Editor’s Table: A Hint on Mutual Helpfulness

EDITOR'S TABLE. A HINT ON MUTUAL HELPFULNESS. An instance recorded in the Book of Mormon shows clearly what should be the spirit of the members of the Church of Christ*. It is related of Alma, the elder, a great high priest of the Nephites, that when he heard the teachings of the Prophet Abinadi, he fled from the servants of the wicked King Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and later went privately among the people teaching the words of the martyred prophet. He preached repentance, redemption and faith in the Lord. Many believed and were baptized by him in a fountain of pure and beautiful water called Mormon, near which was a thicket of small trees in which he and his people found a hiding place during the day from the iniquitous king who sought their lives and who had corrupted the priesthood and led the people into sin. These words of Abinadi, written and expounded by Alma, form a very important portion of the doctrinal teachings of the Book of Mormon. Before Alma baptized his converts as a witness that they were willing to serve the Lord and keep his commandments, he taught them what must be their social desires, and what they really must covenant to do when they should enter the waters of baptism. Among the requirements made of those who desired to come into the fold of Christ were these: To be willing to bear one another's burdens, that they might be light; to mourn with those who mourn; to comfort those who stand in need of comfort; to stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things and in all places, even until death. Upon these practical principles of mutual helpfulness Alma

886 IMPRO VEMENT EH A . organized the Church of the First Born, ordained the priesthood, and founded the work of the Lord in power among the Nephites. It is perhaps needless to call attention to the fact that similar requirements are basic principles in the social fabric of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our unequaled organization is especially adapted to their fulfilment. The stakes and wards of the Church in a larger sense, and the quorums and ororganizations, in a more local way, are admirably and conveniently arranged and organized to enable their members to lighten one another's burdens, and to comfort and care for the sorrowing, the unfortunate and the needy. As to being witnesses for God at all times and in all places, it is well known that no other people so persistently and extensively preach the gospel in all nations as do the Latter-day Saints. Indeed, it may be said that we have almost enlarged upon this part of our work to the neglect of mutual helpfulness at home. But the missionary work we should not neglect to do, nor leave the help at home undone. The quorums of the priesthood are especially adapted to the promotion and growth of social and fraternal feelings. There should be a nearer brotherhood among the members, which may then be extended to all men. Outside of their immediate families none should be quite so near and dear to them as their associates in their quorums. What grand opportunities are here for men to lighten one another's burdens,— of the mind, of the body, of the world of affairs ! How convenient are they for the expression of consolation in sorrow; for the giving of comfort in need; for practical help in the every-day phases of life, and for the study and contemplation of the word of the Lord! We are confident that the brethren are not taking full advantage of the opportunities they enjoy for social and mutual helpfulness in the quorums of the priesthood, and in the auxiliary organizations. Let us study to do better in this respect, and learn to be loyal to our friends and associates. Let us learn to know one another better, and so, like the Church founded by Alma, be mutually helpful, walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another, both temporally and spiritually, according to our needs and wants, and sharing our love, and care and substance with the