A Royal Priesthood 1975-76_ Melchizedek Priesthood Personal -- Salt Lake City, UT_ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day -- 1984 -- Salt Lake City, UT_ -- Bd65cc517b4d22b50edf88f002e915b6 -- Anna’s Archive

A Personal A Royal
Study Guide Priesthood

for the Melchizedek Priesthood
Quorums The Church
of
of Latter-day Saints
of Jesus Christ
1975-76
^\
A Personal
Study Guide
A Royal
for the Melchizedek Priesthood Pricsthood
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1,1.
Quorums of The Church of Jesus Christ

"A royal priesthood" 't 07 ^7^ C^

Published by
The Church of Jesus Christ
Salt Lake City, Utah
A Personal
Study Guide
A Roval
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for the Melchizedek Priesthood ^ X XV..Ji,J. .\.rV^Vl.

Quorums of The Church of Jesus Christ
"For you shall live by every word
that proceedeth forth from the Q^7 CT " ^7
-^
\^ /3 /O
^L.
mouth of God." (D&C 84:44.)
Copyright Printed in the

1975 Corporation of The President United States of America
of The Church of Jesus Christ by Deseret Press
of Latter-day Saints All Rights Reserved
Contents
1975-1976
Melchizedek Priesthood
Personal
Study Guide
PAGE
A Message from the First Presidency viii
Introductory Lesson: Teach One Another

the Doctrine of the Kingdom xii
Accepting the Witnesses That Testify of Christ Lesson 1 1
What It Means to Receive the Gift

of the Holy Ghost Lesson 2 4
Your Charge as a Priesthood Holder:
To Care for Others Lesson 3 7
How the Gospel Is a Power to Help You
Toward Salvation Lesson 4 11
How One Is Justified Before the Lord Lesson 5 15
What Is Your Responsibility to

Fellowship Others? Lesson 6 19
How the Gospel Is Understood and Taught Lesson 7 23
Respecting the Sacredness of
Our Bodies Lesson 8 26
Take the Sacrament Worthily Lesson 9 30
What Are Your Spiritual Gifts? Lesson 10 33
What Does It Mean to Sustain the
Lord's Servants? Lesson 11 36
How Can You Teach Your Children to Repent? Lesson 12 40
Why Adversity? Lesson 13 43
How to Become an Heir to All the Father Has Lesson 14 47
Setting and Achieving Goals Lesson 15 50
Who Are the Elect of God? Lesson 16 53
How Can You Protect Your Children
from the Influence of Evil? Lesson 17 56
Provoke Not Your Children Lesson 18 60
Teaching Your Children the Value of Work Lesson 19 64
Treating the Symptoms of Spiritual Sickness Lesson 20 67
IV
PAGE
Teaching Your Children to
Use the Scriptures Lesson 21 69
Your Responsibility to Be a Missionary Lesson 22 72
Honoring the Priesthood Lesson 23 76
How Do You Demonstrate Your Faith? Lesson 24 79
Tame Thy Tongue Lesson 25 84
Performing Priesthood Blessings

and Ordinances Lesson 26 87
Teaching Your Sons to Honor Womanhood Lesson 27 92
Why Genealogical Research? Lesson 28 96
Helping Fathers to Spiritually

Nourish Their Families Lesson 29. ...100
How to Be More Godlike in Nature Lesson 30.... 105

How to Know God Lesson 31 110
Showing Compassion Through Obeying
the Law of the Fast Lesson 32.... 114
He That Loveth God Loveth His Brother Also Lesson 33.... 117
Can You Discern the Signs of the Times? Lesson 34.... 120
How to Teach Your Children to Be Missionaries Lesson 35.... 124
Supplemental Readings Section A 128
Supplemental Readings Section B 131
Appendix 1, Using the Concordance 137
Appendix 2, Marking, Annotating, and
Cross-referencing the Scriptures 139
Major Sources Cited 147
Your Suggestions, Please 148
"I Am a Member of
the Royal Household
of the Kingdom of God"
... As a young officer in the Canadian army [Elder Hugh B. Brown]

was permitted to go to an officer's place of entertainment, and it was
not the kind of entertainment that one of a Latter-day Saint back-
ground and training would wish to engage in. As he walked around
somewhat lonely, he noticed that sitting away on the side, seemingly

not enjoying it was a young British officer. So he walked
either,
around to where young British officer was, and he said, "You
this
don't seem to be enjoying this kind of a party, this drinking and this
carrying on, and these women dancers." He said, "This young man
stood up, and I thought he straightened up inches taller than he
usually was, and he said, 'No sir, I can't engage in this kind of activity
because 1 am a member of the royal household of England. I can't
"
stoop to do this kind of thing.'
And as this youngBritish officer walked away. Brother Brown said,
"Neither can because I am a member of the royal household of the
I
kingdom of God." (Harold B. Lee in British Area General Conference

Report, Aug. 1971, p. 102.)
'Ye are ... a royal priesthood."

(1 Peter 2:9.)
VI
vu
Message
from the
First Presidency
To Every Man Who Holds the Priesthood of God:

Peter's inspired words declare to all priesthood holders who they are:
"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a

peculiar people. /' (1 Peter 2:9.)
. .
When one holds the priesthood, he is the Lord's agent and is on "the
Lord's errand." (D&C 64:29.) He is called to stand as the Lord's wit-
ness at all times and in allplaces. He is instructed to "live by every
word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." (D&C 84:44.) If a
priesthood holder will magnify his priesthood calling, all that the
Father has shall be given him. (D&C 84:33-39.)
The standard works Church will be the course of study for the
of the
Melchizedek Priesthood. All Melchizedek Priesthood bearers and all
prospective elders should have a regular program of scripture study.
This year's Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide is entitled,
A Royal Priesthood. It is designed to place upon the individual the
primary responsibility for studying the scriptures and learning the
gospel for himself. Quorum meetings should enhance and clarify each
member's individual study. All priesthood holders are encouraged to
study at home and to bring their scriptures to quorum meetings.
Brethren, we have the rights and the privileges that are associated
with the greatest power for good in the universe the priesthood.—
We pray that the Lord will bless you to better understand your priest-
hood responsibilities and appreciate the great blessings that result
from magnifying your priesthood callings.
^^4'ci/^furKf'â.^^^^'^^^
^^.^.J^-
Faithfully your brethren.
The First Presidency
Vlll
IX
Personal Study
Schedule
1975-76
September 1975 October 1975

Sunday Lesson Topic Sunday Lesson Topic
7 .
5
14 .
17
21 .
1Q
28 .
?.f^
Adult Scripture Study Adult Scripture Study

Actsl-16{J Acts 17-28 \^
November 1975 December 1975

2 7
9 14
16 21
23 28
30
Adult Scripture Study
Romans \~~\ 1 Corinthians Q
January 1976 February 1976
4 .
1 .
11 .
8 .
18 .
15 .
25 .
22 .
29 .

2 Corinthians Q Galatians, Ephesians Q
As your quorum president or group leader announces the lessons to be
discussed in coming weeks, mark the lesson number in the appropri-
ate month and day so that you may prepare for the quorum meeting.
Adult members of the Church have been given an eight-year scripture
study plan. The scriptures to be studied in 1975 (Acts to Revelation)
are listed here for monthly reading. You may wish to indicate your
progress by placing an X in the box adjacent to each reading assign-
ment as you complete it.
March 1976 April 1976

7
Id n
71 1ft
7.ft 7..S
Adult Scripture Study Adult Scripture Study

Philippians, Colossians
2 and 2 Timothy
1 and 2 Thessalonians Q Titus, Philemon Q
May 1976 June 1976

7
Q 1.^
1^ 70
?.?, 77
.^0

James and 1 Peter [J
Hebrews []
July 1976 August 1976

1
11 ft
1ft IS
7.S 77
70

2 Peter; 1, 2, 3 John; ]ude[J Revelation \~\
XI
Introductory
"XgacH Onc Aiiother
Jfetil^Cr^r the Doctrine
D&c88:77
of the Kingdom"
What Is the Importance of a Quorum?
President Spencer W. Kimball, in a personal message to quorum
leaders of the Church, said.
Brethren, we live in some turbulent times.

Our newspapers report acts of violence.
Our magazines devote pages to revolting
storiesof worldliness and debauchery.
We can see all around us hearts being
cheated and being led by Satan, causing
broken homes and broken hearts. It is
upon our shoulders yours and mine, the —
leaders in the Church and priesthood
bearers — to do everything we can to arrest and turn this tide
of worldliness.
The Lord has given us our plan of action the gospel of Jesus —
Christ. He has also given us the priesthood, which is his power
and authority, so that we may act for him in carrying out the
gospel plan.
As Melchizedek Priesthood holders, we have the responsibility to
administer the gospel, and we hold the keys of the spiritual bless-
ings of the Church. Our charge today is to better use the
. . .
influence of the priesthood by always keeping the priesthood in

its leadership position.
It saddens me to think of the inactive bearers of the priesthood of

God and their families, who have no active priesthood leadership
from their fathers. . . .
To begin to strengthen the priesthood, brethren, we must return

the fathers to their divinely appointed place at the head of the
family. As we must ensure that we do not
fathers ourselves,
neglect our own We
should be teaching our people over
families.
and over again that the most important leadership position in
time and eternity is that of father.
One of the most important responsibilities of a Melchizedek
Priesthood quorum president and of the quorum itself is to
strengthen the father in his position as a husband and father. We
must, therefore, strengthen the quorum. . . .
I testify to you from my very soul that the Lord is the head of this
Church. He is calling to all of us who will hear his voice. He is
Xll
who will search the scriptures, who are striving to
calling to those
live hiscommandments and honor his priesthood and work his
righteousness, who will listen to and follow his servants. He is
calling to us to give heed to every word that proceeds forth out of
his mouth.
Strengthen the fathers, the quorums, the quorum leaders. Let us
give priority to the priesthood. (Spencer W. Kimball, recorded
priesthood message. Strengthen the Priesthood Quorums and Fathers, 1
Aug. 1974.)
Read Mosiah 18:8-9. Regarding quorums and how the members of
quorums should help one another. President Spencer W. Kimball
gave the following instruction at a seminar for Regional
Representatives of the Twelve on 4 April 1974:
Perhaps one of our greatest challenges is to recover to activity the

thousands of elders whom we have called "prospective elders"
because many of them, though of elder's age, have grown to
maturity without having been ordained to the Melchizedek Priest-
hood, and to reactivate the still many others who have been or-
dained but who have been inactive. President Stephen L Richards
in the October 1949 conference referred to these men:
"Do you know, my brethren, that the greatest reservoir of power
and strength in the whole Church is in these quorums of elders?
Make that power available to the Church, and it will go forward
by leaps and bounds."
Some years ago one of my friends sent me a copy of a letter he
had written to a man who needed a bridge to cross a difficult
passage. It was addressed to "Dear Edgar."
"Dear Edgar:
"You told me of an experience you once had with a deer-hunting
companion in the high Uinta mountains late one fall in bitter cold
and stormy weather. Your companion had become lost, panicky
and exhausted from running over the mountain-side. He had
finally lain down under a pine tree, and by sheer luck you had
come upon him before he froze to death. He was still conscious
and could talk to you, but in his numbed condition, claimed he
was not cold at all. No amount of coaxing on your part could
persuade him to get up and move around. He begged to be left
alone, insisting he was perfectly comfortable and got sore when
you dragged him to his feet and made him move. He really cussed
you plenty, you said, when you at last in desperation picked up a
stick and laid one or two across his back until he moved to get out
of the reach of it. You had to drive him more than a mile like that,
for every time you got sympathetic and eased up with the stick,
he'd lie down again.
"Finally, however, you got him moving faster and faster to get out
of the way of the stick, and his blood warmed up and began circu-
lating so when he could think clearly again he thanked you with
xni
tears in his eyes time and time again for using the stick and saving
his life.
'"Ihave the feeUng since our conversation the other day that you,
and hundreds of other good men Uke you, are in about the same
condition spiritually, as your hunting companion was physically.
You came home from your mission all enthused and for some
reason you have grown cold. (I'll bet it's because of inactivity in
the Church.) So cold you are numb, and can't think clearly in
spiritual matters.
"More than likely you have gotten sore at your ward teachers be-
cause they would not leave you alone and probably cussed (to
their backs) your quorum president and your bishop because they
would not go away cmd quit bothering you. Am
I guessing cor-
rectly?"
And so here again we need the Bridge Builders.
Here our great opportunity to become the lighthouse for those
is
who are in the fog or lack of understanding; here is our chance to
build a harbor for the lost; a hitching post for the straying. Here is
our chance to raise the spiritual, moral sights of the mediocre and
to provide to even the brave a fire upon a mountain. Edwin
Markham said:
We are blind until we see

That in the universal plan
Nothing is worth the making
If it does not make the man.
Why build these cities glorious

If man unbuilded goes?
In vain we build the world
Unless the builder also grows.
— Edwin Markham
The objective of this lesson is to emphasize the teaching and

upon you as a quorum
learning responsibilities that rest
member, upon the quorum instructor(s), and upon the
quorum presidency, so that you may all work together as a
quorum to understand the gospel and perform your duties.
Personal Study to Learn Priesthood Responsibilities
Responsibility
of Bearers
of the Priesthood 1
n Duties of those who bear the priesthood have been outlined by
President Spencer W. Kimball:
XIV
I hope ever in your presence there are fellows with destruc-
that if
tive ideas, that you will help to curb them and dissuade them,
especially from doing those things which bring them no value and
only leave blots upon their characters.
Will you remember the scripture from Mormon:
"Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all un-
cleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask
with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but
that ye will serve the true and living God." (Mormon 9:28.)
Perhaps these lines from Henry Van Dyke may be of interest to

you:
Men have dulled their eyes with sin.
And dimmed the light of heaven with doubt.
And built their temple walls to shut thee in.
And framed their iron creeds to shut thee out.
Addressed to God of the Open Air
And you must not be just average. Your lives must be clean
. . .
and free from all kinds of evil thoughts or acts no lying, no theft, —
no anger, no faithlessness, no failure to do that which is right, no
sexual sins of any kind. You know what is right and what is
. . .
wrong. You have all received the Holy Ghost following your bap-
tism. You need no one to brand the act or thought as wrong or
right. You know by the Spirit. You are painting your own picture,
carving your own statue. It is up to you to make it acceptable.
"May God bless you. ." (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Davids and
. .
the Goliaths," Ensign, 4:11 [Nov. 1974], p. 83.)
What Is the
Responsibil
Responsibility of a ^F
Quorum Member?
D Read D&C 88:74-81, 118-126.
As a quorum member, you should commit yourself to:
n Study and ponder the scriptures at home in a regular, private,
prayerful program.
Use the lesson topics in your Personal Study Guide, if desired, as a

basis for your study.
Bring your scriptures to quorum meeting each week.

Participate actively in quorum discussion. (The discussion will be
based on the scriptures.)
n Live and apply in your daily life the principles which you study,
ponder, and discuss in your quorum meetings.
Attend the Sunday School Gospel Doctrine class. The 1975-76
Gospel Doctrine class will provide you with the background for
XV
your doctrinal study of the scriptures in priesthood quorum meet-
ings. To attend only your priesthood quorum meetings will be to
receive but a portion of your gospel instruction.
What Is the ^y
Melchizedek Priesthood
Course of Study
^
^^
for 1975-76?
A
J il V \ ^^^ Melchizedek Priesthood course of
M II
\I I study for all Melchizedek Priesthood
^^^k^^^^^J holders and prospective elders for 1975-
^^m^^^^^^M 76 is the standard works of the Church.
^^m ^^^^^^B The general reading assignment is Acts to
^^l^^^^^^M Revelation in the New Testament.
^^^^^^^^^^H The Melchizedek Priesthood Personal
^^H^^PH^p
WttK^
Study Guide for 1975-76, A Royal Priest-
hood, will assist you in your study of the
scriptures (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and
Pearl of Great Price) and in learning the principles taught therein.
The Personal Study Guide themes taken

treats thirty-five doctrinal
from Acts to Revelation New
Testament. These doctrinal
in the
themes, together with a key scriptural citation, are identified at the top
of the first page of each lesson. Supplemental Readings Sections A
and B, which follow lesson 35, contain material that will be profitable
for quorum leaders and members.
How to Make the m

Scriptures Meaningful ^L
in Your Life •*
n Read 1 Nephi 19:23, 24.
n Liken the scriptures unto yourself (see 1 Nephi 19:23, 24) and
prayerfully ponder them. You may want to review lesson 4 in the
1974-75 Melchizedek Priesthood study guide, "How to Study and
Ponder the Scriptures," pp. 27-32.
What Are Some mm

Helps to Guide You "^
in Your Study? ^^
The Index or Concordance
n Each book of scripture usually contains an index or concordance,

which is an alphabetical hst of words. Accompanying each word
are references to scriptures that contain the word.
xvi
XVll
You can use many ways. While studying the
the concordiince in
scriptures, youwant to locate different scriptural passages in
will
which specific words are used. For example, you may want to find
additional scriptural passages for the subject resurrection. Look in
your concordance, find the word resurrection, and there you will find
various scriptures that contain that word. For further examples, see
Appendix 1 in the back of this study guide.
Marking, Annotating, or Cross-referencing Passages of Scripture
In Appendix 2 of this study guide are suggestions for marking, an-
notating, and cross-referencing passages of scripture. As you
conscientiously mark the passages in your own books, you will find
that your scriptures will be more meaningful to you and that the doc-
trines and duties of your priesthood will be better understood.
Your Priesthood:
Will It
a Difference?
Make
6
At the conclusion of each lesson in your Personal Study Guide, the
question is asked: ''Will it make a difference?" This question should
serve as a reminder to you to ponder the significance of your priest-
hood and the under consideration as it relates first of all to
principle
yourself; then to your family; then to your quorum; to your employer
or your business; and last to your fellowman and your immediate
community.
Ideas for Quorum Discussion

The quorum, group, or unit leader should lead the quorum dis-
cussion during this introductory lesson.
Review the responsibility of the quorum member. Give emphasis

to—
1. The need for personal study.
2. The need for each member to bring his scriptures to quorum

meeting.
3. The need to attend the Sunday School Gospel Doctrine class.
n Preview the Personal Study Guide, A Royal Priesthood. Discuss the

ways a quorum member might use it to direct his scriptural study.
Ask a quorum member to share his experience from the preceding
year.
Point out and explain the Appendix section, which has been pro-
vided to help the quorum member in his study;
Introduce the pattern for instruction for your quorum (the lessons
you want the quorum to consider during the first month, how
many, and who will instruct, etc.).
xviii
Share your testimony and con\mitment for effective quorum
instruction with the quorum members.
Assign a quorum member to review and report on lesson 4 in the
1974-75 Melchizedek Priesthood Study Guide, "How to Study and
Ponder the Scriptures," pp. 27-32. (This report should be 5-7
minutes.)
xix
XX
tJ^sses Accepting the
AcfsSz Witnesses That
Testify of Christ
The Divine Law of Witnesses
In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be es-

tablished. (2 Corinthians 13:1; Matthew 18:16.)
President Joseph Fielding Smith said:

The Lord says: "Wo
be unto him that rejecteth the word of
God" as — it comes through two, three, or eight witnesses.
to us
And that testimony will stand against the world at the last day,
and every man that is living who has heard the testimony of
Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Joseph
Smith and has refused to receive this message will have to give a
reason why he rejected it before the judgment seat of God, be-
cause that testimony has gone out solemnly and they were God's
witnesses to all the world. (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:228.)
When you have completed this lesson, you should under-

stand that the apostles' testimonies of Christ and His gospel
are given to you to encourage you to obtain your own witness
and faithfully keep the commandments.
Of What Truths
Did the Ancient Apostles
Î
Bear Witness? -^
n Acts 2:32. Of what were all of the apostles witnesses?
2 Peter 1:13-18. Of what special thing did Peter bear witness, and
how could he do so?
n Acts 10:39-43. Of what specific things were the apostles to bear
witness and why?
n 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. What was Paul's testimony to the Corin-

thians?
How Did Joseph Smith

Bear Witness of
Jesus Christ? 2
D Joseph Smith 2:14-19, 25.
D D&C 76:11-24.
D&C 110:1-10.
What Has the Lord Promised

Those Who Honestly Desire
^
^4
a Witness of Him? ^^
In the space provided, write in your own words the promise that is
contained in each verse:

a. John 15:26.
b. John 14:26.
c. Moroni 10:3-5.
How Can
IReceive a
Personal Witness? 4
The Lord has testified, his ancient prophets have testified, his modern
prophets have testified, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost is available to
you as a personal witness.
D John 6:63.
D D&C 18:33-36.
n D&C 76:51-53.
I bear testimony that God, whose voice was heard on the Jordan
River, among the Nephites, in the grove in New York, is our
Heavenly Father; and the one to whom he alluded when he said.
This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,' is our
Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the head of the Church. ... I bear
this testimony to you in all fervor and sincerity and in the name of
Jesus Christ. Amen. (Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, Oct.
1972, pp. 30-31.)
n Do you accept the testimony of living prophets?

Have you studied the testimonies as contained in the scriptures?
Will It Make a Difference?

How must I live to demonstrate that I have received the
testimony of living prophets? Are there changes I must make
in my life to demonstrate to the Lord that I accept the wit-
nesses he has given me?
Have the quorum members name the witnesses that testify that
Jesus is You might Ust them on the chalkboard as they
the Christ.
are given. From your meetinghouse library obtain the poster, "Both
Books of Scripture Testify of Christ/' (15050) and display it during
your discussion.
What is about the witnesses contained in the Bible and
significant
the Book of Mormon? Whyshould they be believed? (Jesus Christ
and John the Baptist both gave their lives to testify to the truth of
what they said. The miracles of Christ were witnessed by mul-
titudes, and the scriptural account is available for all to examine.)
Have the quorum members name some of the witnesses of Christ's

divinity that have been given in this dispensation. These may also
be listed on the chalkboard.
A previously assigned quorum member could give a report on
D&C 76:22-24 and bear his own testimony.
Open or close the quorum meeting by reading the words or singing
the hymn, "Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer." (Hymns, no. 109.)
aft o" ttie
What It Means to
Holy Ghost Receive the Gift of
Acts 2:38
the Holy Ghost
... we have a great many members of this Church who have never
reached a manifestation through the Holy Ghost. Why? Because
they have not made their lives conform to the truth. (Joseph Field-
ing Smith, Church News, 4 Nov. 1961, p. 14.)
Do you want the compaiiionship of the Holy Ghost to help you care
for your family in these perilous times?
What must you do?

When you complete this lesson, you willunderstand that you
must be obedient to qualify for the companionship of the
Holy Ghost.
What Is
the Gift of the
Î
Holy Ghost? -^
The disciples in Christ's day were taught by the Savior himself.
n John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13. What did the Savior promise to send his
disciples after he had ascended into heaven? What did he say this
promised blessing would do for the disciples?
n Acts 2:38. What great truth did Peter preach about obtaining the
gift of the Holy Ghost?
n Acts 19:1-6. What, besides being baptized in water, is required to
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
Acts 8:16, 17. How was the right to the companionship of the Holy
Ghost conferred in the days of Peter and the Apostles?
Now, we have the Holy Ghost. Everyone of us who are members
of the Church has had hands laid upon our heads, and we have
been given, as far as ordinance can give it, the gift of the Holy
Ghost. But, as I remember, when I was confirmed, the Holy Ghost
was not directed to come to me; I was directed to "Receive the
Holy Ghost." If I receive the Holy Ghost and follow his guidance,
I will be among those who are protected and carried through these
troubled times. And so will you, and so will every soul who lives
under his direction. (Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, Oct.
1961, p. 60.)
Give some examples of men who actually received the gift of the
Holy Ghost.
Alma 18, especially vss. 33-35
Jacob 2:5
Moses 6:64-68
How Does One Qualify

for the Companionship
^F^
of the Holy Ghost? ^"
Q D&C 130:20, 21, 23. When a man has received the right to have the
companionship of the Holy Ghost, does this mean that the power
of the Holy Ghost will always remain with him?
It does not follow that a man who has received the presentation or
gift of Holy Ghost shall always receive the recognition and
the
witness and presence of the Holy Ghost himself, or he may
receive all these, and yet the Holy Ghost not tarry with him, but
visit him from time to time (D&C 130:23); and neither does it
follow that a man must have the Holy Ghost present with him
when he confers the Holy Ghost upon another, but he possesses
the gift of the Holy Ghost, and it will depend upon the worthiness
of him unto whom the gift is bestowed whether he receive the
Holy Ghost or not. (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 61.)
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 6:19. Since the Spirit of the Holy Ghost is
pure, what kind of bodies should we strive to have if we want to

have the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
n Alma 22:15. What attitude did the Lamanite king have about doing
what was required so that he could receive the peace and assurance
of the Spirit?
n D&C 42:22, 23; 63:16. What is one way a man can cause the Spirit
of the Holy Ghost to withdraw from him?
D&C God has appointed many laws that men must
130:20, 21.
obey they want to receive blessings. But these blessings are pred-
if
icated upon laws, and if the laws are not honored, the blessings will
not come. In which of these suggested areas of personal growth do
you feel you are making progress?
Personal prayer
Regular family prayer
Regular family home evening
Home storage
Regular scripture study
Strict personal worthiness
Support of quorum, ward, stake, and general Church leaders
Tender concern for your wife and other family members
Genealogical work
Patience and love
Honest work and integrity in your occupation
Exemplary grooming and dress
Regular attendance at and gaining strength from Church meetings
and activities
Regular temple attendance
Observance of the Word of Wisdom
Purity of thought
The Holy Ghost will not dwell with that person who is unwilling
to obey and keep the commandments of God or who violates
those commandments such a soul the spirit of the
wilfully. In
Holy Ghost cannot enter. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Church News, 4
Nov. 1961, p. 14.)
n In thelife of everyone there comes the conflict between good and

evil,between Satan and the Lord. Every person who has reached
or passed the age of accountability of eight years, and who with a
totally repentant heart is baptized properly, positively will receive
the Holy Ghost. If heeded, this member of the Godhead will
guide, inspire, and warn, and will neutralize the promptings of the
evil one. The Lord has made this very clear. (Kimball, Miracle of
Forgiveness, pp. 14-15.)
Will It Make
a Difference?
Do want the companionship of the Holy Ghost to help me
I
care for my family in these perilous times? What must I do?
Have quorum members share experiences about how the blessings

of the Holy Spirit have helped them in their family problems or in
other situations.
On the chalkboard, review a listing of the obligations and laws that

reston the men in the priesthood. Ask members to identify in their
hearts which commandment listed there is most difficult for them.
Where do we start?
The most important of all the of God is the one
commandments
that you're having the most keeping today. If it's one of
difficulty
dishonesty, if it's one of unchastity, if it's one of falsifying, not
telling the truth, today is the day for you to work on that until
you've been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the
next one that's most difficult for you to keep. (Harold B. Lee,
Church News, 5 May 1973, p. 3.)
A testimony by yourself or quorum member of the value of the

companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Lesson 3 Your Charge as a
Priesthood
t^. Ittii
i
Home Teaching
Acts 20:28
Pnesthood Holder:
r ^^-^ i
To Care for Others
What if This Were
Your Experience?
You suddenly become ill with a pain in your right side. Hurriedly you
call your doctor, and he advises you to go immediately to the hospital.

When you arrive, you are given a room, assigned to a bed, and begin a
rather lengthy wait for your doctor's arrival. Hours pass, during which
the pain becomes more intense. In spite of your suffering, no one in
the hospital will do anything for you until after your doctor has ar-
rived, diagnosed your case, and issued instructions. Twenty-four
hours after your admission, the doctor finally comes. He examines you
quickly, gives you about five minutes of his time, and then disappears.
Still in great pain, you are disappointed at his apparent lack of interest
in your condition. How would you feel? What would you do?
Many Church members are spiritually ill and in need of immediate

attention.
n Priesthood watchcare (home teaching) is one means of attempting

to assist those in spiritual need.
Some priesthood watchcare receives about the kind of attention (or

lack of it) given by the doctor in the illustration mentioned above.
''And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them

likewise." (Luke 6:31.)
As you study and ponder these scriptures, you will see the
importance of the charge that has been given to the priest-
hood of the Church: to watch over and to care for others
through faithful priesthood watchcare service.
Members of the Priesthood

Have Been Given the Charge
Î
n Acts 20:28-35. What special counsel did Paul give to the Church in
hisday in regard to caring for others?
n Matthew 7:12 and Jacob 2:17. How should one regard the needs
and concerns of others?
Galatians 6:1-3, 7-10. What is the law of Christ concerning the

burdens of others? What avenues does the Church provide for you
to fulfill this important law?
Matthew 25:31-46. What is the relationship between helping others
and our relationship to the Savior?
"We live our lives most completely when we strive to make the
world better and happier." The law of pure nature, survival of the
fittest, is self-preservation at the sacrifice of all else; but in
contrast to this the law of true spiritual life is, deny self for the
good of others. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
accepts as fundamental this law of life. . . .
With this end in view, a virtual army of men and women, serving
willingly without salary, offer every week to a whole generation of
children and youth instruction and guidance in character-building
and spiritual growth. In addition to this army of officers and
teachers, men ordained to the priesthood have accepted the obli-
gation to devote their time and talents as far as possible to the
scattering of sunshine, joy, and peace among their fellow men.
(McKay, Gospel Ideals, pp. 500-501.)
D&C 20:46, 47, 53-55. Summarize in your own words the Lord's
admonitions to his modem-day priesthood to care for others:
1. (vs. 46)
2. (vs. 47)
3. (vs. 53).
4. (vs. 54).
5. (vs. 55).
What Are Some Scriptural

Case Studies in
Priesthood Watchcare? 2
n Acts 20:17-27. This is Paul's personal testimony of his service to the
Church in Asia. How does Paul characterize a person who truly
loves others?
Mosiah 2:12-19. King Benjamin bears a personal witness of his

service to his fellowmen. What unique point does he make in verse
seventeen?
n Jacob 1:17-19; 2:1-35. As Jacob recounts his special "errand from

the Lord," he describes his personal feelings about the assignment.
8
Why was he so greatly "burdened" by the call? What induced him
to carry on?
Moses 6:26-34. This is the account of Enoch's commission to go

forth and "prophesy" to the people. What special promises did the
Lord give to Enoch if he were faithful?
An elders quorum leader shared this the other day, speaking of
involvement. ... He said, "Last winter I was stuck in the snow
without any help, without any tools, and in my own neighbor-
hood. Instead of going to my next door neighbor I walked a
couple of extra doors and went to an inactive member of my
quorum and asked him if he would help dig me out, and he did."
In his own words he said, "Since he helped dig me out, I am help-
ing dig him out to the quorum now."
An appropriate involvement! They can be touched. They can be
helped through this quorum brotherhood that is available. When
we fail to involve a brother appropriately in the quorum, let's not
blame him for the lack of ability to appropriately involve. I repeat,

there is a way, there is an avenue, there is a key to each person's
heart if we will take the time to find their interest and invite them
to be with us.
We need to appropriately involve quorum members so that they
can grow through serving others, to watch over the Church and be
with them and strengthen them, and as we strengthen them they
will strengthen us. (Marvin J. Ashton, "Six Goals for Quorum
Training," Seminar for Regional Representatives of the Twelve,
Oct. 4, 1973, pp. 2-3.)

