--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 32 number: 6 published: 1929-04 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Priesthood Quorums,” *Improvement Era* 32, no. 6 (April 1929): 512–521." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3206unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera3206unse start_page: 512 end_page: 521 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1929-04) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3206unse publication_year: 1929 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1929, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Priesthood Quorums Matters in this department pertaining to the Melchizedek Priesthood are prepared under direction of the Council of the Twelve; those pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood under direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Suggestions for Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum Committees January 22, 1929. To the Presidencies of Quorums. Dear Brethren: It is taken for granted that you have by this time appointed members of your quorums (or groups) to serve on the following four standing commit- tees: Personal Welfare. Class Instruction. Church Service. Miscellaneous. As already stated in the Guide, much of the success of the quorum or group depends upon the intelligent and efficient activity of these committees. As heretofore recommended, the reports of these committees should be submit- ted in writing and recommendation therein made should be acted upon promptly by the presiding officers and members of the respective quorums or groups. The following suggestive or illustrative reports are merely indicative of the field of activity in which these committees should function. They do not purport to.be applicable to all cases or even any particular quorum, but they will serve as samples of written reports, one of which should be sub- mitted at each weekly meeting. It is recommended that each com- mittee be held largely responsible for t,he program of one meeting each month. It will be necessary, therefore, for members of these committees to ad- vise with the quorum presidency (or group representative) regarding the as- signment of members to take part on the program or to perform other ser- vice. These assignments should be made from two to four weeks in ad- vance, that those who are to render parts on the program may have ample time for thorough preparation. Sincerely, THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE, Rudger Clawson, President. Suggestive Forms and Items for Reports First Month To the Committees: You will please note that the first suggestive reports are given in detail as to form of address, signatures, etc. The other three, to appear in subse- quent numbers of the Era, will give only suggestive items for reports. All your reports, however, should follow substantially the first suggestive forms, and should be signed by each member of the committee making it. Members to whom will be assigned subjects to be presented and other ac- tivity to be performed should be given ample notification of such assignments in order to promote thorough prepara- tion. However, before making these assignments, always consult with the presidency of your quorum, or with the representative of your group. Note: All members of committees should sign. Reports should be filed in quorum (or group) records. April, 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 513 Committee on Class Instruction President (or Presiding Officer) OBJECTIVES IN THE STUDY OF THE and Fellow Members HISTORY AND DOCTRINES OF of Quorum (Group) THE Church Ward Stake 1. The Lord in all ages of the world has been willing to give instruc- Dear brethren: tions and guidance to the people by The members of the committee have revelation if they would receive them, met once each week and discussed mat- 2. To Adam was the Gospel taught, ters which properly came before them, and by him his children were instructed Feeling that is the duty of the commit- in a "language which was pure and tee to encourage all members of the undefiled," and it was the purpose of quorum to attend the theological study the L°rd that these teachings, with period Sunday mornings, we, the mem- additional instruction, be given from bers, have visited and conversed with generation to generation that the peo- each member of the quorum to learn pie might walk in the truth, his feelings in relation to the class 3. It was through transgression and study and the course of lessons in *-he apostasy that the knowledge of the Gospel Doctrine department. All the Gospel was lost by the people, brethren expressed the desire to take 4. The Lord has been under the part in their class exercises with the necessity, from time to time, of re- exception of Elder , storing the truth, after its rejection by who informed us that he was not in- the people. terested and felt that he could employ 5. The Lord has spoken in all dis- his time to better advantage Sunday pensations through his servants, the mornings. We are reporting his case prophets, and records have been kept so that the committee on by divine commandment. These rec- may take up a further labor with him, ords are known as scripture. The with the hope that he will be brought Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doc- to realize his mistake. Elder trine and Covenants, and the Pearl of . — 1 is employed by the street Great Price, are scripture. These books railway and therefore cannot attend are the standards in doctrine for the regularly. He assured us, however, Church. that he is in full accord with the quo- " 6 In the teaching of thc principles rum and the lessons which he w study- of the G , and the history of the ing, as best he can, at home. We have Churcht thc tcacher should both know assisted the instructor in the Gospel his subjcct and be converted to its Doctrine class by placing the lesson truth leaflets in the hands of the brethren 7. 