Priesthood Quorums’ Table

A Standard of Action for the Lesser Priesthood. III. Two other elements which may easily be practiced, by anyone desir- ous of cultivating love for God and man, are generosity and humility. No matter what we do in life, there is always someone else who comes in competition; with us, doing the same thing just as well, and perhaps better than we can do it. From this fact there often arises in the hearts of some of us feelings of malice or ill-will known as envy. ¥e become jealous, and sometimes cultivate a spirit of covetousness, with a tendency to be- little the work of our fellows in the same line with us. This is a very despicable thing to do, and tends to sour the spirit and create unrest in the soul. Wherever such feeling enters the heart we should endeavor to be magnanimous, to cultivate our minds so they may rise above these vul- gar and low feelings. We should disdain injustice, meanness, and revenge. We should judge others as charitably as we would judge ourselves. The true Latter-day Saint, particularly one bearing the Priesthood, must culti- vate a generous soul which "envieth not." Humility is another wonderful characteristic that may be practiced in everyday life towards our fellows and towards God, to the end that we may learn to love them. When you have been kind, generous, considerate, or done any good act, humility encourages you to go back and say nothing about it. This element of love, often hides itself from its .own good works and, like love, "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." This does not mean that you should despise, debase, and accuse yourself, for that is morbid. But you should be a friend to yourself, and cheerfully culti- vate will, self-confidence, and efficiency; and yet not permit the bad elements of pride, self-sufficiency, and silly-self-conceit to sour your char? acter. Remember, patience — add to patience, kindness; to kindness, generosi- ty; and to generosity, humility! The Lord told Joseph the Prophet that one may bring salvation to his soul, and so qualify himself for the work of life by remembering to cultivate patience, brotherly kindness, charity, humility, and diligence. How shall we cultivate them? The Lord answers: "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." (Doc. & Cov. 4:7.) Furthermore, Think and act a kind and loving thought each day; Pray for what you want, and work for what you pray. — A. Greater Activity Urged in the Priesthood Quorums. A plan is being developed for increasing the interest and activity among the members of the Aaronic or Lesser Priesthood of the Church, under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. The program, as it will develop from time to time, as well as the order of procedure, will appear in the Improvement Era. It is designed that the quorums shall be more thoroughly organized, and that greater attention shall be paid to the study, the activities, and the duties of the members of the Lesser Priest- hood quorums than heretofore. Elder LeRoi C. Snow has been ap- pointed to engage in this work under the direction of the Bishopric, and will devote his entire time to the promotion of this cause. The presidents of stakes and bishops of wards are urged to co-operate with the Presiding Bishopric in the furtherance of this great work. Helpful suggestions to bishops, class leaders, and members of the quorums, re-

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 175 lating to their religious duties, studies, and other activities that pertain to their offices and callings in the Priesthood will appear in the Era from month to month. In this connection, let it be understood, that sug- gestions from the presidents of stakes, bishops, or others interested in the development and progress of the Priesthood quorums, are solicited and will be gladly received, considered, and, if thought advisable, published in these columns, in the interest and advancement of priesthood studies and activities. — A. The Aaronic Priesthood to Receive Special Attention. The Presiding Bishopric of the Church are now developing a plan for greater activity among the quorums of the Lesser Priesthood. There are nearly 60,000 in the offices of deacon, teacher and priest^ of whom about one half are deacons. Through the various general boards wonderful programs of study and activity have been worked out for the auxiliary organizations. The boy scout movement has rapidly become popular and been given a great deal of attention. All these "helps in government" are important, and are accomplishing much good in the lives of the young men in the Church. It is very fitting that many of our most capable teachers and leaders are devoting their time and energy in the interest of these organizations. This good work deserves continued encouragement and success. Without detracting from any worthy effort in the interest of our boys and young men, there is a great opportunity to do more than has ever been done before for the members of the Aaronic Priesthood. This work comes directly under the supervision of the Presiding Bishopric*, Bishops Charles W. Nibley, David A. Smith, and John Wells. They real- ize both the responsibility and the opportunity. In 1908, soon after Bishop Nibley's appointment, a number of improvements were inaugu- rated. The Priesthood Committee was appointed, and special outlines for study w ere prepared. Since that time priesthood meetings have been held regularly. The present work, however, contemplates far greater activ- ity and development. As fast as the plan becomes known, it is being welcomed by the stake and ward authorities and the people generally. It is being given hearty support by the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve. Bishops especially, appreciate its importance. The Aaronic Priesthood is funda- mental in the Church of Christ, auxiliary only to the Melchizedek Priest- hood. Through the concentrated effort which has been made in the interest of the auxiliary organizations, the Lesser Priesthood has been neglected. The present inspiration of our leaders should be a testimony that the Lord now desires that Zion's youth who hold this divine author- ity shall stand in their places and function in their offices and callings. In harmony with the revelations of the Lord the bishop in leach ward should "sit in council with the piiests," and personally preside over them, and direct their activities. It is advised that one of the bishop's counselors take charge of the teachers and that the other counselor look after the deacons. A definite preparation will be expected of each boy before he may receive the Priesthood, and he will be required to pass certain examina- tions before advancement to the several Priesthood offices. Such ad- vancement will come as promotion for faithful service. It is hoped that boys will be worthy and otherwise prepared at about twelve years of age for ordination as deacons. It is the parents' responsibility to properly train their sons and to see to it that they become worthy to receive the

176 IMPROVEMENT ERA Priesthood. A young man should serve faithfully for about three years in each office of the Lesser Priesthood — deacon, teacher and priest. Devotion in these sacred callings should properly prepare him for the Melchizedek priesthood. Graded courses of study combined with an attractive program of Church and priesthood activities are now being worked out. The aim is to train the young man in his priesthood privileges as well asi to teach him his duties. — he Roi C. Snow. Autumn He writes his name with master hand Along the rugged mountain steeps; In colors gold, and brown, and red, Upon the face of earth he leaps, And sports with passing Summer where She lingers in the dell — - Lingers just to wait for him, Whose kiss she loves so well. With rapture he caresses her, Until her cheeks turn red; And then her garments green she changes, As shyly she consents to wed. So the bold rover, Autumn, has his way, When bounding over mount and mead he comes, Decked in his gorgeous color scheme, Along the woodland's rim he runs. Across the sea and land, he paints bright rainbow hues To please his winsome bride, And dances in the sunshine glimmer, In wild ecstasy and pride. He is a happy, saucy wight, A special favorite of us all, And we can't help but like his glowing colors, The gold, and red, and brown of boisterous Fall. Ezra J. Paulsen