Are some of the individuals for whom I have responsibility as
a priesthood representative (home teacher) spiritually ill?
How ran I best serve them?
Can I personally improve myself so as to be a greater blessing
to those whoie care has been entrusted to me?

n Assign a quorum member to read D&C
20:46, 47, 53-55. After
these verses have been read, invite the brethren in the quorum to
reflect on how well they are striving to perform the duties assigned
to them.
Assign one of the brethren in advance, preferably one with a per-

sonal story to tell, to recite an instance wherein a priesthood holder
truly sought to deny himself for the good of others. Ask him to
bear his testimony of the principle.
n Invite quorum members to share their testimonies or experiences

of caring for others.
Discuss one of the case studies which illustrate priesthood
watchcare as given in the lesson or elsewhere. Discuss how these
examples may be applicable to the members of your quorum.
Conclude by having the priesthood leader challenge the quorum
brethren to view themselves introspectively in terms of the four
vital questions given at the end of the lesson.
Sing or read the words of the hymn "Brightly Beams Our Father's
Mercy." (Hymns, no. 301.)
TheTotpei
How the Gospel Is
Romans 1:16 ^ PoWet tO Help YOU
Toward Salvation
Consider these questions:
Have you heard it argued that all religions teaching the ethics of
Christianity are of equal worth to mankind?
Do you believe that living Christian ethics will save a man?
Is the gospel of Jesus Christ simply a philosophical system of
ethics?
What is the gospel?
As you study the following scriptures, you will see the gospel
as a —
system of divine power not simply a system of
philosophy or ethics. It will enable you to utilize that source
of power to overcome weakness, sin, and temptation.
The Gospel
Plan
of Power
Is a Source
1
n Romans 1:16. What is the gospel?
n D&C 39:5, 6; 76:40-42.
The gospel is not merely a code of ethics or a social program, al-
though 'living upon the earth involves a plan of living together in

order to cast out greed and avarice, selfishness, vice and wicked-
ness, self-seeking for earthly power and dominion." The gospel is
the plan of our Heavenly Father to guide mankind in their
associations together in mortality to the end that eventually they
shall be saved and exalted in the world to come. (Lee, Decisions for
Successful Living, p. 8.)
n Building on the foundation of the atonement, the plan of salvation

consists of the following things:
First, we must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; we must accept
him as theSon of God; we must put our trust in him, rely upon
his word, and desire to gain the blessings which come by
obedience to his laws.
Second, we must repent of our sins; we must forsake the world;
we must determine in our hearts, without reservation, that we will
live godly and upright lives.
11
—
Third, we must be baptized in water, under the hands of a legal
administrator, who has power to bind on earth and seal in heaven;
we must through this sacred ordinance enter into a covenant to
serve the Lord and keep his commandments.
Fourth, we must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; we must be
born again; we must have sin and iniquity burned out of our souls
as though by fire; we must gain a new creation by the power of
the Holy Ghost.
Fifth, we must endure to the end; we must keep the command-
ments after baptism; we must work out our salvation with fear
and trembling before the Lord; we must so live as to acquire the
attributes of godliness and become the kind of people who can
enjoy the glory and wonders of the celestial kingdom. (Joseph
Fielding Smith, Ensign, 1:5 [Nov. 1971].)
1 Corinthians 1:17, 18, 23, 24. Why are the power and beauty of the
gospel less obvious to some than to others?
A mere belief in Jesus as a Great Teacher, or even as the greatest

man that ever lived, has proved inadequate in combating the ills
of the world. . . .
Manifestly the need of the world, and particularly in the present

crisis, is more than a mere acceptance of the Man of Galilee as the
greatest of all men. What is really essential is faith in him as a divine
being — as our Lord and Savior. (David O, McKay, 'Taith in Christ
The World's Greatest Need," Improvement Era, 47:12 [Jan. 1944].)
D D&C 11:18-20; 6:36, 37.
Why Is the Power

of God
Your Salvation?
Essential to
2
D&C 39:4-6. Why is it correct to conclude that mankind can attain
salvation only with the help and power of God?
n D&C 50:34, 35. How does his power help us?
n Ether 12:27. Why is faith in Jesus Christ important in receiving this
help?
Identify a few specific things which the power of God accomplishes

with men.
D&C 71:6-9
D&C 103:15, 17, 18.
Moses 7:13.
12
What Are Some of the
^
Effects That God's Power
Have in Your Life?
Can
^
^^
Through the dispensation of the fulness of times to the present, the
power of God has been manifest in the Hves of the Saints individually
and collectively.
These are examples:
2 Corinthians 11:22-30; Romans 8:35-39. What was Paul's expe-
rience?
Missionaries without a native talent for languages have become

by the power of God.
effective speakers
My desire to learn to speak was very strong; it was present with

me night and day, and I never permitted an opportunity of talking
with the natives to pass without improving it. 1 also tried to
exercise faith before the Lord to obtain the gift of talking and
understanding the language. One evening, while sitting on the
mats conversing with some neighbors who had dropped in, I felt
an uncommonly great desire to understand what they said. All at
once I felt a peculiar sensation in my ears; I jumped to my feet,
with my hands at the sides of my head, and exclaimed to Elders
Bigler and Keeler who sat at the table, that I believed I had re-
ceived the gift of interpretation! And it was so! From that time for-
ward I had but httle, if any, difficulty in understanding what the
people said. I might not be able at once to separate every word
which they spoke from every other word in the sentence; but I
could tell the general meaning of the whole. This was a great aid
to me in learning to speak the language, and I felt very thankful
for this gift from the Lord.
I mention this that my readers may know how willing God is to
bestow gifts upon his children. If they should be called to go as
missionaries to a foreign nation, whose language they do not
understand, it is their privilege to exercise faith for the gifts of
speaking and interpreting that language, and also for every other
gift which they may need. (George Q. Cannon in Missionary
Experiences, pp. 126-28.)
n Persons unable to overcome weaknesses are, by the power of God,

strengthened beyond their natural powers and enabled to over-
come their weaknessses.
n Power is given to do one's duty (such as home teaching, family
home evening).
Children come to those who have been barren.

Terminal disease is sometimes checked.
n Complex problems are resolved.
n Economic stability replaces poverty.
13
Hope replaces despair.
The blind see; the lame walk.
Angels minister to mankind.

The power of Godliness is manifest to men in the flesh.
All this and more because the gospel is the power of God unto sal-
vation.
What Do yg
These Principles ^M
Mean to You? ^
Identify to yourself some area of need in your life where the power
of God can help you to improve.
Will you exercise faith in order to obtain the Spirit and power of
God in your life?
Will It Make a Difference

Can I see that through the power of God working in me, I
may overcome all things and obtain eternal life?
Review part 3 of this lesson. The Effects of God's Power in your

Life. Assign a member of the quorum to relate an experience from
his own life.
n Discuss: What have been the effects of God's power in your own
hfe?
Share as a quorum stories or testimonies concerning the power of

God in men's lives.
n The priesthood leader can relate his testimony and share personal
experiences that verify the message of this lesson.
Sing or read the words of the hymn "Lead Me Into Life Eternal."
(Hymns, no. 141.)
14
L«*f?" 5
Justification
How
r
One Is i r
KaS 59-19 Justified Before
the Lord
The Law of Justification
An act that is justified by the Spirit is one that is sealed by the

Holy Spirit of Promise, or in other words, ratified and approved
by the Holy Ghost. . . .
As with all other doctrines of salvation, justification is available

because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, but it becomes operative
in the life of an individual only on conditions of personal
righteousness. As Paul taught, men are not justified by the works
of the Mosaic law alone any more than men are saved by those
works alone. The grace of God, manifest through the infinite and
eternal atonement wrought by his Son, makes justification a living
reality for those who seek righteousness. (Isa. 53:11; Mosiah
14:11.) (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., p. 408.) (McConkie, Doctrinal
New Testament Commentary, 2:230.)
At the conclusion of your study, you should understand that

one is justified by his faith and works through the grace and
the atonement of Jesus Christ.
What Relationship
Does Faith
to Justification?
Have
1
Write in your own words what Paul says about faith in these scrip-
tures:
Romans 3:28
D Romans 4:13, 16.
Romans 5:1, 2.
n Ephesians 2:8.
n One of the great religious contentions among the sects of Chris-

tendom is whether men are justified by faith alone, without
works, as some erroneously suppose Paul taught (Acts 13:38-39;
Rom. 3:19-28; 4:5; 5:1-10; Gal. 2:15-21; 2 Ne. 2:5), or whether they
15
are justified by works of righteousness as James explained. (Jas.
2:14-26.) What the law of justification? It is simply this:
then is
'AH covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, per-

formances, connections, associations, or expectations' (D&C
132:7), in which men must abide to be saved and exalted, must be
entered into and performed in righteousness so that the Holy
Spirit can justify the candidate for salvation in what has been
done. (1 Ne. 16:2; Jac. 2:13-14; Alma 41:15; D&C 98; 132:1, 62.)
(McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 408.)
Works Play a Significant #^

Part in the Principle ^^
of Justification. ^^
Write in your own words the main idea of each of the scriptures listed
here:
Romans 2:13
n James 2:14-18.
n Revelation 20:12, 13.
Ephesians 2:9, 10.
For centuries men have been blinded by the false teaching of

"belief alone sufficient"; and today there is manifest on every
hand the sorry plight into which this and other perverse doctrines
have thrown the pseudo-Christian sects. The world is in sore need
at the present time of the Gospel of individual effort —
the Gospel
of faith and works. He who will not grasp this means provided
him, will sink beneath the waves of sin and falsehood. (David O.
McKay, Millennial Star, 85:762 [Nov. 29, 1923].)
n As with all other doctrines of salvation, justification is available
because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, but it becomes operative
in the life of an individual only on conditions of personal
righteousness. As Paul taught, men are not justified by the works
of the Mosaic law alone any more than men are saved by those
works alone. The grace of God, manifest through the infinite and
eternal atonement wrought by his Son, makes justification a living
reality for those who seek righteousness. (McConkie, Mormon
Doctrine, p. 408.)
16
These Things Being True,
Why Did Paul Say
^^
"Not of Works, Lest Any ^^
Man Should Boast"?
Summarize what each of these passages say about faith, grace, and
works:
Romans 4:24, 25
Romans 5:8-21.
n 1 Peter 1:18-20.
n 1 John 1:7.
n Moses 6:59, 60.
n 2 Nephi 25:23..
n An act that is justified by the Spirit is one that is sealed by the

Holy Spirit of Promise, or in other words, ratified and approved
by the Holy Ghost. This law of justification is the provision the
Lord has placed in the gospel to assure that no unrighteous
performance will be binding on earth and in heaven, and that no
person will add to his position or glory in the hereafter by gaining
an unearned blessing. (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 408.)
How can your faith in Christ cause you to live righteously?
n What works can you do to strengthen your faith?
How can you help your wife and children to understand and apply
this principle?

What can I do for myself and my family?

By previous arrangements or assignments, each of several members of
the quorum may discuss the following topics and evoke responses
from the quorum:
1. Distinguish faith from mere belief.
2. Discuss the relationship between faith and obedience.
17
3. Discuss the relationship between obedience and character.
4. Discuss how righteous character is derived from and dependent
upon the atonement of Christ.
The following sources may be helpful in presenting this lesson:
1. Talmage, 96-119.
Articles of Faith, pp.
2. Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, pp. 273-81.
18
Lesson 6
Feilowshiping
Wliat Ts YoUT
rviiaiia lUUl
Romans 15:1-7 Rcsponsibility to
Fellowship Others?
Have you ever had to move your family from a comfortable situation
into one that was strange and foreign? I have. When the transfer came,
the children were especially resistant and apprehensive. "Suppose we
don't fit in?" they asked. "Suppose we can't make new friends? Sup-
."
pose they don't like us? Suppose. . .
Answers were not long in coming. The day following our arrival in
our new community, we were visited by the bishopric. Later, our
quorum president came, accompanied by our new home teachers. Ap-
pointments were made with our children to take them through the
neighborhood and get acquainted. The next day was Sunday. As we
entered the chapel, we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly
handshakes. Each of the children was directed to his or her Sunday
School class and introduced to people their own age. I remember
thinking to myself what a blessing it was to belong to a ward that had
caught the vision of what true feilowshiping is all about. Imagine how
I felt, too, when Mary, our second daughter, said on the way home:
"This is the neatest ward. Dad! They really know how to make you
feel at home. Why, I even have a ride to school in the morning, and
we have a youth activity scheduled for Wednesday."
As you study and ponder these scriptures and ideas, you will
become more conscious of your responsibility to fellowship
others into the kingdom of God.
What Are Some

of the Principles
Î
of Fellowship? -^
n 1 John 1:3-10. How may the Saints ensure true fellowship with one
another?
n Ephesians 2:19. What does it mean to be "fellowcitizens with the

Saints"? When does one become such?
Romans 15:1-7. What does the Apostle Paul teach us regarding
fellowship?
n It is a duty which every Saint ought to render to his brethren

freely — to always love them, and ever succor them. To be justified
before God we must love one another: we must overcome evil; we
must visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction, and we
must keep ourselves unspotted from the world: for such virtues
19
flow from the great fountain of pure religion. Strengthening our
faith by adding every good quality that adorns the children of the
blessed Jesus, we can pray in the season of prayer; we can love
our neighbor as ourselves, and be faithful in tribulation. . .
/'
(Smith, History of the Church, 2:229.)
n Hebrews 13:1-3. What should be our attitude toward strangers?
n There is love from God that should be exercised toward those of
our faith, who walk uprightly, which is peculiar to itself, but it is

without prejudice; it also gives scope to the mind, which enables
us to conduct ourselves with greater liberality towards all that are
not of our faith, than what they exercise towards one another.
These principles approximate nearer to the mind of God, because
it is like God, or Godlike. (Smith, History of the Church, 3:304.)
n Romans 14:10-13. What reason does Paul give for refraining from
harsh judgment of one another?
Matthew 22:37-39. What does the second great commandment
have to do with fellowshiping?
n Luke 6:27-38. What about our enemies? How can we fellowship
them?
n We need mercy; then let us be merciful. We need charity; let us
be charitable. We need forgiveness; let us forgive. Let us do unto
others what we would that they should do unto us. Let us wel-
come the new year and dedicate to it our best efforts, our loyal
service, our love and fellowship, and our supplication for the
welfare and happiness of all mankind. (Joseph F. Smith, "A
Happy New Year," Juvenile Instructor, 46:16 [Jan. 1911].)
The Prophet Joseph Smith 0^

Set a Noble Example ^^
in Fellowshiping. ^"
n Galatians 6:1-3. How does fellowshiping help to fulfill ''the law of
Christ"? What is the law? (See John 15:12.)
Mosiah 28:1-4. How did the eagerness of the sons of Mosiah to

fellowship every child of God manifest itself?
nA good example is the case of Elder William W. Phelps, early

member of the Church. Brother Phelps departed from the way of
truth while a resident of Far West, Missouri, in 1838. In June of
1840, he wrote to the Prophet Joseph Smith confessing his errors
and pleading and a return to fellowship. "I know
for forgiveness
my situation, you know and God knows it," he wrote, "and I
it,
want to be saved if my friends will help me. ... I have done wrong
and I am sorry. ... I want your fellowship; if you cannot grant that,
grant me your peace and friendship. ." (Smith, History of the
. .
Church, 4:142.) The Prophet Joseph Smith wrote in return:
20
It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your be-
—
havior the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink,
was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us. . . .
However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been
done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And hav-
ing been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of
our God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the
powers of the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God's dear
children, and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most
High, and by diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend
yourself to our God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus
Christ.
Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance
genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of
fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal.
Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression
of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously Resolved,
That W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship.
''Come on, dear brother, since the war is past. For friends at first,
are friends again at last." (Smith, History of the Church, 4:163-64.)
Consider These
Questions About ^%
^
Fellowshiping. ^^
Are we helping to bear others' burdens when we fellowship them?
How?
What about those who are overtaken in a serious fault? What is
your responsibility to them?

Why should you particularly go out of your way to fellowship
those who have chosen to separate themselves from the Church for
a time?
What role does fellowshiping play in your own family?

How could a father go about teaching his family the principles of
fellowship?
n Elder Gordon B. Hinckley gives six clear answers to the question,

"What will the Church do for (you, me) a man?"
First, it will bring you into the greatest fraternity in the world. . . .
Second, active membership in the Church will motivate a man to

clean up his life, if that is necessary. . . .
Third, activity in the Church will afford you growth through

responsibility. . . .
Fourth, membership in the Church and active participation

therein will give a new dimension to your life, a spiritual dimen-
21
.
sion that will become as a rock of faith, with an endowment of au-

thority to speak in the name of God. . .
Fifth, it will assist you in the governance of your home. . . .
Finally, theChurch makes it possible for you, a man, to bind to

you you love most. (Gordon B. Hinckley, "What
for eternity those
Will the Church Do for You, A Man?" Ensign, 2:7 [July 1972], pp.
71, 72.)

What can you do to increase the spirit of fellowship in your
own home, in your quorum, in your ward or branch, and in
your community? Will you do it?
n Define the word fellowship as used in this lesson.

Invite quorum members to assess their fellowshiping efforts as a
quorum member. What specific things can be done to improve
those efforts? List the suggestions on the board.
Invite a member of the seventy's quorum of the stake to visit your

meeting and discuss at some length ways of friendshiping non-
members.
Discuss: Are there neighbors or friends in your areacwho need to be
friendshiped? Are there some members in your neighborhood who
need to be fellowshiped?
Read some of the scriptural passages in the lesson and discuss the
revelance to fellowshiping.
n Have a member of the group who has had particular success in

fellowshiping relate one of his more successful experiences. Ask
him how quorum members can become more fully involved in this
important* work.
Briefly relate the story of W. W. Phelps' return to fellowship, or if

you wish, read his letter to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the
Prophet's reply as found in the History of the Church, 4:141-42, 162-
64.
22
Lesson 7
Understanding and
How the Gospel
Teaching the Gospel
1 Corinthians 2:9-14
Is UndeFStOOd
and Taught
Consider this situation:
A gospel principle was being considered in a quorum meeting. The

brother instructing the quorum wanted to appear learned in his
presentation, so he attempted to present his message on the basis of
the learning he had acquired in his intellectual discipline. As he
labored his points, a contentious feeling developed among some of the
quorum members who took a different point of view. When the meet-
ing was finally dismissed, one quorum member said to another,
"Well, Brother S. got them a little excited, didn't he?" "Yes," said the
other brother, "You may not agree with him, but you don't sleep in
quorum meetings either."
This circumstance illustrates a situation where the gospel might have
been properly presented and taught, but was not. Do you understand
the reason why? Is there a unique way in which the gospel is to be
understood and taught?
As you study and ponder these scriptures, you will discover

the way in which the gospel may be both understood and
taught according to the Lord's revealed pattern.
The process of teaching and understanding the gospel according to

the Lord's pattern is outlined in these passages.
The Scriptures
Explain How to
Î
Teach the Gospel **
1 Corinthians 2:1-8. Paul suggests two ways the gospel may be
taught. What are they?
n D&C 50:13-18. If the gospel is taught "some other way," what may
we conclude?
How to Get the Spirit to

Teach According
Accoi to the
^J^
Lord's Law.
D D&C 42:14; 43:16. What kind of prayer does it take?
Alma 17:2, 3. What else should you do?
23
How Can the 0y
Truths of the Gospel
^^
1 Corinthians 2:9-16. There are two ways to understanding things.
What is God's way?
D&C 50:19-24. If truth isreceived "some other way" than by the
Lord's ordained process, what may you conclude?
How grateful we should be that revelation, the clear and unclut-
tered channel of truth is still open. . This inspiration can serve
. .
as a sure guide in making life's decisions. It will lead us to

truth
Some time ago
attended a large youth conference at Edmonton,
I
Alberta, Canada.A part of the conference was a testimony meet-

ing where the young men and young women could express the
feelings of the heart.
A shy boy from Saskatchewan, standing before such an imposing
audience for the first time, said, "Before I attended this youth
conference, I could say, 'I think the gospel is true.' Then I received
instruction, participated in the activities, and felt the spirit of all of
you. Today conclusion of these inspired events, I proudly,
at the
yet humbly, declare: 'I know the gospel is true.' " He had been
edified. He had been enlightened. He had found the truth.
(Monson, Pathways to Perfection, p. 34.)
Alma 12:10, 11. What does it mean to harden one's heart?
n ''We never can comprehend the things of God and of heaven, but
by revelation." (Smith, Teachings, p. 292.)
How Do M
These Principles ^1
^
Apply to You?
Do you follow these principles in teaching your children?
How might your family home evenings be improved if you
followed the Lord's way of teaching and understanding?
n Do you use these principles in your home teaching?

How might you apply these principles to understanding the gospel,
in listening to speakers in general conference, sacrament meetings,
and priesthood meetings?

When a teaching opportunity presents itself, such as in a
24
family home evening, will I use the Lx)rd's method? What do I
need to do to improve?

Sing or read the words of the hymn "Truth Reflects Upon Our
Senses/' (Hymns, no. 188.)
n Invite a quorum member to read 1 Corinthians 2:1-12. TTien ask:

a. Did Paul try to teach the people by logic or reason?
b. What was Paul anxious to have each of his listeners receive?
c. Can you understand the things of God if you do not have the
Spirit of God?
n Assign a quorum member to read and discuss Alma 17:2, 3.
Invite quorum members to suggest ways to plan regular gospel

study each day.
Discuss: Since we cannot teach effectively without the Spirit, what
must we do to get and keep the Spirit?
n Discuss: Can the Holy Ghost bear witness of what we say if we

express ourselves so eloquently or dramatically that those who
listen do not really understand?
25
Lesson 8 Respectiiie
Sacredness i
of the Body tHc Sacrediiess
1 Corinthians ^^^
6:12-20
of Our Bodies
The whole demand of society seems to be for greater moral per-
missiveness and broader biological education. However, the Church
has a different, loftier, and infinitely more effective way to teach
children a proper respect for their bodies and for the powers of life.
How can you teach your children proper respect for their bodies?
I am not so sure that any knowledge of physiological fact will give
protection to my children. I am convinced that a knowledge of the

theological and doctrinal concepts surrounding this subject may
be their best insurance. (Boyd K. Packer, "On Teaching the Moral
Standard," Improvement Era, 62:60-61 [Jan. 1959].)
When you complete this lesson, you will understand that

theological and doctrinal concepts will give to your children
their best defense against society's current attack upon the
sacredness of the body.
What Theological and

Concepts Will Give Protection
Doctrinal
^1^
to Your Children?
"^
Romans 1:18, 21-25. Some people in Paul's day worshiped the
human body. What evidence do we have that to a large extent our
modern society is doing the same thing?
n Matthew 22:37-40. In what way was the perversion in Paul's day a

distorted reverse of how God intended men to love? How is it
today?
If one really loves another, one would rather die for that person
than injure him. At the hour of indulgence, pure love is pushed

out one door while lust sneaks in the other. Your affection has
been replaced with biological materialism and uncontrolled
passion. You have accepted the doctrine that the devil is so eager
to establish —that sex relations are justified on the grounds that it
is a pleasurable experience in itself and is beyond moral
consideration. (Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 154.)
1 Corinthians 6:15-20. What glorious truth did Paul teach about the
body?
D John 14:23, 24. If a man nurtues a constant, vibrant love for God,
will he dishonor or defile his own body or that of another? Why
not?
26
You Are the Children ^^
of God, and He Expects ^^
You to Be Pure. ^"
Alma 30:12, 17, 53. Why do you think Satan is so anxious to teach
mankind that they are just like animals, and that whatever they do
is natural and is not a sin?
Abraham 3:23-26. How will it help your children if they know that
besides their own parents, they have a Father in heaven, with
whom they once lived, who loves them very much and wants them
to be obedient so they may return and live with Him?
John 16:28; Job 32:8. How can you teach your children to appreciate
the fact that their body is the eternal home of the spirit?
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18. How will it help your

children if they know that their body is a house for the eternal
and that since that
spirit, spirit is pure, they must keep the spirit's
house pure?
How Can You Teach

Your Children
^^
Respect for the Body? ^^
President Harold B. Lee has said: ''Without experiencing a gospel
it is much more difficult to believe in that prin-
principle in action,
(Harold B. Lee, "Preparing Our Youth," Ensign, 1:3 [Mar.
ciple."
1971].)Does this apply to the examples we give our children in
modest dress and in otherwise showing respect for the body?
n Again President Lee has said: "Can a girl who has not been a part of
honest, candid discussions of gospel principles in her home cope
with the criticisms of the world. ?" (Harold B. Lee, "Preparing
. .
Our Youth," [Mar. 1971].) In what way would honest,

Ensign, 1:3
candid discussions in the home about the sacredness of the body
fortify your children?
How much good is accomplished by a Laurel teacher, for example,
who her girls not to expose themselves by wearing short
tells
but she herself is guilty of a certain degree of exposure?

skirts,
(Mark E. Petersen, "This Life Is a Time for Choosing," Improvement
Era, 70:7 [Feb. 1967].)
n Somewhere it may be appropriate to

in the course of this process,
carefully your own commitment to the
examine the reasons for
sacredness of the body. President Harold B. Lee has again said:
"We must be ready always to give others, including the young,
reasons for our own deep commitment to the Savior and his
kingdom." (Harold B. Lee, "Preparing Our Youth," Ensign, 1:3
[Mar. 1972].)
27
Do not let your children out to specialists in these things, but
teach them by your own precept and example, by your own
fireside. Be a specialist yourself in the truth. (Joseph F. Smith,
Gospel Doctrine, p. 302.)
I would see modesty restored. ... I would see the subject of mo-
rality pulled out of the public gaze and taught in sacredness. . . .
I would go back to the home that has a mother there. I ask you,
what good is the big picture window and the lavish appointments
and priceless decor in a home if there is no mother there? The
mother as a mother, not a breadwinner, is an essential figure in
this battle against immorality and wickedness. I would also go
back to the family where children were accountable and where
father was the head of the family. Would you think me naive if I
were to propose that this battle ultimately will be won on such
simple grounds as the children coming in after school to
homemade bread and jam with Mamma there? or on such
grounds as Daddy and Mamma taking their youngsters to Sacra-
ment meeting? or that tender hug as they are put to bed and
Daddy or Mamma saying, "We need you in this family. You are
part of us, and no matter what your troubles are, you can come
home. /' (Boyd K. Packer, "Problems in Teaching the Moral
. .
Standard," Address to the Seminary and Institute Faculty, July 15,

1958, p. 6.)

With whom and where does the responsibility lie to teach
children the sacredness of their bodies?
In what ways can I improve with regard to this responsibility?

Read or have the quorum members sing Hymn no. 139, "O My
Father."
In addition to the discussion questions outlined in the actual lesson,
these may be helpful:
1. How have your individual quorum members met the challenge of
peer pressure upon their teenagers?
2. What can you do in your home to provide a better example of
modesty in speech, dress, and general conduct that would show
your belief in the sacredness of the body?
Always maintain a respectable appearance in the home.
Children can easily see through a double standard when parents
insist on modesty in public but themselves dress too casually, even
immodestly at home.
Include a bathrobe in each child's wardrobe.
28
In addition, the quorum instructor would do well to review these
sources:
Harold B. Lee, "Preparing Our Youth," Ensign, 1:2-3 (Mar. 1971).
n Boyd K. Packer, "Why Stay Morally Clean?", Ensign, 2:111-13 (July

1972).
n Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [Salt Lake City:

Deseret Book Co., 1972J, pp. 151-68.
Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, Oct. 1964, pp. 59-60.
29
Lesson 9
Sacrament
Tokc tHc
J^fJ'a,**'''"'''
Sacrament
Worthily
You are at a friend's home on Sunday evening when he says: ''As you
know, I am a teacher of college-age students. Each year in one of the
courses I teach, the sacrament is discussed. I cannot remember a single
discussion over the years when someone has not asked about
Moroni's statement, ''See that ye partake not of the sacrament of
Christ unworthily." (Mormon 9:29.)
"Only last week 'If I have been
a recently returned missionary asked,
angry with my wife on Saturday evening, should I partake of the
sacrament on Sunday without having personally apologized to her and
straightened things out? It's easy to amswer no. But this makes me
wonder if I should ever take the sacrament. Strict self-examination
"
seems to always bring some sins and weaknesses to mind.'
As you study these scriptural passages, your understanding

should deepen concerning the sacrament and who is worthy
to partake of it.
Who Is Worthy
to Partake
of the Sacrament? 1
D D&C 20:68, 69. What does the phrase "that they are worthy of it"
refer to? (see vs. 68.) How do you manifest that you are worthy of
it?
3 Nephi 18:28-30. What do these verses suggest for one who is un-
worthy to partake?
D 1 Corinthians 11:27-30. What does the admonition of Paul suggest
to you about living worthy sacrament each week?
to partake of the
n 3 Nephi 12:23, 24. How would examining your life each night in
prayer make it easier to approach the sacrament table in the true
spirit suggested in these verses? Do these verses answer the ques-
tions raised in the case study at the beginning of the lesson?
We should not partake of the sacrament holding grievances

against our brother or sister, but first we should go our way and
be reconciled with him or her. . . . We
are commanded not to trifle
with sacred things. (Delbert L. Stapley, "The Sacrament," Speeches
of the Year, [Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1956],
pp. 7-9.)
ao
Why Should You Examine
Yourself Before You Partake
of the Sacrament? 2
Mosiah 18:7-10 and D&C 20:37. How many specific things do you
note here that you should be wilHng to renew when you partake of
the sacrament?
n D&C 84:44 and D&C 1:14, 37, 38. How do you familiarize yourself
with ''every word"? Is there anything in the scriptures or given by
the living prophet that you can willfully ignore if you
conscientiously desire to renew your covenants?
What Covenants Does #^

Make in the
the Lord
^
Sacrament Prayers? ^^
D&C 20:77-79. What is promised in the closing lines of each sacra-
ment prayer? Can you receive these promised blessings without
being worthy? Can you successfully live the gospel during the week
without this? How important then is this ordinance in your life?
John 6:53-55. What is the ultimate blessing for one who constantly
partakes of the sacrament worthily?
What would make you unworthy to partake of the sacrament?

