The Presidents of the Church

Teacher’s Manual

Published by
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah

© 1989, 1993, 1996 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America

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Helps for the Teacher

Lesson Format

Using the Materials

Please note that only forty-four lessons are included in this manual. However, there are more than enough stories, activities, scriptural quotations, and audiovisual helps included for each lesson. You may want to spend extra time on some lessons. Feel free to do this. A few of the lessons have enough material to fill two full weeks of class time.

Be guided by the Spirit in determining how much of the suggested material should be used. Plan your lesson according to the needs of your class members and the time you have in class. All lesson information does not need to be used. Follow the Spirit and use the scriptures in selecting which information to use. Remember that the scriptures are the primary resource for class members, and discussion of them should always take first priority when planning your lessons.

Review each lesson carefully. Gather and prepare all needed materials. You may need to arrange to obtain such things as pictures and chalk and an eraser from your meetinghouse library. If you plan to use wordstrips or posters in place of the chalkboard, prepare these during the week preceding your lesson.

You may want to look over the entire course before you begin teaching. Be sure to plan your time so that the lives of later prophets receive adequate attention.

The materials also include a videocassette, Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242), which contains very short testimonies of nine Presidents. It is intended to enhance your instruction. You may want to preview the entire videocassette before you begin teaching. If it is not available in your area, remember the manual provides ample material for the lessons without it.

Suggested classroom activities have been expanded. Class members seem to learn best when they become involved in the lesson. Some of these activities are designed just to get the class members up and moving. Often such physical movement gives just enough change in the lesson presentation that greater enjoyment and interest will result. Class participation sometimes involves reading assignments or reports. These should be assigned ahead to give class members an opportunity to prepare.

Careful thought has been given in this manual to involving class members with the scriptures. The best way to do this is to lead the class directly to the Savior through the scriptures. Let them experience the scriptures personally. Encourage them to always bring their own scriptures with them to class and to read, mark, and cross-reference them in class and at home. (You will need to ensure that enough copies of the scriptures are available for class use. Check your meetinghouse library for extra copies.) Carefully consider your class, their reading ability, and their understanding of the scriptures when calling on them to read passages in class. One of your responsibilities is to help them develop a love and understanding of the scriptures. This may mean assigning even shorter scriptures ahead so that a young man or woman can understand and be comfortable in reading a scripture to the class.

A color section at the end of the manual contains a picture of each President of the Church. A brief biography on the back of each President’s picture lists some important dates, contributions, and statements by that President. The color section also includes a picture of Christ and a picture of Claude Monet’s Sunflowers. Some black and white pictures are included within the lessons. Other pictures may be found in the meetinghouse library and are noted by their item numbers. Most of these pictures also are found in the Gospel Art Picture Kit; their numbers are included also. For example: Jesus at the Door (62170 [the meetinghouse library item number]; Gospel Art Picture Kit 237).

Note: Should a new prophet be sustained because of the death of a prophet, use the Ensign articles that will shortly follow the ordination of any new President of the Church and create a lesson to follow the last lesson.

Teaching Suggestions

Four Fundamental Principles of Quality Teaching

Your spiritual preparation must come first. As you study and prepare, build and strengthen your own testimony of the restored gospel. Draw on the testimony of those around you. Sunday School faculties should work together to spiritually nurture each other.

Classroom instruction is extremely important. Also important is a sincere, loving interest in each class member. Go out of your way to become a caring part of each class member’s life.

To help build a caring relationship with class members, plan meaningful experiences with them. A thoughtful talk with a young person who is having problems or your continued support of their activities in church or school might well do more than many of the lessons you can prepare.

Regularly evaluate with your class members what you have learned together. For instance, ask: How do you feel? What did the experience mean to you? How can the experience of the prophet we are studying help us face our daily challenges?

These four principles are some of the secrets of quality teaching.

Remember the words of Paul to Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. . . . And called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:7, 9).

You have been called to “an holy calling.” As you seek help from our Father in Heaven, power to teach will come; as you give time and service, love for your class members will grow; as you study and prepare, your understanding of gospel principles will bless your life. Indeed, as you step into this teaching responsibility you will come to know the holiness of your call and its special blessings.

Lesson 1

Our Choice to Follow Christ

Objective

Class members will realize that they chose in pre-earth life to follow Christ and that they will want to choose again in this life to follow him.

Preparation

From parents, get a picture of each class member when he or she was very young, or learn a story about each class member’s early life.

Prepare to use the voting ballots found at the end of the lesson.

If you think there will be time, with the bishop’s or branch president’s approval, invite a member of the ward Sunday School presidency or the bishopric and a member of either the Relief Society presidency or the Young Women presidency in the ward to visit the class and briefly explain how their choice to follow the teachings of Christ has affected their lives.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Class activity and discussion

Use the pictures or stories you have collected about class members to look back in time. Talk about the way they looked and the things they did when they were very young. Try to involve every class member.

What if you could look back even beyond the time of your birth—back to your life with our Father in Heaven? What were some of the things you might have said and done then? (Lead the class to a discussion of how they made commitments—solemn promises—in their pre-earth life to follow Christ there and here on earth.)

In Our Premortal Life We Chose to Follow Jesus Christ

Read the following to the class:

Before we lived on this earth—before this earth was formed—we lived with our Father in Heaven. We were his spirit children. In fact, all people who have ever lived on the earth are spirit children of our Father in Heaven.

The firstborn spirit son of our Father was Jesus Christ. He was our Elder Brother. He became a member of the Godhead while he was in heaven, before he came to this earth.

Our Father in Heaven wanted all of his spirit children to become like him, their Father. His plan to help his spirit children become exalted is called the plan of salvation.

At a council in heaven the Father presented this plan. It was for us, his spirit children, to go down to earth and get a body of flesh and blood. We were to be tested while we were away from his presence, to see if we would be faithful and keep the Father’s commandments.

The plan required a savior. Heavenly Father knew that we would commit sins while we were on the earth being tested. Since nothing unholy or sinful can live in the presence of the Father, a savior was the only way we could be redeemed, allowing us to go back to Heavenly Father and become like him. A savior would atone for the sins of people who repented and obeyed the Father’s commandments.

When Heavenly Father presented the plan of salvation, he said, “Whom shall I send?” Jesus said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27). But another of Heavenly Father’s spirit children, named Lucifer, said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27). He said, “Send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). But Jesus said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2).

Heavenly Father said, “I will send the first” (Abraham 3:27). Then Lucifer became angry. He rebelled against God, “and, at that day, many followed after him” (Abraham 3:28). The Lord told Joseph Smith that “a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me” (D&C 29:36).

All the faithful children stood on the side of our Father in Heaven and Jesus and against Lucifer and the spirits who followed Lucifer (see Revelation 12:7).

Lucifer was cast out of heaven to earth, and he was called Satan, the devil. All the spirits who sided with him against Heavenly Father and Christ were also cast out of heaven to earth with him (see Revelation 12:9).

Everyone born on this earth chose to follow Heavenly Father and Christ rather than the devil. The devil and all the spirits who were cast out of heaven to earth with him will never get bodies, and they will never return to our Father in Heaven.

We, on the other hand, chose to follow Christ and are on this earth with physical bodies. We can return to our Father in Heaven if we continue to follow Christ.

Now that we are here on the earth we are still in the war against Satan. How do we stand for Christ and against Satan? It is by the things we think and say and do. It is by the friends we choose, the movies we watch, the words we say, the service we give to other people. It is by the way we keep the Word of Wisdom, pay our tithing, attend our meetings, honor the priesthood, obey our parents, and keep all the commandments of God.

Thought questions

What will you choose? Will you choose to follow Christ now, as you did when you were in heaven? Will you choose to stand against the devil now, as you did in heaven?

The World Is Filled with Trials and Temptations

Scripture discussion

Doctrine and Covenants 1:35.

Revelation 12:17.

2 Timothy 3:1–7.

2 Timothy 3:13.

Ezra Taft Benson: “As I have sought direction from the Lord, I have had reaffirmed in my mind and heart the declaration of the Lord to ‘say nothing but repentance unto this generation.’ (D&C 6:9; 11:9.) This has been a theme of every latter-day prophet, along with their testimony that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.

“Repentance was the cry of our late and great prophet, Spencer W. Kimball. This theme permeated his talks and the pages of his writings, such as his marvelous book The Miracle of Forgiveness.And it must be our cry today, both to member and to nonmember alike—repent.

“Watchmen—what of the night? We must respond by saying that all is not well in Zion. As Moroni counseled, we must cleanse the inner vessel (see Alma 60:23), beginning first with ourselves, then with our families, and finally with the Church” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, p. 3; or Ensign, May 1986, p. 4).

Activity

Tell the class members that every day almost everything we say or do is a choice to follow Christ or to follow Satan. These choices are like daily votes for good or evil.

Hand out and discuss the ballots you have prepared. Ask the class members what each choice is a vote for.

Class visitors

Ask your adult guests to discuss how the choice to follow Christ has influenced their lives.

Testimony and Challenge

Tell the class members that all the prophets and apostles have testified of Jesus Christ. Read Ether 12:41; then read the testimony of President Spencer W. Kimball:

“To the testimonies of these mighty men and apostles of old—our brethren in the ministry of the same Master—I add my own testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

“He is my friend, my Savior, my Lord, my God” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1978, p. 110; or Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 73).

Challenge the class to choose to follow Christ in this life, just as they chose to follow him in the premortal existence. They can choose to follow Christ by choosing the right, and not choosing evil, in the choices they make every day.

Bear your testimony to the class.

Lesson 2

The Scriptures—A Sure Guide for the Latter Days

Objective

Understanding Lehi’s vision of the iron rod will encourage class members to use the scriptures as a sure guide in their lives.

Preparation

Read 1 Nephi 8 and 1 Nephi 11 and become familiar with Lehi’s and Nephi’s vision and the interpretation.

Prepare to use the picture of Lehi’s dream in the lesson.

See that each class member has a Book of Mormon (check with your meetinghouse library for copies).

Make copies of the two stories in the lesson and give them to class members to prepare to read to the class.

Prepare a blindfold and string.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Story

Blindfold one member of the class. Spin him around one or two times and ask him to walk to the far side of the room. He will probably grope around and may stumble over things on the way. (Be careful not to let anyone get hurt.) Now provide a string for him to follow. Repeat the process, only now let him follow the string across the room. Explain that the scriptures are like a strong guide that one can follow.

The Iron Rod of the Scriptures Will Lead Us to the Lord

Have a class member read the following story:

Some years ago, in a clinic high in the Andes Mountains near the equator, a baby boy was born to Pedro and Nancy Cantos. He seemed normal at first, but he soon showed signs of serious illness. His bowels did not work properly and he had a congenital heart defect. The parents had already lost two children to fatal illnesses and were grieved that they might lose little Pedrito too. They prayed constantly.

“One night, when Pedrito was almost ten months old, Nancy dreamed that she saw through her kitchen window—instead of the usual crowded buildings—a beautiful, spacious lawn extending as far as she could see. In the distance a man was digging in the earth. She approached him and asked, ‘What are you doing?’

“‘I’m planting herbs to cure the illnesses of man,’ he replied.

“Then Nancy saw an unusual tree nearby. ‘What is the purpose of that tree?’ she asked.

“‘The tree holds the cure for Pedrito’s illness,’ replied the stranger.

“‘Tell me,’ she asked eagerly, ‘how can I give the tree’s medicine to my child?’

“Before the stranger could answer, Nancy saw a man in the distance. . . . Immediately he and another man . . . approached her. . . . [They told her,] ‘We were sent by God to help you because of your faith and diligence in studying the Bible and seeking the word of God.’ . . . Nancy woke up. The dream remained vivid in [her] thoughts.

“A week later, two missionaries knocked on the Cantoses’ door. That evening they [taught the family] the first discussion.

“Before they left, the elders gave the family a Book of Mormon, after first marking . . . the passages they had been discussing. . . . They also felt inspired to underline the passages relating to Lehi’s dream about the tree of life—something they had never done before.

“Later, as Nancy Cantos read . . . of Lehi’s dream, she became excited. It was so similar to her own! She knew in her heart that this was the answer to their prayers. . . .

“[Soon afterward, the Cantos family was baptized. A priesthood blessing was obtained for little Pedrito and he began to improve. However, he became ill again and a heart operation was also necessary for him. A second priesthood blessing brought him through this ordeal safely, and soon Pedrito] was running and playing like any other little boy” (Vira H. Blake, “A Mother’s Dream,” Ensign, Mar. 1986, pp. 53–54).

The tree in Nancy’s dream had indeed been the source of a great miracle for this family.

Picture

Show the picture of Lehi’s dream to the class.

Scripture discussion

Read with the class 1 Nephi 8:5–35.

What does the scripture say the tree in Lehi’s dream represents? (The tree in Lehi’s dream represents the love of God [1 Nephi 11:25].)

Have you ever been in a place so dark that it was impossible to see your way? Imagine being in a deep cave or mine with no light. How important would it be to have a railing that would lead you out of the cave? What was the importance of the iron rod in Lehi’s dream? (Answers will vary. See 1 Nephi 8:23–24.)

What happened to the people who did not hold fast to the iron rod? What did Nephi find out that the iron rod represents? (See 1 Nephi 11:25.) In what ways can the scriptures serve as an iron rod?

Scripture discussion

Read and discuss the following scriptures, leading the class toward the conclusion that scripture study is very important:

Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Acts 17:10–11

2 Timothy 3:15–17

2 Nephi 4:15

Alma 37:8

Doctrine and Covenants 33:16

Conclude the discussion by reading God’s promise concerning the iron rod in 1 Nephi 15:23–24.

The Scriptures Can Help Us with Today’s Problems

Discussion

President Ezra Taft Benson at a priesthood leadership meeting said:

“When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity [Church activity, sacrament meeting attendance, number of missionaries, temple marriages] will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (in Ensign, May 1986, p. 81).

How have the scriptures helped you or your family or your friends? How do you think reading and studying the scriptures will help you in the ways President Benson promised? (Allow various answers.)

Story

Have the assigned class member read the following story. Stop after the story and ask the class how the scriptures helped the person in the story.

Janet, a young teenager in the United States, walked into her seventh-grade science class to find her teacher “obviously upset by something. . . .

“He started the day’s lesson, not on science, but about the fact that the United States was facing a major military crisis. The Soviet Union was sending ships loaded with missiles to Cuba. Our president [the president of the United States] had set up a blockade to stop them.

“‘It could mean war,’ my teacher said, pounding the desk for emphasis. ‘The world as it is right now could end in half an hour. Do you all realize what a nuclear war would be like? It would be the end of the world!’ . . . I was terrified. . . . The rest of the day was a blur.

“I walked home from school that day with my science teacher’s words replaying in my mind. ‘The world could end in half an hour!’ . . . After dinner I sat down . . . to my homework. . . . After a while, I was tired of homework. . . . As I was sorting through a stack of paper, I picked up a bookmark that had been given to me as I had entered Beehives [Young Women] earlier that year. On the back was a reading list for the year. I had never noticed the list before. . . . I decided I would start reading a little of the first thing on the list—the Book of Matthew as translated by Joseph Smith, located in the Pearl of Great Price.

“Soon tears blurred my vision and a feeling of warm calm enveloped me as I read the 23rd verse: ‘And you also shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled, for all I have told you must come to pass; but the end is not yet’ (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23). . . .

“The fear and panic I had felt that day in science class were gone. I knew that our Heavenly Father was aware of us and that world events were proceeding as had been prophesied. I had no need to fear” (Janet Thomas, “The End Is Not Yet,” New Era, July 1986, p. 18).

Testimony and Challenge

Add your personal witness of the truth and value of the scriptures. Challenge the class members to read the scriptures every day. Ask them to tell next week how reading the scriptures affected them.

Lesson 3

Revelation to Living Prophets Comes Again to Earth

Objective

Class members will appreciate the great blessing of latter-day revelation.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Bible and Pearl of Great Price (check with your meetinghouse library for copies).

Prepare paper or other cups for each member of the class.

Prepare to show the picture of a beggar with a cup at the end of the lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

How did reading the scriptures every day last week affect you? (Ask for brief responses from any who followed last week’s challenge and who would like to share their feelings.)

Spiritual Hunger Results from a Lack of Receiving God’s Word

Scripture discussion

Read Amos 8:11–12. This scripture compares the lack of revelation to a famine.

What are the results of a famine? (There is little or no food, people suffer hunger and sickness, and some die.)

How long could you live without food? (Accept varied answers.)

Have you ever been in a situation where food was not available and you were forced to go hungry for a time? (Accept varied answers.)

How did it make you feel? (Accept varied answers.)

We Must Feed Our Spirits

Scripture discussion

Read John 6:35. Explain that Jesus speaks in this scripture about spiritual food, which is as important to our spirits as bread and water are for our bodies.

Illustration

A Latter-day Saint girl tells of a time when she felt hungry for spiritual food. She describes her visit to Germany as part of a high school class member exchange program. She was graciously received into the home of her host family. However, at the end of her first day, she found herself strained by her new surroundings.

“After all the day’s activities I felt very lost to be back in my strange, new bedroom alone. I let myself fall into the puffy softness of the bed. . . .

“Jet-lag exhaustion caught up with me and I started to cry. The more I cried, the harder I cried, because I didn’t know why I was crying. True, I was separated from my family, but I would be seeing them again in only a month. My new family treated me like a princess, yet still I felt horribly empty and I sensed something had been missed that day. As I lay there crying, feeling helpless and frustrated, I remembered: Today is Sunday. Of course. I had forgotten, but my heart had not, and it had been trying all day to get through to me. I wanted desperately to go to church, but it was far too late by then. So I closed my eyes and went through a typical Sunday at home: family prayer, journal writing, dinner together, classes, and sacrament meeting. . . .

“This day there had been no routine, no sacrament, and I felt painfully void without it. I knew then that I needed that time. I got to my knees and let the pillow absorb my tears as I asked Heavenly Father for the opportunity to attend an LDS church the following Sunday” (Kirsten Christensen, “A Sunday without the Sacrament,” New Era, Jan. 1986, p. 49). Kirsten’s German family did help her to find a Latter-day Saint Church by the following Sunday.

Discussion

If you were to go without the blessings of the gospel for many years, or a lifetime, what would you miss the most? (Accept varied answers.)

We Share the Blessing from Joseph Smith’s Prayer

The blessings of the gospel were withheld from the earth for many years because most of the people and the leaders of various churches of the earth chose not to receive them. In the latter days, the Lord prepared a nation, the United States of America, whose government allowed the freedom necessary for the gospel to flourish. Again the Lord sent his choice gospel gifts to the people of the earth. He began by answering the prayer of a humble young farm boy in the year 1820.

Who was that boy? (Joseph Smith.)

Joseph Smith saw the spiritual hunger of his area. He felt hungry himself and was confused by the contradicting counsels given by churches of his day. They each encouraged him to seek for God in different ways. He was distressed. In one account of his life he wrote:

“Thus from the age of twelve years to fifteen I pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world of mankind, the contentions and divisions, the wickedness and abominations and the darkness which pervaded the minds of mankind. My mind became exceedingly distressed, for I became convinced of my sins, and by searching the scriptures I found that mankind did not come unto the Lord but that they had apostatized from the true and living faith” (Joseph Smith, “Kirtland Letter Book,” 1829–1835, pp. 1–6, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

Explain that Joseph learned through reading scriptures that God would answer his prayers if he asked in faith. He believed God’s promise and showed faith as he knelt in a grove of trees near his home and earnestly prayed to God.

Scripture

Read with the class Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26.

Activity and picture

Hand each class member a paper cup or a cup of some kind. (If you use paper cups, you might attach a message such as “Fill with Spiritual Nourishment,” and allow class members to take the cups home.) Show the picture of a beggar with a cup.

Explain to the class members that in many parts of the world a cup is held out by hungry people to beg for money for food.

Chalkboard discussion

Suppose you are a person who knows nothing about the gospel of Jesus Christ and you are hungry for spiritual food. If Joseph Smith were to tell you about his prayer and the appearance of the Father and the Son, what items of spiritual food might then be in your “cup”? (List answers on the chalkboard. They might include such things as: Assurance that God lives. Assurance that God cares about us. Assurance that our prayers may be answered. An understanding that God is our Father and we are made in his image.)

Testimony and Challenge

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have been richly blessed with many spiritual gifts and with abundant food for our spiritual growth.

Others whom we know or meet may be hungry for these gifts. Certainly the Lord is pleased when we share what he has given us with those who have less, who are indeed hungry from lack of spiritual food.

Challenge the class to strengthen their testimonies of the restoration of the gospel by reading and praying about Joseph Smith’s testimony in the Pearl of Great Price (see Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26). Challenge them to be prepared to share this testimony with others when the opportunity seems right.

Assure the class that you know God hears and will answer their prayers and that he will direct them as they seek to share the gospel.

Lesson 4

You Are Called to Build Zion

Objective

To help class members gain a desire to be pure in heart.

Preparation

Bring to class cleaning materials such as a scrub brush, small broom, duster, or cleanser.

Obtain and prepare to display the picture Jesus at the Door (62170; Gospel Art Picture Kit 237).

Read Alma 17–19.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone told the following story:

“A few years ago, a father shared the following story with me. His oldest son had been attending Brigham Young University for approximately a year after his mission. During that year he had become engaged and was preparing to be married. About a week before his marriage, he went to Salt Lake City to spend an evening with his family. The father said, ‘He seemed very serious. He had always been so buoyant and filled with excitement. He was an absolute joy to have around.’ After about half an hour, the son went to his father and asked, ‘Dad, can I speak to you in the study?’ Usually, the father took his son to the study. The son waited until the father was inside, and then he closed the door (something the father usually did). Then the son went over and sat in the big easy chair, and the father was left to sit on a hard-backed chair. The father said that it was truly a role-reversal, and he wondered what he had done wrong. He said, ‘I felt like I was under the grilling lamp.’ Then the son said, ‘Dad, you know I am getting married next week.’

“The father thought tenderly about his son’s wedding and responded, ‘Yes, I know that, Son.’

“Then the son said, ‘Dad, I thought you and Mom would like to know I am as clean and pure as the day you brought me into this life.’ Tears glistened in his eyes, then tears glistened in the father’s eyes. He went to his son, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. He couldn’t speak because his heart was full” (Purity of Heart [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], pp. 42–43).

Keeping a Holy Temple

Activity and discussion

Show the cleaning materials to the class.

If a special guest were coming to your house, how would you use these materials? If it were to be the visit of a very special guest, would you clean any differently? (Allow varied answers.)

Read Helaman 4:24, emphasizing that the Spirit of the Lord does not dwell in unholy temples.

What is meant in the verse by “temples”? (Their souls—body and spirit.)

Ask the class to think of their own souls and how clean they are. Ask them to decide for themselves if they are as clean as they would clean their houses if the prophet or the Lord himself were coming to visit.

Picture and scriptures

Have a class member read Revelation 3:20 as you put up the picture of Christ knocking at the door. Ask the class to think about whether they are ready to invite the Lord into their hearts. Read Matthew 5:8.

The Lord Desires a Pure People

Picture and discussion

Read Doctrine and Covenants 97:21 and write Zion—The Pure in Heart on the chalkboard. Ask the class members what they know about Zion. Review the following to explain that the Lord has always wanted to establish Zion on the earth:

In the days of Enoch, long before the flood, there were people who became pure enough that the Lord took them all up into heaven (see Moses 7:18–21; Hebrews 11:5).

John the Baptist was sent to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).

After the Lord visited the people of America, they became a righteous and pure people for about two hundred years (see 4 Nephi 1:1–49).

In the last days, the Lord has told us to “seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion” (D&C 6:6).

Why do you think the Lord wants people to be pure in heart? (Answers may vary; stress that we must be pure in heart to return to his presence.)

Discussion

Tell the story of Ammon (Alma 17:19–19:36; see especially Alma 19:33).

Ammon went to the land of the Lamanites to preach the gospel. He was captured and taken to the Lamanite king, King Lamoni. Ammon told King Lamoni he wanted to be a servant and work for him. Ammon saved the king’s flocks from being stolen and saved the king’s servants from being killed. When King Lamoni heard about Ammon’s courage, he sent for him. Ammon taught King Lamoni the gospel. Through the power of the Spirit, the Lord changed King Lamoni’s heart.

How Do We Become Pure in Heart?

Scripture discussion

Read Alma 19:33.

What does it mean to be pure in heart today? (Accept varied answers.)

Chalkboard and scripture discussion

How can we become pure in heart? What are some choices we make that affect how pure our heart is? (Lead the class to mention each of the following and write them on the chalkboard. Use the scriptures cited to emphasize how the Lord has given us guidelines to follow.)

Choose worthy friends (see D&C 38:42; Alma 5:57).

Study the scriptures (see D&C 26:1; Mosiah 1:7; D&C 11:21–22).

Pray (see D&C 31:12).

Shun even the appearance of evil (see 1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Choose good books, magazines, TV programs, music, movies (see D&C 88:118).

Be clean in thought and actions (see D&C 121:45).

How can each of these help us become pure in heart? (Answers will vary.)

How Can We Each Build Zion?

Discussion and chalkboard

How can we build Zion? What things can we do? (Write the answers briefly on the chalkboard. They should include the following):

How Can I Build Zion?

Be pure in heart.

Be an example.

Go on a mission.

Serve in the Church.

Raise a righteous family.

Have personal integrity.

Pay tithes and offerings.

Love family and others.

Testimony and Challenge

Challenge the class to think about the things they do every day and then to do those things in a way that will help them become pure in heart. Challenge them to pray and ask Heavenly Father for help to become pure in heart.

Bear your testimony about the importance and blessings of being pure in heart.

Lesson 5

Listening to a Prophet Today

Objective

Class members will understand why we have a living prophet and recognize that heeding his words brings us happiness.

Preparation

Have available pictures of—

A small child (toddler) from your own or a class member’s family pictures or picture 62307 from the meetinghouse library.

The present-day prophet of the Church.

Prepare wordstrips for “What Is a Prophet?”

Hand copy or photocopy the readers’ theater of the Hugh B. Brown story. At least a week before class, assign two capable class members to prepare it for class.

Choose a recent talk by the current prophet from the Conference Report or the Ensign. Assign a class member to read it and report on the instructions given by the prophet. (Allow no more than five minutes for this report in the lesson.)

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture and discussion

Display the toddler’s picture and then read or tell the following:

Pretend this child is your brother (or sister), whom you love very much. You are responsible for him this afternoon and are playing with him in a yard. On one side of the yard is a very busy street where vehicles speed by; on the other side is a deep canal with rushing water. You won’t let the toddler play by or go into the street, and he now wants to play on the edge of the canal. When you bring him back into the middle of the yard, he screams and kicks and shows his anger with you. Do you give in? Do you let him play on the edge? Why won’t you? (You know the danger that he is too young to realize, and you care about and love him.)

Who is there to keep teenagers from playing on the edge of danger? Who says: “Don’t go to violent or immoral movies,” “Stay away from drugs,” “Come home early,” “Don’t date until you are sixteen”? (Parents, teachers, and Church leaders.)

Who keeps parents, teachers, and Church leaders away from “the edge”? (Their experience, the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and a prophet of God.)

Our Heavenly Father loves all his children and provides for them. He directs his prophets, who counsel God’s children. He provides parents, teachers, and Church leaders who can guide those who do not have the experience or knowledge to be aware of all of life’s dangers.

Are parents, teachers, and Church leaders all-knowing? (No. They need the guidance of the Holy Ghost and a living prophet also. The prophets teach and warn us all.)

Today we are going to talk about the importance of having a living prophet.

A Prophet Is God’s Spokesman

Picture

Display the picture of the present-day prophet.

Wordstrips or chalkboard and discussion

What is a prophet? (Class members will probably say that he is one who prophesies or foretells the future. That is one of his qualities. Bring out in the discussion the following, putting up wordstrips or writing each on the chalkboard as it is mentioned.)

What Is a Prophet?

He is the spokesman of God.

He teaches of God and Jesus Christ.

He denounces sin and declares punishment.

He preaches righteousness.

He calls us to repentance.

He interprets scripture.

He is the administrator of present Church policy.

Read or have a class member read the following:

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:

“A true prophet is one who has the testimony of Jesus; one who knows by personal revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, and that he was to be—or has been—crucified for the sins of the world; one to whom God speaks and who recognizes the still small voice of the Spirit. A true prophet is one who holds the holy priesthood; who is a legal administrator; who has power and authority from God to represent him on earth. A true prophet is a teacher of righteousness to whom the truths of the gospel have been revealed and who presents them to his fellowmen so they can become heirs of salvation in the highest heaven. A true prophet is a witness, a living witness, one who knows, and one who testifies. Such a one, if need be, foretells the future and reveals to men what the Lord reveals to him” (The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980], 2:169).

We Need a Living Prophet

Readers’ theater

Have the previously assigned class members present the readers’ theater:

TEACHER: President Hugh B. Brown, who was an Apostle and member of the First Presidency, reported having a conversation with a former justice of “the supreme court of Britain.” He asked Elder Brown to explain some phases of the Mormon faith, presenting it as he would a case in court.

JURIST: “What you tell me about Joseph Smith seems fantastic. . . .”

ELDER BROWN: “Perhaps we could find some common ground. . . . May I proceed, sir, on the assumption that you are a Christian?”

JURIST: “I am.”

ELDER BROWN: “I assume that you believe in the Bible—the Old and New Testaments?”

JURIST: “I do!”

ELDER BROWN: “Do you believe in prayer?”

JURIST: “I do!”

ELDER BROWN: “You say that my belief that God spoke to man in this age is fantastic and absurd?”

JURIST: “To me, it is.”

ELDER BROWN: “Do you believe that God ever did speak to anyone?”

JURIST: “Certainly, all through the Bible we have evidence of that.”

ELDER BROWN: “Did he speak to Adam?”

JURIST: “Yes.”

ELDER BROWN: “To Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, and to others of the prophets?”

JURIST: “I believe he spoke to each of them.”

ELDER BROWN: “Do you believe that contact between God and man ceased when Jesus appeared on the earth?”

JURIST: “Certainly not. Such communication reached its climax, its apex at that time.”

ELDER BROWN: “Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God?”

JURIST: “He was.”

ELDER BROWN: “Do you believe, sir, that after the resurrection of Christ, God ever spoke to any man?”

JURIST: “I remember . . . Saul of Tarsus who was going down to Damascus to persecute the saints, and who had a vision, was stricken blind, in fact, and heard a voice.”

ELDER BROWN: “Whose voice did [Saul] hear?”

JURIST: “Well, . . . the voice said ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. . . .’”

ELDER BROWN: “Then, [sir,] I am submitting to you in all seriousness that it was standard procedure in Bible times for God to talk to man.”

JURIST: “I think I will admit that, but it stopped shortly after the first century of the Christian era.”

ELDER BROWN: “Why do you think it stopped?”

JURIST: “I can’t say.”

ELDER BROWN: “You think that God hasn’t spoken since then?”

JURIST: “Not to my knowledge.”

ELDER BROWN: “May I suggest some possible reasons why he has not spoken. Perhaps it is because he cannot. He has lost the power.”

JURIST: “. . . Of course that would be blasphemous.”

ELDER BROWN: “Well, then, if you don’t accept that, perhaps he doesn’t speak to men because he doesn’t love us anymore. He is no longer interested in the affairs of men.”

JURIST: “No. . . . God loves all men, and he is no respecter of persons.”

ELDER BROWN: “Well, then, . . . the only other possible answer as I see it is that we don’t need him. We have made such rapid strides in education and science that we don’t need God anymore.”

JURIST: “. . . Mr. Brown, there never was a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is needed now. Perhaps you can tell me why he doesn’t speak.”

ELDER BROWN: “He does speak, he has spoken; but men need faith to hear him.” (Adapted from Conference Report, Oct. 1967, pp. 117–18; or Improvement Era, Dec. 1967, pp. 36–37; see also “The Profile of a Prophet,” in Speeches of the Year [Provo: Brigham Young University Press, 1956], pp. 3–5.)

Discussion

Why do we need a living prophet? (Give class members a chance to answer; answers will vary.)

President John Taylor explained it this way:

“Adam’s revelation did not instruct Noah to build his ark; nor did Noah’s revelation tell Lot to forsake Sodom; nor did either of these speak of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. These all had revelations for themselves, and so had Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, and Joseph. And so must we, or we shall make a shipwreck” (John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, sel. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1943], p. 34).

The Old Testament prophet Amos said, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). And then the Lord in our time, speaking of his prophet, said:

Scripture discussion

“Wherefore, meaning the church, 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; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:4–5; see also D&C 1:38).

As far as we are concerned, which prophet is as important as Moses, Abraham, Nephi, or any other ancient prophet? (The current prophet, because he is directing us today.)

Why do you think many people have a tendency to respect ancient prophets, those in the Bible for instance, more than those living today? (People tend to be more critical of the human faults of those who are still living. Answers may vary.)

Latter-day Prophets Give Us Needed Counsel

Example and discussion

Tell the following incident: A young missionary was explaining to a contact that our Church is led by a prophet of the Lord who receives revelation for the Church and for the world. The man was very interested and asked the elder what the prophet had said. The missionary, however, could not think of anything specific to tell the man.

“Well, what is the most recent thing your prophet has proclaimed?” the man asked. Still the missionary stammered and could not answer; he just did not know.

Could each of us do better than that embarrassed missionary? What instructions has our prophet given us? (Accept varied answers. They could include counsel to study the Book of Mormon, to write in journals, to be missionaries and warnings against such things as abortion, pornography, homosexuality, and other serious sins of today.)

Report

Have the assigned class member report on the important instruction he found in the prophet’s talk.

We Must Listen to Our Prophet

Our Heavenly Father has warned us of the evils of this world and of how we can be saved from the consequences of following the world. Our greatest need is to really listen and then to follow the counsel of God’s prophets today. As President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., said, “We do not lack a prophet; what we lack is a listening ear by the people and a determination to live as God has commanded” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1948, p. 80).

Some people believe in following the prophet in everything they think is right. However, when they think something isn’t right or it doesn’t appeal to them, they become their own prophet. They decide what the Lord wants and what the Lord doesn’t want. When we decide that we will not keep or follow some commandments, we are taking the law of the Lord into our own hands and becoming our own prophets. We will be led astray. Those who follow the living prophet only when it is convenient become false prophets unto themselves.

Do we ever think we can pick and choose which commandments to obey? Do we think a prophet isn’t a prophet if he counsels against something we like to do? (Have class members respond.)

Scripture discussion

Read from Hebrews 13:17.

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls. . . .”

Discussion

When Joseph Smith reported his revelation on the Word of Wisdom and counseled the Saints to abstain from tobacco, tea, and coffee, as well as alcohol, did everyone recognize it as sound and important advice? (No. Accept class comments and bring out that it took more than a hundred years for the world to recognize that the advice was scientifically true. Even doctors used to say that tobacco, tea, and coffee would not be harmful to the body. Those who listened to the prophet reaped great blessings of health.)

What kind of risks do people take who do not listen to the prophets’ teachings on chastity and moral cleanliness? (Answers might include: loss of faith and testimony, broken families, diseases such as AIDS, loss of Church membership, and loss of eternal blessings.)

Our Obedience to the Prophet Is a Measure of Our Faithfulness

Scripture discussion

Jacob, the brother of Nephi, said:

“O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God” (2 Nephi 9:28–29).

Of course, each of us has our agency; we can refuse to obey if we choose. If we do, however, we must take the consequences of our choice. Sometimes we do not fully weigh the results because some of our hardest choices are between the advice of friends and the advice of prophets.

What do you think the Lord meant when he said in Luke 6:46, “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (He was accusing them of being hypocrites. How did he feel about hypocrites?)

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony to the importance of following a living prophet. Challenge the class to go forward with faith and courage in following the counsel of today’s prophets. Urge them to keep themselves unspotted from the world, to repent where necessary, and in every way help to build the kingdom of God here upon the earth. A true Latter-day Saint sustains the prophet, and to sustain the prophet we must follow him.

Lesson 6

The Prophet Joseph Smith—A Light in the Darkness

Born 23 December 1805 Years of Presidency: 1832–1844

Objective

To create a desire in class members to find out for themselves that Joseph Smith was a prophet.

Preparation

Before this lesson, ask a class member to read Joseph Smith—History 1:13–26 and prepare to report his or her feelings about it to the class. The reading and discussion of this scripture are the most important parts of the lesson. Allow time for this even if something else must be left out.

Prepare a handout of “Joseph Smith’s Importance to Me” for each member of the class (at the end of the lesson).

Arrange for a globe (or large ball to represent the earth). Cover it with a very dark cloth before class.

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price. Check with the meetinghouse library for additional copies if needed.

Obtain the following pictures of Joseph Smith from the meetinghouse library: The First Vision (62470; Gospel Art Picture Kit 403), Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith in His Room (62492; Gospel Art Picture Kit 404), and Melchizedek Priesthood Restoration (62371; Gospel Art Picture Kit 408).

Ask permission from the bishop or branch president to ask someone in the ward or branch who has struggled to gain a testimony to explain to the class how he gained that testimony.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Poster or chalkboard

Have the following questions written on a poster or the chalkboard:

How can I know for myself that Joseph Smith was a prophet?

How can I know he saw and heard what he said he did?

What does knowing the answers to these questions mean to me?

Display the poster and ask the class to read it.

Handout and discussion

Note: The following discussion should help class members strengthen their testimonies. A teacher’s strong conviction and confidence in the truth helps to inspire class members. Point out that because Joseph Smith did tell the truth it is important for us, especially as members of the Church, to have a testimony of that truth.

Give each class member a copy of the handout “Joseph Smith’s Importance to Me” (see the copy that follows the end of the lesson).

Joseph Smith’s Importance to Me

Ask a class member to read the first numbered statement on the handout: “I have learned where my spirit came from before my birth, why I am here on earth, and where I will go after this life.” Tell the class that the modern revelations are important because no one in the Christian world of 1820 had the full truth.

Why didn’t they know the full truth? Prophets in other times had known and taught the full truth. (Because of wickedness, many “plain and precious” parts of the scriptures had been removed [see 1 Nephi 13:20–29].)

Explain that because of Joseph Smith we know who we are and where we came from. We know that we can return to our Father’s presence by obeying his commandments. However, the people of the world in general still do not know this. We have the knowledge to recognize false doctrine, and if we will obey God and his prophets, we will have the strength to resist all doctrine of the devil and those he deceives.

Have a class member read the handout’s second statement: “I have learned that Heavenly Father is a real person who hears and answers my prayers.”

What do the churches of the world think about God and Christ? (Explain that almost all churches of the world think God and Christ are spirits or one spiritual essence having no physical body. It is wonderful to know the truth—that God the Eternal Father and Jesus Christ are exalted, tangible beings, with resurrected bodies in whose image we are made, and that Jesus Christ is literally the Father’s Only Begotten Son in the flesh. Try to help class members see the great significance of knowing what God and Christ are like and of learning what the Lord’s plan for mankind is.)

Object lesson

Draw attention to the globe (or ball) covered with a black cloth that represents the world. Explain that the world in 1820 was in a state of spiritual darkness. Although many good people were searching to know about God, there were no prophets nor authority. There was no true church to teach the truth, and there were so many incorrect teachings and principles that there was much confusion.

Then the Lord, through the young Joseph Smith, was able to bring truth, new understanding, authority, and revelation, or in other words light to the world. This was much as the Lord had done through biblical prophets like Moses. Uncover the globe.

Make clear that the dispensation when the world must be prepared for Christ’s second coming has arrived. We have the gospel, a gift of great worth. We can share it with others only if we learn for ourselves its truthfulness and great worth.

Discussion

Have a class member read the third statement on the handout: “I have learned that the true Church is on the earth and I am a member of it.”

Reassure the class that they can strengthen their testimonies and know for sure, if they do not know now, that the Church is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet.

Scripture

Read together Moroni 10:4.

Chalkboard and discussion

Put the “Process of Gaining a Testimony” chart (without words on the steps) on the chalkboard or on a large poster. Write Testimony on the top line or step.

Process of Gaining a Testimony

Desire

Prayer

Study

Repentance

Obedience

Testimony

What is the process a person must go through to find out if Joseph was a prophet or that the Church is true? (When a correct answer is given, write it on any line until the chart is completed.)

Testimony

If you received permission from the bishop or branch president, have the person you asked in the ward or branch who has struggled to gain a testimony explain to the class how he gained that testimony.

Increasing Our Understanding and Appreciation of Joseph Smith

Discussion

Tell the class that learning about young Joseph Smith and what his feelings were will help increase our appreciation and understanding of him.

In what ways was Joseph like you? (He was the same age. He loved his family. He worried about earning a living, about doing what was right. He was trying to be good. He wanted to know the truth. He was probably afraid of some things, like failing or being sick [there were no antibiotics, anesthetics, or immunizations as we have today and he had had a very painful bone infection in his leg when he was younger]. He had chores to do to help the family. He liked sports. He felt pain when he was hurt. He prayed.)

Pictures and review

Display the pictures of Joseph Smith, especially in the Sacred Grove. Review briefly (or have a class member tell about) Joseph’s feelings that led him to the Sacred Grove.

Studying about the First Vision Can Strengthen Our Testimonies

Scripture reading and discussion

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:13–26 as class members follow in their own scriptures. Read slowly. Tell the class members not to interrupt until the entire passage is read.

After the reading, ask some of the following questions:

Why do you think Satan tried to stop Joseph from having this experience? (Because Satan knew that the truth and light of the gospel and the power and authority of the priesthood were going to be brought to the earth again. Satan is an enemy to all of these; he fights against them.)

Why do you think Satan did not overcome Joseph? (God’s power is stronger than Satan’s. He would not allow Satan to destroy Joseph.)

What do you think Joseph’s feelings were?

When do you think he stopped being afraid? (The reassuring peace and spirit of the Holy Ghost comforted him as it would comfort each of us if we were having such an experience. It would be a joyful experience.)

Why did Joseph have “no strength” after the vision? (It was a physically draining experience.)

Explain that one has to be “quickened” or strengthened and protected by the Spirit of God, as Joseph was, to be able to withstand the power and glory of the presence of the Lord. Otherwise, no mortal man or woman “has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God” (D&C 67:11).

Report

Have the assigned class member report his or her feelings or testimony about Joseph Smith’s experience in the Sacred Grove.

Testimony and Challenge

Refer back to the “Process of Gaining a Testimony” chart on the chalkboard or poster and challenge the class to do what Joseph did. He sought and received revelation, and we can, also. In addition to gospel questions, each day we need wisdom to meet challenges in dealing with many things that face us, such as school, family, friends, money, or how to act. We must ask of God in faith, with real intent. We will get answers. We can know what to do.

Scripture and testimony

Read James 1:5–6. Bear your testimony.

Lesson 7

Strengthening a Testimony of Joseph Smith

Objective

Class members will increase their testimonies that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Preparation

Prepare a copy of the handout “Helping a Friend Understand Joseph Smith’s First Vision” for each class member from the sample following the lesson.

Prepare to write the “Understanding John 1:18” chart on the chalkboard or prepare wordstrips of the sentences and scripture references.

See that each class member has a copy of the Bible. Check with the meetinghouse library for additional copies if needed.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Story

Read the following story:

John is a fourteen-year-old member of the Church. One day Paul, his nonmember friend, confided in him: “Some missionaries from your church are talking to my family. We think you have a good church and that it teaches good things, but my father and I can’t really believe the story about Joseph Smith having a vision and finding gold plates.”

We Can Answer Questions about Joseph Smith

Discussion and scriptures

What might be troubling Paul about Joseph’s vision? What could John tell his friend Paul that would help him? (John could explain that while Joseph’s vision was unique in his day, it was not unusual for a prophet. The Lord throughout history has spoken to his prophets, many “face to face.”)

What other prophets can you think of who have seen and spoken with the Lord? (You might mention some of the following: Adam [see Genesis 3:8–13; D&C 107:54–55; and Moses 6:22], Enoch [Genesis 5:22, 24; D&C 107:49; and Moses 7:4], Noah [Genesis 6:9; Moses 8:27], Abraham [Genesis 12:7; 18:1; Abraham 2:6], Isaac [Genesis 26:2], Moses [Exodus 24:1, 9–11; 33:11], Isaiah [Isaiah 6:1], Ezekiel [Ezekiel 1:1; 44:4], Stephen [Acts 7:55–56], the brother of Jared [Ether 3:6–15], Nephi [2 Nephi 11:2–6], Jacob [2 Nephi 11:3], Mormon [Mormon 1:15], and Joseph Smith [Joseph Smith—History 1:17].)

Besides these, many other prophets have seen the Lord.

Discussion and scripture chain

What if Paul mentions John 1:18, which says no man has seen God? (John could explain that further scriptures and the Lord’s prophets can help us know the following: [Write the three sentences and scripture references on the chalkboard or post the prepared wordstrips.])

Chalkboard

Understanding John 1:18 (See also Joseph Smith Translation 1:19)

No one can see God without being strengthened and protected by the power and spirit of God (see D&C 67:11).

Only those who are worthy have the privilege of seeing God (see John 6:46 and D&C 93:1).

The Lord shows himself when, where, and to whom he wishes (see Exodus 33:20 and compare it to Joseph Smith Translation, Exodus 33:20).

(For other scriptures that tell of God speaking with his prophets and others, see Topical Guide, “Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal” and “Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal.”)

Scripture discussion

Have the class find the following scriptures and read them together: Genesis 12:7, Exodus 24:9–10, and Exodus 33:11. These and many other scriptures show that righteous men have seen God.

What conditions are necessary for such revelation to take place?

There must be a need. For example, during Joseph Smith’s time the gospel needed to be restored.

The person needs to be worthy.

The vision must come at the Lord’s choosing, not merely because the person wishes it.

Do you think you could now tell a friend in a very easy, simple way why Joseph Smith’s First Vision is another example in a long pattern of the Lord dealing with his prophets?

Handout

Give each class member a copy of the handout “Helping a Friend Understand Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (at end of lesson). Invite a class member to explain why Joseph Smith’s First Vision was not unusual.

Note to teacher: The stone box with the gold plates in it was not unusual or unique. Metal plates with important records on them were not unique in ancient times. Archaeologists in our own day are discovering that metal plates of all kinds were used for recording written documents. (See H. Curtis Wright, “Ancient Burials of Metal Documents in Stone Boxes,” Journal of Library History, Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, WR-1981.)

Helping Others Develop Their Own Testimonies

Discussion and scripture

What is the most important way we could help a friend like Paul know for himself that Joseph Smith told the truth? (Lead the class members into a discussion of the Holy Ghost.)

We could explain that in the Book of Mormon, in Moroni 10:4, the prophet Moroni tells us that if we honestly want to know the truth, we can ask God in the name of Christ. If we are sincere and have faith in Christ, we will learn the truth through the Holy Ghost.

Read Moroni 10:4–5 to the class.

We could also tell our friend about Joseph Smith’s testimony of the First Vision (see Joseph Smith—History 1:5–26). We could suggest that he read it with a prayerful attitude and then sincerely ask God. He can also feel the truth “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear testimony of your own conviction that Joseph Smith actually saw the Father and Jesus Christ. Challenge the class to gain this knowledge for themselves.

