Priesthood Quorums’ Table

COMPANY A, MISSOURI CONFERENCE. Top row, left to right: Clarence N. Parker, Hooper, Utah; Amnion L. Johnson, Barnwell, Canada; Alma Fullmer, Springville, Utah. Bottom row: Jospeph E. McKean, Wood's Cross; Joseph W. Nuttall, Provo, Utah. counties, and were received kindly in most settlements, while in other places the people were hostile, and little good was accomplished. "In our travels we find that the people are becoming more acquainted with us, and the old, bitter prejudice is dying away with the older people. We quite often meet with people who were acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and with Brigham Young, and they will admit that they had some other power than man's, to enable them to accomplish the work they did, and they wish us God's speed in our good work." While the elders were traveling in the northern part of the state they visited Nau- voo, and were received by the people, who made their visit as pleasant as possible. The old buildings that were occupied by the prophet and early Church leaders are still standing and are occupied. They visited Carthage jail, the scene of the martyrdom. Many of the people asked when the "Mormons" were coming back, and other such questions, and stated that if the Saints had remained there, they believe that Nauvoo would now be as large as Kansas City. In their travels the elders crossed and re-crossed many old "Mormon" trails, and heard many comments on the hardships our people endured in their enforced travels. Eldei Nuttall adds: "These things strengthen our faith, cause us to press on in our work, and do all the good we can in bringing the children of men to the truth of the gospel. We enjoy reading the Era; it is doing a great deal of good in the mission field."

Priesthood Quorums' Table. Methods of Training Ordained Teachers for the Per- formance of Practical Duties. — At the Tri-stake Priesthood Conven- tion, Ogden, July 10, James R. Beus, of the Weber stake High Council, spoke as follows: In dealing with this subject, I think it important that we learn something of the nature of these practical duties. I shall, for conve- nience, classify a few of them under two general headings— 1, General, 2, Specific — and attempt to name and discuss a few that I shall assign to those respective headings. I.— General: a. To lead a clean, pure, honest, upright life. b. To attend the weekly priesthood meetings, c. To have a profound respect for God and his laws. II.— Specific:— a. Deacons and teachers should be appointed to watch over the Church, to be standing ministers to the Church (Doc. and Co v. 84: 111). The teacher's duty is to watch over the Church always, and be with and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the Church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking, and see that the Church meet together often, and also that all the members do their duty; and he is to take the lead of meetings, in the absence of the elder and the priest, and to be assisted always, in all his duties in the Church, by the deacons, if occasion requires. But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament or lay on hands. They are, however, to warn, exhort, teach, and invite all to come to Christ. In considering these points, I suggest that the data and quorum records be made more complete. I think they should indicate:

1. Attendance. 2. If absent, the reason for such absence. 3. Prepara- tion. 4. Performance of practical duties. 5. His attendance at Sab- bath worship. As to methods of training for the performance of these practical

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS TABLE. 1141 duties, let us consider them in the order already enumerated in this paper.

1. As to leading a life that is in harmony with the general spirit and requirements of this priesthood: a. Let the young man thoroughly understand those requirements, and express a determination, or at least a willingness, to endeavor to live up to the same, before receiving the priesthood. I think the ward teachers could perform an important labor here; but it must receive specific attention, and the instruction should have the direct object in view of preparing the young man to receive the priesthood, b. There should be appointed times for the conferring of the priesthood, and it should rarely be at odd intervals, c. There should be one, best adapted and qualified — and having at least one weeks' notice to prepare — explain, in a fifteen-minute talk, the sacred- ness of this ordinance, also the responsibilities they are assuming; and they should express their acceptance by, perhaps, a rising vote. Let there be n^t so much of a decrying of the evils, as there is of a pointing out of the higher and the better, under the happy influence of the Holy Ghost. The evils are not tolerated, because there is no time or room for them. Let the boys be occupied in doing good things, and learn the joy that is found therein. I very well realize that this last statement covers a big field. I think, however, that it is practicable and important and could be accom- plished. I think every ward should have its library, gymnasium and athletic clubs. But, says one, this is foreign to the subject. I think not entirely so. In my judgment, if you expect to control the boys in their attitude towards the priesthood, and not provide for those lines of recreation, growth and advancement, you are mistaken. Brethren, lead out, or encourage this recreation spirit in the Y. M. M. I. A. of your ward, and let the boys follow your lead, and not another less acceptable.
2. Attendance at weekly priesthood meetings: a. That the records be kept as already indicated, b. In case a brother is absent twice consecu- tively, and no reason offered for such absence, that said brother shall receive a mailed letter, which has been carefully prepared by one appointed, read and approved by the bishopric and, perhaps, the com- mittee of the high council. If there is no response, send a second letter. If there is still no response, let the presidency of the quorum visit and labor with him. If they cannot succeed, let the class leader visit and labor with this brother. If all these— followed up diligently and in love — fail, let his case be referred to the bishopric and high council for further action. Let all these proceedings be a part of the quorum record, with date

' 142 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . and all particulars appended. Not long hence, there will be a day of pro- motion, and in all cases of promotion let the quorum secretary provide all the brethren with a card on which shall be carefully recorded the brother's attendance, preparation and performance of practical duties. This he may present to the one in charge, at the time of said promotion. While this record should not be absolute in the matter of a brother's promotion, still it should be important, serving as no small incentive to a better performance of duty. 3. General classification. Specific duties: a. The teacher is to watch over the Church always — a standing minister, b. To see that there is no iniquity in the Church, no backbiting, evil speaking, etc., — sins that poison the stream of brotherly love, undermine fraternal con- fidence, blacken innocent character and canker the souls of those who are guilty of such meddlesomeness, c. To see that the members of the Church meet together often. How may all this be accomplished? Perhaps the teacher maybe assigned work in company with the ward teachers. Let them in turn perform those labors. I would suggest that there be a place in the order of business for the quorum class work for the brethren to report on this work, and let same be placed to their credit on the quorum records. Now, a word to the quorum officers: Dear brethren, never be absent from your quorum meetings. Always be on time. Always be prepared. Have a fixed determination to perform your full duty. Very much depends on you in this work. Be faithful. Love the brethren. Commit to memory the order of business for your quorum class work- See that no time is wasted in conducting your work. Attach proper dignity to the work. See to it that you have good class leaders. Now, to the class leaders: See to it, brethren, that you teach. Don't do all the talking — but teach. Be exemplary. Give your heart to this work. A very beautiful instance of humility is related of Professor Blackie, an eminent Scotch professor. Blackie was lecturing to a new class, with the members of which he was imperfectly acquainted. A student arose with his book in his left hand. "Sir," thundered Blackie, "hold your book in your right hand!" As the student was about to reply, he continued, "No words, your right hand, I say!'' The student held up his right arm, ending piteously at the wrist. "I have no right hand," he said. Before Blackie could open his lips, there arose such a storm of hisses that his voice was overcome. Then the professor left his place, went down to the student he had