Priesthood Quorums' Table: Make a Good Beginning

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Make a Good Beginning. "When the ancients said a work well begun was half done," says Polybius, "they meant to impress the im- portance of always endeavoring to make a good beginning." This im- portance cannot be too much emphasized in relation to the classes in Priesthood. Not a few Priesthood quorums throughout the Church, when the busy summer season began, discontinued their meetings. By so doing, those of these who began in January, 1913, have their courses of study only half completed. The rest of the work should be finished Dec. 31, 1913, as the new text books are expected to be ready for dis- tribution on or before that date. Though you began well last Jan- uary, the work at best is only half done; the successful completion depends upon a good beginning this fall.

A good beginning means that the officers sould first outline a definite policy for each respective quorum to pursue. They should determine to do something, submit it to the quorum or meeting, and ask all to unite in its accomplishment. This something may be a con- certed action to obtain an average attendance at meetings of at least 80%; or, the determination to have the quorum reported at the end of the year as 100% observers of the Word of Wisdom, and every man a tithe payer. Associated with these may be several other worthy objects, such as raising missionary funds; the appointing of commit- tees to look after sick and needy families' of quorum members, and visiting indifferent members; others, to devise educational entertain- ments to be given under the auspices of the quorum, etc., etc. Above all, start out with the ideal in mind to have every man in the quorum prepared and ready to work in any position in the ward, stake, or mis- sionary field to which authorities of the Church may call him. Then, in the language of Carlyle, "Have a purpose, and having it, throw into your work such strength of mind and muscle as God has given you."

It is well for bishops and presidents to remember, too, that a good beginning in class interest depends, first, upon the choice of a good class leader. Choose an instructor who can give inspiration — one not chosen for his ability to preach, but for his art of kindling thoughts in others' minds. "The teacher who is attempting to teach without in- spiring the pupil with a desire to learn," says Horace Mann, "is ham- mering on cold iron." The same fact is emphasized by another who adds that, "The best teacher is one who suggests rather than dogma- tizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself." Then, search your ward for the best teachers. If you think you haven't any, develop them as best you can.

Another adjunct to a successful beginning is for the bishop to name a definite time and place for the holding of the opening Priest-

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hood meeting, and to give due publicity to it. All wide-awake officers know the value of legitimate advertising in Church work as in business. Finally, brethren, get the spirit of the work at once. A half-con- verted, pessimistic officer will leaden the activity of a quorum any time. On the other hand, a true wide-awake, enthusiastic one renews the drooping spirits, and inspires all who come in contact with him. There emanates from him something which enlivens and rejuvenates its energy, guided and enhanced by the Spirit of the Lord. Emerson says, "The world belongs to the energetic." To such, most assuredly, belong the successful Priesthood meetings, for the Lord blesses and guides the faithful, energetic worker. May we find such in this im- portant work, which is, even as yet, only the beginning of the great Priesthood movement.

David O. McKay.

Elder Alexander Brown, writing from St. Joseph, Missouri, July 3: "The St. Joseph branch is flourishing, the elders and lady missionaries are doing effective work among the citizens of the town. Four people have been baptized during the past two months. There are others who are on the way, some fifteen investigators having expressed them- selves as being desirous of joining the Church. In our Sunday School and hall meetings new faces are continually seen. In tracting we find many who are willing to give us a hearing. Among this class of peo- ple the lady missionaries are doing a wonderful work, re-visiting and teaching the truths of the gospel. The workers are very much en-

couraged The elders and lady missionaries standing, left to right: b t. Kimball, Raymond, Canada; Vilate Bennion, Vernal Utah- J H Florence, Porterville; Clara E. Bone, Alexander Brown, Lehi; William £" ,. '?Ty' ■bairview: sitting: Rowena Larsen, Tremonton, Utah: H. A Bell, Dempsey, Idaho; May Petterson, Ogden."