have carefully "as- sayed" the Church and validated its claims can examine the scriptures under the bright light of revelation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:21.)
Those who ignore this formula to scriptural understanding must be content to ever wander a labyrinth of confusion and conjecture, relying upon the wisdom of men to make plain the words of God.
No Room at the Inn
(Continued) was appalling. A blind man in beggar's garb stood in the doorway.
"Ah, kind sir," said the beggar, "I have no money for lodging since all I possess I must pay as tax. My bones are weary; the heat of the day, the cold of the night, and the long distance are great for the poor and the blind. Please give me of your alms." The beggar held out both hands.
Raham stood speechless. I am a businessman, he thought. I can- not afford to shelter nonpaying guests, much less lower the inn's standards with blind beggars. He lifted his arm to shoo the beggar from the door when Sarid stepped forward.
"Let him stay, Raham. He needs rest and food. There is the small room under the stairway which I have prepared." Then turning to the beggar she said: "Take my arm. I shall lead you to the table where a bowl of steaming broth and fresh mealcakes await you. Then there are warm water and towels, and a bed with clean linen for you."
The beggar stood speechless and allowed tears of gratitude to surge from his sightless eyes. He permitted Sarid to lead him to the table where he devoured the hot soup hungrily.
A second tap sounded on the inn's old creaking door, and three trav- elers entered, each in different stages of palsy. Raham, seeing .their floundering, thought: Perhaps it is only drink which these sad char-