Priesthood Quorums

^Priesthood Quorums Melchizedek Priesthood Study for 1926 "DISCOURSES OF BRIGHAM YOUNG" The text to be used by the Melchizedek Priesthood, during the years 1925 and 1926, is entitled, Discourses of Brigham Young. It is a collection of excerpts from the sermons of President Brigham Young, so selected and arranged as to give a comprehensive view of the gospel teachings of Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Young received his gospel teaching directly from the Prophet Joseph. He was in close association with the Prophet for a number of years and was his faithful disciple. Brigham Young taught the people the gospel as it was taught him by the Prophet and as it developed in his mind under the inspiration that led him to apply gospel principles to human needs. Such a text book was made possible because President Brigham Young was accompanied on his speaking tours by stenographers who reported nearly everything that President Young said, and later published their reports in the Journal of Discourses, the Deseret News, the Millennial Star, and other publications. Upwards of five hundred discourses of Brigham Young have been printed. Clearly, to make such a mass of valuable material available to the reader it became necessary to take from each discourse the most important sayings. This has been done in the present text book for the Melchizedek priesthood. At present there has been a renewed discussion of the life and char- acter of Brigham Young. Recent publications have placed him before the public in a false light. In this book, Brigham Young is allowed to speak for himself. These discourses are the best answer that could be madi to those who have been defamers of his character. Moreover the discourses carry a wealth of doctrinal information from the point of view of a man who constantly attempted to utilize the gospel in the spiritual needs and practical affairs of men. It is a volume of exceptional value. Its pages are filled with gospel statements which interest and thrill the reader. Undoubtedly, this course of study will be of great interest to the priesthood. The book contains forty-two chapters, twenty-one for each of the two years. The chapter headings follow: The Sabbath; Meetings Thj Sacrament. Tithing; The United Order. The Word of Wisdom. The Family. Some Womanly Duties. Obedience. Gratitude, Humility, De- votion, Liberality, Honesty. Happiness and Social En- joyments. Education. Self Control. Our Fellow-Men. Unity and Cooperation. Thrift and Industry. Wealth. Chapter 1 The Gospel Difined. Chapter 14 Chapter 2 The Godhead. Chapter 3 The Communication Be- Zhapter 14 tween God and Man. Chapter 16 Chapter 4 Pre-existence; the Plan of Chapter 17 Salvation. Chapter 18 Chapter 5 Free Agency. Chapter 19 Chapter 6 The Power of Evil. Chapter 29 Chapter 7 The Law of Eternal Pro- gression. Chapter 21 Chapter 8 The Destiny of Man. Chapter 9 Dispensations of the Gospel. Chapter 22 Chapter 10 The Last Days. Chapter 23 Chapter 11 The Scriptures. Chapter 24 Chapter 12 The Prisethood. Chapter 25 Chapter 13 The First Principles of the Chapter 26 Gospel. Chapter 27

