Priesthood Quorums’ Table
Improvement Era, vol. 19, no. 1, November 1915, pp. 88 to 89
Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations
Priesthood Quorums' Table Suggestive Outlines for the Deacons by p. joseph jensen Lesson 38 (Chapter XXXIV) ' Problem: What kind of work was nearest to the heart of the Prophet Joseph Smith? Name the different kinds of work yon do. What do you like to do most? What kind of work do you think would be of most worth to you? This does not mean that you are not to engage in other kinds of work, but of the many kinds of work you may do, which will be of the most worth to you? Study the lesson. What kind of treatment do you think would be most commonly given a sheriff under circumstances like those in which the Prophet was put? What did the Prophet do for the sheriff? What did the judge and attorneys do for the Prophet? What did he counsel the Indians to do? What was he instrumental in doing for dead ances- tors? What did he have the Relief Society organized for? Answer the problem. Compare your answer with what the Lord said would be of most worth to John Whitmer. See Doc. and Cov. 15. What work is of most worth to us? Lesson 39. (Chapter XXXV) Problem: What kind of conduct, or work, seemed to be close to the heart of Joseph Smith's enemies? Re-read paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of chapter XVIII, page 78. Who was opposed to the Lord's work? Read Moses 5:29-33 (Pearl of Great Price). Who advised the first murder? What does Satan try to do with the Lord's servants? Study Chapter XXXV and paragraphs 8-20, Chapter XXXVI. Why did the Spirit of the Lord withdraw from John C. Bennett? What then did he try to do to the Prophet? Whose influence prompted Bennett? Name other men who made attempts on the life of the Prophet. Contrast his treatment of his enemies with their treatment of him. Who befriended the Prophet? Tell what our Savior said would be the reward to those who are helpful to his servants. Answer the problem of the lesson. If we do not seek to keep with us the Spirit of the Lord, what influence may prompt us to do evil? Lesson 40 (Chapter XXXVI, First Six Verses) Problem: How shall we know whether Joseph Smith was a Prophet? Tell what you think is necessary to prove a man is a prophet.
PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 89 On one occasion some men of ancient Israel went to Moses and said We have heard men in some of our gatherings prophecying, how shall we know whether they are true?" Moses answered "If the pre- dictions come to pass, then are the prophecies true." Study the lesson and the prophecy on war (Doc. and Cov. p 304) What was the prophecy of Mr. Miller? What prophecy or statement did Joseph Smith make concerning Mr. Miller's prophecy? Which was fulfilled? What prophecy did Joseph the Prophet make concern- ing the coming of Jesus? Tell whether it was fulfilled. What prophecy did he make concerning Porter Rockwell's safe return from his captors? Tell whether it was fulfilled. (See "Church History," Period I, Vol. 5, p. 305.) When was the prophecy on the Civil war made? How long before the war began? What event caused the Prophet to repeat it in 1843? What was the prophecy? Tell how it was fulfilled. What predictions did the Prophet make concerning Stephen A. Douglas? How was it fulfilled? By what other means may we have faith that Joseph Smith was a Prophet? Answer the problem of the lesson. How may we strengthen our testimonies on whether Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Lord? A Notable Example The Presiding Bishop's Office notes that President Joseph R. Shepherd, of the Bear Lake stake, reports that "on a recent visit to Laketown ward in Bear Lake stake he attended the teachers' monthly report meeting. Every family in the ward had been visited, every teacher was present at the report meeting, and also every district was reported by printed slips." The example is a good one. Can Any Other Ward Compare? The Bishop of Penrose ward, Bear River stake, called at the Presiding Bishop's Office recently to attend to some business, and during the conversation he incidentally reported that the Penrose ward had been organized five years. During that time, the ward teachers had visited every family for every month for five years. That is. they have had a 100% record every month for five years. 1912, 1913, 1914 and 1915. Is there any other ward in the Church with a similar record? Lists for Canvassers The lists of subscribers for volume 18 have been sent to the stake superintendents who have forwarded them to the ward officers who are instructed to deliver them to the canvassers for the Improvement Er\ All premium manuals will be mailed directly from this office to the subscribers this year. The manuals are on hand and will be forwarded immediately on receipt of subscription lists. Subscription blanks will be gladly furnished to any of the canvassers who are re- quired to fill out the blanks carefully so as to eliminate possibilities nr error Agents should make a thorough canvass of each ward in the Church giving every one an opportunity to subscribe. Besides doing good foreign missionary work, the Era is of sufficient merit to war rant its being supported by every family in the Church.