Lesson 8

Revelation

Objective

Class members will learn to use the power of revelation in their own lives.

Preparation

Study Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s talk given at a Brigham Young University devotional 29 September 1981, while he was a justice of the Utah Supreme Court and before his call as an Apostle. (The talk is printed in the New Era, September 1982, pages 38–46.)

Prepare posters or be prepared to use the chalkboard as called for in this lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Present the following situation in your own words:

A classmate tells you about a beautiful private lake where you and your friends can go swimming. There is a locked gate and a No Trespassing sign, but he tells you that this is not a problem because there is a key under the flat rock by the gate and everyone is using the lake. You and a friend decide to go. Your classmate told the truth; it is a beautiful, warm lake. You have a wonderful time swimming. On the way home, however, your skin begins to itch and turns a strange gray color. By the time you and your friend get home there are large blisters all over both of you. Your condition requires hospitalization and you nearly die.

Your classmate failed to tell you, or he didn’t know, that the lake was polluted with toxic chemical wastes.

Discussion

How would you feel about a person who did this to you? What if he knew what would happen? (Let class members discuss this at some length.)

This is what Satan does. He often makes big promises, tricking you into thinking that the results will be good, but he doesn’t tell what the real results will be.

How does Satan often deceive us? (By telling us that such things as shoplifting, smoking, immorality, drugs, and so on are good.) What does he seem to promise with each, and what are the results of these activities? (Allow varied answers.)

Chalkboard or poster

Display the poster or write the following on the chalkboard:

Ways Satan Deceives Us

Sin | Satan’s Temptation | Results
Shoplifting | Get rich quick | Loss of reputation, criminal record, jail
Drug abuse | Instant pleasure, popularity | Addiction, brain damage, ill health, death
Immorality | Self-gratification | Loss of virtue and self-esteem, pregnancy out of wedlock, disease

Satan does not cause all of our problems in this life. We are here to learn and be tested. What are some of the trials and problems that we must face? (Poor health, loss of family members or friends, accidents, financial setbacks, friends who turn against each other, hardships in getting an education, and so on.)

Fortunately, Father in Heaven sees and knows our needs. He wants us to succeed and has given us special gifts so we can resist Satan’s temptations. One of the greatest of these gifts is revelation.

Chalkboard

Write on the chalkboard: “Revelation is communication from God to man.” (Dallin H. Oaks.)

Revelation Is Communication

from

God

to

man

Revelation Serves Many Purposes

Dallin H. Oaks, who is now an Apostle, suggested that we all have already received revelations and that we can receive more (see “Revelation,” New Era, Sept. 1982, pp. 38–46). Communication from God to us every day is a reality. It does happen.

Chalkboard and discussion

As the following purposes are placed on the chalkboard (or use a poster), ask class members to think of examples of revelation they have already had.

The Purposes of Revelation

To testify

To prophesy

To comfort

To uplift

To inform

To restrain

To confirm

To impel

(Encourage the class to ask questions and share spiritual experiences of their own as the lesson progresses. Each of the eight purposes is available to each of us.)

Circle “To testify” on the chalkboard.

Elder Oaks said that “the testimony or witness of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and that the gospel is true is a revelation from God” (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 40).

We must ask Heavenly Father for this knowledge.

Circle “To prophesy.”

Revelation can tell of things that will come. Elder Oaks said, “After our fifth child was born, my wife and I did not have any more children. After more than 10 years we concluded that our family would not be any larger, which grieved us. Then one day, while my wife was in the temple, the Spirit whispered to her that she would have another child. That prophetic revelation was fulfilled about a year and a half later with the birth of our sixth child, for whom we had waited 13 years” (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 40).

Circle “To comfort.”

“Some,” said Elder Oaks, “are comforted by visions of departed loved ones or by feeling their presence. . . . Others have been comforted in adjusting to the loss of a job or a business advantage or even a marriage. . . . A revelation of comfort can also come in connection with a blessing of the priesthood. . . .

“Another type of comforting revelation is the assurance received that a sin has been forgiven” (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 40).

Circle “To uplift.”

“At some time in our lives each of us needs to be lifted up from a depression, from a sense of foreboding or inadequacy, or just from a plateau of spiritual mediocrity,” said Elder Oaks (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 41).

Circle “To inform.”

“On some sacred occasions, information has been given by face-to-face conversations with heavenly personages, such as in the visions related in ancient and modern scripture. In other circumstances, needed information is communicated by the quiet whisperings of the Spirit. [In these instances] the Holy Ghost acts in his office as a teacher and revelator,” said Elder Oaks (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 41).

Circle “To restrain.”

Nephi gives us an example of revelation used to restrain, “And now I . . . cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance” (2 Nephi 32:7).

Elder Oaks related the following experience that occurred during his service as president of Brigham Young University:

“Several years ago I picked up the desk pen in my office at BYU to sign a paper that had been prepared for my signature, something I did at least a dozen times each day. That document committed the University to a particular course of action we had decided to follow. All the staff work had been done, and all appeared to be in order. But as I went to sign the document, I was filled with such negative thoughts and forebodings that I put it to one side and asked for the entire matter to be reviewed again. It was, and within a few days additional facts came to light which showed that the proposed course of action would have caused the University serious problems in the future” (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 42).

Circle “To confirm.”

Elder Oaks quoted Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “‘We’re expected to use the gifts and talents and abilities, the sense and judgment and agency with which we are endowed. . . . [Implicit] in asking in faith is the precedent requirement that we do everything in our power to accomplish the goal that we seek. . . . We’re expected to do everything in our power that we can, and then to seek an answer from the Lord, a confirming seal that we’ve reached the right conclusion’” (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 43).

Often we are asked by the Lord to make decisions, and he asks that we only confirm those decisions with him. Such is the case when we are called to offices in the Church and must choose counselors or helpers. We should confirm those decisions with the Lord. Elder Oaks said that all General Authorities follow such a pattern (see New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 43).

Circle “To impel.”

This type of revelation moves us toward some action when we have not been seeking counsel.

The following account by Elder Oaks is an example of revelation that impels us:

“As a young girl, my grandmother Chasty Olsen Harris had [an] experience. She was tending some children who were playing in a dry riverbed near their home in Castle Dale, Utah. Suddenly she heard a voice that called her by name and directed her to get the children out of the riverbed and up on the bank. It was a clear day and there was no sign of rain. She saw no reason to heed the voice and continued to play. The voice spoke to her again, urgently. This time she heeded the warning. Quickly gathering the children, she made a run for the bank. Just as they reached it, an enormous wall of water, originating with a cloudburst in the mountains many miles away, swept down the canyon and roared across where the children had played. Except for this impelling revelation, she and the children would have been lost” (New Era, Sept. 1982, p. 44).

The Prophet Joseph Smith says:

“A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938], p. 151).

In their Church callings, young men and young women can receive revelation that impels them to fulfill their responsibilities in a better way. Such revelation and guidance will always be within the framework of the Church and it will never be contrary to gospel principles.

Who Is Worthy?

Discussion and scripture

Revelation is one of the wonderful gifts of the Spirit.

Who is worthy of such a valuable gift? (Let the class members respond and then read Doctrine and Covenants 46:8–9 to the class. Emphasize the following from verse 9: “They [the gifts of the Spirit] are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do” [italics added].)

What does “seeketh so to do” mean to you? (Try to get the class members to respond in their own way, but lead them to see that “seeketh so to do” means that he is trying with all his heart.)

Revelation, then, is one of the gifts of the Spirit that is available to all of us who love the Lord and are trying to keep his commandments. You have the privilege of having the Lord’s help every day to aid you in doing the right things.

Testimony and Challenge

Challenge class members to watch for moments during the coming week when the Lord tries to communicate with them. Ask them to think about the forms of revelation mentioned by Elder Oaks: to testify, to prophesy, to comfort, to uplift, to inform, to restrain, to confirm, and to impel.

Bear testimony of the power of revelation in your own life.

Lesson 9

Succession in the Presidency

Objective

To help class members understand how the President of the Church is chosen.

Preparation

Prepare to show the pictures of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young in the color section.

Obtain pictures of the current First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve from the meetinghouse library or the last conference issue of the Ensign.

On the chalkboard or a prepared poster, show the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve as they exist on the day you teach this lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Discussion

When the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed in June of 1844, it was a terrible blow to the members of the Church. Not only had they lost their beloved Prophet but also they had never known a time when Joseph was not the Prophet and President of the Church. They had never been through a change in the Church Presidency. Most of them had probably never even thought about how a new President would be chosen.

How is a new Church President chosen?

Scripture discussion

Read Isaiah 55:8. Explain that the Lord chooses the man who will be the President of the Church. The Lord has established an orderly method for changing the leadership in the Church.

Read Jeremiah 1:5. Explain to the class that in the premortal existence God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet even before Jeremiah was born. God chose and ordained all the prophets before they were born. All the Presidents of the Church were chosen by the Lord to be President of the Church before they were born. (See also Abraham 3:22–23 and D&C 138:53–56.)

The First Presidency

Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:22. Explain that this Presidency of the Church is called the First Presidency and consists of the President, who is the prophet, and his two counselors. (Occasionally more counselors are called.)

Who presides over the Church when the President of the Church dies?

Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:23–24. Explain that when the President of the Church dies, the First Presidency is dissolved, the counselors return to the Quorum of the Twelve according to their ordination dates, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles then presides over the Church until a new President and First Presidency are chosen.

Each Apostle Is a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator

Pictures

Show the pictures of the current First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. Explain that each man who is ordained an Apostle is ordained as a prophet, seer, and revelator. We sustain them in conference as prophets, seers, and revelators. Explain that each Apostle because of his ordination as an Apostle holds the keys to be the President of the Church. However, he cannot exercise them until he becomes the senior living Apostle (senior in terms of time in office). At the death of the prophet, he presides over the Church as President of the Council of the Twelve until the First Presidency is reorganized. At that time he becomes the new President and prophet of the Church.

Whenever the President of the Church has died, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has presided over the Church. Sometimes they have presided for several years before a new President has been chosen. When Wilford Woodruff was President of the Church, however, he told the Apostles that in the future the Lord wanted the Quorum of the Twelve to choose a new President immediately after the death of the Church’s President.

Discussion

If the President of the Church died today, who would be the next President of the Church? (Explain that the senior living Apostle would be the next President. This is the established procedure, and only a direct revelation from the Lord can change it. Tell them the name of this member of the Quorum of the Twelve and explain that this Apostle is the man who has been an Apostle the longest, next to the current President of the Church. Remind them that on the death of a President his counselors return to the Quorum of the Twelve according to the dates of their ordination to Apostleship.)

When a member of the Quorum dies, those whose ordination dates come after the one who has died move up; thus the twelfth one would become the eleventh and so on. When a new man is chosen to be an Apostle, his ordination date gives him a designated place in the Quorum of the Twelve. The new Apostle would then become the twelfth member of the Quorum.

Explain that the Lord knows all the men who will be Presidents of the Church. The Lord calls them to be Apostles, and then when he is ready for them to be the President of the Church they are already serving as senior Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Before he became President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball said, “Full provision has been made by our Lord for changes. Today there are fourteen apostles holding the keys in suspension, the twelve and the two counselors to the President, to be brought into use if and when circumstances allow, all ordained to leadership in their turn as they move forward in seniority.

“There have been some eighty apostles so endowed since Joseph Smith, though only eleven have occupied the place of the President of the Church, death having intervened; and since the death of his servants is in the power and control of the Lord, he permits to come to the first place only the one who is destined to take that leadership. Death and life become the controlling factors. Each new apostle in turn is chosen by the Lord and revealed to the then living prophet who ordains him” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1972, p. 29; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 34).

The Mantle of the Prophet

Story

After the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed, the Twelve Apostles presided over the Church. Many members of the Church did not know how a new President of the Church would be chosen.

Sidney Rigdon had been a counselor to President Joseph Smith for eleven years and had helped Joseph in many ways. Sidney Rigdon thought he should be the next President of the Church. He did not agree that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles should preside over the Church and wanted to be chosen by the people to be the President.

Sidney Rigdon called for a meeting so the people could decide who would preside over the Church. When Brigham Young, the senior Apostle, and other Apostles returned from their missions later in August 1844, six weeks after the Prophet Joseph Smith had been killed, the meeting was held in Nauvoo. Sidney Rigdon and Brigham Young both spoke in the meeting.

Another meeting was called for 10:00 a.m. the next day. A marvelous thing happened in that meeting. When Brigham Young stood up to speak, for a short time he looked and sounded like Joseph Smith.

Pictures

Put up the pictures of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

Wilford Woodruff, who later became President of the Church, said: “I have heard two or three of the brethren testify about brother Young in Nauvoo. Every man and every woman in that assembly, which perhaps might number thousands, could bear the same testimony. I was there, the Twelve were there, and a good many others, and all can bear the same testimony. The question might be asked, why was the appearance of Joseph Smith given to Brigham Young? Because here was Sidney Rigdon and other men rising up and claiming to be the leaders of the Church, and men stood, as it were, on a pivot, not knowing which way to turn. But just as quick as Brigham Young rose in that assembly, his face was that of Joseph Smith—the mantle of Joseph had fallen upon him, the power of God that was upon Joseph Smith was upon him, he had the voice of Joseph, and it was the voice of the shepherd. There was not a person in that assembly, Rigdon, himself, not excepted, but was satisfied in his own mind that Brigham was the proper leader of the people, for he would not have his name presented, by his own consent, after that sermon was delivered. There was a reason for this in the mind of God; it convinced the people. They saw and heard for themselves, and it was by the power of God” (in Journal of Discourses, 15:81).

Emmeline B. Wells was at that meeting also. She said: “I was standing in a wagon box on wheels, so I did not have to rise, but those who were seated arose and made that exclamation. I could see very well, and every one of them thought it was really the Prophet Joseph risen from the dead. But after Brigham Young had spoken a few words, the tumult subsided and the people really knew that it was not the Prophet Joseph, but the President of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was the most wonderful manifestation, I think, that I have ever known or seen, and I have seen a very great number” (Emmeline B. Wells, “My Testimony,” in Preston Nibley, comp., Faith-Promoting Stories [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1943], p. 137).

The Lord showed the people that Brigham Young, the senior Apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, would be the next President of the Church.

Change in Leadership Is Orderly

Discussion

The Church today is following the system established by the Lord for orderly change in leadership.

Have you watched or observed the changes that take place in the Presidency of the Church at the death of the President?

Read President N. Eldon Tanner’s account of how President Spencer W. Kimball was called to be the President of the Church and the prophet of the Lord. “Following President Lee’s funeral, President Kimball [then President of the Council of the Twelve] called a meeting of all the Apostles for Sunday, December 30, at 3 p.m. in the Salt Lake Temple Council Room. President Romney and I [who had been in the First Presidency] had taken our respective places of seniority in the council, so there were fourteen of us present.

“Following a song, and prayer by President Romney, President Kimball, in deep humility, expressed his feelings to us. He said that he had spent Friday in the temple talking to the Lord, and had shed many tears as he prayed for guidance in assuming his new responsibilities and in choosing his counselors.

“Dressed in the robes of the holy priesthood, we held a prayer circle; President Kimball asked me to conduct it and Elder Thomas S. Monson to offer the prayer. Following this, President Kimball explained the purpose of the meeting and called on each member of the quorum in order of seniority, starting with Elder Ezra Taft Benson, to express his feelings as to whether the First Presidency should be organized that day or whether we should carry on as the Council of the Twelve. Each said, ‘We should organize now,’ and many complimentary things were spoken about President Kimball and his work with the Twelve.

“Then Elder Ezra Taft Benson nominated Spencer W. Kimball to be the President of the Church. This was seconded by Elder Mark E. Petersen and unanimously approved. President Kimball then nominated N. Eldon Tanner as First Counselor and Marion G. Romney as Second Counselor, each of whom expressed a willingness to accept the position and devote his whole time and energy in serving in that capacity.

“They were unanimously approved. Then Elder Mark E. Petersen, second in seniority in the Twelve, nominated Ezra Taft Benson, the senior member of the Twelve, as President of the Quorum of the Twelve. This was unanimously approved.

“At this point all the members present laid their hands upon the head of Spencer W. Kimball, and President Ezra Taft Benson was voice in blessing, ordaining, and setting apart Spencer W. Kimball as the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, pp. 62–63; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, pp. 43–44).

Chalkboard or poster and discussion

Display the prepared poster or on the chalkboard list the current First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve in their correct order. (To help with this exercise, obtain a current pictorial chart of all current General Authorities. This is usually published once a year in either the Ensign or Church News. The Church almanac can also help.) Explain how the present order in the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve came to be.

Discussion

We each have a responsibility when a new President of the Church is chosen and announced. We must seek a testimony that the President, the prophet of the Lord, was chosen by the Lord.

Testimony and Challenge

How can we gain that testimony? (Allow the class to respond.)

Challenge the class to come to know for themselves that the Lord’s chosen servant, the prophet, has been put in place by the revealed process.

Bear your testimony that the Presidents of the Church have each been God’s anointed prophets, chosen by him to lead the Church. Bear your testimony of the prophet and President of the Church today.

Lesson 10

Brigham Young—A Disciple Indeed

Born 1 June 1801 Years of Presidency: 1847–1877

Objective

Each class member will develop a greater determination to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ by studying the life of Brigham Young.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants.

Obtain pencils and any other needed materials from the meetinghouse library.

Prepare copies of the handout “Brigham Young Word Search Questions” and “Brigham Young Word Search Puzzle.”

Obtain and prepare to display the following pictures: Calling of the Fishermen (62496; Gospel Art Picture Kit 209); Brigham Young in the color section; the current prophet; and Sunflowers by Claude Monet in the color section.

Before class assign six class members to give the six short class-member reports relating to the life of Brigham Young. If you have fewer than six class members, you may need to give some of the reports yourself or assign more than one to each class member. Photocopy or hand copy the reports from the lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Chalkboard and discussion

Write the following letters on the chalkboard and ask the class members to figure out what important word these letters spell (answer: DISCIPLE).

L I S I C P E D

What does the word disciple mean? (A follower of Jesus Christ.)

Picture

Display the picture Calling of the Fishermen.

Scripture discussion

Have the class members turn in the New Testament to John 8:31 and read it.

How can we become followers of Jesus Christ? (By continuing [learning and obeying] in his word [commandments].)

Picture

Place the picture of Brigham Young next to the Calling of the Fishermen and write above or below Brigham Young’s picture the word Disciple. Then read or tell in your words the following:

Word search questions

Today we are going to study the life of Brigham Young—who was a disciple indeed. (At this time pass out a copy of the handout and a pencil to each class member.) We will begin with six short class-member reports. Listen carefully and answer questions on the handout as you can after each report. We will use the answers to these questions later in a group activity. Also, listen for examples from each report of how Brigham Young was a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Proceed with the six assigned class-member reports.

Learned Humility in His Early Years

Report 1

Brigham Young was born 1 June 1801 in Whitingham, Vermont, into a good family who were poor. He had only eleven days of formal schooling. In his later years he said, “We never had the opportunity of letters in our youth, but we had the privilege of picking up brush, chopping down trees, rolling logs, and working amongst the roots and getting our shins, feet and toes bruised. [He also learned to make bread, wash dishes, milk cows, and make butter]” (Preston Nibley, Brigham Young: The Man and His Work [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1936], p. 1).

Found a Marvelous Book

Report 2

In 1828 Brigham Young moved to Mendon, New York, just a short distance from where the Church would be organized. In 1830 he read a copy of the Book of Mormon. Samuel Smith, the brother of the Prophet Joseph, was on his first mission and sold the copy to Phineas Young, Brigham Young’s brother. Phineas read the book and was deeply impressed by it. He passed it on to his father, who read it, believed its teachings, and passed it on to Brigham. Brigham studied it very carefully and reported to his brother that he felt there was something in Mormonism.

Brigham Young later said, “‘I weighed the matter studiously for nearly two years . . . before I made up my mind to receive that Book. I looked at it on all sides . . . until I came to a certain knowledge of its truth. . . . I wished time sufficient to prove all things for myself’” (Susa Young Gates and Leah D. Widtsoe, The Life Story of Brigham Young [New York: Macmillan Company, 1930], p. 9). He was baptized in 1832.

Chalkboard discussion

What were some of the events or circumstances that prepared Brigham Young to be a prophet? (Accept varied answers such as learned to work, was taught discipline, was guided by the Lord to move to New York to receive the Book of Mormon.)

Loved the Prophet Joseph

Report 3

No mortal man affected the life of Brigham Young as deeply as did the Prophet Joseph Smith. The meeting of these two now famous men occurred in September of 1832, five months after Brigham’s baptism and a few weeks after the death of his first wife, Miriam Works. Brigham Young, who with his brother Joseph and his friend Heber C. Kimball had journeyed to Kirtland, Ohio, recorded his thoughts about this meeting. Brigham said, “We found the Prophet, and two or three of his brothers, chopping and hauling wood. Here my joy was full at the privilege of shaking the hand of the Prophet of God, and received the sure testimony, by the Spirit of prophecy, that he was all that any man could believe him to be, as a true Prophet” (“History of Brigham Young,” Millennial Star 25 [11 July 1863]:439).

Brigham Young was a staunch friend and follower of the Prophet Joseph Smith from the time of this meeting. He said later, “I feel like shouting Hallelujah, all the time, when I think that I ever knew Joseph Smith” (Discourses of Brigham Young [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954], p. 458).

Explain that Brigham Young was willing to do whatever was asked of him by the Lord and the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Served as a Missionary in England

Report 4

In the city of Nauvoo living conditions were unhealthy because of the swamps near the Mississippi River, and many of the Saints had become sick from malaria associated with the mosquitoes. At this time, Brigham Young and his fellow Apostles were called by the Lord to leave their families and to preach the gospel in England. They were not only very sick, but left their families sick as well. Brigham Young reports: “My health was so poor I was unable to go thirty rods [160 yards] to the river without assistance. . . . I left my wife sick, with a babe only ten days old, and all my children sick and unable to wait upon each other” (“History of Brigham Young,” Millennial Star 25 [10 Oct. 1863]:646). But he left his loved ones in the care of the Lord, whose servant he was, having the assurance that they would be cared for.

He was in England twelve months and sixteen days. As the president of the mission, he and his companions “baptized between seven and eight thousand [people], printed five thousand Books of Mormon, 3,000 Hymn Books, 2,500 volumes of the Millennial Star [a publication of the British mission], and 50,000 tracts” (Millennial Star 26 [2 Jan. 1864]:7). Also a shipping agency was established and a thousand converts emigrated to Nauvoo (see Millennial Star 26:7).

Discussion

Brigham Young served as a missionary in Church service almost continuously for ten years after joining the Church.

How does this information about the life of Brigham Young indicate his faithfulness? (He was totally committed to follow the Prophet and fulfill all callings from the Lord.)

Defended the Prophet Joseph

Report 5

Brigham Young recorded:

“On a certain occasion several of the Twelve, the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and others of the Authorities of the Church, held a council in the upper room of the [Kirtland] Temple. [They met because a few men, including some of the General Authorities, were opposed to the Prophet Joseph Smith and wanted to depose him and appoint David Whitmer as President of the Church.] Father John Smith, brother Heber C. Kimball and others . . . were opposed to such measures. I rose up [Brigham Young said], and in a plain and forcible manner told them that Joseph was a Prophet, and I knew it, and that they might rail and slander him as much as they pleased, they could not destroy the appointment of the Prophet of God, they could only destroy their own authority, cut the thread that bound them to the Prophet and to God and sink themselves to hell. Many were highly enraged [said Brigham] at my decided opposition to their measures. . . . This meeting was broken up without the apostates being able to unite on any decided measures of opposition” (Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801–1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson [Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968], pp. 15–16).

Did Not Seek Positions

Report 6

Early in his career, responsibility fell to Brigham Young. He was a captain in Zion’s Camp, a small military force organized by the Prophet Joseph in 1834 to go to the aid of the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, who had been driven from their homes. Brigham was President over the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and led the British Mission. Yet he did not seek such positions. His only desire was to proclaim the message of the restored gospel and to be schooled in the mysteries of God by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Brigham himself said, “I never let an opportunity pass of learning what the Prophet [Joseph] had to impart. This is the secret of the success of your humble servant” (in Journal of Discourses, 12:270).

Discussion

What did Brigham Young say regarding learning from the Prophet? (He “never let an opportunity pass of learning what the Prophet had to impart.”)

Brigham Young was willing to do whatever was asked of him. He stood close by the Prophet, supporting him in all circumstances. He also learned what he could from the Prophet.

How could you best describe, in one single statement, Brigham’s relationship with Joseph Smith? (Allow varied responses such as: He stood by the Prophet.)

Optional word search puzzle

If there is time for review, explain that answers to the “Brigham Young Word Search Questions” are hidden in the puzzle. To solve the puzzle, find and circle the hidden answers. Answers may be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or even backwards in the puzzle. (Allow approximately 10 minutes to complete and correct the activity and then move quickly to the next section of the lesson.)

Disciples Follow the Lord’s Prophet

Picture, chalkboard, and discussion

Display the picture of the current prophet and write on the chalkboard next to it the word you.

What did Brigham Young’s relationship with the Prophet Joseph teach us about what our relationship should be with the prophet today? (We should obey, support, learn from, and stand by the prophet.)

Scripture discussion

Have the class read Doctrine and Covenants 1:38. Then point out to the class that the Lord says that whether he speaks or his servants [the prophets] speak, it is the same.

Picture

Display the picture of the sunflowers as you tell the following:

The sunflower has been used as a symbol of loyalty. “According to legend, this common but beautiful flower follows the sun from early hours till it reaches its zenith, is constant and steadfast through the long afternoon, and, as the sun declines, follows it until it finally disappears into the horizon” (Relief Society Courses of Study, 1986, p. 171).

We should be like the sunflower and Brigham Young in our loyalty. We should follow Jesus Christ by following his living prophet. President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency said, “Glorious and wonderful are [God’s] promises to those who keep their covenants and walk in obedience to his divine commandments” (“Live Up to Your Inheritance,” Ensign, Nov. 1983, p. 82).

Testimony and Challenge

Challenge the class to be true “disciples” of Jesus Christ by following his living prophet today. Bear testimony that this is Christ’s Church; he is in charge and leads his Church through a living prophet today.

Brigham Young Word Search Answers

Vermont

hard work

Book of Mormon

Samuel Smith

Joseph Smith

Jesus, Prophet

hallelujah

England

Kirtland

disciple

Lesson 11

Brigham Young: Building the Kingdom by Righteous Works

Objective

By studying Brigham Young’s life, each class member will desire to do works of righteousness equal to his own capabilities.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Mormon.

Assign three to five class members to give the reports as indicated. (The reports are found in the lesson material and should be photocopied or hand copied and given to the assigned class members.)

Obtain permission from the bishop or branch president to ask a young man or young woman who is preparing for a mission to come and tell the class how the Lord is blessing him or her in getting ready. Ask him to tell specific incidents of help. (If such a person cannot be found, continue the lesson as directed.)

Prepare to show the picture of the beehive in the lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture discussion

Show the picture of the beehive found at the end of this lesson. Explain:

This was one of the symbols Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers used when they settled the territory of Utah. A beehive is on the beautiful home Brigham Young built and named the Beehive House. This symbol was also used in the Salt Lake Temple, where bees and beehives are depicted on the doorknobs. The beehive is also a symbol on the Utah State flag.

Discussion

What did the beehive symbolize to Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers? (The beehive and the bees were symbols of industry and work.)

Why do you suppose this symbol was so important to them? (The symbol of the bees reminded them that they had to work to be able to exist in the mountains and valleys of the West. It also reminded them that God had a work for them to do. They had first named their new area in the western United States the Territory of Deseret. Deseret was the Jaredite name for the honeybee [see Ether 2:3]. When the Jaredites came to the promised land, they carried with them swarms of bees.)

Scripture discussion

Point out that the work God had for Brigham Young to do is like the work God has for us to do today. Have the class turn to the Pearl of Great Price and read Moses 1:39.

What is God’s work as well as our own work in this life? (“To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”)

Reports

Each short report is designed to stimulate discussion and is followed by questions to help bridge the gap between Brigham Young and today’s class members.

Brigham Young’s example of work inspired and helped the Saints through some very difficult times as they tried to do the Lord’s work. As the assigned class members give the short reports, ask the others to listen carefully and see how these examples apply to their lives.

Making the Impractical Practical

Report 1

Brigham Young, like Joseph Smith, was both a practical and a visionary man. He was determined to do everything possible to bring to pass all that the Lord wanted done in the last days. Joseph had laid the foundation of the kingdom of God, but others were needed to rear the superstructure. Knowing this helps us understand why Brigham Young did some of the things he did. Unless we understand his role as prophet and seer, some of his actions might seem very impractical.

For instance, just before the Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo, Illinois, President Young insisted that the Saints finish the Nauvoo Temple. This required an immense amount of time, money, and talent when it was apparent that the Saints would not be able to enjoy the temple very long.

Discussion

Why do you think Brigham Young insisted that the Saints finish the Nauvoo Temple, even though they would probably not get to use it long? (He knew that the Lord had commanded them to build the temple [see D&C 124:27], and even if it were used only briefly, the Saints could gain the ordinances that would help them endure the hardships they would face during the coming exodus to the West.)

Brigham Young Led the Saints West

Report 2

Within three years after the mantle of Joseph Smith had fallen upon Brigham Young, he, along with the Quorum of the Twelve, led the faithful Saints into the Great Salt Lake Valley. They established some three hundred fifty settlements in the western United States, built Salt Lake City, and, as the Prophet Joseph Smith had prophesied, became a mighty people in the midst of the Rocky Mountains.

Brigham Young had seen in vision where God wanted to settle his people: “Here is the place God has appointed for his people. We have been kicked out of the frying pan into the fire, and out of the fire into the middle of the floor, and here we are and here we will stay. . . . We shall build a city and a temple to the Most High God in this place . . . and we will build towns and cities by the hundreds, and thousands of the Saints will gather from the nations of the earth. . . . The noble and wise of the earth will visit us here” (Autobiography of James Brown, pp. 119–23; quoted in Preston Nibley, Brigham Young: The Man and His Work [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1936], pp. 127–28).

Discussion

How was Brigham building on the spiritual foundation the Prophet Joseph had laid? (He led the Saints west, colonized the area, and established the Church of Jesus Christ in the tops of the mountains.)

What principles made it possible for Brigham Young and the Saints to make the “desert . . . blossom as the rose” (Isaiah 35:1)? (Faith and work.)

Brigham Young Encouraged Work, Culture, and Education

Report 3

“While building homes, developing farms and establishing themselves a government, [Brigham Young encouraged the Saints not to] neglect the finer side of life. Education, religion, art, drama, and music were fostered for the social [and mental] development of the people. The Saints built their own theatres and trained their children in the various sciences and in music. Simultaneously with the erection of private dwellings, each group of colonists through cooperative effort constructed a public hall which was used as a church house, a school house, and a place in which dances and dramas were conducted” (Milton R. Hunter, Brigham Young the Colonizer [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1940], p. 359).

Discussion

Why did Brigham Young not only encourage the Saints to work hard but to appreciate the cultural things in life such as art, music, education, and drama? (He wanted the Saints to maintain a balanced life—physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.)

A Beloved Exemplar

Report 4

“It was not [just] his executive ability that endeared [Brigham Young] to his family and the Saints. Frank, kind, and concerned, he was as a father among them. Working alongside them, he chopped wood, cut timber, made bridges, cleared land, and built roads. During the exodus [west] he was the first up in the morning and the last to retire at night, always making the rounds to see that all were as comfortable as possible. But above all, he was the prophet of God. He could rebuke, yet love and inspire; demand, yet give; lead always, yet follow. And the courage and humor with which he faced trials served as an anchor and a model for the persecution-weary Saints” (“Brigham Young,” Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], 1979, p. 61).

Discussion

What qualities made Brigham Young deeply loved by the Saints? (His willingness to serve beside them and his concern and love for them.)

Enduring Leader

Report 5

“For [thirty-three] years [either as President of the Quorum of the Twelve or as President of the Church] he led the [people]. He knew the divinity and destiny of the work. From [the foundation Joseph laid, Brigham Young] continued to build the kingdom that would go forth to encompass the world and eventually transform the world into Zion” (Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], 1979, p. 61).

Discussion

What quality was probably Brigham Young’s most powerful character trait? (His willingness to keep going, doing God’s work in spite of all opposition.)

The Lord Will Help Us Succeed, As He Did Brigham Young

Scripture discussion

Have the class turn to 1 Nephi 3:7. Review the background of the Lord’s command that Lehi’s sons go back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates from Laban.

Have a class member read 1 Nephi 3:7 aloud.

Why did Nephi say he would go and do what the Lord had commanded? (Nephi had faith that the Lord would help him accomplish the task.)

Stress that Brigham Young, like Nephi, knew that he was doing God’s work. He believed that if he and other mortals did all they could to establish the kingdom, God would see to the rest. Help the class understand that if we do all we can, God will then help us.

Guest

If you obtained permission from the bishop or branch president and asked a young man or young woman who is preparing for a mission to come to the class, have him or her tell about the Lord’s specific help in getting ready. If such a person was not found, go directly to the chalkboard and discussion, concluding with your testimony.

Chalkboard and discussion

What are some of the blessings that can come to us from righteous work? (Answers should be listed on the chalkboard and should include such things as the following: self-confidence, discipline, faith, service, compassion, self-reliance, happiness.)

Brigham Young often told the Saints: “When [a] man is industrious and righteous, then [he is] happy” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1954], p. 235).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony that when we do the things the Lord has asked us to do, even though it may seem difficult or impossible, the Lord will help us to do what he has commanded. You may want to share a personal story or experience to illustrate this concept. Challenge class members to build the kingdom through righteous works.

Lesson 12

John Taylor—Man of Faith

Born 1 November 1808 Years of Presidency: 1880–1887

Objective

The class members will develop faith in Jesus Christ by following the example of John Taylor, who followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the New Testament.

Prepare to show the picture of John Taylor from the color section.

Bring a scarf or piece of fabric to use as a blindfold in the object lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Discussion

Use the following three questions to lead into a discussion of the early life of John Taylor.

Have you ever had a dream, a feeling, or an impression that you should do something?

What did you do about it?

What was the result of your impression?

After discussing the questions (you may wish to share a personal experience), lead into the following information about John Taylor.

Picture

Display the picture of John Taylor.

John Taylor’s Boyhood Was Spiritual

Biography and discussion

John Taylor was born 1 November 1808 in Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England, one of ten children. Although his family was not wealthy, they were close-knit and religious, and the family was taught the value of hard work. John worked on a farm on the family estate and later became a woodturner, shaping pieces of wood for various uses.

Although John was baptized as an infant, he cared little for his parents’ faith. As a youth he had a dream. “He saw, in vision, an angel in the heavens, holding a trumpet to his mouth, sounding a message to the nations. The import of this vision he did not understand until later in life” (B. H. Roberts, The Life of John Taylor [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1963], p. 28).

It was also revealed to John Taylor that his foreordained mission was to take place elsewhere than England. In his midteens he had joined the Methodist Church. “One day, while going to fulfill a preaching assignment [he was a local preacher], he remarked to a companion, ‘I have a strong impression on my mind, that I have to go to America to preach the gospel!’” (Paul Thomas Smith, “John Taylor,” in The Presidents of the Church, ed. Leonard J. Arrington [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], p. 77).

In 1832 the way opened for him to migrate to America. While crossing the ocean, his ship encountered a storm so severe that the captain and his crew feared the ship would sink at any moment. But John Taylor remained unshaken. “The voice of the Spirit was still saying within him, ‘You must yet go to America and preach the gospel.’ ‘So confident was I of my destiny,’ he remarks, ‘that I went on deck at midnight, and amidst the raging elements felt as calm as though I was sitting in a parlor at home. I believed I should reach America and perform my work’” (Roberts, The Life of John Taylor, p. 29).

Discussion

How was the Lord preparing John Taylor for his future work? (Answers will vary for this and the following questions.)

What might have happened to John Taylor if he had not listened to and followed the promptings of the Spirit?

How can we, like John Taylor, develop faith in Jesus Christ? (John Taylor knew the Lord was directing his life because he listened to and followed the promptings of the Spirit. We can do the same thing.)

John Taylor Had Faith the Lord Would Guide Him

Object lesson and discussion

Blindfold one class member and then ask him to choose another class member to guide him verbally through a maze of chairs and around other class members to a specific spot, which represents the celestial kingdom. While the chosen “guide” is directing the blindfolded class member, the other class members should try to direct and lead him astray. (Try it, see what happens!) After the class member has reached the goal (the symbolic celestial kingdom), ask these questions:

What can be learned from this object lesson?

(Ask the blindfolded class member): Why did you choose the person you did to guide you? (You may need to point out that most guides are chosen because we trust them and have faith that they will guide us safely to our goal.)

How can this object lesson apply to our lives? (Allow the class members to express their feelings.)

Point out that John Taylor had great faith in his quest for truth and then tell or read the following experience of John Taylor’s.

Story and discussion

When John Taylor left England in 1832, he emigrated to New York, and then after a few months he went to Upper Canada where he continued to preach in the Methodist Church. One of the members of the congregation was Leonora Cannon, a remarkable woman whom John later married. John continued to preach, but he felt something was missing in his religion. He later wrote: “A number of us met together for the purpose of searching the Scriptures; and we found that certain doctrines were taught by Jesus and the Apostles, which neither the Methodists, Baptists, . . . nor any of the religious sects taught; and we concluded that if the Bible was true, the doctrines of modern Christendom were not true; or if they were true, the Bible was false. . . . In addition . . . , we prayed and fasted before God; and the substance of our prayers was, that if he had a people upon the earth anywhere, and ministers who were authorized to preach the Gospel, that he would send us one” (in Journal of Discourses, 23:30).

How did John Taylor demonstrate his faith in his quest for the truth? (By prayer and fasting.)

Why was John Taylor praying and fasting? (He wanted an authorized minister to bring them the truth.)

The Lord sent Parley P. Pratt on a mission to Canada and helped to answer John Taylor’s prayer of faith.

Faith in God Was Sufficient for John Taylor’s Needs

Would you be willing to start a journey without any money? (Financial security would be important for most people before they set out on any venture. But John Taylor performed his labors with hardly any money.)

Notice examples of John Taylor’s faith in the following experience from his life. (Retell it in your own words.)

After joining the Church, John Taylor moved his family from Canada to Kirtland, Ohio, and later to Missouri, where they were driven from their home during the Missouri persecutions. He had scarcely situated his family in Nauvoo, Illinois, the new gathering place of the Saints, when he was sent to England to preach the gospel. John Taylor’s companion was Wilford Woodruff. While preaching the gospel “without purse or scrip” (without money), John Taylor left it up to the Lord to manage his money matters, saying, “‘I would rather put my trust in the Lord than in any of the kings of the earth’” (Roberts, The Life of John Taylor, p. 71). When he arrived in New York City, before leaving for England, he had only one penny in his pocket. Still, he did not plead poverty. When asked about his financial status, he said he had “plenty of money.”

One day Parley P. Pratt approached him, “‘Brother Taylor, I hear you have plenty of money?’ . . . ‘Yes, Brother Pratt, that’s true.’ ‘Well, I am about to publish my “Voice of Warning” and “[Millennial] Poems,” I am very much in need of money, and if you could furnish me two or three hundred dollars I should be very much obliged.’ . . . ‘Then you are welcome to all I have.’

“And putting his hand into his pocket Elder Taylor gave him his copper cent. A laugh followed.

“‘But I thought you gave it out that you had plenty of money,’ said Parley.

“‘Yes, and so I have,’ replied Elder Taylor. ‘I am well clothed, you furnish me plenty to eat and drink and good lodging; with all these things and a penny over, as I owe nothing, is that not plenty?’” (Roberts, The Life of John Taylor, pp. 72–73).

Discussion

Missionaries are expected to pay their own way. If you lived in John Taylor’s time and had no money, how do you think you would respond to a mission call to a foreign mission? (Accept varied answers.)

Thought question

Could you give up your material pursuits to prepare for a mission? (Urge class members to think to themselves of the things they might be asked to give up to complete a mission.)

What principle of the gospel would you need to exhibit to a high degree? (Faith.)

Once John Taylor arrived in England, in his first sermon he bore witness of the vision of an angel with a trumpet that he had seen many years before he had joined the Church. That vision had been fulfilled. The angel had come to Joseph Smith and the gospel had been restored (see Revelation 14:6–7). Through John Taylor’s efforts, many people in his native England joined the Church.

We Must Have Faith in the Guidance and Promptings of the Spirit

Chalkboard discussion

What are some of the things in the Church today that require faith like that of John Taylor? (List responses on the chalkboard. These might include such things as paying tithes and offerings, going on a mission, working with a less-active person, doing home teaching.)

What sacrifices can we offer to build our faith and obey the Lord? (Answers will vary. For instance, some may mention giving up possessions, such as bicycles or cars or fashionable clothing. Others may give up friends or delay their education for missions. Some may devote extra time or earnings to the service of others.)

Scripture discussion

Have the class read together James 2:20.

What did the Apostle James say about faith? (Without works, faith is dead.)

How did John Taylor apply that scripture? How can we apply it today? (Point out that when we do the things the Lord asks of us, he will guide us, as he did John Taylor, by the promptings of the Holy Ghost. When we do the things the Lord asks and sacrifice other desires to more fully serve him, we will be blessed.)

Conclude the lesson by reading the following from President John Taylor:

“‘There are events in the future, and not very far ahead, that will require all our faith, all our energy, all our confidence, all our trust in God, to enable us to withstand the influences that will be brought to bear against us. . . . We cannot trust in our intelligence; we cannot trust in our wealth; we cannot trust to any surrounding circumstances with which we are enveloped; we must trust alone in the living God to guide us, to direct us, to lead us, to teach us and to instruct us’” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Essentials in Church History [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1950], p. 479).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony that we develop faith in Jesus Christ by listening to and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. As we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will guide us in all of our daily affairs. Challenge class members to develop their faith.

Lesson 13

John Taylor—Defender of the Faith

Objective

Each class member will develop a greater determination to defend and live by the standards of the restored gospel by studying the life of John Taylor.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture in the manual of a small pine tree surrounded by a forest.

See that each class member has a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants and the New Testament.

Prepare a copy of the poem “Good Timber” for each class member (see end of lesson).

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture and poem

Tell the class members that you are going to read a poem with an important message for them. Show the picture of the small pine tree surrounded by the forest. Challenge the class to listen carefully so they can discuss the message. (Read the poem “Good Timber” found at the end of this lesson and give each class member a copy.)

Discussion

What is the message of the poem? (Lead a short discussion, allowing class members to respond with the message they received from the poem. Emphasize that strength comes from overcoming adversity.)

What does adversity mean? (It is a condition of suffering or a time of troubles in which we must struggle to succeed.)

What conditions mentioned in the poem made strong trees? (Having to struggle for sun, sky, air, and light; strong wind.)

Explain that today class members will see how adversity builds strength and character in men and women. They will study three examples from the life of John Taylor. He faced difficult situations that made others want to quit. Ask class members to listen for how he handled each situation. (Read each story or retell it in your own words.)

John Taylor Defends the Prophet Joseph Smith

Example and discussion

After joining the Church in 1836, John Taylor visited Kirtland, Ohio, in 1837. It was during this time that men who had once been strong supporters of the Church turned on the Prophet, ultimately forcing him to flee from Kirtland. The Prophet ordained John Taylor a high priest and put him in charge of the branches of the Church in Canada. Later, in a meeting in the Kirtland Temple, when the Prophet was not there, one of the apostates “made a violent attack upon the character of the Prophet. . . . Towards the close of the meeting, Elder Taylor asked [for] the privilege of speaking. It was granted him. He referred, in opening his remarks, to the ancient Israelites, and to their murmurings against God and Moses, and then asked:

“‘From whence do we get our intelligence, and knowledge of the laws, ordinances and doctrines of the kingdom of God? Who understood even the first principles of the doctrines of Christ? Who in the Christian world taught them? If we, with our learning and intelligence, could not find out the first principles, which was the case with myself and millions of others, how can we find out the mysteries of the kingdom? It was Joseph Smith, under the Almighty, who developed the first principles, and to him we must look for further instructions’” (B. H. Roberts, The Life of John Taylor [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1963], pp. 40–41).

Discussion

What character traits did John Taylor demonstrate in this event in Church history? (List responses on the chalkboard. Answers will vary and may include such things as loyalty, courage, bravery, strength of testimony.)

After you have discussed the first story, read or retell the following example. Ask class members to notice, again, the courage of John Taylor in defending the faith.

John Taylor Stops a Tar-and-Feathering Threat

Example and discussion

Near Columbus, Ohio, a very large crowd of people had gathered to hear Elder John Taylor speak. Before the meeting began, Elder Taylor had been warned by Church members that some men had tar and feathers ready and had “boasted they would dress him [in the tar and feathers] if he undertook to preach” (Roberts, The Life of John Taylor, p. 53). Undaunted, Elder Taylor replied he had made up his mind to speak.

Elder Taylor began by reminding the crowd that he now stood “‘among men whose fathers fought for and obtained one of the greatest blessings ever conferred upon the human family—the right to think, to speak, to write . . . , and the right to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences—all sacred human rights . . . guaranteed by the American Constitution. . . .’ [Then Elder Taylor boldly proclaimed,] ‘I have been informed that you purpose to tar and feather me, for my religious opinions. Is this [what] you have inherited from your fathers? Is this the blessing they purchased with their dearest hearts’ blood—this your liberty? If so, you now have a victim.’ . . . Here he tore open his vest and said: ‘Gentlemen come on with your tar and feathers, your victim is ready. . . . Come on, gentlemen! Come on, I say, I am ready!’

“No one moved, no one spoke. [John Taylor] stood there drawn to his full height, calm but defiant—the master of the situation.

“After a pause of some moments he continued his remarks and preached with great boldness and power for some three hours. [After the meeting,] the brethren still insisted that . . . the intention of the crowd [had been to tar and feather him], but they had been awed into silence by the boldness of Elder Taylor” (Roberts, The Life of John Taylor, pp. 54–55).

Discussion

Why do you feel the crowd did not harm John Taylor? (Answers may vary, but emphasize that John Taylor had the courage to stand up for what he knew was right. When the winds of persecution blew, he had roots deep enough [a testimony] to withstand them.)

John Taylor Strengthened Church Members during Times of Persecution

The following incident took place during some extremely critical years for the Latter-day Saints. In 1854 “a special call from President Young . . . directed [Elder Taylor] to go to New York City to organize and publish a newspaper whose purpose would be to present the doctrines and practices of the Church in such a way as to neutralize . . . anti-Mormon feeling that had been mounting for over a year. . . . Additional brethren [were] to organize and publish Latter-day Saint newspapers in other key cities— . . . Washington, D.C.; . . . St. Louis; . . . San Francisco” (Francis M. Gibbons, John Taylor: Mormon Philosopher, Prophet of God [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], p. 138). Elder Taylor took up his residence in New York City and remained there until 1857.