Could you be too strict in examining yourself and thus lose the
weekly spiritual renewal that should come from regularly partaking
of the sacrament?
Since it is unwise to deny yourself the blessings of the sacrament

when you are worthy, but also spiritually dangerous to partake of
the sacrament unworthily, how can you be sure to be worthy to
partake of the sacrament?

What can I do to ensure greater worthiness for myself and my
family in partaking of the sacrament?
n Sing or review the words of the hymn "Jesus of Nazareth, Savior

and King." {Hymns, no. 86.)
n The questions following the references in the lesson and those the
quorum member was asked to consider in section three of this
lesson are good discussion questions.
n Suggested chalkboard illustration: The straight line indicates the

path we should walk to obtain eternal life. The wavy line indicates
our actual weekly conduct.
31
Illustration A
shows what happens when we sincerely prepare for
the sacrament. We may not be perfect, but our repentance and
preparation for the sacrament each week bring us back where we
should be.
B shows what happens if we never prepare to take the

Illustration
sacrament and sincerely renew our covenants. We get further and
further away from what our behavior and goals should be.
Other references:
Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 171-77.
Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:343-50.
32
Lesson 10
Spiritual
What AlC
?t'oH„.h,a„. iz
Your Spiritual
Gifts?
Itwas July 22, 1829. The Latter-day Saints had been expelled from
Missouri, and many of them had become weakened from months of
exposure to poor weather, malnutrition, and other causes as they
paused in their temporary housing or shelter along both banks of the
Mississippi River near Commerce, Ilinois. On that day the Prophet
Joseph Smith, under the inspiration of the Lord, arose from his sick
bed and began to administer to the sick in his own house and door-
yard. He commanded them in the name of Jesus Christ to arise and be
made whole. He then walked along the bank of the river where many
lay sick. He healed all in his path, including Henry G. Sherwood and
Brother Benjamin Brown and his family. In company with Elder Heber
C. Kimball and others he crossed the river. The first house he entered
was that of Brigham Young, who lay ill. He healed President Young
who joined the group as they proceeded to the homes of others who
were ill, accompanied also by Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, and
John Taylor. They next visited Elijah Fordham who lay near death.
Joseph commanded him in the name of the Lord to be made whole.
He put on his clothes, ate a bowl of bread cmd milk and followed the
Prophet into the street. They next went to the home of Joseph Bates
Noble who lay ill. After Brother Noble was healed, the group had
prayer in his home, to thank the Lord for the great gift of healing that
God had bestowed upon those who had faith. (See Smith, History of the
Church, 4:3-5.)
What are the spiritual gifts with which the Lord has blessed you? How
can you use those gifts to bless and to help those around you?
As you study and ponder the passages in this lesson, you

should understand that gifts of the Spirit come from God to
those who are prepared to receive them.
What Are
Gifts of
^
I
-*-
the Spirit?
n 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. List the gifts of the Spirit that Paul names.
(Compare Moroni 10:9-17.)
n 1 Corinthians 12:4, 5. According to Paul, through what channel do

all spiritual gifts come?
n 1 Corinthians 13. Upon which of the spiritual gifts does Paul seem
33
to place the greatest emphasis? Why do you think Paul felt that
way?
Concerning spiritual gifts. Elder James E. Talmage has written:
The gifts here spoken of are essentially endowments of power
and authority, through which the purposes of God are accom-
plished, sometimes with accompanying conditions that may ap-
pear to be supernatural. By such the sick are healed, malignant
influences overcome, spirits of darkness subdued; the saints,
humble and weak, proclaim their testimonies cmd otherwise utter
praises unto God in new and strange tongues while others in-
terpret their words; human intellect is invigorated by the heavenly
touch of spiritual vision and dreams to see and comprehend
things ordinarily withheld from mortal senses; direct communica-
tion with the fountain of all wisdom is established, and the revela-
tions of the divine are obtained. (Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp.
218-19.)
How Can
You Obtain
^7
Spiritual Gifts? ^^
1 Corinthians 12:28-31. Are all members in the Church equally
endowed with the same gifts?
D&C 130:20, 21. What must a person do before he may acquire any
of the gifts of the Spirit?
D&C 50:26-28. How may a person acquire and use the spiritual
gifts with which God wishes to endow him?
Moroni 10:24. When these gifts are lost, what is the primary cause?
Men may receive the visitation of angels; they may speak in
tongues; they may interpret; they may
prophesy; they may heal
the sick by the laying on of hands; they may have visions and
dreams; but except they are faithful and pure in heart, they be-
come an easy prey to the adversary of their souls, and he will lead
them into darkness and unbelief more easily than others. (Joseph
F. Smith, Conference Report, Apr. 1900, p. 41.)
Now, my friends, brethren and sisters, ladies and gentlemen, how

do you know anything? Can you be deceived by the eye? You can,
you have proved this; you all know that there are men who can
deceive the sight of the eye, no matter how closely you observe
their movements. Can you be deceived in hearing? Yes; you may
hear sounds but not understand their import or whence they
came. Can you be deceived by the touch of the fingers? You can.
The nervous system will not detect everything. What will? The
revelations of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of truth will detect
everything, and enable all who possess it to understand truth
from error, light from darkness, the things of God from the things
34
not of God. It is the only thing that will enable us to understand
the Gospel of the Son of God, the will of God, and how we can be
saved. Follow it, and it will lead to God, the Fountain of light,
where the gate will be open, and the mind will be enlightened so
that we shall see, know, and understand things as they are. {Dis-
courses of Brigham Young, p. 34.)
The Holy Spirit moves upon all men, but those who possess the
priesthood have official authority, if they are otherwise prepared,
to receive revelation and other gifts from the Source of Truth and
use them for the benefit of those who are in need. (John A.
Widtsoe, "The Articles of Faith," Improvement Era, 40:477 [Aug.
1937].)
D&C 46:7, 8. List the things that the Lord has indicated you need to
do if you are to obtain the gifts of the Spirit.
D&C 46:9. To what end ought you to seek these gifts?

D&C 11:10. How may you obtain your gift or gifts?

Am I aware of the spiritual gifts that God has given rne? How
can I strive to be worthy of them?
How can I seek to use my spiritual gifts to bless and help as I
preside in my family?
n Prior to quorum meeting, study D&C

50:1-46; 52:1-21, for
besides the manifestations of the Spirit of God, some "are of
men, and others are of devils." (D&C 46:7.) Men in the priest-
hood must learn never to be deceived by false spirits.
Sing or review one verse of "The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is
Burning." (Hymns, no. 213.)

Discuss scriptural examples of spiritual gifts:
Alma 11:21-25 Discernment

Acts 2:14-41 Teaching
1 Nephi 3:7 Faith
D&C 76:5-13 Knowledge
n Select and carefully screen those who may have had experiences
with the gift of learning languages. Invite them to share their
experiences and testimony.
Challenge quorum members to be obedient so that the gifts of
may be theirs.
the Spirit
Bear your testimony.
35
Lesson 11
Sustaining
What Docs It Mean ^
God's Servants fO SUStain thC
2 Corinthians x i# r^ o%
5=20
Lord s Servants?
Consider the implications of the following episode:

On I was in the office of President Henry D. Moyle
one occasion
when he placed a call. After greeting the man, he said, "I wonder
if your business affairs would bring you into Salt Lake City some-
time in the near future? I would like to meet with you and your
wife, for I have a matter of some importance that I would like to
discuss with you."
Though was many miles away, that man suddenly remembered
it
that his businesswould bring him to Salt Lake City the very next
morning. I was there when President Moyle announced to this
man that he had been called to preside over one of the missions of
the Church.
"Now," he "we don't want to rush you into this decision.
said,
Call me day or two, as soon as you are able to make a de-
in a
termination as to your feelings concerning the call."
The man looked at his wife and she looked at him, and without a
word there was a silent conversation between husband and wife,
and that gentle almost imperceptible nod. He turned back to
President Moyle and said, "Well, President, what is there to say?
What could we tell you in a few days that we couldn't tell you
now? We have been called. What answer is there? Of course, we
will respond to the call."
Then President Moyle said gently, "Well,if you feel that way
about it, actually there is some urgency about this matter. I
wonder if you could be prepared to leave the 13th of March?"

The man gulped, for that was just eleven days away. He glanced
at his wife. There was another silent conversation. And he said,
"Yes, President, we can meet that appointment."
"What about your business?" asked the President. "What about
your grain elevator? What about your livestock? What about your
other holdings?"
"I don't know," said the man. "But we will make arrangements.
Somehow all of those things will be all right." (Boyd K. Packer,
"The Secret of Service," Improvement Era, 69:551 [June 1966].)
You should strive to sustain the leaders of the Church by

gaining a personal testimony that they are inspired of the
Lord.
36
Why Has God Appointed
Servants to Preside
Over the Saints? 1
Ephesians 2:19, 20. What is the foundation upon which the Church
is built?
2 Corinthians 5:20. Why

do you think Paul refers to the General
Authorities of the Church as ambassadors for Christ?
Ephesians 4:11-14. What blessings will come to the members of the

Church as they follow the leaders whom God has appointed?
Men in the Priesthood Are

Under Sacred Covenant
the Servants of the Lord.
to Receive
2
n Acts 3:22, 23. Compare Joseph Smith 2:40. What are some of the
hazards in rejecting the counsel of Church leaders?
n D&C 1:14, 38. How does the Lord feel about the inspired
pronouncements of the leaders whom he has chosen?
n D&C 84:36, 37; Luke 10:16. How can we honor the Lord?
It was though the Lord by his own voice said
as '1, the Lord, . . ,
now my servant President Spencer W. Kimball to lead my

call
people and to continue the work of preparing them for that great
day when I shall come to reign personally upon the earth. And I
now say of him as I said of my servant Joseph Smith:
". thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments
. .
which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all

holiness before me:
'Tor his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all
patience and faith.
"For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the
cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know,
and his prayers I have heard." (D&C 21:4, 5, 7.)
It seems easy who have passed on and
to believe in the prophets
to suppose that we
and follow the counsel they gave under
believe
different circumstances and to other people. But the great test that
confronts us, as in every age when the Lord has a people on earth,
is whether we will give heed to the words of his living oracles and
follow the counsel and direction they give for our day and time."
(Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign, 4:71-72 [May 1974].)
Every Man May Have a Witness

That the Lord's Servants Are
^
^%
Leading Properly. ^^
n I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their
37
leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether
they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of
blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of
their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart
the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence
they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by
the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let
every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of
God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path
the Lord dicates, or not. {Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 135.)
Whenever there is a disposition manifested in any of the

members of this Church to question the right of the President of
the whole Church to direct in all things, you see manifested evi-
dences of apostasy — of a spirit which, if encouraged, will lead to a
separation from the Church and to final destruction; wherever
there is a disposition to operate against any legally appointed
officer of this Kingdom, no matter in what capacity he is called to

act, if persisted in, it will be followed by the same results; they
will "walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise
government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed; they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities/' (Discourses of Brigham Young, p.
83.)
Live so that the voice of God's Spirit will always be with you, then
you know what you hear from the heads of the people is
that
right. When you do not so live, you are ignorant; and then when
you testify, you testify to what you know nothing of. Live so that
you can know and testify of every principle that is right, not with
mere lip service, but from the heart be able to say truly, "\ know
that everything is right/' (Brigham Young in Journal of Discourses,
4:298-99.)
Our business is to learn our duties one towards another and

towards our leaders. This is a lesson that we seem rather slow to
learn. But it should be with us: when our leaders speak, it is for us
to obey; when they direct, we should go; when they call, we
should follow. Not as beings who are enslaved or in thraldom; we
should not obey blindly, as instruments or tools. No Latter-day
Saint acts in this manner; no man or woman who has embraced
the gospel has ever acted in this way; but on the contrary men and
women have felt to listen cheerfully to the counsels of the
servants of God, as far as they were able to comprehend them.
(Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 81.)
What Is the m
Consequence of ^[L
Every man should be willing to be presided over; and he is not fit
38
to preside over others until he can submit sufficiently to the
presidency of his brethren. (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 164.)
It is wrong to sit in judgment upon the presiding officers. Suppose
a bishop does wrong, are we to run away to everyone and
backbite and slander him, and tell all we know or think we know,
in relation to the matter, and spread it about? Is that the way for
Saints to do? If we do so we shall breed destruction to the faith of
the young, and others. If I have done wrong, you should come
right to me with your complaint, tell me what you know, and not
say one word to any other soul on earth; but let us sit down
together as brethren and make the matter right; confess, ask for-
giveness, shake hands and be at peace. Any other course than this
will create a nest of evil, and stir up strife among the Saints.
(Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 146.)
The moment a man says he will not submit to the legally consti-
tuted authority of the Church, whether it be the teachers, the
bishopric, the high council, his quorum, or the First Presidency,
and in his heart confirms it and carries it out, that moment he cuts
himself off from the privileges and blessings of the Priesthood
and Church, and severs himself from the people of God, for he ig-
nores the authority that the Lord has instituted in his Church. . . .
The Lord has established his church, organized his priesthood,

and conferred authority upon certain individuals, councils and
quorums, and it is the duty of the people of God to live so that
they shall know that these are acceptable unto him. If we begin to
cut off this one and that one, and set their authority aside, we may
just as well at once set God aside, and say that he has no right to
dictate." (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 45.)

Will I strive to build my testimony that God's appointed
servants are leading the Church by inspiration from the Lord?

Sing or read the hymn ''We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet."
{Hymns, no. 196.)
n Assign selected members of the quorum to read the scriptural

references and the quotations in sections 1, 2, and 3 of the lesson.
Discuss each of these quotations and summarize what they say.
Challenge and testimony.
39
Lesson 12
Teaching Children
How Call You
*« R«p«"t.
2 Corinthians
Teach Your
,
7=10
Children to Repent?
Think on these things:
Moses 6:57, 58. What should be taught "freely" to children?
Elder Elray L. Christiansen has said, "You can't repent too soon be-
cause you never know how soon it will be too late." {Conference
Report, Oct. 1973, p. 35.) Does this mean children, too?
n D&C 54:10. What does it mean to seek the Lord "early" in life?
As you study and ponder these scriptures, you should under-

stand how to teach your children to repent and stand approved
before God.
What Will Cause

Your Children to
^
1^
Want to Repent?
2 Corinthians 7:10. What is "godly sorrow"? What does a godly
sorrow do?
Perhaps the felon in the penitentiary, coming to realize the high
price he must pay for his folly, may wish he had not committed
the crime. That is not repentance. The truly repentant man is
. . .
sorry before he is apprehended. He is sorry even if his secret is

never known. He desires to make voluntary amends. . . .
Repentance of the godly type means that one comes to recognize

the sin and voluntarily and without pressure from outside sources
begins his transformation. (Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 153.)
n 2 Corinthians 7:7-9. How did Paul help the Corinthians become

aware that they had offended God? How can you help your
children become aware if they have offended God?
Moses 6:59. What things should children be taught about

repentance?
An Example of How
a Father Taught
His Son to Repent
2
n Alma 39:1-6. How did Alma impress his son with the greviousness
of his sins?
40
Alma 39:7, 8. How was Alma's tender frankness helpful to his son?
Alma 39:9-10, 13. What did Alma encourage his son to do? Is
confession indicated?
Alma 41:9; 42:22-27. Our children must be taught that there is a

law and punishment, and when God's conditions are met, mercy
intervenes. What are these conditions?
Alma 42:29, 30. What was the final appeal of Alma to his son?
A Modern Opportunity
to Follow
^^
^'^
Alma's Example
A certain modern father in Israel had a son with a good heart but
not much wisdom. One day the boy stole fifty cents from his
father's dresser, and when the father asked his son about the
money, there was an earnest denial that he had ever seen it. The
father was patient and continued to communicate with his son,
assuring him of his love and providing opportunity for confession.
After several weeks, the boy confessed, and his father affec-
tionately showed his approval. Then this wise father invited his son
to join him in prayer. The father asked Heavenly Father to forgive
his son and to help him to perform his fatherly role as teacher and
friend to his son. After his prayer, the son was then invited to pray
and to confess to his Heavenly Father and ask his forgiveness. The
boy willingly complied, and father and son rejoiced together.
Today the man who was the boy looks back on this experience as
one of the great lessons of his life in learning what repentance was
all about.
n We all realize that communication is a two-way street, and that
youth often build their own barriers. But are parents charting
their course right in this matter? Mothers, are you so busy with
socicd life, with clubs, with working out of the home, or with
housework, that you have no time to sit down and talk to your
girls . . . ?
And you fathers, are you so busy making a living, playing golf,
bowling, hunting, that you do not have time to talk to your boys
and hold them close to you and win their confidence? Or do you
brush them off, so that they dare not come and talk about these
things with you?
The Lord holds parents accountable for training their children in
righteousness. . . . We
cannot evade the responsibility. Only by
properly planning and charting our family liJFe can we guide our
children and keep them free from the pitfalls that lead to sin and
destruction, and put them on the pathway to happiness and exal-
tation. In this, nothing is more powerful than the example of their
41
own parents and the influence of their home life. (Kimball,
Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 258.)

Will help my children understand true repentance by teach-
I
ing and exemplifying true repentance in the home?

Sing or review the words of the hymn "Redeemer of Israel."
{Hymns, no. 195.)
Read the verses and thoroughly discuss the questions outlined in
section 2 of the lesson.
Share experiences that quorum members may have had as they

have taught their own children how to repent.
If a father's love for his sons is strong, and from their infancy he
has taken them into his arms in loving embrace and let them feel
the warmth of his affection for them, I believe that such comrade-
ship will ripen with maturity and keep them near when a crisis in
the boy's life requires the steadying hand of a father who under-
stands. . . /
What will it profit a father, otherwise worthy olF the Celestial
Kingdom, if he has lost his son or daughter in sin because of his
neglect?" (Lee, Decisions for Successful Living, p. 24.)
42
Lesson 13
Trials and
Whv •/
Tribulations
2 Corinthians
Adveisity?
J
11:16-33
Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I
have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told
you. (D&C 132:50.)
Now, as I noted in the beginning, my desire is to comfort and en-
courage and inspire all you faithful, humble people who are en-
during with patience and loneliness, pain, sorrow, and at times
almost despair; you who languish in hospitals and nursing homes,
and all you other shut-ins; you who mourn the loss of loved ones
by death or transgression; you who are experiencing diminution
of strength in mind and body who are being tried in the cruci-
. . .
ble of adversity and affliction: Take courage, revive your spirits

and strengthen your faith. In these lessons so impressively taught
in precept and example by our Great Exemplar, Jesus Christ, cind
his Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith, we have ample in-
spiration for comfort and for hope.
If we can bear our afflictions with the understanding, faith and
courage, and in the spirit in which they bore theirs, we shall be

strengthened and comforted in many ways. shall be spared We
the torment which accompanies the mistaken idea that all suffer-
ing comes as chastisement for transgression. We shall be

comforted by the knowledge that we are not enduring, nor will be
required to endure, the suffering of the wicked who are to
''be cast out into utter darkness; [where] there shall be weeping,
and wailing, and gnashing of teeth." (Alma 40:13.)
We can draw assurance from the Lord's promise that "he that is
faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of

heaven.
"Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time [he said], the
design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and
the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
"For after much tribulation come the blessings (D&C 58:2-4). . . .
Ihave seen people rise to great heights from what seemed to be

unbearable burdens.
Finally, I have sought the Lord in my own extremeties and I
learned for myself that my soul has made its greatest growth as I
have been driven to my knees by adversity and affliction."
(Romney, Look to God and Live, pp. 246-48. Italics added.)
43
—
How and Why Do Good

Men Sometimes Suffer for
Î
the Gospel's Cause? "^
2 Corinthians 11:23-27. From what you know of Paul's life, how did
adversity seem to affect him?
D&C 121:11-29. What does the Lord say concerning those who love
to inflict suffering upon others? What special promises are made to
those who endure valiantly for the gospel? (See especially verses
26-29.)
2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Do you, like Paul, possess a personal ''thorn

in the flesh"? Why doesn't the Lord always remove our "thorns"
when we ask him to?
Isthere not wisdomin his giving us trials that we might rise above
them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our
muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to tempta-
tions to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience,
death that we might be immortalized and glorified?
If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous
were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of

the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the
gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live
by faith. (Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 97.)
Matthew 5:10-12. According to Jesus, in what way are faithful men
and women blessed when persecuted for righteousness' sake? How
might the same principle hold true for others kinds of adversity
than persecution?
D&C 58:2-4. What promise did the Lord make to the early Saints of
this dispensation regarding tribulation? What evidence do you see
to indicate that the same promise still applies?
Letany people enjoy peace and quiet, unmolested, undisturbed,

never be persecuted for their religion, and they are very likely to
neglect their duty, to become cold and indifferent, and lose their
faith. (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 346.)
Can Suffering 0^
and Adversity Serve ^^
a Good Purpose? ^"
It isrecorded that Jesus was made perfect through suffering. If he
was made perfect through suffering, why should we imagine for
one moment that we can be prepared to enter into the kingdom of
rest with him and the Father, without passing through similar
ordeals? (Brigham Young in Journal of Discourses, 8:66.)
D Alma 14:8-11 and Mosiah 17:9-10, 20. What special reasons do
44
Alma and Abinadi give as to why God permits the wicked to tem-
porarily triumph?
Mosiah 24:13-16 and Ether 12:27. Often, instead of removing our

obstacles and burdens when requested to do so, what does the Lord
sometimes do, and why?
n Read Job 1:6-12, 21, 22; 2:1-10.
What do you think of Satan's argument as to why Job was

righteous? Are people generally more righteous when things go
smoothly for them?
Why do you think that Job, in spite of all that befell him, refused to
blame God for his afflictions? (Note: Job 1:20-22; 2:9, 10.)
n If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer
of good, there could be —
no evil all would do good but not be-
cause of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of
strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency,
only Satanic controls.
Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our

selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would
be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death,
and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resur-
rection, nor eternal life and godhood. (Kimball, Faith Precedes the
Miracle, p. 97.)
Will It Make a Difference

What can do to face my trials and
I adversities better? Is there
something I can do to help others face theirs?

Assign a quorum member to read 1 Nephi 18:9-16. What clues do
you see in Nephi's life that account for his steadiness in times of
adversity and affliction?
Assign a quorum member to read Spencer W. Kimball's statement

given at the end of the lesson.
Discuss the questions:
The Lord can answer all our prayers immediately and as we would
have them answered; why doesn't he do so?
n What better thing does he do for us rather than remove our

temptations and suffering? (See Mosiah 24:13-16 and Ether 12:27.)
Why?
n What role can the priesthood play in helping members to accept
their afflictions and trials as part of God's overall plan. Would a
discussion on the subject make an interesting family home evening
or home teaching discussion?
45
Call on one or two class members to tell of some adversity they
have experienced and how it has helped to strengthen them in the
faith of Christ.
n Sing or review the words of the hymn, "Though Deepening Trials."

(Hymns, no. 285.)
Testimony.
46
Lesson 14
Joint Heirs
How to Becomc
with Jesus Christ
Galatians
^11 Hcil tO All
4 *^ the Father Has
Is He our Father? Yes. "Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed
be Thy name." We are children of God; that is the relationship
that we sustain to Him. Being born of the Spirit, we become the
sons of God. The what? The Sons of God. And what else? The
heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord. Is this
the position we occupy? So say the Scriptures. And what is the
difference between those who have been born of the water and
the Spirit, and those who know not the gospel, and who possess
none of the gifts thereof? Let us stop and inquire. You have sons,
have you not? Yes. What will the boys be when they are grown
up? They will be men, will they not? They are now the sons of
men. If a man be inducted into the family of God, and becomes a
son of God, what will he become when he gets his growth? You
can figure that out for yourselves. It is said, "Now are we the sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see
Him as He is." [1 John 3:2.] What shall we be? Heirs of God.
What else? Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What, joint heirs with
Jesus Christ our Lord? Yes. What do a man's heirs possess when
he leaves this world? They inherit the possessions of the deceased
father or benefactor. Wesay that God is the God of the universe,
the Maker of Heaven and
earth, the Sustainer of all things visible
and invisible. And are we to be joint heirs with Him? So the Bible
states." (John Taylor in Deseret News [Salt Lake City], 28 Feb. 1883,
pp. 82-84.)
You should seek to become an heir of God and a joint heir

with Jesus Christ, so that you may be worthy to receive those
blessings which God bestows upon those who are his sons.
Men May Become Heirs 0^

of God in the Relationship I
Hebrews 12:9. To whom does Paul refer when he says, "fathers of

our flesh"? Who is the Father of spirits?
n D&C 84:31-34.In what way are faithful priesthood bearers the sons
of Moses and Aaron?
Moses 6:59, 64-68. Adam was a spirit son of the Father. In what
47
way do these verses teach that Adam also became a son of God in
the relationship of eternal life.
Moses 6:68. How may the spirit children of God also become his
eternal sons and daughters.
Galatians 4:1-7. How has Christ made it possible for us to become
the heirs of God?
They shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What
is it? To inherit the same power, the same glory and the same
exaltation, until you arrive at the station of a God, and ascend the
throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before.
(Smith, Teachings, p. 347.)
Galatians 3:26-29. Is the opportunity to become a son or daughter

of God restricted to only a few?
It not necessary for a man to be a president of a stake, or a

is
member of the Quorum of the Twelve, in order to attain a high

place in the celestial kingdom. The humblest member of the
Church, if he keeps the commandments of God, will obtain an
exaltation just as much as any other man in the celestial kingdom.
The beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that it makes us all
equal in as far as we keep the commandments of the Lord.
(George Albert Smith in Conference Report, Oct. 1933, p. 25.)
The Saints who live their religion will be exalted, for they never
willdeny any revelation which the Lord has given or may give,
though, when there is a doctrine coming to them which they can-
not comprehend fully, they may be found saying, 'The Lord
sendeth this unto me, and I pray that he will save and preserve me
from denying anything which proceedeth from him, and give me
patience to wait until I can understand it for myself."
Such persons will never deny, but will allow those subjects which
they do not understand, to remain until the visions of their minds
become open. This is the course which I have invariably pursued,
and if anything came that I could not understand, I would pray
until I could comprehend it.
Do not reject anything because it is new or strange, and do not
sneer nor jeer at what comes from the Lord, for if we do, we
endanger our salvation. (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 224.)
We are the offspring of God, bom with the same faculties and
powers as He possesses, capable of enlargement through the
experience we are now passing through in our second estate. . . .
He has begotten us in His own image. He has given us faculties

and powers that are capable of enlargement until His fulness is
—
reached which He has promised until we shall sit upon thrones,
governing and controlling our posterity from eternity to eternity
.
." (Lorenzo Snow in Millennial Star, 56:772 [Dec. 3, 1894].)
. .
n D&C 84:36-39. What relationship must a man bear to the servants

of God if he desires to become an heir to all that the Father has?
48
n Mosiah 5:7-10; D&C 76:22-24. What does King Benjamin teach
about those who are begotten by Jesus Christ as sons and
daughters unto God?
1 John 3:1-3. In what ways are those who become the sons of God
going to be like the Son of God?

Will I strive to be obedient so that I may become an heir with
Jesus to all that the father has?

Sing or review the words of the hymn ''Come, All Ye Sons of God."
{Hymns, no. 302.)
How many different life relationships are outlined in the gospel

plan? Explain each of the different life relationships outlined below.
Father of our spirit body. (Hebrews 12:9.)

Father of our physical body. (Hebrews 12:9.)
Fathers in priesthood relationships. (D&C 84:31-34.)
Father of our eternal life. (D&C 76:22-24, 93:33;
Mosiah 5:7-10.)
D John 17:15; D&C 93:21. Why is Jesus the heir of God the Father?
Romans 8:14-17. By what principles are men entitled to become
heirs of God with Jesus Christ?
Men are entitled to seek to become heirs of God because they are
his spirit offspring.
But like the Savior, they must be righteous, or in Paul's language,
they must be "led by the Spirit," and they must "suffer with
—
him" that is, be obedient like Jesus Christ, or they can never be-
come joint heirs with him.
Testimony.
49
TheTa^'of Setting and
gS:^" Achieving
Goals
A priesthood bearer is reflecting to himself, "In my own home there
seems to be too much strife and bickering and not enough love, joy,
and peace What can I do?" He counsels with his wife: "Sweetheart,
.
— —
what can I do what could we do to bring more love and peace into
our home?
What can this priesthood bearer do?

When you complete this lesson, you will know how to set
and achieve goals, so that you and your family will reap
more love, joy, and peace in your lives.
The importance of setting and achieving goals is
consistently taught throughout the scriptures.
The Law of the

You Reap
Harvest:
Î
As You Sow. -^
Galatians 5:16-26. What are the rewards of the works of the flesh?
By contrast, what is the fruit of the Spirit?
Galatians 6:7. What does it mean to reap what you sow?

