--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 17 number: 10 published: 1914-08 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Priesthood Quorums’ Table," *Improvement Era* 17, no. 10 (August 1914): 990–993.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera17010unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera17010unse start_page: 990 end_page: 993 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1914-08) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera17010unse publication_year: 1914 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1914, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Priesthood Quorums’ Table Priesthood Quorums' Table — "Gospel Themes" Questions and suggestions for teachers and students,by Elder David O. McKay: —THE GOSPEL DISPENSATIONS (continued) PART IV Lesson 25, Chapter VII — The Lamb of God. 1. Give the Biblical reference of the story told in the first stanza. 2. Define "sidereal," "Orient sages." 3. Explain "Imprisoned here the Mighty One." 4. Who was the "prophet harbinger" (third stanza)? 5. Explain the metaphors in the last four lines of the third stanza. 6. Give the effect of "hollow pride" and "sordid lust" (fifth stanza). 7. Give the Biblical quotations referred to in sixth stanza. 8. Explain "twin portals to despair" (seventh stanza). 9. Why may "bigotry" appropriately be called "the blinded bat"? 10. Explain the meaning of each line in eighth stanza. Note: That the members of the class may appreciate this beau- tiful poem, the teacher or some one appointed to do so, should ex- plain the figures of speech, and the comparisons used in each stanza. Lesson 26, Chapter VII —The Lamb of God (continued). 1. Explain the significance of the Savior's words, "It is finished." 2. Memorize Christ's commission to the Twelve, (Mark 16:15,16) 3. What do you think about this statement: "Premature know! edge is fatal to joy, and fetters progress?" 4. What was the message proclaimed by the ancient apostles? 5. Give proof that Christ taught on the American continen' as well as at Jerusalem. 6. Give a complete account of the institution of the Sacrament. 7. What is the doctrine of transubstantiation? of consubstantiation? Note: It will be of interest to have a member of the class re- count some of the terrible punishments inflicted upon "heretics" who would not accept the doctrine of transubstantiation or expressed other disbelief during the time of the Inquisition. 8. Why was water substituted for wine in administering the Sacrament? 9. Name the signs of Christ's second coming. Lesson 27. Note: would be appropriate at this point to devote some time It to the consideration of the conditions that brought about the universal apostasy. Appoint members of the class to make special preparation on this subject. Lesson 28, Chapter VIII — Dawn of the Last Dispensation — "The Messenger of Morn." 1. Why may the last dispensation appropriately be called the "ocean of dispensations"? 2. (a) Who is the "mighty daughter of Eternity"? (b) Who "mother of centuries"? (c) Why "seventy, seven-crowned"? 3. Give the meaning of the first and the second lines, (stanza 10). PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 991 4. Study carefully the author's description of the boy Prophet, and tell it in your own words. 5. The poem should be read thoughtfully, and each stanza con- sidered critically during the class recitation. 6. Consider the subject, "The Necessity of the Restoration." 7. Whyis this called the "Dispensation of the Fulness of Times"? 8. Name the circumstances when the Prophet Joseph communed with angels. 9. Read the vision in which he gazed upon the glories of eternity (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 110). 10. When was the Gospel first preached in this dispensation in Great Britain? 11. What was the Prophet's declaration concerning the ultimate good of all religious endeavor? (This chapter will be concluded in Lesson 29, commencing with "Keys Committed," p. 137.) — New Work for the Seventy. The First Council of Seventy have sent the following instructions to the presidents of the Quorums of Seventy: Dear Brethern : It has been decided that the Seventy's Quor- ums shall be called upon to assist in the Department of Vocations and Industries of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations as herein described. Some difficulty has been experienced in finding suitable ward vo- cational counselors in the Young Men's Associations to act in this de- partment, hence it has been decided to try and find suitable men among the Seventies. Here perhaps an explanation is necessary to have a clear understanding of what is meant by the above. The gen- eral board of Y. M. M. I. A. has opened a new department in the activities of the above associations known as the Department of Vo- cations and Industries, appointing a standing committee on the General Board to have charge of the work, the personnal of which, at present, is B. H. Roberts, Chairman; Claude Richards, Vice Chairman; Edward H. Anderson, Jonathan G. Kimball, Roscoe W. Eardley, Lewis T. Can- non, Oscar A. Kirkham and John H. Taylor, members. In each stake of Zion the Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. has been asked to appoint a stake vocational supervisor, and also to select and appoint a vocation counselor in each ward association to have charge of the work. The Stake supervisor, as would be inferred from his station, is to take general supervision of the work in his stake; while the ward vocation counselor is to have supervision of this department in the ward association, and take up the work to be done directly with the young men of the association, thus becoming the man who will be in direct personal contact wth the youth of the ward, whom it is desired to interest in vocational and industrial ac- tivities. It is the purpose of the department to aid in giving intelligent direction to the choice of vocations of our youth in life, and to stim- ulate industrial activity among them. The key note of the movement may be found in the head line on the stationery of the General Board Committee, viz: "Have you chosen your vocation? If you have, or if you have not, let us help you." This much in the way of brief explanation, in order^ that you may see the importance of this communication. You will readily understand that the