This period climaxed when the United States government in Washington, D.C., sent an army to Utah. The army was to put down what was thought to be a rebellion. In New York, Elder Taylor defended the Mormon people against some governmental powers who were trying to destroy them. He challenged the enemies of the Church “‘to prove that “Mormonism” is less moral, scriptural, philosophical; or that there is less patriotism in Utah than in any other part of the United States. We call for proof; bring on your reasons, gentlemen, if you have any; we shrink not from the investigation, and dare you to the encounter’” (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 4:63).

As a result of public sentiment and legislation against the Church and against plural marriage, many men in the Church were imprisoned. Many others went into hiding to prevent imprisonment. John Taylor was the senior Apostle following the death of Brigham Young in 1877 until he became President of the Church himself in 1880. He with his counselors, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, went into hiding in 1885, placing their trust in the Lord.

Like John Taylor, We Should Be Champions of Righteousness

Because of John Taylor’s courageous life, his long defense of the principles of the gospel, “and his journalistic pursuits, he became known as ‘Defender of the Faith’ and also as the ‘Champion of Liberty’” (Emerson Roy West, Profiles of the Presidents, rev. ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980], p. 90). In his courage and faithfulness we learn how to respond, how to be faithful, and we find how to become defenders of the faith and champions of righteousness ourselves.

Group activity and discussion

Ask the class members what they would do in the three following situations and have them suggest ways they can defend gospel principles. (You may use appropriate situations that are more applicable to your particular culture.)

Situation 1: A group of teenagers is gathered at a friend’s house to watch videos. All goes well until someone puts in an R-rated video that contains nudity, crude language, and extreme violence.

Situation 2: In a history class, the teacher makes some degrading comments about Mormons and plural marriage that you personally know are not true.

Situation 3: In a locker room, one of your friends, who is a member of the Church, tells an off-color, dirty story that is funny but also offensive and embarrassing.

After allowing time to discuss the above situations, read the following statement by Elder Wm. Grant Bangerter, former member of the First Quorum of the Seventy:

“Now let me make our position clear. Although we should treat others with kindness, tolerance, and respect, we must stand firmly for the things that have been revealed to us. We do not apologize that we do not have the same doctrines and principles that other churches have. We can talk about it in a warm and friendly way, but we do not apologize. We didn’t initiate this restoration. God did. If others do not appreciate the Church or its doctrines, we nevertheless know they are true” (Wm. Grant Bangerter, “It’s a Two-Way Street,” Ensign, July 1986, p. 71).

Testimony and scripture

Bear your testimony of the importance of standing up for the Church and its teachings and of the blessings that come if we do so by reading the following two scriptures: Romans 1:16 and Doctrine and Covenants 14:7.

Discussion

What does the Lord promise us if we are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ? (Salvation and eternal life, which are the greatest of all the gifts of God.)

Testimony and Challenge

End the lesson with your personal testimony of the truth. Challenge each class member not to be afraid of adversity or direct challenges to the Church. Truth is always the final winner.

Lesson 14

A Missionary All Your Life

Objective

Class members will be motivated to be missionaries all their lives.

Preparation

Prepare two posters or write on the chalkboard the following:

Cultivate—

“1. A desire to serve;

“2. The patience to prepare;

“3. A willingness to labor.”

Thomas S. Monson

“First, fill [your] mind with truth;

second, fill your life with service;

and third, fill your heart with love.”

Thomas S. Monson

Prepare lettered slips of paper with the following scriptures to be given to class members to read at the appropriate time:

A. Mosiah 28:3, 5

B. Alma 29:1

C. D&C 58:26–29

Each class member should have a copy of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Discussion

Do you remember singing in Primary the song “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission”? (Children’s Songbook, p. 169). You are getting closer to the age when you can fulfill that hope.

Every worthy young man has been asked to serve a mission. Older couples who have raised their families are encouraged to serve missions. Young women may serve a mission if they are worthy and have the desire.

What did President David O. McKay mean when he said, “Every member a missionary!” (in Conference Report, 6 Apr. 1959, p. 122)? Did he mean every member over nineteen? (Accept class member answers.)

An official mission call to go on a full-time mission comes from the President of the Church. However, all of us have been asked to be missionaries all our lives.

Poster or chalkboard

Display the first poster or write on the chalkboard.

Elder Thomas S. Monson said that there are three things we should cultivate in order to be good missionaries: “1. A desire to serve; 2. The patience to prepare; 3. A willingness to labor” (Be Your Best Self [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979], p. 59).

First, a Missionary Must Have a Desire to Serve

The scriptures tell us, “The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34). In fact, Doctrine and Covenants 4:2, given as instruction to missionaries, says, “O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength.”

Why is this an important requirement for missionaries? (If your heart isn’t in it and you don’t have a real desire, you cannot be truly effective as a missionary.)

Scriptures

Have a class member read Mosiah 28:3, 5.

The sons of Mosiah had a great desire! Through their teachings and example, some of the most hard-hearted were touched and converted and baptized.

Alma the Younger also had a great desire.

Have a class member read Alma 29:1.

Alma added, “But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me” (Alma 29:3).

Why do you think the Lord chooses men instead of always sending angels to declare his word? (Accept all good answers, but lead the class members to see that men must take part in building the kingdom of God if they wish to have part in it after the final judgment. If men could always be taught by angels, they would not develop faith. Joseph Fielding Smith said, “It is contrary to the law of God for the heavens to be opened and messengers to come to do anything for man that man can do for himself. . . . You cannot point to anywhere in the scriptures where a messenger has come from the heavens and bestowed upon man something man could do for himself, but angels have come and told men what to do and sent men to do it” [Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954–56), 1:196].)

You probably do not know any young men who have given up kingdoms to go on missions. There are many, however, who have given up valuable jobs, family comforts and associations, and scholarships, both academic and athletic, to go serve the Lord. Some of them have had the desire to go on a mission most of their lives. Others have done as Elder Monson said and have cultivated that desire.

Story

Tom had two great desires. All his life he had planned to go on a mission as his brothers before him had done. In fact, he hadn’t thought much about it as it was something he had just taken for granted. On the other hand, his other desire was a dream and a fervent wish. As a strong linebacker on his high school football team, he dreamed of being recruited by the outstanding college in his area and maybe then going on into the pros—professional football. He wanted to be good enough to see this dream come true. He was. How excited he was when he was asked to come and play for the very university he had dreamed about! That is, he was excited until the recruiting coach, knowing he was a Mormon, said, “You wouldn’t be thinking of going on a mission for your church, would you?” It was then he learned which desire was the greater. His “yes” answer to the coach ended the coach’s interest in him. Tom often wondered later what his life might have been like if he had chosen the scholarship, but he never regretted his decision to go on a mission because his life was filled with a goodness he might never have attained had he not gone. In fact, football became much less important when he began to see life in its true perspective.

Story

In the early 1950s, every fever a child developed struck icy fear in the hearts of parents. “Please don’t let it be polio,” they prayed. Some polio victims died and many others were seriously crippled or made invalid for life. Very few came through unharmed.

In 1954, just six months before a vaccine was discovered, little fourteen-month-old Debbie was stricken with the paralytic variety of polio. Although it left her seriously crippled, she and her parents were grateful that her life had been spared. Debbie was beautiful, but those first years were especially hard. She went through twenty-two very serious surgeries.

Until seventh grade, most of her schooling took place at home where she was taught between surgeries by teachers from the school district. In spite of her dependence on braces and crutches, which she had struggled to learn to use, she did well in school and church. Her personality sparkled, and her love of life was contagious. She had many good friends and was included in their parties and activities. She developed and used her musical talents.

Her parents were determined that she not develop any self-pity and that she should learn to be as independent as possible. This meant doing all she could for herself. In fact, under some very trying circumstances Debbie completed college.

After college, Debbie didn’t spend her time wishing she could walk so she could go on a mission. Walk or not, her great desire was to go on a mission and share the gospel.

Debbie went, and she wasn’t just a good, average missionary. She was an outstanding missionary. Many lives were changed and brightened because she fulfilled that deep desire to serve the Lord.

Second, We Need the Patience to Prepare for a Mission

If it is examination day and you haven’t prepared for the test, how do you feel when the teacher passes out the papers? (Frightened, frustrated, ashamed.) If you are on a program to play an instrument, give a reading, or sing a solo, and you have not taken the time to practice and prepare, how do you feel?

The Lord says, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). In fact, if you are prepared, you are usually excited about what you are going to do. You are ready and enthusiastic. Our preparation and feelings for a mission are like that—if we have prepared, we want to go; if we aren’t prepared, it frightens us.

Discussion

Study: If we study the scriptures and the words of present Church leaders, we can know the doctrine and how to teach it.

Prayer: Through prayer we can receive the Spirit and know of the truth.

Service: Through service we find joy.

Participation in seminary, Sunday School, priesthood, and Young Women classes: We learn and grow by participating.

Righteous living: Living the commandments prepares us for all that the Lord has for us and makes us a good example of our teachings.

Money management: Saving will help provide for the expense of the mission.

Good health and nutrition: Obeying the Word of Wisdom, learning and following good nutrition, and keeping our bodies exercised will help prepare us physically to be missionaries.

Third, We Must Cultivate a Willingness to Labor

Each of the seven things (study, prayer, service, etc.) requires effort, either physical, spiritual, or intellectual effort, or a combination of these. Willingness to labor is important in preparing and in laboring in the actual mission field.

Scripture discussion

Have a class member read Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–29. (Explain that “not meet” means “not desirable.”)

How does that sound your labor as a missionary should be done? As a duty only? (No, it should be done willingly.)

We Can and Should Be Missionaries All Our Lives

Discussion

What can we do now to be missionaries, even though we haven’t as yet received a formal call from the prophet to be such? (Answers should reflect that we can live righteously and thus influence others.)

Missionaries tell us that their most enthusiastic investigators and converts are those who have been acquainted with good Latter-day Saints, people who showed by their example the benefits and joys of the gospel. Every year many thousands join the Church because they see the good lives of members who live the principles of the gospel. There are many who don’t join because they see members whose lives are not good examples of Christlike living.

If you were looking for a religion, a way of life, what would you look for in those who practiced it? (Answers might include such things as kindness, humility, examples of Christian love, goodness, joy, courage, faith, thoughtfulness, good habits, happiness.)

If someone were looking at you, would he find these qualities? (No answer is expected; have them think of it to themselves.)

Poster or chalkboard

Again Elder Monson gave some good advice about influencing others.

Display poster 2 or write the statement on the chalkboard: “First, fill [your] mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love” (Thomas S. Monson, Be Your Best Self, p. 168).

We Can Be Missionaries to Church Members

We can be missionaries to friends and neighbors who already are Church members. Why should we devote our time, energy, and love only to nonmember friends and ignore the needs of those members who are less active or less dedicated? They also need gospel blessings they might be missing.

Story

Mark and Ken were good friends, but in their early teen years, Ken was influenced by some friends considered to be popular and started smoking. Mark could have gone along with them or he could have drifted away from Ken and let him go his way. But he didn’t. He said, “Ken, I wish you wouldn’t smoke. We’ve been good friends for a long time, but it bothers me when you smoke.” He was doing as the Apostle Paul prayed to do, to “speak boldly” (Ephesians 6:20). Ken changed his habits because Mark spoke up lovingly.

The Lord said, “If it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” (D&C 18:15). He didn’t say that it has to be the soul of a nonmember. The soul in your Sunday School or seminary class is just as precious to the Lord as the souls of those you might travel across oceans to save. It could even be the soul of a member of your own family. It could be your own soul. We cannot strengthen others without our own lives being blessed.

Testimony and Challenge

Let us never forget that the gospel is a precious gift and that it is our duty and privilege to share it with others. A prophet of God asked us to be missionaries all our lives. We should cultivate a strong desire to do that. And we should prepare ourselves with prayer, study, and righteous living, showing courage in always doing what is right. As Elder Monson said, we should fill our minds with truth, our lives with service, and our hearts with love. In that way, we let our light so shine that others recognize our lives as being righteous, helpful, and happy and desire to have their own lives follow the gospel and be blessed as we are.

Bear testimony of the importance of the commandment to be missionaries and of the remarkable influence this class can have if they live it.

Lesson 15

Wilford Woodruff—Faithful and True

Born 1 March 1807 Years of Presidency: 1889–1898

Objective

Class members will strive to follow the example of Wilford Woodruff, who served faithfully from the first moment he learned of the gospel.

Preparation

Prepare to display the picture of Wilford Woodruff in the color section.

Prepare a small picture frame with the word ME written in the center.

Make two wordstrips:

Wilford Woodruff—Faithful and True

—Faithful and True

Bring to class a long piece of string or yarn that will stretch from out the window to out the door of the classroom.

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, prepare to show the section “Wilford Woodruff.”

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture

Display the picture of Wilford Woodruff. Explain that he was the fourth President of the Church.

Demonstration and discussion

Wilford Woodruff could see what a small but important part of eternity this life is. Demonstrate this concept by laying a piece of string across the room—one end out the classroom door and the other out the window. If there is no window, stretch the string to the edge of the wall.

Pretend that the string represents eternity and that it extends forever on both ends. Imagine that this room is the time and space designated for this life. As far as time is considered, this little piece of life—mortality—represented by this room, isn’t very much. However, mortality determines where and how we will live all the rest of eternity, so it is a very important period of time.

Wilford Woodruff Served Faithfully All His Life

Because Wilford Woodruff saw the future so clearly, he knew that when he returned to his Father in Heaven he would have to account for his actions in mortality. He wanted more than anything to be able to give a good account.

With this understanding, consider the following ways he tried to qualify himself for that judgment:

First, he was a missionary. Although he preached the gospel all his life, he served fifteen years as an official missionary. He baptized hundreds of people. Think about the families of these people. That number could expand endlessly!

Heber J. Grant said of Wilford Woodruff, “I believe that no other man who ever walked the face of the earth was a greater converter of souls to the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: The Improvement Era, 1969], p. 20).

Some class members could be here because of President Woodruff’s missionary work. As missionaries, many of us may not be sent where thousands are seeking the truth as was the case with Wilford Woodruff. We can, however, be a powerful influence for good in the lives of hundreds of people throughout our lifetime.

Because of his great success, one might think that Wilford Woodruff’s missions were easy, but that would be far from the truth. He suffered severe hardships.

Example

Relate the following example.

One day in southern Missouri, Wilford Woodruff and his companion walked all day without food. They came to a place where a minister refused to give them anything to eat or to let them spend the night. They had to walk another twelve miles farther down the river.

In his journal Wilford recorded the following: “‘The wicked [minister] who would not give us a piece of bread lied to us about the road, and sent us across the swamp, where we wallowed knee-deep in mud and water till ten o’clock at night, in trying to follow the crooked river. We then left the swamp and put out into the prairie, to lie in the grass for the night.

“‘When we got out of the swamp, we heard an Indian drumming on a tin pail and singing. It was very dark, but we traveled toward the noise, and when we drew near the Indian camp quite a number of large Indian dogs came out to meet us. They smelled us, but did not bark or bite. Soon we were surrounded by Osage Indians and were kindly received by Mr. Jereu and his wife who was an Indian. She gave us an excellent supper and a good bed, which we were thankful for after the fatigue of the day.

“‘As I laid my head upon my pillow, I felt to thank God from the bottom of my heart for the exchange from the barbarous treatment of a civilized . . . priest to the humane, kind, and generous treatment of the savage Osage Indians. May God reward them both according to their deserts!’” (Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford Woodruff: History of His Life and Labors [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1978], p. 48).

He was obedient and humble. The Prophet Joseph Smith called him “Wilford the Faithful” (Preston Nibley, The Presidents of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], p. 101).

Wordstrip

Display the wordstrip “Wilford Woodruff—Faithful and True” under the picture of Wilford Woodruff.

President Woodruff had the great faith needed to heal and be healed. The following is from his journal:

One day Wilford Woodruff met a man and woman on the street, and the woman asked if he remembered them. He answered that he did not. Then she said, “You laid hands on this boy in Herefordshire [England] fifty years ago. He was dumb—never spoke a word til you laid hands upon him and blessed him: and he has spoken ever since” (Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946], p. 314).

President Woodruff Was a Man with Great Qualities

He was a man of faith and vision. His faith enabled him to see visions and receive important revelations to direct the Church and the lives of its members. He was visited by angels and the former prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young after they had died because there was a need in the Church. In a dream, Brigham Young handed Elder Woodruff “the keys of the [Salt Lake] Temple and was told by [Brigham] to go in and dedicate it to the Lord” (Cowley, Wilford Woodruff, p. 582). This was fulfilled when President Woodruff later actually dedicated that temple.

Wilford Woodruff also received visits from men who had framed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. He personally helped perform the vital saving ordinances for such men as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. (See Cowley, p. 586.)

He was a man of compassion. As President of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Woodruff “met with his council, when it was voted to call twenty young Indians and educate them in the Brigham Young Academy at Provo, that they might be missionaries among their own people. His heart was in the Indian mission,—the great possibilities of that people were so clear to his mind” (Cowley, p. 540).

The President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, asked President Woodruff and the Presidency of the Church to pray for him and for his wife, who was ill. When Benjamin Harrison’s wife died, President Woodruff sent “President Harrison the following telegram of sympathy: ‘. . . The death of your beloved companion came home to us individually as if it were our own personal loss. We sincerely and deeply sympathize with you, and appeal to the Supreme Being, who holds the destiny of us all in His hands, to bless, comfort, and sustain you in this your hour of great trial and sorrow’” (Cowley, p. 580).

He was a man of work. By reading his journal, one sees how much Wilford Woodruff loved to work with his hands. Once after hoeing corn with his grandson he wrote: “Well, this is the first time in my life that any of my children have beaten me hoeing corn or at any other manual labor” (Cowley, p. 564). At the time he was eighty-two years old.

He sacrificed for the Lord with humility. Physical and personal sacrifice were just part of his obedience to God: “He had no will of his own, but wanted to be in a position to do God’s will” (Cowley, p. 534).

At an age when many reduce their activity, President Woodruff visited the settlements and small communities in the mountains. He wrote that he lived eleven days “in the midst of driving snow, making my bed upon the ground in a shepherd’s tent. I ate my bread and meat twice a day with thanksgiving. I drank the cold snow water and indeed have had the best of health. . . . I also passed several days in the saddle, from eight to ten hours a day, when the cold north wind was blowing in my face. I shall soon be seventy-three years of age” (Cowley, p. 531).

At one time Bishop Edward Hunter, the Presiding Bishop, prophesied that Wilford Woodruff would become a President of the Church. President Woodruff “rebuked [him]. . . . He sought no honors for himself” (Cowley, pp. 560–61).

He was a great historian. In addition to his great missionary labors, the historical records he had kept were a major contribution to the Church. His journal consisted of more than seven thousand pages (see Cowley, p. 600).

You Can Be like Wilford Woodruff

Tell the class: You can be like Wilford Woodruff. You can help people. You can help change the lives of converts. You can keep excellent records. And you can be faithful men and women.

Picture

Display the picture frame with the word ME in it by the side of the Wilford Woodruff picture. Say:

This represents a picture of each of you. Because you are here on earth, and if you will live for it, you will have the privilege of being blessed, as was Wilford Woodruff. With your compassion and great faith and prayers, you can help to serve and bless others.

Wordstrip

Put the wordstrip “—Faithful and True” under the picture frame.

Try to see yourself in the picture. (Speak their names: “Susan—Faithful and True, John—Faithful and True,” etc. Express your confidence in each one.)

Videocassette, or reading

If it is available, show part 1 of the videocassette (38 seconds), Wilford Woodruff’s testimony. If it is unavailable, read Wilford Woodruff’s testimony, which follows.

Wilford Woodruff’s Testimony

“I bear my testimony that the Prophet Joseph Smith said before a large assembly in Illinois that if he were the emperor of the world and had control over the whole human family, he would sustain every man, woman and child in the enjoyment of their religion. Those are my sentiments today.

“I bear my testimony that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God, ordained of God to lay the foundation of His Church and Kingdom in the last dispensation and fullness of times. I bear my testimony that in the early spring of 1844 in Nauvoo, the Prophet Joseph Smith called the Twelve Apostles together and he delivered unto them the ordinances of the Church and Kingdom of God; and all of the keys and powers that God had bestowed upon him he sealed upon our heads. He told us we must round up our shoulders and bear off this Kingdom or we would be damned. I am the only man now living in the flesh who heard that testimony from his mouth, and I know this is true by the power of God manifest to him.

“At the meeting he stood on his feet about three hours and taught us the things of the Kingdom. His face was as clear as amber, and he was covered with a power that I have never seen in any man in the flesh before.

“I bear testimony that Joseph Smith was the author of the endowments as received by the Latter-day Saints. I received my own endowments under his hands and direction, and I know they are true principles. I not only received my own endowments under his hands, but I bear my testimony that Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, John Taylor, and other brethren received their endowments under the hands and direction of the Prophet Joseph, and also my wife, Phoebe, Bathsheba Smith, Leonora Taylor, Mary Smith and others whose names I cannot recall now.

“The Prophet Joseph laid down his life for the word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ, and he will be crowned as a martyr in the presence of God and the Lamb. In all his testimonies to us, the power of God was visibly manifest in the Prophet Joseph.

“This is my testimony, spoken by myself into a talking machine on this the nineteenth day of March 1897, in the ninety-first year of my age. Wilford Woodruff.”

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge class members to be missionaries all their life. Restate that they must “desire to serve,” have the “patience to prepare,” and be willing “to labor” (see lesson 14).

Lesson 16

Wilford Woodruff: Righteousness and the Protection of the Lord

Objective

The class members will learn that Satan is real and that righteousness and courage are needed to face and defeat him.

Preparation

Be sure that each class member has access to all the standard works.

Read all the scriptural accounts well before giving this lesson. Center the discussion upon the suggested scriptures.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Read the following statement by Joseph Smith as recorded by Wilford Woodruff:

“‘Salvation is nothing more nor less than the triumph over all our enemies in this world and over all evil spirits in the world to come. In the case of Jesus Christ He was to reign until He had put all enemies under His feet. . . .

“‘There is a principle here that few men have thought of. No person can have this salvation except through a tabernacle [a body]. . . . This was the case with the devil when he fell. He was seeking things which were unlawful, he was, therefore, cast down and it is said that he carried away many with him. His punishment is great in that he is not permitted to have a tabernacle. Lucifer, planning to overthrow the decree of God, goeth up and down the earth seeking whom he may destroy’” (Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford Woodruff: History of His Life and Labors [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1964], pp. 174–75).

Discussion

Discuss how Satan may use each of the following things to attack people today, especially youth: (You may add other things that seem more relevant to your particular class members.)

Drug abuse

Alcohol

Immorality

Suicide

Unsafe driving or “joyriding”

War

Famine

Child abuse

Abortion

Stress that obedience to the gospel brings us the power to resist Satan.

Elder ElRay L. Christiansen, while an Assistant to the Twelve, reminded us that “in all his evil doings, the adversary can go no further than the transgressor permits him to go. . . . And when the Holy Ghost is really within us, Satan must remain without” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, p. 30; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, p. 24).

The Lord Protected Wilford Woodruff

When Wilford Woodruff was an Apostle, he was poisoned while skinning an animal that had been killed by poison. His system was almost overcome and it was feared he would die. President Brigham Young gave him the following blessing:

“‘Brother Woodruff, I say to you in the name of Jesus Christ, that you shall not die, but you shall live to finish your work which was appointed you to do upon the earth. The adversary has sought many times to destroy your life but the Lord has preserved you, and will preserve you until your work is done’” (Cowley, Wilford Woodruff, p. 368).

Recognizing that Wilford Woodruff was a particularly valuable servant in the cause of righteousness, Satan tried to cause him to be physically hurt. Through the protection of the Lord and his own righteousness, President Woodruff came away victorious.

Read the following:

“Wilford Woodruff learned to trust deeply in the power of the Lord early in life. According to his own record, he underwent many accidents and other hardships and was only spared because of the mercy of the Lord. He fell into a caldron [large boiler] of scalding water at the age of three; he slipped from a beam in his father’s barn, landing on his face on the bare floor; he broke both his arms by falls; he narrowly missed being gored by a bull; he broke his leg by a fall from a carriage; he was kicked in the stomach by an ox; he was buried beneath a load of hay when his wagon tipped over; he was in a wagon that overturned when a runaway horse bolted down a hill; he fell fifteen feet from a tree, landing flat on his back; he was saved from drowning in thirty feet of water; he narrowly escaped freezing to death when a passerby happened to see him crawl into the hollow of an apple tree; he split open the instep of his left foot while chopping wood; he was bitten by a dog in the last stages of rabies; he was thrown from a runaway horse and broke one of his legs in two places and dislocated both ankles. All of this happened before Wilford was twenty years old!

“Later he fell twice from the top of a mill wheel, narrowly escaping being crushed to death. On two other occasions he was dragged behind a runaway horse; a gun aimed directly at his chest snapped accidentally but fortunately misfired; a falling tree hit him in the chest, breaking his breastbone and three ribs and badly bruising his left thigh, hip, and arm” (“Wilford Woodruff: Man of Faith and Zeal,” New Era, Jan. 1972, pp. 30–31).

Discussion

Ask the following discussion questions to help the class discover the dependence and gratitude that must have been built up in Wilford Woodruff’s mind and heart as the Lord helped him through these adversities. (No specific response is required; allow class members to express their feelings.)

Why do you feel all these narrow escapes from death taught Wilford Woodruff to draw closer to the Lord?

Have any of you or anyone in your family ever been saved from serious tragedy in a similar way?

What were your feelings as you realized you had had the Lord’s protection?

What personal attributes do you think were strengthened in Wilford Woodruff’s heart and mind as a result of his experiences?

Is Satan responsible for all evil and accidents? (Stress that there are genuine accidents and that our agency allows us all to make choices, some of which sometimes result in accidents or tragedy. All of us, however, can live as close to the Lord as possible, relying upon him in all things, as Wilford Woodruff did. In this way Satan’s effect is greatly minimized.)

The Righteous Have a Power Greater than Satan’s

Scripture discussion

Read and discuss each of the following scriptures:

Moses 4:1–3: Satan sought to take away the power and honor of God. He was cast out of heaven.

Moses 4:4–21: Satan sought to destroy Adam and Eve. He was cursed and made subject to the righteous.

Moses 1:12–22: Satan tried to deceive Moses; he was detected and cast out by the righteous authority of Moses. (Verses 13 and 14 are keys to understanding who Satan is; point them out specifically to the class. Moses saw Satan was without glory and Moses was able to look upon him without being transfigured.)

Matthew 4:1–11: Satan tried to destroy Jesus Christ; the Savior rebuked him. (Note that the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 1 says Jesus was “led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be with God.”)

Joseph Smith—History 1:15–16: Satan used his power to try to prevent Joseph Smith from receiving the truth from God, but he was cast out by the power of God because of the prayer and faith of Joseph Smith.

Though the above examples all deal with the lives of prophets, it is important to remember that Satan tempts everyone except little children. Also, through righteousness everyone can overcome Satan’s powers. Prophets are not the only ones who can be righteous.

Testimony and Challenge

Read Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6.

Bear testimony that the Lord has promised us his protection. If we obey the prophet and the commandments, “walking in all holiness before [the Lord,] . . . the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before [us], and cause the heavens to shake for [our] good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:4, 6).

Satan will not stop trying to destroy the work of the Lord. He will try in any way possible to lead the Saints astray. But we must always remember that righteousness, prayer, and the priesthood will defeat Satan. The Lord’s plan will prevail.

Challenge class members to be righteous.

Lesson 17

Lorenzo Snow Served God and His Fellowmen

Born 3 April 1814 Years of Presidency: 1898–1901

Objective

From studying the life of Lorenzo Snow, class members will desire to serve the Lord by serving their fellowmen.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.

Prepare to show the picture of Lorenzo Snow in the color section.

Before class draw “Lorenzo Snow’s Life—Path of Service” map on the chalkboard.

Assign four class members to give reports on incidents in the life of Lorenzo Snow. Photocopy or hand copy the reports from the lesson and ask the class members to give the reports in their own words if possible.

Prepare to show the picture of the soldier found in the lesson.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Chalkboard

Draw only the path and label on the chalkboard (see sample illustration). During the lesson you will fill in the spaces with examples from the life of Lorenzo Snow. The beginning chalkboard should look like this:

Lorenzo Snow’s Life—Path of Service

The completed chalkboard, after you have added information during the lesson, will look like this:

Lorenzo Snow’s Life—Path of Service

Loved learning

Learned:

discipline

tolerance

responsibility

loyalty

Sought a conversion to the truth

Followed the Spirit of the Lord

Showed kindness, compassion, and sympathy to everyone

Served faithfully all his life

Today we are going to study about the fifth President of the Church and learn something of his love and service to God and his fellowmen.

Picture and chalkboard

Hold up the picture of Lorenzo Snow and ask: Who is this?

All who enter this mortal world travel a “path.” Today we are going to follow the path Lorenzo Snow took during his life.

Lorenzo Snow’s Early Life Prepared Him for Service

Example and discussion

Read or tell in your own words the following from Lorenzo Snow’s early years. Ask the class the questions that follow to stimulate discussion.

Lorenzo Snow was born 3 April 1814 in Mantua, Ohio. Although he was born into a religious family, Lorenzo seems to have been relatively unconcerned about religion in his early life. As a youth, he had been taught by his parents to be responsible, sympathetic, and tolerant. Their home was open to representatives of any church. He had also developed a deep love for books and learning. (See Thomas C. Romney, The Life of Lorenzo Snow [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1955], pp. 16–18.)

Chalkboard

Write in block 1 Loved learning.

Early in his life Lorenzo wanted to become a soldier. The Snow family had for generations counted military men of “renown” among their number. “The glittering uniforms of the men in the service of their country and the stirring [military] music electrified [him]. . . . His devoted sister, Eliza R., fearful that such a career would lead him into . . . battle [and] a tragic death, pled with him . . . to change his mind” (Romney, The Life of Lorenzo Snow, p. 19). Eliza, however, made his uniform for him and Lorenzo wore it through his military career, which progressed until he received a lieutenant’s commission from the governor of Ohio.

Picture, discussion, and chalkboard

Show the picture of the soldier from the manual.

What values do you think Lorenzo received from his boyhood experiences and his military service? (Answers might include such things as sympathy, discipline, tolerance, responsibility, loyalty.)

Write one or more of these answers in block 2 of the path.

Lorenzo Snow Goes to Kirtland

God helps us gain testimonies. He did this for Lorenzo Snow. Listen for clues as to how Lorenzo Snow developed a genuine desire to gain a testimony and to serve others. (Tell the following example in your own words.)

Example

Lorenzo completed his studies at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and was not impressed with the religion (Presbyterian) that was taught there. His mother and sister Leonora had accepted Mormonism in 1831, and his sister Eliza had joined the Church in 1835 and moved to Kirtland. There she taught in Joseph Smith’s “family school.” Knowing that Lorenzo intended to continue his study of Hebrew, she invited him to come to Kirtland to study Hebrew in the School of the Prophets. (This school was established by the Prophet Joseph Smith to further the education of some of the brethren.) Lorenzo moved to Kirtland, where he came to know the Prophet Joseph Smith.

At the close of a “blessing meeting” held in the Kirtland Temple, Lorenzo met the Prophet’s father, who was Patriarch to the Church. In his conversation with him, the Patriarch said, “‘Why, brother Snow, I discover that you are trying to understand the principles of Mormonism.’

“‘Yes,’ replied Lorenzo, ‘that was the object I had in view.’

“‘Well, do not worry but pray to the Lord and satisfy yourself; study the matter over, compare the scriptures with what we are teaching; talk with the brethren that you are acquainted with, and after a time you will be convinced that “Mormonism” is of God, and you will be baptized’” (Romney, The Life of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 24–25).

Discussion

How might you have felt hearing the counsel of Joseph Smith, Sr., to Lorenzo? (Allow varied answers.)

Why was this good advice? (This is the way most people gain testimonies of the gospel [see Moroni 10:4–5].)

Finally, Lorenzo’s prayers were answered and he was convinced of the truth. In 1836 Lorenzo Snow was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Chalkboard

What word or phrase could be used to describe this step (block 3) in Lorenzo Snow’s life? (Possible answers are conversion, baptism, testimony, etc.) Write an appropriate answer in block 3.

Commitment to the Gospel Is Shown in Lorenzo Snow’s Service to God and Man

Discussion

Once Lorenzo Snow gained a testimony, he wanted to do all he could to serve God, though such service called for great sacrifice.

In the spring of 1837, less than a year after being confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and after receiving the priesthood, Lorenzo Snow went on the first of many missions.

Lorenzo Teaches His Relatives

After a thirty-mile walk on the second day of his mission, Lorenzo held a meeting in the neighborhood of an uncle. This was his first attempt at speaking before an audience, and he had prayed and fasted nearly the whole day, seeking power and inspiration from the Lord. That evening he did not know what to say, but “the Holy Ghost rested mightily upon me,” he said, “filling my mind with light and communicating ideas and proper language. [He bore strong testimony of the restoration of the gospel, convincing many people.] After the second meeting,” he reported, “. . . I baptized and confirmed my uncle, aunt and several of my cousins, of whom Adaline was one, who [later] became my wife” (Eliza R. Snow Smith, Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co., 1884], p. 16).

Discussion

Why do you think Lorenzo Snow’s mission was successful? (He followed the Spirit and was dedicated.)

What important lessons do you think Lorenzo learned? (To rely on the Lord and to listen to the Spirit.)

Chalkboard

Add the key words or phrases to block 4 in the path. (Possible answers might include: followed the Spirit, listened to the Lord, relied on the Lord.)

Lorenzo Snow soon developed many vital character traits that would help him later when he became President of the Church. As the next report is given, try to determine what traits these were.

Compassion for Sister Young

In the spring of 1840, Elder Snow was called on a mission to England. Before his departure he called on a number of the families of the Apostles laboring in England to take messages from them to their husbands. He found Brigham Young’s wife living in “an unfinished log hut, with a floor, and no chinking between the logs, . . . leaving the [family] exposed to wind and storms. . . . She had just returned from a long, . . . fruitless search for her [milk] cow, which had strayed [away] the day before and on which she much depended [to feed] her little ones. On my asking her what she wished me to say to her husband,” recalled Lorenzo, “she replied, ‘You see my situation, but tell him not to trouble, or worry in the least about me—I wish him to remain in his field of labor until honorably released.’ Her apparent poverty-stricken, destitute condition deeply stirred my sympathy. I had but little money—not sufficient to take me one-tenth the distance to my field of labor, with no prospect for obtaining the balance, and was then on the eve of starting. I drew from my pocket a portion of my small pittance, and presented [it to] her, but she refused to accept it; while I strenuously insisted on her taking, and she persisting to refuse—partly purposely, and partly accidentally, the money was dropped on the floor, and rattled through the openings between the loose boards, which settled the dispute, and bidding her good bye, I left her to pick it up at her leisure” (Smith, Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, p. 47).

Discussion

What character traits do you see being developed by Lorenzo Snow? (Compassion, sympathy, generosity, concern, friendship.)

Chalkboard

Add a key word or phrase to the fifth block in the path. (Possible answers might be: kindness, sympathy, compassion for fellowmen.)

Using the Priesthood to Comfort: A Miracle

In March 1891, during the time Elder Snow was holding a stake conference in Brigham City, a fifteen-year-old girl named Ella Jensen passed away. She had suffered with scarlet fever for over a week. She knew she was going to die and said good-bye to her family. She could hear her parents and others weeping, which troubled her greatly. Her spirit entered the spirit world and remained there several hours.

While Elder Snow was speaking in conference, a note was handed to him, telling of Ella’s death. He excused himself from the meeting, saying “it was a call to visit some people who were in deep sorrow” (Romney, The Life of Lorenzo Snow, p. 413). Taking Elder Rudger Clawson with him, he accompanied Ella’s father to the Jensen home. They went to the bedroom where the girl lay dead. President Snow asked President Clawson to anoint her, and then blessed her himself, using a “‘very extraordinary expression, in a commanding tone of voice: “Come back, Ella, come back. Your work upon the earth is not yet completed.”’ . . .

“‘. . . More than an hour later, after President Snow administered to her, . . . she opened her eyes. She looked about the room, and [asked,] “Where is he?” [Her parents asked,] “Who?” “Why, Brother Snow,” she replied, “he called me back”’” (Romney, The Life of Lorenzo Snow, pp. 413–15).

Discussion

What personal lessons might we learn about serving others from this experience? (Allow such varied answers as: we need to interrupt our own pursuits to fill another’s immediate needs, we can use the priesthood to be blessed and to bless others.)

Scripture discussion

Read with the class Doctrine and Covenants 42:29.

How can we show love for the Savior? (By serving him and keeping his commandments.)

How can we serve the Lord? (Read Mosiah 2:17.)

Chalkboard

Lorenzo Snow’s life was one of service. He demonstrated again and again his willingness to fulfill whatever task the Lord asked of him. He was a man who could call on the Saints to sacrifice because his life had been a living testimony of his willingness to do the same. Add Served faithfully all his life to the chalkboard.

Testimony and Challenge

Challenge all members of the class to grow as Lorenzo Snow did. They can if they give unselfishly of their time, talent, and means to further God’s kingdom, thus furthering their own growth.

When we serve our fellowman, we too can know the Savior and his love by the greater witness of the power of the Holy Ghost.

Bear your testimony of the power of service in each of our lives.

Scripture

Conclude the lesson by reading aloud Doctrine and Covenants 76:5–10 concerning the promises the Lord makes to those who serve him in righteousness.

Lesson 18

Lorenzo Snow: Financing God’s Kingdom

Objective

Class members will desire to serve their fellowman by contributing financially to build up the kingdom of God on earth.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants.

Display the pictures of Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, and Heber J. Grant in the color section.

If it is available, prepare to show The Windows of Heaven on the videocassette Moments in Church History (53145).

Photocopy or hand copy the prophets’ statements on tithing and assign four class members in advance to read them.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Example

Introduce The Windows of Heaven by telling the following:

President Snow had earlier devoted much time to financial matters in the Church and was very well qualified to handle them. When he became President of the Church in 1898, the greatest burden resting upon the Saints was the problem of financing the Church. The people were not paying their tithing as they should. “Years of persecution, unjust legislation by critics and enemies, expensive [court costs] had caused such severe financial pressures that the Church was facing financial bankruptcy. Turning to the Lord in prayer, President Snow was told to make a trip to St. George, visiting the principal settlements on the return trip. [The trip was made in 1899; St. George is three hundred miles south of Salt Lake City.] Though the purpose of the visit was not clear in light of the plea for assistance in the financial crisis, Lorenzo and selected brethren left for the southern Utah settlement” (Heidi S. Swinton, “Lorenzo Snow,” in Leonard J. Arrington, ed., The Presidents of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], p. 174).

Videocassette and reading

Show the videocassette, part 6, The Windows of Heaven. If it is not available, read the following:

At St. George, President Snow received a marvelous revelation. He was told that if the Saints would live the existing law of tithing, the Church as a whole and the Saints individually would be blessed and their financial problems would be less. Said President Snow:

“The time has now come for every Latter-day Saint, who calculates to be prepared for the future and to hold his feet strong upon a proper foundation, to do the will of the Lord and to pay his tithing in full. That is the word of the Lord to you, and it will be the word of the Lord to every settlement throughout the land of Zion. After I leave you [the people in St. George] and you get to thinking about this, you will see yourselves that the time has come when every man should stand up and pay his tithing in full. The Lord has blessed us and has had mercy upon us in the past; but there are times coming when the Lord requires us to stand up and do that which He has commanded and not leave it any longer. What I say to you in this stake of Zion I will say to every stake of Zion that has been organized. There is no man or woman that now hears what I am saying who will feel satisfied if he or she fails to pay a full tithing (18 May 1899, MS, 61:533.)” (Lorenzo Snow, The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, Clyde J. Williams, comp. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1984], p. 155).

President Snow then promised the Saints in St. George that the Lord would send them rain. They had been suffering from a terrible drought.

Discussion

What existing principle did the Lord stress to President Snow to solve the financial problems of the Church? (Tithing; it should be strictly observed.)

What did President Snow promise the Saints in St. George if they would pay an honest tithe? (They would receive rain.)

The Scriptures and the Latter-day Prophets Teach Us about the Importance of Tithing

Scripture discussion

Have the class read and mark Doctrine and Covenants 119:4.

In this scripture the Lord declared a tithe to be “one-tenth of all their interest annually”: interest is understood to mean income.

Quotations and pictures

Have the assigned class members read the following statements. If you wish, display a picture of each of the prophets as their statement is read.

President Wilford Woodruff

“I want the brethren to understand this one thing, that our tithing, our labor, our works are not for the exaltation of the Almighty, but they are for us” (Emerson Roy West, Profiles of the Presidents [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972], p. 155).

President Lorenzo Snow (at a solemn assembly in the Salt Lake Temple, 2 July 1899)

“A part of a tithing is no tithing at all in the eyes of the law that the Lord has revealed” (Life of Joseph F. Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938], p. 308).

President Joseph F. Smith

“The law of tithing is a test by which the people as individuals shall be proved. Any man who fails to observe this principle shall be known as a man who is indifferent to the welfare of Zion, who neglects his duty as a member of the Church” (Gospel Doctrine [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939], p. 226).

President Heber J. Grant

“I bear witness—and I know that the witness I bear is true—that the men and women who have been absolutely honest with God, who have paid their one-tenth . . . God has given them wisdom whereby they have been able to utilize the remaining nine-tenths, and it has been of greater value to them, and they have accomplished more with it than they would if they had not been honest with the Lord” (West, Profiles of the Presidents, 1972 ed., p. 231).

Discussion and chalkboard

List on the chalkboard some things that these Presidents of the Church have told us about the law of tithing. (Tithing is for our exaltation; it is for spiritual blessings, not just financial blessings; paying part of a tithing is not obeying the law of the tithe; the law of tithing is a test; those who pay tithing are able to use their money more wisely than those who do not.)

How Are Church Contributions Used?

Contributions to the Church are and have been used in many of the following ways to build up the kingdom of God:

Chalkboard and discussion

Draw the following diagram on the chalkboard before class time:

Financing God’s Kingdom

From tithing

Buildings (meetinghouses and temples)

Missionary program

Educational facilities (colleges and seminaries)

Family history programs

Others (such as this manual)

Other offerings

Fast offering

Local missionary funds

Answers added after discussion

Use the diagram to explain the following:

Tithing is the major contribution we make to the Church. It pays for the overall operations of the Church, such as buildings (meetinghouses and temples), missionary programs, educational facilities and programs (colleges and seminaries), family history expenses, and administrative costs (development of this manual, for instance). However, tithing is not the only Church contribution made by members.

Discussion

What are some of the other contributions you and your family make to the Church? (List answers, which will vary, on the individual lines of the diagram. The answers should include fast offering and missionary fund. See above diagram.) Emphasize that labor and donations in kind are as valuable as cash contributions.

In addition to the blessings from giving, we enjoy the services, facilities, and opportunities that these contributions make available to each of us as members of God’s kingdom.

Heavenly Father Blesses Those Who Give to Build the Kingdom

Experience and discussion

The Promise

Read or tell in your own words the following experience of Elder Angel Abrea, of the Seventy:

“I remember once in 1957, while I was acting as a new president of a branch in Argentina, I decided to interview the members with respect to the importance of paying tithing. I found myself talking with one good brother of the branch whose name was Jose, who had difficulty paying his tithing. I asked him bluntly, ‘Brother Jose, why don’t you pay your tithing?’ I’m sure Jose didn’t expect me to be so direct.

“After a moment of silence he responded: ‘As you know, President, I have two children. The wage of a laborer is very low. This month I have to buy my children shoes to go to school; and, mathematically, I just don’t have enough money.’

“In an instant response, I said, ‘Jose, I promise you that if you pay your tithing faithfully, your children will have their shoes to go to school, and you will be able to pay for all the needs of your home. I don’t know how he will do it, but the Lord always keeps his promises. Besides that,’ I added, ‘If you still find that you don’t have enough money, I will give you back what you paid in tithing from my own pocket.’

“On the way home, I wondered if what I had done was the right thing. Here I was, recently married, just getting started in my career, and faced with my own economic problems. I began to worry about my own shoes, let alone those of Jose’s family! Even though when I got home my dear wife wholeheartedly supported me and reassured me that everything would be all right, I must say that that night nobody prayed harder for Brother Jose’s economic welfare than I did.

“One month later, I once again sat down with Jose. Though the tears in his eyes almost made it impossible for him to speak, he said: ‘President, it is incredible. I paid my tithing; I was able to meet all of my obligations, and I even purchased the new shoes for my children, all without an increase in my wage. I know that the Lord keeps his promises!’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1981, p. 34; or Ensign, Nov. 1981, pp. 24–25).

Scriptures and chalkboard

On the chalkboard, write the scripture reference Malachi 3:10 and then write Doctrine and Covenants 82:10. Have one of the class members read them aloud.

Discussion

Elder Abrea expected the Lord to bless Jose if he kept the law of tithing.

Has the Lord ever given us such a promise? (Yes, he will pour out blessings on those who pay their tithing.)

Testimony and Challenge

Complete the lesson by bearing your testimony that the Lord keeps his promises. If we keep the commandment of tithing, we shall be blessed. Encourage the class members to share personal experiences regarding the blessings and joys received from having paid tithing and other obligations. Challenge the class to contribute to the building of the kingdom of God.

Lesson 19

Make Peer Pressure a Positive Experience

Objective

Class members will see that peer pressure can be both a negative and a positive experience, and they will choose to follow the positive influences that help them to return to Heavenly Father.

Preparation

Obtain a compass and a small magnet if possible (local Scouting units or a class member may have these items). If a magnet is difficult to obtain, a small piece of metal with a high iron content may be substituted, such as a small wrench or large nail, etc. (Chrome or stainless steel objects will not do.)

Obtain a piece of paper and pencil for each class member.

Each class member should have a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Object lesson

Hold a compass up before the class and ask the following questions:

What is this?

What does it do?

How is it used?

Because a compass always points in one direction (magnetic north), it can be valuable in helping us know where we are and what direction we must go. (Have one class member, perhaps one who is a Scout, hold the compass while the rest of the class comes forward to observe the direction the compass needle points. Then, disturb the direction the needle points by moving a small magnet or piece of metal around the edges of the compass. Have the class members return to their seats.)

How could this demonstration relate to our lives? (Our lives are like the needle of the compass. Some things may pull us off course or influence the direction we are pointing. If we remain true to our course, however, and the influence we follow is good, our lives can be made much better.)

Peer Pressure Is an Important Behavior Influence

Scripture discussion

Have the class read Alma 37:38–41.

At the time they were in the wilderness, when Laman, Lemuel, and others were unfaithful, the spindles on the ball would not work properly. However, when the people were faithful, the spindles led them in the correct direction. Proper influence is very important if we want to go in the right direction.