Matthew 7:16; Moroni 7:16-19. How can you determine what is
good?
Alma 41:13-15. How is good restored for good and evil restored for
evil?
How to Reap the ^^

Harvest of Love, J^
Joy, and Peace
^^
Galatians 5:14, 15. What counsel does Paul give to the Galatian
saints concerning the daily consequences of our acts and feelings?
n D&C 121:34-37; 88:67, 68; Matthew 6:33. What does the Lord
counsel you to do?
D&C 1:16. What is \\\s righteousness?
50
How Can You
Set and
Achieve Goals? 3
Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is our goal. Such a goal is
not achieved in one glorious attempt, but rather is the result of a
lifetime of righteousness, an accumulation of wise choices, even a
constancy of purposes. . . .
Without a goal there can be no real success. Indeed, a good defini-

tion of success is: "The progressive realization of a worthy ideal."
(Monson, Pathways to Perfection, pp. 59, 112.)
Moses 3:4-7. What scriptural evidence shows that the Lord en-
courages planning and goal setting?
Luke 14:25-30. What is the Lord's counsel to you as you begin to
undertake a new endeavor? Why is it important for you to do this?
"To be sure your life will be full and abundant, you must plan your
life." (Spencer W. Kimball, "Planning for a Full and Abundant
Life," Ensign, 4:86 [May 1974].)
All of us are prone to excuse our own mediocre performance. We

blame our misfortunes, our disfigurements, our so-called
handicaps. Victims of our own rationalization, we say silently to
ourselves, "I'm just too weak," or "I'm not cut out for better
things." Others soar beyond our meager accomplishments. Envy
and discouragement then take their toll.
Can we not appreciate that our very business in life is not to get
ahead of others, but to get ahead of ourselves? To break our own
records, to outstrip our yesterdays by our todays, to bear our trials
more beautifully than we ever dreamed we could, to give as we
have never given, to do our work with more force and a finer
finish than ever —
this is the true idea: to get ahead of ourselves.
To we must develop the capacity to face trouble with
live greatly,
courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with hu-
mility. You ask, "How might we achieve these goals?" I answer,
"By getting a true perspective of who we really are!" are sons We
cmd daughters of a living God in whose image we have been
created. Think of that truth: "Created in the image of God!" We
cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a pro-
found new sense of strength and power, even the strength to live
the commandments of God, the power to resist the temptations of
Satan. (Monson, Pathways to Perfection, p. 81.)
How Can You m

Actually Begin ^1
^
to Use Goals?
n What are some lifetime goals you have set for your family, your
51
employment, your personal life? Have you done anything about
these during the past week?
If you knew you had only five years to live, what would be your
general objectives?
Ifyou knew that you had only six months to live, what major goals
would you want to achieve? Write your answer.
Now that you have considered some general objectives, consider how
you could begin to do some special things about achieving those goals.
Write down, in order of priority, the five most important things
thatyou would like to do in the next six months in your family or
Church position.

You can develop a specific plan of action for each of your
goals by using these questions:
n What am I going to do?

When am going to do it?
I
n How am going to do it?

I
Who could help me?

n Where can do it? I
n Why am going to do this?

I

Use quorum time member
to write the answers to the ques-
for each
any questions the quorum members may
tions in section four. Discuss
have, but recognize that some quorum members will perhaps have
written goals that they may not wish to discuss.
Visual aid: Meetinghouse library film MP008 (29 min.), "Start with
the End in Mind." (Length of film may be prohibitive un-
less two class periods are used.)
52
Lesson 16
Foreordination
What Does It
-ri i
Ephesians Meaii to DC tHc
Elect of God?
Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the
world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of
heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this
very Grand Council. (Smith, Teachings, p. 365.)
office in the
Are the prophets the only ones who were foreordained in pre-
mortality?
You should recognize that the blessings and privileges that

you enjoy as a priesthood bearer are at least partly the result
of your being valiant and worthy in premortality.
Men Were Tested and -^

Proved to Some Degree 1^
in Premortality.
Jeremiah How well did God know Jeremiah in premortality?

1:5.
Abraham 3:23. How well did God know Abraham before the world
was created?
Moses 5:23, 24. What did the Lord know about Cain in pre-
mortality?
But more than mortal birth, more than mortal preparation are in-
volved. He was born in the household of faith for a reason, and it
was not this life alone that prepared him to stand as a minister of
light and truth and salvation to his fellow mortals. The fact is, he
is a spirit son of God who was called and chosen and foreordained
before the foundations of the earth were laid, and he is now

fulfilling the destiny designed for him from the preexistence, and
promised him, in our presence, as we sat with him in the grand
council when God himself was there. President Kimball now
. . .
wears the mantle of Joseph Smith and was a participant in the

operation of the same law of foreordination. (Bruce R. McConkie,
Ensign, 4:72 [May 1974].)
Alma Did men have the gospel presented to them in

13:3, 10-12.
premortality? Did they have agency? Could they choose to repent
and do righteous works in premortality, if they wanted to?
Alma 13:4. Did all of God's children choose righteousness to the
same degree in premortality? When God foreordained certain men
in premortality, did he do it on the basis of random selection, or did
he choose them on the basis of demonstrated worthiness?
53
^
Because God knew of Your ^^ j
Worthiness Before, He Chose

You to Receive Certain
^
^" \
Privileges Here in Mortality.
Ephesians 1:4-11. How does Paul teach that you were foreordained
or elected to receive the blessings of the gospel? (Note verse 7.)
Does do you any good if you do not take advantage
this elect status
of the redemption wrought by Christ and repent of your sins?
Israel is an eternal people. Members of that chosen race first

gained their inheritance with the faithful in the premortal life. Is-
rael was a distinct people in the preexistence. Many of the valiant
and noble spirits in that first estate were chosen, elected, and
foreordained to be born into the family of Jacob, so as to be
natural heirs of all of the blessings of the gospel.
This election to a chosen lineage is based on pre-existent worthi-
ness and is thus made ''according to the foreknowledge of God."
(1 Peter 1:2.) Those so grouped together during their mortal pro-
bation have more abundant opportunities to make and keep the
covenants of salvation, a right which they earned by pre-existent
devotion to the cause of righteousness. As part of this election,
Abraham and others of the noble and great spirits were chosen
before they were born for the particular missions assigned them
in this life. (Abra. 3:22-24; Rom. 9.) (McConkie, Doctrinal New
Testament Commentary, 2:274-75, 284.)
And hence comes the doctrine of foreordination. When we come

into mortality, we
bring the talents, capacities, and abilities ac-
quired by obedience to law in our prior existence. (Bruce R. Mc-
Conkie, Ensign, 4:73 [May 1974].)

I was obedient and valiant before, through a long period of
premortality. That is why I am receiving the blessings of the
gospel. Will I be obedient and valiant here, so that God may
seal his blessings upon me?

Discuss how the elect in premortality were foreordained to receive
the blessings of the gospel.
Sing or review the words of the hymn "Jesus of Nazareth, Savior

and King." (Hymns, no. 86.)
What determines whether or not those blessings promised us in
premortality shall be conferred upon us here?
n Have members of the quorum share how an understanding of their
54
premortal worthiness may encourage them in their efforts to live
righteously here.
Is it helpful to the members of your quorum to continually re-

member that premortality and the eternities after the judgment
stretch on forever, and that by comparison this life is but a slight
moment in all of time?
Discuss how the members of the quorum may teach their children
to strive to retain the elect status they received in the premortal
worlds.
55
.
Lesson 17 How Call You Protect

e" h"esrans
^^^^ Children from the
6:ii!lo Influence of Evil?
We were dressed in our home each morning, not only with hats
and raincoats and boots to protect us from physical storm, but
even more carefully our parents dressed us each day in the armor
of God. As we would kneel in family prayer and listen to our
father, a bearer of the priesthood, pour out his soul to the Lord for
the protection of his family against the fiery darts of the wicked,
one more layer was added to our shield of faith. While our shield
was being made strong, theirs was always available, for they were
available and we knew it.
What a protection it was to travel through the journey of life
knowing that a shield of faith is being carefully constructed for
you by loving parents from our first moments on earth. . .
''You see, the shield of faith was there. It was protecting me from
the fiery darts of the wicked in order that in a proper time in my
life I would be worthy to take an angel into the temple of the Lord
and there at its altar be sealed together for time and all eternity.
I know by personal experience the value of having noble parents
to build around their children a protective shield of faith of our
Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ. I give you my witness that it
works. Should not every child of God be given that opportunity in
their lives —
to start each day having their fathers blessing their
home and giving them that protective shield of faith as they de-
part from the home to go about their every activity. (L. Tom Perry,
Ensign, 4:98-99 [May 1974].)
You should teach your children how to resist and overcome

evil.
Put on the Whole -^

Armor of God As a I
Protection Against Evil. -*
n Ephesians 6:11-20. To what did Paul refer when he spoke about the
armor of God?
n Ephesians 6:11, 13. What are the consequences of not putting on
the whole armor of God?
n Ephesians 6:14-20. According to Paul, what are some of the ways
thatwe become vulnerable to evil?
56
Truth Will
Protect the
Loins. 2
D&C 93:24. What is truth? How can a knowledge of truth help
protect our children?
D&C 93:37-40. your children become disobedient, what happens

If
to the protecting shield of light and truth? How concerned is God

that our children be fortified by light and truth?
D&C 42:22-26. What great truth will serve as armor to this part of
the body?
And now we desire with holy zeal to emphasize the enormity of
sexual sins. Though often regarded as insignificant by those not
knowing the will of God, they are, in his eyes an abomination,
and if we are to remain his favored people they must be shunned
as the gates of hell. The evil results of these sins are so patent in
vice, crime, misery and disease thatit would appear that all,
young and must perceive and sense them. They are destroy-
old,
ing the world. If we are to be preserved, we must abhor them,
shun them, not practice the least of them, for they weaken and
enervate, they kill man spiritually, they make him unfit for the
company of the righteous and the presence of God. (Smith, Gospel
Doctrine, pp. 275-76.)
The Gospel of Peace

Will Protect and Give
Direction to the Feet. 3
Hebrews 11:4-6. In what way did it help Abel and Enoch to know
that the course they were pursuing was pleasing to God?
Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that
any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto
life and salvation.
First, the idea that he actually exists.

Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is
pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance

with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being
must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding
it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness,
unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus
Christ. . . .
Such was, and always will be, the situation of the saints of God,
unless they have an actual knowledge that the course they are
pursuing is according to the will of God they will grow weary in
their minds, and faint. Nothing short of an actual knowledge
. . .
57
of being the favorites of heaven, and of their having
their
embraced the order of things which God has established for the
redemption of man, will enable them to exericse that confidence
in him, necessary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that
crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God." (Smith,
Lectures on Faith, Lectures 3:2-5; 6:4.)
The Shield of Faith

yg
and the Sword of the
Spirit Will Resist Evil. ^
^1
Hebrews 11:23-40. How can a man carry with him the shield of
faith?
n Ephesians 6:17, 18. What counsel does Paul give to those who
desire to resist evil?
The Apostle Paul went one step further. He didn't leave the man
with the armour on and expect him to cope against an army, seen
or unseen. He had his armoured man holding in his hand a shield
and in his other hand a sword, which were the weapons of those
days. That shield was the shield of faith, and the sword was the
sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. I can't think of any
more powerful weapons than faith and a knowledge of the scrip-
tures in the which are contained the Word of God. One so
armoured and one so prepared with those weapons is prepared to
go out against the enemy that is more to be feared than the
enemies of the light." (Harold B. Lee, "Feet Shod with the
Preparation of the Gospel of Peace," Speeches of the Year [Provo,
Utah; Brigham Young University Press, 1954], p. 7.)

Will I strive to dress my children in the whole armor of God,
day by day, so that they will be protected from the power of
evil?

Sing or review the words of the hymn "We Are All Enlisted."
(Hymns, no. 210.)
How do you teach your children the scriptures?

(See Lesson 21.)
Satan and his followers are constantly looking for weakness
in our armor of spiritual protection, and when it is found,
every pressure and stratagem is placed upon it to infiltrate
our souls and destroy us. (Delbert L. Stapley, Conference Report,
Oct. 1971, p. 101.)
58
Read D&C 27:15. How much effort must one make to train our
children before we may appropriately say we have "done all"?
A former missionary in Europe said: "All through my mission,
I had great strength attending me, because knew that back
I
home, every morning and every night, my dear mother was on

her knees, pleading with the Lord to protect me and bless me
on my mission."
What blessings could the Lord give to your child through
regular family prayer?
59
Lesson 18
Listening to
PrOVOkC
Your Children
Colossians
Not YOUr
- •% -§
3:21
Children
How well do youknow your children? Not simply how well can you
predict what they might do or say under given circumstances, but how
—
well do you know them what they think, how they feel about things?
And how they really feel about you? When they have something to
say, do you listen to them? Do you encourage your children to talk
freely to you? How important do you think it is to your children that
you listen to them? How important is it to you that you listen to them?
This lesson should help you communicate more effectively with

your children, so that they will not be turned away from you.
What Has the Lord

Charged You to Do
^
1^
with Your Children?
Mosiah 4:14, 15. What kinds of needs do your children have?
D&C 68:25-30. What is a parent expected to provide for his
children besides temporal necessities?
How Can You Teach and ^^

Encourage Your Children ^.
in Spiritual Things?
n Colossians 3:21. How should you not motivate your children?
n Throughout Jack's life, he and his father had many serious argu-
ments. One day, when he was
seventeen, they had a particularly
violent one. Jack said to his father: "This is the straw that breaks
the camel's back. I'm leaving home, and I shall never return." So
saying, he went to the house and packed a bag. His mother
begged him to stay, but he was too angry to listen. He left her cry-
ing at the doorway.
Leaving the yard, he was about to pass through the gate when he
heard his father call to him: "Jack, I know that a large share of the
blame for your leaving rests with me. For this 1 am truly sorry. I
want you to know that if you should ever wish to return home,
you'll always be welcome. And I'll try to be a better father to you.
I want you to know that I'll always love you." Jack said nothing,
but went to the bus station and bought a ticket to a distant point.
As he sat in the bus watching the miles go by, he commenced to
think about the words of his father. He began to realize how much
60
love had required for him to do what he had done. Dad had
it
apologized. He had invited him back and had left the words ring-
ing in the summer air, "I love you." It was then that Jack realized
that the next move was up to him. He knew that the only way he
could ever find peace with himself was to demonstrate to his
father the same kind of maturity, goodness, and love that Dad had
shown toward him. Jack got off the bus. He bought a return ticket
to home and went back.
He arrived shortly after midnight, entered the house, and turned

on the light. There in the rocking chair sat his father, his head in
his hands. As he looked up and saw Jack, he rose from the chair
and they rushed into each other's arms. Jack often said, "Those
lastyears that I was home were among the happiest of my life."
(Monson, Pathways to Perfection, pp. 163-64.)
D&C 121:41-43. How should you motivate your children?

2 Nephi 31:3. How does the Lord speak to his children?
How Well Do
You Listen to
Your Children? 3
One way of showing our children that we love them is by sincerely
listening to them. Consider your own experience with these questions:
Can you recall a personal experience when someone did not care
enough to really hear or understand you and how you felt?
How well do you think your children are going to really listen to
you if you do not listen to them?
How Can You Improve yg

Your Ability to Listen ^1
to Your Children? ^^
n Do you really understand your children?

n Do they feel that you understand them?
n Do you show them that you care enough to really hear and under-
stand them?
n When your children try to get your attention with something that
seems insignificant to you, they're probably trying to tell you
something very significant, like, "Daddy, I want you to notice me/'
or, "Daddy, I love you and just want to be with you," or, "Daddy, I
need you." Do you care enough to hear and understand them?
n Do you really care how your children feel?
Do they know that you care?
61
Be sure your words and acts (your hearing) tell your family what
you want them to feel. Let your mind and heart hear as well as your
ears. (See Mosiah 2:9.) You may be surprised how much more your
mind and heart will hear than will your ears alone. If you really
care for your children, your words and acts will encourage them to
tell how they feel.
The next time a child comes with and you feel he wants
a problem,
to talk, put everything else aside. Go
walk with him or just sit
for a
quietly with him and listen. You will learn about him, and you will
draw closer to him. He will begin to feel that you really care about
him, and he will respect and trust you more.

How conscientious an effort am I making to follow the
counsel of the scriptures in communicating with my children?
As I counsel them do I listen to them with my mind and heart
as well as with my ears?

Sing or review the words of the hymn "Come Unto Jesus." {Hymns,
no. 22.)
A very effective motion picture has been produced by the BYU

entitled, "What About Thad?" (MP088, 20 minutes), which
demonstrates what happens in the life of one who feels that no one
cares or will listen. It is available for a nominal rental fee. See your
meetinghouse librarian for instructions on how to order. The
quorum meeting might be concluded by showing the film or having
someone read the brief story called, "Cipher in the Snow," by Jean
E. Mizer. (This story is included in the Teacher Development Program
Basic Course manual, pp. 29-30.)
Call on four brethren who have been previously assigned to speak
briefly on the following topics:
Topic: Why it is important for your children to know that you hear
and understand them.
Topic: What I do to improve communication skills.
Topic: Listening for feelings as well as to words.

Topic: A personal illustration from your own life that demonstrates
the value and importance of listening.
n Point out that sometimes we hear the words our family members
speak, but do not really listen. Point out also that we are sometimes
more prone to listen well to those outside our family than we are to
those within. Then ask:
1. What can we do in a positive way to demonstrate our desire to
be better listeners at home? (Suggestions given might be listed
on the chalkboard for all to see.)
62
2. In what ways our increased willingness to listen with our
will
hearts as well as our ears improve our ability to communicate
as
a family?
63
1
Lesson 19
Teaching Your Children
Tcachiiie
^^- •11
Your
i
The Value of Work C^nilclren tnC
2 Thessalonians tti ttat t
3:7-12 Value or Work
We must be morewilling to give our youth appropriate responsi-
bility.President Joseph Fielding Smith, who presides over us,
knew responsibility at an early age, and so did his father.
President Joseph F. Smith.
God has given special chores to selected young men. Much of
youthful boredom and restlessness stems from the lengthened
years of study and dependency [upon parents] before full
responsibility and opportunities for services occur; our young
want to be doing things and achieving things. They must be pre-
pared, of course, but there are many' things they could be doing as
they mature. (Harold B. Lee, "Preparing Our Youth," Ensign,
. . .
1:3 [March 1971].)
You should teach your children the value of work, so that

theymay learn to become self-sufficient, happy, and produc-
tive in their temporal affairs.
What Has the Lord

Said About the
Principle of Work? 1
n D&C 107:20, 68. Which order of the priesthood is primarily
concerned with temporal affairs?
Enoch had to talk with and teach his people during a period of
three hundred and sixty years, before he could get them prepared
to enter into their rest, and then he obtained power to translate
himself and his people, with the region they inhabited, their
houses, gardens, fields, cattle, and all their possessions. (Discourses
of Brigham Young, p. 105.)
n D&C 130:18-21. What relationship does our learning principles in

this world have to the priorities given us in eternity?
Enoch had learned enough from Adam and his associates about the
principles governing the elements that he obtained power to take
his portion of the earth and move out a little while,where he
remains to this day.
n Moses 7:13.To what extent had Enoch been taught about the prin-
ciples of working with the elements?
You hope that some day in eternity the young boys in your
64
—
family whether priests, teachers, or deacons will become —
exalted beings, gods, and will use the principles of how to work
with material (matter) in building worlds and creating galaxies.
What can you do now for your son to help him begin to learn the
principles of how to care for the elements, or material?
2 Thessalonians 3:13-15. What does Paul say about able-bodied

saints who will not work?
The Principle
of Work Must
Be Restored. 2
D&C 58:26-29. What obligation does a member in the priesthood
have with regard to work.
"Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle in the lives of
our Church membership." (Heber J. Grant in Conference Report, Oct.
1936, p. 3.)
President David O. McKay taught the Church:

Learn to like your work. Learn to say, "This is my work, my glory,
not my doom." God has blessed us with the privilege of working.
When he said, "Earn thy bread by the sweat of thy brow," he gave
us a blessing. Men and women have so accepted it. Too much
leisure is dangerous. Work is a divine gift. (David O. McKay,
"Man Is That He Might Have Joy," Church News, Aug. 8, 1951, p.
4.)
Fathers Have Grave ^y

Responsibilities to Teach
Their Children to Work.
^
^^
Mosiah 4:14. What obligations do fathers have for their own
families? When a child observes his own father's labors to provide
for the family, will it be easy for him to neglect the temporal care of
his own children when eventually they come?
n President Joseph F. Smith counselled that parents should "give
their children something to do that they might be taught the arts of

industry, and equipped to carry responsibility when it is thrust
upon them." And in another place he said: "Fathers and mothers,
you are largely responsible for the infidelity and indifference of
your children. You can remedy the evil by earnest worship, example,
training, and discipline in the home." (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, pp. 296,
302. Italics added.)
In light of this statement, consider this question: How could a father
plan meaningful and responsible activities for his children?
65
Without a Farm
Brother Clark realizes that his son needs responsibility. His son needs
to begin to learn how to work with material. Brother Clark also knows
that it is a father's responsibility to provide opportunities to work. But
he always satisfies his nagging conscience on the matter by rationaliz-
ing, "If we lived on a farm like I did as a boy, there would be plenty to
have my son do. But here in town, what kind of regular responsibility
could he possibly assume?"
Can you help Brother Clark design responsible activities through
which his son could learn how to care for material things? Perhaps
these could serve as examples:
Home repairs, or improvement projects.
Planning, planting, and care of yard or gardens.
Routine chores for elderly or disabled neighbors or ward members.

Not all positions in the world of work are glorious or are accom-
plished before the public. Children can assume routine family

chores if they can be made to see that their little job is noticed
regularly, is appreciated, and contributes to the overall progress of
the family.

What can I do to teach my children the value of work?
n Invite individual quorum members to read the verses and answer

the various questions outlined in section 1.
Invite a member of the quorum to summarize the responsibilities of

fathers, as outlined in section 3.
Stress the father's responsibility to raise his Aaronic Priesthood

sons and his daughters to faithfully learn and discharge their duties
over temporal things.
Have the quorum members contribute (from their own experience)
additional suggestions for the task listing in section 3. Spend the
larger portion of class in this activity.
Conclude by reviewing President Lee's statement which opens the

lesson.
n Testimony by class leader.
66
pronaf Treating the
Apostasy
1 Timothy 3:1-4 Symptoms of
Spiritual Sickness
A thought for spiritual physicians:

A solemn-faced doctor sympathetically explained to the grief-stricken
parents that their lovely sixteen-year-old daughter, now in the flower
of her life, had no chance for recovery from the mysterious illness that
had suddenly gripped her.
"If only she had come to us sooner," said the doctor, but neither the
girl or her parents could have been expected to recognize the
symptoms.
One must be taught how to recognize the symptoms of a disease. So it
iswith spiritual afflictions. Many could be saved if there were more
concerned persons trained to recognize the symptoms.
You who give priesthood watchcare to your family or to neighboring
families, are you sufficiently informed to recognize the symptoms of
spiritual illness in those committed to your care?
When you have read and pondered these scriptures you will
recognize some of the symptoms which lead one to personal
apostasy, and will be able to help those afflicted to enjoy
recovery.
What Are the

Symptoms of
Î
Spiritual Illness? -^
n 2 Timothy 3:1-4. Identify some of the symptoms of spiritual illness
found in the above scripture that could lead to personal apostasy.
Alma 5:28-34. How does the gospel provide opportunity for mortal
man to overcome these weaknesses?
IsThere Any Indication from 0^

the Scriptures That These Symptoms ^^
Would Be Widespread ^"
in the Latter-Days?
n 2 Nephi 26:20. What problems will afflict the gentiles in the latter
days?
D 2 Nephi 28:12-16. Will the same problem affect some of the Saints?
67
What Are Some Scriptural ^y
Antidotes for the Spiritual
Illness That Could Lead
^
<^
to Personal Apostasy?
n D&C 88:121-26. What is the formula for spiritual strength?

Ephesians 5:1-9. What is Paul's counsel for maintaining spiritual
strength?
Galatians 5:22-25. What characteristics should replace the

symptoms of spiritual illness?
Can You recognize yg

the Symptoms ^1
^
of Personal Apostasy?
n D&C 93:39; 103:7, 8. What did the Lord have to say about personal
apostasy?
How can the following statement of Jeremiah apply to you?

'Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why
then is not the health of the daughter of my people
recovered?" (Jeremiah 8:22.)
Ideas for Quorum Instruction

Use the section headings as questions for discussion.
Assign a class member to prepare a report on the address of Elder Ezra

Taft Benson in Conference Report, April 1969, pages 10-15.
68
Lesson 21
Appreciating
Tcachme Yout
zî .* i
^nd Using the Children to
2 Timothy 3:15 {JgC tHc ScrlptUrCS
Do you knovy a boy who is a deacon, a teacher, or a priest? In a tew

years, he will be able to serve a mission. You may have established a
savings account for that purpose and perhaps have made other
preparations, but:
What Are You Doing Now

toTeach Your Children
to Appreciate and
Use the Scriptures?
You should begin now your children to appreciate

to teach
and use the grow up with a sound
scriptures, so that they will
understanding of the gospel and with respect and love for
these sacred books.
What Is
Father's
Î
Responsibility?
"^
D&C 20:46-59. (Read these passages carefully. Note particularly
verses 46, 58, 59.) What are these young deacons, teachers, and
priests expected to do? How can they do their duty if they do not
know and love the scriptures?
D&C If your son is called to preside over the deacon's

107:85, 86.
quorum, what he expected to do? Can he do this effectively if he
is
does not have some understanding of the scriptures?
n Joseph Smith 2:11, 12. From whom and by what age had Joseph
Smith learned to appreciate and use the scriptures?
n 2 Timothy 3:15-17. When did Timothy begin to appreciate and
understand the scriptures?
n Alma 56:47, 48. What value were the early teachings of their
parents to the 2,000 young Lamanite warriors?
Where 0^
Should Father ^^
Begin? ^"
n 1 Nephi 19:23. How may fathers make the scriptures relevant and
meaningful to their children?
69
n Can a girl who
has not been a part of honest, candid discussions
of gospel principles in her home cope with the criticisms of the
world and the intellectual assaults on her religion? (Harold B. Lee,
''Preparing Our Youth", Ensign 1:3 [Mar. 1971].)
I urge you to get acquainted with this great book. Read it to your
children; they are not too young to understand it. I remember
reading it with one of my lads when he was very young. On one
occasion I lay in the lower bunk and he in the upper bunk. We
were each reading aloud alternate paragraphs of those last three
marvelous chapters of Second Nephi. I heard his voice breaking
and thought he had a cold, but he went on to the end of the three
chapters. As we finished, he said to me, "Daddy, do you ever cry
when you read the Book of Mormon?"
"Yes, son," I answered. "Sometimes the Spirit of the Lord so wit-
nesses to my soul that the Book of Mormon is true that I do cry."
"Well," he said, "that is what happened to me tonight." I know

not all of them will respond like that, but I know that some of
them will, and I tell you this |?ook was given to us of God to read
and to live by, and it will hold us as close to the Spirit of the Lord
as anything I know. Won't you please read it?" (Marion G.
Romney in Conference Report, Apr. 1949, p. 41.)
n Try today, and tomorrow, to make a change in your home by
praying twice a day with your family; call on your children and
your wife to pray with you. Ask a blessing upon every meal you
eat. Spend ten minutes in reading a chapter from the words of the
Lord in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and
Covenants, before you retire, or before you go to your daily toil.
Feed your spiritual selves at home, as well as in public places. Let
love and peace, and the Spirit of the Lord, kindness, charity,
sacrifice for others, abound in your families. BanishJiarshjwords,
envyingfi^-hatr^ds, evil speaking, oj>scerigJanguage_and irmuendo.
blasphemy, ^dletthe_Spirit of God t ake possession of your
hearts.Teach youFcHiidren these things, in spirit and power, sus-
tained and strengthened by personal practice. Let them see that
you are earnest, and practice what you preach. Do not let your
children out to specialists in these things, but teach them by your
own precept and example, by your own fireside. (Smith, Gospel
Doctrine, p. 302.)
What Are Some Ways Father

Can Teach his Children to
Love and Use the Scripture? 3
Alma 17:2-4.What kind of effort is required to leam the gospel?
Bishop Williams put down the telephone. It was a typically busy
night at the bishop's office, and he knew that Brother Smith and his
70
son, Brian Smith, were waiting just outside the door. They had
come to talk to the bishop. As Bishop Williams collected the papers
on his desk, he overheard this conversation:
Brian: "We
have had new revelation. We have new scriptures
which help us understand the Bible."
Brother Smith: "What if the man says that is not so, because John
wrote end of the Bible that no one should add to or take
at the
away anything from the Bible." (See Revelation 22:18, 19.)
Brian: "Then I would refer him to Deuternomy (4:2) where Moses
said the same thing. And if we can't have any of the Bible that
comes after Deuteronomy, then we don't have much of the Bible at
all. We wouldn't even have any of the New Testament."
Brother Smith: "Brian, do you really believe that?"

Brian "Yes, Dad, I do."
As Bishop Williams opened the door and invited Brother Smith
and Brian to come in and sit down, he thought to himself: "Here is
a wise father. He
taking the time to teach his son how to answer
is
some When Brian is old enough to

of the criticisms of the skeptics.
go on a mission, he will be ready."
D&C 68:25. At what age does the Lord expect our children to
understand some of the basic doctrine of the Church?

How can I help my children to learn the scriptures?

