Priesthood Quorums’ Table

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE The Melchizedek Priesthood Study for 1922-23 Seven hundred and sixty eight representatives of the Priesthood of the Salt Lake stakes met in the Assembly hall Feb. 8, to hear Elders Joseph Fielding Smith and John A. Widtsoe of the Council of the Twelve explain the priesthood course of study for the higher priesthood and the priests for the years 1922-23, using the new text Essentials in Church History, by Joseph Fielding Smith. President Rudger Clawson presided and briefly explained the object of the meeting. Elder Smith spoke first. He said it was important in the study of the history of the Church to consider foundation events and principles. We live in the last dispensation, into which all former dispensations are completed; therefore, it is necessary that the history shall deal briefly with those .former periods. Elder Smith then explained the arrangement of the text book, its nature and contents. He had, he said, endeavored to weave into the history the development of the doctrines of the Church, as both of these divisions could best be studied together, they having a close relationship. The book aims to present the essentials; of the history only, as a one volume work could do. no more; but the many notes and references should be followed to the more complete works so that the student could get a fuller knowledge of events. The speaker pointed out the necessity of the student having access not only to the standard works of the Church, but to the documentary history of the Church, published in six volumes and copies of which it would be well if each quorum could possess. He also stated that it was necessary to become acquainted with the geographical facts connected with the history. When time and place are associated with the event, a much more lasting im- pression is made. Elder John A. Widtsoe said he was pleased to see so many of the priesthood engaged in priesthood work. He spoke highly of the book to be used as a text for the next two years, and then presented some of the best methods of using it in the classes of the priesthood. A suc- cession of facts alone is of little value in such a study. One must not get lost in the maze of facts and figures so that the meaning of the history and the principles underlying is not obtained. How God has built the Church historically should ever be in view. He explained that outlines are in course of preparation to help in the study of the text in classes. Care should be taken not to use any outline too closely, as there should always be room for the individuality and the initiative of the teacher. However, the outlines should be followed closely enough to allow all to finish the book within the prescribed two years' time. The speaker outlined a lesson from the book, using a blackboard for his diagram. He pointed out that questions on the lesson should not be limited to a review of the facts taught, but they should be in the form of problems for discussion growing out of the facts in the lesson. The opening prayer was delivered by Elder Edward H. Anderson, and the benediction was pronounced by Elder Richard R. Lyman. Two musical numbers were rendered by Raymond Edwards, accompanied by Pro- fessor A. C. Lund on the piano. Honor the Sabbath Day and Keep it Holy Appropriate Sunday activities for young men holding the Aaronic Priesthood The list of things which should NOT be done on the Sabbath day is presented so often that it is quite familiar to us all. It might be in- teresting to consider how a deacon, teacher or priest might best occupy his time on the Lord's day.

464 IMPROVEMENT ERA In this matter more is expected of the young man who holds the holy priesthood, or, we might consider that this honor offers the boy even greater opportunity to get real joy out of this wonderful day, made all the more wonderful because it is hallowed and sacred. This is directed only to young men who hold the Aaronic Priesthood, deacons, teachers and priests between the ages of perhaps twelve and twenty-one. They should not be expected to spend the entire day in meetings, neither will they have time to do so if they live up to all their priesthood opportunities. Undoubtedly the first duty is to attend the quorum meeting, and of next importance is the sacramental meeting of the ward. If the priesthood meeting is not held on Sunday, there is the Sunday school in the morning and perhaps the M. I. A. in the evening. If the boy can find time this is the best time of the week to prepare his lessons for the Church organizations to which he belongs — the priest- hood lessons and those for the auxiliary associations. As a pleasant diversion from study and attendance at meetings the lesser priesthood activities offer a wonderful program. In fact the faithful priesthood member is very busy even during the meetings assisting with the Sacrament; acting as door tender, in receiving and seating the people in the house of the Lord and in looking after their comfort; distributing and collecting song and other books; arranging seats; providing flowers for the stand; assisting the Bishop; acting as messenger for the presiding officers of the several gatherings and other such activities which should make Sunday meetings appeal to members of the priesthood with an in- terest which could not be felt by other youths. Then there is the great program of outside activities. There is no better time than on Sunday for deacons, either individually or in groups, to visit among quorum members. There may be some who are sick or otherwise in sorrow or trouble. How could boys find greater joy than in comforting such ones? They might well visit members who have beeu absent from quorum meetings or otherwise neglecting duty. Then there are visi';s among the widows and the poor in the ward. The ordained teachers who are to mingle among the Saints and comfort, encourage and teach might do much of this on the Sabbath day. They could bring great happiness into the homes of elders who are out in the missionary field. Either in their own capacity or in company with older, visiting teachers they might do a great missionary work among weak and discouraged Church members. Such hearts would be made happy by well told pioneer or gospel stories and by the songs of Zion sung by soloists or group singers from these priesthood quorums whose duty it is to comfort and bless the Saints. The priests also might spend much of their Sunday time in activities pertaining specially to their offices. Unless otherwise provided for bap- tisms might well be performed on the Sabbath at which the priests should assist and officiate. They might not only visit and mingle among pros- pective and new converts but hold cottage and public meetings both indoors and out-of-doors. They might be given the responsibility of seeing that all the sacrament, the bread and the water, that is to be served during the day is sweet and pure, the utensils clean and the service properly con- ducted. They themselves should officiate in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. These are but few of the many priesthood duties which might make up very busy and joyous Sundays in the lives of Lesser-Priesthood members. If youths holding this sacred privilege have the spirit of their callings will be humble, prayerful and willing to serve the Lord diligently on his day, he will magnify them. They will have no time to dishonor the Sabbath and their activities on this day will make it the most glorious of all the days of the week. — LeRoi C. Snow.