Priesthood Quorums’ Table

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE. Make the Lessons as Practical as Possible.— Quite a number of bishops report that the second part in the Priesthood Quorum lessons, as outlined in the study for this year, has not been of great value to the Priesthood quorums be- cause the first, or theoretical part, has occupied nearly all the recitation time; hence, only little has been done to practice what has been learned. The object in view in having two parts to the lesson was to impress the importance of put- ting into practice the principles of the gospel and performing the duties that per- tain to the Priesthood— as well as learning what these principles and duties are. If any part of the lesson ought to be passed over with little consideration, it would seem to us to be the theoretical part, if the first part can so be called,— not the second, or practical part. There is no mistaking the fact that theory, doctrine and principles are of only small value, unless they are made to direct the life and actions and daily conduct of the person who studies them. If as a people

we lack either, it is in the practice, rather than in the knowledge of theory of

doctrines and duties of our religion. Religion is of little value to a person,

familiar though he is with its principles and duties, if he does not interweave into the daily actions of his life its theories. Religion is doing, not al-

together knowing, and it should be remembered that we learn to do by

doing, so that if we desire to put our knowledge inlo practice, the best thing to

do is to practice our religion. The second part of the lesson, then, instead of

being slighted or eliminated, should receive special and particular attention; and in every quorum some individual practical work should be performed. We repeat that this is even more important than that the members of the quorums should be familiar with the theory, while they do no actual work. It would seem wise,

then, not to do away with the practical part, but rather to proceed with greater interest and energy into the ways by which practical work may be performed among the people as well as in the daily life of the individual— ways sought to be made plain by the second part in the lessons of the Course. "What Constitutes Good 'Mormons?' "— This question is answered

fully in the Book of Mormon, and the answer emphasizes the importance of prac- tical religion. When Alma the first had converted a number of the people of King Noah, to whom the martyr Prophet Abinudi had taught the gospel, and these a splendid answer people were ready to be baptized into the Church, Alma gave to the questionabove propounded; and this is the substance of what he considered constituted good "Mormons" in those days: burdens First, They were to have a desire to be willing to bear one another's that they might be light. Second, They were to possess a desire to be willing to mourn with those who mourn. Third, To comfort those who stand in need of comtort.

Fourth, To stand as witnesses for God, at all times, and in all things, and in all places even until death. Fifth, They were to observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Sixth, To thank God every day of their lives; have no contention, possess one faith, one baptism, and have their hearts knit together in unity and love. Seventh, Labor with their own hands for their support, particularlv those holding the priesthood, that they might wax strong in the spirit, and teach with power and authority. Eight, Meet weekly, and also as often as possible, to teach each other and worship the Lord. Ninth, Impart of their substance of their own free will, everyone according to that which he has, to the priests in need, and to every needy, naked soul. Tenth, Walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another, both tempor- ally and spiritually, according to their needs and wants.

Observe how practical and helpful and untheoretical every one of these re- quirements are, and what constant labor is required to observe them. If these requirements were characteristic of the early Saints upon this continent, it is

reasonable to suppose that similar qualifications shall be possessed by the Latter- day Saints, in order that, like the early Saints, they "may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection that they may have eternal life." It will be a refreshing exercise for the members of the Priesthood quo- rums to read once more the story of the organization of the Church of Christ by Alma, as found in Mosiah, chapters 17 and 18, particularly observing how "Mormonism" means practical work, and every-day helpfulness.

Occasional Opportunity for Testimony Bearing and Fellowship. While in the main it is desirable that there should be close adherence to the les- sons prescribed in the Seventy's class meetings, yet we are of opinion that occa- sionally there should be given opportunity for testimony bearing, for the expres- sion of fellowship one for another among quorum members, for admonitions to faithful performance of duty, reminding the members of their moral obligations as Church members and men holding the holy priesthood. Whenever, at our regular meetings, the lesson is completed and thirty or forty minutes remain before the time of dismissal, the president could easily direct that the remainder of the time be given for these miscellaneous purposes, and the members should be encouraged to avail themselves of these opportunities. And this can be done without halting the progress of the quorum through the lessons prescribed. It

should be understood that no text book can supplant the living teacher; and no prescribed course of study should be thought to hinder the opportunity for spiritual exercises in our meetings . We desire that our presidents, while following in the main the lines that are drawn should exercise their ingenuity, and that they impress their individuality upon the work outlined. It only requires a little tact on the part of our presiding officers to manage our course of study in a way to make for the moral and spiritual development, as well as for the intellectual training of our members in the gospel of Christ. Presidents, class leaders, take thought; work

out schemes of treatment of the works supplied, and intelligently manage the affairs of the quorum. Make your presidency mean something. Do not become stereotyped in your work . We rely upon you to interpret the spirit of the Seven- ty's work in your respective quorums. Will you disappoint us in these matters? We hope not, and we believe you will not disappoint us.