success or failure of the work will depend upon 992 IMPROVEMENT ERA the efficiency of the men who come immediately in contact with the young men of our associations, between the ages of fourteen and twenty. A suitable person for this work cannot always be found in the young men's association, and therefore, it is proposed wherever this is the case that we seek for them in the quorums of the Seventy in The matter has been considered in the First the respective districts. Council and presented to the Presidency of the Church with the fol- lowing result: The Superintendency of the respective stakes and the Presidents of the ward Improvement Associations will be at liberty to consult with the councils of the respective Seventy's quorums within their stakes and wards, for the purpose of finding such stake and ward committeemen as may be necessary. Of course, where suitable men can be found in the Improvement Associations it will not be necessary to go to the Seventy's quorums; but where such persons cannot be found in the associations, then this liberty is given to seek them in the Seventy's quorums in the manner described here- with. Men should be sought for who have had some experience in life, and who are in sympathy with boy-life and who are anxious for the future welfare Of our youth. Men who will have sufficient knowledge of things and be of such weight of character as to appeal to young men, and to their parents with whom they -should consult in helping to give intelligent direction in the selection of vocations. The mode of procedure in the matter of bringing our seventies into this work should be by the ward or stake superintendents or presidents calling in person or submitting in writing to the council of the quorum a request for the appointment of suitable persons to fill these positions; whereupon the council should take the matter under advisement, canvass the quorum for the most suitable persons, taking care, however, not to interfere with men already engaged in special service unless it is possible for them to accept the new appointment without interfering wthi the service in which they are already engaged. In order that there may be no conflict in authority, or confusion in appointments, when a selection is made from among the Seventy for this work, the name of the appointee, before informing him of his selection should be submitted to the bishop of the ward that his sanction may be obtained to the appointment and thus a perfect union of effort be secured in carrying out this program. Whenever a member of the Seventy's quorum is finally selected for this work, that appointment should be regarded as a call to local missionary work the same as in appointments to ward teaching and home mis- sionary service, and every encouragement be afforded the appointee which will tend to his success. It will be a fine contribution to com- munity service to respond to these appointments and we trust presi- dents and members of the Seventy's quorums will enter into the work with enthusiasm, as there is no more important home work that Seventies can engage in than this, which s*hall substitute intelligent direction in the choice of vocations for our youth, instead of allowing them to drift by accident into such callings as may come in their way. This letter should be presented and read to the Council of your quorum at the very earliest opportunity and a prompt acknowledg- ment made of its coming to your hand. Seymour B. Young, In behalf of the First Council of Seventy. Subjects for Ward Teachers.— The general conditions in the wards and among the families of Saints will help the bishops in se- lecting subjects to be assigned to ward teachers for their monthly visits. The bishops will find that the assignment of subjects to the PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 993 ward teachers will add greatly to the quality and efficiency of the teaching, and will add interest to the work. The following subjects are suggested topics which have been used in the various wards of the church: 1. Monthly and periodical payment of tithes. 2. Observance of the Word of Wisdom. 3. Family prayer. 4. Attendance at sacrament and fast meetings. 5. Enrollment in auxiliary organizations. 6. Attendance at the weekly priesthood meetings. 7. Fast offerings and ward maintenance donations. 8. Observance of the Sabbath day. 9. Parents class work. 10. Temple work. 11. Home sanitation. 12. Membership in clubs and orders. 13. First principles of the gospel (separately). 14. Restoration of the gospel. 15. Care of the boys. 16. Obedience to those in civil and religious authority. 17. What do you understand the gospel to be? 18. Punctuality at meetings. 19. Reading the scriptures in the home (assign texts). 20. Baptism of children at eight years. 21. Temperance. 22. Humane dav. 23. Mothers' day. 24. Pioneer day. 25. Prophecies and their fulfilment. 26. Divine organization of the Church. 27. Gathering of Israel. 28. Profanity and slang. 29. Loyalty to the State and the Church. 30. Cleanliness and neatness around the home. 31. New Year resolutions. 32. Usefulness in society. 33. Articles of Faith (separate). 34. Summer recreations. Question: Was John the Baptist Elias also? The Theosophists claim that they can prove re-incarnation from St. Matthew 11 :14. _ Answer: An answer to this question can be found in "The Compendium," pages 281-3. John the Baptist was an Elias, or fore- — runner for that is what the name or title "Elias" means as he — came to prepare the way before the Lord. In the same sense Joseph Smith was also an Elias, because he came to prepare the way before the Lord preceding his second coming. The office of John was that of an Elias, and therefore the Lord referred to him as such. Re- incarnation is a doctrine of devils, according to the Prophet Joseph Smith There is nothing in the Scriptures or in the gospel that teaches such a doctrine; but to the contrary, we are taught that See each individual will rise in the resurrection to die no more. Alma 11:45; D. & C. 88:116. Question: Has the apostle that was shown to Nephi by the angel (I Nephi 14:18-27), come to the earth yet? Answer: A careful reading of the passages referred to shows that it was John, Nephi names him in verse 27, and in verse_ 23 it is Bible, or as it is called clearly stated that his record is found in the the Record of the Jews.