What are some ways that we could help our children to understand
some of the basic doctrines of the Church? Invite quorum members
to state their experiences and some of the ways they may have
done this.
What are some ways that we could help our children to learn the
scriptures when they are very young? (Some are suggested here):
Reading stories from the scriptures and from Church history.
Adorning our children's room with pictures of scriptural heroes.
n What are some ways that fathers can best arrange their time so
they will have regular opportunities to read or study the scriptures
with their children? Invite quorum members to share their ideas
about this.
n If you have a deacon, teacher, or priest in your house, how can you
help him to learn the scriptures so that he can perform his duties?
Invite members of the quorum to discuss how this might be done.
n Challenge and testimony.
71
Lesson 22
Missionary
YoilT
r'T°l.hy4:2
Rcsponsibility to
Be a Missionary
At the waters of Mormon, Alma declared that baptized members were
under obligation to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all
things and in all places (Mosiah 18:9). Are you prepared to accept that
challenge?
To no other group of men in all the world is given a better op-
portunity to engage in the noblest calling in life than that which is
afforded the elders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. To establish salvation and peace to the extent of their
inidividual efforts, their lives are dedicated. To make the world a
better or a safer or a fitter place for man, and means
their talents
are consecrated. (David O. McKay, "Serve Your Fellow Men in
Love," Improvement Era, 64:446 [June 1961].)
Is life dedicated to establishing peace and salvation? Have you
your
consecrated your talents and means to making the world a better
place?
You should strive to stand as a witness of God at all times and

in all places, so that those around you may be encouraged to
investigate and to seek the blessings God has promised to the
obedient.
What the Scriptures Teach

Concerning Responsibility to Do
Î
Missionary Work. -^
n 2 Timothy 4:2. When should you do missionary work?
n Matthew 28:19, 20. What was the charge given by the resurrected
Lord to his authorized disciples in the meridian of time?
D&C 1:4, 5. Has that same charge been given to his authorized
servants today?
n D&C 60:2. How does the Lord feel about those who will not speak
up for the cause of truth?
The question is frequently asked: Should every young man fill a

mission? And the answer has been given by the Lord. It is "Yes."
Every young man should fill a mission. He said:
"Send forth the elders of my Church unto the nations which are
afar off: [He said elders. We have been talking about elders.] unto
the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all
72
nations, first upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews." (D&C
133:8.)
He did not limit it.
We now ordain young men at 19 years of age to be elders. The

answer is "yes." Every man should also pay his tithing. Every man
should observe the Sabbath. Every man should attend his meet-
ings. Every man should consummate his marriage in the temple
and properly train his children, and do many other mighty works.
Of course he should. He does not always do it.
We realize that while all men definitely should, all men are not
prepared to teach the gospel abroad. Far too many young men ar-
rive at the missionary age quite unprepared to go on a mission,
and of course they should not be sent. But they should all be pre-
pared. There are a few physically unfit to do missionary service,
but Paul also had a thorn in his side. There are far too many unfit
emotionally and mentally and morally, because they have not
kept their lives clean and in harmony with the spirit of missionary
work. They should have been prepared. Should! But since they
have broken the laws, they may have to be deprived, and thereon
hangs one of our greatest challenges, to keep these young boys
worthy. Yes, we would say, every able worthy man should
shoulder the cross. What an army we should have teaching Christ
and him crucified! Yes, they should be prepared, usually with
saved funds for their missions, and always with a happy heart to
serve.
The Lord says:

"And that every man (Did you catch the words, 'every man?
should take righteousness in his hands and faithfulness upon
his loins, and lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the
earth; and declare both by word and by flight that desolation
shall come upon the wicked." (D&C 63:37.)
(Spencer W. Kimball, Address to Regional Representatives of the
Twelve, April 4, 1974, p. 12.)
D&C 88:81. For whom are we responsible? What does it mean to
"warn your neighbor"?
n D&C 38:41. In what manner should our warnings be given?
What Must You Do to

Prepare Yourself for
^ J^
Missionary Service? ^"
n Matthew 5:16. Does this include being a good example by keeping
unspotted from the sins of the world?
n "Many people have become interested in the Church because of

the friendship and good example of a person who is already a
73
member." (Thomas S. Monson, "Come Unto Me." Improvement Era,
67:509-10 [June 1964].)
n 1 Corinthians 2:3-5. Is it important that you be prepared with great

logic and powerful argument?
D 2 Corinthians 1:21, 25, 27. Why shouldn't you be afraid to ap-
proach even the greatest thinkers of the day with simple testimony
and humility?
n D&C 52:9. What materials should you study as you anticipate the
opportunities of missionary work?
D D&C 50:17, 18, 21, 22. Why is it so important that you preach by
the Holy Spirit?
D&C 42:14. What must you do if you desire to have the Spirit with
you in your efforts to be a missionary?
What Are the

Rewards of Faithful
^^
Missionary Service? ^^
Matthew 10:9, 10. Why is the faithful missionary worthy of
whatever blessings God may choose to bestow upon him?
D Alma 29:9, 10, 14. What is the greatest kind of joy that a
missionary can anticipate?
n I had gone to a certain house several times and had been rejected
and warned not to come back again, but I was prompted to go
again and again. And then as I was attempting to walk past that
house, I was prompted to go in and try again to make contact. I
used the big brass knocker on the English door without any
response. I could see a lady in the front room knitting, and I made
considerable noise with that knocker. She did not come out, and I
went around to the back door. There was no knocker on that
door, so I used my walking stick, and I knocked with considerable
vigor; in fact, it echoed through all the house.
Very soon the lady came out, and her coming out reminded me of
my early days on the farm when I teased a setting hen off the nest.
(I see some of you have had farm experience.) You know that a
setting hen when she is teased off the nest comes off with her
feathers going in the wrong direction, with her beak in perpetual
motion, and this woman reminded me of that.
I apologized and said, "I am sorry to have interrupted you and
have insisted upon an interview, but, my dear sister, I have come

over six thousand miles to bring you a message which the Lord
wants you to have. He sent me here to give you that message. I am
going back to Canada in a few days, and I must tell you what the
Lord wants you to know." She said, "You mean the Lord sent a
message to me!" I said, "That is right; he did."
74
I told her of the restoration of the gospel, the organization of the
Church, and the message of the restoration. She was quite im-
pressed by what told her. And said when left, "1 am sorry to
I 1 1
have disturbed you, but could not refuse to carry out the
1
message and the mission that was given to me when I came here.
When we meet again, and we will meet again, you are going to
say, 'Thank you for coming to my back door. Thank you for lov-
ing me enough to carry the message of the Lord to me. When you
left I could hardly contain myself. I was worried, disturbed, and
wondered what it was all about. I finally went to the mission
home, got some literature, studied, and became a member of the
"
Church with my family/
Ten years later I was in England again, this time as a soldier, and
at the end of the meeting a lady came up with two grown
daughters. She said, "\ do thank God and thank you that you
came to door with that message many years ago. I and my
my
daughters joined the Church, and we are going to Utah in a short
time, and we thank God that you had the courage, the fortitude,
and the faith to come to me with that divine message and to leave
it with me in the name of the Lord." (Hugh B. Brown in Conference
Report, Apr. 1972, pp. 95-96.)

Will you encourage all those around you to be interested in
the Church? Will you stand as a witness of God at all times
and in all places?

Sing or review the words of the hymn "Ye Elders of Israel." {Hymns,
no. 344.)
Assign selected members of the quorum to relate experiences from

their own missions that demonstrate the power of faith, prayer, and
love.
Assign selected members of the quorum to relate experiences they

may have had in missionary efforts with neighbors or friends.
n Describe how those who do interest neighbors or friends in the

Church should coordinate their efforts with stake or local
missionaries.
n Discuss ways in which quorum members may interest those

around them in the Church.
D Read Isaiah 2:2-5; D&C 115:4-6. Why is the most significant

method of missionary work always that we live the gospel
ourselves?
75
Lfso'j/a
Magnifying
Honoring
O
Priesthood Callings
ttlC
Hebrews 5:4-14
Priesthood
Members of the Church of Christ are under obUgation to make
—
the sinless Son of Man their ideal the one perfect being who
ever walked the earth.
Sublimest Example of Nobility
God-like in nature
Perfect in his love
Our Redeemer
Our Savior
The immaculate Son of our Eternal Father
The Light, the Life, the Way
I know he lives and his power is potent; that he is the Son of God,
and that he has restored in this dispensation the complete plan of
salvation. God bless us all that we may hold him as our ideal and
pray for power to be like him. (David O. McKay, 'The
Transforming Power of Faith in Jesus Christ," Improvement Era,
54:478 [June 1951].)
When you complete

this lesson, you should understand bet-
ter how you can follow the example of our great High Priest,
Jesus Christ, in honoring your priesthood.
What Does It
Mean to Honor
the Priesthood? 1
Hebrews 5:8-10. Is the priesthood to which Christ was called the
same as the priesthood to which you are called? How different were
the duties and responsibilities attending his priesthood calling
when compared with your own?
n D&C 107:1-3. What is the official name for the priesthood? What
does it mean to be ''after the Order of the Son of God"? What
would a "holy order" be?
D&C 101:39, 40. What are some of your responsibilities to other

men if you honor your priesthood?
n D&C 101:42. In what spirit must you serve if you honor your
priesthood?
D&C 101:44-54. How does this parable apply to your own office
and calling in the priesthood?
76
We have the same Priesthood that Jesus had, and we have got to
do as He did, to make sacrifice of our own desires and feelings as
he did, perhaps not to die martyrs as He did, but we have got to
make sacrifices in order to carry out the purposes of God, or we
shall not be worthy of this Holy Priesthood. ." (Lorenzo Snow
. .
in Deseret News [Salt Lake City), 31 Jan. 1883, p. 18.)
How Did
the Savior
Honor His Priesthood? 2
D&C 93:12-14. Did the Savior learn the duties of his priesthood
calling a little at a time or all at once? Are you learning your duties
the same way?
n John 5:30. How did the Savior honor the priesthood?

Hebrews 4:14, 15. What special evidence does Paul cite to show
that Christ honored his priesthood? How does this apply to you?
Mark 2:1-12. In using his priesthood to heal physical ailments,
what was Christ endeavoring to do to men's souls? As you use your
priesthood, what should be uppermost in your mind?
How Can You

Honor Your
Priesthood? 3
D&C 84:33. The word magnify means ''to enlarge." What does it
mean to magnify the priesthood?

You cannot realize and appreciate the influence the priesthood in
this Church could have on the whole world if every man would
magnify his priesthood. Brethren, the priesthood, if magnified, is
a stabilizing influence and strength. It should be. Every wife and
mother has a perfect right and responsibility to look to her hus-
band who holds the priesthood for guidance, for strength, and for
direction. And he has the responsibility of magnifying his priest-
hood so he might be able to give this direction, this security, this
strength that is needed in the home. And he can do this. If he will
magnify his priesthood, he will be magnified by the Lord in the
eyes of his family, and his influence will be felt for good. (Tanner,
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, p. 177.)
n D&C 84:109-10. What attitude should you have toward your

specific office and calling in the priesthood?
n 3 Nephi 18:24. How will you know what to do to honor your priest-
hood?
n D&C 84:44; Matthew 4:4. What is expected of you in order to keep
the oath and covenant of the priesthood that you entered into (or
77
will enter into when you receive the Melchizedek Priesthood?)
3 Nephi 17:5-25. How do compassion and love for his fellowmen

fill the life of one who honors his priesthood?
The apostle under no greater commandment to be true to his
is
covenant and membership in the Church than is the ordinary

elder, or seventy, or any other individual holding the priesthood. . . .
Especially is this so, if the elder has received the ordinances of

the house of the Lord. (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:119-20.)

Jesus used the priesthood to bless the lives of others. What
could I do in a priesthood capacity that would be a blessing to
the lives of my immediate family members?

Sing or review the words to the hymn ''Onward, Christian
Soldiers." (Hymns, no. 128.)
Elder Delbert L. Stapley asks seventeen soul-searching questions

about honoring the priesthood. (See Conference Report, Apr. 1957,
pp. 76-77.) Discuss these with your quorum.
n Discuss or have a class report on the various ways' in which the

Savior honored his priesthood, such as by complying with gospel
ordinances, by keeping all the commandments, by serving and
blessing others, by strengthening the Church.
Do the members of the quorum remember to bring their scriptures

to priesthood meeting? What the relationship between searching
is
the scriptures as we have been admonished and honoring the

priesthood we bear?
n Assign one or two of the brethren in advance to relate a story of

someone they know (preferably someone in the quorum) who
honored his priesthood as the lesson describes. List on the chalk-
board ways in which we may all honor our priesthood better.
7S
tSh anl How Do You
K^2:i4.26 Demonstrate
Your Faith?
One day, a group of small boys were swimming. Perhaps it would
be more accurate to say they were learning to swim; for none
could take more than a few strokes. Just below them a short
distance down the stream was a treacherous hole much beyond
their depth. Into this, either through bravado or accident, one dar-
ing youngster either plunged or fell. He became helpless to save
himself; and for a moment his companions were powerless to aid
him. Fortunately, one with presence of mind and quick action,
jerked a long stick from a willow fence and held one end of it
toward the drowning lad. The latter grasped it, held on tightly and
was saved.
All the boys declared that the venturesome lad owed his life to the
boy who furnished the means of rescue.
This is undoubtedly the fact; and yet in spite of the means

furnished him, if the lad had not taken advantage of it, if he had
not put forth all the personal effort at his command, he would
have drowned, notwithstanding the heroic act of his comrade.
In this old world of ours, children of men are playing, swimming,
struggling in the sea of There are those who claim that no one
life.
will sink and be lost if he will look to Jesus on the shore and say,
"I believe." There are others who declare that every one must by
his own efforts swim to the shore or be lost forever. The real truth
is that both of these extremes are incorrect. Christ redeemed all
men from death which was brought upon them through no act of
theirs, but he will not save men from their personal transgressions
who will put forth no effort themselves, any more than the young
rescuer on the river bank could have saved the drowning lad if the
latter had not siezed the means provided him. Neither can man
save himself without accepting the means provided by Christ for
man's salvation. (David O. McKay, ''The Gospel of Work,"
Instructor, 90:1-2 [Jan. 1955].)
As you study and ponder these scriptures, you will under-

stand that faith is a principle of action and that good works,
generated by faith, are essential for entrance into the
kingdom of God.
True Faith in
Jesus Christ Requires
Î
Good Works. -*
79
1
n James 2:14-26. What are the hallmarks of true faith? When is faith
dead?
Matthew 7:16-23. What sure test did the Savior prescribe to de-
termine whether a man has true faith?
Luke 6:46-49. Who has the right to call Jesus Christ his Lord?
Good Works Are #^

the Expression J
D 2 Nephi 31:19-21; Romans 12:9-18. What are some specific things

(works) you must do to obtain eternal life?
n What is the relationship between faith and sacrifice? Let us here
observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all
things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary
unto life and from the first existence of man, the
salvation; for,
faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never
could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was
through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that
men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the
sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they
are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God.
When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's
sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that
he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do
his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will ac-
cept his sacrifice and offering and that he has not, nor will not
seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can ob-
tain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.
It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs
with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in
sacrifice, and by this means obtain faith in God and favor with
him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they, in like manner, offer
unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the
knowledge that they are accepted of him. (Smith, Lectures on Faith,
Lecture 6:7-8.)
n There sat in my office

one day a newly arrived missionary. He was
enthusiasm and a desire to serve, happy
bright, strong, filled with
and grateful to be a missionary. As I spoke with him, I said,
''Elder, I imagine that your father and mother wholeheartedly
support you in your mission call." He lowered his head and re-
plied, "Well, not quite. You see, president, my father is not a
member of the Church. He doesn't believe as we believe, so he
cannot fully appreciate the importance of my assignment."
Without and prompted by a source not my own
hesitating, — —
said to him, "Elder, if you will honestly and diligently serve God
80
inproclaiming his message, your father will join the Church
before your mission is concluded." He clasped my hand in a vice-
like grip; the tears welled up in his eyes and began to roll forth
down his cheeks, and he declared, "To see my father accept the
truth would be the greatest blessing that could come into my life."
This missionary did not sit idly by hoping and wishing that the
promise would be he followed the example
fulfilled; but, rather,
of Abraham Lincoln, of whom
has been said, "When he prayed,
it
he prayed as though everything depended upon God, and then he

worked as though everything depended upon himself." Such was
the missionary service of this young man.
At every missionary conference I would seek him out before the
meetings would ever commence and ask, "Elder, how's dad
progressing?" His reply would invariably be, "No progress,
president, but I know the Lord will fulfill the promise given to me
through you as my mission president." The days turned to weeks
and the weeks to months, and finally, just two weeks before we
ourselves left the mission field to return home, I received the
following letter from the father of this missionary:
Dear Brother Monson:
I wish to thank you so much for taking such good care of my son
who recently completed a mission in Canada. He has been an in-
spiration to us.
My son was promised when he
left on his mission that I would
become a member Church before he returned. This

of the
promise was, I believe, made to him by you, unknown to me.
I am happy to report that I was baptized into the Church one
week before he completed his mission and am at the present time

athletic director of the MIA and have a teaching assignment.
My son is now attending BYU cind his younger brother was also
recently baptized and confirmed a member of the Church.
May I again thank you for all the kindness and love bestowed
upon my son by his brothers in the mission field during the past
two years.
Yours very truly,
A grateful father
(Monson, Pathways to Perfection, pp. 29-30.)
Faith Is a Principle of ^y
Power Which Brings Forth
the Good Works
^
^^
Necessary for Salvation.
n Hebrews 11:1-35. Over two dozen examples of the results of faith

are given in these verses. What was it in the lives of these indi-
81
viduals that brought forth such mighty deeds as are here recorded?
2 Peter 1:5-7. What works does Peter indicate are necessary for one
to be fruitful in his knowledge of Jesus Christ?
n James 1:26, 27. What works are required for one to practice pure
religion?
n If God should speak from heaven, he would command you not to

steal, not to commit adultery, not to covet, nor deceive, but be
faithful over a few things. As far as we degenerate from God, we
descend to the devil and lose knowledge, and without knowledge
we cannot be saved, and while our hearts are filled with evil, and
we are studying evil, there is not room in our hearts for good, or
studying good. Is not God good? Then you be good; if He is faith-
ful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue
knowledge, and seek for every good thing. (Smith, Teachings, p.
217.)
n What evidence indicates that whenever faith is mentioned in the

scriptures, the writershave in mind belief coupled with action not —
just mental assent or verbal acknowledgment?
n Explain how salvation does not come through man's good works
alone, but that it cannot come without them either.
How have you demonstrated your faith in the past wêk?

Does my demonstrate that I believe the principles: Faith
life
without works is dead? How can I demonstrate that I accept

that principle? Will 1 make my faith a living, vital force in my
life?

Chalkboard illustration:
a. Dead Faith
An unbalanced life exemplified

by many professed followers of
Christ
Professed
belief and
verbal
confession
82
b. Dead Works
An unbalanced life exemplified

by the Jews of Christ's day and
by many who trust that a "good
life" is all that is required.
Obedience
to the
letter of
the law
£ The balanced
trance into the
life required for en-
kingdom of God.
Faith, Works,
acceptance obedience
of Jesus to gospel
Christ as require-
the nnents
Redeemer
How would you explain to an investigator that Paul taught that

salvationis dependent upon more than faith (mental acceptance
and verbal confession)? See Philippians 2:12; Titus 1:15, 16;

Romans 12:9-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22; 2 Timothy 2:21; 3:17.
Suggested Five-minute Report
How does the example of Abraham (James 2:21-24 and Genesis
22:1-18) prove James' point that works make faith perfect?
Other References:
Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 107-8, 479-81.
Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:138-40, 306-11.
a3
Lesson 25
Self-mastery
Tanie Thv^
James 3:1-13 TongUC
The Havoc of Profanity
A number of years ago I went with a brother to tow in a wrecked
car. Itwas a single car accident, and the car was demolished; the
driver, though unhurt, had been taken to the hospital for treat-
ment of shock and for examination.
The next morning he came asking for his car, anxious to be on his
way. When he was shown the wreckage, his pent-up emotions
and disappointment, sharpened perhaps by his misfortune,
exploded in a long stream of profanity. So obscene and biting
were his words that they exposed years of practice with profanity.
His words were heard by other customers, among them women,
and must have touched their ears like acid.
One of my
brothers crawled from beneath the car, where he
had been working with a large wrench. He too was upset, and
with threatening gestures of the wrench (mechanics will know
that a 16-inch crescent wrench is a formidable weapon), he
ordered the man off the premises. ''We don't have to listen to that
kind of language here," he said. And the customer left, cursing
more obscenely than before.
Much later in the day he reappeared, subdued, penitent, and
avoiding everyone else; he found my brother.
"I have been in the hotel room all day," he said, "lying on the bed
tormented. I can't tell you how utterly ashamed I am for what
happened this morning. My conduct was inexcusable.
have been I
trying to think of some justification, and I can think of only one

thing. In all my life, never, not once, have I been told that my lan-
guage was not acceptable. I have always talked that way. You
were the first one who ever told me that my language was out of
order." (Boyd K. Packer in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, pp. 126-
27.)
Pondering these scriptures will motivate you to govern your

tongue carefully in order that your speech will not offend
either God or man.
What Is
the Power of
Î
the Tongue? -^
Consider the following scriptures carefully:
James 3:1-13.
84
n Proverbs 15:1-4, 28.
n Proverbs 10:20,21.
n D&C 38:42. How can the tongue violate this command?
The tongue is the most dangerous, destructive, and deadly
weapon available to man. A vicious tongue can ruin the reputa-
tion and even the future of the one attacked. Insidious attacks
against one's reputation, loathsome innuendoes, half-lies about an
individual are as deadly as those insect parasites that kill the heart
and life of a mighty oak. They are so stealthy and cowardly that
one cannot guard against them. As someone has said, "It is easier
to dodge an elephant than a microbe." (Tanner, Seek Ye First the
Kingdom of God, p. 58.)
What Has the Lord

Commanded Us ^
^F
Concerning Our Speech? ^^
List the command by each reference.
n Exodus 20:7
n Exodus 20:16
n Matthew 5:34, 37
n Psalm 34:13
n 2 Timothy 2:16
n Colossians 3:9
He is a weak man who will curse or condemn some loved one be-
cause of a little accident. What good does it do him? He would be
a man he would develop his spirit and control that anger, con-
if
trol histongue. A little thing? Trace it, and you will find that not
yielding and not controlling it bring many an unhappy hour in
your home. (McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 490.)
Are You Responsible #^

Things
for the
You Say?
^
^^
Think through the following words of the scriptures:
85
n Matthew 12:36, 37.
n Alma 12:14.
Of these scriptures President Spencer W. Kimball has said: When

Iwas about fourteen years of age I read the Bible through. ... I
read what the Savior said to the people of Palestine [quotes Mat-
thew 12:36, 37].
This seemed to me far-fetched, for when I "cussed" the cows
which struck me in the eyes with their cocklebur-matted tails or
kicked over the milk bucket, 1 looked around there was not a
single soul in the corral to hear me; and though the cow could
hear, perhaps she could not interpret. And when 1 quarreled with
my brothers out in the field, I was sure there were no other ears
within many blocks. How then could one be judged by his words?
That was bad enough, but there was worse to follow, for I later
read in the Book of Mormon the words of a prophet saying that
even our thoughts will condemn us. [Quotes Alma 12:14.]
It iswell for all of us to realize that our thought sins as well as all
other sins are recorded in heaven. (Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness,
pp. 107-8. Italics added.)

Do have a problem controlling my tongue? Do I speak ill of
I
others? Do I spread gossip? Are others hurt by what I say? Do

I take the Lord's name in vain or use other expressions unbe-
coming a servant of the Lord? What must I do to purify my

speech and tame my tongue?

At least a week quorum meeting, assign
prior to this discussion in
each of the following questions to a member of the quorum for a
response of no more than five minutes:
n How important is a truthful tongue in business?

n How can you eliminate the off-color story from your life?
n How can you learn to speak kindly and with consideration rather
than coarsely or discourteously?
How is what one says and the words he uses related to his
character?
Give experiences of the value of taming the tongue in your own

life.
Sing or review the words to the hymn "'School Thy Feelings."

{Hymns, no. 340.)
86
pSCL^fng Performing
Priesthood
Ordinances
Priesthood Blessings
C'
James 5.14, 15 ^nd Ordinanccs
Have you ever been asked to bless a baby or confirm a person a
member of the Church and not known how to do it? When at a hos-
pital or at the home of a friend have you ever been asked to anoint the
sick or seal the anointing and felt unsure? Or, has your wife or child
needed to be blessed but you did not know what to do?
When you have studied and pondered this lesson you should
understand how to perform ordinances that pertain to the
Melchizedek Priesthood, so that you may perform the ordi-
nances in your home and Church responsibilities.
What Charge Did the

Lord Give to All
Hold the Priesthood?
Who
1
n D&C 107:99.
There are no set forms for priesthood ordinances performed out-
side the temples with the exception of baptism and the adminis-
tration of the sacrament. However, all ordinances are performed
in the name and in the authority of the priesthood.
of Jesus Christ
Brethren performing ordinances should live so as to have the
guidance of the Holy Ghost, and they should seek by observation
and the experience of others to use the most appropriate language
in specifying what is being done in any ordinance and in express-
ing the thoughts placed in their minds by the Spirit. (Melchizedek
Priesthood Handbook, 1964, p. 41.)
How Is a Child
Named and Blessed? ^
î
^"
(D&C 20:70.)
Take the child in the arms of those officiating, or place hands on
the child's head if an older child.
n Address our Heavenly Father as in prayer.

State the authority (Melchizedek Priesthood) by which the ordi-
nance is performed.
Give the child a name.
Add such words of blessing as the Spirit dictates.
n Close in the name of Jesus Christ.
How Is 0^
Baptism
Performed?
^
^^
Stand in the water with the person to be baptized.
Hold the candidate's right wrist in your lefi: hand, then have the lefl:
hand of the candidate hold your left wrist.

Raise your right arm to the square.
n Call the candidate by his full name and say the baptismal prayer.
(D&C 20:73.)
n Place your right hand high on candidate's back and completely im-
merse him.
Assist the candidate in coming up out of the water.
How Is Confirmation
and Bestowal of the
Holy Ghost Performed? 4
Lay hands on the head of the person to be confirmed.
Call the person by his full name.
n State the authority (Melchizedek Priesthood) by which the ordi-

nance is performed.
n Confirm the person a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints.
Bestow the Holy Ghost, and say to the person being confirmed:
Holy Ghost."
''Receive the
Add such words of blessing as the Spirit dictates. Blessings should

be appropriate and not unduly long.
n Close in the name of Jesus Christ.
See D&C 20:43; 35:6; 39:23.
Where Are mm
the Sacrament
Prayers Found?
^
^^
D D&C 20:77.
D DifeC 20:79.
88
How Does One Confer the
Priesthood and Ordain
to an Office Therein? 6
Lay hands on the individual's head.
n Call the person by his full name.

State the priesthood authority (Melchizedek Priesthood or Aaronic
Priesthood) by which the ordinance is performed.
Confer the Melchizedek or Aaronic Prieshtood, as the case may be,

unless previously conferred.
Ordain to the specific office in the priesthood and bestow all rights,
powers, and authority pertaining to the office.

Add such words of blessing as the Spirit dictates.
Close in the name of Jesus Christ.
Moroni 3:1-4.
How Is Olive Oil Consecrated âm

to Be Used in
to the Sick?
i Administering J
Hold the open container of olive oil.
Address our Heavenly Father as in prayer.
State the authority (Melchizedek Priesthood) by which the oil is

consecrated.
Consecrate the oil for the blessing and anointing of the sick.
In Administering
to the Sick,
How Is Anointing Done? 8
The anointing is done by one Melchizedek Priesthood holder.
n Anoint the head of the sick person, using a small amount of oil.
Call the person by name.

n State the authority (Melchizedek Priesthood) by which the ordi-
nance is performed.
State that you are anointing with consecrated oil.
State that you are acting in the name of Jesus Christ.
89
In Administering to the >«^
Sick, How Is Sealing ^M
nf tViP Anninfincr Dnnp? ^^
Generally two or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their
hands on the head of the sick person. One of them acts as voice.
Call the sick person by name.
nance is performed.
Seal and confirm the anointing that has already taken place.
Pronounce a blessing as the Spirit dictates.
D D&C 42:43, 44.
How Are
Graves
Dedicated? 10
This should be done by one holding the Melchizedek Priesthood as
designated by the bishop after consultation with the family.
Address our Heavenly Father as in prayer.

nance is performed.
Dedicate and consecrate the burial plot as the resting place for the
body of the deceased (full name of deceased).
Appropriately, if desired, pray to the Lord that this spot of earth

may be a hallowed and protected place until the time appointed for
the body to be resurrected and reunited with the spirit.
Request the Lord to comfort the family and add such expressions as
the Spirit dictates.
A Father May Give Blessings

Without Oil to
ÎI
^
Members of His Family. "^ "^
n Genesis 49:1-28. Jacob blessed each member of his family.
n 2 Nephi 2-4. Lehi delivered a final blessing to his family.

Besides learning how to perform priesthood ordinances
90
properly, what else can I do to prepare myself to minister to
the daily spiritual needs of my family? Can 1 do something
even if my family is raised and gone?

