Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub

ADVICE TO SCHOOLBOYS.

WHENEVER I meet a party of you on your way to school, I am strongly tempted to stop and have a little chat with you. Possibly you might call what I would say very much like preaching. Well, it might start earnest thoughts, and we are apt to call words which do that preaching. I wonder, boys, if you realize what it costs to get an education. Have you ever heard how much your own city or town annually devotes to the schools? Have you ever considered how much your parents must expend to keep you clothed and in school for ten or twelve years? How much parents often deny themselves, how many pleasures and luxuries, that the boys may have a good high-school education, and then, perhaps, go to college. Then how much labor you yourself must give, how many years of labor it costs you to obtain even an ordinary education, to fit you for a business life, and if you study for a profession there must be three or four years more of hard work.

So you see it costs a great deal in money, and in that which is of more value than money-in time, self-denial and close application, to acquire an education; but let me tell you a secret. It costs much more not to have one! For without it how helpless you are; all your life long you will have to be paying others for the use of their brains, and are at a disadvantage at every turn in life. If you have capital and go into business, you must pay a high-priced man for doing much which you ought to be capable of doing, and even then you are in a measure in the power of another. If you are so unfortunate as to have a dishonest book-keeper or cashier, he may swindle you out of half your profits and you will never be able to discover it.

I remember years ago a janitor employed in our school building who could neither read nor write. He frequently hired the boys to add up a bill for him, or write a letter, and they invariably charged him ten or fifteen cents for their service. It was not very large-hearted for the boys to ask payment for such a

small service; but that is not the point I want to make. The ignorant man had to pay for the use of a little learning, and you will find it the same the world over; all business men will tell you that knowledge and judgment are hired only at a great expense. In any profession or trade you will find (other things being equal) the man of the best education has the advantage.

And lastly, the lack of knowledge will cost you the society of cultivated people, for of course you cannot associate with the educated if you are ignorant; they would not enjoy your society, nor you theirs. Ignorance will cost you much mortification and many regrets for lost opportunities, so when you grow disheartened that you are giving up so much for your education, remember it will cost you much more not to have one.

If you will carefully observe men, you will find that most of them have an ambition; by that I mean a fixed determination to possess something, or to succeed in some undertaking. One man longs to become learned, and will spend his days and nights in study, giving up many pleasures that he may have more time to spend over his beloved books. Another wants to be famous as an explorer, so he turns away from all the comforts of a quiet home, and wanders over strange countries, suffering untold discomforts that he may become noted as a traveler or discoverer. Another has set his heart upon riches, and toiling early and late turns his heart and mind from much that is ennobling, becoming old and worn in his pursuit for gold.

Now, do these win the object for which they are striving? Invariably, if they are persistent in their efforts. There are few things within the bounds of possi bility that you cannot possess if you pa tiently and perseveringly work for them. Then how important is it that your ambition should be a noble one. Have you ever asked yourself the question, "What is my aim in life?" Probably you will say that you are now too young and inexperienced to determine what trade or

OUR KINGS.

calling you will follow. That is true, but if you are old enough to be in school you can understand that you may work for some object, and this should be clearly defined. You want to get the most thorough education possible. Your advantages may be limited, or may be very good; in either case you want to make the most of them. Having set your heart on this, do not look far ahead and expect to accomplish great things when you take up advanced studies. Do not expect algebra and geometry to make you accomplished mathematicians unless you have first conquered arithmetic. Remember the duty which is of first importance is the one which lies nearest.

Do you remember the legend of the man in pursuit of the four-leaf clover? When a boy he was told that if he could find a four-leaf clover it would be to him a talisman of good fortune, and with it

377

in his possession success in any undertaking was sure; so, early in life, he started out to search for this little token of good. He left his home and friends to wander alone in this pursuit, traveling across continents and oceans in his search, but all in vain. At last, a disappointed and worn out old man, he returned to the old homestead to die; and as he tottered up the familiar pathway, lo! close beside the doorstep grew a four-leaf clover. It may be that your assurance of success lies hidden between the leaves of the despised speller; it surely is somewhere among your school books.-Golden Rule.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul; and the heart of man knoweth none more fragrant.

Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.

OUR KINGS.

"The kingliest kings are crowned with thorns."—Gerald Massey.

"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life."-Revelations.

Who feels like war, who seeks to turn

The tide of thought which swells to-day? Who feels the flame of purpose burn 'Gainst vested right, or tyrant's sway? 'Tis well they count the certain cost,

Before they raise the sweeping storm; And understand if wrecked or tossed, "Earth's kingliest kings are crowned with thorn."

This every age hath given to those

Whose godhead burst the narrow bound, By custom set by books, or laws

To circumscribe, or truth to bound. No dungeon dark enough for them;

No death too fierce or too forlorn;

Justice and mercy died-and then

"The kingliest kings were crowned with thorn."

