Lesson 9: “The Only True and Living Church”

As with last week’s lesson, there is no shortage of lessons from the past dealing with the organization of the Church on 6 April 1830. Here are the points that lesson-writers considered important, and how they advised presenting them:

1896: Deseret Sunday School Union Leaflets

Lesson 78: Organization of the Church

Place – Fayette, Seneca Co., New York.
Time – April 6, 1830.
Text – III Nephi 27:1-12. I Cor. 1:12, 13.

1. And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered together, and were united in mighty prayer and fasting. (II Nephi, 32:8. Mosiah 27:22. Matt. 17:21. I Cor. 7:5.)

2. And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Father, in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, What will ye that I shall give unto you?

3. And they said unto him, Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.

4. And the Lord said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

5. Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? for by this name shall ye be called at the last day; (Mosiah 5:8. Acts 4:12. Col. 3:17.)

6. And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day;

7. Therefore whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name, that he will bless the church for my sake;

8. And how be it my church, save it he called in my name? for if a church be called in Moses’ name, then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man, then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name, then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.

9. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name, the Father will hear you

10. And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel, then will the Father shew forth his own works in it;

11. But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you, they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return; (I Nephi 15:35.)

12. For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.

—

12.Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Lesson Statement.

The Book of Mormon had been translated and given to the world; the Aaronic Priesthood, with the power of baptizing for the remission of sins, and the Melchizedek, with the authority to confirm and impart the Holy Ghost, had been restored; a number of people had become converted to the truth of the Gospel. There was nothing to prevent the organization of the Church of Christ after the pattern of His Church in former days. At length it was revealed to the Prophet Joseph that the time had come for the Church of Christ to be established. Accordingly on April 6, 1830, the following persons assembled at the house of Peter Whitmer, Sen., in Fayette, Seneca County, New York:

Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jun., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer. The meeting was opened by prayer, then those assembled were asked if they would accept Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as their spiritual teachers and leaders under Christ. A unanimous vote was given in the affirmative. The Prophet then laid his hands upon Oliver Cowdery and ordained him an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Oliver Cowdery also ordained Joseph an Elder in the church. They partook of the bread and wine of the sacrament, and then the two Elders laid their hands on the head of each one present, confirming him a member of the Church and bestowing upon him the Holy Ghost. Under the divine influence of the Spirit, they all rejoiced exceedingly, while some of them prophesied and exercised other gifts of the Spirit. At the same time Joseph Smith received the revelation composing the 21st section of the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein he was appointed the prophet and mouthpiece of God to the Church, with Oliver Cowdery as the first elder under him. Jesus had revealed to Joseph His desire that the Church should be called after His name, and accordingly it received the title, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The last phrase was added some years afterward to distinguish between this church and the exactly similar one established by Jesus in former days.

Notes.

Six Members. – Although others besides the six persons named above had been baptized already, only these six took part in the organization of the church. This was done to conform strictly to the law of the land, that no new church might be established unless it had at least six members at the beginning.

Church Organization. – the perfect organization which we see in the Church today was not reached until a comparatively recent time. It is a development of the simple organization described above.

What We May Learn from This Lesson

1. That Christ’s Church should be named after Him. 2. That the Lord accepted the church as His. 3. That men have no right to establish the Church of Christ by their own power alone. 4. That Joseph was accepted by the members of the Church as their leader. 5. That we should sustain our leaders in the same way. 6. That spiritual powers and blessings accompanied the bestowal of the Holy Ghost. 7. That the Prophet Joseph was careful to obey the laws of the land.

Questions on the Lesson

1. Where was the church organized? 2. Give the date of its organization. 3. Name the first six members. 4. Why did only six of those already baptized take part in the organization of the Church? 5. What name was given to it? 6. Why was this name given? 7. What did Jesus and Paul say about naming churches after men? 8. Give an account of the proceedings at the organization of the Church. 9. What did the members do when the Holy Ghost was conferred upon them? 10. How did they vote with reference to sustaining Joseph and Oliver? 11. What does this teach us with reference to our duty? 12. What do you think of the right of a man to organize the Church of Christ? 13. What revelation did the Prophet receive on this occasion?

1949: Doctrine and Covenants Studies, by Bryant S. Hinckley

Chapter 9
THE RISE OF THE CHURCH (Section 20)

“The rise of The Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.” (D&C 20:1.)