The time would probably be spent mostprofitably by reviewing each
ordinance and answering any questions the quorum members may
ask.
At the end of the discussion comment may be given from the follow-
ing sources:
1. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, pp. 211-13.
2. Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:190-91, 329.
Consecrating small bottles of oil may be an appropriate activity to

give members of the quorum an opportunity to participate in some of
these ordinances.
91
ISring Teaching Your
^PeTertr** Soiis to HonoF
Womanhood
Just the otherday one of my daughters was a httle bit upset at her
mother. She came to me to point out what she thought were some
of her mother's shortcomings. I listened to her for a moment and
then I broke in, and I said, ''Now just a minute. I suppose you
know whom you are talking about. Remember, your mother is my
sweetheart, and I have chosen her to be my partner forever."
Needless to say, the criticism stopped rather abruptly. (Paul H.
Dunn in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 90.)
Will a son who has never been taught to honor his mother be
naturally inclined to honor his future wife?
Will God ignore offenses given by men to those who have been called
to be the mothers of men?
You should understand that your sons will be more inclined

to honor womanhood when they see that you honor
womanhood in the home and elsewhere.
God Loves His

Daughters As Well
Î
Ac T-Iic Qrtrtc ^^"
1 Corinthians 11:11. What does this scripture indicate concerning

the woman's relationship to the man in the plan of salvation?
The woman will not go there [to exaltation] alone, and the man
will not go there alone, and claim exaltation. They may attain a
degree of salvation alone, but when they are exalted, they will be
exalted according to the law of the celestial kingdom. They cannot
be exalted in any other way. (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 276.)
Luke 1:26-35. What evidence does this scripture provide which
shows God's favor of women in general and of Mary in particular?
Let women everywhere pause and consider well this great truth:
Theirs isthe right to bear and rear to maturity, as well as to
influence for good or ill, the precious souls of men. This power is
truly priceless, and proves that our Father is entirely fair and does
prove his love and trust of his daughters as well as his sons. (John
A. Widtsoe, Church News, 7 Jan. 1967, p. 2.)
1 Peter 3:7. What special counsel does Peter give to the priesthood
of the Church? How does this counsel apply today?
92
There nothing in the teachings of the gospel which declares that
is
men are superior towomen. The Lord has given unto men the
power of the priesthood and sent them forth to labor in his
service. A woman's calling is in a different direction. The most noble,
exalting calling of all is that which has been given to women as the mothers
of men. Women do not hold the priesthood, but and true,
if they are faithful
they will become priestesses and queens
kingdom of God, and that im-
in the
plies that they will be given authority. The women do not hold the
priesthood with their husbands, but they do reap the benefits com-
ing from that priesthood. (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:178.)
What Do the
Scriptures Say About
^
^^
Honoring Womanhood? ^"
Ephesians 5:25-29. Paul taught that men should honor women in
what ways?
Proverbs 6:20-22. How should a mother's counsel be regarded?
John 19:25-27. In what way did the Savior teach us to honor
womanhood?
D&C 121:41-43. What qualities of leadership does a wife ap-
preciate in her husband?
How Can You Teach

Your Sons to
Honor Womanhood? 3
Colossians 3:19-21. How can children best honor their parents and
thus please the Lord? What evidence do you see in this passage of
scripture to indicate how children may best learn to honor
womanhood?
One of the best ways to teach your sons respect for womanhood
and its associated virtues is to respect your wife and their mother.
One teen-age son reported to a teacher that his highest standard
while dating was the way he had observed his dad always treating
his mother — by example, which is the best and the greatest
lesson. . . . Let your children know of the love that you have for
your wife. (Paul H. Dunn in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 90.)
n D&C 42:22, 23. What is perhaps one of the most effective ways that
a father can teach his sons to honor womanhood?
n ''Satan's greatest threat today is to destroy the family, and to make
mockery of the law of chastity and the sanctity of the marriage
covenant." (Harold B. Lee, Church News, 19 Aug. 1972, p. 3.) In light
of this statement by President Lee, what responsibility do fathers
have to teach their sons to respect and protect girls?
93
We have a responsibility to our sisters, boys. Every sister should
look to a brother who holds the priesthood, whether he is 12 years
of age or older, and she has a right to expect in him a living
example of what the priesthood should be, and to look to him for
strength and counsel and direction and to feel safe with him.
Every sweetheart should be able to depend entirely on a young
man holding the priesthood who is going out with her. She should
be able to feel he would do anything, even to the giving of his life,
to protect her womanhood and her virtue, and would never think
of depriving her of it, if he is magnifying his priesthood; and he
will not be tempted if he is thinking of the priesthood that he
holds and the responsibility that he has. (N. Eldon Tanner in
Conference Report, Apr. 1970, p. 53.)
Proverbs 31:10-28. For what special qualities should children be

taught to honor women? In what specific way can a father set a
proper example of honor? (See verse 28.)
Without the wonderful work of the women, I realize that the
Church would have been a failure. The mother in the family, far
more than the father, is the one who instills in the hearts of the
children a testimony and a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our
fathers and mothers came here in the early days for the one and
—
only thing to serve the Lord, and to labor for the salvation of hu-
manity; and wherever you find a woman who is devoted to this
work, almost without exception you will find that her children are
devoted to it. She shapes their lives more than the father, because
he is away much more; his associations in the world take him
away from the family circle; so that to our mothers we owe
everything. I, of course, owe everything to my mother, because
my father died when I was only nine days of age; and the mar-
velous teachings, the faith, the integrity of my mother have been
an inspiration to me. (Grant, Gospel Standards, pp. 150-51.)
Will a son who has heard his father use abusive and vulgar lan-
guage about women be encouraged to honor womanhood as the
Lord directs?
If a father never extends common courtesies to his wife (opens the
door for her, seats her at the table, rises when she first comes into a
room), how can he teach his sons to honor womanhood?

What can I do to demonstrate to my children or other young
people that truly honor womanhood? What example do
I I
show? Where can I improve?

Ask the following questions of quorum members, permitting them
to think about each one for about ten seconds.
94
a. What can you do to honor wonnanhood? What do you do?
b. What specific things can you do to show your children or
grandchildren that you truly honor womanhood?
c. What things do your sons need to know in order to honor
womanhood better, and what plans do you have for instruct-
ing them?
Select certain members of the quorum to read or summarize

selected statements that are quoted in the lesson. Discuss each
statement in terms of the following question: What does this state-
ment teach us about honoring womanhood?
Challenge your brethren to a greater awareness of the contribution
that women make to the Lord's plan by reading and explaining
Proverbs 31:10-28. Then ask: When was the last time you told your
wife in front of your children that you appreciate her?
95
Lesson 28
Salvation for
Whv^
TrSeTLs-zo
Genealogical
Research?
Brother Wiser had been a member of the Church only one year. At
the time of his interview to determine worthiness to receive the Mel-
chizedek Priesthood and be ordained to the office of an elder, the
Branch President said: "Brother Wiser, following your ordination it
will be your great privilege to enter the temple of the Lord and have
your wife and children sealed to you for time and all eternity. But
what of your parents and grandparents? They died without these great
blessings. What will you do for them? Would you not wish to become
a means of assisting them to achieve salvation? The scriptures refer to
such a person as a savior o'n Mount Zion." (Obadiah 21.)
Brother Wiser sat without moving. The expression savior on Mount
Zionwas new to him. He did not comprehend its meaning.
Do you know what a savior on Mount Zion is? or what he does? Have
you made or are you now making specific preparations to fulfill your
obligation to those who died without the special bles'sings of the
gospel?
As you study and ponder these scriptures, you should under-

stand that the same principles and ordinances of the gospel
that will save a living man or woman will save one who no
longer is in mortality.
Is the Gospel
for the Living
^
I
Alone? -*
n 1 Corinthians 15:19. What is our true condition if our hope in
Christ is limited to mortality alone?
n John 5:24, 25. What special promise did the Savior make concern-
ing the dead?
1 Peter 3:18-20; 4:6. How and when was this promise fulfilled?
Why preach the gospel to the dead?

Why did he [Jesus] preach to these disobedient spirits? Surely not
to increase their torments, to taunt them for not accepting of his
truth in the days of the prophets! He took the glorious message of
. . .
the gospel and proclaimed it to the dead with the promise that they, if they
would obey it, should partake of its blessings. (Smith, Doctrines of Salva-
tion, 2:159-60.)
96
^
What Ordinances Are ^^

Necessary for
Claim Eternal
Men
Life?
to ^
^"
Certain basic ordinances are essential for all who would inherit
eternal life. Moreover, the same ordinances that will save a living
man on earth will save one in the spirit world also. What are these
basic ordinances all must receive?
Mosiah 18:7-10. What is the ordinance by means of which men

make an initial covenant with God?
Acts 8:14-17. What is the second ordinance of salvation?
D&C 84:33-44. What else must men do to qualify for eternal life?
D&C 132:19; 131:1-4. What order of priesthood must men enter
into in order to obtain the highest degree of celestial glory?
By What Powers Are

These Blessings Made
^^
Available to the Dead? ^^
To the Lord there is no death; all of his children are alive unto him.
The ordinances of the gospel, however, are earthly ordinances
which must be performed in mortality in order to be binding in
eternity. What special power makes these ordinances available to
the dead?
Matthew 16:18, 19. What did the Savior promise Peter?

Matthew 17:1-9. How is this promise fulfilled?
n 'The Savior, Moses and Elias [Elijah] gave the keys to Peter, James,
and John on the mount when they were transfigured before him."
(Joseph Smith, Teachings, p. 158.)
D&C 27:12. How did Joseph Smith receive those same keys?
n D&C 110:11-16. Who else brought keys of the holy priesthood in
this dispensation?
n What the significance of the keys brought by the Prophet

is
Elijah?So Elijah came, having the keys of sealing, and the power
has been given unto us by which we may reach out after the dead.
This sealing power embraces those who are dead, who are willing
to repent and to receive the gospel, who died without that
knowledge, just the same as it reaches out for those who repent
who are living. That is the work of Elijah. (Smith, Doctrines of Sal-
vation, 3:130.)
97
Why Should You m
Do Genealogical £^
Research? ^
The necessary ordinances behalf of the dead can only be
in
performed as the dead are properly identified. This is the major pur-
pose of genealogical research as it relates to Latter-day Saints. The
Church is primarily concerned with four general areas of identifica-
tion:
Name: the full name of each person.

Dates: The birth, marriage, and death dates.
Places: The place of birth, marriage, and death.
Relationships: The parents, brothers, sisters, spouse, and children.
Each we add
helps to further identify an
bit of genealogical data
ancestor. As we identify these people and labor for them in the
temples of God, we become, to them, saviors on Mount Zion. We
do for them that which they cannot do for themselves.
In 1971, Elder Howard W. Hunter identified the increased interest
in genealogical work:
Prior to the building of temples in this dispensation and the ap-
pearance of Elijah, there was little and
interest in seeking out
identifying families of the past. Since temples have been built,
genealogical interest in the world has increased at an accelerating
rate. (Howard W. Hunter, ''Elijah the Prophet,'' Ensign, 1:12 [Dec.
1971], p. 72.)

As I my specific responsibilities and
think of opportunities in
relation to my dead ancestors, what should I do to make the
blessings of the gospel available to those who cannot help
themselves? What do I need to do to become a savior on
Mount Zion? Will I do it?

Invite someone knowledgeable in genealogy to demonstrate to the
class:
a. The use and value of a pedigree chart.
b. The use and value of a family group sheet.
c. The simplicity of the present method for submitting names for
temple ordinance work.
Are there any in the group or quorum who have enjoyed unusual
faith-promoting experiences where genealogical research is con-
cerned? If so, invite them to share their experiences and bear their
testimonies.
98
Write the four basic areas of identification on the chalkboard:
names, dates, places, and relationships. Briefly show how each
additional bit of genealogical data helps to further identify an an-
cestor. Then engage the class in a discussion by means of the
following questions:
a. Why does the Church go to such great lengths and cost to
microfilm records from all over the world?
b. How can those who are not residents of Salt Lake City obtain
these records?
Assign someone, preferably one of the group or quorum

presidency, to bring his genealogical records to class as an example
of what is wanted in record keeping.
99
prShood
Helping Fathers to
fpêr^Ts
*"^ spiritually Nourish
Their Families
How important to your health is good nutrition?
What happens to the body when it is deprived of food and drink
for long periods of time?
What is the relationship between proper physical nourishment and

your ability to function at your highest capacity?
What parallels between starving our physical bodies and
exist
depriving our spirits of needed spiritual nourishment?
We know the body can die. Is there such a thing as spiritual death?
(See Helaman 14:16-19.) What are its causes?
When you have completed the study of this lesson, you

should have a greater awareness of your opportunity and
duty as a priesthood representative (home teacher) to en-
courage and strengthen fathers in the spiritual care of their
families.
God Has Given a

Special Charge to the
Î
Priesthood Bearers. .^L
1 Peter 5:1-5. What special charge did the apostle Peter give to the
priesthood of his day? What promise does he make to those who
faithfully obey this charge? (See verse 5.)
n Acts 20:28-32. How can you assist the fathers and through them
their families as a home teacher to avoid the ''perverse things" of
our day?
n Love the work, do your best, then leave the conversion to the
workings of the Spirit of the Lord; and know this, that when you
have done your duty, the peace and satisfaction that come will
more than compensate for any rebuff, resentment, or opposition,
that might be manifest. You young [home] teachers may come
home and feel that your labor has been in vain. A young teacher
said not long ago, "Do we need to go back to the house where the
man uses tobacco and says he is going to continue to use it, and
his wife favors his using it?" Yes; go back again and again, you do
your duty, and leave the rest to the Lord. (McKay, Gospel Ideals, p.
174.)
100
—
John 10:11-15. Who is the "chief shepherd" of men's souls? What

sure evidence did he give that he was a true shepherd and not just
one who was hired to care for the sheep temporarily?
n John 21:15-17. What counsel did the Savior give to Peter in making
him an "under-shepherd"? Who are the "lambs" of a man's family?
Who are his "sheep"? What did Christ indicate was to be the
supreme test of one who loves the Lord?
How Can Priesthood

Representatives
Assist Fathers? 2
n D&C 20:51, 53-55. List the home teachers' responsibilities.
Home teaching, properly functioning, brings to "the house of

each member" two priesthood bearers divinely commissioned
and authoritatively called into the service by their priesthood
—
leader and bishop. These home teachers priesthood bearers
carry the heavy and glorious responsibihty of representing the
Lord Jesus Christ in looking after the welfare of each Church
member. They are to encourage and inspire every member to discharge his
duty, both family and Church. (Marion G. Romney, General
Conference Home Teaching Meeting, April 8, 1966, p. 2. Italics
added.)
n VVe are to be thinking of a new name instead of teacher attached to

these priesthood visitors. The word teaching suggests that they are
to go there to teach a gospel message, and that primarily isn't
what we expect the home teachers of today to do. They are home
visitors; they are priesthood home visitors to inquire into the
health of the family and to see if they are doing their family
duties, and if they are assuming their Church responsibilities.
(Harold B. Lee, Regional Representatives Seminar, April 2, 3,
1969.)
We must do something to change the emphasis from teaching to

guardians watching over the Church kind of concept. Until we can
get that into their minds, we are not going to do the kind of home
teaching that is going to get results. I think something should be
thought in that direction. (Harold B. Lee, Regional Representa-
tives Seminar, April 1972.)
n The following statement by Elder William Cahoon illustrates how a

priesthood representative can encourage a father in his responsi-
bilities:
I was called to act as a ward teacher to visit the

and ordained
families of the Saints. got along very well till I found that I was
I
obliged to call and pay a visit to the Prophet. Being young, only
about seventeen years of age, [he was born in 1813], I felt my
weakness in visiting the Prophet and his family in the capacity of
101
—
a teacher. I almost felt like shrinking from duty. Finally 1 went to
his door and knocked, and in a minute the Prophet came to the
door. I stood there trembling, and said to him: "Brother Joseph, 1
have come to visit you in the capacity of a teacher, if it is con-
venient for you."
He said, "Brother William, come right in; am glad to see you; sit
1
down in that chair there and will go and call my family in."
I
They soon came in and took seats. He then said, "Brother

William, I submit myself and family into your hands," and then
took his seat. "Now, Brother William," said he, "ask all the ques-
tions you feel like."
By this time my fears and trembling had ceased, and I said,

"Brother Joseph, are you trying to live your religion?"
He answered, "Yes."
I "Do you pray in your family?"
then said
He said "Yes."
"Do you teach your family the principles of the gospel?"
He repled "Yes, I am trying to do it."
"Do you ask a blessing on your food?"
He answered "Yes."
"Are you trying to live in peace and harmony with all your
family?"
He said that he was.
I turned to Sister Emma, his wife, and said, "Sister Emma, are you
trying to live your religion? Do you
teach your children to obey
their parents? Do you try to teach them to pray?" To all these
questions she answered "Yes, I am trying to do so."
I then turned to Joseph and said, "I am now through with my
questions as a teacher; and now if you have any instructions to
give, I shall be happy to receive them." He said "God bless you.
Brother William; and if you are humble and faithful, you shall
have power to settle all difficulties that may come before you in
the capacity of a teacher." I then left my parting blessing upon
him and his family, as a teacher, and took my departure.
("Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith," Juvenile Instructor,
27:493 [Aug. 15, 1892].)
Is there a way to influence the life of an inactive father?
In thehome and family we often have the only anchor to an inac-

tivequorum member. I am thinking of a young man with whom
we have been working for some months. The only avenue of
strength and tie that we have to this man is his wife. He loves her.
Beyond seems to be no one or no thing that appeals to
that there
him. So and his family have to be the tie, the thread, for
his wife
appropriate involvement. We have worked with this prospective
elder and tried to touch him through the thread that is available
that he loves his wife and nothing else seems to matter. We have
102
tried to impress upon him that he has an opportunity and obhga-
tion in his home. A letter came from him in the last few days. I
would like to share just a few lines with you.

''Dear Elder Ashton, have had some real problems the last few
I
weeks, and I am sure you

are aware of them. I had the bright idea
of working two jobs, sixteen hours a day. This would only give
me four hours' sleep. I couldn't handle it and I walked off the job.
Then I couldn't face my wife so I stayed out and started drinking
and thinking and they don't mix. Elder Ashton, I have taken some
falls and now I am going to take some stands. We have started go-
ing to our ward, taking my wife with me as you suggested, and it's
been the best thing that has happened to us in a long time. I love
and respect you and my wife more than anyone in this world, and
I am going to start doing something about it now."
As mentioned, the only way to impress and influence this young

man through his family, because he admits he loves his wife
is
and knows that he has a sacred obligation there to resolve. And

then he concludes with these punch words that I hear and feel all
of our people in our quorums would say to us, sometimes so
faintly we can't hear them: "Stick with me friend. Sincerely
yours."
"Stick with me friend," rings through my ears, and I hope it will
ring through your ears. hear these people crying to us when they
1
don't even know they are crying. Their hearts are saying, "Stick
with me friend." (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "Six Goals for Quorum
Training," Seminar for Regional Representatives of the Twelve,
Oct. 4, 1973, pp. 1-2.)

As I consider my responsibility to feed the flock, what can I
do to assist the Father during my visits? Do I know their

needs? Am I preparing myself so as to fulfill those needs? Am
I a friend?
n This discussion might be led by a member of the quorum

presidency.
Summarize the major duties as outlined in D&C 10:51, 53, 54. Read
the statements in the lesson under section 2, How Can Priesthood
Representatives Assist Fathers?
n The major emphasis of this lesson is that a priesthood representa-

tive's duty "watch over the church," to "strengthen," and to
is to
"see that the church meet together often." It does not say that the
priesthood representative should teach families. This is the father's
duty. Discuss the following:
103
1. What the priesthood representative should do when he visits a
home.
2. How he can encourage a father to do his duty.
Use examples of effective priesthood watchcare in your quorum.
Testimony of class leader.
104
pfrXôHhe How to Be
Divine Nature
2 Peter 1:4
MotC GodHIce
In Nature
If you wish to go where God you must be hke God, or possess

is,
the principles which God if we are not drawing

possesses, for
towards God in principle, we are going from him and drawing
towards the devil. (Smith, Teachings, p. 216.)
You should understand that in order to be a partaker of the

divine nature, you must strive to be obedient and to develop
the attributes of Godliness that are inherent in you.
It Is Possible for
You to Be More
Codlike in Nature. 1
2 Peter 1:4. What did Peter teach about the divine nature?
n 3 Nephi 12:48; 27:27. What commandment did Jesus give to those

who presided over the Nephite Church?
1 Nephi 3:7. What promise does God always give to those who
receive his commandments? Is there a way to obey the command-
ment that instructs the Saints to become like God?
You do not remember it, I do not remember it, but nevertheless
there was we ever came into this world when we
a time before
dwelt in his presence.We knew what kind of a being he is. One
thing we saw was how glorious he is. Another thing, how great
was his wisdom, his understanding, how wonderful was his
power and his inspiration. And we wanted to be like him. And
because we wanted to be like him, we are here. We could not be
like him and stay in his presence, because we did not have glo-
rious bodies of flesh and bones. We were just spirits, and the
spiritdoes not have flesh and bones. But we saw him in his glory,
and it was made known to us that by keeping his commandments
and observing every covenant that would be given to us on this
earth, we could come back again into his presence, receiving our
—
bodies in the resurrection from the dead our spirits and bodies
being united again, inseparable, never again to be divided.
If we will just be true and faithful to every covenant, to every
principle of truth that he has given us, then after the resurrection
we would come back into his presence, and we would be just like
he is. We would have the same kind of bodies bodies that —
would shine like the sun. (Smith, Take Heed to Yourselves, p. 345.)
105
—
The teaching here involved is that men may be perfect even as
their Father in heaven is perfect. It is that the Father is a glorified,
exalted,and perfected Man, who has all power, all might, and all
dominion, and who lives in the family unit.

It is Exemplar "received a fulness of the glory of
that Christ our
the Father/' and thatwe too may advance and progress until we
become like them and have exaltation with them in the celestial
kingdom. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Address at Snow College, May
14, 1972, p. 2.)
You Have Got

to Learn
to Be a God.
How
2
D&C 93:27, 28. How can a person acquire a fulness of knowledge?
Philippians 2:6. What did Paul teach about becoming like God?
1 John 3:2, 3. What did John say that men must do if they desire to
be like God?
n Then President Snow, addressing himself to Paul, and referring to

the words written by John, penned these lines:
Dear Brother:
Hast thou not been unwisely bold,
Man's destiny to thus unfold?
To raise, promote such high desire.
Such vast ambition thus inspire?
no phantom that we trace
Still, 'tis
Man's ultimatum in life's race;

This royal path has long been trod
By righteous men, each now a God:
As Abra'm, Isaac, Jacob, too.
First babes, then men — to gods they grew.
As man now is, our God once was;
As now God is, so man may be,
Which doth unfold man's destiny
For John declares: When Christ we see
Like unto him we'll truly be.
And he who has this hope within. I
Will purify himself from sin. . . .
The boy, like to his father grown.

Has but attained unto his own;
To grow to sire from state of son.
Is not 'gainst Nature's course to run.
A son of God,like God to be.
Would not be robbing Deity;
And he who has this hope within.
Will purify himself from sin.
106
—
You're right, St. John, supremely right;

Whoe'er essays climb this height.
to
Will cleanse himself of sin entire
Or else 'twere needless to aspire.
Now hold this glorious hope out to you as the goal toward which
I
all members
of the Church should strive. Our whole purpose in
life should be to do those things which will enable us to gain
eternal life, and eternal life is the name of the kind of life
possessed by the Father and the son; it is exaltation in the eternal
realms.
I remind you that eternal life is reserved for those who believe
and obey, for those who keep the commandments, for those who
enter into the Lord's law of eternal marriage and who then keep
the covenant made incident to that holy order of matrimony.
I pray that the Lord will give each of us an understanding of the
Plan of Salvation, and that we shall all so strive and live as to

merit the high rewards that come from full obedience to its terms
and conditions. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Address at Snow College,
May 14, 1971, pp. 5-7.)
Moroni 7:48. What part does prayer have in the effort to develop
the attributes of Godliness?
n If a man gets a fullness of the priesthood of God he has to get it in

the same way that Jesus Christ obtained it, and was by keep-
that
ing all the commandments and obeying all the ordinances of the
house of the Lord. (Smith, Teachings, p. 308.)
The question is frequently asked, "Can we not be saved without

going through with all those ordinances? I would answer. No, not
the fulness of salvation. Jesus said, there are many mansions in

my Father's house, and I will go and prepare a place for you.
House here named should have been translated kingdom; and any
person who is exalted to the highest mansion has to abide a ce-
lestial law, and the whole law too. (Smith, Teachings, p. 331.)
How Can You Develop

the Attributes
of Godliness? 3
n Vslhen you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step
by step, until you arrive at the
and so it is with the principles of the
top;
Gospel —
you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the
principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed
through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be
comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our
salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave. (Smith, Teachings, p.
348.)
n D&C 93:12-14, 17. Did Jesus gain a fulness all at once? What does
it mean to go from grace to grace?
107
D&C 93:19-20. Does the Lord expect man to develop the attributes
of Godhness in son\e way other than the way Jesus did it?
God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits
enthroned in yonder heavens. . . .
7^ is the first principle of the Gospel toknow for a certainty the Character of
God, and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses
with another, and that he was once a man like us; yea, that God himself, the
Father of us all, dwelt on an earth. . . .
—
Here, then, is eternal Ufe to know the only wise and true God;
and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be
kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before
you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and
from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from
you attain to the resurrection of the
exaltation to exaltation, until
dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in
glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. And I
want you to know that God, in the last days, while certain indi-
viduals are proclaiming his name, is not trifling with you or me."
(Smith, Teachings, pp. 345-47.)
Will it Make a Difference?

Will you strive to develop the attributes of godliness? Will
you will to become more loyal, holy, judicious, patient,
gracious, and strive to develop all the other attributes of god-
liness? Will you try to become more like him who is the
father of your spirit?

Sing or review the words of the hymn ''Nearer, My God, to Thee.''
{Hymns, no. 124.)
As man draws upon the powers of God to serve and bless the lives of
those around him, he becomes more and more like God. (D&C 50:21-
24.)
Review and discuss the passages and the statements cited in the
lesson.It is important that the concepts reflected by these passages
and statements be understood.

Read the following statement by President Harold B. Lee:
The most important of all the commandments of God is that one
you're having the most difficulty keeping today. If it's one of
dishonesty, one of unchastity, if it's one of falsifying, not
if it's
today is the day for you to work on that until

telling the truth,
you've been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the
next one that's most difficult for you to keep. (Harold B. Lee,
Church News, May 5, 1973, p. 3.)
After reading President Lee's statement, suggest that the quorum
108
members might do the following things at home or when they are
alone. Invite them to make a list of any serious sins they have. Ar-
range these in order of seriousness according to the standard set by
the scriptures. Pray each night and morning for strength to over-
come that most serious sin. Work each day on overcoming the
problem. Visit the bishop if the nature of the sins requires, and do
whatever else may be necessary to overcome that sin. When it is
overcome, proceed to the next problem on your list.
I 109
Lesson 31
Knowing
HnW
XXVJVY
?)l„2:3-5 to Know
God
Concerning the importance of knowing God, President Marion G.
Romney has said:
They who are able to receive and who do receive the restored
truth concerning God are literally transformed by their
knowledge of, and faith in, him. They are drawn upward from the
carnal state of fallen man, as it were, and brought back, to a
degree at least, into the presence of God. They develop unshak-
able faith in him. They seek him with certain confidence. They
put their trust in him, and he never fails them. In him are their
hope and their strength. Envy, greed, hate, lust, and unrighteous
ambition flee from them. They grow in virtue, patience, brotherly
kindness, charity, and love, and their eyes are single to the glory
ofGod. The principal objective in their lives becomes to keep the
commandments of God, thus ridding themselves of sin, for they
realize that no unclean thing can enter into his presehce; and to
return into that presence becomes the supreme faith and hope of
their existence. (Marion G. Romney in Conference Report, Oct. 1964,
p. 51.)
As you study and ponder these scriptures, you will under-

stand the process by which you may know God, so that you
will seek, knock, repent, and ask until you know Him.
In What Ways -g
May You I
Know God? "^
You may know God by personal experience. Consider the experiences
of some who have seen him:
Exodus 33:9-11. How personal was the visitation of God to Moses

and the elders of Israel?
Joseph Smith 2:5-26. What conclusion did Joseph come to that led
to the visitation by the Father and the Son?
John 14:11, 12. How is the Father revealed to man?
You may know him by recognizing his works. These verses indicate
some of his works. Indicate what specific work is identified in each
verse.
110
Moses 6:63.
Psalms 19:1.
n D&C 88:45, 47.
n Alma 30:44.
YOU May Know rlim 0^

Through the Revelations
of the Holy Spirit. "
^^
1 Corinthians 2:9-16.
Moroni 10:3-5.
How Can You

Come to Know God
for Yourself? 3
To know God you must strive to live these principles: (Identify the
principle in each verse)
D 1 John 2:3-6.
D&C 93:1
n John 7:17.
n D&C 88:67, 68.
John (1 John 2:3-6) "announces how it is possible to know God. It is

by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel! And in no
other way!" (McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:37.)
These are other requirements:
D&C 84:19-22. How is the power of godliness manifest in the ordi-

nances?
n John 3:3-5. What must happen to all men before they can enter into
God's kingdom?
n D&C 67:10-13. What kind of mind must you have to abide the
presence of God?
Ill
Are You Willing
to
That
Make
Is
the Effort
Required? 4
President Spencer W. Kimball invites each man to obtain a positive
certainty of the reality of a personal God:
We can have positive certainty of the reality of a personal God;
the continued active life of the Christ, separate from but like his
Father; the divinity of the restoration through Joseph Smith and
other prophets of the organization and doctrines of God's Church
on earth; and the power of the divine, authoritative priesthood
given to men through revelations from God. These can be known
by every responsible person as surely as the knowledge that the
sun shines. To fail to attain this knowledge is to admit that one
has not paid the price. Like academic degrees, it is obtained by
intense strivings. That soul who is clean through repentance and
the ordinances receives it if he desires and reaches for it, inves-
tigates conscientiously, studies, and prays faithfully. (Kimball,
Faith Precedes the Miracle, pp. 13-14.)

Now understand what is required of me in order to
that I
know God, will I seek to know him by doing as the scriptures

have advised? How can I begin?

Discuss: Why is it so important to make the quest to know God?
Read and discuss: 'Tf any man does not know God ... he will
realize that he has not [got] eternal life, for there can be eternal life
on no other principle." (Smith, Teachings, p. 344.)
Assignments: Have previously assigned quorum members discuss

the verses that describe the three types of evidence by which God
reveals himself.
Visual Aid:
Three Ways Man May

Come to know God
1. By personal visitation.
2. By recognizing His works.
3. By the Holy Spirit.
Discuss: How may we have a positive certainty of a personal God?

