Life’s Visions and Purposes

LIFE'S VISIONS AND PURPOSES A Study for the Advanced Senior Class, M. I. A., 1923-24 By President Emeritus George H. Brimhall, and Dean Harrison V. Hoyt of the Brigham Young University Lesson X — Physical Fitness A. Questions to be Answered by Members. 1 5 minutes. 1. Discuss health as a state of freedom from disease and of fullness of energy, and laziness as a form of physical unfitness. 2 minutes. 2. Under what circumstances is it sinful to be ill or physically unfit? 2 minutes. 3. In which cases did Jesus treat physical unfitness as states of sinfulness? 2 minutes. 4. How does eating, when in a state of mental strain, affect one's physical fitness? 2 minutes. 5. Why do doctors recommend the drinking of a glass of water the first thing in the morning, as a means of keeping one physically fit? 2 minutes. 6. Show the physical fitness value of asking the blessing at meal times? 2 minutes. 7. Discuss auto-intoxication, showing how it interferes with physical fitness. 3 minutes. B. Theme for Teacher's Talk. 15 minutes. a. Nature will carry the physical fitness of the parents over to the chil- dren to the third and fourth generation. 15 minutes. b. Standards of Physical Fitness. C. Topic for Class Discussion. 10 minutes. The spread of whooping-cough, measles, and mumps is preventable; and their prevalence indicates a community carelessness paid for by the unnecessary death of many children who have a right to live. D. Assignment of Next Lesson. E. Social Period. Activities. F. Some Subject Matter to Aid in Preparation. Physical fitness means theologically a condition of the body that will permit the spirit to perform its mission in the mortal estate. It means sociologically, a state or condition of the body that will not endanger the safety or comfort of others. It means industrially a condition of body that will ensure the doing of the work attempted or assigned. Milton's blindness did not unfit him as a writer of Paradise Lost. but it made him unfit for many other things. Vocations should be chosen with a view of complying with the law of "The eternal fitness of things." No one would harness a race horse to a plow and expect good work. Physical fitness, for joyous existence, requires freedom from dis- ease and a desire to be doing things. Laziness, whether habitual or natural, is a symptom of physical unfitness. The constitutionally tired person is always more or less ill. No one is physically fit for society who has any ailment which may be "caught." If the measles germ could be seen, by the naked eye; if we were forced to wear powerful magnifying glasses when whooping-cough microbes are brought within reach of children, we would be so terrified

THE GREAT DRAMA OF LIFE By A. Ray Olpin, of the Brigham Young University It is often more convenient to learn of the original through study and analysis of a duplicate or imitation. Not everyone is blessed with the opportunity and means to visit the galleries of the world's masterpieces of art. So people learn of them by the study of copies. The comparative topography and general outlines of the nations of the world are better understood through the study of scale charts, maps and models. So also is the great Drama of Life, the masterpiece of God, more conveniently studied by means of the mere perspective, diminutive copy, the drama of the stage. All dramas should be patterned after the original plan made by God. The modern theatrical stage should be a miniature of the great design of the Creator, and the themes enacted thereon condensed forms of the great prototype — the Drama of Life. The earth, God's footstool, is the stage on which the actors per- form. Humanity plays the leading roles, aptly responding to the effi- cient coaching of the great Author. The Drama is divided into acts or dispensations, the purpose of which is the fulfilment of some definite aim leading up to the cul- mination of the purpose of the whole. These acts are interrelated and progressive, one introducing an- other. With the passing of each the plot develops and deepens. Each seems to involve a situation calling for solution. Much is left to be consummated in the final act. All former scenes lead up to it. Then the announcement is duly made and the curtain rises on the concluding scene. Action is intense and rapid. The happenings revert back to former acts, and the mysteries of the plot are unravelled in quick succession. Startling events and unlooked for results of pre- vious epochs characterize this period. This act, in the great Drama of Life, is the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. It is the beginning of the end. After its termina- tion the stage will be reset, the same characters will appear in differ- ent roles and a new performance will be ushered in. The renewed earth in its paradisaical glory will be the setting for the new production. Humanity, clothed in the robes of the resur- rected, will proceed to interpret a new, more advanced and perfected plot. Provo, Utah