Activity and discussion

Provide each class member with a pencil and a piece of paper and ask them to list, in order of importance, people or things that influence their lives. (Begin with the most influential as 1 and the least influential as 10.)

What are some of the things and people who influence you? (Allow varied answers.)

Who do you feel would be more likely to have your best interests in mind? (Answers should include: parents, family, religious and youth leaders, etc.)

Which influences are most likely to put their own interests first? (Peers, advertising, television, etc.)

This activity will vary with each individual class. Try to show that it is important what influences us. Also, emphasize how important it is for them to influence their friends and families to go in the right direction.

The Lord is very concerned that we go in the right direction. He loves us and wants us to be wise and careful in the influences with which we surround ourselves.

Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, said: (read the following, explaining as necessary)

“Our amusements should be characterized by their wholesome social environments. We should have proper regard to the character of those with whom we associate in places of amusement; and we should be governed by a high sense of responsibility to our parents, to our friends and to the Church. We should know that the pleasures which we enjoy are such as have upon them the stamp of divine approval. They should be endorsed by our parents and by our religious associates, and by those true principles which should always regulate our [association] with one another in Church membership. Amusements which, in themselves, and in commendable social surroundings, may be proper and wholesome, should be avoided unless associates are unquestionable and the places are reputable and are conducted under proper restraints” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939], p. 320).

Friends and Peers Can Be a Negative Influence

Stories and discussion

Elder Robert D. Hales, while speaking at Brigham Young University, gave two illustrations that show how the wrong kind of friends or peers can influence us:

“There’s a marvelous lesson to be taught by those who live in the islands. When they catch crabs, they place them in a small, flat basket. If you place one crab in the basket, it crawls right out. If you place two crabs in the basket, every time one crab starts to crawl out, it is pulled back in by the other crab. . . .

“I would hope that we could understand another lesson I learned . . . from my uncle. It was about coyotes and sheep. It’s very clever. Mother and father coyote send those little coyote pups out to play and frolic. And the little lambs who are secure in the fold look over there and say, ‘Boy, doesn’t that look like a lot of fun?’ And they leave to go play with the coyote pups. Then the adult coyotes come down and kill them” (“This Is the Way; and There Is None Other Way,” in Brigham Young University 1981–82 Fireside and Devotional Speeches [1982], p. 67).

How do these stories apply to your lives? (After a brief discussion, ask the class to ask themselves if these stories tell them something about any of their friends.)

Thought questions

Ask yourselves: Am I pulling my friends down? Are my friends pulling me down?

Think to yourself about any situation you know in which someone followed the wrong kind of friend or group. Think about how often these situations ended in sadness, tragedy, or suffering. The point here is to ponder, think about, not gossip. (Be careful not to allow names or experiences to be mentioned that are known by the class and which could harm others or cause the class to judge others. You may be able to use very effectively a situation or story with which class members are personally aware but which would not harm anyone in retelling.)

Think of how much suffering could be eliminated if we learned to influence our friends in the right direction, to be courageous in the face of temptations.

Have a class member read aloud the words of President Spencer W. Kimball while he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve:

“Oh, if our young people could learn this basic lesson to always keep good company, to never be found with those who tend to lower our standards! Let every youth select associates who will keep him on tiptoes, trying to reach the heights attained. Let him never choose associates who encourage him to relax in carelessness” (Love versus Lust, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Provo, 5 Jan. 1965], p. 8).

Friends and Peers Can Be a Positive Influence

Anecdote

The influence of friends or peers need not be negative. Read the following anecdote:

“In a cemetery a little white stone marked the grave of a small girl. On the stone was chiseled these words: ‘A child of whom her playmates said, “It was easier to be good when she was with us”’” (File Favorites, comp. Albert Zobell, Jr. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 62).

Definitions and activity

Elder Hales gave a simple and meaningful definition of a friend: “What is the definition of a friend? Friends are people who make it easier to live the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Robert D. Hales, “This Is the Way; and There Is None Other Way,” in Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1981–82, p. 67).

Read Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s definition of a friend: “A friend in the true sense is not a person who passively nods approval of our conduct or ignores improper behavior. A friend is a person who cares” (Marvin J. Ashton, “It’s No Fun Being Poor,” Ensign, Sept. 1982, p. 73).

Refer back to your original list of influences and place a check mark by the influences that fit the definitions of a true friend.

It takes courage to be a friend, especially when others are going in the wrong direction. Sometimes youth, even at church, are unkind to each other, especially those not in their immediate group. Some become hurt when they are excluded because they do not belong to the Church. We all need to be true friends—kind to all—particularly to any who feel they don’t belong, to those who are thoughtlessly excluded, and to those who are not members of the Church.

The Lord Has Provided a Place to Find Positive Peer Pressure

Scripture discussion

Have someone read aloud Mosiah 18:7–10.

What qualities named in this scripture are the qualities of a true friend? (Accept varied answers.)

Of all places in the world, where should we be able to find such friendships? (At Church; some might say on missions or in the temples.)

President David O. McKay taught that friendship is one of the major reasons the Lord established his Church. He also warned us of the results if we choose to ignore the opportunities for friendships and influence in the Church and seek friends and influence elsewhere. He said:

“Among life’s sweetest blessings is fellowship with men and women whose ideals and aspirations are high and noble. Next to a sense of kinship with God comes the helpfulness, encouragement, and inspiration of friends. Friendship is a sacred possession. As air, water and sunshine to flowers, trees, and verdure, so smiles, sympathy and love of friends to the daily life of man. ‘To live, laugh, love one’s friends, and be loved by them is to bask in the sunshine of life.’ One of the principal reasons which the Lord had for establishing His Church is to give all persons high and low, rich and poor, strong and feeble an opportunity to associate with their fellow men in an atmosphere of uplifting, religious fellowship. This may be found in Priesthood quorums, Auxiliaries, Sacrament meetings. He who neglects these opportunities, who fails to take advantage of them, to that extent starves his own soul” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1940, p. 116).

Who should be our greatest influences? (Heavenly Father, the Savior, and the Holy Ghost.)

Heavenly Father, the Savior, and the Holy Ghost Are Our Best Influences

Scripture discussion

Have John 15:13 read aloud.

How much does the Savior show us here that he loves us? (His love was great enough to lay down his life.)

Who should be the greatest influence in our lives? (The Savior.)

The Savior promised that if we follow him—become his true friends—then we shall have an inheritance with him—eternal life (see D&C 93:45).

Testimony and Challenge

We have been studying the lives of modern-day prophets. We have seen how they are men who were careful to choose positive influences in their lives. In doing so, they magnified their talents and best qualities, were blessed by the Lord, and have become positive influences in the lives of many of Heavenly Father’s children.

Bear your testimony that there is safety and happiness in choosing positive influences, especially in following the Savior and his prophets.

Challenge the class to seek positive influences, to become positive influences in the lives of their friends and family, to shun negative influences. Challenge them to be kind to all people, especially those who seem to be having problems. President McKay spoke of those who might be starving their own souls, but some “starve” through conditions they can’t control.

Thought questions

Answer these questions to yourself:

Would you refuse or not try to help someone you saw each day who was starving from lack of food?

Do you see each day, but not recognize, someone whose soul is starving from lack of friendship?

Lesson 20

Joseph F. Smith—A Voice of Courage

Born 13 November 1838 Years of Presidency: 1901–1918

Objective

The class will be motivated to show both physical and moral courage through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as exemplified by President Joseph F. Smith.

Preparation

Prepare posters of the following scriptures or prepare to write them on the chalkboard: Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:31.

Prepare to display the picture of Joseph F. Smith in the color section and the picture of Mary Fielding Smith and her son Joseph F. Smith driving a wagon across the plains (62608; Gospel Art Picture Kit 412).

Obtain a pencil and piece of paper for each class member.

If possible, have enough copies of the Doctrine and Covenants (1981 edition) so that each class member can see the map, “The United States in 1847,” on page 298.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Activity

Pass the pencils and paper to the class. Ask the following question as an introduction. Tell the class to answer your question on the piece of paper but not to include their names as you will discuss the answers later.

What have you done in the past weeks that required courage?

Discussion

What do you think of when you think of courage? (Accept varied answers.)

Courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” (Webster’s Tenth New Collegiate Dictionary, s.v. “courage.”)

Can a person develop this strength or quality? (Yes.)

Can you think of any great leader, either in or outside the Church who showed great courage? (Answers will vary and might include such names as Joseph Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, Columbus, George Washington, or astronauts. You might suggest great heroes of your own culture.)

Can you think of any great leader in or outside the Church who showed cowardice? (Most would say no; however, accept varied answers.)

Courage is a very basic quality of leadership. The world admires courage and will follow a courageous leader. The world despises cowardice.

Joseph F. Smith Was Surrounded by People of Physical and Moral Courage

Picture

Display the picture of Joseph F. Smith.

On 13 November 1838, Mary Fielding Smith gave birth to her first son, Joseph Fielding Smith, in Far West, Missouri. (Note: this is not the Joseph Fielding Smith who was tenth President of the Church, but his father, the sixth President.) Joseph was too young to fully realize what his mother and the other Saints were suffering at the hands of the Missouri mobs who were bent on exterminating the Mormons; but when he was six years old and living in Nauvoo, he came to understand the reality of the struggle and persecution: his father, Hyrum, and Uncle Joseph were killed by an angry mob in Carthage Jail. In his early years he had been a witness many times to the courage of these great men. His mother, Mary Fielding Smith, was another great example of courage and strength of character. It is not surprising that young Joseph showed these characteristics at an early age. He was not quite eight years old when he drove a yoke of oxen pulling their wagon from Montrose, Iowa, to Winter Quarters, Nebraska.

Joseph F. Smith Showed Courage in Youth

Picture

Display the picture of Joseph and his mother crossing the plains.

Tell the following incident from his life:

Joseph and his mother spent the winter of 1847–48 in Winter Quarters (now part of Omaha, Nebraska) preparing for a journey to the Salt Lake Valley.

Map

Refer the class to the map, “The United States in 1847,” on page 298 of the Doctrine and Covenants (1981 edition) and the dot, which represents Winter Quarters, just across the western border of Iowa.

When the Saints were forced out of Nauvoo and arrived in Iowa they were facing the winter months. They paused to make final preparations for crossing about one thousand miles to the Salt Lake Valley. They also established Winter Quarters as one of the way stations where food could be raised for those who were following.

Young eight-year-old Joseph was a herd boy during that difficult time and felt the responsibility of taking care of the cattle. He knew that they were necessary to their journey west.

One morning he and Thomas Burdick, another boy his age, were about one and one-half or two miles away from the village watching their cattle graze and entertaining themselves in the meantime by racing on their horses and jumping ditches. They were alarmed to suddenly see a group of Indians charging on horses toward them.

“Thomas . . . immediately started for home, crying, ‘Indians!’ ‘Indians!’” (Joseph Fielding Smith, comp., Life of Joseph F. Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938], p. 135).

Joseph’s first impulse was to save the cattle because he knew that if they lost their cattle they couldn’t leave Winter Quarters that year. He dashed off to round up the animals. Two Indians raced past him after Thomas, who for some reason jumped off his horse and ran for home. An Indian took Thomas’s horse. Joseph reached the head of the herd and succeeded in turning the cattle toward home just as the Indians approached. His efforts, combined with the rush and yells of the Indians, stampeded the cattle. A number of Indians were finally able to outrun him, even though he had dodged them for some time.

“One Indian,” he said, “rode upon the left side and one on the right side of me, and each took me by an arm and leg and lifted me from my horse; they then slackened their speed until my horse [ran] from under me, then they chucked me down with great violence to the ground. Several horses from behind jumped over me, but did not hurt me. My horse was secured by the Indians and without slackening speed they rode on in the direction from whence they had come” (Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, p. 136).

Courageous and determined, young Joseph had detained the Indians long enough for men from the settlement to arrive and frighten the Indians away. One horse was never found, but the cattle were all saved due to Joseph’s courage.

When he was nine years old he drove one of their wagons with a double team of four oxen to the Salt Lake Valley, where he again was a responsible herd boy. During all the time he was in charge of the cattle, he never lost one due to negligence. One time he bravely saved a calf from howling wolves.

Courage Comes from Faith

Discussion

Where did young Joseph F. Smith get this courage? (Answers may vary and might include: his mother, from his father and uncle, from Heavenly Father.)

What gives us courage? (Faith.)

Poster or chalkboard

Display the posters or write Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:31 on the chalkboard.

Faith is the basis of courage and Joseph had seen much faith demonstrated by his mother. He often told his own children the following incident to explain why he had so much faith in prayer.

While they were living in Winter Quarters, young Joseph went with his mother and her brother, Joseph Fielding, on a trip to St. Joseph, Missouri. They were going to buy a load of provisions for the anticipated journey from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley. On the way home they camped one night not far from some men with a herd of cattle. To prevent their oxen from getting mixed with the other herd and being driven away, they left their oxen yoked when they turned them out to graze that night. The next morning they couldn’t find the oxen. Joseph and his uncle searched all morning and came back to camp to report that the oxen were lost. Joseph reached the wagon first and recorded, “‘As I approached I saw my mother kneeling down in prayer. I halted for a moment and then drew gently near enough to hear her pleading with the Lord not to suffer us to be left in this helpless condition, but to lead us to recover our lost team, that we might continue our travels in safety. When she arose from her knees, I was standing nearby. The first expression I caught upon her precious face was a lovely smile, which discouraged as I was, gave me renewed hope and an assurance I had not felt before’” (Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, p. 132).

His mother encouraged Joseph and his uncle to eat while she took a walk to look for the animals. Her brother protested because they had looked everywhere, but she just smiled and headed directly for the river. One of the men from the cowherd greeted her and said, “‘Madam, I saw your oxen over in that direction [pointing in the wrong direction] about daybreak’” (Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, p. 133). Joseph’s mother didn’t even turn her head but continued on her way. Seeing this, the man rode hurriedly toward his herd that was being rounded up and quickly drove them away. Sister Smith found the oxen tied to some willows down by the river bank where they were concealed from view. Mary Fielding Smith had no trouble trusting the Lord instead of man. (See Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, pp. 132–33.)

Not long after, during their journey to the Salt Lake Valley, Joseph saw another instance of her faith. Having traveled most of the way to Zion, one of the oxen was so tired and sick that he lay down on the ground. His mother produced a bottle of consecrated oil and asked her brother and another man to administer to the ox because it was so necessary to their journey. “These brethren poured oil on the head of the ox and then laid their hands upon it . . . just as they would have done if the animal had been a human being. Immediately the ox got up and within a very few moments again pulled in the yoke as if nothing had ever happened” (Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, p. 150).

His beloved mother died when he was only thirteen, but already he had seen so many examples of courage, faith, and integrity from her that he could build his own life on them all his years.

Discussion

What kind or degree of courage would you need at the age of fifteen to go on a mission across the ocean among people whose language you didn’t know (there were no missionary training centers in those days) and whose food and customs were strange and unfamiliar? (Allow varied comments.)

What about going without purse or scrip (meaning without money)?

Fifteen-year-old Joseph F. Smith was called on a mission to the Sandwich Islands, now Hawaii. After he arrived he became ill, but he used this time to learn the language so he could talk to the natives. He learned the language in one hundred days. He also learned to love the people and even their food. Some of the other missionaries gave up and went home. Some felt that only the Americans and Europeans, not the natives, should be converted, but Joseph knew that the Lord, through President Brigham Young, had sent him to bring the light of the gospel to these loving, generous people—the natives of the Islands.

Three years later, and still younger than today’s young men who are called to go on missions, he was released to return home. On the return trip, just as on the way to the Islands, it was necessary for the elders to stop and find jobs in the harvest fields or elsewhere to pay for clothes and food and to help them return to Salt Lake City. When they got as far as San Bernardino, Joseph was hired as a teamster to drive a team across the desert to Salt Lake.

At this time there were strong anti-Mormon feelings. Brigham Young and the Mormon people were blamed for the terrible Mountain Meadow Massacre where some non-Mormon immigrants traveling through Utah to California were killed in 1857. Also, the U.S. Army was on its way to Utah because of false charges made by government officials from Utah who were antagonistic toward the Latter-day Saints. “There were many men scattered abroad who had murder in their hearts” who boasted that they would kill any Mormons they found (Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, p. 188). Because of this, Church members traveled in little companies for safety.

Joseph F. and his company had stopped to camp one afternoon when a band “of drunken men rode into the camp . . . , cursing and swearing and threatening to kill any ‘Mormons’ that came within their path. . . . Some of the brethren when they heard them coming had cautiously gone into the brush down the creek, out of sight. Joseph F. was . . . gathering wood for the fire. [He walked up to the campfire to deposit his wood. One drunken ruffian with a pistol in his hand said] that it was his duty to [kill] every ‘Mormon’ he should meet. . . . In a loud, angry voice [he demanded from Joseph], ‘Are you a . . . Mormon?’ [Joseph ignored the gun aimed at him,] and looking the ruffian in the eye . . . boldly answered, ‘Yes siree; dyed in the wool, true blue, through and through.’

“This [surprised] the man; and . . . he grasped [Elder Smith’s] hand and said,

“‘Well, you are the . . . pleasantest man I ever met! Shake, young fellow, I am glad to see a man that stands up for his convictions’” (Smith, Life of Joseph F. Smith, p. 189). The man seemed to be the leader of the group, for when he rode off the rest followed him. President Smith said he fully expected to be shot when he admitted being a Mormon, but he did it anyway.

What kind of courage, physical or moral, did Joseph F. show in this instance? (Both.)

Can a person be afraid and still have courage? (After class members have given their opinions, read the following statement of Elder Marion D. Hanks’.)

“Courage is not the absence of fear; true courage is manifest in bravely doing what has to be done in spite of fears or foes or the foolishness of the crowd or the taunts of the group. True courage is doing the right thing in spite of the odds or opposition or apprehension” (in Vital Quotations, comp. Emerson Roy West [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 74).

Even his later life wasn’t easy for President Smith. During his presidency there was much opposition to the Church. The anti-Mormon political party in Utah, using a local newspaper, spread throughout the country the impression that President Joseph F. Smith was a person to be despised. He ignored the railings of his enemies without any retaliation. He said that if the Prophet Joseph Smith could endure the persecutions he suffered, and if the Savior could endure it and suffer in silence, so could he. He knew that in time the truth would triumph. His faith gave him courage. During all this time the Church continued to grow. Satan and his servants could not stop it. The Latter-day Saints loved, honored, and respected this great man of courage. Even many of his enemies honored him before his life was over.

Scripture discussion

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

It takes great courage to rise above the temptations and adversities of life. With faith we can do so as did President Joseph F. Smith.

Testimony and Challenge

Bear testimony to the truth of faith bringing courage to face life’s problems. Challenge class members to exhibit courage in their own lives.

Lesson 21

Joseph F. Smith: Redemption of the Dead

Objective

By seeing Doctrine and Covenants 138 in its scriptural setting, class members will come to know that the Savior’s atonement is the greatest of blessings.

Preparation

Prepare to show the following pictures:

Joseph F. Smith in the color section.

An individual tree within a forest (see p. 62) and a picture of a forest (in this lesson).

A missionary (optional).

Hand copy or photocopy the handout of the pretest for each class member; also have pencils available (see end of lesson).

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Joseph F. Smith.”

Note: Because many may not easily understand the principle of redemption of the dead, it is suggested that you teach informally with much class discussion. It is important that the lesson be taught with the Spirit so the class can feel your testimony.

Ensure that each knows the meaning of redemption. (“To free from captivity by payment of ransom” [Webster’s Tenth New Collegiate Dictionary, s.v. “redemption”].)

Because Adam and Eve transgressed, we all must die, but Jesus offered to redeem us, or pay for our sins. He suffered and died for us so we can live again. Jesus paid the price for us. That is redemption. He is our Redeemer.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Pretest

Introduce the lesson by giving each class member a copy of the pretest and a pencil. Instruct the class to answer true or false to each of the statements. Tell them that they will correct their own pretests later in the lesson.

Pictures and discussion

You may have heard someone say, “He can’t see the forest for the trees.” What do you think is meant by that statement? (We often see just the trees around us—whatever is close to us—[show the close-up picture of the tree]. What is near to us seems all-important, and we don’t see the overall picture. [Show the picture of the forest.])

In the story of Camelot, why did the wizard, Merlin, change young Arthur into a hawk so he could fly high above the earth? (It was to give Arthur a better view of the world and teach him that there were no boundaries between kingdoms. Before then he could see only the trees, the narrow view. If your class members are not familiar with Camelot, refer them to the view of astronauts or to the view a man has on the top of a mountain.)

What are some of your “trees,” things close to you that you now think to be important? (They might mention being good at sports, winning the game, being popular, being in style, etc.)

If you could see your whole life through eternity, how important would these “trees” be? (Answers may vary. Bring out that most would not be important.)

Why do you think the Lord showed some of his prophets, such as Abraham and Moses, visions of the world from beginning to end? (See Moses 1:27–39 and Abraham 3.)

The Lord was pointing out that the overall picture was much greater than what any single person could see at the moment. We are blessed to have prophets who have been shown or told the greater picture.

Latter-day Saints Should Not Fear Death

Thought question and quotation

Does it worry you or make you sad to know that someday you must die? Think about that question; then listen carefully to what President Joseph F. Smith said:

President Smith said, “I rejoice that I am born to live, to die, and to live again. I thank God for this intelligence. It gives me joy and peace that the world cannot give, neither can the world take it away. . . . I have no reason to mourn, not even at death. It is true, I am weak enough to weep at the death of my friends and kindred. . . . But I have no cause to mourn, nor to be sad because death comes into the world. . . . All fear of this [temporal] death has been removed from the Latter-day Saints” (Gospel Doctrine [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939], p. 428).

Picture and discussion

Show the picture of a missionary.

Has anyone in your family or someone you know well gone on a mission? Did anyone cry when they left? Why? Did they mourn? (Possible answers might be: They cried, but they didn’t mourn. They knew they would miss associating with them, but they knew it would be a temporary separation.)

What kind of reunion was there or will there be when the missionary returns? (Joyful, happy, proud.)

President Smith compared death with returning from a mission (see Gospel Doctrine, p. 440). The missionary answered the mission call, accomplished the purpose of his mission, and then returned home. We all had a mission call to come to this earth. We came and are accomplishing the purpose of our mission, and someday we will return to our heavenly home to a joyful reunion if we have lived according to the commandments of our Heavenly Father.

Latter-day Saints Are Taught a Larger Picture of Life than Others

Discussion

Is there someone who has died whom you would like to visit, such as a relative or a friend? Someone you would like to know, such as an ancestor or a person from history? A hero? (The teacher might mention someone he or she would like to visit and tell why such a visit would be meaningful.)

Why do we as Latter-day Saints believe that we can have the privilege of associating with our loved ones after death? Where do we get this belief, this hope?

Scripture discussion

Lead the class into the following scriptures: Moses 5:9–10; Ezekiel 37:5–6, 12, 14; Daniel 12:2; Job 19:25–26. Stress that each of these Old Testament prophets foresaw the time of a great resurrection from the dead.

Many prophets of the Book of Mormon also foresaw the Resurrection (see Alma 11:40–45).

Discussion

What evidence do we have that the prophecies from each of these scriptures were fulfilled? (Answers may vary. Try to see that the following evidences are mentioned.)

Testimonies Recorded by New Testament and Book of Mormon Writers. Matthew 27:52–53; 3 Nephi 11:14–15.

Latter-day Testimonies. Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon all bore witness that they saw the Lord Jesus—the same that was crucified in Jerusalem—and that he revealed himself to them (see D&C 76:14, 20; 110:2).

Understanding Our Sojourn through Eternity

Discussion

At this point correct the true and false pretest. In the following list, correct statements follow the incorrect statements from the pretest. Discuss the following scriptures:

T 1. Our spirits existed before we were born on earth. (See D&C 49:17.)

F 2. Before birth we had bodies of flesh and bone as we now have. (Before birth we were spirits. See D&C 138:56.)

T 3. At birth we received a physical body that was subject to death. (See Moses 6:59.)

T 4. At death there is a separation of body and spirit. The body decays and the spirit goes to the spirit world. (See Alma 40:21.)

T 5. In the spirit world there is a partial judgment. The righteous go to paradise and the wicked go to spirit prison. (See Alma 40:12, 14; D&C 138:20–22.)

F 6. At the end of the millennium, only the righteous will be resurrected and have their spirits and bodies reunited, never again to be separated. (At the beginning of the millennium, only the righteous will be resurrected and have their spirits and bodies reunited, never again to be separated. See D&C 88:96–101.)

F 7. Those who received their mortal bodies, lived wickedly, and then died will not be resurrected. (Those who received their mortal bodies, lived wickedly, and then died will be resurrected at the end of the millennium, giving them time to reflect on misdeeds and repent if they choose. See D&C 88:101.)

If everyone will be resurrected, what is the advantage of keeping commandments? (Those who keep the commandments inherit eternal life and exaltation. See Abraham 3:26.)

President Joseph F. Smith’s Vision of the Redemption of the Dead

President Joseph F. Smith testified that even without the testimonies of others or even of scriptures or any book written, he had “received the witness of the Spirit in my own heart, and I testify before God, angels and men, without fear of the consequences, that I know that my Redeemer lives, and I shall see him face to face, and stand with him in my resurrected body upon this earth, if I am faithful; for God has revealed this unto me. I have received the witness, and I bear my testimony, and my testimony is true” (Gospel Doctrine, p. 447).

If we read Doctrine and Covenants 138, we will know where he got that strong conviction of that knowledge. It is the record of the vision this prophet had relating to the redemption of the dead. As he was reading scripture and thinking about this subject, he was especially concerned about Peter’s account of Jesus going to preach to the spirits in prison and mentioning the disobedient who died in the days of Noah and the great flood. He read, “For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6).

President Smith recounted that vision: “As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great. And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality. . . . I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand. They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death. . . . The spirit and the body [were] to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy” (D&C 138:11–12, 15–17).

Before the vision, President Smith had puzzled over the question, how could Jesus have gone personally to the wicked among the spirits and preached to them directly when he was only in the tomb for three days? This vision showed him that the Savior had not gone personally, but had organized his faithful people to go and do the teaching.

Discussion

How does Christ teach his gospel to us on the earth? Does he visit each person individually or preach to congregations or groups? (No. He talks to his prophets, gives them power and authority, and they delegate and organize.)

We are taught by someone who has been called, and so were the people in the spirit prison. It is interesting that among those President Smith saw in the “vast congregation” he mentioned Father Adam, Mother Eve, and many of the great prophets from several dispensations, and, he said, “all these and many more, even the prophets who dwelt among the Nephites” (D&C 138:49).

What Is Our Part in the Redemption of the Dead?

Righteous spirits who have finished earth life are busy teaching those in the spirit prison. We on the earth must perform the necessary earthly ordinances for them—baptism and temple ordinances following family history research. We can help save our dead, but we must also help save ourselves through obedience.

Let us seriously think of the purpose of our life on earth: we receive a body, undergo a period of testing, and then our faith is renewed and strengthened. We become willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to achieve our goal. As President Joseph F. Smith said, “There is sweet comfort in this knowledge [of the resurrection], and in the thought that through obedience to the ordinances and principles of the gospel, . . . men shall be born again, redeemed from sin, arise from the grave, and like Jesus return into the presence of the Father. Death is not the end” (Gospel Doctrine, pp. 447–48).

Testimony and Challenge

Challenge the class to understand that since we know the plan of life, we should live keeping our eye on the whole forest and not just the trees. We must keep our eternal goals plainly in mind and do all that we can to reach those goals.

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 2 (51 seconds), of Joseph F. Smith’s testimony.

Lesson 22

Heber J. Grant—Man of Determination

Born 22 November 1856 Years of Presidency: 1918–1945

Objective

The class members will recognize the faith, desire, and determination that characterized the life of President Heber J. Grant, and they will begin to incorporate these qualities into their own lives.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Prepare to show the picture of Heber J. Grant in this lesson.

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Heber J. Grant.”

If possible, bring the following to class for a table display: a baseball, baseball cap, baseball bat, an ink pen (or large feathered pen), and a hymnbook.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Story

When Heber J. Grant was only nine days old, his father, Jedediah M. Grant (a member of the First Presidency), died, leaving the frail infant and widowed mother in what after a short time was almost poverty. Many felt the delicate baby would not survive—and he would not have survived, had he not received the best of care from his mother.

When Jedediah’s widows finally could not meet expenses, the lovely home and property on Main Street in Salt Lake City was sold and the money divided among the Grant heirs. Heber’s mother received five hundred dollars. With this money she purchased a little house and helped support herself and Heber by sewing for others.

Heber learned from his mother that the Lord would bless them if they had faith, worked hard, and kept the commandments. As a boy he knew times of scarcity. “There were blustery nights with no fire and a meager diet that allowed only several pounds of butter and sugar for an entire year. One Christmas [Rachel Grant] wept because she lacked a dime to buy a stick of candy for [Heber’s] holiday” (Ronald W. Walker, “Heber J. Grant,” in The Presidents of the Church, ed. Leonard J. Arrington [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], p. 218).

Once during a heavy rain, at least a half dozen buckets were on the floor to catch the water that came through the leaky roof of the poor little home. Bishop Edwin D. Woolley (President Spencer W. Kimball’s grandfather) came over and offered to take money from the fast offerings and put a new roof on the house. Widow Grant refused, saying she would get along until her son grew into manhood and built her a new house.

Amid these adversities they always worked to please our Heavenly Father by the way they conducted their lives and lived the gospel.

The faith of this mother and son, during these trying times, embedded determination into their character. Heber’s mother took in boarders to help provide the necessities for her and her son. Heber learned to work hard and never used the circumstances at hand as an excuse to complain. Later Heber did succeed in building his mother a nice comfortable home, and he invited Bishop Woolley to dedicate it when it was finished. This experience enabled a great sense of gratitude and accomplishment to soar within the young Heber J. Grant.

Scripture discussion

Read and study together 1 Nephi 7:12. (We can accomplish all things according to the will of the Lord, if we exercise faith.)

How does having faith strengthen one’s character? (We begin to rely on the Lord when we have faith. Our increased faith helps us in keeping the commandments and as we keep and do the things the Lord would have us do, we build our character.)

Discussion

What are things in your life that require faith? Are they building your character? (Allow varied responses.)

Desire and Determination Can Lead One to Great Works

Picture

Show the picture of Heber J. Grant from the lesson.

The following three examples from the life of Heber J. Grant show his great desire and determination to succeed. (As you read and study them, use the visual aids on the table display to help make the stories more meaningful. For example, ask some members of the class to try using an ink pen to make “certificate quality” lettering or have several others try singing a hymn without accompaniment.)

Example 1

Read and discuss the following:

Heber said, “‘As I was an only child, my mother reared me very carefully. Indeed, I grew up more or less under the principles of a hothouse plant, a growth which is long and lengthy but not substantial. I learned to sweep and to wash and wipe dishes but did little stone throwing and little indulgence in works which are interesting to boys, which develop their physical frames. Therefore, when I joined the baseball club the boys of my own age and a little older played in the first nine [players], those younger than I played in the second, and those still younger, in the third, and I played with them. One of the reasons for this was that I could not throw the ball from one base to another, and another reason was that I lacked the strength to run or bat the ball. When I picked up the ball, the boys would generally shout, “Throw it here, sissy!” So much fun was engendered on my account by my youthful companions that I solemnly vowed that I would play baseball in the nine [team] that would win the championship in the territory of Utah. . . . I shined . . . boots until I saved a dollar which I invested in a baseball and spent hours and hours throwing the ball at Bishop Edwin D. Woolley’s barn, which caused him to refer to me as the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night, but I kept on practicing and finally succeeded in getting into the second nine of our club. Subsequently, I joined a better club and eventually played in the nine that won the championship in California, Colorado, and Wyoming, and thus made good my promise to myself and retired from the baseball arena’” (Bryant S. Hinckley, Heber J. Grant [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1951], pp. 37–38).

Example 2

“‘My mother,’” Heber said, “‘tried to teach me [to sing] when [I was] a small child, but failed because of my inability to carry a tune. I joined a singing class taught by Professor Charles J. Thomas, who tried in vain to teach me . . . and finally he gave up in despair. He said that I could never, in this world, learn to sing . . . [possibly I] might learn the divine art in another world. . . . [Then a friend told me] that any person could learn to sing who had a reasonably good voice, and who possessed perseverance, and who was willing to do plenty of practicing’” (Hinckley, Heber J. Grant, p. 470). President Grant finally did learn to sing in tune because he kept practicing.

Later, he said, while visiting the stakes in Arizona with Elders Rudger Clawson and J. Golden Kimball, “I asked [them] if they had any objection to my singing one hundred hymns that day. They took it as a joke and assured me that they would be delighted. We were on the way back [in a buggy] from Holbrook to St. Johns, a distance of about sixty miles. After I had sung about forty times, they assured me that if I sang the remaining sixty they would have [a] nervous [breakdown]. I paid no attention whatever to their appeal but held them to their bargain and sang the full one hundred [songs]” (Hinckley, Heber J. Grant, p. 47).

Heber J. Grant’s interest in music extended beyond himself. He helped musicians and encouraged the Sunday broadcasts of the Tabernacle Choir. He personally sponsored the choir “in several trips to California and Chicago and authorized the [formation of the] Church Music Committee” (Hinckley, Heber J. Grant, p. 41).

Example 3

As a boy, Heber wanted to become a bookkeeper for the Wells Fargo and Company’s bank because he had learned it would pay much more than polishing shoes. He knew that he needed to improve his writing, however, to have such a job. “At the beginning his penmanship was so poor that when two of his chums were looking at it one said to the other, ‘That writing looks like hen tracks.’ ‘No,’ said the other, ‘it looks as if lightning had struck an ink bottle.’ [These comments] touched Heber’s pride” (Hinckley, Heber J. Grant, p. 40). He decided he would practice until he could write better than his two friends. He later said that he used carloads of paper practicing writing.

Eventually, because of his developed talent, he was called on to write “greeting cards, wedding cards, insurance policies, stock certificates, and legal documents” (Hinckley, Heber J. Grant, p. 40). In his day these things were written by hand and not printed. He was even offered a high salary to go to San Francisco as a penman, but declined. “He later [taught] penmanship and bookkeeping at the University of Deseret [University of Utah]” (Hinckley, Heber J. Grant, p. 40).

Scripture discussion

The Lord said in Doctrine and Covenants 6:8: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good.”

Are desire and determination powerful tools? (Yes! And when we have righteous desires and are determined in our goals, the Lord has promised that we “shall be the means of doing much good.”)

How are you, as youth, using desire and determination as tools to bring about great works?

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 3 (1 minute, 10 seconds), of President Heber J. Grant’s testimony. If it is not available, read the following testimony:

“‘I want to bear my testimony to you . . . and tell you I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Eternal Father. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, and may God help us so to live, that others, seeing our good deeds, will investigate the plan of life and salvation, I ask, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen’” (Preston Nibley, The Presidents of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941], pp. 322–23).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge the class members to incorporate into their lives the qualities of faith, desire, and determination. Discuss with them ways in which they can do this.

Lesson 23

Heber J. Grant: Success through Reliance on the Lord

Objective

Class members will understand that reliance on the Savior brings blessings.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.

Prepare to show the picture of Heber J. Grant included in the lesson.

Prepare a sign saying: Story to Be Continued.

Obtain music for a vocal solo.

Prepare a poster of the following: “With the help of the Lord I will do the best I can, and . . . with His help I have no fear at all but what I can get along.” Heber J. Grant.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

What does it mean to rely on someone or something? (It means to trust, lean on, believe in, depend on, follow, confide in, or look to.)

Picture

Show the picture of Heber J. Grant in the lesson.

Although Heber J. Grant’s life was not easy, he was very blessed and through faith, determination, and desire overcame many challenges. He achieved great success but seldom, if ever, took credit for those successes. And he is known to have said that with the help of the Lord he could do anything and get along fine in this life.

The Savior Blesses Our Lives When We Turn to Him in Humility

Example

“In the fall of 1880, a short time before [Heber J. Grant’s] 24th birthday, he was [called] by President John Taylor to preside over the Tooele Stake. . . . This appointment came as a great surprise to [him], but he did not murmur about accepting it [he lived in Salt Lake City, over thirty miles from Tooele]” (Preston Nibley, The Presidents of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941], p. 280). Heber J. Grant felt inadequate and knew nothing of the duties that would be required of him. Nevertheless, he accepted the calling and did very well.

President Grant recalled: “‘As a boy, without experience, never having spoken in public in my life, for any length of time, never ten minutes at once, I was called to preside over a stake of Zion. I remember preaching and telling everything I could think of, and some of it over twice, and [I] ran out of ideas in seven minutes and a half by the watch. . . .

“‘The next Sunday I did not do any better. I ran out of ideas in six or seven minutes. The next Sunday I did the same. The following Sunday I took a couple of [brethren who were excellent speakers] with me and went away down to the south end of Tooele county, the farthest settlement, to the little town of Vernon [approximately sixty miles from Salt Lake City]. . . . There was a little log meetinghouse, and, as I was walking to meeting with . . . John C. Sharp, who was then the bishop of the Vernon ward, I looked around and said: “Why, Bishop, there is nobody going to meeting.”

“‘“Oh,” he said, “I think there will be somebody there.” . . . The meetinghouse was not in sight. When we reached the top of the hill, I saw a number of wagons around the meetinghouse, but I did not see a soul going to meeting. “Well,” I said, “there are some wagons there, but I don’t see anybody going to meeting.” He said: “I guess there will be somebody in the meetinghouse.” We walked into the meetinghouse two minutes to 2 o’clock, and the house was full, every seat occupied, and we were the last people to come in. At 2 o’clock promptly, we began the meeting. . . . [When it came time to speak,] I got up to make my little speech of five, six or seven minutes. . . .’” (Preston Nibley, The Presidents of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977], pp. 224–25).

Sign

Hold up the sign: Story to Be Continued.

You Have Been Asked

Activity

Proceed into the class activity, “You Have Been Asked.” Give one class member the music for the vocal solo. Ask the person to sing the song unrehearsed.

Discussion and chalkboard

You may hear comments such as: “I can’t do this!” “I don’t know how!” “I’ve never done this before!” “I need help!”

Write some of their comments on the chalkboard. When the person has had an opportunity to express himself, liken his feelings to what Heber J. Grant must have felt when he received the call from President Taylor to serve as president of the Tooele Stake. Review the first part of his experience and stress these points:

Heber was only twenty-three years old.

He had never spoken in public in his life for any length of time.

He was frightened to address people.

He knew nothing of his duties.

Discussion

What did President Grant do in his “You have been asked” situation? (Allow the class members to respond.)

Ask the soloist: In what ways was President Grant’s situation similar to your situation? (An underlying feeling of inadequacy, lack of experience, and fear of the unknown could be similar elements in both situations.)

Conclusion of the Story

Finish reading or retelling President Heber J. Grant’s experiences in Tooele.

President Grant said:

“‘I got up to make my little speech of five, six or seven minutes, and I talked for forty-five minutes, with as much freedom and as much of the Spirit of the Lord as I have ever enjoyed in preaching the Gospel during the forty years that have passed since then. I could not restrain the tears of gratitude which I shed that night, as I knelt down and thanked God for the rich outpouring of His Holy Spirit. . . .

“‘I received another lesson the next Sunday for which I have been just as grateful, although not as happy over it. I went to Grantsville, the largest ward in the Tooele Stake of Zion, and I approached the Lord with much the same attitude as Oliver Cowdery when he told the Lord, “I want to translate.” . . . But, failing, he was later told, he did not study it out, and he did not pray about it, and he did not do his share. I told the Lord I would like to talk again to the Saints in Grantsville [as I had done in Vernon]; I got up and talked for five minutes, and I perspired as freely, I believe, as if I had been dipped in a creek, and I ran out of ideas completely. I made as complete a “fizzle,” so to speak, of my talk, as a mortal could make. I did not shed any tears of gratitude, but I walked several miles away from that meetinghouse, out into the fields, among the hay and straw stacks, and when I got far enough away, so that I was sure nobody saw me, I knelt down behind one of those stacks and I shed tears of humiliation. I asked God to forgive me for not remembering that men could not preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with power, with force, and with inspiration only as they are blessed with power which comes from God; and I told him there, as a boy, that if he would forgive me for my egotism . . . , I would endeavor to remember from whence the inspiration comes’” (Nibley, The Presidents of the Church, pp. 225–26).

Heber J. Grant spoke many times to the people he loved in the Tooele Stake as he counseled them in the gospel. “‘Among other things,’” he said, “‘I told the people that [when I accepted the call to lead the stake], I knew nothing of the duties [pertaining to that calling], but with the help of the Lord I would do the best I could, and that with his help I had no fear at all but what I could get along’” (Nibley, The Presidents of the Church, pp. 224–25).

Discussion

Why had President Grant been so successful in one experience and yet failed so miserably in the other? (He was humble and went to the Lord for help in one experience. In the other experience he supposed the Lord would just help him without applying himself nor asking for the help he needed.)

Thought question

How will you react in the future when you perhaps are called to a position or asked to do something you do not feel qualified to do?

Poster

Together with the class read aloud President Grant’s words on the poster: “With the help of the Lord I will do the best I can, and . . . with His help I have no fear at all but what I can get along.” Heber J. Grant.

Scripture discussion

Read together the following scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants 112:10; 1 Nephi 3:7; and Doctrine and Covenants 30:1–3.

The Lord wants us to acknowledge him and rely on him for strength as we confront challenges in this life. We are promised blessings when we keep that principle.

Have Faith in the Savior and Keep the Commandments

Example

President Grant tells the following experience in his own words regarding how the Lord blesses us when we keep his commandments and rely on his divine help.

“‘I remember as a young man I had $50.00 in my pocket on one occasion which I intended to deposit in the bank. When I went on Thursday morning to fast meeting—the fast meeting used to be held on Thursdays instead of Sundays—and the bishop made an appeal for a donation, I walked up and handed him the $50.00. He took five of it and put it in the drawer and gave the $45.00 back to me and said that was my full share.

“‘I said, “Bishop Woolley, by what right do you rob me of putting the Lord in my debt? Didn’t you preach here today that the Lord rewards fourfold? My mother is a widow, and she needs $200.00.”

“‘He said, “My boy, do you believe that if I take this other $45.00, you will get your $200.00 quicker?”

“‘I said: “Certainly.”

“‘Well, he took it.

“‘While walking from fast meeting to the place where I worked, an idea popped into my head. I sent a telegram to a man asking him how many bonds of a certain kind he would buy at a specified price within forty-eight hours. . . . He wired back that he wanted as many as I could get. My profit on that transaction was $218.50.

“‘The next day I walked down to the bishop and said: “Bishop, I made $218.50 after paying that $50.00 donation the other day and so I owe $21.85 in tithing. I will have to dig up the difference between $21.85 and $18.50. The Lord did not quite give me the tithing in addition to a four to one increase”’” (Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], pp. 176–77).

Scripture discussion

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 82:10: “I, the Lord, am bound when you do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”

Why are we sometimes afraid, or just lack enough faith, to be obedient to the Lord’s commandments when he has promised us such great blessings when we do obey them? (Allow varied answers and bring out that our blessings are not always immediate, as they were in the last example from President Grant’s life. However, the Lord always keeps his promises: he cannot lie.)

As we continue to be obedient to gospel principles, blessings will come and our trust in our Father in Heaven will increase. As we trust in and rely on the Savior, blessings do come into our lives. And as our trust in the Lord and our obedience grow, our reliance on the Lord becomes more a constant part of our life and we draw nearer our Father in Heaven.

Testimony and Challenge

You may wish to share a personal experience with the class concerning your reliance on the Savior. Bear your testimony to the truthfulness of this principle of the gospel.

Challenge class members to rely on the Savior. As difficult situations develop in their lives, challenge them to seek the Lord for strength and to rely on him for answers and help.

Lesson 24

Turning Weaknesses and Trials into Strengths

Objective

Class members will recognize that with the help of the Lord personal weaknesses and trials can become sources for strength.

Preparation

Obtain copies of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants for each class member.

At least two or three days before class read through the class activity, “Turning Trials and Weaknesses into Strengths.” Bring to class several heavy items with a simple note attached to each that reads: “Personal Trials and Weaknesses.” Items might include: a small sack of grain, dirt, or sand; large rocks; large, heavy books; or heavy tools. Allow yourself sufficient time to collect needed items and to prepare the note to go with each item. Assign one or two class members ahead of time who will hold the items before the class. If necessary, provide an old, but clean, piece of fabric or sheet to protect the participants’ clothes.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Chalkboard and discussion

What is a trial? (Something that tests strength of character, faith, or principles.)

What is a weakness? (A defect, a failing.)

What are some of the trials and weaknesses you face daily? (Let class members respond. List their answers on the chalkboard.)

Review

We have been studying the life of Heber J. Grant. What were some of the trials and weaknesses he faced?

When Heber was an infant, his father died.

Heber was physically “scrawny” and small.

He was not blessed with a lot of natural ability in sports—baseball, for example.

He could not carry a tune.

His penmanship was poor.

It was difficult for Heber to speak in public.

He and his mother struggled financially when he was a boy.

Discussion

When we left the pre-earth life to gain a body and to prove ourselves, was it just by chance that we were given weaknesses and trials? (No.)

Scripture discussion

Read together Ether 12:27.

Our Father in Heaven sent us to this earth to be tried and tested. We agreed to accept trials and weaknesses and the challenges they bring with them. Our Father in Heaven knows we can be strengthened by them.

We Progress As We Turn Our Weaknesses and Trials into Strengths

How we react to trials and weaknesses can either further our progression as sons and daughters of God or interfere with it. Heber J. Grant was an example of one who, despite doubts and weaknesses and trials, relied on the Lord and overcame and grew from the difficulties he met.

Example

Heber J. Grant at first felt overwhelmed by his call to the Apostleship. He was only twenty-five years old at the time President John Taylor issued the call to him.

For six months after he was sustained an Apostle, from October 1882 to February 1883, President Grant felt he was unable to do the work of the Lord the way he felt the Savior wanted him to. Overpowering feelings of spiritual weakness and character imperfections plagued him. He said of the situation:

“There are two spirits striving with us always, one telling us to continue our labor for good, and one telling us that with the faults and failings of our nature we are unworthy. I can truthfully say that from October, 1882, until February, 1883, that spirit followed me day and night, telling me that I was unworthy to be an apostle of the Church, and that I ought to resign. When I would testify of my knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Redeemer of mankind, it seemed as though a voice would say to me: ‘You lie! You lie! You have never seen Him’” (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, comp. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1969], pp. 194–95; see also Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], p. 177).

In the spring of 1883, however, Heber J. Grant was traveling on the Navajo Indian reservation with a number of other leaders. The road veered to the left, but a well-beaten path led straight ahead. He asked if there would be any danger in him going ahead, alone, on the path that wound through an immense gully and connected with the main road on the other side. Finding out it was safe enough, he said to the others, “‘I want to be all alone. Go ahead’” (Gospel Standards, p. 195; see also Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], p. 178).

