Lesson 14: Emma Selects Sacred Hymns

CDs of hymns?
music on Internet
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/doctrine-and-covenants-stories?lang=eng#2010-06-14-chapter-13-joseph-and-emma-july-1830

Elder Packer
2:14
4:00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKWQ0YkyrsE

http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/hum-your-favorite-hymn?lang=eng

Lesson 14: Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History, (1997), 70–75

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Purpose

To help the children have a desire to sing sacred hymns as they worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Preparation

1. 1.  Prayerfully study Doctrine and Covenants 25 and the historical accounts given in this lesson. Then study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scriptural and historical accounts. (See “Preparing Your Lessons,” pp. vi–vii, and “Teaching the Scriptural and Historical Accounts,” pp. vii–ix.)

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Section 25





Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see the heading to section 24). This revelation manifests the will of the Lord to Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife.


1–6, Emma Smith, an elect lady, is called to aid and comfort her husband;7–11, She is also called to write, to expound scriptures, and to select hymns; 12–14, The song of the righteous is a prayer unto the Lord; 15–16, Principles of obedience in this revelation are applicable to all.




1 Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who areceive my gospel are sons and daughters in mybkingdom.


2 A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and awalk in the paths of bvirtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an cinheritance in Zion.


3 Behold, thy asins are forgiven thee, and thou art an belect clady, whom I have dcalled.


4 aMurmur not because of the bthings which thou hast not seen, for they are cwithheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.


5 And the office of thy calling shall be for a acomfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy bhusband, in his cafflictions, with consoling words, in the spirit of dmeekness.


6 And thou shalt go with him at the time of his going, and be unto him for a scribe, while there is no one to be a scribe for him, that I may send my servant, Oliver Cowdery, whithersoever I will.


7 And thou shalt be aordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my bSpirit.


8 For he shall lay his ahands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much.


9 And thou needest not fear, for thy ahusband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his bcalling, that all things might be crevealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith.


10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the athingsof this bworld, and cseek for the things of a dbetter.


11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of asacredbhymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.


12 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.


13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.


14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy bhusband, and the cglory which shall come upon him.

15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.


16 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen.

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1. 2.  Additional reading: “First Presidency Preface,” Hymns, pp. ix–x, and the preface to the Children’s Songbook, p. iii.
2. 
   
3. 3.  Select the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will involve the children and best help them achieve the purpose of the lesson.
4. 4.  Prepare a large sheet of paper with the following words printed on it (or write the words on the chalkboard before class starts):

   Sacrament Meeting

   Announcements

   Invocation (opening prayer)

   Ward [or branch] business

   Sacrament

   Speakers

   Benediction (closing prayer)

   What Is Missing?
5. 5. 
   Materials needed:
   1. a. 
      A Doctrine and Covenants for each child.
   2. b. 
      Picture 5-22, Emma Smith (Gospel Art Picture Kit 405; 62509).

Suggested Lesson Development

Invite a child to give the opening prayer.

Attention Activity

Display the large sheet of paper (or refer to the list on the chalkboard). Explain that the things on this list are parts of sacrament meeting.

• • What happens in sacrament meeting that is missing from this list? (Opening and closing hymns; sacrament hymn; prelude and postlude music.)
• • Why do you think we use music in our Church meetings? Why do we sing hymns? What difference do you think it would make if we did not sing hymns in our Church meetings?

Help the children understand that music, especially hymn singing, has always been an important part of worshiping Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It brings a spirit of reverence and love to our Church meetings (see enrichment activity 6).

Scriptural and Historical Accounts

Discuss with the children the Lord’s counsel and instruction to Emma Smith, as discussed in the following historical accounts and Doctrine and Covenants 25.

After the Church was organized, Joseph Smith and other members of the Church were persecuted often. Mobs disrupted meetings and threatened to harm new members, and the Prophet’s life was often in danger. During this time of persecution, Joseph Smith received many revelations to strengthen, encourage, and instruct the Saints. Section 25 is a revelation he received for his wife, Emma, to comfort her and help her understand how she could support her husband in his great calling. The Lord also instructed Emma to compile a hymnbook for the Saints.

Emma Smith Was an Elect Lady

Emma Hale Smith was a schoolteacher from an intelligent and highly respected family. She was a tall, attractive woman with black hair and dark eyes (show the picture of Emma Smith). Her family members did not believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and though they later became friendly to him, they were upset when Emma married Joseph.