LIFE'S VISIONS AND PURPOSES A Study for the Advanced Senior Class, M. I. A., 1923-24 By President Emeritus George H. Brimhall, and Dean Harrison V. Hoyt of the Brigham Young University Lesson X — Physical Fitness A. Questions to be Answered by Members. 15 minutes. 1. Discuss health as a state of freedom from disease and of fullness of energy. and laziness as a form of physical unfitness. 2 minutes. 2. Under what circumstances is it sinful to be ill or physically unfit? 2 minutes. 3. In which cases did Jesus treat physical unfitness as states of sinfulness? 2 minutes. 4. How does eating, when in a state of mental strain, affect one's physical fitness? 2 minutes. 5. Why do doctors recommend the drinking of a glass of water the first thing in the morning, as a means of keeping one physically fit? 2 minutes. 6. Show the physical fitness value of asking the blessing at meal times? 2 minutes. 7. Discuss auto-intoxication, showing how it interferes with physical fitness. 3 minutes. B. Theme for Teacher's Talk. 15 minutes. a. Nature will carry the physical fitness of the parents over to the chil- dren to the third and fourth generation. 15 minutes. b. Standards of Physical Fitness. C. Topic for Class Discussion. 10 minutes. The spread of whooping-cough, measles, and mumps is preventable; and their prevalence indicates a community carelessness paid for by the unnecessary death of many children who have a right to live. D. Assignment of Next Lesson. E. Social Period. Activities. F. Some Subject Matter to Aid in Preparation. Physical fitness means theologically a condition of the body that will permit the spirit to perform its mission in the mortal estate. It means sociologically, a state or condition of the body that will not endanger the safety or comfort of others. It means industrially a condition of body that will ensure the doing of the work attempted or assigned. Milton's blindness did not unfit him as a writer of Paradise Lost, but it made him unfit for many other things. Vocations should be chosen with a view of complying with the law of "The eternal fitness of things." No one would harness a race horse to a plow and expect good work. Physical fitness, for joyous existence, requires freedom from dis- ease and a desire to be doing things. Laziness, whether habitual or natural, is a symptom of physical unfitness. The constitutionally tired person is always more or less ill. No one is physically fit for society who has any ailment which may be "caught." If the measles germ could be seen, by the naked eye; if we were forced to wear powerful magnifying glasses when whooping-cough microbes are brought within reach of children, we would be so terrified

i§g IMPROVEMENT ERA that the person who was careless about quarantine regulations would be listed as guilty of criminal carelessness. These germs are worse than wolves; more dangerous than rattlesnakes; because their approach is not accompanied by any sort of warning. There can be no general individual physical fitness without com- munity physical fitness. It is a sin to be carelessly sick in the midst of opportunities 10 keep well. We are told that blessings under the laws of heaven are ob- tainable only through obedience to law, and the greatest earth-blessing is health. Jesus made sin and disease synonymous when he said to the sick man, "thy sins be forgiven thee." Our mental states have much to do with our physical fitness. Fear, anger, anxiety, in fact all of the negative emotions, handicap the physical organs in the performance of their functions. The meal time should be as free from agitation and as full of comfort and good cheer as possible. The custom of "asking a blessing" has an intrinsic physi- cal-fitness value. It tends to produce a spiritual atmosphere conducive to a poise of physical ease. When Jesus gave thanks at the seaside dinner, where thousands were served, he not only taught gratitude to God, but he applied a law of health. An eminent twentieth century "medicine man" (M. D.) re- marked, "Their name is legion who are slowly but surely dying from dosing when a glass of cold water, first thing in the morning, would give them new life." Auto-intoxication — a kind of self drunkenness, is indulged in by all persons who overwork. The Sabbath day observance has a physical fitness side that cannot be ignored without working an injury to the individual and a deterioration of the race. Recently an eminent lec- turer spoke on the theme of postponing one's funeral, and among other splendid suggestions he pointed out the consistency of treating our bodies by having them over-hauled as if they were as valuable as auto- mobiles. A physical examination is a sort of stock taking of our physi- cal capital. It is too often made, however, with a view of finding out what we have that we want to get rid of rather than what we have that we want to keep. The custom of going to the examiner to find out how well we are rather than how ill we are would be a good one. No little interest is being taken in the fixing of a standard of physical fitness for marriage. The idea is gaining ground that certifi- cates of health should accompany, or be made a part of, a marriage license. Such a measure would be in keeping with the theory that civ- ilization depends on a practical interest in the unborn. Great minds are having visions of a "super-man," and the best of mankind is full of purpose concerning an increase of physical fitness. Science is seen helping religion in the fulfilment of the Divine declara- tion, "I will make a man more precious than fine gold." (Isaiah 13: 12.) High grade manhood is even today more precious than gold. Physical manhood, intellectual manhood, spiritual manhood. Lesson XI — Spiritual Strength A. Questions and Problems for Members. 1. Give what you think is the best illustration of what spiritual strength is. 1 minute. 2. Why are miracles never performed by an infidel? 1 minute. 3. Show the impossibility of spiritual power being exercised by an atheist. 1 minute. 4. Discuss this proposition: A spiritual gift makes a person more than him- self. Illustrate. 2 minutes.

