out the wishes of the convention, rather than to ask the convention to support their propositions. We have not yet thought best to have our constitution and by-laws printed in the revised form, but have been revising the old ones as we needed them. During the latter part of the year, our finances have been in such condition that we might have had them printed, but thought best to wait until after this convention, lest we might see a need for further changes. We are at a loss what to suggest about our leaflets. The subscription list has run down so that we mail only a little over four hundred each month. Consequently they are accumulating pretty fast, notwithstanding we sent out some thousands to the various reunions last fall. We hope the convention will take up this matter and give it careful consideration. The locals that have been using them will be loath to give them up, I think; also the surplus furnishes leaflets for distribution at the reunions, and if we could interest some of the sisters where the different reunions are held to send for them and see that they are distributed we might use more of I have no more of the complete set of Our Boys, though I have on hand quite a few of some numbers of the series. It has been suggested to me by some parties, that we ought to vary the subjects of our readings more, and furnish more along the line of household economics and less of child-training. As to ourselves we do not feel very much disposed to criticise, but think if we were all as faithful to apply what has been submitted we would be very much helped, indeed we feel that this society is very greatly indebted to its reading committee and editor for their work. We have been thinking that this society should take steps to preserve the last two series of readings prepared by Sr. Walker. If we wish ever to have a literature of our own we must take care of it when we have the opportunity. We have tried to look after the interests of the society to the best of our ability, but we find it very difficult to do the work as it should be done, with the board so scattered. We trust that in the coming year, conditions may be more favorable for the growth and development of the work. MRS. B. C. SMITH, President. SECRETARY'S REPORT. To the Daughters of Zion in Convention Assembled, Greeting: As your secretary for the past year we beg leave to submit the following report: During the year three new schools have been organized, viz, Sharon, Pennsylvania, Madison, Wisconsin, and Fall River, Massachusetts. Sharon and Madison have not sent in lists of members. Fall River has a membership of seventeen. Early in January we mailed twenty-four blank reports to the secretaries of the various locals and up to date have received only ten. Locals reporting, Bevier, Missouri, Lamoni, Iowa, Necedah, Wisconsin, Traverse City, Michigan, San Jose, California, Prowers, Colorado, Nebraska City, Nebraska, Second Kansas City, Missouri, Independence, Missouri, and Denver, Colorado. Five reports show a gain in membership, viz, Lamoni four, Necedah one, Bevier three, Second Kansas City one, Independence fourteen, and Denver seven, making a total gain of thirty. The growth of the society does not consist in the increase in numbers as much as it does in the interest shown in the work being accomplished. Where our work was at one time looked on with distrust it is now received with commendation. By resolutions of the board the work of the general officers was largely done by committees, hence the secretary has done very little except caring for the records and a little assistance rendered the literature committee at one reunion. We have corresponded with all inquiring parties and done such other service as pertains to this office. From the remarks in the reports we glean that all are encouraged to go on and are making an effort to increase their membership. The interest is increasing and they are growing spiritually. While looking over the reports the suggestion was brought to my mind that it might promote the growth of the societies if we could have frequent reports from the locals of the work they are doing, the fine thoughts that are brought out in their meetings, the measures they are taking to increase interest and membership, and many other points of value that might come up. These reports could be sent to the editor of one of the departments of the society, for publication, and all would be benefited by them. It would be a means of drawing the workers more closely together. That the work of this society is a much needed work we have but to look around us. Sometimes we are led to wonder why it is parents seem so very indifferent to this work when so many are willing to make sacrifices to help carry the gospel to the world. It seems all should make an effort to fit themselves to do their work so well that there would be no need for conversions within the fold, but all would be so well brought up that we would indeed be a light to the world, strong and brilliant. This is the Lord's work and will continue to grow and prosper until it becomes a strong arm in fighting the battle with sin. Yours for the work, The Religio's Arena ELBERT A. SMITH, Editor, Lamoni, Iowa. COURTESY AND POLITENESS. COURTESY belongs to the soul; politeness to the flesh. There may be politeness without courtesy, but never courtesy without politeness. Courtesy thinks of others; politeness of itself. They may be compared to a building, courtesy being the strong and sure foundation, the enduring framework; politeness the veneer put on to please the casual observer. Politeness is skin-deep; courtesy is bred in the bone. Politeness thinks of the passing hour; courtesy thinks of all time. Courtesy is in-born; politeness is acquired. Courtesy may be found in the rough miner or the hardy sailor; politeness in the ball-room. Politeness believes in honor, but courtesy is the soul of honor. Politeness of the two horns of a dilemma chooses the less troublesome to itself; courtesy that which will cause the less discomfort to others. In a race where Time is