President Grant related the experience which followed. Read his account:

“As I was riding along to meet them [his group] on the other side, I seemed to see, and I seemed to hear, what to me is one of the most real things in all my life, I seemed to see a Council in Heaven. I seemed to hear the words that were spoken. I listened to the discussion with a great deal of interest. The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles had not been able to agree on two men to fill the vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve. There had been a vacancy of one for two years, and a vacancy of two for one year, and the Conference had adjourned without the vacancies being filled. In this Council [which he seemed to see] the Savior was present, my father was there, and the Prophet Joseph Smith was there. They discussed the question that a mistake had been made in not filling those two vacancies and that in all probability it would be another six months before the Quorum would be completed, and they discussed as to whom they wanted to occupy those positions, and decided that the way to remedy the mistake that had been made in not filling these vacancies was to send a revelation. It was given to me that the Prophet Joseph Smith and my father mentioned me and requested that I be called to that position. I sat there and wept for joy. It was given to me that I had done nothing to entitle me to that exalted position, except that I had lived a clean, sweet life. It was given to me that because of my father having practically sacrificed his life in what was known as the great Reformation, so to speak, of the people in early days, having been practically a martyr, that the Prophet Joseph and my father desired me to have that position, and it was because of their faithful labors that I was called, and not because of anything I had done of myself or any great thing that I had accomplished. It was also given to me that that was all these men, the Prophet and my father, could do for me; from that day it depended upon me and upon me alone as to whether I made a success of my life or a failure. . . .

“No man could have been more unhappy than I was from October 1882, until February, 1883, but from that day I have never been bothered, night or day, with the idea that I was not worthy to stand as an Apostle, and I have not been worried since the last words uttered by Joseph F. Smith to me: ‘The Lord bless you, my boy, the Lord bless you; you have got a great responsibility. Always remember this is the Lord’s work and not man’s. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows whom He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistake. The Lord bless you’” (Heber J. Grant, in Conference Report, Apr., 1941, p. 5; see also Gospel Standards, pp. 195–96 and Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], p. 178).

Turning Trials and Weaknesses into Strengths

Activity and discussion

Often we feel overwhelmed from the challenges of personal trials and weaknesses. Feelings of depression and lack of self-worth burden our thoughts and actions. The Lord will help us during these times if we are willing to help ourselves.

Have the assigned class members stand in front of the class.

Referring to the list of weaknesses already on the chalkboard, ask again the following question: What are some of the trials and weaknesses that face young people today? (As the class members identify these and express their feelings, begin handing the heavy items, one at a time, to the class members in front. When you have used all of the heavy items, and weighted down the class members sufficiently, ask them the following questions.)

How does it feel to be weighted down? (Weak, tired, humble, and so on.)

How would carrying around these heavy items interfere with where you went and what you did? (Let the class members respond.)

How can this activity relate to our carrying around personal weaknesses and trials? (As mentioned before, we can feel burdened and weighted down with the trials and weaknesses we are given.)

Where can we go for help? (Our Heavenly Father is aware and cares for each of us and the struggles we are going through. He is there to help. He can help us overcome our weaknesses and trials, can remove burdens. [Help the class members put the items down and then have them return to their seats.])

Scripture discussion

Read and discuss together as a class Mosiah 24:10–16.

Amid our trials and weaknesses and the burdens we feel they cause us, how can we ease the burdens and deal with the feelings? (Refer to the things we learn from Mosiah 24:10–16.)

We learn that—

The thoughts of the people’s hearts were toward God (see verse 12).

With faith they were able to get through trials (see verse 14).

They had faith that the Lord would help them and they bore their afflictions with patience (verse 15).

As we confront trials and weaknesses, our victory and reward will come as we seek the companionship of our Savior. For he has promised: “. . . for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). The Savior also tells us, just as he told the Prophet Joseph Smith while he was in the Liberty jail: “. . . know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge the class members to go to the Lord, in faith, for help with their trials and weaknesses. He will keep his promise of making weak things become strengths in our lives.

Lesson 25

George Albert Smith: Responding to the Good

Born 4 April 1870 Years of Presidency: 1945–1951

Objective

To show that the blessings of the gospel are valuable to us only if we partake of them.

Preparation

Prepare to bring individual pieces of any kind of fruit that the class might enjoy (also bring napkins and a plastic trash bag). Note: do not violate the fast if this lesson falls on fast Sunday.

Prepare to display the picture of George Albert Smith in the color section and the picture Christ and the Children (62467; Gospel Art Picture Kit 216) from the meetinghouse library.

Prepare four sheets of paper with the names John Smith, George A. Smith, John Henry Smith, and George Albert Smith written, one per page, at the bottom of the sheets of paper. Also, obtain something flat that each of the four class members participating can use in writing on the paper.

Prepare to give the winner or winners of the “Church leaders” activity a small reward.

Obtain pencils and paper for each class member.

See that each class member has a copy of the Bible and of the Book of Mormon.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Activity

Give each class member a piece of fruit and a napkin. Caution them to use the trash bag you have provided and extra napkins, if needed. (Do not violate the law of the fast if this lesson has fallen on fast Sunday.)

Scripture discussion

While you are enjoying the fruit, visualize in your mind the fruit of the tree that Lehi saw in his dream. (Read 1 Nephi 8:10–12, 17–18.)

How did Lehi describe the fruit? (“It was most sweet . . . and . . . was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen” [1 Nephi 8:11].)

How did the fruit make Lehi feel? (It gave him “great joy” [1 Nephi 8:12].)

Was the fruit available to everyone? (Yes.)

Did everyone come to eat of the fruit? (No, Laman and Lemuel and others did not come; see verses 17–18.)

Why didn’t they come? (Because they did not want or desire to come; see verse 18.)

What seems to be the most important factor determining whether or not we receive the blessings, or fruits, of the gospel? (Whether or not we desire to receive them.)

George Albert Smith Had Many Good Influences in His Life

Picture

Display the picture of President George Albert Smith.

George Albert Smith was thirty-three when he was sustained as an Apostle and became the President and prophet at age seventy-five. He learned from the good influences of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who had all been great leaders in the Church.

Activity

Place four chairs in front of the class. Give four class members each a sheet of paper. One of the following names should be written at the bottom of each sheet: John Smith, George A. Smith, John Henry Smith, George Albert Smith. Also, give each of these four a pencil and something flat on which to place the paper to write. Introduce the four to the class as “visiting Church leaders.” Begin reading the descriptions that follow. As you come to the different leaders, tell the class member who has that name to take notes. He should write as many details as he can about the person he is representing.

After all of the descriptions are read, class members (who may also take notes) may question the person representing any of the Church leaders. For example, a class member might ask: “How old was George A. Smith when he was called to be an Apostle?” If someone asks a question that the class member representing a leader cannot answer, then the person asking the question will take that person’s place as the “visiting Church leader.” Any person who can answer all questions asked will retain his position of honor in front of the class throughout the lesson. All questions from the class must pertain to information given in the descriptions that are read, so both the “visiting leader” and class members must listen carefully.

John Smith: President George Albert Smith’s great-grandfather was John Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, Sr., and uncle of the Prophet Joseph. John Smith was called as the first stake president in the Salt Lake Valley and helped carry much of the leadership load during that first winter the Saints were in the valley. He was one of those in charge of the Saints when the cricket plague hit during the summer of 1848. From 1849 to 1854 he served as the Presiding Patriarch to the Church.

George A. Smith: “George A.,” as he was called, was the son of John Smith and the grandfather of President George Albert Smith. It was after “George A.” that President Smith was named. A cousin of the Prophet Joseph, George A. Smith was the youngest man in this dispensation to be called as an Apostle, being less than twenty-two at the time he was called. He was involved in many of the colonizing efforts of the Church and served for several years in the Quorum of the Twelve before being chosen as a counselor to President Brigham Young.

John Henry Smith: George A. Smith’s son, John Henry Smith, was the father of President George Albert Smith. John Henry, like his father, served in the Quorum of the Twelve. Later he served as a counselor to President Joseph F. Smith. The home life of John Henry and his wife was regarded as an ideal of love and affection by their neighbors and friends. John Henry Smith was one of President George Albert Smith’s ideals. In speaking of him, President Smith remarked, “I have never met a greater man than my father” (Preston Nibley, The Presidents of the Church [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941], p. 337).

George Albert Smith: There is great significance in the promises made in the patriarchal blessing given to George Albert Smith several months before his fourteenth birthday. The patriarch said to him:

“‘Thou shalt become a mighty prophet in the midst of the sons of Zion. And the angels of the Lord shall administer unto you, and the choice blessings of the heavens shall rest upon you. . . .

“‘And thou shalt be wrapt in the visions of the heavens and thou shalt be clothed with salvation as with a garment, for thou art destined to become a mighty man before the Lord, for thou shalt become a mighty Apostle in the Church and kingdom of God upon the earth, for none of thy father’s family shall have more power with God than thou shalt have, for none shall exceed thee, . . . and thou shalt become a man of mighty faith before the Lord, even like unto that of the brother of Jared, and thou shalt remain upon the earth until thou art satisfied with life, and shall be numbered with the Lord’s anointed and shall become a king and a priest unto the Most High” (Doyle L. Green, “Tributes Paid President George Albert Smith,” Improvement Era, June 1951, pp. 404–5).

After the class has finished the questioning, present the reward to the winner or winners of the activity.

Worthy Thoughts Helped George Albert Smith Obtain Gospel Fruits

What would you think if you had received a patriarchal blessing like President Smith’s? (Accept varied answers.)

Discussion

A patriarchal blessing is of little value to a person unless he lives a life worthy of the blessings of the Lord. George Albert Smith was well aware of this, and he began in his youth to prepare for the responsibility he was later to carry. The following is from that period:

Said President Smith, “As a child thirteen years of age, I went to school at the Brigham Young Academy. It was fortunate that part of my instruction came under Dr. Karl G. Maeser, that outstanding educator who was the first builder of our great Church schools. . . . I cannot remember much of what was said during the year that I was there, but there is one thing that I will probably never forget. . . . Dr. Maeser one day stood up and said:

“‘Not only will you be held accountable for the things that you do, but you will be held responsible for the very thoughts that you think.’

“Being a boy, not in the habit of controlling my thoughts very much, it was quite a puzzle to me what I was to do, and it worried me. In fact, it stuck to me just like a burr. About a week or ten days after that it suddenly came to me what he meant. I could see the philosophy of it then. All at once there came to me this interpretation of what he had said: Why, of course, you will be held accountable for your thoughts because when your life is complete in mortality, it will be the sum of your thoughts. That one suggestion has been a great blessing to me all my life, and it has enabled me upon many occasions to avoid thinking improperly because I realize that I will be, when my life’s labor is complete, the product of my thoughts” (“Pres. Smith’s Leadership Address,” Deseret News [Church section], 16 Feb. 1946, p. 1).

This advice came at a good time in the life of George Albert Smith, for that same year, as a lad of thirteen, he launched out in the world of business and began to earn his own way by obtaining employment in the overall factory at ZCMI, a Church-owned department store in Salt Lake City.

Discussion

How powerful are our thoughts in directing the course of our lives? (Answers will vary, but stress that our thoughts are an important part of our righteous progression.)

Scripture discussion

The scriptures speak concerning the power of our thoughts. (As the class follow in their Bibles, have one person read aloud Proverbs 23:7: “As he [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he.”)

As George Albert Smith decided, when our life’s labors are completed, we will be the sum of our thoughts.

President George Albert Smith Was Grateful for Good Influences

Read together Alma 29:5.

Discussion

What does Alma say will determine whether or not we receive the blessings of heaven? (Whether or not we desire and choose the good.)

President George Albert Smith was humbly grateful for the good influences in his life. He tried very hard to show his gratitude by living the best he could.

In February of 1909 he suffered a serious illness.

It was apparently during this winter that George Albert dreamed a dream in which he was visited by his grandfather, George A. Smith. (We do not know the exact date of this dream, but the events associated with it seem to fit best his illness of 1909–1912. George Albert had traveled to St. George to recuperate and sometime during the winter of 1909–1910 he had the dream.) This dream made a deep impression on him. He recorded his experience as follows:

“A number of years ago I was seriously ill. In fact, I think everyone gave me up but my wife. With my family I went to St. George, Utah, to see if it would improve my health. We went as far as we could by train, and then continued the journey in a wagon, in the bottom of which a bed had been made for me.

“In St. George we arranged for a tent for my health and comfort, with a built-in floor raised about a foot above the ground, and we could roll up the south side of the tent to make the sunshine and fresh air available. I became so weak as to be scarcely able to move. It was a slow and exhausting effort for me even to turn over in bed.

“One day, under these conditions, I lost consciousness of my surroundings and thought I had passed to the Other Side. I found myself standing with my back to a large and beautiful lake, facing a great forest of trees. There was no one in sight, and there was no boat upon the lake or any other visible means to indicate how I might have arrived there. I realized, or seemed to realize, that I had finished my work in mortality and had gone home. I began to look around, to see if I could not find someone. There was no evidence of anyone’s living there, just those great, beautiful trees in front of me and the wonderful lake behind me.

“I began to explore, and soon I found a trail through the woods which seemed to have been used very little, and which was almost obscured by grass. I followed this trail, and after I had walked for some time and had traveled a considerable distance through the forest, I saw a man coming towards me. I became aware that he was a very large man, and I hurried my steps to reach him, because I recognized him as my grandfather. In mortality he weighed over three hundred pounds, so you may know he was a large man. I remember how happy I was to see him coming. I had been given his name and had always been proud of it.

“When Grandfather came within a few feet of me, he stopped. His stopping was an invitation for me to stop. Then—and this I would like the boys and girls and young people never to forget—he looked at me very earnestly and said:

“‘I would like to know what you have done with my name.’

“Everything I had ever done passed before me as though it were a flying picture on a screen—everything I had done. Quickly this vivid retrospect came down to the very time I was standing there. My whole life had passed before me. I smiled and looked at my grandfather and said:

“‘I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.’

“He stepped forward and took me in his arms, and as he did so, I became conscious again of my earthly surroundings. My pillow was wet as though water had been poured on it—wet with tears of gratitude that I could answer unashamed” (George Albert Smith, “Your Good Name,” Improvement Era, Mar. 1947, p. 139).

Discussion

What does this story show about President Smith’s desires during his life? (He wanted to do good and to honor both his heavenly and earthly parents.)

How can we train ourselves to think good thoughts, to desire good things, and then to act on those good thoughts and desires?

By putting ourselves in places where there are good influences.

By remembering these good influences and experiences.

By asking God to help us love and appreciate the good gifts of the gospel. (To help establish this point, you may wish to have a member of the class read Mosiah 5:2. Here we see that the Lord changed the hearts, or desires, of a group of people because they had faith and asked him for that help.)

By quickly replacing any thought or desire that does not meet God’s standards with one that does.

By keeping the covenants we made at baptism and by renewing those covenants each Sunday as we partake of the sacrament.

What good influences are available in your lives? (Discuss the various responses.)

Picture and discussion

Show the picture Christ and the Children.

How are the children responding to the Lord? (They are showing trust and affection, listening intently, and letting the Lord lead them wherever he thinks best.)

We all have the same opportunity, to be taught and blessed by the Lord, if we will show that same trust and willingness as the children showed. He has indicated that he is always with us. If we show through our actions and prayers that we desire his help and blessings, he will willingly extend them to us.

President George Albert Smith had a long life of service. At his funeral, Elder Matthew Cowley said, “God attracts the godly, and I am sure that the shortest journey this man of God ever made in all of his travels has been the journey which he has just taken” (Doyle L. Green, “Tributes Paid President George Albert Smith,” Improvement Era, June 1951, p. 405).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge the class to find some way to respond positively to the good things in their life this week either by expressing gratitude, by thinking of uplifting words, or, more often, by doing a good deed. Assure them that their joy in life will increase as they do so.

Lesson 26

George Albert Smith: A Mission of Love

Objective

Class members will learn that love, as exemplified in the life of President George Albert Smith, is a great healing force.

Preparation

Prepare wordstrips or posters with the following inscriptions:

Love.

Love seeks out the sick and weary.

Love is alert for opportunity to serve.

Love finds time for others.

Love forgives.

Assign four class members to each read one of the four examples showing George Albert Smith’s love. Give each a hand copy or photocopy of the example and a name tag of the person they represent (Elder Ezra Taft Benson, President Heber J. Grant’s Daughter, or D. Arthur Haycock).

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “George Albert Smith.”

Hand copy or photocopy “President George Albert Smith’s Goals” for each member of the class. (See end of lesson.)

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Example

Read the following:

“The results of the Second World War were ugly and discouraging. It had lasted for more than five years. More than fifty countries had taken part in the war. An estimated fifty-five million people had lost their lives. It had cost over a trillion dollars. Millions in Europe and Asia were without adequate food, shelter, and clothing. Sorrow, hatred, and despair stalked through nations and homes. In one way or another, World War II had touched the lives of nearly everyone on the earth.

“On May 21, 1945, at a time when the full extent of carnage and devastation left behind by the war was just becoming apparent, George Albert Smith was moved from his time of preparation into his foreordained position as President of the Church” (Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], p. 195).

One of President Smith’s greatest attributes was the love he showed for the entire human family. This love is clearly demonstrated by the following statement of Patriarch Joseph F. Smith, the grandson of President Joseph F. Smith.

“It is not for me to say what particular mission President George Albert Smith has ahead of him. This I do know, however, that at this particular time in the world’s history, never was the need for love among brethren so desperately needed as it is today. Furthermore, I do know this, that there is no man of my acquaintance who loves the human family, collectively and individually, more profoundly than does President George Albert Smith” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1945, pp. 31–32).

In November 1945, after World War II had ended, President Smith called on Harry S. Truman, then president of the United States. President Smith described the visit this way:

“When I called on him, he received me very graciously—I had met him before—and I said: ‘I have just come to ascertain from you, Mr. President, what your attitude will be if the Latter-day Saints are prepared to ship food and clothing and bedding to Europe.’

“He smiled and looked at me, and said: ‘Well, what do you want to ship it over there for? Their money isn’t any good.’

“I said: ‘We don’t want their money.’ He looked at me and asked: ‘You don’t mean you are going to give it to them?’

“I said: ‘Of course, we would give it to them. They are our brothers and sisters and are in distress. God has blessed us with a surplus, and we will be glad to send it if we can have the co-operation of the government.’

“He said: ‘You are on the right track’ and added, ‘we will be glad to help you in any way we can.’

“I have thought of that a good many times. After we had sat there a moment or two, he said again: ‘How long will it take you to get this ready?’

“I said, ‘It’s all ready.’

“The government you remember had been destroying food and refusing to plant grain during the war, so I said to him:

“‘Mr. President, while the administration at Washington were advising the destroying of food, we were building elevators and filling them with grain, and increasing our flocks and our herds, and now what we need is the cars and the ships in order to send considerable food, clothing and bedding to the people of Europe who are in distress. We have an organization in the Church that has over two thousand homemade quilts ready’” (George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1947, pp. 5–6).

President George Albert Smith’s Goals

When he became an Apostle, President George Albert Smith made a list of his most serious goals and aspirations.

Activity and discussion

Give each class member a copy of the eleven goals that President George Albert Smith set for himself. Ask various class members to read these, one at a time.

What kind of effort would be required to meet such goals?

What would President Smith have had to sacrifice to meet these goals?

Class members might be encouraged to make a similar set of goals for themselves.

George Albert Smith Exemplified the Principle of Love in Word and Deed

Tell the class members that many stories are told of President Smith’s love and concern for others. He taught us, by his actions, many principles that are included in the word love.

Wordstrips or poster

Post the word Love. Underneath post the wordstrip or poster: Love seeks out the sick and weary.

Activity

Have the assigned class members read the following stories and wear the name tags of those whom they represent. Introduce them, giving any necessary descriptions before they begin to read.

This is Elder Ezra Taft Benson, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in 1951 when he said this:

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

“I shall never cease to be grateful for the visits [President George Albert Smith] made to my home [in Salt Lake City] while I was serving as a humble missionary in the nations of war-torn Europe at the end of World War II. Particularly am I thankful for a visit in the still of the night when our little one lay at death’s door. Without any announcement, President Smith found time to come into that home and place his hands upon the head of that little one, held in her mother’s arms as she had been for many hours, and promise her complete recovery. This was President Smith, he always had time to help, particularly those who were sick, those who needed him most” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1951, p. 46).

Wordstrip or poster and activity

Post the wordstrip or poster: Love is alert for opportunity to serve.

This is a daughter of President Heber J. Grant.

President Heber J. Grant’s Daughter

“On one occasion [President Smith] was traveling back from a convention. [I was in his company and saw him] looking across the aisle and seeing a young mother and her children, surrounded by luggage. He felt a need to talk with her and to inquire after her welfare.

“‘In a few minutes President Smith was over talking to the young mother. He came back to our seat and said, “Yes it is just as I thought. The little mother is going on a long journey; I have looked at her ticket. I can’t understand why the man who sold it to her didn’t know a better route for her to travel. As it is she will have a long wait in Ogden and again in Chicago. I have her ticket and am going to get off in Ogden and see if I can’t get it changed so she can make other connections and not have the long wait in Ogden and Chicago.”’

“President Smith was off the train the moment it stopped and set the affairs of the young mother in order, having her ticket changed to afford her greater convenience. Such was the sensitivity for others of this man” (Arthur Ray Bassett, “George Albert Smith: On Reaching Out to Others,” New Era, Jan. 1972, p. 52).

Wordstrip or poster and activity

Post the wordstrip: Love finds time for others.

This is Brother D. Arthur Haycock, who was private secretary to several prophets.

Brother D. Arthur Haycock

“On a . . . trip to the Middle West, [President Smith] was rushing to catch a train when a mother with four small youngsters stopped him so that her children might have the opportunity of shaking hands with him. Someone took a picture of the incident, and a copy was sent to President Smith with this notation: ‘I am sending you this picture because it is a graphic illustration of the man we believe you are. The reason we treasure it so is because, as busy as you were, in spite of the fact you were being hurried into your car and then to your waiting train, you still took time out to shake the hand of each child in this family’” (D. Arthur Haycock, “A Day with the President,” Improvement Era, Apr. 1950, p. 288).

Wordstrip or poster and example

Post the wordstrip: Love forgives.

Tell the following story:

“President George Albert Smith had a profound concern for people who had become disaffected from the Church, and he sought to show them their error.

One incident is representative of this. A large faction had broken away from the Church and established their own church. They were disgruntled with some leaders and presumed to take matters into their own hands. President Smith made a historic visit to this group in 1946. He met with them and shook their hands, spoke to them, and prayed and wept for them. They were touched by his presence. He looked and acted like a prophet. They acknowledged that he was a prophet. Twelve hundred people, feeling the radiant love of Christ reaching out to them through the Lord’s anointed, returned to the safety of the Church from which they had strayed” (Presidents of the Church [Religion 345 student manual], p. 202).

President Smith Admonished Us to Love Others

Speaking as one who throughout his life emphasized the word love, President Smith told the members of the Church:

“But do not forget no matter how much you may give in money, no matter how you may desire the things of this world to make yourselves happy, your happiness will be in proportion to your charity and to your kindness and to your love of those with whom you associate here on earth. Our Heavenly Father has said in very plain terms that he who says he loves God and does not love his brother is not truthful” (George Albert Smith, “To the Relief Society,” Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1932, p. 709).

Elder Spencer W. Kimball, while a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, said this about President George Albert Smith: “It seemed to me that every act, every thought of our President would indicate that with all of his heart and soul he loved the Lord, and loved his fellowmen. Is there a mortal being who could have loved them more?” (in Church News, 11 Apr. 1951, p. 11).

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 4 (1 minute, 19 seconds), of George Albert Smith’s testimony.

The qualities and characteristics of our prophets show the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. He sets before us the best men to meet the needs of our times. The example of George Albert Smith is a blessing to anyone who studies the life of this great man. His love was a special blessing to the world at a time when bitterness and suffering seemed so widespread. His love gave comfort to Latter-day Saints all over the world.

One of the greatest gifts we may develop is the gift of love. Like all other spiritual gifts, this one will come as we continue to serve God and our fellowmen, as we seek God’s help in prayer, and as we study to learn his will.

Testimony and Challenge

Bear testimony and challenge class members to show love like President Smith’s to their fellowmen.

Lesson 27

Peace in Troubled Times

Objective

Class members will see that we may have peace in troubled times if we know our lives are righteous.

Preparation

Obtain a clean comb and bits of paper.

Put the following “concentration” game on the chalkboard and cover the words with squares of numbered white paper.

1 | 2 | 3 | shiel
5 | 6 | 7 | 8
9 | 10 | 11 | of

Numbers 4 and 12 have been uncovered.

sword

about with truth

preparation of the gospel of peace

of righteousness

of the Spirit

of salvation

feet shod with

breastplate

helmet

shield

girt

of faith

See that each class member has a copy of the Bible.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Activity

Ask a class member to draw a comb through his hair several times and then hold it close to bits of torn paper. The paper will jump onto the comb.

Why do the bits of paper jump to the comb? (The comb is charged with electricity that acts as a magnet.)

Just as you see the effects of the electricity that develop on the comb when it is used, so also can you see the special powers that develop in a person who is actively doing God’s work. A person who is righteous draws about him the power of God.

We have learned how President George Albert Smith lived a righteous life and kept God’s commandments. Although he faced some very frightening situations in his life, he did not seem to be much troubled by them.

What was happening in the world at the time he was called to be the prophet of the Church? (World War II was just coming to an end.)

This is a statement he made as an Apostle during World War I: “Though the world may be filled with distress, and the heavens gather blackness, and the vivid lightnings flash, and the earth quake from center to circumference, if we know that God lives, and our lives are righteous, we will be happy, there will be peace unspeakable because we know our Father approves our lives” (George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1915, p. 28).

President Smith spoke from personal experience. As a young man he was called to serve in the Southern States Mission. For many years Mormon missionaries had not been well received in the South. Some had been whipped, beaten, and killed, or otherwise abused, by mobs.

One evening George Albert Smith stayed in the home of some members along with several other elders and the mission president, J. Golden Kimball. That night, as they slept, a mob gathered. President Smith relates:

“About midnight we were awakened with a terrible shouting and yelling from the outside. President Kimball [J. Golden] jumped up and started to dress. . . . The men pounded on the door and used filthy language, ordering the Mormons to come out that they were going to shoot them. President Kimball asked me if I wasn’t going to get up and dress and I told him no, I was going to stay in bed, that I was sure the Lord would take care of us. In just a few seconds the room was filled with shots. Apparently the mob had divided itself into four groups and were shooting into the corners of the house. Splinters were flying over our heads in every direction. There were a few moments of quiet, then another volley of shots was fired and more splinters flew. I felt absolutely no terror. I was very calm as I lay there, experiencing one of the most horrible events of my life, but I was sure that as long as I was preaching the word of God and following his teachings that the Lord would protect me, and he did” (George Albert Smith, “How My Life Was Preserved,” in A Story to Tell, comp. Primary Association General Board and the Deseret Sunday School Union Board [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1945], pp. 155–56).

Was he terrified? What enabled him to stay calm during such a terrifying experience? (Allow varied answers.)

The Armor of the Lord Protects Saints during Times of Trouble and Trial

Scripture discussion

The Apostle Paul gave some counsel to members of the Church in his time who were facing terrible trials. During those days, Christians were persecuted and even killed because of their beliefs.

Have the class read Ephesians 6:10–18.

Illustration and discussion

Consider again George Albert Smith and his calmness while being fired upon. In what ways had he prepared himself with the armor of God?

Write on the chalkboard: Girt about with truth.

How had he prepared himself with truth? (He had obeyed the truth as taught by his parents and grandparents.)

Write on the chalkboard: Breastplate of righteousness.

How had he developed righteousness? (By keeping the commandments. Remember that he told his grandfather in the vision that he had never done anything of which his grandfather needed to be ashamed. Also, he had willingly accepted this mission call.)

Write on the chalkboard: Feet shod with preparation of the gospel of peace.

President Smith spoke of his feelings when he attended his first mission conference.

“Our meeting [in the woods of Mississippi] started right after breakfast time, and we didn’t even think it was necessary to have anything more to eat until evening. We stayed and enjoyed the inspiration of the Almighty, and we certainly were blessed, notwithstanding the inconveniences and discomforts which surrounded us. At that time there was considerable hostility manifested in Mississippi and other states in the South, but we just felt as if we had walked into the presence of our Heavenly Father, and all fear and anxiety left” (George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1945, p. 115).

How could this conference have been a time of peace—“a preparation of the gospel of peace”? (Allow varied answers.)

Write on the chalkboard: Shield of faith.

President Smith exhibited faith even when he was quite young. As a young boy, George Albert Smith became ill with typhoid fever. The doctor counseled his mother to keep him in bed for three weeks, to give him no solid food, and to have him drink coffee. Years later, President Smith said:

“‘When he went away, I told mother that I didn’t want any coffee. I had been taught that the Word of Wisdom, given by the Lord to Joseph Smith, advised us not to use coffee.

“‘Mother had brought three children into the world and two had died. She was unusually anxious about me.

“‘I asked her to send for Brother Hawks, one of our ward teachers. He was a worker at the foundry, [a] poor and humble man of great faith in the power of the Lord.

“‘He came, administered to me and blessed me that I might be healed.

“‘When the doctor came next morning I was playing outside with other children. He was surprised. He examined me and discovered that my fever had gone and that I seemed to be well.

“‘I was grateful to the Lord for my recovery. I was sure that he had healed me’” (Magazine article in a scrapbook [GAS Collection, U of U, Box 124, Scrapbook 1], p. 4; as cited in Glen R. Stubbs, “A Biography of George Albert Smith, 1870 to 1951” [Ph.D. dissertation, Brigham Young University, 1974], p. 12).

Write on the chalkboard: Helmet of salvation and Sword of the Spirit.

What evidence is there that George Albert Smith had acquired these two pieces of armor? (As an example, he often said during World War I and II that peace would only come to the nations of the earth as they obtained the Spirit of God [see Conference Report, Apr. 1948, p. 180].)

Activity

Divide the class into two teams. Play the “concentration” game that is on the chalkboard covered with papers. Taking turns, each team sends one person to the chalkboard to select and uncover two squares. The object of the game is to uncover two matching squares. If the squares match, they are left uncovered and the team scores a point. Otherwise, the papers are replaced.

President George Albert Smith gave this promise to Church members that we may all remember in times of trouble:

“There are two influences in the world. The one is the influence of our Heavenly Father and the other is the influence of Satan. We can take our choice which territory we want to live in, that of our Heavenly Father or that of Satan.

“I have many times repeated what my grandfather said. He, too, talked from this stand, and it was he who gave me his name. In advising his family he said, ‘There is a line of demarcation, well defined. On one side of the line is the Lord’s territory. On the other side of the line is the devil’s territory.’ And he said, ‘If you will stay on the Lord’s side of the line, you are perfectly safe, because the adversary of all righteousness can not cross that line.’

“What does that mean? It means to me that those who are living righteous lives, keeping all of the commandments of our Heavenly Father are perfectly safe, but not those who trifle with his advice and counsel” (George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1949, pp. 5–6).

This world increasingly challenges our faith in God and our standards of righteousness. If we would be “able to stand,” as Paul says, we must prepare now by “wearing” the “armor of righteousness.” With it we can move forward knowing that all will be well. Our righteousness will bring us peace even in the midst of troubled times. Let us help each other to stand “on the Lord’s side.”

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge class members to wear the armor of God.

Lesson 28

David O. McKay: Honor for Home and Family

Born 8 September 1873 Years of Presidency: 1951–1970

Objective

By studying the life of President David O. McKay, class members will come to honor the home as a sacred place of preparation.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of President David O. McKay in the color section.

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Obtain a piece of paper and pencil for each class member.

Prepare a poster of President McKay’s statement: “One of our most precious possessions is our families” (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, p. 5).

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Definition and discussion

What does “to honor” mean? (To show high respect for someone’s worth or rank, to give credit or distinction, to reverence.)

Is honor an action word? (Yes! When we honor someone or something, we are often motivated, inspired, or influenced by that person or thing.)

Think of someone or something you honor. How has it affected your life?

David O. McKay Honored His Ancestry

History

David Oman McKay was the ninth prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Much of his success he attributed to the love and honor he felt toward his parents and grandparents and the loving environment of their homes. President McKay’s ancestors were noble and stalwart, a heritage of which he was proud and one which he revered with deep and affectionate honor.

Gospel roots in the McKay family go back to the mid-1800s—just a few years after the gospel was restored to the earth. In 1850, amid the hills of Scotland, William and Ellen Oman McKay, grandparents of President David O. McKay, accepted the gospel.

In 1856 they left Scotland and sailed for America. President McKay’s pride and honor in his grandparents deepened when, as a young boy, he listened to the stories of his grandparents who had made their way across the plains to Utah. Among these stories was this favorite:

After arriving in America, “the family [of William and Ellen] moved to Iowa, and again settled down for another year’s work, saving money and preparing for the long trek across the plains to Utah. By the end of a year the family owned two two-year old steers, two cows, one old ox, a wagon, and a scanty supply of provisions, and all were happy that the 1,000 mile journey could begin. On the eve of departure, June 13, 1859, a council of instructions was held. Captain Brown reported that there was a widow with a small child in the camp who had no means of transportation and who was too ill to walk. ‘Is there anybody here who can make room for this widow and her child?’ Every wagon was heavily loaded, and no answer came from the assembled men. William had always taken the best possible care of his wife, and he planned to have her ride in the wagon across the plains, intending to walk the whole distance himself. He reported the incident to Ellen Oman [his wife], saying: ‘Mother, there is a widow who would like to cross the plains; she is helpless, unable to walk. Somebody will have to make room for her in the wagons. I said nothing tonight.’

“She answered immediately, ‘You go right back and tell her that she may have my place!’ At her insistence, he did so, and Ellen walked with her husband the whole distance of 1,000 miles across the plains!” (comp. Llewelyn McKay, Home Memories of President David O. McKay [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1956], pp. 19–20).

From these noble parents came noble sons and daughters: the youngest son, David McKay, was the father of President McKay.

David McKay and Jennette Evans were married in 1867 and moved to Ogden Valley to start their lives together. The house they built in Huntsville, Utah, still stands today, much as it was when David O. McKay was born there 8 September 1873. He was the first son and third child in a family of ten.

Example

President David O. McKay recognized the blessing of home and family at an early age.

“When David was only seven years of age, his two older sisters died, and a short time later his father was called on a two-year church mission to his native Scotland. Mrs. McKay was expecting [another baby] in ten days. The ranch had to be run; a young family had to be fed. But the church came first. It was a test of faith. As the elder McKay climbed on his horse to leave, he lifted his little son up into his arms, kissed him goodby, and said, ‘David, take care of Mama and the family.’ That day David O. McKay’s childhood ended and he became a man, with an exceptional sense of responsibility.

“The worst part of it was the fears David had at night, of Indians or desperadoes coming and molesting them. ‘One night, I could not sleep, and I fancied I heard noises around the house. I became terribly wrought in my feelings, and I decided to pray as my parents had taught me. I thought I could pray only by getting out of bed and kneeling, and that was an awful test. But I did finally bring myself to get out of bed and kneel and pray to God to protect Mother and the family. And a voice, speaking as clearly to me as mine is to you, said, “Don’t be afraid; nothing will hurt you.” Where it came from, what it was, I am not saying. You may judge. To me it was a direct answer’” (John J. Stewart, Remembering the McKays [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1970], pp. 13–14).

Discussion

President McKay said, “‘If I were asked to name the world’s greatest need, I should say unhesitatingly wise mothers; and the second, exemplary fathers’” (Llewelyn McKay, Home Memories, p. 4).

Activity

To demonstrate the importance of following good examples, give a piece of paper and pencil to each class member. Explain that you will give them nineteen brief instructions to follow. (The instructions carried out one at a time make the following picture:)

finish

start

Do not show this picture to class members until after they have completed the drawing.

Encourage the class members to refrain from talking or discussing the class activity while it is going on. Read the following instructions to the class:

Beginning with your pencil in the middle of the paper, draw one continuous line—

Down 2 inches

Over right 3 inches

Up 2 inches

Diagonal up left 2 inches

Diagonal down left 2 inches

Straight right 3 inches

Down 2 inches

Left 2 inches

Up 1 1/2 inches

Over right 1 inch

Down 1 1/2 inches

Over left 4 inches

Up 2 inches

Make a squiggly, complete circle (about 2 inches in diameter)

Down 2 inches

Over left 2 inches

Up 4 inches

Make a smooth, complete circle

Draw pointed peaks around your circle

You are finished!

Let the class members express their feelings about the activity. Some may want to show their drawing. You may hear comments such as: “This is a mess!” “I couldn’t understand what you wanted us to do!” “I did OK until . . .”

Chalkboard and discussion

Now, repeat the activity. This time, lead the class by drawing the figure on the chalkboard as the instructions are read.

How important is it that we have a good example to follow? (Very important; in the activity it made the drawing much easier to do because you could see how it was done.)

How important is it that we be good examples? (The examples set by those around us become a great influence in our lives just as our example has the power to influence others.)

Who are the ones you influence most by your example? (Allow varied answers, stressing that friends and younger brothers and sisters are greatly influenced at times.)

President David O. McKay was surrounded by good examples and influences in his life. His heritage, family, and home were exemplary. The roots of the gospel were deep in the McKay family and became strengthened through generations of service and obedience. President McKay knew the power and influence of family and home because he became a vital part of it. He said:

Poster

“One of our most precious possessions is our families” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, p. 5).

He taught, “‘No other success can compensate for failure in the home. . . . The poorest shack . . . in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than [any other riches]. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles. . . . Pure hearts in a pure home are always in whispering distance of Heaven’” (quoted from J. E. McCulloch, Home: The Savior of Civilization [Washington, D.C.: The Southern Co-operative League, 1924], p. 42; in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, p. 5).

Thought questions

Think of the home and family of which you are now a part. What are the strengths in your family unit?

What things would you change? (You may suggest that class members write down their thoughts on the back of the paper used for the activity earlier.)

What preparations and goals are you making now that will help you have an exemplary home of your own? (To help the class answer this question, you may want to review some of the qualities President McKay’s family exemplified, such as love, work, obedience, and sacrifice.)

Scripture discussion

The scriptures contain examples of honorable, exemplary families. One such account is found in the fifth chapter of Helaman. Helaman gave his two sons the names of Nephi and Lehi and gently instructed them to pattern their lives after their forebears.

Read together Helaman 5:6–7.

President David O. McKay was a product of an exemplary, honorable family and home. He taught that the family and home were the central force of the gospel. He loved family life and lived it in such a way that his example has become a beacon to many.

“‘Our house is only an old country home,’ he said, ‘but no palace was ever filled with truer love and devotion by parents, brothers and sisters. To me it is the dearest, sweetest spot on earth’” (Stewart, Remembering the McKays, p. 13).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear testimony and challenge the class to remember that their lives make a difference. They are part of a home and family and can be an example and influence there.

Lesson 29

David O. McKay—Worldwide Ambassador of God

Objective

Through studying the life of President David O. McKay, an Apostle and prophet, class members will better understand what it means to be an “ambassador” or representative of Christ’s church.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of David O. McKay in the color section.

See that each class member has a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Prepare a poster or prepare to write this statement on the chalkboard: “Whate’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.”

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “David O. McKay.”

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

David O. McKay, from 1951 to 1970, was the ninth prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called as an Apostle at the age of thirty-two, and before his ministry of over sixty-three years ended, he had traveled over a million miles as an ambassador of Christ.

What is an ambassador? (A representative, diplomat, or messenger.)

David O. McKay Developed Qualities Needed to Serve as an Ambassador of the Lord

The experiences we have in life help us develop the qualities we need to help the Lord further his work. We can better understand how President McKay became a representative or ambassador of Christ by studying some experiences in his life.

Experience 1: David O. McKay Received His Patriarchal Blessing

“Just a few weeks before his fourteenth birthday, David received his patriarchal blessing. After pronouncing the blessing, Patriarch [John] Smith placed his hands on David’s shoulders, and looking into his eyes said, ‘My boy, you have something to do besides playing marbles. . . .’ Among other things, the patriarch had said to young David:

“‘Brother David Oman McKay, thou art in thy youth and need instruction, therefore I say unto thee, be taught of thy parents the way of life and salvation, that at an early day you may be prepared for a responsible position, for the eye of the Lord is upon thee. . . . The Lord has a work for thee to do, in which thou shalt see much of the world. . . . It shall be thy lot to sit in council with thy brethren and preside among the people and exhort the Saints to faithfulness’” (Jeanette McKay Morrell, Highlights in the Life of President David O. McKay [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1966], p. 26).

Experience 2: David O. McKay Loved to Learn

President McKay was blessed with a zeal for learning. As a youth of sixteen, he became a student at the Weber Academy in Ogden, Utah. After finishing there, he and his brother and two younger sisters went to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. It was here he met Emma Ray Riggs, who later became his sweetheart and companion for over sixty-nine years.

Life at the university was noteworthy and filled with leadership experiences, hard work, and study. David was a football hero, senior class president, and valedictorian. His love for learning and the literary arts developed during these years at the university. He majored in English literature, memorizing scores of passages from the great authors and writers.

Experience 3: David O. McKay Served a Mission

After he graduated from the university, he planned to marry Emma Ray and teach at Weber Academy, where he had been offered a teaching contract. His plans were changed, however, when he received a mission call to Scotland. The first months of David’s mission were difficult. Only a short time before, he had been one of the most popular men on the campus at the University of Utah. Now he was among strangers and very unpopular. He tells in his own words how he was humbled and how the Lord taught him:

“I was homesick and a little discouraged on this day. . . . I had just left school. I loved school and I loved young people. . . . I was with Peter G. Johnston, one of the truest friends in all the world. . . . As we were coming back into town, I saw on my right an unfinished dwelling, over the front door of which was a stone on which there was a carving. That was most unusual, so I said to Elder Johnston, ‘I’m going to see what that is.’ I was half way up the graveled walk when there came to my eyesight a striking motto as follows, carved in stone:

“‘Whate’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.’

“I repeated it to Elder Johnston. . . . We walked quietly, but I said to myself, or the Spirit within me, ‘You are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. More than that, you are here as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. You accepted the responsibility as a representative of the Church.’ . . .

“That afternoon, by the time we found our lodgings, I accepted the message given to me on that stone, and from that moment we tried to do our part as missionaries in Scotland” (“Pres. McKay Speaks to Pioneer Stake Youth,” Church News, 21 Sept. 1957, p. 4).

As a struggling young missionary in Scotland, Elder McKay did learn to “act well his part” and became a leader in that mission. A counselor in his mission presidency was led to prophesy:

“‘“Let me say to you, Brother David, Satan has desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you, and if you will keep the faith, you will yet sit in the leading councils of the Church”’” (Morrell, Highlights in the Life of David O. McKay, pp. 37–38).

How did these three experiences help prepare President McKay for the work the Lord had chosen for him? (Answers may vary; stress that all of these experiences helped David O. McKay catch a vision and begin to realize the importance of “acting well his part” as a representative of Christ and his Church.)

What qualities did David O. McKay develop as a result of these three experiences? (Review each of the experiences previously mentioned and lead the class members to the following conclusions.)

Experience 1: From his patriarchal blessing David O. McKay learned—

To be teachable; he was cautioned to yield to the teachings of his parents.

To make good use of his time. (The patriarch later told him he had better things to do than play marbles.) He was also told the Lord had a work for him to do.

Experience 2: From his love of learning and schooling, David O. McKay learned—

To study.

To work.

To develop his leadership qualities.

To increase his confidence.

To love learning.

To organize and lead among his peers.

To improve his social skills.

To make his love for literature part of his life.

Experience 3: As a missionary, David O. McKay learned—

To be humble and rely on the Lord.

That to be a representative of Christ is important.

To instill the statement to “Act Well Thy Part” in his heart.

David O. McKay Used His Qualities to Serve the Lord and the Church

Upon David O. McKay’s return from his mission in Scotland, he married Emma Ray Riggs and accepted the contract to teach at the Weber Academy. During this time he was called to be in the Weber Stake Sunday School superintendency. While serving in this capacity, President Joseph F. Smith declared that the Lord wanted David O. McKay to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President McKay accepted the call and in April of 1906 was sustained. The responsibilities as a representative of Christ then took on a deeper meaning, and he continued “acting well his part.”

The qualities the Lord had blessed David O. McKay with through the years, became a strength to him as he fulfilled the responsibilities the Lord placed on his shoulders. He was a young Apostle—being instructed by each new experience—and because of his faithfulness, the Lord continued to bless him.

Scripture discussion

Read Doctrine and Covenants 43:9–10 with the class.

What do we learn from this scripture? (The Lord blesses us when we “act in all holiness” [D&C 43:9] before him. That is an essential part of being a representative for him.)

As we look into some of President McKay’s experiences as an Apostle, and later as the prophet, we can see that the qualities he developed while growing up became important tools for the Lord to use. They also enhanced President McKay’s success as a leader. Let’s consider some of these experiences and qualities.

Respect and Honor for Parents

The respect and honor for parents that David O. McKay had developed as a youth were a strength to him as he worked in the Sunday School and in his early service as an Apostle. Most of those he worked with were older than he was, and he always gave them the respect and honor they had earned. He did as his patriarchal blessing counseled and was “taught of [his] parents.”

Social Abilities and Personality

“In the autumn of 1920 . . . President Heber J. Grant assigned Elder McKay to travel around the world in the interests of the Church. His instruction was to observe the operation of the Church in remote areas while strengthening and motivating members and leaders alike; to study the administration of the Church school system in the Pacific; and, if he felt inspired to do so, to dedicate the formidable land of China for the preaching of the gospel. Implicit in the assignment was the duty to enhance the image of the Church in the eyes of government officials and the public generally and to be alert to ways in which the work could be advanced in the countries he would visit” (Francis M. Gibbons, David O. McKay: Apostle to the World, Prophet of God [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], p. 100). In December of 1920, President Heber J. Grant and several of the Apostles laid their hands upon David O. McKay’s head and blessed him and set him apart for this assignment.

The social abilities he learned so well as a class member at the University of Utah became extremely important during this world tour. He met with and spoke to thousands of members and nonmembers in countries throughout the world. He won the love and respect of people from all cultures and walks of life. Over and over people spoke of the special feeling that radiated from President McKay’s personality.

Organizing and Administrating

In 1908 President Joseph F. Smith called Elder McKay to serve on the Correlation Committee. That early experience utilized his ability of organization. Later, in 1961, President Harold B. Lee said of President McKay’s work in the Correlation committees of the Church:

“He [President McKay] is instructing us to move forward, that we consolidate to make more efficient, and more effective the work of the priesthood, the auxiliaries, and the other units in order that we may conserve our time, our energy, and our efforts toward the prime purpose for which the Church itself has been organized” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1961, p. 81).

President McKay reemphasized the program of family home evening; a new emphasis was put upon home teaching; priesthood quorums were assigned specific responsibilities; missionary, family history, and welfare work took an upsurge; and many temples were begun worldwide. In essence, all Church programs were set in order in preparation for the tremendous growth in membership that began during his presidency.