“We obtained of Him (Jesus Christ) the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to His will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth.” (D&C Preface to Section 20.)

Joseph and Oliver had received the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods under the hands of John the Baptist and of Peter, James, and John, and steps were in progress for the organization which has come to be known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the dispensation of the fullness of times. It is interesting to note that those who were to participate in this significant movement were for the most part young men. It seems to have been a young men’s movement. This is sustained by the fact that many of the early converts of the Church, men who were to become active in the organization, were young men. Brigham Young was but twenty-nine when the Church was organized. Heber C. Kimball was the same age. Parley P. Pratt, who is recognized as one of the most powerful advocates in his day, was twenty-three. Orson Pratt, future theologian and philosopher of the Church, was but nineteen. It was a work which from its very nature called for the enthusiasm, the faith, and the hope of youth; and the youthful were most responsive to its call.

More than forty years had elapsed since the adoption of the Constitution of the United States which guaranteed to all who lived under it the right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience. The stage was set. The time was ripe for the introduction of the great Church which was destined to triumph. This church had a modest but marvelous origin, as we shall see.

I. How It Was Organized

“On the day appointed for the organization of the Church, six of those who had been baptized … met with a few of their friends at the house of Peter Whitmer, Sen., in Fayette Township, Seneca County, New York. The meeting was opened by solemn prayer, after which, according to previous commandment, the Prophet Joseph called upon the brethren present to know if they would accept himself and Oliver Cowdery as their teachers in the things of the kingdom of God; and if they were willing that they should proceed to organize the church according to the commandment of the Lord. To this they consented by unanimous vote. Joseph then ordained Oliver an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ; after which Oliver ordained Joseph an elder of the said church. The sacrament was administered and those who had been previously baptized were confirmed members of the Church and received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Some enjoyed the gift of prophecy, and all rejoiced exceedingly.” (CHC, Vol. I, p. 195, 196.)

The six original members of the Church were: Joseph Smith, Jr., Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, Jr., and David Whitmer. Speaking of the Church, Orson F. Whitney said: “Thus arose, as a system, what the world called Mormonism, universally regarded as the most remarkable religious movement of modern times; detested and denounced throughout Christendom as a dangerous and soul-destroying imposter, but revered and defended by its disciples as the wonderful work of the Almighty, a very ‘marvelous work and a wonder’ as foretold by Isaiah and other ancient Seers.” (Whitney’s History of Utah, Volume I, page 59.)

II. Common Consent

The Church was organized under the law of the state of New York, which required that a society should have no fewer than six members to be recognized under the law. It was organized in concordance with the law and by divine commandment.

Brigham H. Roberts, commenting on the organization of the Church, has this to say: … “And in the process of effecting that organization, we see in operation two great principles – (1) the expressed mind and will of God; (2) the consent of the people. The Lord had given commandments to his chosen servants to organize the Church; but before they proceed to effect that organization, the people that are available as members must consent to the organization. Although Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had been ordained under the hands of Peter, James, and John to be apostles, yet when it came to their being ordained presiding elders of the Church, that could only be done with the consent of those who were to become members of the Church; and thus in the very inception of the work the principle that ‘all things shall be done by common consent in the Church, by much prayer and faith, was recognized; and subsequently it was announced as the law, that ‘no person is to be ordained to any office in this Church where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that Church.’ (D & C 20:65.)

“… There are two kinds of authority represented in government, effective and moral. Effective authority operates by compulsion, and is the authority of earthly, human governments. Moral authority operates by persuasion only; this is the method of divine government.” (CHC, Vol. I, p. 197.)

We quote from section 121 of the Doctrine and covenants: “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned.”

“‘The action of God upon man is moral and moral only.’ By constituting man free, God ‘has refused to exercise effective authority over him.’ ‘An ecclesiastical or political society claiming divine authority, must exercise moral authority only, for the moment it exercises compulsion, it ceases to represent God and resolves itself into effective authority which is human, all human, and not at all divine.’” (Ibid., p. 198.)

Doctrine and covenants 20:17-80 deals largely with the doctrines and ordinances of the church and the duties of its members.

Basic Teachings

Brigham H. Roberts in Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol. I, under “Basic Teachings Revealed,” pages 190-193, has made a brief summary of these which is here quoted with slight changes and omissions:

1. The Existence of God

There is a God in Heaven who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, unchangeable; the framer of heaven and earth and all things which are in them.