(See section 4 of this lesson. Are You Willing to Make the Effort
that Is Required?)
112
Ask: If we as priesthood bearers did have that positive certainty of
a personal God, what difference would it make in our personal lives
and with our families.
113
Lesson 32
SHowing Compassioii
^llZlv Through Obeying the
Law of the Fast
Some years ago, P. L. Bose, of Jabalpur, India, a major in the Indian

army and a convert to Christianity, visited Welfare Square in Salt
Lake City.
"How can you do this for other people? I can't understand how you
can do this. I am a convert to Christianity and I would love to see the
message of Christianity go into my country. But how can we save their
souls when they are starving? Millions of children in India die before
they reach ten years of age. The consumption of milk averages one
glass per year. You probably don't understand what I am saying be-
cause you have never seen a starving man. You have never seen a man
sell one of his children in order to get food for his family. I have seen a
man go through the agony of choosing which son he would sell in
order that he could feed his family. Perhaps you could understand
what I am saying if you would go without food for twenty-four
hours."
The director responded: ''ButI do understand a little of what you are
saying. Members Church do go without food for twenty-four

of the
hours once each month, and they take the money they would have
spent on those meals and give it to those in need."
Then Mr. Bose said: "Then I can understand how you can conduct a
program like this because if you do miss two meals a month then you
can appreciate the condition of those in need." (As related by Glen L
Rudd, Coordinator, Welfare Square.)
You should contribute generously to aid in caring for those in

need, not just for their temporal relief, but for your own salva-
tion.
What Is
the Law of
the Fast? 1
1 John 3:17. Can the love of God be in a man who will not share
with those around him?
n Isaiah 58:1-5; Matthew 6:16. How do you conduct yourself as you

participate in the fast? Is God concerned that you make excessive
demonstrations during the fast?
n Isaiah 58:6. What did Isaiah teach were the purposes of the fast?
114
Isaiah 58:9-12. When a man is obedient to the law of the fast, will
he find the heavens more receptive to his pleas?
Isaiah 58:8. What rewards are promised to those who obey this
law?
The law to the Latter-day Saints, as understood by the authorities
of the Church, is and drink are not to be partaken of for
that food
twenty-four hours, "from even to even," and that the Saints are to
refrain from all bodily gratification and indulgences. Fast day
being on the Sabbath, it follows, of course, that all labor is to be
abstained from. In addition, the leading and principal object of
the institution of the fast among the Latter-day Saints was that the
poor might be provided with food and other necessities. It is,
therefore, incumbent upon every Latter-day Saint to give to his
bishop, on fast day, the food that he or his family would consume
for the day, that it may be given to the poor for their benefit and
blessing; or, in lieu of the food, that its equivalent amount, or, if
the person is wealthy, a liberal donation, in money, be so reserved
and dedicated to the poor. (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 243.)
The Fast Involves ^^

More Than Merely ^^
Going Without Food. ^"
Now, while the law requires the Saints inall the world to fast
from "even even" and to abstain both from food and drink, it
to
can easily be seen from the Scriptures, and especially from the
words of Jesus, that it is more important to obtain the true spirit
of love for God and man, "purity of heart and simplicity of inten-
tion," than it is to carry out the cold letter of the law. (Smith,
Gospel Doctrine, pp. 243-44.)
Mosiah 4:16-21. What counsel did King Benjamin give about help-
ing others in need?
Matthew 25:31-46. How does God measure your compassion to

others?
n The Lord has instituted the fast on a reasonable and intelligent

basis, and none of his works are vain or unwise. His law is perfect
in this as in other things. Hence, those who can are required to
comply thereto; it is a duty from which they cannot escape; but let
it be remembered that the observance of the fast day by abstain-
ing twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute

rule, it is no ironclad law to us, but it is left with the people as a
matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion. Many are
subject to weakness, others are delicate in health, and others have
nursing babies; of such it should not be required to fast. I have
known children to cry for something to eat on fast day. In such
cases, going without food will do them no good. Instead, they
dread the day to come, and in place of hailing, dislike it; while the
115
compulsion engenders a spirit of rebellion in them, rather than a
love for the Lord and their fellows. Better teach them the prin-
ciple, and let them observe it when they are old enough to choose
intelligently, than to so compel them." (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.
244.)
James 1:27. In what way does observance of the fast conform to this
counsel by James?
Fasting Makes a Person 0y

More Receptive to
Spiritual Things
^
^^
D&C 59:13, 14. In what way can fasting help suppress the will of
the flesh?
D&C 88:67, 68. How can the self-discipline learned in fasting help a
person to obtain spiritual goals?

Will I strive to show my compassion to others by generous
participation in the law of the fast?

Sing or review the words of the hymn "How Gentle God's Com-
mands/' (Hymns, no. 67.)
From the passages and statements quoted in the lesson, identify the
major principles associated with the law of the fast:
a. Abstain from food and drink.
b. Contribute generously to the needy.
c. It is a spiritual law, and spiritual blessings are predicated on
obedience to it.
Discuss how participation in the law of the fast suppresses the will
of the flesh and makes the person more receptive to spiritual
things.
Discuss the obligation of the priesthood to be totally concerned

about those around them who may be less fortunate.
Many of the Saints feel that if they had stood on the Jericho Road,
they would have acted as the Good Samaritan did. Yet they do not
participate in the law of the fast and contribute to the needs of
those around them now. There is a figurative Jericho Road in all the
world, but only those who contribute of their means can truly be
called Good Samaritans.
116
Lesson 33
Love or God
Hc That LovctH
and Neighbor (jQCl LOVCth HlS
1 John 4:21
Brother Also
O Brother Man! Fold to thy heart thy brother.
Where pity dwells, the peace of God is there;
To worship rightly is to love each others-
Each smile a hymn, each kindly deed a prayer.
—John Greenleaf Whittier, "Brotherhood."
There no better way to manifest love for God than to show an
is
unselfish love for your fellowmen. (McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 129.)
As you read and ponder this lesson, you should come to

understand that one does not truly love God unless he loves
his fellowmen.
What Are the Two

Great Commandments
in God's Law?
1
Mark 12:28-34. What did the Savior say was the "first of all the
commandments"? What did he say was the second?
1 John 4:20, 21. If we say that we love God but at the same time
hate our fellowmen, what is our true condition?
Mosiah 2:17. How may we correct that condition and prove our
love?
The Priesthood Has Been

Counseled
the First
to Put
Commandment First
2
The world largely ignores the first and great commandment — to
love God — but about loving their brother. They wor-
talks a lot
ship at the altar of man. Would Nephi have slain Laban if he had
put the love of neighbor above the love of God? Would Abraham
have taken Isaac up for a sacrifice if he had put the second com-
mandment first? Therefore, if you desire to help your fellowmen
the most, then you must put the first commandment first.
When we fail to put the love of God first, we are easily deceived
by crafty men who
profess a great love of humanity, while advo-
cating programs that are not of the Lord. (Ezra Taft Benson in
Conference Report, Oct. 1967, p. 35.)
117
1 John 5:1-3. What does John say about the true test of our love for
God's children? Why?
D&C 88:123. What provision has the Lord made in the gospel for
helping those in need?
Mosiah 4:16-23, 26, 27. What of those who refuse to share as the
Lord directs? What special blessings are promised to those who do
share?
What Is the Significance

of the Parable of the
Rich Man and Lazarus? 3
n Read Luke 16:19-31.
n What was the prime difference between the two men? Was it just
that one was rich and the other poor?
Why did the rich man eventually find himself in hell? Was his tor-
ment deserved? Who was responsible for it?
Why did Abraham refuse the rich man's request for water?
n D«StC 104:18. What has the Lord said in relation to these things in a
modern day?
1 John 3:14-18. Summarize in your own words what you feel would
be the application of this verse?
Only those who know and God can best love and serve his
love
children, for only God
understands his children and knows
fully
what is best for their welfare. Therefore, one needs to be in tune
with God to best help his children. That's why the Church, under
the inspiration of the Lord, encourages its members to first look to
themselves, then their family, then the Church and if need be to
other voluntary agencies to help solve the problems of poverty,
unemployment, hunger, sickness and distress. (Ezra Taft Benson
in Conference Report, Oct. 1967, p. 35.)
What special contributions are you personally making to

demonstrate your love for God and your fellowmen?
In what particular phases of Church welfare are you currently in-
volved? Is the Lord pleased with your efforts? Are you?

Do I my neighbor as myself? Is my love for
truly love my
neighbor an accurate reflection of my love for God?
118
Sing or review the words of the hymn "Truth Reflects Upon Our
Senses." {Hymns, no. 188.)
Read the story of Lazarus and the rich man, Luke 16:19-31. Then
discuss with the class the questions given in the Personal Study
Guide in connection with this scripture.
Read D&C 104:18 and ask: Why does the Lord feel so strongly
about these matters?
Select two or three other scriptures from impress
this lesson that
you and discuss them with the class. Why important to put the
is it
first commandment first? How does loving one's neighbor relate to

love of God?
119
Lesson 34
bigns or
Q^^j^ You Disccm
Kar„4.n the Signs
of the Times?
How many news of the weather

million people are anxious to hear
every day? seems that weekly there are increased references to more
It
and more weather details and factors. Because of modern technology,

the weatherman is able to provide us with short-range and long-range
forecasts. This is great progress from the method used in the Savior's
day! He said, "When it is evening, ye say. It will be fair weather; for
the sky is red." (Matthew 16:2, 3.)
Do you remember the Savior's next comment? It involved those who
could discern the face of the sky, but who could not do something far
more important. Read the account in Matthew 16:1-4.
Reading and pondering these scriptures will help you have

faith and be steadfast in these times of great distress in the
world.
What Signs of Christ's

««f
Second Coming Have I
Alrparl\7 Rppn FiilfillpH? ^
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4. What is one important event which will oc-
cur before the second coming of the Lord?
1 Nephi 19:13, 14.What was to happen to the Jews between

Christ's first and second advents?
Acts 3:19-22. In order to compensate for what was predicted in 2
Thessalonians 2:1-4, what else may be expected to occur before
Christ comes again?

Second Coming Are Now in ^
^^
the Process of Being Fulfilled? ^"
Joseph Smith 1:31. Have you personally participated in the fulfill-
ment of this particular sign? Is your quorum participating in it in
any way?
D&C 29:7, 8. What reason does the Lord give for gathering his
people together?
2 Nephi 9:1, 2. What sign of the times is happening to the Jews at
120
present which is a factor in restoring them to the true Church and
fold of God?
D&C 49:24. What is meant by this reference to the Lamanites?
What is the Church doing at present to fulfill this prediction?
Matthew 24:6-14. How do these verses apply to the conditions of
our time? Note how these verses were given to answer the question
in verse 3, "What shall be the sign of thy coming?"

Second Coming Are Yet
^^
n D&C 29:16-21; 45:31-33. Do you think these will be fulfilled as
literally as the other signs you have read about?
D&C 133:26-34. Can you accept this as an event which will literally
be fulfilled without speculating on how it will be fulfilled?
Revelation 16:14-21. Before this final battle, which John calls Ar-
mageddon, occurs, certain other things will happen in Jerusalem.
Note what Joseph Smith said:
Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple, and
water come out from under the temple, and the waters of the
Dead Sea be healed. It will take some time to rebuild the walls of
the city and the temple, etc.; and all this must be done before the
Son of Man will make his appearance. (Smith, Teachings, p. 286.
Italics added.)
How Can You Prepare m

Yourself for the
Coming of the Lord?
^^
'^
D&C 59:23. How can you find peace in the midst of turmoil?
Alma 50:23. How
could a statement like this be made in the midst
of national for more war? Do verses 19-23
war and preparation
help us understand?
n 2 Nephi 31:16, 17. Who is it that needs to have no fear during the
times of great distress that will precede the actual coming of the
Lord?
During a discussion on the signs of the times, Fred raised his hand
and said, "We're always talking about the time being short, that we
had better get our food storage in, because Christ's second coming
is nigh at hand. My father and grandfather heard the same things—
and so did the Church members before them. It seems to me that

we get excited over nothing. I imagine after Tm dead my grand-
children will be getting the same lesson."
n Brothers and sisters, this is the day the Lord is speaking of. You
121
see the signs are here. Be ye therefore ready. The Brethren have
toldyou in conference how to prepare to be ready. We have
this
never had a conference where there has been so much direct
instruction, so much admonition: when the problems have been
defined and also the solution to the problem has been suggested.
Let us not turn a deaf ear now, but listen to these as the words
that have come from the Lord, inspired of him, and we will be safe
on Zion's hill, until all that the Lord has for his children shall have
been accomplished. (Harold B. Lee in Conference Report, Oct. 1973,
p. 170.)
Summary Quiz.
If you have studied and pondered the preceding scriptures, you
should be able to answer the following without a review. If necessary,

go back and check any point that is not clear.
Three specific signs of Christ's second coming that have already
been fulfilled are:
2.
3.
As I look at what is going on around me in the Church and world, I

see many events that testify that these are the last days. For
instance:
a. The missionary program is fulfilling what sign that would herald
the approach of the return of Christ to the earth?
b. I expect the Jews to:
c. I expect the Lamanites to:
d. Wars, famines, and pestilences indicate to me that:

What can I do now to prepare so that I will not have to fear
the future?

Review President Lee's counsel concerning the tendency to speculate
on future events. (See Conference Report, Apr. 1973, pp. 126-28; Oct.
1972, p. 128; Oct. 1931, pp. 87-94.) Do not allow the quorum dis-
cussion to become speculative. Stay with the scriptures and teachings
of the Brethren.
Suggested Discussion Questions:

What are the signs of the times?
122
Why is it that signs of the Second Coming which seem so plain to
some are totally unrecognized or rejected by others? (See D&C
68:9-11.)
To what may the signs of the times be likened?

a. To a tree that begins to leaf forth (see Joseph Smith 1:38-40 and
D&C 45:37-39).
b. To a woman in travail who knows not the hour that her child
will be delivered but knows the signs are at hand.
Meetinghouse Library Picture:
IS056 The Second Coming of Christ Foretold.
123
TSinlchiidren How to TeacH
RevdStrf; Your Children to
Be Missionaries
"I am
here because of a friend I had in Junior High School. He was a
good and he believed in God. There was always something
clean, boy,
about him. It was as though he had something more to live for. I don't
know where he is now, for we have lost touch, but I am here in this
testimony meeting, a baptized member of the Church, because of him."
This comment was made by a convert to the Church. He expressed his
thanks for a childhood friend, whose example and testimony started
him on the road to eternal life.
Couldn't all children be that kind of example? Isn't that a kind of
missionary service?
Your objective is to learn how to teach your children that

they represent the Lord and the Church, despite their age and
in any situation, so that they may begin to sense and respond
to their missionary responsibilities.
As a Member of
the Church, You Stand
Before the World? 1
D«ScC 115:5. What are all members of the Church expected to be?
Isaiah 2:2, 3. In these last days, why do people want to come and
learn about the Church?
In some way, then, you and your family
on display, either as a
are
single family before neighbors, and friends, or as
relatives,
members of a vast true church, whose message is to all the world.
D Matthew 9:35-38; Matthew 24:14; D&C 38:40, 41.
There is approximately one Latter-day Saint for every two thou-
sand nonmembers in the world. Is the harvest still plenteous?
n The opportunities are greater today. In most of the missions we
have a much better atmosphere in which to work. It is different
than it was as recently as forty years ago. There seems to be less
bigotry in the world. There is more tolerance. And some of the
larger churches have experienced difficulties filling the spiritual
needs of their members. There is dissatisfaction among a great
many Christian people. They are not happy with what they have
and, therefore, respond readily to the message of the restored
gospel. (Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Visit with Gordon B. Hinckley,"
New Era, 3:30-31 [June 1973].)
124
n D&lC 38:40-42. What does the Lord say that he expects the priests,
teachers, and even members to do?
Who should every man preach to?

How should this preaching be done?
Children Can Also Convey 0^

the Church's Message ^^
to the World. ^^
Alma and his son Corianton and others sent on a missionary
journey. But Corianton did not set a proper example before the
nonmembers. Read what Alma said to his son: Alma 39:11-13.
If your children conform to the standards of the world, what will
the world see in the Latter-day Saints that would lead them to in-
quire about the Church?
Caution: Teach your children to obey the commandments of God,

not just because the world is looking, but beacuse that is what God
wants them to do. Children who genuinely love the Lord and
honestly desire to serve will be effective representatives of the truth
and will be wonderful examples to their associates. But if they are
taught to avoid evil "because it looks bad," or "because I said so,"
or "because of what the neighbors will think, "their righteousness"
will be hollow, and their examples will be ineffective.
How Can Children 0y

Be Taught to Represent
the True Church?
^
^^
1 Timothy 4:12. What special counsel did the apostle Paul give to
young Timothy?
Deuteronomy 6:4-7. What time is the most convenient for instruct-
ing children in the ways of the Lord?
D&C What are the basic doctrines which children must

68:25, 28.
be taught? What about nonmembers of the Church? Do they need
these same doctrines?
n How would a missionary fund, established for a child during his
preschool years, serve to encourage him to want to fill a mission?
n Mosiah 28:1-8. What special blessings did the sons of Mosiah seek
from their father? What influence would personal, private inter-
views held periodically with your own children have in preparing
them for missionary service?
D&C 38:40-42. What is the relationship between diligent

missionary service and your children's own salvation?
What role does love at home play in preparing young people for
missionary service? What part does example play?
125
.
Can a child come to love his neighbor unless he has known love
himself? Can a young person who has never been trusted learn to
trust? Can a boy who has never known work or responsibility see
how those vital needed to hold our whole society
traits are
together? Can who
has not been a part of honest, candid dis-
a girl
cussions of gospel principles in her home cope with the criticisms
of the world and the intellectual assaults on her religion? Can a
young man who must ask his father to stay away from his temple
marriage because his father smokes (even though the father has ob-
tained a recommend) have full respect for a bishop who winks at
this noncompliance in order to be 'nice' to a family?
Without experiencing a gospel principle in action, it is much more

difficult to believe in that principle.
We must remember that in some of our young, the offense over

adult hypocrisy not always their desire to "get something on
is
us," but a deep sense of disappointment. They truly want us to be

what we pretend to be, because when we are, it is a testimony to
them that we really believe. . .
We must be uncompromising as to principle, but quick to love

and to forgive. We must be ready always to give others, including
the young, reasons for our own deep commitment to the Savior
and his kingdom. (Harold B. Lee, "Preparing Our Youth," Ensign,
1:3 [March 1971].)
You must also teach your children to love people. Such teaching
will be easy if their parents love people and set a proper example in
concern for others. Programs never save anyone. Programs merely
bring people together in a context where help may be offered and
where help may be accepted. In a world filled with immense mis-
trust and hate, the Lord's people must teach their children to love.
Hand hand with teaching children to love is the need to teach

in
them be unselfish, to share, and to sacrifice for others. All of
to
these things can be taught at an early age by the inspiration and
dedication of a father who will really try.
n If children really believe; if they love the Lord; if they really love
and care for people; and if they really are unselfish and willing to
sacrifice for others; they will be missionaries, for they will want to
give to others what they themselves have. They can only give it if
they have it to give, and if they are taught to give. And that de-
pends upon you, their father.

Will I help my children sense and respond to their missionary
opportunities? Will I set an example in true missionary
service myself?
126
n Sing or review the words of the hymn "Ye Elders of Israel." (Hymns,
no. 344.)
n List on the chalkboard various ideas or suggestions given by the

group as to how children can be taught their missionary responsi-
bilities. Discuss how parents can instill this awareness at an early
age.
a. Deuteronomy 6:4-7. Teach proper motives for serving as a
missionary by stressing the Lord's love for all his children.
b. D&C 68:25, 28. Pray in the presence of your children that they
willhave a desire to share the joys of the gospel. Teach them to
pray for such a desire.
c. 2 Nephi 9:51. Establish a full-time missionary fund for each
male child at preschool age.
d. Mosiah 28:1-8. Hold private interviews periodically with your
children and discuss their questions regarding missionary work.
D&C 38:40-41. Involve each of your family members in actual

missionary activity.
Have a brother in the quorum or group who is a good example of

missionary zeal share with members his motivational spirit. If there
is a quorum member who is particularly adept at involving his
family in missionary work, have him describe how he goes about it

and some of the successes he has had.
Consider the following questions:
a. What is the true meaning of the phrase, "every member a
missionary"?
b. Why is personal example the best missionary tool the Church
has? Why then should children be taught to live the gospel for
reasons other than because someone may be looking? What bet-
ter reasons are there?
c. What is the most effective place to teach missionary zeal?
n Read several of the scriptures cited in the lesson before the group
and invite personal response from class members as to how these
scriptures apply to today's discussion.
127
Supplemental
Readings
Section A
The Duty of a Quorum
Presidency and the Nature
of Quorum Instruction
(See Melchizedek Priesthood Handbook 1974, Section III, Responsibilities
of Melchizedek Priesthood Quorum Presidents and Group Leaders.)
Many churches have seminaries where their leaders are trained
for the ministry, but in the Church of Jesus Christ, the leaders
have no formal academic training for their positions but gain
experience through their lifetime, and they depend much upon
the Spirit for guidance. Accordingly, no man is specifically trained
to be a bishop (priesthood leader) except as his priesthood work
from twelve years on up, his auxiliary work, and his numerous
opportunities in leadership fit him for that work. (Spencer W.
Kimball, A Counseling Problem in the Church, an address to the
Seminary and Institute of Religion Faculty, Brigham Young
University, Provo, Utah, 10 July 1964.)
What Is
the Nature of
Quorum Instruction? 1
n Read D&C 50:13-23; 88:77; 42:12-14.
Although the Personal Study Guide outlines only thirty-five

lessons, your quorum will probably meet about forty or forty-four
times during the coming year. This has been planned to give
quorum leaders flexibility in quorum instruction.
Quorum leaders are responsible to determine the needs of quorum

members. This they will do by inspiration and after careful atten-
tion and analysis of the information accumulated during personal
priesthood interviews each month.
Based on this information, they may plan the quorum discussions
for the coming month. They may draw from all of the Personal
Study Guide lessons to select three or four that will fit the
particular needs of their quorum for that particular month.
A lesson may be extended over two or more weeks. Perhaps two

lessons may be combined. Or the quorum leaders may feel a need
to discuss subjects in addition to those outlined in the Personal
Study Guide. Thus, while the Personal Study Guide provides a
128
—
standard of thirty-five lessons, it also provides flexibility. Quorum

leaders may determine the order of the lessons and plan for pro-
grams, testimony meetings, workshops, or other activities in addi-
tion to the discussions outlined.
Local quorum leaders may wish to lead their quorum in a review
and study of the most recent general conference addresses
(published in the Ensign) or plan service projects or other such
activities as the Spirit directs. (D&C 46:2.)
What Is the Responsibility

of a Quorum Leader
for Quorum Instruction? 2
Read D&C 107:89.
As a presidency
Be unified in your understanding of the doctrine in each lesson. Be

certain that you are converted fully to each point of doctrine that is
considered.
Identify the needs of your quorum members and the service

responsibilities of the quorum.
Determine the ways in which each lesson discussion can assist the
quorum members with their needs and can train the quorum
members in their service responsibilities.
Review the calendar section at the front of the Personal Study

Guide. As you select the three or four lessons that you will present
during a month, encourage the quorum members to write them in
their schedule, as shown in the example below:
September 1975
Sunday Lesson Topic
7 2.
14 ST^Ke COfip.
21 s
28 3

Ads 2-16 |g
n Conduct the quorum discussion or appoint one or more instructors

to conduct the discussion under your direction.
D Always be guided by the Spirit (D&C 46:2).
129
Bear testimony to the principles that are being discussed in quorum
meeting.
Evaluate the impact of quorum discussions. Determine the
strengths of the discussion and how future lessons can be
improved.
Quorum instruction and training should be designed to teach gospel
principles and to help the priesthood holder to live them and better
serve the Lord.
More than one instructor may be called to assist in quorum training.
They may alternate lessons, or individual quorum members may be
asked to lead discussions because of their strength in an area of doc-
trine or duty.
Remember that an instructor has a divine commission from the Lord.
He is to—
Teach the principles of the gospel as found in the Bible, the Book of
Mormon, and the other standard works (See D&C 42:12; 84:54-57).
D Teach in the power of the Spirit (See D&C 42:14; 43:16; 50:17, 18).
''Liken" the scriptures unto the members. (See 1 Nephi 19:24.)
Seal his teaching with a personal testimony that the doctrine and
principles he presents are true.
The Ideas for Quorum Discussion section at the end of each lesson
contains suggestions to generate quorum discussion. As you counsel
together as a presidency with your instructors and feel the inspiration
of the Spirit of the Lord, you will be guided in the selection of ap-
propriate items for quorum consideration. Primary concern should be
for the individual needs of each quorum member. The quorum
leadership should periodically invite the instructor(s) to quorum
presidency meeting to determine the lessons that should be discussed
in the coming month.
130
The Quorum Supplemental
*^*1^
By Elder
Boyd K. Packer KeadingS
Section B
I hope, if I can be blessed, to present something of a primer of ideas
on the priesthood quorum. You will notice that it is taken almost

entirely directly from the scriptures or from handbooks published by
the Council of the Twelve in years gone by.
In ancient days when a man was appointed to a select body, his com-
mission, always written in Latin, outlined the responsibility of the or-
ganization, defined who should be members, and then invariably
contained the words: quorum vos unum meaning, "of whom we will that
you be one."
The word quorum, which does not appear in either the Old Testament
or the New Testament, from that beginning came to mean, that select
group without whose consent business could not be transacted, nor
work proceed with authority.
In the dispensation of the fulness of times, the Lord instructed that the
priesthood should be organized into quorums; meaning, selected
assemblies of brethren given authority that His business might be
transacted and His work proceed.
The word quorum is so recognized in the Webster's Dictionary, as "a
Mormon body comprising those in the same grade of priesthood."
The quorums are made up of worthy men of whom you are
designated to be one.
The government of the Lord's affairs in this dispensation rests in The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which by His own
declaration is:
". . . the only true and living church upon the face of the whole
earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the
church collectively and not individually." (D&C 1:30.)
The priesthood, which is always associated with God's work,

"continueth in the church of God in all generations, and without be-
is
ginning of days or end of years." (D&C 84:17.)

It continues in our day. Men, young and old, are called out of the
world and received into the Church by baptism. With limitations and
standards of worthiness established by the Lord, men may qualify by
making themselves worthy for ordination into that comparatively
small body of men on this earth who are commissioned to hold au-
thority and transact the business of the Lord at this time.
"There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek
and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood." (D&C 107:1.)
"Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Mel-
chizedek was such a great high priest.
131
''Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son
of God."
"But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to
avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in
ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Mel-
chizedek Priesthood." (D&C 107:2-4.)
"The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has
power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the
world, to administer in spiritual things." (D&C 107:8.)
"All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this
priesthood." (D&C 107:5.)
". this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the
. .
key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge
of God.
"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is
manifest.
"And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priest-
hood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh."
(D&C 84:19-21.)
There are in the greater priesthood, these offices:
The elder, who is a standing home minister.

The seventy, who is a traveling minister.
The high priest, who is to administer in spiritual things and to
preside as his calling in the Church requires.
The patriarch, who seals blessings upon the members of the
Church.
The apostle, who is a traveling councilor, and special witness of
the name of Christ in all the world.
The presidency of the high priesthood, who have the right to
officiate in all the offices of the priesthood. (A Guide for Quorums
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, p. 13, published by the Council of the
Twelve, 1930.)
There are in the stakes of Zion the following quorums that make up
the greater priesthood. They are:
The quorums of elders, "which quorum is instituted for standing

ministers; nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be
standing ministers." (D&C 124:137.) The quorum is to consist of
ninety-six elders, presided over by a quorum presidency called by the
president of the stake. These brethren, now designated as prospective
elders, affiliate with the quorums of elders.
The quorums of seventy, "which quorum is instituted for traveling
elders to bear record of my name in all the world." (D&C 124:139.)
The quorum numbers seventy brethren, to be presided over by seven
presidents called by the stake president after conferring with the First
Council of Seventy. Their assignment is missionary work, in which
they receive some guidance from the First Council of Seventy.
132
The quorums of the high priests, each with a membership of all high
priests residing within the boundaries of a stake, including patriarchs
and bishops. The stake president and his counselors form the
presidency of this quorum. (D&C 68:19; 107:17.)
The Aaronic Priesthood

"The second priesthood is called the Priesthood of Aaron, because it
was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their genera-
tions." (D&C 107:13.)
This priesthood "holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of
the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the re-
mission of sins. ." (D&C 13:1.) . .
"Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage to

the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in admin-
istering outward ordinances." (D&C 107:14.)
There are four offices in the Aaronic Priesthood:
The deacon, who is to "watch over the church, to be standing
ministers unto the church." (D&C 20:57-59; 84:111.)
The teacher, who is to "watch over the church always, and be with
and strengthen them." (D&C 20:53.)
The priest, who is to "preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,
and administer the sacrament, and visit the house of each member."
(D&C 20:46, 47.)
The bishop, who presides over the Aaronic Priesthood, "administer-
ing all temporal things." (D&C 107:68, 71.) (See A Guide for Quorums of
the Melchizedek Priesthood, page 14.)
There are three quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood.
The deacons quorum, to consist of twelve deacons (D&C 107:85), with
a presidency called by the bishop, from among their members.
The teachers quorum, to number twenty-four members (D&C 107:86),
with a presidency called by the bishop, from among their numbers.
The priests quorum, to number forty-eight priests (D&C 107:87, 88),
presided over by the bishop of the ward to which the quorum belongs.
The bishop is a high priest, as mentioned previously, and belongs to
the high priests quorum.
In both priesthoods, when the number specified for a quorum is
. . .
exceeded, the quorum may, and perhaps generally should, be divided.