The Prophet’s wife had to endure many of the same persecutions, hardships, and heartaches that her husband did. Joseph and Emma were poor. They often had to rely on others for a place to live and food to eat while Joseph fulfilled his Church responsibilities. Emma and Joseph also had to move several times to avoid persecution. Emma longed for them to have a home of their own.

Emma helped and supported her husband in his work. She had accompanied Joseph the night he received the plates at the Hill Cumorah, and once she rode to warn her husband that a group of men was searching the woods to find the plates he had hidden there (see lesson 5). Joseph knew through revelation that the plates were safe, but he decided to return with his wife so he could be closer to home if problems arose.

As Joseph began the translation of the Book of Mormon, Emma served as his scribe, even though she had many household responsibilities. After Oliver Cowdery arrived, she would substitute for Oliver if he grew tired during the long hours of writing, so the Prophet could continue translating. Emma lived with the plates in her home for almost two years, but she was never allowed to see them. They were often kept in a little trunk on her dresser or on a table covered with a linen tablecloth.

Joseph’s mother said of Emma: “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure … would have borne down almost any other woman” (Lucy Mack Smith,History of Joseph Smith, pp. 190–91).

Emma Smith Compiled a Hymnbook

The Lord commanded Emma Smith to make a collection of hymns that the Saints could sing in their Church meetings (see D&C 25:11). The hymnbook was completed in 1835 and contained the words to ninety hymns. Thirty-four of these hymns were written by Church members about the restoration of the gospel, and the remaining hymns were selected from those already being used by other churches. The hymnbook had no music printed in it. Members of the Church sang the words to well-known tunes of the time and sometimes used different tunes with the same hymns. Several of the hymns selected by Emma are included in our current hymnbook, including “Redeemer of Israel,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah.”

http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/redeemer-of-israel?lang=eng

Discussion and Application Questions

Study the following questions and the scripture references as you prepare your lesson. Use the questions you feel will best help the children understand the scriptures and apply the principles in their lives. Reading and discussing the scriptures with the children in class will help them gain personal insights.

• • How did the Lord describe Emma? (D&C 25:3; see footnote b.) How did the Prophet’s mother describe her? What qualities of Emma Smith do you admire?
• • Do you think it was hard for Emma to have the gold plates in her home but not be allowed to see them? Why? What did the Lord tell her about seeing them? (D&C 25:4.) Have you ever wanted to do something that you were not allowed to do? What did you learn from your experience?
• • What did the Lord tell Emma she should do to help her husband? (D&C 25:5–8; you may want to explain that the word ordained in verse 7 means that Emma was to be set apart to do the work to which she had been called.) What can you tell about the kind of person Emma was from the things she was asked to do? How can you prepare to help in the Church as Emma did?
• • Have a child read aloud Doctrine and Covenants 25:9. Why do you think Emma might have been afraid? What counsel did the Lord give her? (D&C 25:9–10, 13–15.) What can we learn from these verses about overcoming our own fears and problems?
• • Why did Emma make a collection of hymns? (D&C 25:11.) What did Heavenly Father say about hymns in Doctrine and Covenants 25:12? Help the children understand that just as we talk to Heavenly Father when we pray, we also talk to him when we sing hymns praising him.
• • What has Heavenly Father promised us if we sing hymns to worship him? (D&C 25:12.) What kinds of blessings might we receive from singing hymns? Explain that hymns can help teach us the gospel and strengthen our faith and testimonies. They can help us want to repent and keep the commandments. They can make us feel happy when we are sad and can fill our minds with good, clean thoughts (see enrichment activity 5). They remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us.

Enrichment Activities

You may use one or more of the following activities any time during the lesson or as a review, summary, or challenge.