The Desire to Learn

The schooling he received at Weber Academy and the University of Utah implanted in his heart and mind a love for literature. His formal education and love for great authors and writers held many audiences in awe as he bore testimony of the Savior throughout the world. He would teach gospel principles as he quoted Shakespeare or great writers of the nineteenth century. His talent as a teacher was evident and effectively used.

Honoring Home and Family

President McKay’s life was an example of devotion to and honor of home and family. He spoke with authority on marriage and family and the lofty role of women. His teachings about home and family were prophetic and became a trademark of President McKay.

David O. McKay “Acted Well His Part”

President David O. McKay “acted well his part” throughout his lengthy ministry. Whether attending a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth of England or mingling with so-called commoners, President McKay stood out physically and spiritually. A friend told this story of President McKay:

“I remember being in New York when President McKay returned from Europe. Arrangements had been made for pictures to be taken, but the regular photographer was unable to go, so in desperation the United Press picked their crime photographer—a man accustomed to the toughest type of work in New York. He went to the airport, stayed there two hours, and returned later from [the] dark room with a tremendous sheaf of pictures. He was supposed to take only two. His boss immediately chided him, ‘What in the world are you wasting time and all those photographic supplies for?’

“The photographer replied very curtly, saying he would gladly pay for the extra materials, and they could even dock him for the extra time he took. It was obvious that he was very touchy about it. Several hours later the vice-president called him to his office, wanting to learn what happened. The crime photographer said, ‘When I was a little boy, my mother used to read to me out of the Old Testament, and all my life I have wondered what a prophet of God must really look like. Well, today I found one’” (cited in “Memories of a Prophet,” Improvement Era, Feb. 1970, p. 72).

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 5 (1 minute, 6 seconds), of David O. McKay’s testimony.

At 6:00 a.m. Sunday, 18 January 1970, just as the Sabbath light was dawning over the valley of the Great Salt Lake, ninety-six-year-old David Oman McKay died. News of his death flashed around the world. Expressions of grief and respect began pouring in. He was known worldwide as America’s ambassador of goodwill. Most importantly, he was known and loved by our Savior, and truly became Christ’s ambassador.

Robert R. McKay, David O. McKay’s son, testified thus of his father:

“I can say this, and act as a personal witness, because in all of my years of close association in the home, on the farm, in business, in the Church, there has never been shown to me one action nor one word, even while training a self-willed horse, which would throw any doubt in my mind that he should be and finally did become the representative and prophet of our Heavenly Father. I leave you that personal witness” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 84).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge class members to look into their own lives and identify the God-given qualities they are developing. Help each to realize that he or she is needed as a representative of the Lord’s Church. Emphasize: The Lord needs you! And challenge them: “Whate’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part.”

Lesson 30

Preparing for an Eternal Home

Objective

Class members will become familiar with the qualities and skills—the ingredients—important in preparing for an eternal home.

Preparation

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.

Prepare to show the picture of President McKay and his wife, Emma.

Prepare a poster on which is written: “It’s possible to make home a bit of heaven. Indeed, I picture heaven as a continuation of the ideal home.” David O. McKay

(Optional) Carefully read through the class activity, “Ingredients of a Heavenly Home.” Make all needful preparation before class. This will include obtaining: an apron, chef’s hat (if you have one), large mixing bowl, electric or hand mixer, a large mixing spoon or spatula.

Prepare the following wordstrips for the “Ingredients of a Heavenly Home” activity: Holy Ghost, Temptations and Sin, Temple Marriage, Mother, Dad, Children, Living the Gospel, Scripture Study, Prayer, Meeting Attendance, Courtesy, Communication, Word of Wisdom, Exercise, Proper Diet, Rest, Love, and Unselfishness.

Optional: Make a batch of cookies or something else made by following a recipe. Bring them in a covered container, plate, or bowl. Do not violate the law of the fast if this is fast Sunday.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Chalkboard and discussion

What do you think heaven is like? (Write responses on the chalkboard. Answers might include: peaceful, full of love, happy, home, reverent.)

Why do you believe heaven is like this? (Allow varied answers.)

Scripture discussion

The scriptures give us some indication as to what heaven is like. Read with the class the following scripture references:

Helaman 3:28. Heaven is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Alma 18:30. Heaven is where God and his angels live.

Mosiah 2:41. Heaven is a place where we may live with God and always be happy.

Discussion

Can you remember a time when you thought, “This must be what heaven is like!” What made that occasion “heavenly”? (Allow time for the class to respond; answers will vary.)

Poster

Display President David O. McKay’s statement:

“‘It’s possible to make home a bit of heaven. Indeed, I picture heaven as a continuation of the ideal home’” (John J. Stewart, Remembering the McKays [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1970], p. 6).

The words to the song “Where Is Heaven?” reinforce President McKay’s statement. The words are as follows:

Song

Read the words to this song.

Where is Heaven? Is it very far?

I would like to know if it’s beyond the brightest star.

Where is Heaven? Will you show the way?

I would like to learn and grow and go there some day.

Where is Heaven? Is it very far?

I would like to know if it’s beyond the brightest star.

I’ve a feeling that it’s not so far.

When you’re with the ones you love, it’s right where you are.

(Janice Kapp Perry [Provo, Utah: © 1977].)

Question

Where or what is heaven? (It is being at home with loved ones.)

If heaven can be found in the ideal home, shouldn’t we be helping make our homes ideal now and preparing for the responsibility of being leaders in our own future homes? Helping make a home ideal and being a leader in a home are great responsibilities that take preparation.

Ingredients of a Heavenly Home

Discussion

What are some “ingredients” of a heavenly home? (To help the class members answer this question, proceed into the class activity.)

Activity

Have the necessary items ready to use in the activity, including the wordstrips. You may wish to give the wordstrips to class members, and, as you name a particular “ingredient,” have the class member holding that wordstrip bring it to the table and place it in the mixing bowl.

Put on the apron and hat, if you have one, and act out the following recipe using the large bowl, mixer, spoon or spatula, and ingredients (wordstrips). As you mix, say the following:

These are the ingredients for a heavenly home.

First, at the very beginning, invite the Holy Ghost to your home to stay.

Crush Temptations and Sin and set them aside outside the bowl.

Blend in one Temple Marriage, one Mother (who loves Dad), one Dad (who loves Mother).

Gradually add Children.

Quickly stir in Living the Gospel: Scripture Study, Prayer, and Meeting Attendance.

Sprinkle liberally with Courtesy and Communication.

Garnish with the Word of Wisdom: Exercise, Proper Diet, and Rest.

Pour Love over everything.

Serve with Unselfishness.

When you have finished with the ingredients, uncover the cookies or other food that you prepared before class. Let each class member take one. Tell them that just as the good taste of the cookies (or candy, etc.) can last, the success in a marriage can last forever if the ingredients are all included. Again, do not violate the fast if this is fast Sunday.

Living the Principles of the Gospel Prepares One for a Heavenly Home on Earth

Consider each of the ingredients for a heavenly home in the order they were used. This may help the class understand why living the principles of the gospel is important as we prepare our own homes.

Wordstrips

Retrieve the wordstrips for each ingredient from the mixing bowl and display each where class members can see them. Discuss each item.

The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is a gift given to us at baptism. If we live to be worthy, he will comfort us and warn us of dangers and temptations.

Temptations and Sin

Emphasize that we must avoid temptations that may frustrate and wreck goals that are set for achieving eternal happiness.

Temple Marriage

Remind the class to constantly keep this goal before themselves. You might suggest that they hang a picture of a temple in their room or home.

Picture

Show the picture of President McKay and his wife, Emma, from the lesson.

President David O. McKay said: “Young men and young women who would live the happiest lives would do well to prepare themselves to be worthy of that form of marriage which God has ordained—the union of a man and woman worthy to have their marriage solemnized in the temple of the Most High” (Gospel Ideals [Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1953], p. 465).

Children

Learning to love children is important for each of us in preparing for an eternal home. Encourage the class, especially the young men, to help care for their younger brothers and sisters.

Scripture Study

Encourage the class to each regularly and consistently study the scriptures at home. Habits that are developed in one’s youth usually carry over into one’s adult life.

Courtesy

Help the class to see that courtesy, if practiced when they are teenagers, will greatly help them as they enter into the adult world. Stress that it is more than politeness and skill in manners. It also includes kindness.

Discussion

What are some common courtesies of our culture? (Answers will vary.)

Even though some courtesies vary with different cultures, there are those that are common to all cultures. What are some common courtesies? (Answers will vary, but make sure the following are brought out in the discussion: kindness, gratitude [saying please and thank you], respect [especially for parents, those in authority, and elderly people].)

Communication

Discussion

During the last week, how many conversations that lasted fifteen minutes or more did you have with the following people: your mother, your father, your brothers or sisters? (Allow class members to respond. Consider each separately, mother first, father next, etc. Stress the importance of learning to communicate with skill. Suggest they practice with their parents or other family members. Remember that communication includes listening.)

Word of Wisdom, Exercise, and Rest

What does keeping the Word of Wisdom have to do with preparing to be part of an eternal family unit?

Scripture discussion

Read and discuss together as a class Doctrine and Covenants 89:3, 18–21.

Love

The Savior taught us by his great example how to love. His counsel was simple, but far-reaching when he said:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

Unselfishness

Remind the class that to be unselfish is Christlike.

President McKay said:

“God help us to build homes in which the spirit of heaven on earth may be experienced. You and I know that that is possible; it is not a dream; it is not a theory. We may have that sweet companionship between husband and wife which grows dearer and dearer as troubles of life come on” (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 473).

Testimony and Challenge

End with your testimony and challenge class members to set their goals to accept nothing less than a temple marriage. Challenge them to begin now preparing and making their homes bits of heaven on earth, utilizing the “ingredients” for a heavenly home discussed in this lesson.

Lesson 31

The Scriptures Can Be Enjoyable

Objective

Class members will learn that scripture study can be enjoyable when we liken the scriptures to ourselves.

Preparation

Obtain copies of the Doctrine and Covenants and Book of Mormon for each class member.

Make a poster or write the following on the chalkboard: 3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable.

Make the following poster keys or prepare to draw them on the chalkboard:

3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable

Key 1

2 Nephi 32:3

Key 2

1 Nephi 19:23

Key 3

Moroni 10:4–5 and D&C 18:35–36

Hand copy or photocopy the handout “Liken the Scriptures” for each class member (see end of lesson).

Preview the statements for the scripture chase activity.

Bring a set of keys to class.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Demonstration and discussion

Hold up the set of real keys and ask: What might these keys be used for? (Accept any reasonable answer. Answers might include: to lock doors, open doors, start cars, or motorcycles, etc.)

Posters or chalkboard

Today we are going to look at three keys that will make the scriptures more meaningful and more enjoyable. (Display the poster or write on the chalkboard: 3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable [see the sample chalkboard illustration at the end of the lesson to see how the final chalkboard may look].)

Attach or draw Key 1 on the chalkboard. Then have the class members look up and read the scripture reference listed below Key 1.

3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable

Key 1

2 Nephi 32:3

Discussion and chalkboard

What is Key 1? (“Study or ‘feast’ upon the scriptures.” Write the answer beneath or to the side of Key 1.)

What is the difference between reading and studying the scriptures? (When we study the scriptures, we make a concentrated attempt to understand the scriptures. We have a good idea of what the words on the page mean and what story or doctrine is being taught.)

Poster or chalkboard

Attach or draw Key 2 on the chalkboard.

3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable

Key 1

2 Nephi 32:3

Study or “feast” upon the scriptures

Key 2

1 Nephi 19:23

Discussion and chalkboard

What is Key 2? (“Liken all scriptures unto us.” Write this beneath or to the side of Key 2.)

What does it mean to “liken all scriptures unto us”? (Accept any reasonable answer, and emphasize that it includes drawing parallels between ourselves and the scriptures.)

Liken the Scriptures

A good way to “Liken the Scriptures” to ourselves is to make a habit of asking ourselves questions like these (give copies of the handout to the class and then read it to them).

Emphasize the following point:

Even though we “Liken the Scriptures” to ourselves, it doesn’t change our circumstances. We still have to put the principles into practice. Unused knowledge never has the power to change lives.

Poster or chalkboard

Attach or draw Key 3 on the chalkboard.

3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable

Key 1

2 Nephi 32:3

Study or “feast” upon the scriptures

Key 2

1 Nephi 19:23

“Liken all scriptures unto us.”

Key 3

Moroni 10:4–5 and D&C 18:35–36

Discussion and chalkboard

What is Key 3? (“We can know by the Spirit—the power of the Holy Ghost—that the scriptures are true.” Put the answer on the chalkboard by the key.)

Testimony

Bear your testimony to the fact that these three keys work and that the scriptures become enjoyable when they become meaningful to us. Emphasize the fact that the scriptures have the power to change lives.

Applying the Three Keys

Activity

Move quickly to the application portion of the lesson and the scripture chase. Divide the class into two equal teams. Then write the following scripture references on the chalkboard as illustrated at the end of the lesson.

Go over each reference with your class members. As you read each reference, write the key words to each scripture on the board.

1 Nephi 3:7. Go and Do

2 Nephi 2:25. Adam Fell, Joy

Mosiah 2:17. Serve Man, Serve God

Alma 37:35. Learn Wisdom, Youth

Alma 41:10. Wickedness, Happiness

We are going to scripture “chase” the references we have just gone through. You may refer back to the board whenever necessary. The object today is to apply the three keys we have studied. (Read the following to the class.)

There will be two rounds. I will give a scripture chase clue in each round: in round one it will be a key word, in round two it will be a statement. You will find the scripture that applies and quickly raise your hand. The first class member to find the scripture will earn one speed point for his team. After the speed point is given, I will then count to five thousand by thousands, such as one thousand, two thousand, and so on. When five thousand is reached, I will say “Stop.” All team members who have found the scripture will score one point each for their team (if five team members have the correct scripture, their team earns five points). To determine the winning team, we will take the total number of points and divide by the number of people on the team.

For example: If there are five people on a team and that team has twenty-five total points, we will divide twenty-five by five, which equals five.

(Spend approximately seven minutes on each scripture chase round. Be sure to keep the activity moving quickly. It sometimes helps to motivate the class members to have some kind of reward. You may want to reward the winners double. Have fun, but remember the purpose of this activity is to reinforce the concept that the scriptures can be enjoyable when they become meaningful to us.)

Round 1: Begin round one by offering the key words you placed on the chalkboard for the scriptures you read. You may mix up the order if you wish. (Do not read the answers, which are given in parentheses.)

Go and Do (1 Nephi 3:7)

Adam Fell, Joy (2 Nephi 2:25)

Serve Man, Serve God (Mosiah 2:17)

Learn Wisdom, Youth (Alma 37:35)

Wickedness, Happiness (Alma 41:10)

Round 2: Begin round two by reading the following sentences (answers in parentheses).

Why did President Ezra Taft Benson ask young people to read the Book of Mormon? (Alma 37:35.)

The fall of Adam was a blessing for us. (2 Nephi 2:25.)

I don’t know if I am capable of serving a mission. I can’t talk to people at all. (1 Nephi 3:7.)

Why do I feel good when I help someone else? (Mosiah 2:17.)

Why do we have to have a Church service project each year? (Mosiah 2:17.)

If I cheat on my math tests, I can get an A and I will be happy. (Alma 41:10.)

Sample final chalkboard

3 Keys for Making the Scriptures Enjoyable

Key 1

2 Nephi 32:3

Study or “feast” upon the scriptures

Key 2

1 Nephi 19:23

“Liken all scriptures unto us.”

Key 3

Moroni 10:4–5 and D&C 18:35–36

We can know by the Spirit that the scriptures are true.

| 1 Nephi 3:7 | Go and Do
| 2 Nephi 2:25 | Adam Fell, Joy
| Mosiah 2:17 | Serve Man, Serve God
| Alma 37:35 | Learn Wisdom, Youth
| Alma 41:10 | Wickedness, Happiness
Points
Team 1
Team 2

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge class members to be able to use the scriptures to defend the gospel.

Lesson 32

Joseph Fielding Smith—Child of Promise, Student of the Scriptures

Born 19 July 1876 Years of Presidency: 1970–1972

Objective

Class members will come to feel, through the example of Joseph Fielding Smith, that scripture and gospel study are important in their preparation for life.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Joseph Fielding Smith in the color section.

Obtain pencils and paper for each class member.

See that each class member has copies of the standard works.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Story

Read the following story about Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth President of the Church, as if you were President Smith.

Junie “‘was one of the most intelligent animals I ever saw. She seemed almost human in her ability. I couldn’t keep her locked in the barn because she would continually undo the strap on the door of her stall. I used to put the strap connected to the half-door of the stall over the top of the post, but she would simply lift it off with her nose and teeth. Then she would go out in the yard.

“‘There was a water tap in the yard used for filling the water trough for our animals. Junie would turn this on with her teeth and then leave the water running. My father would get after me because I couldn’t keep that horse in the barn. She never ran away; she just turned on the water and then walked around the yard or over the lawn or through the garden. In the middle of the night, I would hear the water running and then I would have to get up and shut it off and lock Junie up again.

“‘My father suggested that the horse seemed smarter than I was. One day he decided that he would lock her in so that she couldn’t get out. He took the strap that usually looped over the top of the post and buckled it around the post and under a crossbar, and then he said, “Young lady, let’s see you get out of there now!” My father and I left the barn and started back to the house; and before we reached it, Junie was at our side.’

“. . . With a great smile, I was then able to ask, ‘Father, now who’s smarter?’” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, True and Faithful [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1971], p. 19).

Picture and discussion

How many of you know who the story is about? Raise your hands. (As class members respond, display the picture of Joseph Fielding Smith and ask someone in the class to identify the picture. Mention that Joseph Fielding Smith was the tenth President of the Church.)

Chalkboard and discussion

Prepare a pedigree chart diagram on the chalkboard as shown. As the lines are being drawn, tell the class that you are going to trace Joseph Fielding Smith’s pedigree on his father’s side. Write Joseph Fielding Smith’s name as shown and ask the class members if they can fill in the blanks.

Joseph Fielding Smith’s Pedigree on His Father’s Side

Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Sr.

Julina Lambson Smith

Hyrum Smith

Mary Fielding Smith

Joseph Smith, Sr.

Lucy Mack Smith

As the names are being written, tell the class that President Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., was born 19 July 1876. Indicate that he was born with an outstanding heritage. Explain that Joseph was named after his father, although we usually call his father Joseph F. Smith, rather than Joseph Fielding Smith. Joseph F. Smith was the sixth President of the Church. Joseph Fielding Smith’s grandfather was Hyrum Smith, beloved brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith with whom he died as a martyr in the Carthage Jail. His great-grandfather was Joseph Smith, Sr. The Prophet Joseph Smith said of his father, Joseph Smith, Sr., “He was the first person who received my testimony after I had seen the angel” (History of the Church, 4:190). He was also the first Patriarch to the Church.

Joseph Fielding Smith Was an Obedient Child of Promise

Joseph Fielding Smith was a child of promise. His father had promised his mother, Julina Lambson, that her first son would be named Joseph Fielding, Jr. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Joseph Fielding’s son-in-law, related the following family history concerning Joseph Fielding’s birth and the impressions of his mother. (Read it to the class.)

“Julina had three daughters but no sons, and so she went before the Lord and, like Hannah of old, ‘vowed a vow.’ Her promise: that if the Lord would give her a son, ‘she would do all in her power to help him be a credit to the Lord and to his father.’ The Lord . . . manifest to her, before the birth of the man child, that her son would be called to serve in the Council of the Twelve” (Bruce R. McConkie, “Joseph Fielding Smith: Apostle, Prophet, Father in Israel,” Ensign, Aug. 1972, p. 29).

Joseph Fielding Smith was quick to give credit for his early training to his parents and to the Lord. He was always grateful for the training he received from his father and at his mother’s knee. She told him pioneer stories and taught him to love the Prophet Joseph Smith, to pray, and to honor his priesthood duties. He said, “‘I learned at a very early day that God lives. He gave me a testimony when I was a child and I have tried to be obedient, always with some measure of success’” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., and John J. Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972], p. 57).

Discussion

Why would a testimony early in life be helpful? Why would obedience be important to maintaining that testimony? (Allow varied responses.)

Example and discussion

As a young man growing up, Joseph Fielding worked hard and was willing to carry his share of the load. He shared in the chores around his home and at ten years of age he shared in his mother’s profession as a midwife. (Read or relate in your own words the following.)

“When . . . Joseph was ten years old, . . . it was at that tender age that he began assisting [his mother] in her professional duties as a licensed midwife or obstetrician. Joseph’s job was that of stable boy and buggy driver. At all hours of the day or night, when the call came for his mother’s services, Joseph was to hitch up the faithful mare ‘Old Meg’ to the buggy and drive his mother to the home of the confinement case. Here he might wait while she delivered the baby, or, if his mother thought the wait would be too long, she would send him home with instructions on when to return for her. . . .

“‘Sometimes I nearly froze to death. I marveled that so many babies were born in the middle of the night, especially on cold winter nights. I fervently wished that mothers might time things a little better’” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 52–53).

Story and discussion

“Many of Joseph’s youthful hours were spent herding cows near the Jordan River and laboring with his brothers on the family farm in Taylorsville. On one occasion when he and his younger brother, George, were loading hay onto a wagon to take it from the field to the barn, Joseph had a close brush with death. They had stopped on a road by the canal to stack some bales and give the team a drink. Because they had a skittish horse, Joseph told George to stand by the head of the team and hold their bridles until he could climb up and take the reins. Instead, George went back and started up the binding rope. As he did so, the horses started with a sudden jerk and Joseph fell down between the horses on the doubletree.

“The thought, ‘Well, here’s my finish!’ flashed through his mind. But something turned the horses and they ran into the canal, while Joseph was thrown clear of their hoofs and the wheels of the wagon. When he got up, he gave George an honest appraisal of his feelings and then hurried home—shaken, but grateful to be in one piece. His father came out to meet him and wanted to know what difficulty he had encountered, having received a strong impression that his son was in some kind of danger” (Joseph F. McConkie, True and Faithful, p. 18).

Discussion

Do you think Joseph Fielding was being watched over and protected at this time? (In all probability the class members will answer that the Lord was saving him for an important mission.)

Example

Joseph Fielding Smith enjoyed and participated in many of the activities that young men enjoy. He liked sports, especially baseball, and he sometimes went fishing, but he did not enjoy hunting. (Tell or read the following.)

“Joseph occasionally went fishing, but cared not at all for hunting, perhaps because his father had persuaded him that it was morally wrong to kill for pleasure. One day, however, some of his brothers and friends coaxed him into going rabbit hunting. Reluctantly he shot a rabbit, heard it cry out like a baby, as wounded rabbits often will, was sick at heart, dropped his gun and has never used one since. Like his father, he taught that it is wrong to kill for pleasure” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, p. 54).

Joseph Fielding Smith’s Love for and Study of the Scriptures

Perhaps the most important activity of Joseph’s young life, however, and one that would influence his life and mission, was his love of the gospel and his study of it. He was later to say:

“From my earliest recollection, from the time I first could read, I have received more pleasure and greater satisfaction out of the study of the scriptures, and reading of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the work that has been accomplished for the salvation of men, than from anything else in all the world” (Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1930, p. 91).

Discussion

What activities give you more satisfaction than anything else and why? (Discuss their answers, asking what those activities might be preparing them for.)

When Joseph Fielding was eight years old and was baptized, his father gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon. Money was scarce and it was a defective copy purchased at a reduced rate. Nevertheless, Joseph Fielding remembered:

“‘When I was a small boy, too young to hold the Aaronic Priesthood, my father placed a copy of the Book of Mormon in my hands with the request that I read it. I received this Nephite Record with thanksgiving and applied myself to the task which had been assigned to me. There are certain passages that have been stamped upon my mind and I have never forgotten them’” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, p. 57).

Two years later, “by the time he was ten years old he had read the Book of Mormon through not just once but twice” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, p. 57).

Discussion

Have we been requested by a prophet to read the Book of Mormon? Have you done it yet? (If not, challenge them to follow President Smith’s example and apply themselves to read it.)

As a young man Joseph Fielding enjoyed reading the scriptures so much that he would sometimes leave a ball game early or hurry to finish his chores in order to get back to his studies. He could often be found in his father’s study, the hayloft, the shade of a tree, or walking home from his clerking job at ZCMI department store reading and studying the scriptures. He later said:

“‘I remember that one thing I did from the time I learned to read and write was to study the gospel. I read and committed to memory the children’s catechism [a study book of gospel principles] and primary books on the gospel. Later I read the history of the Church as recorded in the Millennial Star. I also read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Covenants, and other literature which fell into my hands’” (McConkie, True and Faithful, p. 69).

Discussion

How would a young man acting this way be thought of today? Would he be accepted? Would he be made fun of for being too studious or religious? (Allow varied responses.)

What might happen if someone in your group left a ball game or an activity early to study the scriptures? (Point out that we can expect great blessings when we accept one another and when we are willing to put the Lord first.)

How can we help one another follow Joseph Fielding Smith’s example of studying the scriptures? (Allow varied responses.)

Because of his preparation and diligence in scripture study, Joseph Fielding Smith became a great writer and scholar of the scriptures, blessing the lives of many members of the Church. At least twenty-five books and pamphlets of his writings and speeches have been published and enjoyed by millions of Church members. The words in his patriarchal blessing, “‘You will be gifted to interpret the scriptures above your associates,’” proved true (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, p. vi).

Studying the Scriptures Can Help Us and Be a Blessing in Our Lives

Activity

Pass out paper and pencils to each class member and see that each has a copy of the standard works.

In 1953, President Smith was asked to write a column in the Church magazine, the Improvement Era, in which he would use the scriptures to answer the questions of Church members. He continued this for almost fourteen years. The many questions and answers have been published in a five-volume set of books called Answers to Gospel Questions.

Today you will have an opportunity to do the same thing. Using your scriptures, the Topical Guide, and the Bible Dictionary, find and write a very brief answer to at least two gospel questions. You may choose your own questions. In writing your questions and answers you will begin to feel the strength and admire the ability of Joseph Fielding Smith.

(Ideally, you would have the class members choose their own gospel questions or questions they have heard from friends. Knowing the class, you may choose questions that seem relevant to them. The following are only suggestions: 1. The scriptures were written hundreds of years ago. Why are they so important today? 2. I have a nonmember friend that says God is a spirit. How do I answer him? 3. I was discussing the Second Coming of Christ with some friends and some of the signs that will take place first. Where can I find a list of some of these signs?)

After the class members have searched the scriptures, Topical Guide, and Bible Dictionary, if appropriate, ask several to share their answers and discuss them as a class.

For those who may not have LDS editions of the scriptures: The following scripture chains would help answer the suggested questions. (The “chains” should only be used in areas where the Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary are not available.)

Why the scriptures are important today: Joshua 1:8; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; 2 Nephi 32:3; Doctrine and Covenants 1:37.

What God is like, what he looks like: Genesis 1:26–27; Exodus 24:9–11; 33:11, 20 [JST 33:20], 23; Luke 24:36–39; John 14:9; Doctrine and Covenants 130:22.

Signs of the Second Coming: Mormon 8:26–32; Doctrine and Covenants 43:20–25; Doctrine and Covenants 45:21–52.

The Scriptures Can Answer Our Questions

Scriptures can answer our questions and be a help in our lives. Stress again the importance that studying the scriptures played in the life of President Smith.

Listen to Joseph Fielding Smith’s counsel and be ready to identify several blessings that he mentions that come from searching the scriptures. (Read the following.)

“One of the responsibilities which the Lord has placed upon the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that they search the scriptures and lay up a store of knowledge, otherwise they cannot have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, notwithstanding they have been baptized and confirmed. Those who are ignorant of the gospel truths and unacquainted with the teachings that the Lord gave to the Fathers, cannot have the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord. Such people leave themselves open to temptation and deception by wicked, unscrupulous souls and are in grave danger of being led into folly and forbidden paths because they have no foundation in faith on which to build” (Improvement Era, Mar. 1964, p. 159).

Discussion

What blessings have the prophets promised those who search the scriptures? (A storehouse of knowledge, protection and guidance from the Holy Ghost, a foundation of faith to build on.)

What danger do we run by not searching the scriptures? (Temptation, lack of the Spirit, deception, being led in forbidden paths.)

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony of the importance of searching the scriptures and becoming a student of them as was President Smith. Bear your testimony that they contain the words of the Savior and tell of the blessing they have been in your life. Challenge the class members to search the scriptures regularly.

Lesson 33

Joseph Fielding Smith Magnified His Calling

Objective

The class members will understand that Joseph Fielding Smith fulfilled and magnified his calling as a prophet by the way he lived and taught the doctrines of the gospel; they will also desire to magnify their own callings.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Joseph Fielding Smith in the color section.

Obtain a magnifying glass, if possible, and bring it to class. If it is not possible to get a magnifying glass, make one out of paper to simulate the use of the real glass.

During the class, class members will be asked to use the magnifying glass to read captions written on six different cards fastened to the chalkboard. Obtain or make six cards (three-by-five-inch or four-by-six-inch) and write on each card the captions shown in the illustration. Write small enough that the captions cannot be read by the class members sitting closest to the board. Use some means of fastening cards to the chalkboard that doesn’t damage the board itself, and prepare the cards for display before class. The final chalkboard should look like the following illustration:

Joseph Fielding Smith Magnified His Callings in Life

1Physical Fitness |  | 4Church Service
Physical Fitness |  | Church Service
2New Challenges |  | 5Father
New Challenges |  | Father
3Missionary Work |  | 6Church President and Prophet
Missionary Work |  | Church President and Prophet

Prepare to show the picture of President Joseph Fielding Smith and the airplane included in the lesson.

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Joseph Fielding Smith.”

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture

Show the picture of Joseph Fielding Smith.

Although a prophet’s message, at times, may seem very serious and the prophet himself may seem very stern when delivering it, usually prophets are warm, loving men who reflect a happiness for life that is contagious. It is living the gospel that brings this happiness.

Joseph Fielding Smith was a man with many talents. Because of his faith, humility, and desire to serve the Lord, he used those talents for good and became an effective tool in the Lord’s hand for leading the Saints.

Object lesson and discussion

Hold up the magnifying glass or explain that in order to enlarge an object for one’s eye one needs to be either closer to it or use a magnifying glass.

The Lord has asked us to magnify our callings. (Have a class member read Doctrine and Covenants 84:33 aloud.)

What does it mean “to magnify” a calling? (To become greater or to have our capacities enlarged; to better fulfill what we are called to do.)

Chalkboard and discussion

How is a magnifying glass a good symbol for the life of Joseph Fielding Smith? (President Smith magnified his callings in life. Write this answer on top of the chalkboard. See the sample chalkboard in the Preparation section. Also note the placement of cards for the following activity.)

Magnifying the Life of Joseph Fielding Smith

Chalkboard activity

It is important that this activity move at a pace that does not take too much time. Become familiar with the activity by rehearsing or walking through it several times before teaching it.

Fasten card 1, Physical Fitness, to the right-hand side of the chalkboard. Ask a class member to come forward and, using the magnifying glass, tell the class what is written on the card. After the card has been read, tell the class the following:

President Smith enjoyed sports and athletics as a young man. He continued to participate in many sports throughout his life and encouraged his children in all sports except hunting. He was an excellent swimmer and his home was equipped with a tennis court and horseshoe pits. He especially enjoyed handball and was an expert player.

At one time he challenged two of his sons to a game of handball. He even allowed them to choose which hand he could use. With the other hand held closely behind his back, he won the game. A former governor of Utah, Herbert B. Maw, twenty years younger than President Smith, shared his experience on the handball court with President Smith: “‘I thought I would just take it easy on the old gentleman and not beat him too far. Imagine my chagrin when he gave me the trouncing of my life! I thought that I was a good handball player, but I was no competition for him at all’” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., and John J. Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972], p. 15). At nearly seventy years of age, on doctor’s orders, President Smith reluctantly gave up the game.

Using bold letters, write under card 1 Physical Fitness.

Fasten card 2, New Challenges, onto the chalkboard directly under the bold letters under card 1. Then invite another class member to come forward and use the magnifying glass to tell the class what is written on card 2.

After the card has been read, explain the following:

Picture and example

One of President Smith’s biographers, John J. Stewart, tells the following story about President Smith. (Hold up the picture of President Smith and the airplane and read the following experience to the class.)

“I remember my surprise one day when I called at his office in Salt Lake City. His secretary, Rubie Egbert, said, ‘Step to the window here and maybe you can see him.’ Curious, I walked to the window. But all that I could see was a jet streaking through the blue sky high above the Great Salt Lake. Its trail of white vapor clearly marked some steep climbs, loops, dives, rolls and turns. ‘He’s out there fulfilling prophecy,’ explained his secretary with a chuckle. ‘Scriptures say that in the last days there will be vapors of smoke in the heavens.’

“‘You mean he’s in that plane?’ I asked incredulously.

“‘Oh yes, that’s him all right. He’s very fond of flying. Says it relaxes him. A friend in the National Guard calls him up and says, “How about a relaxing?” and up they go. Once they get in the air he often takes over the controls. Flew down to Grand Canyon and back last week, 400 miles an hour!’

“I could not resist driving to the airport to be there when he landed. As the two-place [jet airplane] roared down the runway to a stop, from the rear cockpit, in suit and helmet, climbed this benign old gentleman, then about 80, smiling broadly. ‘That was wonderful!’ he exclaimed.

“‘That’s about as close to heaven as I can get just now’” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 1–2).

“President Smith was an honorary brigadier general with the Utah National Guard” (Emerson Roy West, Profiles of the Presidents [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1980], p. 250).

Joseph Fielding Smith’s years spanned from the horse and buggy to the jet airplane, a century of remarkable growth and progress. Becoming President of the Church at ninety-three gave him a great opportunity to heed the counsel of his patriarchal blessing which stated: “‘Therefore, I say unto thee, reflect often upon the past, present, and future’” (A. William Lund, “Elder Joseph Fielding Smith,” Improvement Era, Apr. 1950, p. 315).

Again in bold letters, write under card 2, New Challenges.

Fasten card 3, Missionary Work, onto the chalkboard directly under the bold letters under card 2. Then invite another class member to come forward and use the magnifying glass to tell the class what is written on card 3.

Then go on to explain the remaining areas of President Smith’s life, following the procedure used in the previous examples.

Missionary Work

Joseph Fielding Smith married Louie Shurtliff on 26 April 1898. She was from Ogden, Utah, and he had met her when she accepted an invitation from his father to stay in the Smith home while she attended the University of Utah. As difficult as it must have been, Joseph Fielding bid farewell to his new bride only one year after their marriage to accept a call to labor as a missionary in the British Isles. Besides the difficulty of leaving a young wife, missionary work in England was extremely challenging. He remembered, “I have had them tell me to get out, and I’ve stood on street corners and had the crowd turn into a mob and throw everything they could find on the street at us” (talk given at the Kenwood Second Ward, Wilford Stake, 26 June 1960). Nevertheless, he fulfilled an honorable mission. (See also Smith and Stewart, “Mission to England,” Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 84–121.)

Church Service

Genealogical Pioneer: “Few men have been as [moved] by the spirit of Elijah as Joseph Fielding Smith. . . . [He] was one of the moving forces behind the Genealogical Society of Utah. He served as secretary to that organization from 1907 to 1922. . . . He . . . visited all the genealogical libraries in the large cities of the eastern United States in a search for the best methods of record keeping and filing. [He] returned with many practical and valuable suggestions which were adopted by the Utah Society. One of [the] recommendations was that a genealogical magazine be published. . . . As a result, Elder Smith was appointed editor and business manager of the new Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine [in 1910]” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, True and Faithful [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1971], p. 38).

Historian: Soon after returning from his mission in 1901 Joseph Fielding obtained employment in the Church historian’s office where in 1906 he became assistant Church historian. In 1921 he became the Church historian, a position he held until 1970 when he became President, the year he turned ninety-four. (Adapted from Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, pp. 123, 359.)

Called to the Apostleship: Being called to the Council of the Twelve came as a complete surprise to Joseph Fielding Smith.

“As [he] walked through the gate of the Salt Lake Temple grounds to attend the concluding session of the April Conference in 1910, one of the gatekeepers asked him, ‘Well, who is going to be called to fill the vacancy in the Council of the Twelve today?’ Joseph Fielding replied, ‘I don’t know, but there is one thing I do know—it won’t be me and it won’t be you.’ He continued on into the meeting and took his seat.

“His father [who was President of the Church] called the meeting to order and announced the opening hymn. . . . Then Heber J. Grant arose to present the names of the General Authorities for a sustaining vote. About thirty seconds before he got to the point where he would read the name of the new apostle, Joseph Fielding suddenly knew that the name that would be read was his. (In those days it was not [always] the common practice to talk to the person concerned in advance.) He was right” (McConkie, True and Faithful, p. 35).

He served nobly in this calling for nearly sixty years, fulfilling many responsibilities and traveling throughout the world on assignment for the President of the Church.

Father

President Smith loved children and was a faithful and dedicated father. In spite of a busy schedule, he took time for his family. Sadly, his first wife, Louie, died after only ten years of marriage, leaving him alone to raise two young daughters. He found a new love and helper in Ethel Reynolds and married her on 2 November 1908. They were subsequently blessed with nine children, five boys and four girls. When Ethel died 26 August 1937, he once again was faced with the loss of one he loved. But once again he was blessed. He found love and happiness with Jessie Evans, whom he married 12 April 1938.

Have a class member (preferably a girl) read the following tribute given by his wife, Ethel:

“‘You ask me to tell you of the man I know.’ . . . ‘I have often thought when he is gone people will say, “He is a very good man, sincere, orthodox, etc.” They will speak of him as the public knows him; but the man they have in mind is very different from the man I know. The man I know is a kind, loving husband and father whose greatest ambition in life is to make his family happy, entirely forgetful of self in his efforts to do this. He is the man that lulls to sleep the fretful child, who tells bedtime stories to the little ones, who is never too tired or too busy to sit up late at night or to get up early in the morning to help the older children solve perplexing school problems. When illness comes, the man I know watches tenderly over the afflicted one and waits upon him. It is their father for whom they cry, feeling his presence a panacea for all ills. It is his hands that bind up the wounds, his arms that give courage to the sufferer, his voice that remonstrates with them gently when they err, until it becomes their happiness to do the thing that will make him happy.

“‘The man I know is most gentle, and if he feels that he has been unjust to anyone the distance is never too far for him to go and, with loving words or kind deeds, erase the hurt. He welcomes gladly the young people to his home and is never happier than when discussing with them topics of the day—sports or whatever interests them most. He enjoys a good story and is quick to see the humor of a situation, to laugh and to be laughed at, always willing to join in any wholesome activity.

“‘The man I know is unselfish, uncomplaining, considerate, thoughtful, sympathetic, doing everything within his power to make life a supreme joy for his loved ones. That is the man I know’” (True and Faithful, pp. 83–84; see also Improvement Era, June 1932, p. 459).

Church President and Prophet

President Smith knew his calling came from God and took this responsibility very seriously. For sixty years as an Apostle—a special witness of Christ—and for three years as the President and prophet of the Church he spoke and wrote unceasingly to the members of the Church and to all people throughout the world. He urged them to come to Christ and conform their lives to the Master’s teachings. He preached countless sermons, had over twenty-five volumes of his work published (some published after his death), and spent much precious time lifting individuals.

As a young man his patriarchal blessing told him: “‘It is thy privilege to live to a good old age and the will of the Lord that you should become a mighty man in Israel. . . . It shall be thy duty to sit in council with thy brethren and preside among the people. . . . You will indeed stand in the midst of the people a prophet and a revelator to them, for the Lord has blessed you and ordained you to this calling’” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, p. vii).

The Council of the Twelve over whom he presided paid this tribute to him on his eightieth birthday: “‘We who labor in the Council of the Twelve under his leadership have occasion to glimpse the true nobility in his character. . . . We only wish that the entire Church could feel the tenderness of his soul and his great concern over the welfare of the unfortunate and those in distress. He loves all the saints and never ceases to pray for the sinner’” (Smith and Stewart, Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, p. vii).

Discussion

Will you magnify your calling? (Have the class members evaluate their feelings. Read the following challenge, asking them to thoughtfully consider their future roles in the kingdom of God.)

Testimony and Challenge

After challenging the class members to magnify their callings, bear your testimony that President Joseph Fielding Smith was a prophet of God and true to his calling to preach the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that Christ lives and loves us, and that we can draw nearer to him by heeding the prophets.

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 6 (1 minute, 47 seconds), of Joseph Fielding Smith’s testimony. If the videocassette is unavailable, read the testimony as printed here.

“I rejoice in the work of the Lord and glory in the sure knowledge I have in my soul of its truth and divinity. With all my heart I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, that he called the Prophet Joseph Smith to stand at the head of this dispensation and to organize again on the earth the Church and kingdom of God on earth and the work in which we are engaged is true.”

Lesson 34

Prayer, Precious and Powerful

Objective

Class members will feel comfortable expressing their feelings to their Father in Heaven in prayer and will seek to pray more often.

Preparation

Obtain the picture of a young girl praying (62310) from the meetinghouse library.

See that each class member has a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Prepare some dominoes for an object lesson (or something that could be used in place of dominoes). On the first domino attach the label, Prayer. Attach other labels such as hate, anger, pride, selfishness, greed, dishonesty, and so on. Use as many dominoes as you think advisable, labeling each. On the reverse side of each domino (except for the one labeled prayer), write labels naming the opposite of the sin on that domino. For instance, love on the reverse of hate, anger and long-suffering, pride and humility, selfishness and unselfishness, greed and generosity, dishonesty and honesty.

Print the following short statements, each on a separate piece of paper or poster:

The more we pray, the more we will become comfortable in our conversations with our Heavenly Father.

“It is out of the depths of true prayer that an individual rises to real heights.” Neal A. Maxwell

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you” (D&C 88:63).

Prepare three separate wordstrips with the following words:

Why?

How?

What?

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Object lesson

Prayer might be compared with pushing over a stack of dominoes. (Stand the dominoes, or other objects, that you have labeled in a line, with the domino labeled prayer first, closest to you, and the other dominoes lined up with the sin-labeled side facing the class, away from you and in front of the prayer domino. Push the prayer-labeled domino over into the line that faces the class. Pull the toppled dominoes out of the stack one at a time and reveal the word on the opposite side. For example, when prayer has toppled pride, humility results. Go through the whole list of sins prayer has toppled, showing the class the results.

Why Do We Pray?

Wordstrip

Post the wordstrip: “Why?”

Why do we pray? (Have the class think about this question as the lesson is given.)

Picture

Show the picture of the young girl praying at her bedside.

Adam and Eve were the first of Father in Heaven’s children to experience separation from him. The Father must have known how much we would need his guidance in this separation, for among “the first instruction[s] the Lord gave Adam and Eve, following their expulsion from [the Garden of] Eden, was to pray” (Marion G. Romney, “Why We Should Pray,” in Prayer [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977], p. 16; see also Moses 5:4–6).

Heavenly Father’s instruction to us today is no different. Read together and discuss Doctrine and Covenants 90:24: “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.”

Why do we pray? (Allow for responses; however, guide the class to the conclusion that we pray to get help in all things. See D&C 59:21.)

Name something you do well. (If class members are reluctant, point out some skills of class members of which you are aware.)

How did you become good at these skills? (Through practice. Doing it over and over and over again.)

Poster and wordstrip

Hold up statement 1: The more we pray, the more we will become comfortable in our conversations with our Heavenly Father.

How Do We Pray?

Post the wordstrip “How?”

Discussion

How do we pray? (Allow responses and then read the following.) Sister Dwan J. Young, a general president of the Primary, offered four simple steps to prayer:

“The first one is to prepare. Remember who it is with whom you are speaking. We are to come to our Father with humility and meekness, ready to listen as well as to talk. We should always remember that this is our Eternal Father we are speaking with, and so, whenever possible, we kneel. We fold our arms and bow our heads to show him that we have reverence for him. Sometimes it isn’t possible to do these things—not even for a moment while we pray. But even in these unusual situations we can still begin with reverence. . . . Then begin by calling on your Father in Heaven.

“The second step is to be grateful. Remember to thank your Heavenly Father for his blessings. . . . When we start by expressing gratitude for the things we already have, we begin to see our lives in a new way. Sometimes being grateful doesn’t come easily. . . . Sometimes when we come to our Heavenly Father we are in such despair that it is hard to think of anything to be grateful for. These are times when prayer is especially important, times when drawing near unto him is essential because we so desperately need him to draw near unto us. . . .

“The third step is to seek. Ask for his help, but ask with an open, searching spirit. Plead for guidance to meet the challenges you have been given. Ask, knowing as Nephi did, that ‘the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.’ (1 Nephi 3:7.)

“The fourth and last step to prayer is to close. Remember to offer your prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. He is our emissary, our representative, to the Father. That is why we offer our prayers in his name. It is our acknowledgment of him as our Savior” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, pp. 91–92).

Chalkboard and discussion

Write the following on the chalkboard:

Four Steps in Prayer

Reverently address Father in Heaven.

State your thankfulness.

Ask for what you need.

Close in the name of Jesus Christ.

And above all, we must pray regularly. Amulek says: “Let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him [the Lord] continually” (Alma 34:27).

We may feel too embarrassed to bring before the Lord our specific weaknesses. Perhaps there are situations we encounter where we think, “I’m so ashamed this is happening to me. I don’t want anyone to know!” Heavenly Father knows anyway. He is keenly aware of his children, of each of us. Admitting aloud to him a particular weakness, expressing from our heart our sorrow for some sin or blunder is effective! It helps us.

Why is it effective; why does it help us? (Allow time for response. Direct the class to the conclusion that when we talk with Heavenly Father about an experience, a mistake, a situation, it helps us better understand what has taken place or what may be happening. He helps us to understand. Expressions from the heart are often very humbling and help make us teachable. When we can be taught, then repentance and change can come about in our lives. This brings happiness.)

Poster and wordstrip

Hold up statement 2: Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “It is out of the depths of true prayer that an individual rises to real heights” (in “What Should We Pray For,” in Prayer, p. 52).

What Should We Pray For?

Wordstrip and discussion

Post the wordstrip “What?”

What should we pray for? (Allow for response. Guide them to the thought that we can pray for every aspect of our lives.)

Scripture discussion

Read together Alma 34:17–27.

In the Book of Mormon we also read that “whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you” (3 Nephi 18:20; italics added).

Even though we may ask for something in prayer, how God answers is left to his divine wisdom. We may find that our answer does not come right away. (See D&C 9:7–9.)

Poster

Hold up statement 3: “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you” (D&C 88:63).

Prayer Can Take Many Forms

Our prayers can take many forms. They can be sung, wept, whispered, or exclaimed. Prayers can be “thought” when time and circumstance do not permit them to be said aloud. Prayers can be as short as one word—“Help!”—or as long as Enos’s prayer (see Enos 1), which lasted all day long and into the night. Prayers can be petitioned silently while driving a car, riding a bus, during an exam, in a doctor’s office, or wherever we are and need our Heavenly Father. The need for prayer can come at any time, and when it does, remember with whom you are talking. Prayer is precious and powerful!

