THE WEBER LITERARY JOURNAL the Pharisee and the Publican. The proud Pharisee did not wish to communicate with God. He desired to let the people know of his pride; hence his prayer was boastful and loud, so that the people could hear it. But the Publican was a very humble man and had an earnest desire to live a more righteous life; hence he voiced his deepest feelings in secret prayer, when none but God could hear. In Biblical times men were commanded to sacrifice the firstling of their flocks, not because God needed them, but because such was necessary to create in men that humble and charitable purpose in life. Why did Christ tell us that the widow's mite is greater and more acceptable than the proud offering of kings? Why did Christ fulfill the law of Moses by making men accountable for their thoughts as well as their acts? These teachings simply show that it is the right purpose in life that will count for religion in the final reckoning. Even the good acts of men are not part of a religious life; unless they are the result of a Godly spirit; unless they are performed with the right intent. It is this motive behind the act that is the scale by which men will be judged, and therein lies the real evidence of a religious life. Rulon Beus. 22 THE WEBER LITERARY JOURNAL A Magazine Review THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE DURING the thirty-one years of its career in the magazine world, the National Geographic has attained an enviable reputation. However, to acquire a reputation is one thing, to keep it another. The Geographic succeeded in doing both, since it has never fallen from the high standards which were set at its beginning. Its reputation is further vouched for by its Board of Trustees, which is made up of a list of men who are the best authorities in this country in their respective lines. The circulation of this magazine is wide, due to the fact that its appeal is general, rather than to a special group. However, those who are familiar with the magazine are of the opinion that its circulation is not as great as might be expected from one of its general excellence. This may, however, be accounted for in the fact that it is necessary to charge a higher subscription price than do most American magazines. The average American, who would be indeed interested in its pages, would rather buy five ten-cent magazines than a really good one at fifty cents a copy. The appeal of the Geographic is heightened by its absolute reliability. The subject matter given out in its articles is recognized as being scientifically correct. Any periodical which prints readable material well written can entertain, but its educational value depends directly upon its being scientific as to information, and correct as to every detail. For purposes of securing detailed information scientifically infallible, the Geographic is not dependent upon what has been discovered up to this time, found in records of explorers, books of travel, encyclopedias, etc. The National Geographic Society, which publishes the magazine, was organized for "the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge." It is still carrying out the purpose for which it was founded, that of expending all receipts other than the amount invested in the magazine itself, in conducting extensive expeditions to explore and excavate in different parts of the world. That remarkable phenomenon, the eruption of Mount Katmai, in Alaska, was immediately made the object of an expedition by the society. This same group of people sent expeditions 23