1. 1. 
   Share with the class your feelings about a particular hymn and how it has strengthened you. Distribute several copies of Hymns or Children’s Songbook, and let each child find a favorite hymn or song. Sing a verse from one or more of these favorites, or let each child read the words to the hymn or song and explain why he or she likes it. You might also bring recordings of a few hymns and let the children listen to them.
2. 2. 
   Tell the following story about John Taylor, who became the third President of the Church, and how he used hymns to solve a problem:
   Two Church members in Salt Lake City were having a serious argument about some business matters. They finally decided to ask President John Taylor, who was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at that time, to help them settle their argument. These brethren promised each other that they would agree to whatever President Taylor told them.
   They came to President Taylor and asked him if he would listen to their story and make a decision for them. President Taylor agreed to listen. But he said, “Brethren, before I hear your case, I would like very much to sing one of the songs of Zion for you.”
   President Taylor was a good singer. He enthusiastically sang a hymn to the two men. When he finished, he “remarked that he never heard one of the songs of Zion but that he wanted to listen to one more, and so asked them to listen while he sang another.” President Taylor sang a second and then a third hymn. Then he said, “Now, brethren, I do not want to wear you out, but if you will forgive me, and listen to one more hymn, I promise to stop singing, and will hear your case.”
   When President Taylor had finished the fourth song, the brethren were so touched by the hymns that they had tears in their eyes. They shook hands, apologized to President Taylor for taking up his time, and left without telling President Taylor what their problem was. (See Heber J. Grant, “John Taylor’s Hymns,” in Stories for Mormons, ed. Rick Walton and Fern Oviatt [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1983], p. 92; see also Heber J. Grant, “Songs of the Heart,” Improvement Era, Sept. 1940, p. 522.)
3. 3. 
   Tell in your own words the following story:
   A group of Latter-day Saint pioneers, led by Brigham Young, were near the Rocky Mountains. One night they camped in a small valley. After supper they built a big bonfire. They sang and danced around the bonfire to help them forget their fears and worries.
   Before they went to bed in their wagons, leaving a single guard on duty, they sang “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” a song they used to encourage each other and show their dedication to the Lord.
   That night there were a thousand unfriendly Indians hiding around the camp, ready to attack the pioneers. But after the Indians heard the pioneers sing “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” they were unable to attack. They knew the Great Spirit (their name for Heavenly Father) was watching over the pioneers, so they got on their horses and rode away, leaving the pioneers alone.
   Some time later, the man who had been chief over the group of Indians told this story to some Latter-day Saint missionaries. When he finished the story, he took out a violin and began to play “Come, Come, Ye Saints.” He explained to the missionaries, “This is your song, but it is my song, too. I play it every night before I go to bed. It brings the Great Spirit here to me and makes me and my people calm and happy.” (See Lucile C. Reading, “Song of the Pioneers,” Children’s Friend, July 1965, p. 37.)

   http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/come-come-ye-saints?lang=eng  Key of E
   Invite the children to tell about times when a Church hymn or song has made them feel calm and happy.
4. 4. 
   To help the children understand how the first hymnbook was used, explain that the words of different hymns can be sung to the same melody. Have the children sing “How Firm a Foundation” (Hymns,no. 85). Then sing the words to “Away in a Manger” (Hymns, no. 206) to the same melody as “How Firm a Foundation” (the first phrase on the last line will need to be repeated). You can also do the reverse, singing “How Firm a Foundation” to the music of “Away in a Manger.”
   “High on the Mountain Top” (Hymns, no. 5) and “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” (Hymns, no. 66) are also interchangeable.
5. http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/away-in-a-manger?lang=eng  E Maj
6. http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/how-firm-a-foundation?lang=eng G Maj
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8. 5. 
   Help the children understand that singing hymns and other righteous songs “can help crowd out unrighteous thoughts that enter our minds. Read or have a child read the following quotation from Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
   “Choose from among the sacred music of the Church a favorite hymn, one with words that are uplifting and music that is reverent, one that makes you feel something akin to inspiration. … Go over it in your mind carefully. Memorize it. … Now, use this hymn as the place for your thoughts to go. … As the music begins and as the words form in your thoughts, the unworthy [thoughts] will slip shamefully away” (“Inspiring Music—Worthy Thoughts,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, p. 28).
   Sing or say the words to “Hum Your Favorite Hymn” (Children’s Songbook, p. 152) with the children, asking them to pay close attention to the words. Explain that when we have unrighteous or angry thoughts, we can replace them with good thoughts by singing or thinking of the words to a hymn.

   
   

   http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/hum-your-favorite-hymn?lang=eng
9. 6. 
   Have two children each read one of the following quotations from leaders of the Church:
   “Music is of enormous importance in our worship services. I believe that those who choose, conduct, present, and accompany the music may influence the spirit of reverence in our meetings more than a speaker does” (Boyd K. Packer, in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, p. 28; orEnsign, Nov. 1991, p. 22).
   “Brothers and sisters, let us use the hymns to invite the spirit of the Lord into our congregations, our homes, and our personal lives. Let us memorize and ponder them, recite and sing them, and partake of their spiritual nourishment. Know that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto our Father in Heaven, ‘and it shall be answered with a blessing upon [your] heads’” (“First Presidency Preface,” Hymns, p. x).
   Discuss with the children why reverent music is important in our lives and how we can use the hymns to grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
10. 7. 
    Help the children memorize Doctrine and Covenants 25:12.