2. The Creation and Fall of Man

God created man, male and female, after his own image. He gave them commandments that they should love and serve Him and that He should be the sole object of their worship. But by the transgression of these holy laws, man became sensual and devilish – fallen man.

3. Jesus Christ

The Almighty gave his Only Begotten Son as a ransom for fallen man, as it is written of him in the scriptures: he suffered temptations, but gave no heed to them; he was crucified, died, and rose again the third day; he ascended into heaven, to sit on the right hand of his Father. As many as believe on him and are baptized in his holy name, enduring in faith to the end – shall be saved. Not only those who believed after he came in the flesh; but all those who from the beginnign believed in the words of the prophets who testified of him in all things.

4. The Holy Ghost and the Trinity

The Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and of the Son. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost constitute the Holy Trinity – one God or Grand Presidency of heaven and earth, infinite, eternal.

5. Justification and Sanctification

Justification and sanctification come through the grace of God and are just and true principles. That is, the grace of God supplies the means or conditions of justification and sanctification, and it is for man to apply those means. The means or conditions of justification and sanctification are that men love and serve God with all their might, mind, and strength.

6. Falling from Grace

It is possible for men to fall from grace and depart from the living God, therefore, the Saints are admonished to take heed and pray always lest they fall into temptation. Even those who are sanctified are cautioned to take heed.

7. Baptism

All who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the Church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the spirit of Christ by the remission of their sins – shall be received by baptism into the Church. [Eight years of age is fixed as the age of baptism for children.] No person can be received into the Church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.

8. Manner of Baptism

The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: “Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy ghost, amen.” Then shall he immerse him or her, and come forth again out of the water.

9. Confirmation

Confirmation into the Church follows baptism and is performed by the laying on of hands by those who have authority in the Church. The Holy Ghost is imparted in the same manner and by the same act. there is no special form of words given for confirmation of persons into the Church and imparting the Holy Ghost; but, judging from the forms most used, a simple form is regarded as most proper; the following words are necessary: “I confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and say unto you, receive ye the Holy Ghost.” Those officiating, by the authority of the priesthood, do this in the name of Jesus Christ.

10. The Duty of the Members

It is the duty of the members of the Church to manifest righteousness by “a godly walk and conversation,” to abstain from ill feelings toward others, and to pray vocally and in secret.

11. Partaking of the Sacrament

They are to meet together often and partake of the bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord, Jesus Christ, which is to be administered by the elders or priests in the manner prescribed in the revelation.

1968-69: History of the Church for Children

Lesson 7: The Church of Jesus Christ Is Restored

Related Scripture

“For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing. …” – Doc. and Cov. 21:9.

Objectives

To learn how privileged we are to live in a day when the Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth, and to be members of that Church.

to show that Jesus Christ continues to direct this work of His church, the establishment of which required courage, patience and devotion.

Point of View

April 6, 1830, was a day of joy for Joseph, the Prophet, and those associated with him. It is now a day to be held in sacred remembrance for the courage, patience and devotion of those early leaders. Ten years of faithful preparation had passed and Joseph Smith, now twenty-four years of age, became the leader of a Church which was established according to God’s pattern. Joseph proceeded carefully and exactly according to instructions received from the Almighty, and he laid the foundations of a work which will endure as long as the earth shall last.

Approaches

1. In getting reports on enlistment assignments, tactfully determine whether anyone assigned has brought an inactive member to class. Make a point of stressing the blessings of church membership and call attention to the privilege members have of coming to Sunday School. Then ask students if they can tell who made this privilege possible. Who was an instrument in the hands of the Lord in organizing this wonderful Church?

2. If an assignment was made last week asking students to prepare lists of privileges enjoyed because of their Church membership, discuss this material with pupils and use it as a lead-in to presentation of the lesson on the organization of the Church.

3. Call for the assigned report from a student telling about the sacrifices made by some forebear, acquaintance, or well-known person in order to become a member of the Church.

4. Ask students if they play on a ball team or if they are members of a school club. show pictures of ball teams. Write the word “organization” on the chalkboard. Discuss what “organization” is. Refer to the class organization and ward organization. In almost every field of activity we have organizations. Ask students to name others. Point out that we are all members of the Lord’s organization called the Church. Each of us is important to that organization. how did this organization begin in the latter days? Make a transition to the lesson material.

