Priesthood Quorums

PKJES All matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood in this department are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Aaronic Priesthood at Quarterly Conference At the quarterly conferences to be held in the stakes during the next quar- ter, part of the time will be taken up in Priesthood work, with a view of try- ing to "encourage every man to learn his duty and act in the office to which he is appointed with all diligence," for the Lord has said that "he that is sloth- ful 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." Many times men become careless and indifferent, not because they have no desire to take part in Priesthood activ- ities, but because of a lack of prepara- tion in their youth which brings to them a feeling of timidity which is hard to overcome. Some have care- lessly formed a habit of using tobacco and in other ways realize that they are unfit for Priesthood activity. It is the duty of active quorum mem- bers to labor with such in patience and in the spirit of love that they might be encouraged to take their place in the Priesthood of the Church. The burden of Aaronic Priesthood and the mission of Aaronic Priesthood supervisors are so to encourage young men holding of- fice in this Priesthood that they will refrain from developing habits which will drive them away from Priesthood activities, and that they will become genuinely enthusiastic in the work given them to do by the bishopric of the ward, supervised by men selected to give their personal and undivided at- tention to this work. With this plan carefully followed, the quorums of the Priesthood should be strengthened and many who are now careless and indifferent turned from their course of carelessness to a whole-hearted desire to magnify their calling and endeavor to merit the bless- ings of the Lord which we may expect only through obedience to his com- mandments. We hope all who hold the Aaronic Priesthood will ascertain immediately the date of their next quarterly stake conference that they may plan their work so that nothing may interfere with their presence, for it is at this time that full opportunity will be given to become thoroughly familial with the new plan. The Worthy Poor The fullness of the Gospel is a per- fect and complete plan for man's sal- vation— complete salvation, — which saves temporally as well as spiritually. Thus the Church of Christ provides for its poor and unfortunate, at least that is the Master's intention, but "all kingdoms have a law given, and to every law there are certain bounds and conditions." One condition governing this tem- poral salvation of the poor is that tithing and other donations be paid in- to the Church that it may be able to fulfill this duty. Another condition is that the poor in question be worthy of support from this source, having supported the Church themselves, at least to a degree which would justify their recognition as members thereof. And this is not all, for indiscrimi- nate giving is often as demoralizing as

68 IMPROVEMENT ERA indiscriminate refusing to give. In- want may be averted in the future, stead of making outright presents to Sometimes this guidance is needed more the needy, it is more desirable, where than any other kind of assistance. it can be done, to give them employ- There are PeoPIe who make bold ment. This saves them the injury and claim on the Church for help and re- humiliation of compromising a certain ccive lt. as a ma"er of fact ™th°Ut du£ ■ , , .j , ■ appreciation, but more often native essential personal pride in making an -j ... , ,, . ,. . , , , , . ° pride prevents them from allowing honest living by the sweat of their own ^di nccd tQ be discovered. It is neces* *aces- sary for bishops and their representa- In many cases, too, it is necessary tives in the ward to ascertain how and proper to give them direction and their people are provided for, and advice in their affairs, that the mis- whether help should be offered them, fortunes which have reduced them to — Albert R. Lyman. Thanksgiving Song Prelude To you who have shown unto me Love's triumph over pain; To you who teach this truth to me- Life means not selfish gain; To you, the God of higher things, The vanquisher of wrong, I lift my voice to render thanks, And praise you in my song. Thanks to you, God of all, Who e'en each sparrow's fall Heed with a mighty care For your creations! Thanks for the budding leaf, Thanks for the autumn's sheaf, Thanks for the friends you give. For life's elation! E'en for the chastening rod, Thanks to you, dear God, If it the need shall be To shrive the soul of me, And with a guidance true, Bring me more near to you! Thanks for your Savior Son! Soon may your will be done On this terrestrial earth, And its celestial birth Bring peace divine! Let every tongue proclaim, Praise to your Holy Name! Thanks be to you, dear God! Thanks be to you!