'without the influence of the who have been absent from sessions of Hol Ghost no teacber Is qualined to the Sunday School. teach The following suggestions for the 8. Faith in the principles of the study of the history and doctrine of Gospel and the doctrines of the Church the Church are hereby submitted, and are worth far more than scholastic if adopted, it is recommended by the training. Such training, without faith committee that copies be furnished each and conviction in these principles, is member of the quorum with instruc- destructive of faith in the hearts of tions that they be preserved and care- those who are taught, fully considered as a guide in the 9. Faith in God, in the atonement studies of the quorum. of Jesus Christ, in the mission of Jo- 514 IMPROVEMENT ERA April, 1929 seph Smith as a prophet and restorer of divine truth, is essential to full fellowship in the Church. 10. Every incident bearing on the divinity of Jesus Christ should be sought for in the study of the history and doctrine of the Church. 1 1 . Every incident bearing on the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith should be sought for in the study of the history and doctrines of the Church. 12. Joseph Smith, as a restorer, re- ceived the keys of — a. The gathering of Israel. b. Elijah's Priesthood. c. The Dispensation of Abraham. d. All dispensations from Adam to the Fulness of Times. (Doc. and Cov. 128:19, 21; Eph. 1:10.) 1 3. The revelation of Joseph Smith anticipated the discoveries of science. (Example: Doc. and Cov. 88:34-45, and Sec. 89.) 14. Some of the prophecies of Jo- seph Smith have been fulfilled. (Ex- ample: Doc. and Cov. Sec. 87.) 15. Students should be encouraged to confirm the doctrines of the Church and the facts of history through their own observance, faith, and direction by the Spirit of the Lord. Remember the Savior said: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." The committee did not feel to assign any topic for discussion for this meet- ing, thinking that the time would be fully taken in a discussion of the mat- ter here presented. It is the purpose of the committee, however, to choose, with the approval of the proper au- thorities, topics to be discussed each month; these topics to have a bearing on the teachings of the Church and the duties of its members. Respectfully submitted. Committee on Church Service President (or Presiding Officer) j and Fellow Members of Quorum (Group) Ward Stake Dear Brethren: We beg to report that since our ap- pointment we have held meet- ings of the committee; that we have formulated plans for month's work and have submitted the plans to the president of our quorum (or presiding officer of our group) , and have obtained his approval thereof. The Tuesday evening meet- ing in each month has been designated as the period for which our committee is to make its report to the quorum (or group) and carry forward activi- ties which have been assigned to us. We have prepared for this, our first report, a discussion on our general field of endeavor, Church Service. The topics in this discussion have been as- signed to members of the committee (or members of the quorum or group) as follows: I. The value of Church activity in promoting the spiritual, moral and ed- ucational development of the individ- ual. a. The need of religious exercise. 1 . Competition with secular de- mands. b. Illustrations of those who have developed through religious ex- ercise, and illustrations of those who have perished spiritually for want of it. c. Brief discussion of the principle of eternal progression. (See Teachings of Joseph Smith, Discourses of Brigham Young.) By (7 minutes.) II. Service as a Christian virtue, a. Doctrine of altruism. April, 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 515 1. Exemplified in Christ's min- istry, b. Kinds of service. 1. Secular service through pro- fessions, vocations. 2. Religious service. Its com- parative value and vitality. By (7 minutes.) III. The Church as an instrument of service. a. Created and maintained for man. b. Every organization and every department efficient only as it meets human requirements. By (5 minutes.) IV. Priesthood essentially an instru- ment of service. a. A condemnation rather than a blessing to him who receives the power and fails to use it. (See Doctrine and Covenants.) By (5 minutes.) We recommend: First, that the quo- rum (or group) authorize us to make a survey of quorum members to ascer- tain the present Church service of every member of the quorum; second, that the quorum (or group) place itself on record in a resolution to increase the efficiency and extent of service rendered by the quorum (or group) and its members within the organizations of the Church. Respectfully submitted, Committee on Miscellaneous Activity President (or Presiding Officer) ner the following program be rendered, and Fellow Members and Brother serve of Quorum (Group) as toastmaster: Ward Stake Group Singing. Dear Brethren: Short address of welcome by leader v r* , - of group and introduction of toast- Your Committee recommends that a r social dinner be given for the members -r, . ' , c « x m e .