Priesthood Quorums' Table

Priesthood Quorums' Table Distribution of Study Courses. The lollowing letter will be sent to every bishop in the Church, by the General Committee on Priesthood Outlines, and is self-explanatory. It is believed that all the books will be ready early in January. Dear Brother. We shall send you in a very few days packages of books for the Priesthood quorums of your ward. The quorums of the Melchizedek Priesthood, you will remember, all have the same text book or manual — "Gospel Themes," by Elder O. F. Whitney. The quorums of the Lesser Priesthood are to be supplied as follows: The priests' quorums with "The Restoration of the Gospel," by Osborne J. P. Widtsoe; the Teachers' quorums with "The Life of Christ;" the Deacons' quorums with "Incidents from the Lives of Our Leaders." These several manuals, for the year 1914, are being sent to you for distribution on the basis of 30% of the membership of the priesthood quorums of your ward; that is to say, 30% of the number of High Priests; 30% of the number of Seventies of your ward- 30% of the number of Elders; and so with the quorums of the Lesser Priesthood. Our thought is, first, that surely 30% of each of these quorums will want immediately this number of manuals, so that you will dispose of them promptly, and without trouble; second, by having this number for immediate distribution, you can start all the classes in your quorum at once, and have sufficient text books in the hands of the individual members to insure the success of your class work from the start. After this matter of the text bonks is introduced by you at the first meeting, following the arrival of the books, the matter can be turned over to the ward clerk to be handled by him. That is to say, let payment for the books be made to him; let the books remaining over, after the first night's sales, be left in his charge to be brought to the next meeting, and so following until the entire assignment is^ disposed of. After the ward clerk has disposed of the assignment individuals wanting books can obtain them by ordering them directly from the Improvement Era Office, or through the ward clerk, who will send orders to the same office. By placing this matter in the hands of the ward clerk, we make the handling of the books uniform — as this plan of distribution is being followed in all the wards — with machinery already in existence, and will simplify the whole matter, which but for this uniform arrangement might run into confusion. We suggest, and would make it imperative, that the distribution of the books be made a strictly cash transaction, if this is not done the loss is likely to be great and the work of the ward secretary made unpleasant, and too laborious. The price of the books is too small an amount on which to open an account for collection, and the memories of individuals too uncertain to be trusted for payment; so collect the price as the books are delivered to the member applying for them. Prompt remittance should be made to the Improvement Era Office, of the monev collected for the books. Practically all the books we send you should be disposed of by the second or third meeting after they reach you. and the proceeds, whatever they may be. should be sent by that time to the Improvement Era Office, as per bill to he rendered, and to accompany the respective packages, and from which

270 IMPROVEMENT ERA you will learn the selling price of the books. We are dependent upon these returns to make payment of the printing bills; hence, the importance of promptness. This plan of distribution calls for a little care and exertion on the part of yourself and the ward clerk, but the satisfaction of being able to start all the quorums' of the priesthood classes in your ward at the same time and with sufficient text books on hand to guarantee the success of your classes from the start, will amply repay you, we think, for the necessary care and prompt attention required in this matter. Thanking you in advance for your willingness and diligence in attending to this distribution of text books in your ward, We are most respectfully yours, Rudger Clawson, Chairman, David A. Smith, Secretary. In behalf of the Church Committee on Priesthood. "Gospel Themes." — This is a treatise of the gospel plan of salvation, written especially for the quorums of the Melchizedek priesthood by Elder Orson F. Whitney, of the Council of Twelve Apostles, and published as the course of study for the priesthood classes, for 1914, by the General Committee on Priesthood Lessons. The following questions on the first four chapters are prepared as helps and guides, particularly for class instructors, but will be found helpful, also, to all the members of the class. Each lesson should be studied carefully before the class period. It should then be thoroughly considered by the members as a body. During the recitation, these questions may be used as a means of stimulating thought as well as for a general review. They may be of service, also, in making individual assignments of topics when this method is deemed advisable. Questions on the next four chapters will appear in the February number of the Era, and so on during the year. PART I — THE STORY OF GOD Questions and Suggestions. Chapter I — A Divine Plan of Salvation, (See "Gospel Themes").

1. Define "Gospel."
2. From what does the word "Gospel" derive its significance?
3. Memorize Luke 2:10.
4. Name the basic principles upon which "the laws and ordinances of the gospel" rest.
5. For what great purpose was the gospel instituted?
6. Define the phrase, "Fulness of the gospel."
7. How can there be, relatively, more than one fulness of the gospel?
8. Explain the difference between "Redemption" and "Salvation." Between "Salvation" and "Exaltation."
9. Name the threefold purpose of the gospel.
10. What reasons can you give for believing that the gospel originated in the heavens before this earth was created?
11. Show the power and the benevolence of Deity in instituting the gospel plan. Chapter II — Eternal Nature uf Gospel Principles.
12. What is the difference between a self-existent principle and ;i i instituted plan containing that principle?

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 271 Explain the 29th paragraph of D. and C, Sec. 93. Give a five-minute talk on, "Faith as a Gift of God." Discuss repentance as an eternal principle. What is the eternal element in the ordinance of baptism? Give a five-minute talk on "The Eternal Nature of the 2. 3. 4. Discuss repentance as an eternal principle 5. What is the eternal element in the ordina 6. Give a five-minute talk on "The Eternal Nature of the Holy Ghost." 7. How did the "Fall" become a progressive act? 8. Give examples of acts that are intrinsically evil, and of those which are made wrong by enactment of law. 9. Give reasons for believing that the gospel plan was arranged in the spirit world. Chapter III — The Fall and The Redemption.

1. Show the necessity of man's accepting mortality.
2. Memorize and explain II Nephi, 2:25.
3. What were the conditions that occasioned Adam's and Eve's rejoicing?
4. Explain the difference between a temporal death and a spiritual death. How did Adam become subject to both of these?
5. Discuss man's utter helplessness after the Fall.
6. Explain why only a divine being could bring about the redemption.
7. In what way did the bondage of the Israelites typify man's condition after the Fall? Chapter IV — The Gods in Council.
8. What is foreordination?
9. Name some prophets who were, doubtless, foreordained to their particular callings.
10. What two plans for the redemption of man were proposed in the Grand Council in Heaven?
11. What effect was produced upon Lucifer and others by the rejection of his plan?
12. What motives prompted the rebellion?
13. Can you think of any good that comes under any circumstance from jealousy and envy?
14. What part did we take in this early scene in this eternal drama?
15. Study carefully, and then repeat in your own manner, the revelations of Moses and Abraham regarding this Council.
16. Contemplate the comprehensiveness and the sublimity of this glorious revelation. Seventies' Dary. The thirteenth quorum of Seventy observed Seventies' Day on Tuesday, November, 23, O. C. Beebe presiding. David L Murdock extended greetings, and F. W. Simmons gave a review of the lessons undertaken during the past year, "Divine Immanence and the Holy Ghost." Many of the members expressed their appreciation of the work we have engaged in, and an excellent spirit was manifested All rejoiced in our association together as a quorum. The council secretary, class leaders and chorister were unanimously sustained. It was unanimously voted that we extend to President B. H. Roberts of the First Council of Seventy, the thanks and appreciation of the quorum for the excellent system of study he has provided for us during the past five years. It was generally admitted and acknowledged that the members of our quorums have progressed more in the sturdy of the gospel during that time, by means of the consecutive studies arranged for us, than in all their previous existence. lne Bishop of the ward kindly tendered the time of the evening meeting to us, and Gomer M. Richards, Brigham A. Seare and Governor Spry occupied the time in relating missionary experiences.— David L. MUR- DOCH.