For every science martyrs bled,

On every path of thought they fell,
But ages learn from heroes dead,
That truth will rule, who may rebel!
And garnished sepulchres are raised

To men despised and roughly torn, While fools repeat the name none praised, "The kingliest kings once crowned with thorn."

Who asks a mission man to bless?
Who pants for right, unselfish, brave?
Let history tell that no caress

So certain as a martyr's grave!
Yet if such feel inspired of God

With that high trust of kinship born, The wrath of man may seem no rod,

"To kingliest kings when crowned with thorn." Whate'er the conquest we may seek, Whate'er we wish to curb or break, Error with hoary head, or weak

As childhood in its wilful wake; Be sure, if victory must be won,

If once resolved in tears to groan; So truth be with us it empowers,

"Though kingliest kings are crowned with thorn."

And days shall come, I hail them now,

When work which makes a man divine,
Shall have the inspiring care and eye
Of rulers sent as Gods to shine!
Roll on, ye glorious times ahead,

Bring blessings for the crowds unborn,
And resurrect our deathless dead,

"Our kingliest kings once crowned with thorn." H. W. Naisbitt.

[blocks in formation]

CLOSE OF THE VOLUME. WE are happy to chronicle the successful conclusion of another volume of the CONTRIBUTOR. The magazine has had a prosperous year, having an increased circulation over the first volume. We believe the promises of the publisher at the beginning have been fulfilled. The enlarged monthly issue has been filled with substantial reading matter of a varied and interesting character, calculated to do good to the youth and all its readers. The completed, bound volume will grace any library; the contents being sound in principle and possessing literary merit of no mean order.

Before announcing the prospects and designs for the succeeding volume, we desire to return public acknowledgements to those who have up to the present contributed to the literary and financial success of the Magazine. The writings of Apostle Moses Thatcher have been full of interest and profit, particularly the Historical Evidences of the Divine Origin of the Book of Mormon, which have been read by hundreds with great satisfaction, confirming their faith in that sacred record. Elder Penrose has laid the readers of the Magazine under lasting obligations for the clear and comprehensive series on the principles of the Gospel, which he has contributed as Leaves from the Tree of Life. Brother Reynold's Book of Mormon Sketches, Quebec's Scientific Series, Beta's Chronicles of Utah, Viva's Biographies of Eminent Writers, the Travels in Italy, and great variety of miscellaneous matter, makes up a volume to be treasured,

and one of which the publisher, the contributors, and all into whose hands it may fall may well be proud.

The inauguration of the CONTRIBUTOR in the interests of the young men and women of our Church was looked upon with apprehension by many. This has entirely disappeared in the two years of its successful continuance. It is now conceded by all, that there is not only room, but necessity for the CONTRIBUTOR. It supplies what without it would be considered a sad deficiency. It is taking the place with many young readers, hitherto occupied by light literature imported from abroad. It is wielding a powerful influence in the cultivation of taste for a purer, higher and better class of reading among the young. It is recognized by the authorities as a medium of imparting truth, and as an important aid to the inquirer after the eternal truth of our religion, and is recommended by them to the careful perusal of all readers. In a word, the CONTRIBUTOR has found a place in the hearts of the people. It is an established institution, and is steadily making its way to a wide circulation, among a class that particularly needs such assistas its columns are designed to

ance

yield.

The Third Volume of our Magazine will commence with the next number. It will be of the same size as the present, and of corresponding mechanical excellence. The contents will, however, be somewhat different. The general tone and character of the matter will be preserved, and every effort made by the editor to secure the best and most entertaining articles upon every legitimate subject that will promote the interest and happiness of its readers. The field in which the CONTRIBUTOR circulates, is a very large one. It embraces the whole population of young men and women of the Territory, and has begun 'to run over to the Associations, and many appreciative readers beyond that limit. We shall endeavor to make the new volume deserving the patronage of every person within our field of circulation, and aim to render its attractions

EDITORIAL.

such that its merits will recommend it and secure it the largest possible subscription list.

During the year we shall publish Sermons and Writings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. These will consist of selected discourses and compositions of the Prophet, which were brought forth by the inquiries of the Saints, during the last four years of his life, and are full of light and truth. Many questions of doctrine, meaning of Scriptural sayings, etc., just such as arise in the minds of the young people to-day in their researches for the truth, were taken up in those days and clearly answered in the sermons President Smith delivered at Nauvoo. These are not now in reach of the people generally, being published in works long since out of print and having but very limited circulation among the Saints. Their reproduction in the CONTRIBUTOR will doubtless prove of the greatest benefit to thousands who will delight in reading them.

These

In connection with these Sermons will be issued short biographical sketches of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, illustrated with fine steel plate engravings. engravings are said, by the most trustworthy and competent judges, to be the finest portraits of the Prophet and Patriarch ever published. They will be prepared in the best style, and will be issued with the October number.

The third volume will also contain historical sketches of the Buchanan Campaign of 1857, being an account of the origin and comprising many notable incidents of the Echo Cañon war, taken from original documents and revised by those personally engaged in that memorable and exciting contest for religious freedom and independence.

