Priesthood Quorums

Priesthood Quorums Introduction to the Course of Study Melchizedek Priesthood, 1924 The course of study chosen for the Melchizedek Priesthood, during the year 1924, is the New Testament. It is expected that each member of tb$ several quorums be in possession of a copy of the King Jam:s version of the Bible, containing suitable maps of Palestine and the Roman Empire at the time of the Apostolic age, and a concordance with Bible helps. A proper understanding of the subject cannot be obtained without these necessary aids. Each class should also be in possession of two good wall maps, one of New Testament Palestine and one showing the missionary journeys of Paul and his associates. These maps should be consulted freely, while the class is in session. The members should make themselves familiar with the geo- graphical and natural divisions of the countries in which the scenes connected with their studies are located. In this manner the mind of each individual will be greatly impressed and the lessons taught may find permanent lodgment. The course of study naturally falls into three divisions: The Life and Mission of Jesus Christ; the Acts of the Apostles; and the Epistles, includ- ing the Apocalypse, or book of Revelation. Other books in which additional information may be found regarding geographical, political, historical, and doctrinal topics may be consulted under the guidance of the presidencies of the several quorums. The extensive use of commentaries written by non- members of the Church should be discouraged; for the things of God are understood by the Spirit of God, and not by the spirit of man. Important texts and passages of scripture should be memorized, and in quoting from the scriptures careful attention should be given to accuracy. Incorrect quo- tations are hurtful, and may convey erroneous conclusions. A guide, or manual will be issued by January 1, 1924, as a help in the study of the Testament. This manual is not the text. This must be thor- oughly understood, and no member of .a class will be properly equipped to enter into the discussion of the lessons without both this manual and a copy of the Bible, as suggested. The outline of lessons in this manual is based on lessons prepared for the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association several years ago. Such changes as have been deemed necessary to fit the present conditions have been made by the presiding authorities, and with the consent of the officers of the Mutual Improvement Association. These changes have been made with- out notice to that effect in the body of the manual. It is expected that each member of the quorum shall be fully prepared with every detail of the several lessons at the time of their presentation, and that preparation be not left to those who are assigned to take part. Let the interest in the subjects be mutual so that all may be edified. It is recom- mended that lessons be assigned two weeks in advance, to give ample time for preparation, and that several of the brethren be given topics to discuss. The text is divided into forty-two lessons, leaving several weeks for testimony bearing and the consideration of matters that may properly come before tjie several quorums. The following rules and suggestions will be helpful if followed: 1 . Talk directly to the subject. 2. Master all the necessary details of the subject. 3. Do not permit the introduction of matter? foreign tcj the subject,

PRIESTHOOD QURUMS' TABLE 8 3 4. Stop at the right time and place. 5. Do not allow rambling discussions. 6. Avoid the introduction of mysteries. 7. Use your own language in preference to presenting the words of others. 8. Try to use correct language. 9. Testimony bearing may be permitted on special occasions. 10. Seek for the Spirit of the Lord and work hard under his direction. 11. Attend regularly the teacher-training class of your ward. Your brethren, The Committee. Study for the Lesser Priesthood, 1 924 It has been decided that the Priests of the Church are to study the same lessons that are provided for the Melchizedek priesthood. The Teachers of the Aaronic priesthood will have for their lessons, Keeler's Lesser Priesthood which will be ready for distribution abort the first of January, at a price, it is now thought, that will not exceed 25c per copy. The Deacons will be provided with a manual entitled, Duty Stories, which it is now thought, will sell for 15c. All these books will be read/ by the first of January, 1924, and will be on sale at the Deseret Book Company, to which institution all orders should be sent. Canvass for the Era There was a campaign during October for the canvass for the Era. One hundred percent of the work should have been done. We are asking to secure five percent of your ward population as subscribers and are insisting upon every home being visited and an earnest effort being made to secure at least one subscription in each home. When this is done we are satisfied. October was the month when the work should have been done, but if it has not been done, it should be finished in November. Last year the largest stake Y. M. M. I. A. in the Church made its can- vass in one day and that was a Sunday. By assigning one young man to one block, he found some of the people at Sunday School and at the other meetings, all of which he attended, and between meetings he called on those whom he had not met, and on Sunday night the work was done and 800 subscribers to the Era were secured. Could you not do something of this kind? If the work has been done, of course, we shall be delighted, but if not, the canvass should continue until this labor is accomplished, and we expect to continue to correspond with the superintendents so that stakes shall stand where we know they want to, with the group who are 100% efficient in securing subscriptions. Superintendents will assist their board members having in charge this department, and see that an immediate check is made with every ward so that the campaign to complete the canvass shall be under way at Once. Appreciating your labors in the past, we wish you every success in helping to make a new record in placing the Era in the home of every Latter-day Saint. "The essential thing in life for us as real men is to have a knowledge of facts to correct our follies, an ideal to guide our efforts, and 3 gospel to sus- tain our hopes." — Van Dyke.