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Show f j EDITORIAL PAGE Where Father Stands I Remember who you are and act ac- cordingly. President McKay frequently gave this advice to the youth of the church as he appealed to them to live up to their great heritage. He reminded them that they are children of God, that they have a spark of divinity within them, and that it is possible for them some time to become perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect. But this advice need not be limited to young people by any means. It applies to everyone, and as we approach Fathers Day, may we consider that it applies to fathers also? FATHERS, who are you? If the youth are children of God, are not their parents also? If it is advisable for young people to live the standards of the gospel, is it not even more necessary for parents to do so, especially in view of their influence on the rising generation? -- If the youth may some time become perfect as our Father in Heaven, then certainly parents can reach that great goal also. . The gospel applies to all. There are no exceptions, there are no special privileges. God is no respecter of persons. So fathers and mothers should strive for the perfection which is available through the gospel. And this may best be done in the sacred portals of the home. GOOD HOMES are evidence of good par ents, and good homes and good parents produce good children. One of the finest instruments the Lord has given us for building good homes is the weekly Family Home Evening, planned for each MonSaint homes. day night in all Latter-day There the fathers r.iay assume the re- sponsibilities which the Lord lays upon them, of truly FATHERING their families in the broad sense of the term rearing them, teaching them, converting them, providing for them, and persuading them to do right. In doing so they will represent the qualities of fatherhood which the Lord sets forth, those of faith, hope, charity and love; an eye single to the glory of God; virtue, knowledge, patience, brotherly kindness, humility, diligence, and GODLINESS. (D&C 4) PARENTS are committed by the Almighty to saving and converting their own children, teaching them to pray and to keep the commandments. Is there a better way than through the regular home evening program? And is there a better time for fathers to shoulder their responsibilities than right now, taking the lead as humble servants of God within their own family circles? , Fathers may well follow the advice of President McKay, to remember who they are as sons and servants of God and then act accordingly. Jews and Mayans of the Los Angeles carried a lengthy article by Kevin Stapleton, staff writer, under the caption: Did Ancient Israelis Sail Across Ocean, Join the Mayans? A RECENT Herald-Examin- ISSUE er The article is based on discoveries of the g Star of David and similar exhibited Honduras and in by Dr. carvings Alexander Von Wuthenau and Dr. Cyrus Gorstudies at don, professor of Mediterranean Brandeis University. The Los Angeles quotes these men as indicating that they have suffiJewish excient evidence of ploration in America to establish such contacts as facts. Jewish-appearin- Herald-Examin- er Their most recent striking evidence is the discovery of inscriptions of the Star of David on Mayan ruins, says the newspaper. ONE PARTICULAR stone carving depicts a Mayan dignitary with this star engraved in his earring and wearing a hat carved in the likeness of a papyrus raft. The lower half of the star is covered with undulating lines which resemble waves. In his left hand the dignitary is holding what appears to be an anchor. Dr. Von Wuthenau says that inscriptions and symbols found on the carving of this 16 - CHURCH 9 WEEK ENDING JUNE 16, 1973 Mayan dignitary bear uncanny resemblance to similar carvings found among Jewish ruins of the Third Century A.D. in the necropolis of Beith Shecarim. IN THIS ANCIENT burial place appear two drawings of Jewish merchant ships which are nearly identical to the ship carved on the Mayan rock. A star of David appears conspicuously above the prow. At the Maritime Museum in Haifa there is an ancient Jewish coin on which appears a part of an anchor. It is identical to the anchor held by the Mayan chieftain in the ruins at Copan, continued the doctor., Another star of David was found midway up the 62 steps of the sacred Mayan Pyramid of Hieroglyphics at Copan. This was discovered by Horst Schiftan, a German scholar associated with Dr. Von Wuthenau, who noted its similarity to the star preserved in the ancient Jewish synagogue at Capernaum. DR. GORDON, mentioned above, is the author of a book entitled Before Columbus which the publishers say presents dramatic new evidence, archaeological, ethnographic and linguistic, demonstrating continuing American contacts across the Atlantic and the Pacific in early times. The evidence mounts, and is most impressive to believers in the Book of Mormon. MISSION EXPERIENCES A Mission in Mexico Dr. Platino C. Rhodancanaty, Greek scholar living in Mexico City, had become interested socialist scheme designed at helping the poor and prayed for guidance on the matter. His answer came teacher, am in hat in ; dream: A young boy came to him and prevailed upon him tt buy a book which he at first refused to do. The book wai a translation in Spanish of a part of the Book of Mormoi made by Meliton G. Trejo of San Pedro, Calif. When the dream became a reality, Dr. Rhodancanatj became intrigued and wrote to President John Tavloi seeking more information. More literature was sent to the doctor and a series of letters was exchanged. This oc curred in the fall of 1878. A year later, at the churchs October Conference, three men were called to open a mission in Mexico City Because of previous opposition in that nation, the mission was not identified at the conference, but was listed as places to be designated." The three called were Elder Thatcher of Logan, Utah, James Z. Stewart of Draper, Utah, and Elder Trejo. Elder Thatcher was joined in Chicago by Elder Stewart and the two were met by Elder Trejo in New Orleans. They entered Mexico at Vera Cruz and arrived in Mexico City Nov. 16. They met Dr. Rhodancanaty and four days later baptized him and Silviano Arteaga, believed to be a pure Aztec. Within two more days, six additional persons were baptized and on Nov. 23, a branch of the church was organized with Dr. Rhodancanaty as president. His counselors were Silviano Arteaga and Jose Vbarola. All three were ordained elders. The three missionaries continued to labor in building up the church. In August, 1881, Elder Thatcher was released to return home. Accompanied by a native Mexican member, Fernando A. Lara, and Elder Feramorz L Young of Salt Lake City, who also had been called to Mexico, but was in poor health, the three left Mexico at Vera Cruz. Elder Thatcher was succeeded as president of the mission by Elder August H. F. Wilcken. The mission continued to prosper under several presidents until 1888-8when all missionaries were withdrawn because of persecution and for political considerations. 9 |