5. As students enter the classroom, pin on each a card on which is written, “I am a Church member.” Discuss briefly what being a Church member means; then lead into the lesson.

7. Have the date April 6, 1830, written in several prominent places in the class room. Or as the students enter the classroom, hand each a small card upon which is written, April 6, 1830. Reserve any explanation until it is time to begin the lesson. Encourage a little quiet speculation among students and then bring the date into clear focus and explain its importance.

8. See the Enrichment Section.

The Lesson

Joseph Commanded to Organize the True Church. April 6, 1830, was the day selected by the Lord for “The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days.” the Lord told the Prophet that the date was “… one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh …” (Teachers, see D. & C. Commentary, Smith and Sjodahl, comment on Section 20 verse 1; Daniel 2.)

When the chosen hour arrived, six God-fearing young men, ranging in age from twenty-one to thirty, took their places around the table in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr.

Here was a chosen group. Each man had seen the sacred golden records. Four of them had handled the plates, and the other two had seen them in the hands of an angel. all six of them had been baptized for the remission of sins; each one of them truly believed in the mission of Joseph Smith. Furthermore, Joseph and Oliver had been ordained to their important calling by Peter, James, and John.

The laws of the State of New York said that no fewer than six men must sign the papers upon organizing a new church. other people were in the meeting, but the six men who signed were Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Peter Whitmer, Jr.

After the meeting had been opened by “solemn prayer,” the Prophet arose and organized the Church of Jesus Christ upon this earth. Those present showed by unanimous vote their approval in the matter.

Baptism the Door to God’s Kingdom. After reaching a certain point in organizing the Church, the Prophet said that all those who desired to enter this new Church must do so by being baptized. The Prophet knew that baptism was the only door into God’s Kingdom. The Lord had also told Joseph that the nine persons who were already baptized, including Joseph and Oliver, must be baptized again and be confirmed members of the Church.

To fulfill the Prophet’s words, the men hitched up their horses and the whole group drove to the beautiful Seneca Lake. These clear, blue waters, three miles wide and thirty long, soon became a favorite baptismal spot for the new Church.

The Prophet’s Mother and Father Baptized. Ten years before this time, Mother Smith had joined the Presbyterian Church. However, she stopped going to that Church and waited for the true Gospel to be revealed as soon as Joseph told her that Jesus had said all the churches on earth were wrong. And now on April 6, 1830, her prayers and dreams were answered – she was baptized into God’s true Church.

Mother Smith wrote that when her husband came up out of the water, “Joseph stood upon the shore, and taking his father by the hand, he exclaimed, with tears of joy, ‘Praise to my God! that I lived to see my own father baptized into the true Church of Jesus Christ!’”

Laying on Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Other events that took place are described by the Prophet as follows: “I then laid my hands upon Oliver Cowdery, and ordained him an elder of the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ after which he ordained me also to the office of an elder of the said Church. We then took bread, blessed it, and broke it with them; also wine, blessed it, and drank it with them. We then laid our hands on each individual member of the church present, that they might receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and be confirmed members of the Church of Christ. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us to a very great degree – some prophesied, whilst we all praised the Lord, and rejoiced exceedingly.”

By Revelation God Accepts His Church. Before this meeting closed, God spoke to His Prophet in these words, showing His approval of His restored kingdom: “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the Church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ …

“Therefore, … thou (referring to the [individual] members of the Church) 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 …

“For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me …”

The Prophet adds: “… We dismissed with the pleasing knowledge that we were now individually members of, and acknowledged of God, ‘The Church of Jesus Christ,’ organized in accordance with commandments and revelations given by Him to ourselves in these last days, as well as according to the order of the Church as recorded in the New Testament.”

The First Sunday Meeting. On Sunday, April 11, 1830, five days after the Church was organized, Oliver Cowdery preached the first sermon to the members of the new Church at a meeting held in the home of Peter Whitmer. At the close of that meeting, six converts were baptized. The next Sunday, seven more were added, making a total of twenty-six members in the new Church.

Emma Smith Baptized. About two months after the church was organized, some of its leaders put a dam in the creek near the home of Joseph Knight, at Colesville, to baptizer Emma Smith and twelve others. However, a mob of about fifty rough men pulled out the dam. But early the next morning the Saints replaced the dam and the converts were baptized. When the mob learned of it they rushed to the Knight home, determined to capture and ill-treat the Prophet.