« ,? . . - , j Toast — member o f quorum — M y of the quorum living in the ward and . • . ,.< • • „ tl_ . 1 ^ & . r most interesting missionary expe- their wives on the evening of . & ' r --- ----. A Committee consisting To"s?_Jmembcr of qu0rum— How of some of the members of the quorum wifg and j financed mission and their wives have agreed to take Toast— wife of mcmber of quorum- over the responsibility of preparing the What a wifc can do tQ w her hus. dinner. This social evening will help band magnify his calling in the to bring a spirit of fraternity among Priesthood the members of the quorum and also Song— either member of quorum or a wives of the members. sister It is desired, as a result of this din- Toast — member of quorum — T h e ner, that the expenses of the quorum of outstanding fraternal service of the this ward be taken care of for the year. quorum. It is therefore proposed that each mem- Reading wife of member. ber of the quorum pay $ _ for Toast — member of quorum — T h e this dinner and that amount will fi- most satisfying experience members nance the dinner as well as pay the Qf the quorum have had in home members' portion of the expense of missionary work, maintaining the quorum during the Toast — member of quorum — What Year- can this quorum do for its members. We recommend that during the din- Group Singing. 516 IMPROVEMENT ERA April. 1929 Intellectual games or dancing to fol- low. Respectfully submitted, Committee. Committee on Personal Welfare President (or Presiding Officer) and Fellow Members of Quorum (Group) ...Ward . .. Stake Dear Brethren: In accordance with instructions given, your committee on Personal Welfare respectfully recommends that the following suggestions be adopted as general ideals for the guidance of the members of the quorum: 1 . That every member strive earn- estly and persistently to have the quo- rum achieve a high degree of efficiency in the observance of the Word of Wis- dom. 2. That at least fifteen minutes a day be devoted to intellectual activity. This may consist of a study of the principles of the Gospel as set forth in the standard works of the Church; of reading articles in standard magazines; of studying the writings of worthy authors; or of participating in re- ligious, literary or scientific gathering. 3. That we strive to make our homes places of comfort and delight to those who dwell therein. 4. That the moral and ethical prin- ciples named in the 13th Article of Faith be accepted as our guide in daily conduct. 5. That each member of this quo- rum (or group) express his willing- ness to undertake the achievement of these worthy ideals. 6. That immediate opportunity may be furnished for this expression, your committee further suggests that every member not present at this meet- ing be visited during the following week. Respectfully submitted, Aaronic Priesthood Assignments In a letter received by the Presiding Bishopric from the chairman of the Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee of one of the stakes, some questions are asked regarding the meaning of "as- signments." In order to clarify any doubt as to the understanding of this important part of the Aaronic Priesthood work we are presenting the answer herewith: An assignment is intended to mean an appointment to fulfill any duty in the various grades of the Aaronic Priesthood which members are author- ized to perform. Attendance at Sun- day School and sacramental meeting is not considered an assignment in this sense. It is expected, of course, that all members of the Aaronic Priesthood will attend sacramental meeting regu- larly, as well as the Sunday School. In case a Deacon is assigned to pass the sacrament or offer prayer the next Sunday and does not come, and an- other Deacon on that day is asked to take that part, the Deacon who fulfills the assignment should be credited on the roll book in the proper place with having fulfilled it. The Deacon who was assigned to that duty, but did not perform it, should have the record made under his name in the roll book that he was assigned thereto, but did not fill the assignment. Of course, the desirable and important thing is that the supervisors shall check with the boys and endeavor to see to it that they appreciate the importance of fulfilling these responsibilities, unless there is some justifiable reason for their being April, 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 517 excused. In other words, we are en- deavoring to train the boys in a sense of appreciation of responsibility in the performance of these important duties. Unless there is good reason why the duties cannot be fulfilled, they should sense the importance of performing them promptly and willingly. If there is good reason why they cannot per- form them, they should be trained so to advise the supervisors enough in advance of the date for the fulfillment