the judge, Politeness will win easily; but give Eternity the legal cap and gown and Courtesy distances her rival by long odds. Courtesy is an attribute of the soul; politeness of the brain. True courtesy is never an imitator, while politeness is often counterfeit. Courtesy considers the feelings of others; politeness the rules of etiquette. Courtesy is character; politeness is reputation. Courtesy is the diamond; politeness is the polish given it by the skilled lapidary. Train your child to be polite only, you are training him for this world only. Train him to be courteous, you are training him for the world to come. Courtesy is cautious; politeness is cunning. Courtesy is a pearl of great price; politeness the sounding brass and tinkling cymbal. Courtesy "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, suffereth long, and is kind." Politeness fights a duel, if in France, behind the nearest clump of trees with sword or pistol; if in America, behind its neighbor's back with that deadlier weapon, the human tongue. Send them to the stake, and Politeness will fawn on its oppressor, if thereby it may obtain release; Courtesy dies a martyr. Courtesy is the house founded upon a rock; politeness on the shifting sand. Politeness is art; courtesy is nature. Politeness is the temple, magnificent and costly, beautiful as a dream, and as evanescent, built by human hands, which crumbleth to decay; courtesy, true courtesy, is the city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. "SISTER BERTA." A SERMON IN BLACK AND WHITE. De hebbens done open! de Lord come down! He brung his chillun er hebbenly crown! An' whar does yer reckon is he let it res'? Is he borned his Son in de fedder-baid? Jus' cow-fodder res' little Jesus' haid! But dey ain't no fodder an' dey ain't no feed Hide de light f'um shinin' till de wise men seed: Dat light it shinin' ter dis livin' day! Christ die in dawkness: but he riz in light! Is he die fur on'y de rich an' white? He die fur de rich, an' he die fur de po'; He die fur de high, an' he die fur de low; He 'scuse de pagin, an' he 'scuse de Jew; He 'low: "O Lord! dey ain't know what dey do!" Now, bredren-an' sistren, it "up ter us," Widout no quar'lin' an' widout no fuss, Ter prove dat Jesus is die for we, By 'scusin' de meanes' "white trash" dat be! -Rosalie M. Jonas, in McClure's. LIBRARIAN'S DEPARTMENT. To All Lovers of Good Books: Have you a library in your branch or Sunday-school? If not, why not? We are directed to study all good books (Doctrine and Covenants 85: 35, 90). Also, no matter what the circumstances may be, there is room for some kind of a local library. We should have one place in the branch where at least all of the church publications can be found. We are not all able to buy all of the church books, but all of us, acting together, should be able to procure at least one complete file for the branch. We should also have some good books for the children, a district or circulating library, for some schools in each district do not have access to a public library, and even if we have access to a public library, we need direction and help in the selection of the best books. It is not proposed to insist upon any iron-clad plan to which all must conform, except that each branch, each district or stake, should select a library board, as set forth in the inclosed leaflet, and this board should consider all of the circumstances and then do the very best possible for the library interests in their charge. The first step is the selection of this board; this we would urgently request you to attend to as soon as possible. Then, if a local board, notify the district board of your organization. If there is no district board, or you are not in an organized district, advise the secretary of the commission, E. H. Fisher, direct, and you should then secure report blanks and start to work, reporting regularly as set forth in the inclosed leaflet. The district or stake boards will please report organization promptly to the secretary of the commission and also report promptly to him all needed items. The catalogue or list of books for the use of our library workers is being printed in the Sunday School Exponent, beginning with the June number. As soon as the list is completed it will doubtless be printed in pamphlet form, of which publication due notice will be given in all the papers. Report blanks may be secured at the Herald Office (Herald Publishing House), Lamoni, Iowa, for ten cents per dozen. Additional rules to be pasted in books may be secured at the Herald Office; additional copies of the inclosed leaflet may also be secured at the Herald Office for ten cents a dozen. If any additional information is desired, or if any part of this letter or leaflet is not sufficiently clear, any member of the Commission will be pleased to give you further help, or you may address the secretary, E. H. Fisher, 100 Sycamore Street, Winter Hill Station, Boston, Massachusetts. Sincerely yours, F. M. SMITH, Chairman. E. A. BLAKESLEE, Treasurer. INDEPENDENCE, Missouri, May 1, 1908. S. A. BURGESS. NORMAL LESSONS ON THE BOOK OF MORMON. FOUR LESSONS ON BOOK OF MORMON GEOGRAPHY. IV.—The Land of Zarahemla. 1. The land of Zarahemla, of all the Book of Mormon lands, was by far the most important. About two thirds of the Book of Mormon was produced in this territory. It was here that the people rose to the highest civilization, developed and enjoyed the most perfect government, and enjoyed the greatest religious awakening. At Bountiful, in the northern part, the Savior made his appearing, and established the church. 2. The land was a triangular country occupying the northwestern part of South America. It was bounded on the north and east by the Caribbean Sea, called the Sea East, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, called the West Sea, and on the south and east by the Eastern Cordillera and the Cordillera Merida; this mountain boundary was called the narrow strip of wilderness and the south wilderness. 3. Construct a map of Zarahemla by drawing a line from a point |