--- 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: 12 published: 1929-10 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. 12 (October 1929): 1036–1041." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera32012unse 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: improvementera32012unse start_page: 1036 end_page: 1041 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1929-10) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera32012unse 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 MS Melchizedek Priesthood Suggestions The following letter and outlines You are urged, therefore, to put will be welcomed by all Priesthood forth special effort to make more quorums: potent the program that was intro- President and duced one year ago. The plan as it Counselors applied to Sunday morning has re- Presidency of Stake ceived general acceptance and is being carried out effectively in nearly every stake and mission in the Church. With Dear Brethren: regard to the activity meeting, some In reference to the courses of study stakes and quorums have found it dif- and lines of activity for the Priesthood ficult to carry out the program with quorums of the Church, we suggest that degree of clearness and energy that the same course of procedure as which quorums of the Church should was suggested last year be continued manifest. In the hope of aiding in during the present season. In order making this meeting more interesting to achieve the results towards which and profitable, we are suggesting here- we are striving, it is earnestly desired with some topics which will guide that throughout the coming year everv quorum officers into that practical field quorum and every group will empha- of activity and service in which quo- size the service phase of quorum re- rum officers and members should sponsibility. Two important require- render effective work, ments, you will remember, are made Every quorum member should be of every person ordained to any office made acquainted at once with the in the Priesthood: viz., (1) The duty phases of Church activity for which and privilege of studying the principles he will receive credit on the quorum of the Gospel in a Gospel Doctrine class records. These various items are in- Sunday morning; and (2) The duty dicated on the report blanks that are of attending the group or quorum ac- already in the hands of stake clerks tivity meeting held weekly for the pur- and quorum secretaries, pose of making more effective the serv- The items of actiyi named bdow ice to be rendered >n personal welfare, are merd tive> and be sub. quorum eff.c.ency and Church and so- stitutcd b Qthers whichy m c.al callings and appointments. offkers CQnsider mor£ Jortunc Everyone upon whom the Priest- and appl1Cable to local conditions, hood has been conferred should pre- With a sincer£ desire tQ aid ^ pare himself to perform any service and quorums to become more cfficicnt and to officiate in any ordinance or cere- innuential, we remain mony which he might be asked to _. render, or in which he might be called oincerely, to act. In Church activity as in the RUDGER CLAWSON, answer to the Final Summons, "Readi- In behalf of the Council of ness is everything." the Twelve Apostles. Schedule of Group or Quorum Meetings Suggestive Plan of Procedure 2. Roll Call. (Each member should vir,-^,, „^ /",,,~ „ in receive credit for attendance at meet- Week of October 20 • -, c ■ a a a • ings and for service rendered during 1. Prayer. . the past week.) Oct.. 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 1037 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. (Call for specific re- ports from ( 1 ) committee ap- pointed at a previous meeting to visit quorum members, (2) committee on social, (3) com- mittee or individuals assigned to ward teachings, etc., etc.) b. Standing. (Receive report from one of the four standing com- mittees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Serv- ice, Miscellaneous. Report should be in writing and signed by members of committee.) 4. Consideration of Principles of Con- duct. Topics Outlined. Priests' and Teachers' Duties Compared 1. Similarity. a. Both by assignment are to visit homes of members. b. Both are to exhort to diligence and faithfulness. The priest is "to preach, teach, expound, exhort * * them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties." The teacher "to warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come to Christ." 2. Distinction. a. Priest — Most advanced office in Aaronic Priesthood. Special calling to preach and administer spiritual blessings. Can bap- tize. Teacher cannot. Can ad- minister sacrament. Teacher cannot. "From a retrospect of the require- ments of the servants of God to preach the Gospel, we find few qualified even to be priests, and if a priest understands his duty, his calling, and ministry, and preaches by the Holy Ghost, his enjoy- ment is as great as if he were one of the Presidency: and his services are necessary in the body, as are also those of teachers and deacons." (Joseph Smith's "History of the Church," Vol- ume II, page 478.) b. Teachers. Second to highest office in Aaronic Priesthood. Special calling to purge the body of Church of iniquity and every unpleasantness. To watch over the Church al- ways. To be with and to strengthen them. To see that no iniquity exists in the Church. Neither hardness with each other, neither lying, nor backbiting, nor evil speak- ing. To check up on attendance at meetings. To check up on other Church duties. To preside at meetings only in absence of elder or priest. Note: In the light of the fact that the teacher is an authorized peace of- ficer of the Church, on whom rests the responsibility by divine appointment to see that no iniquity exists in the Church, how many appointed to this office are doing this duty? Week of October 27 1 . Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. (Call for specific re- ports from (1) committee ap- pointed at a previous meeting to visit quorum members, (2) committee on social, (3) com- mittee or individuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc.) b. Standing. (Receive report from one of the four standing com- mittees; viz., Personal Welfare. Class Instruction, Church Serv- ice, Miscellaneous. Report should be in writing and signed by members of the committee.) 4. Consideration of Principles of Con- duct. 1038 IMPROVEMENT ERA Oct.. 1929 Topics Outlined. How the Teacher's Calling May Involve the Great Principle of Arbitration 1 . Arbitration Taught by the Savior. a. "Jesus taught that forgiveness was a duty not only to the of- fender but also to the one wronged. Prolonged resent- ment, like hot anger, is a deadly menace to a man's physical, mental, and spiritual health. It injures him who cherishes it far more than its object. Jesus placed reconciliation before the formal acts of worship. He de- clared that resentment or the sense of injustice done or re- ceived made true worship im- possible. He also taught that the direct personal method was the only right way to express forgiveness and to effect recon- ciliation. 'Go to thy brother,' was his reiterated counsel. He recognized that resentment feeds on suspicion and often grows fastest when secretly repressed." b. If personal efforts fail, then arbitrate. "Moreover, if thy brother shall tres- pass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of. two or three wit- nesses every word may be established. "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church: but if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." (Matt. 18:15, 16, 17.) 2. The Teacher's Relationship to Other Persons' Hard Feelings and Enmity. a. His duty to be informed. b. His duty to keep sacred every confidence. c. His duty to bring about recon- ciliation. 3. Mode of Procedure. a. Information received during ap- pointed visits. b. Advice given. c. Parties to quarrel brought to- gether. d. Question arbitrated if desired. Week of November 3 1 . Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. (Call for specific re- ports from (1) committee ap- pointed at a previous meeting to visit quorum members, (2) committee on social, (3) com- mittee or individuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc.) b. Standing. (Receive report from one of the four standing com- mittees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Serv- ice, Miscellaneous. Report should be in writing and signed by members of the committee.) 4. Consideration of Principles of Con- duct. Topics Outlined. Relation of Teacher's Duty to Quorum Activity 1. Teacher's duty to know of delin- quents in his district. a. How ascertained. 2. Reasons for delinquency ascertained and if possible objections to attend- ing quorum meeting removed. Note: As a practical illustration of this phase of ward teaching, have two or more teachers report actual condi- tions as they have found them in their respective districts. Week of November 1 0 1 . Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) Oct., 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 1039 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. (Call for specific re- ports from ( 1 ) committee ap- pointed at a previous meeting to visit quorum members, (2) committee on social, (3) com- mittee or individuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc.) b. Standing. (Receive report from one of the four standing com- mittees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Serv- ice, Miscellaneous. Report should be in writing and signed by members of the committee.) 4. Consideration of Principles of Con- duct. Topics Outlined. Proper Mode of Procedure in Teaching 1 . Assignment to district made by bishopric. 2. Consultation and prayer preceding visits. a. Consideration of topics and mes- sages to be presented. b. Assignment. c. Consideration of best methods of approach. 3. Greetings and order of procedure in the home. a. The art of questioning. b. The teacher's right to inquire into individual life and family relationships. 1 . The need of discretion and divine inspiration. Week of November 1 7 1 . Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. (Call for specific re- ports from ( 1 ) committee ap- pointed at a previous meeting to visit quorum members, (2) committee on social, (3) com- mittee or individuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc.) b. Standing. (Receive report from one of the four standing com- mittees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Serv- ice, Miscellaneous. Report should be in writing and signed by members of the committee.) 4. Consideration of Principles of Con- duct. Topics Outlined. Things to be Avoided in Teaching 1. As pertaining to the teacher. a. Procrastination. b. Indifference. c. Lack of appreciation of responsi- bility and sacredness of calling. d. Unpreparedness. 2. As pertaining to the home. a. Unnecessarily prolonged visits. b. Gossiping. c. Undignified bearing and speech. d. Manifesting lack of personal in- terest. Week of November 24 1. Prayer. 2. Roll Call. (Each member should receive credit for attendance at meet- ings and for service rendered during the past week.) 3. Reports of committees. a. Special. (Call for specific re- ports from (1) committee ap- pointed at a previous meeting to visit quorum members, (2) committee on social, (3) com- mittee or individuals assigned to ward teaching, etc., etc.) b. Standing. (Receive report from one of the four standing com- mittees; viz., Personal Welfare, Class Instruction, Church Serv- ice, Miscellaneous. Report should be in writing and signed by members of the committee.) 4. Consideration of Principles of Con- duct. Topics Outlined. Responsibility of the Teacher to Individual Member in His District 1040 IMPROVEMENT ERA Oct.. 1929 Significance of Teacher's Watching Over Church Always 1 . Every name listed. 2. Church position noted and ac- tivity ascertained. 3. Social interests understood. 4. Personal habits violative of Church standards wisely corrected. 