There will be a series of articles descriptive of the scenes and objects of greatest interest encountered by a missionary in England, with personal experience, etc. Historical, biographical, descriptive and literary articles from amateur writers will also abound in the volume.

The department devoted to Association Intelligence will be greatly improved; in addition to the minutes of

379

important meetings it will contain queries and answers, brief correspondence, etc., from members of the Associations.

We trust the officers of the Associations will appreciate the effort that is being made to improve our Magazine, and that they will do all in their power as agents to thoroughly canvass their districts and give every one an opportunity to take it. The engravings which we shall introduce in the volume are very expensive, being worth half the price of subscription paid for the volume. It will therefore be necessary that a very large number of copies be printed and disposed of. The general promptitude of agents hitherto is highly commendable, though in some instances they have been apparently negligent of the interests of the Magazine. We hope the Presidents of Associations will take pleasure in acting as agents for the CONTRIBUTOR, and that they will be persevering in their efforts to extend its circulation, as we are confident they will thereby not only benefit the members, but lighten their own labor as officers. It is a known fact that where the Magazine is taken and read, the exercises of Associations are much more varied and interesting. Its contents affording a wide range of subjects from which programmes may be made up.

TULLIDGE'S QUARTERLY.

The third number of this magazine is a remarkable production for this country. It contains a magnificent steel plate engraving of the officers and directors of Z. C. M. I., there being in all ten portraits and four fine full page wood engravings. "The Commerce and Co-operation of Utah" is the leading article, Occupying nearly half the pages of the number. It is the completest history of the mercantile industry of our Territory that has ever been written, and is not only a splendid advertisement of the great co-operative institution, but its accuracy will make it valuable for reference in all time to come. The remaining pages of the number are filled with a variety of entertaining matter. Price, one dollar a number.

CORRESPONDENCE.

CITY OF MEXICO, Aug. 4, 1881. Elder Junius F. Wells:

Dear Brother. I fully intended to have written the sixth article on "The divine origin of the Book of Mormon," in order, for the present at least, to conclude the series in the September number of "THE CONTRIBUTOR," with which I understand the second volume will close. I find, however, that I cannot do so without opening up another branch of the subject, treating of the re-peopling of America by Lehi and his descendants. This would necessarily involve a continuation of the series, which, under present circumstances, I do not, even were it desirable, feel prepared or able to write. The historical works required in following the subject to its legitimate and proper conclusion I was unable, owing to their weight, to bring with me from home. And, while I might with some trouble secure access to similar ones here, I find myself frequently annoyed with severe pains in my left side, which writing appears to aggravate more than anything I do.

I have read the CONTRIBUTOR with increasing interest as the several numbers have reached me. I think it shows advancement, being in many particulars an improvement on the first volume. I trust that the forthcoming one may exhibit corresponding progress and be instrumental in helping to do the good among our young people which we all so much desire to see accomplished. The Saints feel a deep interest in Zion's rising generation, believing that they will prove worthy of their parentage and of the abundant blessings which daily come to them, through the teachings and ministrations of God's servants, in whom we have an abiding confidence and reverential love. I sincerely hope that success may attend the efforts of all who shall hereafter aid in making THE CONTRIBUTOR in every respect just what it should be in its special field of usefulness. To this end, as a friend to the young, whom I earnestly desire to see fully qualified for the great responsibilities which must

soon, in the vast work of human redemption, crowd upon them, I shall endeavor to exercise faith, and with the help of the Lord, do all I can, consistent with other duties, to forward its mission and extend its influence.

If more of our young people could be induced to write for the Magazine, it could not fail to result in good and be of future benefit to them; for it is becoming more and more evident to the thoughtful, that we shall, as missionaries at home and abroad, have to use more printer's ink in publishing the word in the future, than we have done in the past. Where the servant of God may from the pulpit speak to a few hundreds, through the press he may reach thousands. It is a great modern power! Potent, as used, for good or evil. Its influence over the minds of the masses, among so called Christian peoples, is being rapidly extended, moulding their thoughts and fixing their ideas more quickly and more thoroughly than the combined voices from all the pulpits in the land can possibly do. It would appear important, therefore, that our young men, the future representatives of Zion as preachers of the gospel abroad, in a world fast becoming infidel, should be prepared to meet and refute with the pen, as well as with the word of mouth, the errors of a scoffing, skeptical age. As humble prayer, diligent study and faithful testimony borne in public increases the flow of the Spirit, which qualifies men for preaching, so likewise will they, accompanied with practice in writing, qualify them, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, to advocate and defend, through the medium of the press, the principles of life and salvation to the honor and glory of God and the saving of souls.

Since Elders James Z. Stewart, Meliton J. Trejo and myself opened the mission at this capital of the Mexican Republic, on November 15, 1879; we have baptized in all fifty-eight persons. We find it exceedingly difficult to impress upon the minds of the people the necessity of living pure; they having,

« VorigeDoorgaan »