Joseph says that through the protecting hand of the Lord, he and his companions were saved from the violence of the wicked men, who were shouting that they would destroy Joseph and the new Church.

Arrest of the Prophet. That evening, while the brethren were holding a meeting to confirm the new converts, an officer entered and arrested Joseph.

The officer took Joseph to South Bainbridge, seven miles from Colesville, and put him to bed in an upper room of a tavern. The officer lay down on the floor with his feet against the door and his gun by his side. He was determined that no one was to touch his prisoner.

Joseph’s trial opened the next morning and ran until midnight, when the judge set Joseph free. But as soon as he was free another officer arrested him and carried him back to Colesville, where another trial was held the following day. This second trial commenced about 10 a.m. and continued until about four o’clock the next morning. Again Joseph was set free, for his persecutors failed to prove that he had done anything for which he could be held in prison.

When the court was dismissed, Joseph and Emma drove thirty miles southward to their harmony home for a much-needed rest.

Activities and Applications

1. Emphasize the importance of being a good member in any worthy organization – a class unit, a school organization, a team, a club, and a family. Send students home this Sunday with a desire to be better members, not only of the Church as such, but of the family also. Encourage them to be conscious of their responsibilities in the home and to do their part willingly and cheerfully. It might be suggested to parents that they reinforce this concept by permitting youngsters to participate in some of the family councils and planning sessions, and by making an important study of individual family duties. Enlist the aid of parents in this activity.

2. Persuade the young people to express their appreciation to the Lord frequently for their membership in the Church. A telephone call would be effective some evening at about bedtime reminding a youngster to be sure to say thanks in his prayers. The same stress could be given by mailing a care during the week with a line of reminder or a verse:

I’m grateful for my Church
In this great latter day;
I want to thank the Lord
Each time I kneel to pray.

3. Suggest without forcing or pushing I any way that some may wish to express their appreciation for Church membership in Fast Meeting. Be careful not to dare or to put students in competition with each other in order to get them to stand up in testimony meeting. let it grow out of a sincere desire.

4. Ask several students to be class reporters during the week with an assignment to interview the bishop and other ward leaders asking the question: “What does Church membership mean to you?” Reporters should be given the opportunity to report back, either in class, to the teacher, or to their families.

5. Class members should be encouraged to “talk over” Church membership with their younger brothers and sisters who have not yet been baptized, or ask older members of the family what Church membership means to them.

6. The class members may wish to express appreciation for their Church membership by sponsoring the project: “Better Reverence in Meetings.”

7. Kindle the fire of enthusiasm for class enlistment activity by reminding youngsters that non-active class members aren’t enjoying the benefits and blessings of Church membership. here’s an opportunity to be a real missionary. (This point ties in with next week’s lesson.)

8. See the Enrichment Section for other material.

Questions

1. On what date was the Church organized?
2. How many men organized the church?
3. What is the door to God’s Kingdom?
4. Who were re-baptized?
5. How did Joseph feel when his father and mother were baptized?
6. Name three important spiritual events that took place at that time in addition to the baptisms.
7. When the Lord accepted His Church, he said that Joseph Smith would be called a seer. Can you name some other things that the Lord said he would be called?
8. What happened on April 11, 1830?
9. shortly after the organization of the Church, how many times was the Propeht arrested?
10. What was the result of these arrests?

Enrichment “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.” (D. & C. 20:77)

The Blessing on the Bread:

The Blessing on the Water: “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.” (D. & C. 20:79)

The True Way to Baptize was given by the Lord in these words: “Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent –

“The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

“Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.” (D. & C . 20:72-74)

I WOULD BE A DEACON

The late Senator Reed Smoot of Utah once was asked about the reports that he had been offered the nomination for President of the Untied States, and whether he could ever turn against his church.

“Wouldn’t it be worth it?” Senator Smoot was asked.

“Maybe you do not know my stand in regard to my Church. If I had to take my choice of being a deacon in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or being the President of the United States, I would be a deacon,” the senator declared.

– quoted in The Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers, by Bryant S. Hinckley; Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, 1956, p. 202. Taken from The Instructor, June 1958, p. 189.

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