of ordinance depends upon obedience. 4. Show that the absence of obedience results in social chaos. 5. Why is there more freedom in taking counsel than in obeying commands? 6. What kind of disobedience may fittingly be called the "seeds of anarchy"? 7. Show that obedience is a source of immediate individual joy, and that group happiness depends upon obedience? 8. Give scriptural proof that obedience is a principle of the gospel. 9. Prove the impotency of faith without obedience. 10. Show that obedience to law governs both the giving and the receiving of blessing. Doctrine and Covenants, 130:20, 21. 11. Connect up Pearl of Great Price, Book of Abraham, Chap. 4-25 with the following definition of instincts: "Instincts are blind impulses leading to wise ends." 12. Distinguish between blind obedience and the obedience of confidence. Seven Gospel Fundamentals Designed for Joint Senior M. I. A. The following seven outlines are designed for use by the Senior Class es of the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A. during the months of April and May. It is recommended that these classes unite and consider the topics jointly. They should not be presented in the usual lesson or lecture form but rather in the nature of an open forum or free, roundtable discussion. The aim should be to get as many as possible of the young people to participate. It is suggested that each week several members of the class (at least five young men and five young women) be assigned to lead out in the giv ing of personal experiences, or to prepare the incidents and illustrations referred to in the outlines. Young people of Senior age can be appealed to through topics of a spiritual nature; intelligent discussion of religion never fails to interest them. If you have returned missionaries who are or should be members of the Senior classes, make use of them in these discussions. The principles of the Gospel here treated are vital. They are as applicable today in the lives of the Latter-day Saints as at any time in history. Where the young men are dividing their lesson time, they should be Classes for April and May, 1922. given the time of meeting separately, if they so desire. I THERE IS DIVINE AUTHORITY Class leaders should aim to have as many as possible of the members relate instances of the manifestation of divine authority, preferably those which have occurred in the present period of the Church, as, for example: power and development which have come to men who have received the Priesthood, fulfilled promises in patriarchal blessings, healing of the sick, etc. Simple incidents may be as effective as more remarkable ones. A careful assignment should be made in order to insure participa tion. To stimulate discussion, the following outline is given: What is authority? What is the authority of superior knowledge? Explain delegated authority. Why is divine authority indispensable in working out the plan of salvation? Show how divine authority was given for each fundamental step in the history of the Church. Illustrate the power of authority from a. The Old Testament. b. The New Testament. c. The Book of Mormon. II e. Personal experiences among class members, or others. BE BELIEVING Let the members of the class give experiences of the exercise of faith in God, in the atonement of Jesus Christ and in the Restoration of the Gospel to Joseph Smith. These may be personal, or those of other people, which have resulted in its increase in their lives and actions. This discussion should occupy most of the period. Try to have all members participate. Outline to assist in the discussion: Show why it is necessary to understand the attributes of God in order to have faith in him. What is meant III by the statement that faith is a principle of power? Illustrate. On what evidence does faith in God rest? Prove that faith in God and in the atonement of His Son Jesus Christ is essential to progress and to ultimate salvation. Show that faith is a gift from God. Show that true faith finds expression in action. References: Talmage's "Articles of COMMUNION WITH GOD Open the class period by a recital in concert of the Lord's Prayer. For the consideration of this topic every member should be able to bring to class a story or incident showing the efficacy of prayer. Encourage the telling of simple, every day personal experiences. Make careful assignment. Outline to aid the discussion: What is Prayer? Prayer is communion with God; it is the soul's sincere desire. There are prayers of praise, thanksgiving, pleading, supplication, confession. Prayer of desire the commonest form: People pray oftenest when they want something, or when they are in distress. Prayer of praise. Illustration: Psalms of David. Church tion for prayer. Humility, purity, and unselfishness should be conditions attendant on prayer. Effort should accompany prayer. Effect of prayer on the individual. Value of prayer habit-"Prayer will keep a man from sin and sin will keep a man from prayer." Pres. Brigham Young. Explain what it means to "pray unceasingly." Are prayers answered? Give incidents. Why are prayers sometimes unanswered? (See incident of answer to prayer on page 161 of this issue of the Journal.) Read "A Place of Prayer" p. 383, An Article