It is intended that every holder of the priesthood have membership in
a quorum. It is a sacred privilege that comes with the bestowal of the
priesthood. Priesthood and quorum membership are virtually synony-
mous. . . .
When you reach the age of twelve, you have conferred upon you the
Aaronic Priesthood and are ordained to the office of deacon. Auto-
matically, immediately, you become a member of a deacons quorum.
From then on through life it is contemplated that you will hold
membership in a quorum of the priesthood.
133
Quorum membership is not optional. You may not present yourself to
be ordained to an office in the priesthood and yet choose at once not
to belong to a quorum, or choose to affiliate with a quorum made up
of brethren having a different office in the priesthood.
You are a member of the appropriate quorum, and by your actions
you either sustain or degrade it. You maintain your membership in
the quorum you are ordained to another office in the priesthood
until
and automatically become a member of another quorum.
If you move from the area of your quorum, you are at once eligible for
membership in the appropriate quorum in the area where your church

membership is located.
A man who becomes inactive does not lose his membership in the
quorum. He may lose interest in the quorum, but the quorum must
never lose interest in him. The quorum is responsible always and con-
tinually for each of its members. To ignore an inactive member, to
withdraw interest in and contact with him, is an abrogation of his
rights as a holder of the priesthood.
He cannot be denied membership or participation in a quorum except
by proper court A man guilty of transgression is
action. subject to dis-
ciplinary action. He may be disfellowshiped, in which case sanctions
are employed which prevent him from exercising the priesthood until
repentance has been complete and those privileges restored. If he is
excommunicated from the Church he no longer holds the priesthood
nor membership in a quorum.
If a quorum member is guilty of transgression, to fail to take proper
disciplinary action when it is warranted, is to offend the privileges of
that man. Each of us should have the right to proper discipline. Dis-
cipline is an expression of love. In the priesthood it may become an
exalted expression of love, for the word discipline comes from the word
disciple.
Ifhis priesthood quorum functions properly, a mem sustained by the

brethren of his quorum, almost could not fail in any phase of life's
responsibility.
I repeat, all other authorities or offices in the Church are appendages
to the higher priesthood.
You may be called as an ecclesiastical officer in the Church, such as
stake president, high councilor, or bishop; or be called as an officer,
teacher, or board member in an appendage organization without alter-
ing your status' as a member of the quorum. Such service neither
enlarges nor can it diminish your membership in a quorum.
Though you may be called to and released from such assignments,
your membership in your quorum is a steady, sustaining citizenship
that becomes your right as a holder of the priesthood. And the hold-
ing of the priesthood, including the attendant membership in the
quorum, ought to be regarded as a sacred privilege.
To be called to preside over a quorum, to be called as the secretary to
a quorum, or to any other assignment to sustain the quorum, is in and
134
of itself a signal spiritual honor. It is, likewise, a monumental
responsibility.
You ought to energetically determine to maintain your standards in
order to be worthy of such membership. Priorities in your thinking
ought to be so arranged that you regard the priesthood you hold, from
which all other offices and authorities must draw their power, as hav-
ing preference and priority in your feelings and your attentions.
I confess that I have come to dislike, in a sense, the word auxiliary. I

can easily think of our Sunday School, for instance, as a priesthood
Sunday School. It is presided over by a Sunday School president who
is a holder of the priesthood and is himself a member of a quorum.
His calling, which is relatively temporary, is an honorable service that

he renders for a time and a season. He is a credit to his quorum in
rendering it. He will, of course, one day be released from it, but it is
not contemplated that he will spend a day on this earth without being
a member of a quorum.
When you are called to a position in an appendage organization, you
are representing your quorum in that sacred responsibility. You are
not taken away from your quorum to fulfill the assignment.
These appendant services round out a fullness of life and provide
members of the quorums and their families a fullness of experience,
activity, and training. They are, in a very real sense, priesthood func-
tions and activities.
Such callings in the Church are important and ought so to be

esteemed. Their relative importance, however, does not and must not
give them presumed ascendancy over those offices in the priesthood
and those callings to govern the quorums of the priesthood. The
priesthood is the source of all strength and authority for all organiza-
tions and offices in the Church.
One can become careless with his quorum membership. As
membership in a family or patriotism toward our country may
weaken and fail, so may our quorum membership if it is taken for
granted. In our day there is an urgent need to bolster, for every single
holder of the priesthood, that spiritual patriotism or allegiance to his

quorum.
Stake presidents cannot devote their time and attention to those orga-
nizations which are appended to the priesthood, to the neglect of the
priesthood and the quorums of the priesthood, and succeed in es-
tablishing godliness among our people.
They cannot fund those appended organizations with a dispropor-

tionate amount of time, or of talent, or of funds, and succeed in bring-
ing godliness among our people.
The strength in the quorum is the key to the strength of the stake. The
quorum will be as strong as the individual member.
have the We all
obligation and responsibility to honor our priesthood, to be worthy

citizens of the priesthood quorum.
135
"For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of
which I have spoken, and the magnifying their caUing, are
sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
'They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of
Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
"And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith
the Lord;
"For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
"And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
"And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom;
therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
"And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth
to the priesthood.
"Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath
and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it
be moved." (D&C 84:33-40.)

God grant that all of us who hold the priesthood and each of us who is
a member of a quorum, will honor that priesthood, will sustain that
quorum, to the end that godliness may be found in the lives of all
Latter-day Saints, pray humbly, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I
(Address by Elder Boyd K, Packer presented to Regional Representa-

tives of the Twelve, 4 October 1973.)
President David O. McKay has written:
The quorums should foster fellowship, fraternity, brotherhood,
and love as a group. Individually, they should give service to the
They are subject to the ecclesiastical
organizations in the Church.
authority members of the Church, but not as quorum
as
members. Each quorum member is subject to his presidency, and
it is the duty of the presidency to bring about unity in the
membership of the quorum. . . .
The quorum should be so united that we can help one another,

not only spiritually but also financially and in every other way. If
we can get that spirit of unity in our quorums, then we are be-
ginning to understand the full meaning of our priesthood organi-
zation in the Church. ("The Fundamental Basis for Home Teach-
ing," Improvement Era, 66:614-15 [July 1963].)
136
Appendix 1
Using the
Concordance
A concordance to your scriptures is helpful in finding scriptural

passages that relate to a specific word. For example, let us suppose
that you want to find out what the standard works say about the word
covenant. You would find that word listed in the back of the particular
standard work. Here are samples of that word from each of our stan-
dard works.
The Bible The Book of Mormon

covenant Ge. 9.12 this is the token of the c; Covenant, to Abraham, 29-18; to Lehi,
Ex. 24.7 the book of the c; 34.28 the words 50-5; baptism, to Helam,
of 16&-13;
of the c; Deu. 7.9 which keepeth c, i Ki. 8. of evil,412-28; not all fulfilled by
23; Ne. 1.5; Deu. 9.9 the tables of the c, He. Christ then, 429-8; to be fulfilled in last
9.4; Deu. 31.16 will break my c; Jos. 24.25 days. 442-7.
Joshua made a c. with people; Job 31.1 I
made a c. with mine eyes; Ps. 89.34 my c.
Covenants, in record of Jews, 23-23, 42-
will I not break; Isa. 28.15 made a c. with 15, 63-12; taken away from record of
death; Jer. 31.31 I will make a new c. with Jews, 23-26; to house of Israel, 26-5,
Israel, He. 8.8; Lk. 1.72 and to remember 66-1, 71-7, 73-5; to Abraham, 47-9; to
his holy c; Ac. 7.8 and he gave him the c. of children of men, 72-15, 100-1; evil and
circumcision; Ro. 11.27 this is my c, when I secret, to be kept from people, 290-27.
take away; Ga. 4.24 these are the two c; He.
13.20 the blood of the everlasting c. + Ge. 9.
16; I Sa. 18.3; I Ki. 8.21; Pro. 2.17; Jer. 50.
5; Ac. 3.25; He. 8.13.
Note: The first number refers to the page in the book of Mormon;
the second number to the verse on that page.
The Doctrine and Covenants

Covenant, they have broken mine ever- always and remember the, 90:24; prom-
lasting, 1:15; that mine everlasting, ise given with an immutable, 98:3; abide
might be established, 1:22; concern- in my, even unto death, 98:14, 15;
ing the Book of Mormon plates, 5:3, revelation of the, sec. 132; his everlast-
27, 28; new and everlasting, this is a, ing, 133:57; to walk in all the ordi-
22:1; regarding land of inheritance, nances of the Lord, 136:2, 4.
38:20; to recover people of house of Covenants, all old, have I caused to be
Israel, 39:11; everlasting, sent to be a done away, 22:1; cleave unto the,
light to the world, 45:9; was from the 25:13; nothing shall be appointed con-
beginning, 49:9; heirs according to the, trary to, 28:12; they shall observe the,
52:2; a broken, void and of no effect, 42:13; those willing to observe, by
54:4; blessed they who have kept, 54:6; sacrifice accepted of God, 97:8; con-
blessed for receiving mine everlasting, tracts, bonds, etc., made by man, end
66:2; Jesus, the mediator of the new, at death, 132:7.
76:69, 107:19; those who received not

the everlasting, 76:101; organize your-
selves by a bond or everlasting, 78:11;
bond and, that cannot be broken, 82:11,
15; which belongeth to the priesthood,
84:39, 41; renewed and confirmed by the
Father, 84:48; the new, even the Book
of Mormon, 84:57; prayer enjoined in
token of the everlasting, 88:131; pray
137
Pearl of Great Price
COVENANT (see covenanted, covenants,
law, promise, obediance)
M 5:49 a c with Satan, 13
JS 1:20 according to the c, 44
JS 1:22 according to the c. 44
COVENANTED (see covenant)

M 5:53 that had c with Satan; 14
M 7:51 he c with Enoch 23
M 8:2 c with Enoch that Noah 25
COVENANTS (see covenant)

M 8:2 that the c of the Lord might 25
(Thomas A. Curtis, Jeffery Hill, The Pearl of Great Price Comprehen-

sive Concordance, [Salt Lake City: Hawkes Publications, 1973], p. 39.)
138
Appendix 2
Marking, Annotating,
and Cross-referencing
the Scriptures
The following are some suggestions for marking passages of scrip-
tures, annotating the scriptures, scripture chaining, cross-referencing,
and recording basic scripture topics.
Scripture Marking
Purpose
When you finish marking and cross-referencing the scriptures in a
selected standard work (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and
Covenants, or Pearl of Great Price), you will be able to find quickly
several scriptures related to specific subjects studied during the year.
You will also be able to cross-reference scriptures in other volumes of
the standard works of the Church and locate scriptural passages in
them concerning these same subjects.
Step 1: Marking
a. Obtain a black or blue fine ball-point pen for making notations in
the margin and a colored pencil (preferably red) for marking the
scriptures.
b. Select a method for marking your scripture references. You will
be wise to select one now for use throughout the year. People who
use several different methods for marking the scriptures become
confused with their own work. If you had a system last year, you
would do well to use it again this year. Your method should be
simple and neat. (See figure 1.) You may wish to combine some of
these methods into one or even develop your own.
c. Caution: Colored ball-point ink will penetrate most types of Bible
paper and therefore should be avoided. Even colored pencils
should be used lightly to avoid having the color penetrate.
Figure 1
Underlining Numbering
16. Behold, I say unto you, 15. And then at that day will
Yea; they shall be remenibered they not rejoice and give praise
again aniong the house ot Israeli ^
*
unto theit everiastingl God their
| ,
they shall be grafted in, being a |rock|and tneir^ |salvalion| Yea,

.''
natural branch of the olive-tree, at that day, will they not receive
into the true olive-tree. the stren gth and nourishment
from thd^ jtrue vme| ? Yea, will
they not corne unto the true fold
of God?
139
Lining Boxing
21. And came
to pass that
it 19. And it came to pass that I,
they did speak unto me again, Nephi, spake much unto them
saying What meaneth this thing
: concerning these things; yea, I
which our father saw in a dream? spake unto them concerning the
What meaneth the ^tree which restoration of the *Jews in the
he saw? \ latter days.
^ 22. And I said unto them: It 20. And I did rehearse unto
was a representation of the tree them the words of Isaiah, who
of life. spake concerning the restoration
23. And they said unto me: of the Jews, or of the house of
What meaneth the "rod of iron Israel; and after they were re-
which our father saw, that led to stored they should no more be
^he tree?
/ confounded, neither should they
be scattered again. And it came
to pass that I did speak many
words unto my brethren, that
they were pacified and did hum-
ble themselves before the Lord.
Word Circling Verse-circling

25. Wherefo re. I. Ne phi, did (it) And this is what our father
exhort them tofeivg heejkinto the meaneth; and he meaneth that it
rworj)of theCLordJyea, I did ex- will not come to pass until after
hort them wiHTall the energies they are scattered by the Gen-
of my soul, and with all the fac- and he meaneth that it shall
tiles;
ulty which I possessed, that they come by way of the Gentiles, that
would give heed to the word of the Lord may show his power
unto the Gentiles, for the very
cause that he shall be rejected of
theJews, or of the house of Israel.
QJ) Wherefore, our father hath
not spoken of our seed alone, but
Shading
24. And I said unto them that
it was the word of Gpd;.:;aiifi:;
:W;h(ij^':::WOiiid;-:;h0:^^^
i'atlv^fâiry: :6y^^
140
Annotating Scripture
Step 2: Annotating
The following illustration is an example of a scripture that has been
marked and annotated. (See figure 2.) To annotate a passage of scrip-
ture is to make an explanatory comment to the passage.
Figure 2
14 DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, 10

13. Do this thing which I have wherewith I have called you, and
commanded you, and you shall a hair of your head shall not be
prosper. Be faithful, and yield lost, and you shall be ''lifted up
to no temptation. at the last day. Amen.
14. Stand fast in the work
SECTION 10
Revelation ^hrn Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony,

(o
Pennsylvania, in the sutnmer of 1828. Herein the Lord informs
Joseph of alterations made by wicked men in the 116 manuscript
pages of the Book of Mormon, which had been lost from the possession
of Martin Harris, to whom the sheets had been temporarily entrusted.
Compare Section 3. See History of the Church, vol. 1, pp. 21, 23.
The evil design was to await the expected re-translation of the matter
covered by the stolen pages, and then to discredit the translator by
showing the discrepancies created by the alterations. That this wicked
purpose had been conceived by the evil one, and was known to the
Lord even while Mormon, the ancient Nephite historian, was making
his abridgment of the accumulated plates is shown in the Book of
Mormon. See The Words of Mormon 3-7.
1. Now, behold, I say unto of the servants ofSatan that do

you, that because you delivered uphold work.
his
up those writings which you had b. behold, they have sought to
power given unto you to trans- destroy you; yea, even the man
late by the means of the Urim in whom you have trusted has
and Thummim, into the hands sought to destroy you.
of a wicked man, you have "lost 7. And for this cause I said
them. that he is a wicked man, for he
2. And you also lost your gift has sought to take away the
same time, and your mind
at the things wherewith you have been
became darkened. entrusted; and he has also sought
3. Nevertheless, it is now re- to destroy your gift.
stored unto you again; therefore 8. And because you have de-
see that you are faithful and con- livered the writings into his
tinue on unto the finishing of the hands, behold, wicked men have
remainder of the work of trans- taken them from you.
lation as you have begun. 9. Therefore, you have de-
4. Do not run faster or labor livered them up, yea, that which
more than you have strength was sacred, unto wickedness.
and means provided to enable 10. And, behold, Satan hath
you to translate; but be diligent put it into their hearts to alter
unto the end. the words which you have caused
/ 5. Pr ay always, that you may to be written, or which you have
come off conqueror; yea, TlTat translated, which have gone out
you may conquer batan, ~an5 of your hands.
tnat you may escape the hari^s 11. And behold. I say unto
b, see u, sec. 5. Sec. 10: a, vers. 19, 29—52.
141
Scripture
Chaining
Step 3:
Scripture Chaining
Scripture chaining is one form of cross-referencing. A lesson will

illustrate a series of scripturalpassages that relate to a basic theme.
(See figure 3.) For example, in the illustration below, the theme is
revelation; the basic passage is D&C 8:3. From this passage you would
cross-reference or chain the other passages of scripture.
Figure 3 I
Listedbelow are a number of admonitions of the Lord on the matter of
receiving revelation for one's personal life or Church stewardship.
Read the passage, mark it, and then cross-reference it to other related
passages.
The Spirit of Revelation

Basic
Scripture D&C 8:3
1 he Admonition
D&C 6:5, 11
11:5; 12:5; 14:5
49:26;
88:63
Cross-
Reference The Process
Passages
D&C 9:7-9
w
Applying the Process
D&C 10:5
19:38
88:126
90:24
93:49
142
Cross-referencing
Step 4: Cross-Referencing
A simple system of cross-referencing is illustrated below. (See figure

4.)
1. Locate and mark the basic passage of scripture you desire to

mark. Place a scripture topic in the margin or at the bottom of the
page.
2. Write in the margin the scriptures you desire to cross-reference.
3. The same method may be used in cross-referencing from one

standard work to another. (See figures 5 and 6.)
Figure 4
SECTION 9
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, to Oliver
Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April, 1829. Oliver is admon-
ished to patience, and is urged to be content to write, for the time
being, at the dictation oj the translator, rather than to attempt to
translate. // is not sufficient for one merely to ask for a divine
gift, without prayerful thought and study— Oliver loses such small
measure of the gift of translation as he had temporarily possessed.
1. Behold, I say unto you, my would give it unto you, when

son, that because you did not you took no thought save it was
translate according to that which to ask me. k
you desired of me, and did com- 8. But, behold, I say unto you, x
mence again to write for my
serv- that you must study it out in your
ant, Joseph Smith, Jun., even mind; then you must ask me if
so I would that ye should con- it be right, and if it is right I
tinue until you have finished will cause that your bosom shall
this record, which I have en- bum within you; therefore, you
trusted unto him. shall feel that it is right.
2. And then, behold, other rec- 9. But
if it be not right you Basic
ords have I, that I will give unto shall have no such feelings, but
you power that you may assist you shall have a stupor of Scripture
to translate. thought that shall cause you to
3. Be patient, my son, for it is forget the thing which is wrong;
wisdom in me, and it is not ex- therefore, you cannot write that
pedient that you should trans- which is sacred save it he given/
''^
late at this present time. you from me.
4. Behold, the work which you 10. Now, if you had known
are called to do is to write for this you could have "translated;
my servant Joseph. nevertheless,it is not expedient
5. And, behold, it is because that you should translate now.

that you did not continue as you 11. Behold, it was expedient
commenced, when you began to when you commenced; but you
translate, that I have taken feared, and the time is past, and
away this privilege from you. it isnot expedient now;
6. Do not murmur, my son, for 12. For, do you not behold
it is wisdom in me that I have that I have given unto my serv-
dealt with you after this manner. ant Joseph sufficient strength,
7. Behold, you have not under- whereby it is made up? And
stood; you have supposed that I neither of you have I condemned.
îc 1015) /9/3^;
FKev^^^T/cW
I
Scripture Topic Cross-Referencing
Scriptures
I
143
—
Figure 5
28 1 NEPHI. 15
which I saw while Iwas carried 7. And they said: Behold, we
away in the spirit; and if all the cannot understand the words
things which I saw are not writ- which ''our father hath spoken
ten, the things which I have concerning the natural branches
written are true. And thus it is. of the olive-tree, and also con-
Amen. cerning the Gentiles.
CHAPTER 15. 8. And I said unto them:
Lehi's teachings interpreted by Nephi Have ve inquired of thp T.nrH^
— The olive-tree — The tree of life— 9. And they said unto me : We
The word of God. have not; for the Lord maketh
1. And came to pass that
it no such thing known unto us.
after I, Nephi, had been carried 10. Behold, I said unto them:
away in the spirit, and seen all How is it that ye do not keep the
these things, I returned to the commandments of the Lord ? How
tent of my father. is it that ye will perish, because
2. And it came to pass that I of the hardness of your hearts?
beheld my brethren, and they 11. Do ye not remember the
were disputing one with another things which the Lord hath said?
concerning the things which my —If ye will not harden your
father had spoken unto them. hearts, and ask me in faith, hp-
3. For he truly spake many lieving that ve shall receive, with
great things unto them, whirh diliqênce in keeping my mm-
were hard to he understood, save mandments, surely these things
a man should inquire of the shall he made known unto von.
T.ord and they being hard in
: 12. Behold, I say unto you,
their hearts, therefore they did that the house of Israel was com-
not look unto the Lord as they pared unto an 'olive-tree, by the
ought. Spirit of the Lord which was in
4. And now Nephi, was
I, our fathers; and behold are we
grieved because of the hardness not broken off from the house of
of their hearts, and also, because Israel, and are we not a branch
of the things which I had seen, of the house of Israel?
and knew they must unavoid- 13. And now, the thing which
ably come to pass because of the our father meaneth concerning
great wickedness of the children the grafting in of the natural
of men. branches through the fulness of
And it came to pass that I
5. the Gentiles, is, that in the latter
was overcome because of my days, when our '^seed shall have
afflictions, for I considered that dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the
mine afflictions were great above space of many years, and many
all, because of the destructions generations after the Messiah
of ''my people, for I had beheld shall be manifested in body unto
their fall. the children of men, then shall
6. And it came to pass that the fulness of the gospel of the
after I had received strength I Messiah come unto the Gentiles,
spake unto my
brethren, desir- and from the Gentiles unto the
ing to know of them the cause of remnant of our seed
their disputations. 14. And at that dav shall the
a, Enos 13. Morm. 6. b, 1 Ne. 9:1. iU:14. c, vers. 13, 16. 2 Ne. 3:5. Jac. 5.
6:1—4. d, 3Ne. 21:4. vers. 14—20. 1 Ne. 22:8—12. 3Ne. 5:21— 26. 16:10—12. Chap.
21. Morm. 5:10—15, 20. 21. Between B. C. 600 and 592.
Ra\/£^-firT/o^j P^c 7.-r-?
Scripture Topic Basic Scripture
144
1 : : ;
Figure 6
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE
GALATIANS
CHAPTER 1
PAUL, an apostle, (not of men, nation, "^being more exceedingly

neitherby man, but "by Jesus zealous 'of the traditions of my
Christ, and God the Father, who fathers.
raised him from the dead ;) 15 But when it pleased God, 'who
2 And all the brethren "which are separated me from my mother's
with me, "ûnto the churches of womb, and called me by his grace,
Galatia: 16 To "reveal his Son in me, that I
3 Grace'^be to you and peace from might preach him among the heathen
God the Father, and from our Lord immediately I conferred not 'îth
Jesus Christ, fleshand blood
4 Who 'gave himself for our sins, 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem
that he might deliver us /from this to them which were apjostles before
present evil world, according to the me; but I went into Arabia, and re-
will of God and our Father: turned again unto Damascus.
5 To whom be glory for ever and 18 Then after three years I Vent up
ever. A-mea. to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode
6 I marvel that ye are so soon remov- with him fifteen days.
ed from him that called you into 19 But "-other of the apostles saw I
the grace of Christ unto another none, save ^James the Lord's brother.
gospel: 20 Now the things which I write unto
7 Which «'is not another; but there you, behold, before God, I lie not.
be some "that trouble you, and would 21 Afterwards *'l came into the re-
pervert the gospel of Christ. gions of Syria and Ci-lJi?-»-a;
8 But though <we, or an angel from 22 And was unknown by face unto
heaven, preach any other gospel imto the churches of Judaea which were in
you than that which we have preached Christ:
unto you, let him be accursed. 23 But they had heard only. That he
9 As we said before, so say I now which persecuted us in times past now
again. If any man preach any other preacheth the faith which once he de-
gospel imto you ^than that ye have stroyed.
received, let him be accursed. 24 And they glorified God in me.
10 For *do I now 'persuade men, or
God ? or '"do I seek to please men ? for CHAPTER 2
if I yetpleased men, I should not be
the servant of Christ.
THEN fourteen years afler went
up again to Jerusalem with Barna-
"I
1 But "I certify you, brethren, that bas, and took Titus with me also.
the gospel which was preached ot me 2 And I went up by "revelation, and
isnotailerman.
I2Tor I neither received if of man.
neither was I taught it. but °bv the Put 'privately to them which were ot
revelation of Jesus Christ. reputation. lest by any means ''I should
13 For ye have heard of my conver- run, or had run-in vain.
sation in time past in the Jews' re- 3 But neither Titxis, who was with
ligion, how that Pbeyond measure I me, being a Greek, was compelled
persecuted the church of God, and to be circxmKised
•wasted it: 4 And that because of false brethren
14 And profited in the Jews' rdigion unawares brought in, who came in
above many my 'equals in mine own privily to spy out our '^liberty which
RB-âL/^rioN 040 ^/F-f
Scripture Topic Basic Scripture
145
Other Suggestions
for Locating and
Marking Scripture
Some individuals have found it helpful to record the basic scripture
topics (see figure 4)on a blank page in one of your copies of the stan-
dard works. (You can paste in a page or use one already in the back of
the book.) By referring to this index of scripture topics, you will be
able to locate any scripture topic and related cross-referenced passage
that you have recorded in your standard works. (See figure 5.)
Figure 7
Sc^\FroR6 Topics
Topic lOCAT/O/^
AAMNic ?Kie&rHooo D^c- 101! rb-ltf
Accouh)TAfîuri IHemi ^.27

At>OFT/0/^ ABKAHA^l-l'il
AOl/LTSK^ Die /f-lil^-ZS
AFPLICT/O^ %N6FHl iZ
AN^SLS Die lZ<iil
APOiTASy ZTHSSS.X'.MI
APOSTCBS Die /07:23'X6
AiToNe/ABN7 OF CI*Al ST 1/^£PHI f:7-<i
146
Major
Sources
Cited
References of major sources appearing throughout the

texthave been shortened; the full references appear only
on this list.
Grant, Heber ]. Gospel Standards. Compiled by G. Homer Durham. Salt

Lake City: Improvement Era, 1941.
Kimball, Spencer W. Faith Precedes the Miracle. Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Co., 1972.
The Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969.
Lee, Harold B. Decisions for Successful Living. Salt Lake City: Deseret
Book Co., 1973.
McConkie, Bruce R. Doctrinal New Testament Commentary. 3 vols. Salt

Lake City: Bookcraft, 1964-73.
Mormon Doctrine. 2nd ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.
McKay, David O. Gospel Ideals. Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1953.
Monson, Thomas S. Pathways to Perfection. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book

Co., 1973.
Nibley, Preston, comp. Missionary Experiences. Salt Lake City: Deseret

News Press, 1942.
Richards, LeGrand. A Marvelous Work and a Wonder. Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1973.
Romney, Marion G. Look to God and Live. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Co., 1971.
Smith, Joseph. History of The Church of ]esus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ed. B. H. Roberts. 7 vols. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1932-51.
Lectures on Faith. Salt Lake City: N. B. Lundwall, Comp., n.d.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Comp. Joseph Fielding Smith.
SaltUke City: Deseret Book Co., 1938.
Smith, Joseph F. Gospel Doctrine. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,
1966.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. Doctrines of Salvation. Comp. Bruce R.

McConkie. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-56.
Take Heed to Yourselves. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1971.
147
Talmage, James E. The Articles of Faith. Salt Lake City: The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1930.
Tanner, N. Eldon. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God. Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1973.
Young, Brigham. Discourses of Brigham Young. Comp. John A. Widtsoe.
Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954.
Your
Suggestions,
Please
As noted in the introduction in your Personal Study Guide, the Mel-

chizedek Priesthood Committee of the Quorum of the Twelve has
provided that you join the entire Melchizedek Priesthood of the
Church and embark on a systematic study of the gospel, using the
standard works as your basic text. We would like to invite you to give
your candid reactions and suggestions in order that the Personal
Study Guide for subsequent years may be improved. As you react to
the Personal Study Guide, the following questions may serve as a be-
ginning.
What is your overall reaction to the Personal Study Guide?
What feature of the Personal Study Guide do you like most?
Which feature do you like the least?
How has the Personal Study Guide helped you to better under-
stand the doctrines of the Church?
How has the Personal Study Guide helped you understand your
duties in the priesthood?
In what specific ways do you feel the Personal Study Guide can be
improved?
Mail your reactions to the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee, 47
East South Temple, 5th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111.
148
PCMP60F7 3/75 375M Printed in the United States of America

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A Personal A Royal

Study Guide Priesthood

Quorums of The Church of Jesus Christ

"A royal priesthood" 't 07 ^7^ C^

for the Melchizedek Priesthood ^ X XV..Ji,J. .\.rV^Vl.

Copyright Printed in the

Introductory Lesson: Teach One Another

Accepting the Witnesses That Testify of Christ Lesson 1 1

What It Means to Receive the Gift

What Is Your Responsibility to

Honoring the Priesthood Lesson 23 76

How Do You Demonstrate Your Faith? Lesson 24 79

Tame Thy Tongue Lesson 25 84

Performing Priesthood Blessings

Teaching Your Sons to Honor Womanhood Lesson 27 92

Why Genealogical Research? Lesson 28 96

Helping Fathers to Spiritually

How to Be More Godlike in Nature Lesson 30.... 105

... As a young officer in the Canadian army [Elder Hugh B. Brown]

somewhat lonely, he noticed that sitting away on the side, seemingly

kingdom of God." (Harold B. Lee in British Area General Conference

'Ye are ... a royal priesthood."

To Every Man Who Holds the Priesthood of God:

"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a

Faithfully your brethren.

The First Presidency

September 1975 October 1975

Adult Scripture Study Adult Scripture Study

November 1975 December 1975

Adult Scripture Study

March 1976 April 1976

Adult Scripture Study Adult Scripture Study

May 1976 June 1976

Adult Scripture Study

July 1976 August 1976

Adult Scripture Study

Brethren, we live in some turbulent times.

influence of the priesthood by always keeping the priesthood in

It saddens me to think of the inactive bearers of the priesthood of

To begin to strengthen the priesthood, brethren, we must return

Perhaps one of our greatest challenges is to recover to activity the

who are in the fog or lack of understanding; here is our chance to

We are blind until we see

Why build these cities glorious

The objective of this lesson is to emphasize the teaching and

Personal Study to Learn Priesthood Responsibilities

Perhaps these lines from Henry Van Dyke may be of interest to

the Goliaths," Ensign, 4:11 [Nov. 1974], p. 83.)

Use the lesson topics in your Personal Study Guide, if desired, as a

Bring your scriptures to quorum meeting each week.

The Personal Study Guide themes taken

How to Make the m

What Are Some mm

n Each book of scripture usually contains an index or concordance,

Ideas for Quorum Discussion

Review the responsibility of the quorum member. Give emphasis

2. The need for each member to bring his scriptures to quorum

n Preview the Personal Study Guide, A Royal Priesthood. Discuss the

The Divine Law of Witnesses

In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be es-

President Joseph Fielding Smith said:

When you have completed this lesson, you should under-

n 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. What was Paul's testimony to the Corin-

How Did Joseph Smith