of the assignment to permit the ap- pointment of someone else. It might be possible for a boy to fill more than one assignment in a week. For instance, a Deacon who is assigned to pass the sacrament might also serve as a messenger for the Bishop. But it is preferable that, if possible, every boy be given some duty to perform each week rather than to have a smaller number performing more than one as- signment. The results desired are to bring into systematic activity and in- terest every member of the Aaronic Priesthood. There are a number of duties that can be performed by the members of the various grades of the Priesthood that are not being assigned to them as yet in many wards throughout the Church, which would furnish fine training and development for these young men, and also promote better order and discipline in meetings. Such duties, for instance, as acting as ushers, doorkeepers, messenger for the Bishop, etc., not only in sacramental meeting but also in Sunday School and other organizations are part of their work and in harmony with good practice. Every member of the Aaronic Priest- hood should perform every duty ap- propriate to his office during his train- ing in that office preparatory to ad- vancement in the Priesthood. Aaronic Priesthood Centenary Celebration Instruction and Suggested Program On May 15, 1 929, it will have been one hundred years since the restora- tion of the Aaronic Priesthood in this dispensation. It is, therefore, very appropriate that special exercises be held in commemoration thereof, and that careful and thorough preparation be made for the same. As the actual anniversary (May 15) occurs on a week day, it is suggested that there be (1) a religious celebration on Sunday, May 12, in the Sunday Schools and sacramental meetings, and (2) a pageant and social gathering on Tues- day, May 14, in lieu of the Priesthood- M. I. A. meeting. For the Sunday (May 12) sacra- mental meeting the following sugges- tions are made: All parts of the pro- gram, if possible, should be taken by members of the Aaronic Priesthood. All quorums should be seated together, preferably on stand. Try to get every member of each quorum present. Let any older members sit where they de- sire. All members wear, if practica- ble, white shirts and dark bow ties. Preferably dark suits. All members neat and trim. Appoint at once a qualified and interested musician to teach the quorums the following songs: Sacramental — "There is a Green Hill Far Away," or "Down by the River's Verdant Side," Who's on the Lord's Side?" "We are all En- listed," or "Hope of Israel." Teach these songs in two or four parts. If desired, a deacons' chorus could sing one or more songs, and a teachers' or priests' chorus other songs. Appoint the supervisors to train those who speak or pray, to speak slowly and distinctly. Begin all prep- arations at once. Have priests, teach- ers, or deacons trained and appointed to act as ushers and doorkeepers. They 518 IMPROVEMENT ERA April. 1929 should welcome the people, conduct them to suitable seats, and maintain quiet and order. Plan administration of sacrament so that it shall be solemn and dignified. Have every detail thought out and arranged in advance. If possible have string orchestra of Priesthood members and others to play preliminary music and during sacra- ment. Every member should take some part either as presiding officers, organist, chorister, ushers, doorkeepers, administering sacrament, on program or in chorus. The program herein suggested may be varied as desired. There is no desire to take away the initiative of the stake and ward officers. The important thing is to make this celebration as impressive and interest- ing as possible. Sunday, May 12, 1929 (a) Sunday School — Suggestions should be obtained from General Sunday School Union Board. It is desired that the members of the Aaronic Priesthood be recognized as far as possible in the Sunday School exercises, such as praying, speaking, sacrament, ushers, door- keepers, etc. (b) Sacramental Meeting — Suggested Program : (Services to be conducted by a priest with two assistants under direction of Bishopric.) Preliminary music. Announcements. Opening song — "Nearer, my God, to Thee," by congrega- tion. Prayer. Sacramental song, by Priesthood chorus. Address, "The sacrament," by a priest (3 min.) . Administration of sacrament. Tribute — '"Our mothers," by a Priest, Teacher or Deacon (3 min.) . (Have all members of the Aaron- ic Priesthood stand while the tri- bute is being given.) Song — "Little Mother of Mine," solo or chorus. Address, "Why I Observe the Principle of Tithing," by a Priest (3 min.). ( 1 ) — General Subject — ' 'Restor- ation of the Aaronic Priesthood." (a) "The Hour," by a Deacon (2 min.) . (b) "The Man," by a Deacon (2 min.) . (c) "The Event," by a Teacher (2 min.) . (d) "The Results," by a Teacher (3 min.) . (e) "The Future," by a Priest (3 min.). Instrumental or choral music. (2) — General Subject — "Re- sponsibility of the Priest- hood." (a) "To watch over the C h u r c h," by a Teacher (4 min.) . (b) "To administer in the Preparatory Gos- pel," by a Priest (4 min.). Song or instrumental music. "Plans for more extensive Aaron- ic Priesthood activity," by Bishop (10 min.) . Song, by Priesthood chorus. Benediction. Program should not exceed 1 Yi hours. Tuesday, May 14, 