Priesthood Quorums

^Priesthood Quorums Alt matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood, presented in this department of the Era, are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Continue Meetings During Whole Year "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. "He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand." Reports received at the Presiding Bishop's Office indicate that many of the Priesthood organizations are discontinuing Priesthood quorum work during the summer months. The excuse given is that farm work, vacations and the warm weather make it impossible to get members of Priesthood quorums to attend to their duties. When we take into consideration God's plans and his promises, this line of reasoning appears to be the expression of individuals who are seeking excuses, failing to take into consideration the requirements necessary to bind our heavenly Father to his promises. To be successful in any undertaking, whether farming, merchandising or any other business enterprise, it requires intelligent planning and follow-up work. From the excuses offered, we take it we are agreed in this regard. But some have apparently overlooked the more important phase of our existence, the preparation for eternal happiness. The Lord tells us there is a time for all things; a time to plant and a time to reap; and a time to serve the Lord. It appears that some of us, be- cause we see immediate results from our physical labors, while the re- ward for service in the Lord's kingdom is not always so apparent, neglect the spiritual for the temporal. We should remember the words of Paul: "We are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry. Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire." Are we overlooking the fact that we are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people," and that we "should show forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light?" The Priesthood is an organization requiring service of its mem- bers. They should be "lively stones." A quorum should be "a spiritual house acceptable to God." What justification have we for laying aside our Priesthood work and the opportunity it affords for growth and service, even though we have a desire to do so. This work can be done without interferring materially with our physical labors' and thus bind God to his promise of assistance. Why not become partners with God, both in our spiritual and temporal labors?

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 927 The time given for the training of those holding the Lesser Priesthood is so short that every opportunity to help them gain a knowledge of the gospel and develop that knowledge through service should be taken advantage of. To do this work properly, there should be no break. As an example of this, we have only to make comparison between the young man before doing missionary service and when he returns from the mission field filled with the spirit of missionary service. In our opinion, there is no reason why this same spirit cannot be developed before young men enter the mission field. With proper supervision, preparation and opportunity to apply the knowledge learned, we are sure this spirit can be developed. We strongly advise that Aaronic Priesthood work be not dis- continued, but that class work, with regular weekly assignments, be continued throughout the year. The time of holding these meetings is immaterial. The thing of greatest importance is the opportunity for training and service which comes to these young men only by appointment. After all, is it not the duty and responsibility of those who are called as leaders to provide for this work and encourage all to labor in their office and calling in faith, seeking the blessings of the Lord? New Mission Presidents According to a report of the Presiding Bishop's office, Lorenzo W. Anderson succeeded Martin Christopherson as president of the Norwegian mission, in June, 1927. Ihaka Whaanga, Jr., a prominent Maori chieftain, died at Manawarakau Pa, Nuhaka, New Zealand, on Sunday, May 8, 1927, at the age <}f eighty- five. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and thousands of Maoris as well as Europeans sense keenly his loss to his people. The deceased was the last native chief of his line, having de- scended, through a direct line of Maori chiefs (rangatiras) , from Tamatea, who went to New Zealand from Hawaii, in 1350. He was also a loyal British citizen and an officer in the British army under his father, who was a major, and fought against what is known as "the Hauwhare Rage." Ihaka, Jr., was a brother of Hirini Whaanga, who immigrated to Salt Lake City many years ago, with his wife, Mere, and who lived here as a faithful Latter- day Saint and temple worker, and whose remains are buried in the Salt Lake City cemetery. Prominent Maori families from all parts of New Zealand, as well as missionaries, city and government officials and European friends, attended the funeral, which was conducted by the L. D. S. missionaries. Prior to the funeral service, many of the old Maori rites and customs per- taining to such an occasion were in evidence. On top of the casket was a sword presented to the father of the deceased by the late Queen Victoria for his loyalty and valor in military work. The cortege to the cemetery was led by a firing squad of the old Maori Pioneer Battalion, under Staff Sergt. -Major Fisher, who had been sent to represent the British Government in honoring the deceased chief.