5. Attendance at meetings noted and commended. Observed, noted and commented on. Aaronic Priesthood Plan At the beginning of 1929, lesson outlines were prepared for each grade of the Aaronic Priesthood to cover this entire year. Copies are available at this office at 10c each, postpaid. It is very much desired that every member of the Aaronic Priesthood in all wards throughout the Church have a copy of the outline for his particular grade. In these lesson books are contained instructions for the carrying on of the class period. It has been expected that these class periods would be carried on during the summer. In that case, the lessons would be continued and be completed by December 31 of this year. However, in some of the stakes Priesthood meetings have not been regularly held during the summer. In such instances the bishops, supervisors and stake committees should now de- cide whether to present the remaining lessons more briefly or to take up only a sufficient number of lessons to finish the year. It is expected that in every ward throughout the Church these outlines will be completed by December 31. At that time a new set of out- lines will be issued for 1930, and it is desired that all shall start with the new lessons on the new year. In connection with the lesson work, it is, of course, very important that the activities of all members of the Priest- hood should be stimulated, as sug- gested in the program given under in- structions in the lesson book. Every effort should be made by the bishopric, supervisors and quorum officers to pro- mote attendance and the performance of duties by all members of the Aaronic Priesthood. The Presiding Bishopric. Aaronic Priesthood Messages We sometimes wonder if those upon whom the Holy Priesthood is con- ferred fully appreciate the responsibil- ities that go with their ordination. "If you cannot give me someone as a companion who is capable of teach- ing, I shall not go out." This state- ment was made in ward Priesthood meeting recently where monthly ward teaching assignments were being an- nounced. The person making the re- mark was a seventy. The companion assigned to accompany in this work was an ordained teacher. The attitude of the seventy was that house to house visiting is a missionary work requiring developed ability and training suffi- cient to enable the acting teacher to withstand possible attacks of an un- believer or an apostate. How many view this important Priesthood duty as does the brother herein quoted we are unable to judge, but we may assume this to be largely the case with all who do not grasp the spirit and significance of our block teaching work, which, if properly un- derstood, has a dual purpose, that of watching over and admonishing the Saints and at the same time training our young men. It is true that men of ability and training, coupled with the spirit of humility, make the best teachers. If Oct.. 1929 PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS 1041 our system of visiting were for this purpose only, unqualified teachers would accomplish very little by going into homes of active, intelligent mem- bers. But the other phase of ward teaching, which the seventy herein quoted evidently did not discover, is the possibilities for development of the untrained youth. The Lord tells us in section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants, verses 26, 106, 107 and 108: "And the lesser Priesthood contin- ued, which Priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory Gospel. "And if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him one that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may be- come strong also. "Therefore, take with you those who are ordained unto the lesser Priest- hood, and send them before you to make appointments, and to prepare the way, and to fill appointments that you yourselves are not able to fill. "Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in ancient days, built up my church unto me." Also in section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants, verses 53 to 56: "The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always and be with and strengthen them; "And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; "And see that the church meet to- gether often, and also see that all the members do their duty." Are we just in holding the young men accountable for their failure to prepare when those charged with the responsibility of helping them to do sc neglect their duty in this regard? How may one properly prepare without ade- quate equipment, proper instruction and a laboratory in which to work out and test his experiments? At pres- ent this is left largely until missionary experiences are gained, and this works an injustice upon the young man and is likewse a hardship upon the mission in which he labors. We have in the Church some wards where ordained teachers and priests ac- company more experienced men in their monthly visits. In this way they gain courage, learn to organize their thoughts and to express them effec- tively in the homes of the Church. The members visited who are trying to keep the commandments of the Lord will appreciate the opportunity they have of helping these young men pre- pare for greater responsibilities. In some wards priests and teachers have been so well trained that they are performing these labors without the aid of older and more experienced men. These young men are learning thus early, that the Lord never forsakes those who rely upon his help and that rich blessings follow the humble per- formance of these duties. What a wonderful opportunity the Lord is giving us to prepare these boys to go into the mission field qualified to engage immediately in spreading the truth! Is it not possible that, because of our failure so to encourage them and provide such training, blessings arc withheld not only from them but also from those whose hearts might be touched by their simple message? The Presiding Bishopric desires to call this matter to the attention of all who are engaged in Church work, with the hope that these young men shall not be deprived of this experience. He drew a circle that shut me out — Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in. EDWIN MARKHAM.