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 203 Chapter 2 8 Missionary Work. Chapter 29 Visions, Mysteries and Miracles. Chapter 3 0 Trials and Persecution. Chapter 3 1 Political Government. Chapter 32 Death and the Resurrection. Chapter 3 3 The Spirit World. Chapter 34 Eternal Judgment. Chapter 3 5 Salvation. Chapter 36 Temples and Salvation for the Dead. Chapter 3 7 Man's Search for Truth and Salvation. Chapter 3 8 Testimony of the Truth. Chapter 39 The Church and Kingdom of God on Earth. Chapter 40 Some effects of the Gospel. Chapter 41 Joseph Smith the Prophet. Chapter 42 The Settlement in the West. Aaronic Priesthood Standards The Presiding Bishopric are desirous of securing uniformity throughout all the stakes and wards of the Church in the supervision and care of all members of the Aaronic Priesthood. To promote the greatest attendance and activity of the young men in their growing duties, the following standards are established. It is expected that in every stake and ward throughout the Church these standards can and will be fully met: (1) Meetings: It is very desirable, if possible, that weekly Priesthood meetings b* held throughout the year. Lesson outline being studied should be completed by the 3 1st of December ready to take up the next year's outlines for the different quorums. (2) Stake Supervision: The High Council Committee, with other assistants, if desired. Organize somewhat as a stake auxiliary board. Visit all quorums regularly. See that the program is carried out systematically. (3) Ward Supervision: Bishopric, assisted by three supervisors, who may also act as class leaders. Each member of the bishopric to have direct charge of one grade of the Priesthood. (4) Supervisors' Duties: Arrange and follow up weekly assignments, attendance, etc. Prepare reports. (If class leaders, prepare and give lessons.) Best fitted men in ward to be selected as supervisors and class leaders. (5) Ordinations — Advancement: Based on their diligence, boys to be ordained to and in the Priesthood, as follows: Deacons — 12 years, (3-year course.) Teachers — -15 years, (2-year course.) Priests — 17 years, (3-year course.) Elders — 20 years. Boys to be ordained, if prepared, as near their birthdays as possible. Candidates to be individually prepared for at least six months before advancement. (6) Quorum Meetings — Class Work: Each quorum meets separately. Arrange order of business. Presidency of quorum in charge. (Aided by member of bishopric.) Only one roll of all members. Have members report activity of past week on roll call, (a) Preliminary Matters for Consideration: Attendance, visits to sick members, social gatherings, outings, week's assignments, (b) Class Work: Presidency turns class over to class leader. Presentation, discussion, assignment of next lesson.

204 IMPROVEMENT ERA (7) Assignments, Activities: List of possible activities. (See front of quorum roll book.) Assignments made should be noted on roll book. Whether performed or not, should be marked by (1) or (0) placed through previous mark at the next meeting. Supervisor's business to see that there is no failure. Assignments of members to be in rotation. Ward supervisors to hold short weekly meetings to consider assignments made, follow up the members, keep record complete, make out reports. (8) Fraternal Activities: Systematic visits to members in sickness or distress. Welcoming new members. Farewell to members leaving ward. (9) Social Gatherings, Outings: Gatherings that will promote sociability and refinement. Once in two months in Winter, once a month in Summer. (10) Union Meetings, Monthly Reports: Monthly union meetings of (bishoprics), ward supervisors, class leaders and presidencies and secretaries of quorums, under direction of high council committee, are very advantageous. How- ever, at least systematic weekly visits by stake committee members and securing of monthly reports from all wards should be carried out. Monthly reports should show attendance (comparative) visits made, social gatherings, etc., and activities performed. Lesser Priesthood Course of Study, 1926 The course of study for the Priests is entitled, Missionary Themes, a Manual for the Priest's Quorums. The course for the Teachers, Manual for the Teachers' Quorums, No. 1; and for the Deacons', Manual for the Deacons' Quorums, No. 2. These manuals are being printed and will be on sale at the Deseret Book Store early in December. The cost of the Priest's manual will be 15c postpaid, and the Teachers' and Deacons', 10c each, postpaid. A special effort is being made by the Presiding Bishopric to encourage bfchops of wards to see that all members of their wards holding the Lesser Priesthood shall be provided with their respective manuals, and that the quorums shall be organized with competent instructors, to commence their new work during the first week of January, 1926. Reflections One moment ago I visioned yesterday; mine eyes beheld the golden hours, as they spread themselves upon the barren wastes of time. These hours were mine; but time passed by, and I awakened this morning ashamed and bent — not that God would take away, but that I had lost the things that could, and should have been. One moment aqo I visioned yesterday: mine eyes beheld faith's tribu- aries. flowing ever into life's great stream. I omitted to plant in fertiL soil those seeds that grow into golden deeds; and now I must atone for those lost hours, and build again my faith in him who loves and gives. One moment ago I visioned yesterday: mine eyes beheld the agonies of misspent time. Thank God! that vision closed; and the glories of a new- born day are mine. They give me hope — aye, strength to be a man; to gather up the broken bits of life, and build a deeper faith in those rich promises that come from God. which I may use for him and fellow-men. Joseph Quinney, Jr. Toronto, Canada.