Two of these answers to questions are explicitly signed Joseph F. Smith; the others are presumably the work of George Q. Cannon. They appeared in the Juvenile Instructor of 1905.

Should the little children of the kindergarten [in Sunday School] be taught the events leading up to and culminating in the death of our Savior?

It is a principle widely accepted that it is not desirable to teach these little ones those things that are horrifying to childish nature. And what may be said of children is equally true in all stages of student life. But death is not an unmixed horror. with it are associated some of the profoundest and most important truths of human life. Although painful in the extreme to those who must suffer the departure of dear ones, death is one of the grandest blessings in divine economy; and we think children should be taught something of its true meaning as early in life as possible. …

Children are sure to be brought into some acquaintanceship with the incident of death, even during the kindergarten period; and it would be a great relief to the puzzled and perplexed conditions of their minds if some intelligent statements of the reason for death were made to them. No explanation of death to a child’s mind can anywhere be found that is more simple and convincing than is the death of our Master, connected as it is and ever must be with His glorious resurrection.

In giving the story of His crucifixion to little children, it should be divided into three lessons. The first should treat in a general way of death and the resurrection … The second lesson may then take up in detail the circumstances leading to the Savior’s death; while the third may explain those attending His resurrection. It is, of course, not advisable to make the master’s death horrifying by any dramatic representation that would be distressing to the feelings of childhood.

It is really less cruel to teach children the circumstances and events of Christ’s death and resurrection with an explanation of their meaning, than it is to permit little children to go on year after year witnessing death about them without knowing anything of God’s purposes and our blessings in death. The teacher should, of course, aim to control the feelings of the children in presenting the subject, and bring out the blessed conditions and results of death tothe righteous rather than to portray the wickedness of those who brought about Christ’s suffering and crucifixion. – Joseph F. Smith

We have received from time to time numerous inquiries concerning the meaning of the following passage of scripture, but especially as to what the Lord Jesus meant when He said, “And upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:13-18) …

There seems to have been a question in the minds of some as to what is the rock on which His church should be built?

Now we understand that the Roman Catholics hold the opinion that the Lord referred to Peter himself, and in proof of this view point to the change made in His name from Simon Bar-j0ona to peter.

But the view generally entertained and set forth by the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all their arguments is that the Lord referred to His remarks to the rock of revelation. He was speaking of revelation from the Father, by means of which Peter had learned that He [Jesus] was the Christ, the son of the living god. it was not from flesh and blood that Peter had learned this grand and all important truth; but he had learned it by divine revelation from the father …

It is the Lord Jesus Himself from whom revelation comes. In this light, then, He, Himself, is the Rock. In section 50, paragraph 44 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, he says:

Wherefore I am in your midst, and I am the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this Rock shall never fall.

It is proposed by some of the [non-LDS] churches that the rites and ceremonies be made gorgeous and of such a character as to appeal to the interest of the youth.

While our own Sunday Schools are largely attended by the children, in them there is a lack of attendance by young people from sixteen to twenty-one years of age. there may be explanations for such negligence on the part of the young in attending Sunday School, but it is quite probable that if those of such an age could be induced to attend public meetings [Sacrament Meetings], they would also lend encouragement to Sunday School work by their presence. Our little children are not expected in the sacrament meetings. The Sunday School is considered quite sufficient for them …

How then shall we induce our boys and girls to attend worship on the Sabbath day? The question invites the earnest consideration of parents and Bishops and especially of the latter. We do not mean that the character of our worship should be changed, though it may be made to appeal to the needs of youth more than it does in many instances.

In the first place spirited meetings are desirable. Special efforts should be made to provide the people with good, strong testimonies and wholesome instructions. Young men may sometimes be invited to take part. Too much scolding and too little admonition do not have a good effect with the young …

Again, the influence of music may be brought into service in interesting the youth of Zion in our Sabbath meetings. If the Bishops and choir leaders would persuade young men and women to join the choir and thereby take part in the religious services, it would give them something to do, and the pleasure of the meeting would be greatly added to by their own efforts, which would make their attendance at the church more regular and more satisfactory.

The slovenly practice in many places of making no preparation for the Sunday meetings should give way to an earnest and prayerful consideration of what may be done to improve the character of the worship and to increase the attendance, especially of the young people. Good Sabbath meetings should be the pride and ambition of every Bishop in the Church. The places of worship should be made attractive and the spirit of the meetings should be characterized by love and brotherly devotion. there is often too much formality, too little cordial greeting and hand shaking. …

A Bishop whose meetings are dry and unattractive to the young as well as the old, needs the attention and encouragement of his Stake Presidency. Let our meetings not be wholly childless. Bishops and parents make a great mistake when they are indifferent to the presence of the youth of Zion in the places of worship on the Sabbath day. – Joseph F. Smith

Has the public, upon whose purchasing power wealth is so extensively acquired, any right to expect liberal consideration at the hands of those who have been the beneficiaries of public patronage?

Legally men may be compelled to contribute something to the public good through the medium of taxation. In addition, however, to the meager claim that the law lays upon wealth, there is a moral obligation of the rich to be above all men public spirited and generous in the distribution of their wealth, especially to the Church and those educational and charitable institutions that are dependent upon the free-will offerings of those competent to render substantial assistance. If those well-to-do observed conscientiously the law of God in the payment of their tithes and offerings, they would perform more truly the public obligations that devolve upon them than they now observe by holding their wealth for speculation and family aggrandisement. …

Men might more confidently expect divine favor upon their families and the generation which will follow them by fulfilling what is plainly an obligation to do that which God has given them the ability to do.