Sister Dwan J. Young shared her testimony of prayer:

“The important thing to remember is to pray often, talk to Heavenly Father, seek his counsel so that he can guide you. When you draw near to Heavenly Father in prayer, he will draw near to you. You need never feel alone again. I testify to this” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 92).

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony and challenge each class member to set a goal to improve the way each talks to his Father in Heaven.

Lesson 35

Harold B. Lee: From Boy to Man, Close to God

Born 28 March 1899 Years of Presidency: 1972–1973

Objective

The class will realize that the strength of President Harold B. Lee’s life came from his attention to the Spirit of God.

Preparation

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Harold B. Lee.”

Prepare to show the picture of Harold B. Lee in the color section.

Have a returned missionary that the class members know either come to class to relate a short, spiritual message about the Holy Ghost or have the missionary put the message on an audiocassette. Ask him to tell briefly how the Spirit has helped him accomplish what he has up to this point in his life. (Be sure to get permission from the bishop or branch president for this activity and for this returned missionary to speak.)

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Discussion

Have one of the class members stand before the class and answer the following questions:

How would you feel if your mother had just given you a vigorous push?

How would you feel if the push had just saved your life?

Relate the following example from President Lee’s youth:

“‘There was a severe thunderstorm raging near the mountain where our home was located. Our family, consisting of my grandmother, my mother, and two or three of the younger children, were seated in the kitchen before an open door, watching the great display of nature’s fireworks. A flash of chain lightning followed by an immediate loud clap of thunder indicated that the lightning had struck very close.

“‘I was playing back and forth in the doorway when suddenly and without warning, my mother gave me a vigorous push that sent me sprawling backwards out of the doorway. At that instant, a bolt of lightning came down the chimney of the kitchen stove, out through the kitchen’s open doorway, and split a huge gash from top to bottom in a large tree immediately in front of the house. Had it not been for Mother’s intuitive action, and if I had remained in the door opening, I wouldn’t be writing this story today.

“‘My mother could never explain her split-second decision. All I know is that my life was spared because of her impulsive, intuitive nature.

“‘Years later, when I saw the deep scar on that large tree at the old family home, I could only say from a grateful heart, “Thank the Lord for that precious gift possessed in abundant measure by my own mother and by many of the faithful mothers, through whom heaven can be very near in time of need”’” (L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee, Prophet and Seer [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], p. 41).

Ask the class the following questions, keeping in mind the objective of teaching about the guiding influence and strength from the Holy Ghost:

If you are away from home beyond the time your parents expect you, why do you think they are anxious until you come home?

Do young people usually appreciate how parents guide them in the early part of their life?

Many times parents guide under inspiration, yet young people sometimes resist, even when the parents are inspired. (As the teacher, you may wish to relate a personal example.)

Scripture discussion

Have any of you ever felt the promptings of the Spirit? Describe how you felt. (Allow varied responses from those who wish to share these.)

Read the following scriptures: Galatians 5:22–23; Doctrine and Covenants 6:14.

What special opportunities are received by following the Spirit in one’s youth? (Allow varied responses.)

Picture

Display the picture of Harold B. Lee.

Today we will study carefully the life of President Harold B. Lee, the eleventh President of the Church. One of his outstanding characteristics was how closely he listened to the Spirit.

President Lee’s Early Life

Discussion

He was a teacher in a public school at seventeen; a teacher and principal in another public school at age eighteen; a missionary at age twenty-one; a husband at age twenty-four; a high councilor at age twenty-eight; a stake president at age thirty-one; and a seminary teacher, a Salt Lake City commissioner, a manager of the Churchwide welfare system, and an Apostle, all before age forty-two.

Do you think these blessings and opportunities that came to Harold B. Lee could have been obtained without his constant communication with the Spirit? (Allow comments.)

Guest

If you obtained the bishop or branch president’s permission, have the invited returned missionary speak briefly on the Spirit.

President Lee Used His Closeness to the Spirit to Influence Youth

Example

Read the following experience from the life of President Lee:

“On December 5, 1969, a large body of young people and their leaders gathered expectantly for a most unique meeting in the Institute of Religion building on the University of Utah campus. [Elder Lee] had been urged to bear testimony of personal experiences [to let these young people know the reality of God]. Elder Lee responded to these suggestions with a powerful sermon in a defense of the kingdom, taking his text from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5, ‘Shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.’ He related personal experiences of true modern miracles which had occurred to him, attesting to the power of the priesthood; illustrating inspired callings, relevant practices, and eternal principles; and exemplifying the effectiveness of prayer in the lives of the Saints. He supported this with scriptural references throughout. . . .

“Then, considerably more than midway in his sermon of one hour and fifteen minutes, the mood changed. Elder Lee paused. His voice became quiet. He bowed his head over the pulpit, grasping it tightly with both hands. He took a step back and then looked up.

“Then it happened! The spirit of the meeting suddenly changed as Elder Lee concluded his sermon with considerable emotion, firmly and fervently witnessing to the truth of his convictions, . . . and bearing personal, heartfelt testimony that God lives. He told of how he had come to know this truth as one of His special witnesses on the earth. Everyone there knew that he knew! The windows of heaven seemed to open, and the Savior’s spirit flowed over the entire congregation. . . .

“No one moved after the prayer. Elder [Marion D.] Hanks [who had been conducting the meeting] went back to the pulpit and stood there in silence as waves of spiritual power swept through the audience. Still no one stirred to leave. There was no sound or movement of any kind. . . .

“Elder Hanks [recalled] what happened next:

“‘After a long period of utter motionless silence, I nodded to the audience, turned and invited Elder and Sister Lee to walk with me, and led them to the front foyer area of the institute building, where Elder and Sister Lee shook hands with an absolutely mute and generally tearful group of young people as they filed by. Interestingly, during the long silence, which lasted about twenty minutes or even longer, . . . someone started to sing “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning.” Only a few joined in. After one verse they quit, and the silence continued. Even that sacred song was an intrusion on the sublime Spirit’” (L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee, Prophet and Seer, pp. 392–96).

Example

Have a class member who reads well read the following incident:

Just before his death, President Lee was attending his home ward fast and testimony meeting. “Just prior to the close of the meeting, President Lee’s familiar voice came from the back of the chapel, asking permission . . . [to address his ward].

“‘Brothers and Sisters, beloved friends and neighbors, members of my ward family, and those in my own little flock over whom I have stewardship: I’m sorry to disturb you, but I know that it would be disturbing to my Father in Heaven if I don’t say something to you at this time.

“‘By way of testimony I want you to know that I know that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ and our Redeemer, and he is at the head of this Church; I am not. I know that he operates in all the affairs of this church and I say this by way of testimony that you may know that I know he lives.’ . . . After a long pause. . . .

“‘I say this to you by way of a serious warning, that I also know that the adversary lives and operates in the affairs of man. And he is determined to cause a downfall of men. If he can’t get to us, he will try to get to those closest to us, for he is in a mighty battle with the work of the Savior. And I must tell you these words of warning. So keep close to the Lord. Don’t be discouraged. The Lord will take care of his own. If you are prepared, you need not fear, if you are on the Lord’s side’” (L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee, Prophet and Seer, p. 564).

Scripture discussion

President Harold B. Lee evidently saw these days as perilous times. He knew the gospel was true, and he knew Satan would do all in his power to fight against it.

Read and discuss 2 Nephi 28:20–21.

President Lee knew it would take living close to the Spirit of our Father in Heaven to resist the evils of the present day and to live happy lives.

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 7 (1 minute, 39 seconds), of Harold B. Lee’s testimony. If the videocassette is unavailable, conclude the lesson with the testimony and challenge.

“Harold B. Lee’s primary virtue was his spirituality, his intimacy with the God who directed his thoughts and footsteps, his totally uncommon ability to obtain flashes of inspiration and illuminating light in answer to his ponderings and prayers” (L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee, Prophet and Seer, p. 462).

Testimony and Challenge

Challenge class members to look for examples in their own lives where the Holy Spirit is working. Then challenge them to enlarge that relationship through prayer and fasting and scripture study.

Bear your own testimony of how the Holy Spirit has helped you in your life.

Lesson 36

Harold B. Lee—Dynamic Leader

Objective

Class members will desire to follow President Harold B. Lee’s inspired leadership example in preparing themselves and helping prepare their friends and family to meet the Savior.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Harold B. Lee in the color section.

Gather pictures from local newspapers that illustrate the following problems: war, famine, natural disasters, unemployment, wickedness, disease, and poverty. Or assign the class members to bring examples from newspapers or magazines. (Caution class members not to bring inappropriate material to class.) Ask several class members to discuss what measures could reduce the effects of these problems or help eliminate the problems themselves.

Have a class member who is in a youth presidency prepare a report on his or her role in the bishopric youth committee and what that group does.

Assign a class member to tell or read President Marion G. Romney’s comments about President Harold B. Lee. (Provide a hand copy or photocopy for the class member.)

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Discussion

List the following problems on the chalkboard: War, Famine, Natural Disasters (floods, earthquakes, volcanoes), Auto Accidents, Unemployment, Wickedness, Disease, Poverty. Place each newspaper or magazine picture under the appropriate heading.

Have any of you been hurt by problems like these? (Allow brief discussion.)

Imagine that your home has been destroyed by a flood.

What are some of the things with which you would need help? How would you go about getting the help you need? To whom would you turn for help? (Allow brief discussion.)

Harold B. Lee Was a Great Leader

Scripture discussion

Many great world leaders have such qualities as ambition, strength, organizational ability, charisma, and intellectual power. These qualities are helpful in solving problems created by a disaster, but the scriptures tell us something else is necessary for great leadership.

First, a leader needs to be always doing good, even before a disaster.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 64:33–34.

Second, a leader needs to remember that he serves not for his own glory, but for the good of the people and for the glory of Father in Heaven.

Read and discuss Galatians 5:26.

Finally, a leader needs to understand that he can only lead through humility, compassion, obedience, love, and the power of the priesthood.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:36, 41–43.

What skills (remember the scriptures just read) does a good leader need? (Responses might include: humility, compassion, obedience, love, and the power of the priesthood.) Harold B. Lee was such a leader.

Picture

Display the picture of Harold B. Lee.

Example

Relate the following incident in Harold B. Lee’s life.

At the time, in the 1930s, President Lee was president of the Pioneer Stake in Salt Lake City. There were four thousand eight hundred people dependent on fathers who were either unemployed or who needed special help. He said, “At that time I was one of the city commissioners. The night before Christmas Eve, we had had a heavy snowstorm, and I had been out all night with the crews getting the streets cleared, knowing that I would be blamed if any of my men fell down on the job. I had then gone home to change my clothes to go to the office.

“As I started back to town, I saw a little boy on the roadside, hitchhiking. He stood in the biting cold with no coat, no gloves, no overshoes. I stopped and asked where he was going.

“‘I’m going uptown to a free picture show,’ he said.

“I told him I was also going uptown and that he could ride with me.

“‘Son,’ I said, ‘are you ready for Christmas?’

“‘Oh, golly, mister,’ he replied, ‘we aren’t going to have any Christmas at our home. Daddy died three months ago and left Mama and me and a little brother and sister.’

“Three children, all under twelve!

“I turned up the heat in my car and said, ‘Now, son, give me your name and address. Somebody will come to your home—you won’t be forgotten. And you have a good time; it’s Christmas Eve!’

“That night I asked each bishop to go with his delivery men and see that each family was cared for, and to report back to me. While waiting for the last bishop to report, I suddenly, painfully, remembered something. In my haste to see that all my duties at work and my responsibilities in the Church had been taken care of, I had forgotten the little boy and the promise I had made.

“When the last bishop reported, I asked, ‘Bishop, have you enough left to visit one more family?’

“‘Yes, we have,’ he replied.

“I told him the story about the little boy and gave him the address. Later he called to say that that family too had received some well-filled baskets. Christmas Eve was over at last, and I went to bed.

“As I awoke that Christmas morning, I said in my heart, ‘God grant that I will never let another year pass but that I, as a leader, will truly know my people. I will know their needs. I will be conscious of those who need my leadership most’” (Harold B. Lee, Ye Are the Light of the World [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], pp. 346–47).

Discussion

What qualities of leadership did President Lee show here? (Lead the class back to the qualities of leadership previously discussed in the lesson.)

Report

Have the assigned class member tell or read the following comments made by President Marion G. Romney, who served as Second Counselor to President Lee in the First Presidency of the Church.

“Taking the Lord at his word that man should earn his bread in the sweat of his face and convinced that all things are possible to him that believeth, [Harold B. Lee] struck out boldly with the fearless ingenuity and courage of a Brigham Young to pioneer a way whereby his people could, by their own efforts and the help of their brethren, be supplied the necessities of life.

“Directed by the light of heaven, through building projects, production projects, and a variety of other rehabilitation activities, he gave a demonstration of love for his fellowmen seldom equalled in any generation. . . .

“With all his heart he loved and served his fellowmen. He loved the poor, for he had been one of them. . . .

“Harold B. Lee’s experience in caring for the people of his stake was in preparation for greater things to come. That was his call to the wider service in the general Church welfare program. ‘On April 20, 1935,’ [President Lee] said, ‘I was called to [a meeting at] the office of the First Presidency. . . . My humble place in this [welfare] program at that time was described. I left there . . . and drove . . . to the head of City Creek Canyon. I got out, after I had driven as far as I could, and I walked up through the trees. I sought my Heavenly Father. As I sat down to pour over this matter, wondering about an organization to be perfected to carry this work, I received a testimony, on that beautiful spring afternoon, that God had already revealed the greatest organization that ever could be given to mankind and that all that was needed now was that the organization be set to work and the temporal welfare of the Latter-day Saints would be safeguarded.’

“The organization here referred to was the Holy Priesthood of God” (“In the Shadow of the Almighty,” Ensign, Feb. 1974, p. 96).

What is an essential ingredient for any successful Church leader? (The priesthood and its power.)

President Lee Was a Major Instrument in the Lord’s Plan for Correlating All Church Programs

The Church’s correlation program as it is today was begun while Elder Harold B. Lee served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The First Presidency under the direction of President David O. McKay established a Correlation Executive Committee to direct the correlation program, and Elder Lee was called to be its chairman. Under correlation, all Church organizations and programs have priesthood direction and all lessons and materials are planned so that concepts and ideas are not repeated unnecessarily in auxiliaries and quorums. Materials are planned so that important concepts are taught and reviewed in appropriate classes systematically. President Lee’s influence on the correlation program has had great impact on the lives of Church members.

Chalkboard and report

What is the bishopric youth committee? (Have the previously assigned class member tell about the role of the bishopric youth committee and about his or her role on it. Diagram the bishopric youth committee on the chalkboard.)

Bishopric Youth Committee

Bishopric

First assistant to priests quorum president

Laural president

Teachers quorum president

Mia Maid

Deacons quorum president

Beehive president

Advisers who attend

Young Women president

Young Men president

Activities committee

Elder Robert P. Backman, of the Seventy, recounts this experience: “When I was called by President Harold B. Lee to be president of the Aaronic Priesthood-MIA, I had a most interesting conversation with him. He talked about the young people of the Church and about the challenges they face in growing up in this world in which we live. He expressed his deep concern about the fact that some of them could go through Primary, Sunday School, Mutual, priesthood quorums, and seminary and come out the other end without testimonies.

“He said: ‘Do you know why I think it is? Because our young people have grown up spectators.’ Then he gave me a challenge that I’ve never forgotten and one which I have passed on to the youth of the Church on many occasions. He said, ‘Bob, I challenge you to provide a program that will prepare this generation to meet the Savior when he comes’” (L. Brent Goates, Harold B. Lee, Prophet and Seer [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], pp. 504–5).

Discussion

How does the bishopric youth committee help fulfill President Lee’s challenge to Elder Backman? (Allow varied responses.)

How does it fit under the correlation program of the Church? (All activities are directed by the priesthood quorums of the Church.)

How does it fit in the program to help prepare members of the Church to meet the Savior? (The Church needs young people with testimonies who can lead the Church in the future. The youth committee involves youth now and provides them with valuable leadership training for the future.)

What are some of the major contributions of President Harold B. Lee to the Church? (Suggest they think of both lessons on President Lee. Answers could include: [1] spirituality, [2] leadership, [3] welfare contributions, and [4] correlation contributions.)

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony that these principles are important to the growth of the Lord’s Church and that President Lee indeed played an important role in helping us prepare to meet the Savior. Challenge class members to do the same.

Lesson 37

Spencer W. Kimball: Raised in a Refiner’s Fire

Born 28 March 1895 Years of Presidency: 1973–1985

Objective

Class members will learn that adversity often brings out the sweetest and purest qualities in men and women, allowing them to give great service to others.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Spencer W. Kimball in the color section.

You may want to read selections from Spencer W. Kimball by Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1977).

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Spencer W. Kimball.”

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Throughout a life that presented him with many problems, Spencer W. Kimball refused to allow his personal problems to stand in the way of his service to God and his fellowmen.

Read the following segment from Elder Wm. Grant Bangerter’s conference address of October 1977:

“My dear brethren and sisters, . . . I have in mind a special moment in Church history which has a great bearing on our testimonies and on the progress of the gospel. I hope that it has been duly recorded by those who keep the history. I refer to what happened on the 4th of April, 1974.

“The story really begins on the 26th of December, 1973. President Harold B. Lee passed away suddenly on that day. His death was completely unexpected. . . . We knew, of course, that [President Spencer W. Kimball] would manage somehow, but it would not be easy for him, and things would not be the same. . . .

“. . . The moment came when President Kimball arose to address the assembled leadership. He noted that he also had never expected to occupy this position [as prophet] and that he missed President Lee equally with the rest of us. Then he reviewed much of the instruction which President Lee had given over the past years, and our prayers in behalf of President Kimball continued.

“As he proceeded with his address, however, he had not spoken very long when a new awareness seemed to fall on the congregation. We became alert to an astonishing spiritual presence, and we realized that we were listening to something unusual, powerful, different from any of our previous meetings. It was as if, spiritually speaking, our hair began to stand on end. Our minds were suddenly vibrant and marveling at the transcendent message that was coming to our ears. With a new perceptiveness we realized President Kimball was opening spiritual windows and beckoning to us to come and gaze with him on the plans of eternity. It was as if he were drawing back the curtains which covered the purpose of the Almighty and inviting us to view with him the destiny of the gospel and the vision of its ministry.

“I doubt that any person present that day will ever forget the occasion. . . . The Spirit of the Lord was upon President Kimball and it proceeded from him to us as a tangible presence, which was at once both moving and shocking. He unrolled to our view a glorious vision. He told us of the ministry performed by the apostles in the day of the Savior, and how the same mission was conferred on the apostles under Joseph Smith. He demonstrated how these men had gone forth in faith and devotion and were clothed with great power, by which they had carried the gospel to the ends of the earth, reaching further, in some ways, than we with the strength of this modern church are doing at the present time. He showed us how the Church was not fully living in the faithfulness that the Lord expects of His people, and that, to a certain degree we had settled into a spirit of complacency and satisfaction with things as they were. It was at that moment that he sounded the now famous slogan, ‘We must lengthen our stride.’ . . .

“President Kimball bespoke other messages: ‘We must go to all the world.’ ‘Every boy should go on a mission.’ ‘Open the door to new nations.’ ‘Send missionaries from Mexico, South America, Japan, Great Britain and Europe.’ . . . This was a new vision, disturbing and exciting, added to the old. . . .

“President Kimball spoke under this special influence for an hour and ten minutes. It was a message totally unlike any other in my experience. I realized that it was similar to the occasion of the 8th of August, 1844, when Brigham Young spoke to the Saints in Nauvoo following the death of the Prophet Joseph. Sidney Rigdon had returned from Pittsburgh, where he had apostatized, to try to capture the Church. Many people testified, however, that as Brigham Young arose, the power of the Lord rested upon him to the extent that he was transfigured before them, with the appearance and the voice of Joseph Smith. That moment was decisive in the history of the Church, and the occasion of April 4, 1974 is parallel.

“When President Kimball concluded, President Ezra Taft Benson arose and with a voice filled with emotion, echoing the feeling of all present, said, in substance: ‘President Kimball, through all the years that these meetings have been held, we have never heard such an address as you have just given. Truly, there is a prophet in Israel’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, pp. 37–39; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, pp. 26–27).

Adversity Can Be a Good Teacher

Discussion

What has been one of the most difficult things you have had to undergo during your lifetime? What are some difficulties people of the world might have had to undergo? (Responses will vary. They may include: emotional distress, family members not living the gospel, economic disaster, illness, death, etc.)

Why must people undergo these tragedies? Does God want to punish us? Can we gain any positive character traits by being tested in such a fashion? (Allow discussion, stressing that we are here to be tested and that it is through our trials that we are able to make the decisions that will bring us closer to our Father in Heaven. God does not want to punish us. Note: the growth and positive results that can come from being tested will be discussed after the next two scriptures.)

Scripture discussion

Read and discuss the following scriptures with the class: John 9:2–3 and Doctrine and Covenants 122:7.

What positive character traits and good can come from the trials men and women must undergo in this life? (Possible responses: strength to endure, experience, patience, loving attitude toward those who serve us, closeness to the Lord, humility, reliance on the Lord.)

Pain and Sorrow Seemed to Temper and Mold President Kimball

Discussion

How could each of the following events in the life of Spencer W. Kimball have affected him?

He nearly drowned at age ten.

He lost his mother at age eleven.

He hovered near death from typhoid at age thirteen.

He lost his father at age twenty-nine.

Five years after his call to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, he suffered a serious heart ailment that forced him into months of inactivity. (This was especially difficult for a man who had been a physical dynamo, a star athlete, a forceful businessman, a stake president, and then an Apostle.)

Some years later he was afflicted with cancer in his throat. The doctors said he would lose his voice, the very focal point of his life and service as an Apostle. (With a special blessing from Elder Harold B. Lee, Elder Kimball submitted to surgery. Part of a vocal cord was saved. When he was ready to try to speak again, he went home to the valley of his youth. There he told about having fallen among “cutthroats” in the East. With this priceless bit of humor, he said good-bye to the past and a new voice began to be heard—no singing, but a beloved, familiar voice with a gravity of sound to match the gravity of his message.)

Later his heart condition resurfaced and required open-heart surgery to save his life. (Again President Lee pronounced blessings: life for the patient and divine guidance for the surgeon. Both blessings were fulfilled. A speedy recovery occurred; a prophet was saved.)

Only two years after his open-heart surgery, Spencer W. Kimball became President of the Lord’s Church, demonstrating remarkably vigorous health until the very last few years, when his dynamic schedule had to be lessened due to increasing health problems. He died at age ninety.

Example

President Kimball was prepared for many of his trials by the severe conditions of a frontier-style life. His father, then stake president, spoke at his graduation from the LDS Academy [high school], and announced from the pulpit, unbeknown to his son, that Spencer would not go on to college that fall but go on a mission. President Kimball, a very obedient son, accepted this call without question.

Spencer had been working for two summers at a dairy in another part of Arizona to earn enough money for college. He now worked in the same capacity, but now it was to make it possible for him to serve the Lord.

“It was tough work. The scalding water he and the other boys used to wash the milk cans made their fingers tender. As soon as he would start to milk his two dozen cows, morning or night, the pressure on his tender fingers would split the flesh. They swelled and cracked until the blood would ooze out. ‘I could have cried many a time,’ he remembered. Some of the boys’ fingers got so sore their fingernails fell off and their forearms swelled. Some of the cows’ udders seemed so hard, Spencer remembered, that ‘it was almost like getting milk out of iron bars.’ When he would walk into town for Sunday School with some of the other boys, their fingers would throb so badly they would hold them over their heads to help the blood drain out” (Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1977], p. 70).

The experience at the dairy gave Spencer a first major exposure to the world outside a Mormon influence, the world of nonmembers. Week after week Spencer and a young friend, Ben Blake, were about the only young men available to administer and pass the sacrament.

“Spencer’s non-Mormon boss [at the dairy] always had a cigar in his mouth. One of his buddies at work, [a member], smoked and stayed away from church. [But Spencer found a good friend in a returned missionary named George.] Two tough boys also worked there. One of them cracked George over the head with a metal nut slung in a handkerchief. Later Spencer found George bleeding badly. The other boys were fired, remembered Spencer with satisfaction, and ‘We then had total peace.’

“Occasionally Spencer went along with George to help him deliver milk. Globe [Arizona, where they worked,] was a wide-open mining town. [The rough section of town], one of the dairy’s best areas, made Spencer uneasy; he followed George there no oftener than he had to. . . .

“[Spencer’s father missed him very much, especially since Spencer was about to go on a mission.] He wrote: ‘Well, dear boy, I am lonesome without you and to think of being without my boy for a long time yet makes me feel very peculiar at times. Our letting Alice [his sister] go to Utah and you away is too much at one time in the face of unfavorable conditions that exist at times, as you know. But I work it off. All I can do is just keep pitching in and drowning my feelings. Work, work, is the greatest thing in the world’” (Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 70–71).

Discussion

Ask the class to consider President Kimball’s life and the difficulties he encountered to answer the following questions. Allow varied answers.

What experiences in President Kimball’s early years helped him to successfully overcome the adversities that came later? (See list on page 186.)

How was he prepared to meet the world by these experiences? (These experiences allowed him to maintain the sweetness and honesty of his character in spite of the trials offered by the world.)

What help did his father give him? (His father was an example of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.)

What help could he now give the people of the Church, as he served them as prophet? (He could teach them to work diligently, to be faithful in service to others, to deal honestly.)

President Kimball Was Able to Give Marvelous Service by Not Allowing Adversity to Overcome Him

Chalkboard

List the following accomplishments on the board as you present them to the class:

Missionary

Stake clerk

Stake president

Apostle

President of the Church

Authorized stake presidents to ordain missionaries.

Authorized stake presidents to set apart bishops.

Added three revelations to the Doctrine and Covenants (sections 137 and 138 and Official Declaration—2, which allows all worthy male members to hold the priesthood).

Made powerful statements against homosexuality, abortion, and the Equal Rights Amendment.

Organized the First Quorum of the Seventy, eliminating Assistants to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Instituted the consolidated Sunday meeting schedule.

Authorized the publication of the new LDS edition of the scriptures.

Expanded temple construction (21 temples dedicated during his presidency).

Increased missionary work dramatically (doubled size of missionary force while President).

President Kimball’s Call to the Apostleship

President Kimball had doubts about his ability to be an Apostle of the Lord. He told of spending many sleepless nights worrying about this calling.

Just before the announcement of his calling was made, he went into the mountains to receive confirmation from the Lord. He said, “‘My weakness overcame me. . . . Hot tears came flooding down my cheeks as I made no effort to mop them up. I was accusing myself, and condemning myself and upbraiding myself. I was praying aloud for special blessings from the Lord. I was telling him that I had not asked for this position, that I was incapable of doing the work, that I was imperfect and weak and human, that I was unworthy of so noble a calling, though I had tried hard and my heart had been right. I knew that I must have been at least partly responsible for offenses and misunderstandings which a few people fancied they had suffered at my hands. I realized that I had been petty and small many times. I did not spare myself. . . .

“‘If I could only have the assurance that my call had been inspired most of my other worries would be dissipated. . . . I stumbled up the hill and onto the mountain, as the way became rough. I faltered some as the way became steep. No paths were there to follow. . . . Never had I prayed before as I now prayed. What I wanted and felt I must have was an assurance that I was acceptable to the Lord. . . .

“‘I broke off one end [of a piece of oak stick] for a cane . . . and it helped me climb. . . . I thought of my Father and Mother and my Grandfather, Heber C. Kimball [who had] passed from the earth. . . . There was one great desire, to get a testimony of my calling. . . .

“‘Was it a dream which came to me? I was weary and I think I went to sleep for a little. It seemed that in a dream I saw my grandfather and became conscious of the great work he had done. I cannot say that it was a vision, but I do know that with this new experience came a calm like the dying wind. . . . I got up, walked to the rocky point and sat on [a] ledge. My tears were dry, my soul was at peace. A calm feeling of assurance came over me, doubt and questionings subdued. It was as though a great burden had been lifted. I sat in tranquil silence surveying the beautiful valley, thanking the Lord for the satisfaction and reassuring answer to my prayers. Long I meditated here in peaceful quietude, apart, and I felt nearer my Lord than ever at any time in my life. . . . I felt I knew my way, now, physically and spiritually and knew where I was going’” (see Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 193–95).

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 8 (1 minute, 16 seconds), of Spencer W. Kimball’s testimony.

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony to the class that Spencer W. Kimball was a prophet of God.

Challenge the class to remember what they know of President Kimball and his experiences. Ask them to evaluate the times of crisis and trial that have come into their own lives. How can these trials sweeten and purify their souls?

Lesson 38

Spencer W. Kimball—Model of Forgiveness

Objective

Class members will see that we must each seek and be given forgiveness in order to reach the kingdom of God.

Preparation

You may want to read selections from Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969).

Prepare to show the picture of Spencer W. Kimball in the color section.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Story

Before Spencer W. Kimball received confirmation of his calling as an Apostle, he felt he needed to make a visit to his hometown.

“Spencer’s worst worry was how to live up to his call. What about people he had offended? Would they resent him? He started visiting every man he had done much business with, to explain his new situation: ‘I’ve been called to a high position in my Church. I cannot serve in good conscience unless I know my life has been honorable. You and I have had dealings. If there was any injustice . . . I’ve brought my checkbook.’ Most shook hands and refused to hear any more. A couple of men fancied that in fairness they should have got a few hundred dollars more on certain sales. Spencer wrote the checks.

“He visited a neighbor. The two men had had a difference over use of the irrigation ditch that ran past their home lots. Spencer knocked at his door and apologized. ‘I felt very definitely that he had been the offender largely and that he had hurt me terribly, but I knew that no quarrel was one-sided and therefore I was willing to forgive and forget. . . .’

“A clerk in the stake whom Spencer had once taken to task for carelessness in keeping some Church financial records had been cold toward him ever since. Now Spencer looked him up and said he could not begin his apostleship with bad feelings between them. They talked it out.

“There was a woman in his stake so bitter she would cross the street to avoid him. She had never told him why. Spencer’s stenographer remembered him fidgeting in the Kimball-Greenhalgh office one morning, a folder under his arm. . . . ‘I hate to go. I never did anything so hard.’ But he went. He asked the woman, ‘What have I done against you?’ She thought he had intervened with the governor to oppose her husband’s being named to a state office.

“‘Who told you that?’

“‘My friends.’

“‘They were mistaken. I wouldn’t do that. And I don’t have that kind of influence with the governor anyway.’

“Their talk patched things up between them” (Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1977], pp. 197–98).

The Lord’s Servants Must Have Pure Thoughts and Pure Actions

Discussion

Why did President Kimball make all these attempts at reconciliation before he undertook the job as an Apostle of the Lord? (Suggested response: he wanted to forgive and to be forgiven so that he could begin this tremendous undertaking with a spirit that would allow direct communication with the Lord.)

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43.

If a person has sinned, full payment must be made in order for him to be pure and have a humble spirit. President Kimball had tried to make restitution in full, even if he felt the obligation might not be totally required by law.

Thought questions

Answer these questions to yourselves. Think of any person you feel has wronged you, caused you trouble or hurt. What kind of effort would it take for you to go to them and sincerely apologize for causing them any hurt? How would it make you and the other person feel?

Chalkboard and discussion

What are some things that are bad for the mind and spirit? (For instance: critical thoughts, feelings of hatred, pornographic and obscene thoughts, hypocrisy, ingratitude, selfishness, addiction to drugs of any type, etc. List these and other class responses on the chalkboard.)

How do these things poison our minds as well as our spirits? (They replace good and clean thoughts and can cause us to lose the influence of the Holy Ghost.)

President Kimball emphasized that servants of the Lord can only serve with:

Pure Thoughts

and

Pure Actions

A Man Can Only Be Free If He Repents

Story

President Kimball told the following story:

A person “who attempts to escape from reality and to avoid the penalties, to avoid coping with the situation, is somewhat like that escapist who had committed serious crime and was incarcerated in the penitentiary with a life sentence. He felt he had been very clever in his manipulations and that only through some error or trick of fate had he been caught.

“In the long, merciless hours behind the bars, he planned his escape. With much organization and effort he created a tiny saw, and with this he worked almost ceaselessly in the dead of night until he eventually sawed a bar through. He waited until what he thought was a propitious moment in the stillness of the night to pull the bar aside and to squeeze his body out through the aperture, and as he cleared the bars the thought came into his mind, ‘Ah, at last I am free!’ And then he realized that he was only in the inner passageways, and he had not yet freed himself.

“He stealthily moved down the hallway to the door and stood in the darkness of the corner until the guard came along. He knocked the guard unconscious and took his keys and opened the door. As he got a breath of the cool outside air the thought came to him again, ‘I am free! I am clever. No one can hold me; no one can force me to pay the penalties.’ As he quietly stepped out he noted that he was still in the outer courts of the prison compound. He was still a prisoner.

“But he had planned well. He found a rope, threw it over the wall and got the end caught, and pulled himself up by the rope to the top of the wall. ‘At last I am free,’ he thought, ‘I do not need to pay penalties. I am clever enough to evade the pursuers.’ About this time the lights went on from the wall towers, and guns began to shoot, and the alarm was given. He dropped quickly down on the outside in the dark and ran for cover. As he got farther from the prison he heard the bloodhounds baying, but his scent was lost for the dogs as he waded a distance in the creek. He found a hiding place in the city until his pursuers had lost his tracks.

“Eventually he found his way out into the eastern part of the state and hired himself out to a stockman, herding sheep. He was far out in the hills. No one had seemed to recognize him. He changed his appearance by letting his hair and beard grow. The months passed. At first he reveled in his freedom and prided himself on his cunning—on how he had eluded all pursuers and now had no witnesses and no accusers, and he was free and did not have to answer to anyone. But the months were barren and stale, the sheep were monotonous, time was limitless; his dreams would never terminate. He came to realize that he could not get away from himself and his accusing conscience. He came to know that he was not free, that he was in fact in fetters and bondage; and there seemed to be ears that heard what he said, eyes that saw what he did, silent voices that were always accusing him of what he had done. The freedom in which he had reveled had changed to chains.

“Finally this escapist left his sheep, went into town and terminated his employment. Then he found his way back to the big city and to the officers of the law and told them he was ready to pay so that he could be free.

“This man learned the cost of sin” (Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 143–44).

We must awake to the fact that we have committed sins. Read 2 Corinthians 7:9–10.

We must abandon sin. Read James 4:7.

We must confess our sins: (1) to persons we have offended, (2) to the Lord himself, and (3) to the Lord’s authorized representatives if the sins are of a serious nature. (See Doctrine and Covenants 58:43: “By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”)

We must make restitution where we can. (See Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 194: “The repentant sinner is required to make restitution insofar as it is possible.”)

We must thenceforth keep the commandments of God. (See Doctrine and Covenants 1:32: “Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven.”)

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony to the healing process of repentance and forgiveness and the tremendous influence of President Spencer W. Kimball on members of the Church to obey that principle.

Challenge class members to repent and seek forgiveness from those they have offended and from the Lord.

Lesson 39

“Lengthen Your Stride”

Objective

Class members will lengthen their strides by living the gospel more perfectly now.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Spencer W. Kimball in the color section.

See that each class member has a copy of the standard works.

Prepare a poster with this message:

“I wonder if we are doing all we can. . . . Are we prepared to lengthen our stride?”

President Spencer W. Kimball

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Have some class members come to the front of the class. Using masking tape, or some other marking device, mark the length of each person’s stride on the floor. Challenge them to try to lengthen it by six inches and then mark again each person’s stride on the floor. Then explain that that extra six inches in stride could significantly enhance the distance they could cover in a race.

President Kimball Challenged Us to Lengthen Our Stride

Picture and poster

Display the picture of President Spencer W. Kimball.

In a message from President Kimball printed in the October 1974 Ensign, he directed the following question, simple but powerful, to the membership of the Church. (Display the poster.)

“I wonder if we are doing all we can. . . . Are we prepared to lengthen our stride?” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign, Oct. 1974, p. 5).

The dictionary tells us lengthen means “to make longer . . . to grow . . . to extend,” and stride means “to take a very long step . . . to move over or along with . . . long measured steps . . . natural pace” (Webster’s Tenth New Collegiate Dictionary, s.v. “lengthen” and “stride”). (Refer again to the poster.)

What do you think President Kimball meant when he asked us to “lengthen our stride”? (Allow varied answers.)

Scripture discussion

We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Kimball knew we were trying to live the gospel. He also was aware of the world around us and our responsibility to spread the kingdom of God to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. President Kimball felt the urgency in the message of the following scriptures:

Read with the class Doctrine and Covenants 42:58 and D&C 133:7–9, 37.

Because each of you is part of the kingdom of God as it rolls forth across the world into every nation, the call—“Lengthen your stride”—is to you.

How can we do more than we are doing? (Allow varied responses.)

Sometimes living the gospel may seem overwhelming. There is so much to do! We might think occasionally, “After I say my prayers, read the scriptures, work on my family history, pay tithing, write in my journal, develop my talents, and go to school, there is no time left for anything!”

The following story may help you understand how you can do a little extra to lengthen your stride.

President Kimball was a man of commitment and work. He always tried to do just a little bit better than what was required. He displayed this characteristic even as a small boy. He told the following experience of himself:

“Let me tell you of one of the goals that I made when I was still but a lad. When I heard a Church leader from Salt Lake City tell us at conference that we should read the scriptures, and I recognized that I had never read the Bible, that very night at the conclusion of that very sermon I walked to my home a block away and climbed up in my little attic room in the top of the house and lighted a little coal-oil lamp that was on the little table, and I read the first chapters of Genesis. A year later I closed the Bible, having read every chapter in the big and glorious book” (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, pp. 126–27; or Ensign, May 1974, p. 88).

As a boy, President Kimball did not just attend his meetings, as he knew he should, but he lengthened his stride to actually living the gospel. He committed himself to having a perfect attendance at all of his meetings. This was not an easy task for a young lad to accomplish. A friend tells the following:

Example

“For years [President Kimball] had a record of perfect attendance at Sunday School and Primary. One Monday he was in the field tramping hay for his older brothers when the meetinghouse bell rang for Primary.

“‘I’ve got to go to Primary,’ he timidly suggested.

“‘You can’t go today; we need you,’ they said.

“‘Well, Father would let me go, if he were here,’ the boy countered.

“‘Father isn’t here,’ they said, ‘and you are not going.’

“The piles of hay came pouring up, literally covering Spencer, but finally he had caught up; sliding noiselessly from the back of the wagon, he was halfway to the meetinghouse before his absence was noticed, and his perfect record remained unbroken” (Jesse A. Udall, “Spencer W. Kimball, the Apostle from Arizona,” Improvement Era, Oct. 1943, p. 591).

Just that little extra we do each day of our lives can make a difference. Ralph Waldo Emerson once made the remark: “Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is to you” (as quoted in Richard L. Evans, Richard Evans’ Quote Book [Salt Lake City: Publishers Press, 1971], p. 50).

Lengthening Our Stride Often Requires Sacrifice

There is a price to pay for accomplishment.

Scripture discussion

Read Doctrine and Covenants 35:24 and D&C 82:10.

What are some of the sacrifices you make to live the principles of the gospel? (Allow for a full discussion of this topic. Lead the class to understand why we sacrifice time, money, and sometimes friendships, position, and prestige for the gospel.)

The Savior’s Life Is an Example of How We Might Lengthen Our Stride

Christ’s life is an example that we can look to as we accept the prophet’s challenge to “lengthen our stride.”

Scripture discussion

Read and discuss as many of the following scriptures as you feel appropriate.

How are they examples of the Savior going the extra mile? How might we use them to lengthen our stride? (The basic subject of each follows the source.)

Matthew 14:13–21: Feeding the five thousand.

John 13:4–17: Jesus washes the feet of the Twelve.

3 Nephi 17: Jesus blessed the Nephites and prayed for them.

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your testimony of the power that is within each of us to “lengthen” our stride. Challenge class members to begin now to accept President Kimball’s challenge and lengthen their strides in some area of their lives. Remind them it will take commitment, work, and sacrifice, but they will also receive blessings.

Lesson 40

Ezra Taft Benson: Teaching Sacrifice and Service for the Lord

Born 4 August 1899 Years of Presidency: 1985–1994

Objective

Class members will learn how President Benson helped others to understand the law of sacrifice, thereby helping them become better servants in the kingdom of God.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Ezra Taft Benson in the color section.

See that each class member has a Book of Mormon.

If the videocassette Testimonies of the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (53242) is available, show the section “Ezra Taft Benson.”

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Scripture index search

(Scriptures in some languages do not have an index in their Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants study aids. If your scriptures do not, study with class members the word sacrifice in a good dictionary.)

Find the word sacrifice in the index to the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. You will find a number of scriptural references. (Divide the class into two teams and read the following to the class.)

You will be searching for specific scriptures on sacrifice. I will give a clue from the references listed under “sacrifice,” such as: “broken heart and contrite spirit.” Each of you should look for that reference in the index to find the scripture reference, which in this case would be 3 Nephi 9:20, and then you would find that passage of scripture. When the passage is found, one team member should be chosen to come to the chalkboard and write the third word of the scripture on the board. Score a point for each correct, first response.

(You may wish to have some reward for the winning team. Do not spend more than six or seven minutes on this activity, and after you have found four or five good references, stop and discuss them with your class members. This discussion is one of the most important parts of your lesson; it will bring the class to the focal point of the lesson. The activity is meant to awaken and challenge class members.)

President Benson Learned the Principle of Sacrifice from His Parents

Story

Tell in your own words the following story from President Benson’s life:

“I was about thirteen years of age when my father received a call to go on a mission. It was during an epidemic in our little community of Whitney, Idaho. Parents were encouraged to go to sacrament meeting, but the children were to remain home to avoid contracting the disease.

“Father and Mother went to sacrament meeting in a one-horse buggy. At the close of the meeting, the storekeeper opened the store just long enough for the farmers to get their mail, since the post office was in the store. There were no purchases, but in this way the farmers saved a trip to the post office on Monday. There was no rural postal delivery in those days.

“As Father drove the horse homeward, Mother opened the mail, and, to their surprise, there was a letter from Box B in Salt Lake City—a call to go on a mission. No one asked if one were ready, willing, or able. The bishop was supposed to know, and the bishop was Grandfather George T. Benson, my father’s father.

“As Father and Mother drove into the yard, they were both crying—something we had never seen in our family. We gathered around the buggy—there were seven of us then—and asked what was the matter.

“They said, ‘Everything’s fine.’

“‘Why are you crying then?’ we asked.

“‘Come into the living room and we’ll explain.’

“We gathered around the old sofa in the living room, and Father told us about his mission call. Then Mother said: ‘We’re proud to know that Father is considered worthy to go on a mission. We’re crying because it means two years of separation. You know your father and I have never been separated for more than two nights at a time since our marriage—and that’s when Father was gone into the canyon to get logs, posts, and firewood.’

“And so Father went on his mission. Though at the time I did not fully comprehend the depths of my father’s commitment, I understand better now that his willing acceptance of this call was evidence of his great faith” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, pp. 59–60; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, pp. 45–46).

Through his father’s example, President Benson learned the power of sacrifice. He was the eldest child. While his father served this mission, young Ezra had to manage the family dairy. He later went on a mission, opening a period of service to the Lord from his own life.

He served in many positions in the Church, twice as a stake president. Following his service as stake president, he was called into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was here he had to emulate his father’s example and leave his family behind while administering to the needs of the Saints in war-torn Europe following World War II.

President Benson Witnessed Suffering among the Saints in Europe

Brother Frederick W. Babbel accompanied President Benson to Europe after World War II. The following experiences from Brother Babbel’s book, On Wings of Faith, illustrate the sacrifice President Benson saw among the European Saints.

Example

In one of his first speeches in Europe, President Benson said:

“My heart is filled with gratitude, my brothers and sisters, as I look into your upturned faces. My heart goes out to you in the pure love of God.

“While I am grateful for this opportunity, I came here with a heavy heart. As we rode through your green and fruitful land, I saw in every town and hamlet the frightful result of man’s disobedience to the laws of God.

“I support none nor condemn any for what has happened. God will be the judge and his judgments will be just because he sees not only the results of our decisions, but judges us by the intent of our hearts as well. . . .

“As I look into your tear-stained eyes and see many of you virtually in rags and at death’s door, yet with a smile upon your cracked lips and the light of love and understanding shining in your eyes, I know that you have been true to your covenants, that you have been clean, that you have not permitted hatred and bitterness to fill your hearts. . . .

“We are all brothers and sisters. We are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ—the kingdom of God on earth. We accept wholeheartedly the statement of the Master that ‘We are our brother’s keeper’” (Frederick W. Babbel, On Wings of Faith [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1972], pp. 37–39).

The following is a true story of an LDS woman President Benson met following one meeting with members who had suffered through the war.

The sister had “burlap sacks wrapped around her feet and legs in place of shoes. Even these were now in shreds. Her clothing was patched and tattered. . . . This good sister had lived in East Prussia. During the final days of the frightful battles in that area, her husband had been killed. She was left with four small children, one of them a babe in arms. Under the agreements of the occupying powers, she was one of 11 million Germans who was required to leave her homeland and all her basic possessions, and go to Western Germany to seek a new home. She was permitted only to take such bare necessities, bedding, etc. as she could load into her small wooden-wheeled wagon—about sixty-five pounds in all—which she pulled across this desolate wasteland of war. Her smallest child she carried in her arms while the other small children did their best to walk beside her during this trek of over a thousand miles on foot.

“She started her journey in late summer. Having neither food nor money among her few possessions, she was forced to gather subsistence from the fields and forests along the way. Constantly she was also faced with dangers from panicky refugees and marauding troops.

“Soon the snows came and temperatures dropped to about 40° below zero. One by one her children died, either frozen to death or the victims of starvation, or both. She buried them in shallow graves by the roadside, using a tablespoon as a shovel. Finally, as she was reaching the end of her journey, her last little child died in her arms. Her spoon was gone now, so she dug a grave in the frozen earth with her bare fingers.

“As she was recalling these and other difficulties at a testimony meeting, she explained that her grief at that moment became unbearable. Here she was kneeling in the snow at the graveside of her last child. She had now lost her husband and all her children. She had given up all her earthly goods, her home, and even her homeland. She found herself among people whose condition resembled her own wretched state of affairs.

“In this moment of deep sorrow and bewilderment, she felt her heart would break. In despair she contemplated how she might end her own life as so many of her fellow countrymen were doing. How easy it would be to jump off a nearby bridge, she thought, or to throw herself in front of an oncoming train!

“Then she testified that as these thoughts assailed her, something within her said, ‘Get down on your knees and pray.’ And she then rapturously explained how she prayed more fervently than she had ever prayed before.

“In conclusion, she bore a glorious testimony, stating that of all ailing people in her saddened land she was one of the happiest because she knew that God lived, that Jesus is the Christ, and that if she continued faithful and true to the end she would be saved in the celestial kingdom of God” (Frederick W. Babbel, On Wings of Faith, pp. 41–42).