1929 The Presiding Bishopric and General Boards of M. I. A. Cooperating: In lieu of the regular Priesthood- M. I. A. meeting it is requested that the evening be devoted to a celebra- tion of the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood with a special program and social gathering. The suggested pro- gram is briefly as follows: Opening Exercises (Including Priest- hood choruses, solos, appropriate readings, etc.) Pageant — "The Aaronic Priesthood." April, 19 19 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 519' Tableaux or demonstrations (about 5 minutes each) . (a) "Fraternal work." (b) The Deacon in Scout work. (c) The Teacher in Vanguard work. (d) The Priest in M Men's work. Closing exercises. Light refreshments. Dancing or social activities. It is suggested that the details of this program be worked out with the cooperation of the ward M. I. A. offi- cers. The program may be varied as desired, keeping in mind the main theme. Appropriate musical or other numbers may be interspersed between the features here suggested. The pageant, "The Aaronic Priest- hood," is available at the Presiding Bishop's Office. The program should be planned to occupy about \]/z hours. Sub-committees could be appointed for each of the tableaux or demonstra- tions. The efforts should be made to present the ideas in as original and finished way as possible. Light refreshments may be provided by a suitable committee. Whether the diversion be dancing or social activities it should be carefully planned and carried out in conformity with high standards. All members of the Priesthood-M. I. A. and adult members of the ward should be invited to attend this gather- ing. Address on Priesthood By Robert A. Clarke, A Seventeen- Year-Old Boy of American Fork [The only help given this young man in the preparation of this address was by his sister who is a student of the B. Y. U.— The Editors.] The subject of my discussion for this evening is: "How Priesthood training qualifies men for life." Before we can say how a Priesthood training would qualify men for life, we must first state the qualifications by which men are measured. These are: that they are good citi- zens, good neighbors and that they are successful. By success we do not mean that a man must have a large amount of wealth in money or property, be- cause a man may have acquired these earthly gains and yet he may not be successful. We might define success as building a good character, to be loving, honest, merciful, fair-minded, truthful and kind. To be rated as a success, a man must have encountered obstacles and overcome them in an ethical way. His laurels must be honorably won. He must be a type of man who can say, "I will not condemn in others that which I condone in myself." When studying the lives of men who may be really considered as suc- cessful and when we determine the factors which have promoted their suc- cess, the concensus of opinion is that habit formation in youth is the greatest factor toward starting a man on the high-road to happiness or leading him into the shadowy paths of crime and dishonor. "As the twig is bent, so the tree is inclined," is a true maxim. From the day of our birth, we are performing ac- tions which leave their eternal im- print upon our body and souls. Some- one has said that some men should be hung merely on the testimony written in their own faces, and as our daily thoughts and actions leave their im- print on our faces, so also do they affect our will, our morals, and our ambitions. Desires, ambitions and intentions are the raw materials of individual 520 IMPROVEMENT ERA April, 1929 character, but the real fabric is habit. To change a habit is to change oneself. To form a good habit is to uplift one- self; to form a bad habit is to deform oneself. Habit is activity worked into active life. Habit is indeed a powerful factor in our development, and the great need of civilization is to train the youth in habits of clean living and right thinking, in habits of honesty, dependability, and industry. In forming and strengthening these desirable habits, the Priesthood train- ing given to the young manhood of Latter-day Saints has a vital place. Boys enter the Priesthood at a very critical period in their lives; they are at the stage where the ideals formed and the habits established make a per- manent impression. Boys receive the Priesthood at the age of twelve, and if they perform their duties in an in- dustrious manner, it develops the finer side of their characters. It tends to bring out the desirable qualities which, in very many of our young men, would otherwise remain dormant. One of the first things acquired by Priesthood training is the habit pf punctuality, and along with punctu- ality, dependability. The structure of all successful endeavor rests largely up- on these two habits. The person who punctually keeps all appointments and whose thorough preparation for leader- ship may be relied upon, is the person who forges ahead. Priesthood training develops these qualities by assigning duties to its members and leaving it to their own initiative to find ways and means of ac- complishing this assignment. For ex- ample, the Bishop may assign a young man to administer the sacrament in Sunday School and other meetings dur- ing Sunday services. He leaves it to the boy to be at the meeting