on Prayer pp. 383 and There should be mental prepara- 385-392, March Era. IV. GODLY SORROW "Godly Sorrow" and the "Sorrow of the World," (II Cor. 7:10). Show the steps in repentance. (See outlines for Teacher-Training, 1922, p. 42). Instances of repentance: David's repentance, Psalms 25; 38:1-6; 51; Alma's repentance, Mos. 27, especially verses 24-28; the repentance of Oliver Cowdery, "Era" Vol. 24, p. 620; "Journal" May, 1921, p. 315. Preachers of repentance: John the Baptist, Matt. 3:1-12; the Apostle Peter, Acts 2:38-40; 3:19; Alma, 5:15-26; 9:29, 30; The Third Nephi 7:16-26; Luther; Joseph Smith. VI. THE LORD'S PORTION The entire class should relate instances showing the satisfaction and blessing resulting from the honest payment of tithing. Suggestions to aid in the discus sion: The principle of tithing was wisely instituted by the Lord, (a) as a means of character development in the tithe-payer and (b) as a means of providing for the financial security of the Church. The individual who keeps the law of tithing is putting himself in a position to grow in brotherly kindness and he may rest assured that his name is written in the Books from which he will be judged. "He that is tithed shall not be burned at His coming." Doc. & Cov. 64:23. Explain that an accurate tithing is one-tenth of one's increase; any amount less than one-tenth is not a tithing. Give historical instances of tithepaying and blessings promised therefor. (See Gen. 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Deut. 14:22:28; Doc. and Cov. 64: 23-24; 97:11; 119:1-7; "Articles of Faith," pages 448, 449). Explain the benefits of tithe-paying to the individual. Explain the benefits of this law to the Church--the purposes for which it is used. VII. MISSIONARY EXPERIENCES As the close of this course, a most profitable hour may be spent in the recital of missionary experiences, showing the power of the Priesthood, the loving watchcare of the Lord for His servants, the kindness of the people towards the elders, the joy that comes through service. Returned missionaries will rejoice in the opportunity of attending this class and relating their experiences. It is realized that most of our returned missionaries are members (or should be) of the Advanced Senior Class and it is not the intention to disturb that class, but there may be yet others in the ward, not identified with Mutual, who would appreciate being invited to this session of the Senior Class to participate in the discussion. Others who have not been upon missions may tell of incidents related to them by fathers or brothers or friends in the field. In many wards of the Church splendid home missionary work is being carried on, attended by experiences which have greatly increased the faith and joy of those participating. These may profitably be related. Discuss the question: What can be done generally to promote the same missionary spirit at home as in the field? Bee-Hive Lessons Junior Course of Study. These lessons contain material required for the Bee-Hive work. If meetings are held on Sunday, please arrange another time for any part not suitable for that night. Prayer. FOR BUILDERS IN THE HIVE. LESSON XIX. (For Tuesday, April 4th, or Sunday, April 9th.) Song: "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire. We should pray with sincere desire for the request we make, and full faith that we will receive our answer. We should ask for only those things we are sure are necessary and that we are sure we want. How do you ask your own parent for things? Simply? We should pray simply. Have some one read from the Bible, the Lord's prayer. Have the girls memorize the Lord's prayer. Have some one tell the Story of Alma in the Synagogue, (Book of Alma, Chapters 31 and 32.) If you are sure of what you want, you do not need to hestitate or use many words; ask as you would your Mother or Father. How can you feel sure your prayer will be heard? If man, only partially knowing the laws governing those things, can communicate over thousands of miles by wireless, can not the One who knows the laws perfectly receive our messages? If we are in tune, or attuned as a wireless receiving station is, can we not hear Him? Would you care to have Him really hear and heed all the messages you send out? Should we ask and not be willing to grant to the One of superior knowledge the privilege to decide what the answer should be? Let the girls answer these questions for themselves. Christ's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane shows the impossibility of the cup of sorrow being taken from Him and the sublimity of "Thy will be done." IV. When should we pray? Who is your best girl friend? How often do you see her? What makes her your chum? Then if you like to see your friends often, what can you say about making friends with the Father in Heaven. Mention the daily prayer; prayer for the work they are doing. Have the Girls suggest the last song. References: "Gospel Doctrine;" "Book of Mormon;" "History of the Church;" "Bible;" Girls' personal experiences. V. Suggestion. Can we have a short story contest? Tell the girls as soon as possible to select their stories for your approval. Van Dyke's stories are good. Then keep them working on the stories. |