Do you think this woman understood the word sacrifice? How do you think her story affected President Benson and others in Europe? (Allow varied answers.)

President Benson Urged Others to Sacrifice

While still in Europe, President Benson urged President Cornelius Zappey, president of the Dutch mission, “to find some land on which the Dutch saints might possibly grow some potatoes to take care of their own welfare needs. At the end of the first year the Dutch saints had harvested 66 tons of potatoes—sufficient to care for most of their own needs.

“Then an unusual request was made of these people. As they were assembled together in a mission-wide conference at Rotterdam to give thanks for the abundant harvest, their mission president . . . said, ‘Some of the most bitter enemies you people have encountered as a result of this war are the German people. We know what intense feelings of dislike you have for them. But those people are now much worse off than you are and we are asking you to send your entire potato harvest to the German saints. Will you do it?’

“They did it. . . .

“The following year the Dutch Saints raised about 150 tons of potatoes. In addition, they went fishing and caught sufficient herring to fill several barrels. Their response to that success was in effect this: ‘We enjoyed so much giving the German saints those potatoes last year that we want to send them the entire harvest this year along with the pickled herring!’” (Frederick W. Babbel, On Wings of Faith, pp. 76–77).

Discussion

Besides sacrificing, the Dutch Saints were asked to “love their enemies.”

What special feelings or gospel blessings were their reward? (Allow varied answers.)

How did the Dutch Saints help the German Saints? How did they help themselves in a more important fashion? (Lead the class toward an understanding that personal sacrifice brings rich rewards.)

Scripture

King Benjamin, of the Book of Mormon, says in Mosiah 2:18–19, “Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?

“And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!”

The Lord Is Aware of Our Sacrifice and Helps Us When We Ask for Help

Example

The following incident, related by Frederick W. Babbel, illustrates how Elder Benson’s sacrifice was rewarded with special help from the Lord.

Conditions, especially in the Russian-controlled sectors of the former war areas, made it difficult for any travel by any Church authorities, even on missions of mercy.

Says Brother Babbel, “Since we would have to enter Poland by way of the air corridor which the Russians had established between Berlin and Warsaw, it was necessary for us to secure valid visas to enter Poland before the military officials would consent to issuing the necessary military orders for our entrance to Berlin. . . .

“President Benson . . . inquired anxiously whether I had been able to get the needed permission. When I said no, he was noticeably disappointed. I sensed deeply with him that we were faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem. After a few moments of soul-searching reflection, during which neither one of us broke the silence, he said quietly but firmly, ‘Let me pray about it.’

“Some two or three hours after President Benson had retired to his room to pray, he stood in my doorway and said with a smile on his face, ‘Pack your bags. We are leaving for Poland in the morning!’

“At first I could scarcely believe my eyes. He stood there enveloped in a beautiful glow of radiant light. His countenance shone as I imagine the Prophet Joseph’s countenance shone when he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord” (Frederick W. Babbel, On Wings of Faith, pp. 131–32).

President Benson’s prayer was answered, and he was able to enter even the most remote areas to help and to strengthen the Saints in those war-ravaged areas.

Videocassette testimony

If it is available, show the videocassette, part 9 (3 minutes, 19 seconds), of Ezra Taft Benson’s testimony.

Testimony and Challenge

Bear your own testimony and commit your class members to pray for a personal testimony that Ezra Taft Benson was indeed a prophet of the Lord.

Challenge the class to look deeply into their own lives to see if they are sacrificing and serving. Ask them to ask themselves:

Am I helping the poor? the unfortunate?

Am I preparing to go on a mission?

Ask the class to look past their own possibly selfish interests and become interested in the larger needs of mankind as a whole.

Lesson 41

Ezra Taft Benson—A Loyal Servant

Objective

Class members will learn that loyalty to God enables men and women to better serve their country and their fellowmen.

Preparation

Prepare to show the picture of Ezra Taft Benson in the color section.

If it is available, read “President Ezra Taft Benson,” Ensign, Jan. 1986, pp. 2–12.

Prepare a poster with the Scout Oath:

Scout Oath

“On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.”

(William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt, Official Boy Scout Handbook [Irving, Texas: Boy Scouts of America, 1979], p. 27.)

Prepare a poster of the twelfth article of faith: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12); or obtain the Twelfth Article of Faith chart (65012) from the meetinghouse library.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Our Church, school, and community activities provide excellent opportunities for us to serve our fellowmen.

Why have our Church leaders asked us, in addition to Church service, to participate in community, state, and national activities? (Good people are needed to help in all kinds of government and community service organizations. Also, we can grow from such participation and we can help foster Church ideals within our community and nation.)

Scripture discussion

Read together Ether 2:12.

How can we serve the Savior by participating in community, state, and national governments? (Allow varied answers and stress that the influence of a person who lives the gospel can have a great effect on a community or government. Our Father in Heaven is concerned with all of his children and we can prepare ourselves to be effective tools in his hands for blessing others.)

Read Doctrine and Covenants 98:9–10.

How can you prepare yourself for selecting honest people to represent you in government? What can you learn now that will help you be wise in your selections later?

Members of the Church should be honest, caring, and concerned about the needs of their fellowmen. These qualities are also characteristic of good public servants.

President Benson Loyally Served in Many Capacities

Discussion

Throughout his life, President Benson served in many public offices; among them are: Franklin County agricultural agent for the University of Idaho Extension Service in Preston, Idaho; chairman, Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing for the Extension Service of the University of Idaho; secretary of the Idaho Cooperative Council; executive secretary, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in Washington, D.C.; United States Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

He also served in many national Scouting positions, including being a member of the National Council of Boy Scouts of America. In addition to public, business, and Scouting service, President Benson has also given many years of devoted Church service. All of these activities have helped his community, state, country, and the world, but most especially, the Lord’s Church.

Elder Mark E. Petersen, who served many years with President Benson in the Council of the Twelve, said:

“One of the most notable periods of his life came when he was appointed Secretary of Agriculture in the cabinet of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“It was a responsibility he did not seek. When he learned he was being considered for a Cabinet post, he saw President David O. McKay, then President of the Church. President McKay said, ‘I received a very important telephone call last night’ seeking to learn the attitude of the Church if a Cabinet appointment were offered to Elder Benson. President McKay said, ‘Brother Benson, my mind is clear in the matter. If the opportunity comes in the proper spirit, I think you should accept.’

“Elder Benson said he hardly believed such an offer would be extended, and told President McKay that he wished to carry on his work as a member of the Council of the Twelve.

“President McKay, however, advised him that if [the position] were offered, to have an interview. President-elect Eisenhower asked Elder Benson to come to New York and there told him of the high regard in which Elder Benson was held by the farmers of the nation and urged him to accept his patriotic duty and respond to the call of his government.

“He served [as Secretary of Agriculture] for eight years. The President had told the Secretary that he would like him to remain in the Cabinet the entire period of his occupancy of the White House. This Secretary Benson did” (“President Ezra Taft Benson,” Ensign, Jan. 1986, p. 7).

Discussion

What kind of ethical conduct could President Eisenhower have expected from such a leader as Elder Benson? (Accept varied answers and stress that honesty and loyalty would probably be two expected qualities.)

As Secretary of Agriculture in the United States government, Elder Benson’s decisions were not always popular with everyone.

What help could he expect from the Lord in making such decisions? (Allow varied answers.)

Example

“On one of his trips to Russia as Secretary of Agriculture, President Benson had a moving experience revealing the deep religious faith of some of the Russian people.

“He had been conferring with Premier Khrushchev and other high officials of the Russian government as a representative of the United States. Following that conference, he indicated a desire to visit some church where Christians were still permitted to meet. After some persistence, he was taken to a Baptist church in Moscow. The members of the press accompanying him to Russia for his governmental meeting also followed him to this little church.

“It was one of the very few Christian churches still open in that vast city. The congregation was made up mainly of elderly people, many of whom were women.

“As the obviously American group walked into the chapel, the people in the congregation looked almost agape, hardly believing their eyes. One of the Americans, Secretary Benson, was unexpectedly called to the pulpit.

“Choking with emotion, he testified in that city to the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“‘God lives. I know that He lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ and the Redeemer of the world,’ he declared.

“His words were translated into Russian. With each sentence, nods of assent were seen throughout the congregation. Women removed their head coverings and wiped their eyes. Men rubbed away the moisture that blurred their vision. The hardened news correspondents who came because they felt they were compelled to as a part of the Secretary’s entourage, and who at first had no interest in this religious gathering whatever, now wept with the congregation.

“It was a solemn moment. Hearts were melted. A spirit enveloped the worshippers such as they had never felt before. Hands folded and heads bowed in humble prayer.

“‘I firmly believe in prayer,’ the voice of the Secretary [Elder Benson] continued. ‘It is possible to reach out and tap the unseen power which gives strength and anchor in time of need. Be not afraid. Keep God’s commandments. Love the Lord. Love one another. Love all mankind. Truth will triumph. Time is on the side of truth.’

“The American press then slowly walked down the aisle toward the door with a humble attitude in complete contrast to that with which they had entered. As they passed the pews, anxious hands and hungry hearts reached out to them. Then from thankful lips came the strains of ‘God be with you till we meet again . . . ,’ although everyone realized that this hope would likely never be fulfilled in mortality” (“A Moving Experience in Russia,” Ensign, Jan. 1986, pp. 12–13).

President Benson might never have had the opportunity for such worldwide service if he had not accepted the call to serve his country as Secretary of Agriculture, even though he was an Apostle of the Lord.

President Benson’s Love of Scouting

At a general conference priesthood meeting when President Benson was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he gave a talk in which he reviewed treasured memories of his days as a Scoutmaster. Since that first Scout service, he has spent a major portion of his life in Scouting. He related:

“I shall always be grateful that almost sixty-five years ago the good bishop of our ward came to me and asked me to be Scoutmaster of twenty-four boys in the Whitney Ward.” President Benson then told about joining a Mutual (MIA) contest for choirs with those twenty-four boys and of winning the Franklin Stake contest and going on to the Logan area contest in competition with six other stakes.

He continued: “Finally the time came that our group was to march up to that platform. As our accompanist played ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever,’ those twenty-four boys went up the aisle single file and formed a half moon on the stage while I crouched down between a couple of benches to try to give them some leadership. Then they sang as I’d never heard them sing, and of course you can imagine that I’d not be telling this story had we not won first place in Logan. . . .

“In the first Scout meeting following our victory, those boys (never forgetting anything that is of value to them) reminded me that in a moment of anxiety I had promised them that if we won in Logan, I would take them all on a hike over the mountain thirty-five miles to Bear Lake Valley. . . .”

The boys then challenged each other to wear completely clipped hair so they would “‘not be bothered with combs and brushes on this trip,’” and the Scoutmasters, being told by the barber that he would “shave your heads . . . for nothing,” were shaved bald.

President Benson said, “It was a glorious three weeks together with those wonderful boys out in the hills and in the mountains and on the lake. I wish I could follow for you the life of each one of those boys from that time until the present. I am proud of them.”

President Benson kept track of his boys. Years later he found all but two had married in the temple and were holding positions in the Church: Scoutmaster, bishop, counselors, clerks, high councilor, etc. Later, he said, “I was down in southern Arizona . . . and during the meeting I noticed way at the rear of the hall what appeared to be a familiar face. At the end of the meeting, one of the two boys we had lost track of came forward. We threw our arms around each other, and I said to him, ‘What are you doing way down here?’ . . . He replied, ‘I’m not doing very much, but I’m a Scoutmaster.’ . . . Then he told me he had married out of the Church, but his wife had since joined the Church. . . . We started to correspond, and some months later I had the honor of officiating at the sealing of this fine couple and their children in the Salt Lake Temple.

“Sometime later,” President Benson said, “I was speaking at the annual meeting of the Idaho Farm Bureau at Burley, Idaho. Just before the meeting was to start, I . . . saw a man handing out literature to the farmers as they came in. . . . [He] was the last of the twenty-four boys to be located.

“After the meeting the two of us had a good talk. He had married in the Church but out of the temple. It was not long before I also had the privilege of sealing this man and his wife and several children in the temple” (see Conference Report, Oct. 1984, pp. 60–61; or Ensign, Nov. 1984, pp. 46–47).

Poster

Display the poster of the Scout Oath. Review each section, explaining how President Benson fulfilled the expectations of that oath, which he revered so much.

President Benson spent almost all of his life in Church and community service. Consider the following questions, accepting varied answers.

What are some of the joys he probably received from the various service given in his life?

What personal skills do you feel he gained from this service?

How did he benefit the communities in which he served?

Testimony and Challenge

Display the poster containing the twelfth article of faith and challenge the class to serve faithfully in their schools, their community, and their country in whatever capacity may come to them. Bear testimony that the twelfth article of faith is part of God’s plan in helping his people.

Testify to the divine calling of President Ezra Taft Benson as a prophet of God. Also testify that if good people, such as President Benson, your parents, and yourselves, are willing to serve in the community, state, and nation, the entire world is blessed.

Lesson 42

Howard W. Hunter: In the Footsteps of the Savior

Born 14 November 1907 Years of Presidency: 1994–1995

Objective

To study the life of President Howard W. Hunter and help class members follow President Hunter’s counsel to be more Christlike.

Preparation

Prepare to display the following pictures: President Howard W. Hunter in the color section; Childhood of Jesus Christ (62124; Gospel Art Picture Kit, 206); Jesus Stilling the Storm (62139; Gospel Art Picture Kit, 214); Jesus the Christ (62572; Gospel Art Picture Kit, 240); and Go Ye Therefore (62494; Gospel Art Picture Kit, 235).

Make the following two wordstrips. (The quotations are from Howard W. Hunter, That We Might Have Joy, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994], p. 9; see also Ensign, May 1993, p. 65.)

“Gentleness is better than brutality.” Howard W. Hunter

“Kindness is greater than coercion.” Howard W. Hunter

Write the following scriptures and statement on the chalkboard or on a poster:

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matthew 5:44).

“We must know Christ better than we know him; we must remember him more often than we remember him; we must serve him more valiantly than we serve him” (Howard W. Hunter, That We Might Have Joy, p. 5; or Conference Report, Apr. 1994, p. 84; or Ensign, May 1994, p. 64).

If possible, make copies of President Hunter’s statement about knowing Christ for each class member.

Bring chalk for the chalkboard or a crayon or marking pen if you have made a poster.

If it is available in your area, you may want to show selected portions of the videocassette Howard W. Hunter, Prophet of God (53946).

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture

Display the picture of President Howard W. Hunter.

Who is this? (If no one knows, tell them that this is President Howard W. Hunter, the fourteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)

Howard W. Hunter was born 14 November 1907 in Boise, Idaho. Howard’s father was not a member of the Church when Howard was young. When Howard was twelve years old, he wanted to receive the Aaronic Priesthood so that he could become a deacon and pass the sacrament. However, he had to ask his father for permission to be baptized.

Explain that many class members may have done some of the same things President Hunter did as a child and teenager.

Example

When he was young, he was always busy doing something. He sold papers, fixed broken alarm clocks, learned to frame pictures, became an excellent mechanic, and learned to play several musical instruments.

Picture

Show the picture of Jesus Christ helping in Joseph’s carpentry shop. Explain how President Hunter was a good worker in his youth, as Jesus undoubtedly was.

Example

In his teenage years, when plans for building a new chapel were announced, Howard was the first to stand and pledge money toward its cost. His pledge of twenty-five dollars represented years of his savings and was quite a lot of money at that time.

When Howard was in high school, he put together his own orchestra, called “Hunter’s Croonaders,” which played at most high school socials in his hometown of Boise, Idaho. After graduation from high school, he and his orchestra played on a cruise ship that sailed to Japan, China, and the Philippines in 1927.

Scripture

Explain that President Hunter loved good music. Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 to the class.

Example

When Howard Hunter became engaged to marry Clara Jeffs, he gave up professional music so he could better follow his new goals of marriage and a family. He felt marriage and family were the highest Christian goals. Later, he would say, “There is no more powerful principle of life to promote love, forbearance, and devotion in the home than that of eternal marriage” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1972, p. 67; or Ensign, Jan. 1973, p. 65).

In 1934, during the economic depression in the United States, Howard Hunter had a full-time job and also went back to school for a law degree. He graduated with honors and began practicing law in California in January of 1940. He worked hard to support his family (see Conference Report, Oct. 1994, pp. 66–70; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, pp. 49–51).

As an adult, Howard Hunter accepted many calls to serve, including service as a bishop and then as a stake president. He always worked to fulfill his callings in the Church.

Elder Alma Sonne, an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve Apostles, said the following when Howard W. Hunter was called to the Quorum of the Twelve: “I was delighted to hear that President Hunter [referring to his position as stake president] had been called to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. President Hunter has been for many years a leader in Zion. He has been proved, and I say that a Church is very fortunate indeed that can call upon men of his caliber” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1959, p. 55).

President Hunter Loved the Savior and Tried to Follow His Example

From his very earliest years President Hunter recognized the goodness he found in the life of Jesus Christ, and he sought to live a life like the Savior’s. His sister, Dorothy, said of him: “‘Howard always wanted to do good and to be good. A wonderful brother, he looked out for me. He was kind to our mother and father. Howard loved animals and regularly brought home strays.’ There was an irrigation ditch by their house and one day several boys in the neighborhood, not members of the Church, were throwing a kitten in the ditch. It would get out, then they would throw it in again. They did this over and over until they got tired of the game. ‘Howard came by and picked [the kitten] up; it was lying there almost dead, and he brought it home. Mother was afraid it was dead, but they wrapped it in a blanket and put it near the warm oven and nursed it.’ It lived, and they had the cat for years. ‘He was so kind,’ Dorothy said. ‘I have never known my brother to do a wrong thing in my life’” (James E. Faust, “The Way of an Eagle,” Ensign, Aug. 1994, pp. 4, 6).

Wordstrips

Post the wordstrips:

“Gentleness is better than brutality.” Howard W. Hunter

“Kindness is greater than coercion.” Howard W. Hunter

Explain to class members that President Hunter demonstrated gentleness and kindness throughout his life.

President Hunter Loved to Tell the Stories of Jesus

President Hunter loved to tell stories about Jesus from the Bible. One of these was about the time Jesus stilled the storm on the Sea of Galilee.

Picture

Show the picture of Jesus stilling the storm. Review briefly the story depicted in the picture. (See Matthew 8:23–27.)

President Hunter taught us that if we “fix our eyes on Jesus, we too might . . . remain ‘unterrified amid the rising winds of doubt’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, p. 24; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 19).

Discussion

What things can we do daily to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ?

President Hunter Believed That Christianity Is a Plan for Action

President Hunter said: “Real Christians must understand that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not just a gospel of belief; it is a plan of action. His gospel is a gospel of imperatives . . . a call to action” (That We Might Have Joy, p. 131; or Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 115; or Improvement Era, June 1967, p. 101).

An imperative is more than a request. It is sometimes even a command, something you should not try to avoid doing.

The Lord has prepared some wonderful experiences for us with his gospel plan, but he expects us to act, not just to look on as bystanders.

President Hunter counseled: “Merely saying, accepting, and believing are not enough. They are incomplete until that which they imply is translated into dynamic action of daily living. . . . This, then, is the finest source of personal testimony. We know because we have experienced. We do not have to say, ‘Brother Jones says it is true, and I believe him.’ We can say, ‘I have lived this principle in my own life, and I know through personal experience that it works’” (That We Might Have Joy, p. 133; or Conference Report, Apr. 1967, p. 116; or Improvement Era, June 1967, p. 101).

Chalkboard exercise

Add the following words to the chalkboard: Observe, Procrastinate, Go, Sit, Hate, Notice, Do, See, Ignore, Feel, Give, Believe, Predict, Pray, Repent, Love.

Have class members come forward and circle the words they think are gospel action words; these words are printed in bold type.

Chalkboard scripture exercise

Refer to the two scriptures you have written on the chalkboard. Have class members come forward and circle the gospel action words in these scriptures. (These words are printed here in bold type.)

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7).

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matthew 5:44).

President Hunter Followed the Example of Jesus Christ When Faced with a Situation That Threatened His Life

Example

President Hunter followed the example of Jesus Christ when faced with a life-threatening situation.

“On 7 February 1993, he was on the Brigham Young University campus to speak at a nineteen-stake fireside and [video satellite] broadcast. As President Hunter rose to address the nearly twenty thousand young adults assembled in the Marriott Center, an assailant threatened him, shouting, ‘Stop right there!’ The man claimed to have a bomb and a detonator and ordered everyone to leave the stand except President Hunter. Many people did leave, yet President Hunter resolutely stayed at the pulpit, with two security guards. Although threatened by what looked like a gun, President Hunter firmly declined to read the written statement the man handed to him. When students spontaneously began to sing ‘We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,’ the assailant was momentarily distracted. [Some people] rushed him and took him into custody. . . . Security guards lowered President Hunter to the floor for safety.

“There was, of course, a considerable commotion in the audience, but soon a reasonable calm returned. After a few moments to collect himself, President Hunter made a second approach to the microphone and read the opening line of his prepared text: ‘Life has a fair number of challenges in it.’ He stopped, looked over the audience, and added, ‘As demonstrated.’ Then he went on with his message as though nothing had happened” (Ensign, Aug. 1994, pp. 11–12).

President Hunter Willingly Left His Profession and Home to Follow the Savior as an Apostle

All of President Hunter’s abilities were brought to serve the Savior when he was called to be an Apostle in October of 1959, and he gave full-time service to the Lord from then until his death. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who served with President Hunter in the Quorum of the Twelve, said of him:

Example

“President Howard W. Hunter is a meek man. He once refused a job he needed as a young man because it would have meant another individual would have lost his job. This is the same lowly man, when I awakened after a weary and dusty day together with him on assignment in Egypt, who was quietly shining my shoes, a task he had hoped to complete unseen. Meekness can be present in the daily and ordinary things” (“Meek and Lowly,” Brigham Young University 1986–87 Devotional and Fireside Speeches [1987], p. 61; see also Ensign, Aug. 1994, p. 9).

Pictures and chalkboard

Display the pictures Jesus the Christ and Go Ye Therefore. President Hunter challenged us all to follow more closely in the footsteps of the Savior. Read or have a class member read President Hunter’s words on the chalkboard or poster.

“We must know Christ better than we know him; we must remember him more often than we remember him; we must serve him more valiantly than we serve him” (Howard W. Hunter, That We Might Have Joy, p. 5; or Conference Report, Apr. 1994, p. 84; or Ensign, May 1994, p. 64).

Read the following tribute to President Hunter given by Elder James E. Faust, of the Quorum of the Twelve:

“President Hunter is one of the most loving, Christlike men we have ever known. His spiritual depth is so profound as to be unfathomable. Having been under the guiding influence of the Lord Jesus Christ as His special witness for so many years, President Hunter’s spirituality has been honed in a remarkable way. It is the wellspring of his whole being. He is quiet about sacred things, humble about sacred things, careful when he speaks about sacred things. He has an inner peace, tranquillity, and nobility of soul that is unique among the children of God. His intense suffering on so many occasions has been as a ‘refiner’s fire,’ permitting him to become God’s pure vessel and prophet on the earth in this day and time” (Ensign, Aug. 1994, p. 13).

Assignment

Assign two class members to prepare to read and explain to the class the following scriptures during next week’s lesson: Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and Doctrine and Covenants 132:15–17.

Testimony and Challenge

Give class members a copy of President Hunter’s statement listed in the preparation section in number three and challenge them to memorize it as a guide for their own lives.

Bear personal witness of the prophetic calling of President Howard W. Hunter. Challenge class members to study the life and teachings of President Hunter so that they can increase their own faith and testimony of his calling.

Lesson 43

Howard W. Hunter: Focus on the Temple

Objective

Class members will better understand the blessings of the temple and its importance in their lives through the teachings of President Howard W. Hunter.

Preparation

Prepare to display the following three pictures: the nearest temple or any temple that is familiar to the class members; Temple Baptismal Font (62031; Gospel Art Picture Kit 504); a newly married young couple outside a temple, preferably a couple that class members would know; or use Young Couple Going to the Temple (62559) from the meetinghouse library.

If it is available, prepare to show “Temples Are for Eternal Covenants,” selection 15 in Family Home Evening Video Supplement 2 (53277). This videocassette selection is 6:09 minutes long.

One week before giving this lesson, assign one or two class members to prepare to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 132:15–17 in class. Ask them to be ready to explain what the passages mean.

You may want to view Together Forever (53411), which is an excellent videocassette to help you prepare to give this lesson. However, it is 25 minutes long, and you will not have time to show it to your class.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

As President of the Church, President Howard W. Hunter gave inspired counsel to the members of the Church regarding the importance of the temple as a means of becoming more Christlike. Throughout his life, President Hunter had been especially interested in temples and temple work. As a stake president, he gave leadership to the construction and dedication of the Los Angeles Temple. One of his last official acts as President of the Church was to preside at the dedication of the Bountiful Utah Temple.

Picture

Show the picture of a temple and read the following statement made by President Hunter after he was sustained in general conference in October 1994:

“And now, my beloved brothers and sisters, through the power and authority of the priesthood vested in me and by virtue of the calling which I now hold, I invoke my blessing upon you. I bless you in your efforts to live a more Christlike life. I bless you with an increased desire to be worthy of a temple recommend and to attend the temple as frequently as circumstances allow. I bless you to receive the peace of our Heavenly Father in your homes and to be guided in teaching your families to follow the Master” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, p. 119; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 88).

President Hunter Asked Us to Make the Temple the Great Symbol of Our Membership

Read the following statement from President Hunter:

“I . . . invite the members of the Church to establish the temple of the Lord as the great symbol of their membership and the supernal setting for their most sacred covenants. It would be the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church be temple worthy” (“President Howard W. Hunter: Fourteenth President of the Church,” Ensign, July 1994, p. 5).

Discussion

What is required of us for the temple to become the great symbol of our membership? (Becoming “temple worthy” should be included in the discussion.)

What does it mean to become temple worthy? (Explain that the bishop or his counselors interview all those seeking a temple recommend.)

Members seeking to enter the temple should have testimonies of Heavenly Father, of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost. They should sustain the Lord’s prophet, the other General Authorities, and their local Church leaders. They should not sympathize with or be affiliated with groups or individuals who have apostatized from the Church and whose teachings or practices are contrary to the gospel.

They should be faithfully attending sacrament meetings, priesthood meetings, and other Church meetings. They should be conscientiously carrying out their callings given through priesthood authority. They should be striving to keep all of the Lord’s commandments, including praying, paying a full tithe, being honest in word and deed, and abstaining from the use of tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful and habit-forming substances.

They should be living pure and virtuous lives and should be obeying the Lord’s law of chastity. They should be living in harmony with gospel principles in spiritual and physical relationships with other members of their families. They should not be involved in any spiritual, physical, mental, or emotional abuse of others.

They should be willing to confess their sins and forsake them. Serious violations of the above laws must be confessed to their bishop.

Discussion

Why is each of these attitudes and behaviors important? (Bring out that the Lord requires that persons going to his house be striving to live lives of holiness.)

President Hunter taught that all adults should live to be worthy of and hold a temple recommend. He taught that those who live in areas where they cannot attend a temple should still hold a temple recommend. The Lord would then assure them of all the blessings that they would have if they lived where they could go to the temple.

President Hunter said: “I would hope that every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend, even if proximity to a temple does not allow immediate or frequent use of it” (“The Great Symbol of Our Membership,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 5).

President Hunter Helped the Saints Understand the Eternal Covenants Made in the Temple

Videocassette

If it is available, show “Temples Are for Eternal Covenants” from the videocassette.

Example

Have a class member read the following statement by President Hunter:

“The temple is a place of instruction where profound truths pertaining to the Kingdom of God are unfolded. It is a place of peace where minds can be centered upon things of the spirit and the worries of the world can be laid aside. In the temple we make covenants to obey the laws of God, and promises are made to us, conditioned always on our faithfulness, which extend into eternity” (The Priesthood and You [Melchizedek Priesthood Study Guide, 1966], p. 293; see also Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 2).

Discussion

What do you think it means to make sacred covenants? (Bring out in the discussion that covenants are two-part promises: In the temple we are given the promise of great eternal blessings by covenant from the Lord. These blessings are conditional, however, based upon our part of the covenant, being faithful in keeping the Lord’s commandments.)

What covenants have you already made in your lives? (Most class members will have been baptized.)

Bring out in the discussion that baptism is a sacred and essential covenant. At baptism we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, and we promise to keep his commandments. After baptism we are confirmed by a person holding the Melchizedek Priesthood. With this confirmation we are given the right to the gift of the Holy Ghost. When we are worthy, this gift will guide and comfort us. We are promised that the Spirit of the Lord will be with us and remain with us as we live worthily. After baptism we are counseled to partake of the sacrament each week. As we worthily partake of the sacrament, we renew our baptismal covenants.

Picture and discussion

Some may have gone to a temple to be baptized for the dead. Ask those who have participated in these ordinances to tell of their experiences. (Show the picture of the baptismal font while the discussion is proceeding.)

Many people who have lived upon the earth did not have opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ or to be baptized. It is through the temples that the saving ordinances are made possible for the dead. Baptism is an earthly ordinance, and those who have died are now in the spirit world. We may be baptized for them in the temple. We call this “baptism by proxy.” The dead are free to accept or reject this ordinance as it is done for them.

Discuss how this ordinance is performed. (In the temple young people, or others, wearing white baptismal clothing go into a specially prepared font. [Show the picture again.] The person being baptized is acting as proxy for the person who is dead. The person acting as proxy is immersed in the water, just as we were immersed when we were baptized. Following the baptism the person acting as proxy is confirmed by one holding the Melchizedek Priesthood. This person lays his hands on the head of the proxy and gives him or her the right to the gift of the Holy Ghost for the person who is dead. This is the same way we were confirmed after we were baptized.)

President Hunter Counseled Youth to Prepare for the Sacred Covenant of Temple Marriage

Picture and discussion

Show class members the picture of the newly married young couple outside a temple.

What promises are given to a couple married in the temple that couples married outside the temple do not receive? For instance, why do you think it is so important that a couple marry in the temple? (Lead the discussion toward the promises of being together forever, of having eternal posterity, and of attaining exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Nothing on this earth can possibly compare to the great gifts Heavenly Father has prepared for his children. Emphasize how great each class member’s potential is. Each can become like God, our Eternal Father, if he or she receives all of the ordinances and then keeps all of the covenants made in the temple. Explain that couples who live where it is impossible to marry in the temple can live to be worthy of and can obtain a temple recommend. As their circumstances change and as new temples are built, they then will be ready to go to the temple.)

Scripture

Have the two assigned class members read and then explain to the class what the following scriptural passages mean: D&C 131:1–4 and D&C 132:15–17.

President Hunter Counseled Youth to Be Temple Worthy

Temple covenants are of greater value than any worldly goods any of us may gain.

Example and picture

Have a class member read the following statement by President Hunter:

“It is pleasing to the Lord for our youth to worthily go to the temple and perform vicarious baptism for those who did not have the opportunity to be baptized in life. It is pleasing to the Lord when we worthily go to the temple to personally make our own covenants with Him and to be sealed as couples and as families. And it is pleasing to the Lord when we worthily go to the temple to perform these same saving ordinances for those who have died, many of whom eagerly await the completion of these ordinances in their behalf” (Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 5).

Refer again to the picture of the temple. President Hunter asked us to make the temple a symbol of our membership and told us how we can do this. Have the class member continue reading President Hunter’s statement.

“But to have the temple indeed be a symbol unto us, we must desire it to be so. We must live worthy to enter the temple. We must keep the commandments of our Lord. If we can pattern our life after the Master, and take His teaching and example as the supreme pattern for our own, we will not find it difficult to be temple worthy, to be consistent and loyal in every walk of life, for we will be committed to a single, sacred standard of conduct and belief” (Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 5; italics added).

Testimony and Challenge

In summary, from the last paragraph that the class member read, read again the italicized phrases. Stress that these are the things we must do to be worthy to enter the temple. Bear testimony to the class of how important it is to keep the temple and temple marriage ever before us as the “symbol of our membership.”

Lesson 44

Gordon B. Hinckley: Making Correct Choices

Born 23 June 1910 Years of Presidency: 1995–

Objective

To help class members understand the importance of making correct choices while they are young.

Preparation

Note: Assignments should be made in advance before this lesson.

Assign class members to report on the following nine stories. Small classes may need to have class members report on more than one story; large classes may have class members give reports together. Try to involve everyone.

Report 1: In the Tabernacle

Report 2: The North Star

Report 3: As a Missionary

Report 4: The Lessons at Home

Report 5: Signs of Danger

Report 6: Lessons from School

Report 7: A Lesson from Louie

Report 8: The Seventh-Grade Strike

Report 9: Father’s Model T

If you think that assigning reports to class members will not work for your class, tell the stories yourself. Assign different class members to think about each story and then explain the lesson they learned from it and how they can apply the lesson in their lives.

If you decide to use the concentration game, prepare the board according to the example shown at the end of the lesson.

If it is available in your area, you may want to show selected portions of the videocassette Gordon B. Hinckley: Man of Integrity, 15th President of the Church (53503) before teaching this lesson. If you choose to show the videocassette, plan on using two weeks to teach this lesson about President Hinckley.

Prepare to show the picture of President Hinckley in the color section.

Suggested Lesson Development

Introduction

Picture

Show the picture of President Gordon B. Hinckley. Share the following background information with the class members.

On 12 March 1995, ten days after President Howard W. Hunter’s death, President Gordon B. Hinckley was ordained and set apart as the fifteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President Hinckley came to the Presidency of the Church well prepared. Correct choices made in his youth helped prepare him for this great responsibility. As a young man he had resolved to try to do what the Lord had commanded. This commitment helped him throughout his life to follow the pathway of obedience and service to his Heavenly Father.

Discussion

Why was it so important for Gordon B. Hinckley to make these commitments when he was young?

As we begin a long trip why is the direction we first take so important?

How can this be compared to the counsel Alma gave to his son Helaman? (See Alma 37:35.)

Making Correct Choices While We Are Young

Ask the class members assigned to give reports 1, 2, and 3 to present them at this time (be sure to help those class members who need it). During the reports, list the example titles on the chalkboard. After each report discuss what we can learn from the story and how we can apply it to our own lives.

You may wish to summarize responses on the chalkboard as illustrated.

In the Tabernacle

The North Star

As a Missionary

Lesson to Be Applied

Resolution to do as commanded

Be dependable—the Lord can count on me

Forget yourself and go to work

Continue listing the main points of each story on the chalkboard.

In the Tabernacle

Report 1

President Hinckley said: “I recall sitting in the Salt Lake Tabernacle when I was fourteen or fifteen—up in the balcony right behind the clock—and hearing President Heber J. Grant tell of his experience in reading the Book of Mormon when he was a boy. He spoke of Nephi and of the great influence he had upon his life. And then, with a voice ringing with a conviction that I shall never forget, he quoted those great words of Nephi: ‘I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them’ (1 Nephi 3:7).

“There came into my young heart on that occasion a resolution to try to do what the Lord has commanded. What marvelous things happen when men and women walk with faith in obedience to that which is required of them!” (“If Ye Be Willing and Obedient,” Ensign, July 1995, p. 2).

Discussion

What is a resolution?

How can a righteous resolve help you make correct choices?

The North Star

Report 2

As a young man, President Hinckley worked on a farm during summers and on weekends and holidays. On that farm he grew healthy and learned to work. And there near the soil and close to nature his confidence in God grew like the hundreds of fruit trees and vegetable seeds he planted, tended, and harvested.

“‘After a day of good, hard labor, my younger brother Sherm and I would sleep out under the stars in the box of an old farm wagon,’ President Hinckley [recalled]. ‘On those clear, clean summer nights, we would lie on our backs in that old wagon box and look at the myriads of stars in the heavens. We could identify some of the constellations and other stars as they were illustrated in the encyclopedia which was always available in our family library. We identified some of the more visible patterns in the heavens, but our favorite was the North Star. Each night, like many generations of boys before us, we would trace the Big Dipper, down the handle and out past the cup, to find the North Star.

“‘We came to know of the constancy of that star. . . . As the earth turned, the others appeared to move through the night. But the North Star held its position in line with the axis of the earth. Because of those boyhood musings, the polar star came to mean something to me. I recognized it as a constant in the midst of change. It was something that could always be counted on, something that was dependable, an anchor in what otherwise appeared to me a moving and unstable firmament’” (“President Gordon B. Hinckley: Stalwart and Brave He Stands,” Ensign, June 1995, p. 5).

In his youth, Gordon B. Hinckley patterned his life after the constancy of the North Star. He wanted to be a young man that the Lord and others could depend on.

Discussion

What was there about the North Star that President Hinckley wanted to imitate?

What are some of the standards of the gospel that will never change no matter what others may say or do?

As a Missionary

Report 3

Because Gordon B. Hinckley had determined to follow the Lord, his course led him to many experiences that prepared him for even greater things. As a missionary in England he faced some very challenging times. He was concerned about the money being spent to support him on his mission. He knew the sacrifice his father was making to help sustain him. He also remembered the little savings account his mother so faithfully kept before her death. This account had helped him be able to go on a mission. Somewhat discouraged, “Gordon wrote a letter to his father, saying: ‘I am wasting my time and your money. I don’t see any point in my staying here.’ In due course a gentle but terse reply came from his father. That letter read: ‘Dear Gordon. I have your letter [of such and such a date]. I have only one suggestion. Forget yourself and go to work. With love, Your Father.’

“President Hinckley says of that moment, ‘I pondered his response and then the next morning in our scripture class we read that great statement of the Lord: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35)’” (Ensign, June 1995, p. 8).

Explanation

Perhaps you could stop at this point in the report and explain to the class that Christ was telling his disciples to forget themselves and think of others and bringing others the gospel.

Report 3 continued

“‘That simple statement, that promise, touched me. I got on my knees and made a covenant with the Lord that I would try to forget myself and go to work. I count that as the day of decision in my life. Everything good that has happened to me since then I can trace back to the decision I made at that time’” (Ensign, June 1995, p. 8).

Discussion

In what ways can the decision to forget yourself and go to work help you at school? at home? in a job? as a missionary?

Learning Lessons While We Are Young

President Hinckley, who has always had a particular love for the youth of the Church, related the following experiences in a talk he gave on 3 April 1993.

Ask the assigned class members to give reports 4 through 9, discussing each one in turn.

The Lessons at Home

Report 4

“In my early childhood we had a stove in the kitchen and a stove in the dining room. A furnace was later installed, and what a wonderful thing that was. But it had a voracious appetite for coal, and there was no automatic stoker. The coal had to be shoveled into the furnace and carefully banked each night.

“I learned a great lesson from that monster of a furnace: if you wanted to keep warm, you had to work the shovel” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, p. 68; or Ensign, May 1993, p. 52).

Discussion

What lessons do we learn from hard work?

Report 4 continued

President Hinckley continued: “My father had an idea that his boys ought to learn to work in the summer as well as in the winter, and so he bought a five-acre farm which eventually grew to include more than thirty acres. We lived there in the summer and returned to the city when school started.

“We had a large orchard, and the trees had to be pruned each spring. Father took us to pruning demonstrations put on by experts from the agriculture college. We learned a great truth—that you could pretty well determine the kind of fruit you would pick in September by the way you pruned in February. The idea was to space the branches so that the fruit would be exposed to sunlight and air. Further, we learned that new, young wood produces the best fruit. That has had many applications in life” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, p. 68; or Ensign, May 1993, p. 52).

Discussion

In what ways have you learned to work at your home?

Signs of Danger

Report 5

President Hinckley said: “[In my youth] we got sick . . . just as people get sick now. In fact, I think we did more so. In those early years the milk we drank was not pasteurized. We, of course, did not have an automatic dishwasher, except that it was our automatic duty to wash the dishes. When we were diagnosed as having chicken pox or measles, the doctor would advise the city health department, and a man would be sent to put a sign on the front window. This was a warning to any who might wish to come to our house that they did so at their own peril.

“If the disease was smallpox or diphtheria, the sign was bright orange with black letters. It said, in effect, ‘Stay away from this place.’

“I learned something I have always remembered—to watch for signs of danger and evil and stay away” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, pp. 68–69; or Ensign, May 1993, p. 52).

Discussion

What are some of the danger signs we should observe today?

Lessons from School

Report 6

President Hinckley continued: “I attended the Hamilton School, which was a big three-story building. The structure was old and poor by today’s standards, but I learned that it was not the building that made a difference; it was the teachers. When the weather would permit, we assembled in front of the school in the morning, pledged allegiance to the flag, and marched in an orderly fashion to our rooms.

“We dressed neatly for school, and no unkempt appearance was tolerated. The boys wore a shirt and a tie and short trousers. We wore long black stockings that reached from the foot to above the knee. They were made of cotton and wore out quickly, so they had to be darned frequently. We learned how to darn because it was unthinkable to go to school with a hole in your stocking.

“We learned a lesson on the importance of personal neatness and tidiness, and that has blessed my life ever since” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, p. 69; or Ensign, May 1993, pp. 52–53).

Discussion

How can personal neatness and tidiness be a blessing to us?

Why do you suppose missionaries are asked to be well groomed and neatly dressed?

A Lesson from Louie

Report 7

President Hinckley told about one of his childhood friends. “The bane of my first-grade teacher’s life was my friend Louie. He had what psychologists today might call some kind of an obsessive fixation. He would sit in class and chew his tie until it became wet and stringy. The teacher would scold him.

“Louie eventually became a man of substance, and I have learned never to underestimate the potential of a boy to make something of his life even if he chews his tie” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, p. 69; or Ensign, May 1993, p. 53).

Discussion

Why should we be careful about judging others?

The Seventh-Grade Strike

Report 8

Another important memory for President Hinckley was the first day of seventh grade. “The next year we enrolled in junior high school. But the building could not accommodate all the students, so our class of the seventh grade was sent back to the Hamilton School.

“We were insulted. We were furious. We’d spent six unhappy years in that building, and we felt we deserved something better. The boys of the class all met after school. We decided we wouldn’t tolerate this kind of treatment. We were determined we’d go on strike.

“The next day we did not show up. But we had no place to go. We couldn’t stay home because our mothers would ask questions. We didn’t think of going downtown to a show. We had no money for that. We didn’t think of going to the park. We were afraid we might be seen by Mr. Clayton, the truant officer. We didn’t think of going out behind the school fence and telling shady stories because we didn’t know any. We’d never heard of such things as drugs or anything of the kind. We just wandered about and wasted the day.

“The next morning the principal, Mr. Stearns, was at the front door of the school to greet us. His demeanor matched his name. He said some pretty straightforward things and then told us that we could not come back to school until we brought a note from our parents. That was my first experience with a lockout. Striking, he said, was not the way to settle a problem. We were expected to be responsible citizens, and if we had a complaint we could come to the principal’s office and discuss it.

“There was only one thing to do, and that was to go home and get the note.

“I remember walking sheepishly into the house. My mother asked what was wrong. I told her. I said that I needed a note. She wrote a note. It was very brief. It was the most stinging rebuke she ever gave me. It read as follows:

“‘Dear Mr. Stearns,

“‘Please excuse Gordon’s absence yesterday. His action was simply an impulse to follow the crowd.’

“She signed it and handed it to me.

“I walked back over to school and got there about the same time a few other boys did. We all handed our notes to Mr. Stearns. I do not know whether he read them, but I have never forgotten my mother’s note. Though I had been an active party to the action we had taken, I resolved then and there that I would never do anything on the basis of simply following the crowd. I determined then and there that I would make my own decisions on the basis of their merits and my standards and not be pushed in one direction or another by those around me.

“That decision has blessed my life many times, sometimes in very uncomfortable circumstances. It has kept me from doing some things which, if indulged in, could at worst have resulted in serious injury and trouble, and at the best would have cost me my self-respect” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, pp. 69–70; or Ensign, May 1993, p. 53).

Discussion

What are the dangers of following the crowd and basing our decisions on what others do?

Father’s Model T

Picture

Display the picture of a Model T Ford as the report is being given.

Report 9

President Hinckley continued sharing his memories: “My father had a horse and buggy when I was a boy. Then one summer day in 1916 a wonderful thing happened. It was an unforgettable thing. When he came home that evening he arrived in a shining black, brand-new Model T Ford. It was a wonderful machine, but by today’s standards it was a crude and temperamental sort of thing. For instance, it did not have a self-starter. It had to be cranked. You learned something very quickly about cranking that car. You retarded the spark, or the crank would kick back and break your hand. When it rained, the coils would get wet, and then it would not start at all. From that car I learned a few simple things about making preparation to save trouble. A little canvas over the cowl would keep the coils dry. A little care in retarding the spark would make it possible to crank without breaking your hand.

“But the most interesting thing was the lights. The car had no storage battery. The only electricity came from what was called a magneto. The output of the magneto was determined by the speed of the engine. If the engine was running fast, the lights were bright. If the engine slowed, the lights became a sickly yellow. I learned that if you wanted to see ahead as you were going down the road, you had to keep the engine running at a fast clip.

“So, just as I’d discovered, it is with our lives. Industry, enthusiasm, and hard work lead to enlightened progress. You have to stay on your feet and keep moving if you are going to have light in your life. I still have the radiator cap of that old 1916 Model T. . . . It is a reminder of lessons I learned seventy-seven years ago” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, p. 70; or Ensign, May 1993, pp. 53–54).

Discussion

How did President Hinckley suggest we can have light in our lives?

Testimony and Challenge

Share your testimony of the role of the prophet and how blessed we are when we follow his righteous example by making correct choices when we are young.

Invite class members to also participate in expressing their feelings.

Additional Help

Concentration game and discussion

Prepare a concentration board by dividing the chalkboard into twenty-five squares. Write the following matching phrases in the squares. Cover them with numbered pieces of paper. (Each paper must be able to be lifted up to reveal the phrase written underneath it.) Divide the class into two teams. Have each team work together. Taking turns, the teams should try to find the matching phrases by uncovering two boxes at a time. If the phrases match, they are left uncovered and the team gets an extra turn. Discuss with class members how each phrase in the concentration game applies in their lives.

Obey laws | Don’t judge | Be clean | Forget self | Free
Avoid danger | Be yourself | Obey leaders | Be clean | Don’t clown
Don’t clown | Keep going | Be dependable | Help others | Be clean
Be dependable | Don’t judge | Obey leaders | Keep going | Avoid danger
Be clean | Be yourself | Forget self | Help others | Obey laws

After the Lord revealed the principle of plural marriage, Joseph Smith was sealed to other wives.

After the Lord revealed the principle of plural marriage, Brigham Young was sealed to other wives.

After the Lord revealed the principle of plural marriage, John Taylor was sealed to other wives.

After the Lord revealed the principle of plural marriage, Wilford Woodruff was sealed to other wives.

In obedience to the principle of plural marriage, Lorenzo Snow was sealed to several wives.

In obedience to the principle of plural marriage, Joseph F. Smith was later sealed to other wives.

In obedience to the principle of plural marriage, Heber J. Grant was later sealed to other wives.