LIFE'S VISIONS AND PURPOSES 159 i 5. Compare the conversion of Peter, who believed in Jesus, with the con- version of Saul, who did not believe in Jesus as the Christ. 3 minutes. 6. Show that all spiritual strength is a gift from God, (a) the direct, (b) the indirect. 2 minutes. 7. Which is of most daily concern to us, the spiritual gifts or spiritual growth? 1 minute. 8. Quote and give reference to the scripture that gives us information con- cerning the development of Jesus from his infancy to twelve years of age, and account for his ability to astonish the theologians in the temple where his mother found him. 2 minutes. 9. What is a life vision, a life's purpose? Illustrate. 1 minute. 10. Name from memory the seven "keeps" in this lesson. 1 minute. B. Teacher's Prepared Talk on Doctrine and Covenants 3:3-4. 15 minutes. C. Class discussion. 10 minutes. D. Assignment and Work for next Lesson. 5 minutes. E. Social Unit Period. 15-30 minutes. F. Some Subject Matter, to Aid in Preparation. 1 . What Spiritual Strength Is. Spiritual strength is that strength which comes from the Lord as special spiritual gifts, or through spiritual activity. It is an addition to the human self. It makes the physical self and the intellectual self more than themselves. It was the spiritual reinforcement of David's physical strength that made him stronger than a lion and the victor in a duel with a giant. David himself testifies to the reinforcement of his natural strength and accuracy of aim. (1 Samuel 17:37, 46.) It was spiritual reinforcement that carried the intellectual of Joseph over the difficulty that had baffled the wise men of Egypt. He acknowledges his necessity for spiritual strength by saying to the king, "IT IS NOT IN ME." (Gen. 41:15.) A study of hymn number 256, beginning, "Daniel's wisdom may I know," will be helpful in extending illustrations of spiritual strength. 2. Three Types of Spiritual Strength. (a) The Direct, or Special Gift Type. Sometimes referred to as the gifts of the Holy Ghost; gifts of the Spirit. See 1 Cor. 12: 4-11. (b) The Spiritual Growth Type. This type of spiritual strength comes from spiritual environment, spiritual companionship, spirit- ual study, and more than all, from spiritual activity or works. It becomes a permanent part of one's spiritual character. It is at once a gift from God and an acquisition of man. It is the result of the generosity of God and the fidelity of man. Information concerning the life of Jesus, from the time he was blessed in the temple as an infant to the time of his discussing doctrine with the theologians in the temple, at twelve years of age, is limited to what is recorded in Luke 2:40-41. Brief as is this record, it is strikingly important. The sentence, "And the Child grew and waxed strong in spirit," reveals what would take pages to describe. His was the ideal life; and of that ideal life the growth of spritual strength is placed as a concomitant of, not as a pre-requisite of, wisdom and the grace of God. (c) The Unrecognized, or Sub-conscious Type. This type of spiritual strength is possessed by most people most of the time. It is that type referred to in the scripture, "There is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." Columbus was inspired, though he may not have recognized that he was being wrought upon by the Spirit of the Lord. The pil- grims and the patriots possessed this type of spiritual strength for

160 IMPROVEMENT ERA i they were "wrought upon by the Spirit of the Lord." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 30:12.) The framers of our constitution were possessors of this type of spiritual strength. (D. 8C. 101:8CM Although Morse acknowledged the power of God in assisting him to make the lightning speak, it is questionable as to whether he was conscious of the presence of the inspiration of the Almighty, as such, during his experiments. The first message sent over the wire, "What hath God wrought?" was an acknowledgment of God in results. 3. The Condition for Spiritual Strength. (a) Confidence in its Source. No one ever heard of an infidel performing a miracle in the name of Christ, or of an atheist show- ing superhuman power. Persons who find God without faith in him are those who are being brought to trial. "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31) : but it is a glorious thing to share the strength of the living God. The first condition of this sharing is faith, without which, God cannot be effectively drawn upon. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (b) Obedience. Disobedience is a condition from which spirit- ual strength withdraws. Spiritual strength can no more remain with the neglect of spiritual duties, or the violation of spiritual law than physical strength can continue where there is poison or ab- sence of exercise. A spiritual gift neglected soon begins to vanish. Seven Suggestions for Becoming and Keeping Spiritually Strong. 1. Keep clean, in person, thought, and action. 2. Keep up correspondence with the Lord. 3. Keep the Word of Wisdom. 4. Keep the Lord's store house ledger account honestly balanced. 5. Keep on the Lord's side in every controversy. 6. Keep a life vision of being spiritually strong. 7. Keep full of high spiritual purpose. Lesson XII — Individual Estimates of the Course, Social, Intellectual and Spiritual A. Questions to be answered by members. 1. How have you enjoyed the class? 2. What particular phase or part of the work has been of most value to you? 3. What suggestions have you to make concerning the class work? 4. What subject would you like to take up for the next year's course? B. Teachers' expression concerning the class work and the course for next year. C. Assignment of next lesson. Preparation. D. Social unit period. Note: Kindly send to the Improvement Era or Young Woman's Journal, the name of the subject that most of the members of the class favor for our next year's course. "We appreciate, the Improvement Era in these distant, scattered islands and look forward to the steamer that brings us a bundle of them. Our elders would be lost without them. After reading the letters from loved ones in Zion their next demand is for the Era." — Mark V. Coombs, Presi- dent Tongan Mission.