prepared to perform his duties acceptably and punctually. Another very important phase of man's character which Priesthood training develops is initiative. Pro- gress is founded on man's initiative. We never would have developed the luxuries or even the necessities of mod- ern civilization if everyone had fol- lowed in the footsteps of his ancestors, afraid to step from the beaten path or advance a theory of his own. Where would be our great artists, writers, poets, and philosophers if they had not possessed the courage to give their new ideas to an incredulous world. Only by developing within a boy the ability intelligently to think and reason, the power to accomplish distasteful tasks, to decide questions of right and wrong himself, will a boy ever develop the great quality of leadership which will make him a man among men. In Priesthood training a boy is given the chance to develop this side of his character. At first he is assigned small duties; he is allowed to express his own thoughts and theories in small ways. As he advances in his work, he is as- signed harder and more important duties, and his responsibility increases. He is asked to prepare lessons, and speeches, conduct meetings and take charge of Church assignments. All these duties are splendid developers of a man's initiative and leadership. Priesthood training also develops a re- spect for older persons, for sacred places, for religion, and for God. One writer has said, "Show me a man whose nature is imbued with respect, and there you will find a nature that is in tune with God." On the other hand, the reason, perhaps, that most prisoners are in penal servitude, is be- cause of lack of respect for another's rights, for law, and for God. To know the truth is to respect it and to gain the respect of other men by virtue of that knowledge. Priesthood training gives a knowl- edge of the Gospel to its members that is of inestimable value and which can- not be gained in any other way. It has been the foundation of all successful missions, and has developed and made great our religious leaders. In Priest- hood, a young man's life is enriched PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 521 and broadened ty discussions of the lives of our leaders in the Church — past and present. Individuals are en- couraged to express their own opinions, and in this way they gain self-con- fidence, which is the first step toward self-mastery. In this way, too, they grow in a knowledge of the Gospel. Who could hope to be a master of words, of music, of literature, or indeed a master of men, until he has first mastered the most rebellious subject of all — himself? Until one is able truly to say, "I will think only clean and uplifting thoughts, I will harbor no hatred or envy of my neighbor, I will overcome unworthy desires," self- mastery does not exist. The whole training received in Priesthood leads to self-mastery. A man cannot desire higher things until he becomes acquainted with their ex- istence. Priesthood training makes for good citizenship because it helps the boy to lead a clean life; it makes better sons, husbands and fathers, be- cause it encourages obedience, willing- ness, kindness, and straight-forward- ness. It promotes honesty and mor- ality. Priesthood training is a large factor in influencing community mor- als. The standards of a community are determined by the standards of the majority of its members; and young men who are active in Priest- hood work, who enter into its spiritual activity whole-heartedly, are an influ- ence for good in any community. As- sociation is probably one of the most important things a Priesthood training furnishes. The members of the Priest- hood are drawn together with a com- mon purpose in mind. This purpose is to develop good, clean, wholesome thought and to avoid light words and maudlin laughter. There is something in every normal man that craves the association of his fellow-men. The Priesthood furnishes such association and thereby provides the spiritual com- munion and the broadening education which result from a friendly and united search for truth. At Priesthood gatherings we have a chance to meet our spiritual equals and by partaking of the spirit of the meeting we are better able to go forth to battle against darkness by having seen the light. As Latter-day Saints we have the oppor- tunity of this Priesthood training which is destined to develop all the finer qualities of noble men. In appre- ciation of this opportunity we should endeavor to become more faithful in attendance, more painstaking in our ac- tivities, and strive for a better and big- ger Priesthood work in the year 1929. New Orleans, La. Conversion To Elder F. A. J. I've longed for something, thinking thoughts of God, Yet saying, "No, I doubt that He could be, For, oh, so purposeless life seems to me! I know not if I'll rise from out the sod When I have left the path of life I've trod." And so, I wondered, feeling lost; but He Knew my sad yearning, my faint hope to see A truth revealed. Yet, I would scoff and nod At corner-preachers telling of the Light. And then you came. Your message seemed so true That doubts all fled, bright day supplanted night. I could believe! The Gospel, taught by you, Has shown me life's meaning, and at last I've found true joy, my faith in God steadfast. Amy McClure