Conclusion

Testimony

Share your testimony of the importance of singing hymns, and express your ideas about the blessings that can come from righteous hymn singing. Tell the children that Heavenly Father loves to hear us sing. Encourage the children to participate joyfully in hymn singing, at Church meetings and on their own.

Suggested Home Reading

Suggest that the children study Doctrine and Covenants 25 at home as a review of this lesson.

Suggested Family Sharing

Encourage the children to share with their families a specific part of the lesson, such as a story, question, or activity, or to read with their families the “Suggested Home Reading.”

Invite a child to give the closing prayer.

10  minutes and move  --
4 + activities

1. maze 
2. 3 ordinances   
3. historical account -- children read quotes (PowerPoint with pictures?)
1. the children could share stories -- give them ahead
4. game 
5. Where were you baptized?  

Materials:
mazes 1 copy for each child
pencils
4th article of faith


from http://www.lds.org/manual/primary-5-doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history/lesson-12-important-ordinances-are-restored?lang=eng

Game with questions and directions.  Stay on the Path/Straight and Narrow Path
gameboard:  http://donnayoung.org/f12/homeschooling-f/boards/rt-plain-squares.pdf
staight

To enter:  repent of their sins, become humble, and be willing to serve Jesus Christ

repentance
willing to take upon them the ^cname of Jesus Christ
having a^ddetermination to serve him to the end
gate  -- baptism
receive the Holy Ghost  -- confirmed under proper authority
(loops leaving the path?)

Born and die before the Gospel is restored (someone has to do your work for you)
proper authority
(spaces from http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=353bf4f4b5fae010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Add question spaces -- see discussion questions -- include scriptures on cards?

Why are we baptised?  D&C 20:37
What must we do to prepare to be baptised?   D&C 20:37
If we truly repent and are baptized, what are we promised concerning our sins?
D&C 58:42
 42 Behold, he who has ^arepented of his ^bsins, the same is^cforgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

What authority or priesthood is necessary to perform baptisms? 
69 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the ^aPriesthood of ^bAaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of^cbaptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of ^dLevi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in ^erighteousness.

How did Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive the Priesthood? 
72 The ^amessenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called ^bJohn the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of ^cPeter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first ^dElder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized.


37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who ^ahumblethemselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and ^bcontrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the ^cname of Jesus Christ, having a^ddetermination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their ^eworks that they have received of the ^fSpirit of Christ unto the ^gremission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who ^ahumble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and ^bcontrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the ^cname of Jesus Christ, having a^ddetermination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their ^eworks that they have received of the ^fSpirit of Christ unto the ^gremission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.


Why are baptisms done in other churches not accepted of the Lord? 
D&C 22

After we are baptized, how are we confirmed?  D&C 20:41
 (Confirm:  another name for
 41 And to ^aconfirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of ^bhands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

What priesthood authority is necessary for this ordinance? (JS—H 1:70, 72.)

When we are confirmed as members of the Church, what gift do we receive?

How must we live to remain worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost? 

Lesson 12: Important Ordinances Are Restored

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History, (1997), 57–63

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Purpose

To help the children feel gratitude for the privilege of being able to be baptized, be confirmed, and partake of the sacrament.

Preparation

1. 1.  Prayerfully study Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 41, 72–79; 22;27:1–4 (including the section headings); 2 Nephi 31:17–21; and the historical account given in this lesson. Then study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scriptural and historical accounts. (See “Preparing Your Lessons,” pp. vi–vii, and “Teaching the Scriptural and Historical Accounts,” pp. vii–ix.)

 17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and ^abaptism by water; and then cometh a ^bremissionof your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

 18 And then are ye in this ^astrait and narrow ^bpath which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which ^cwitnesses of the ^dFatherand the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

 19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow ^apath, I would ask if all is ^bdone? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken ^cfaith in him, ^drelying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to ^esave.

 20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a ^asteadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of ^bhope, and a ^clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and ^dendure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have ^eeternal life.

 21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the ^away; and there is ^bnone other way nor ^cname given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the ^ddoctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the^eFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is ^fone God, without end. Amen.

1. 2.  Additional reading: Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 and Joseph Smith—History 1:68–74.
2. 3.  Select the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will involve the children and best help them achieve the purpose of the lesson.
3. 4.  Make a copy of the maze at the end of the lesson for each child. If it is not feasible to make a copy for each child, draw a large copy of the maze on a piece of paper or on the chalkboard before class starts.
   (click to view larger)
4. 5.  Materials needed:
   1. a.  A Doctrine and Covenants for each child.
   2. b.  A Book of Mormon and a Pearl of Great Price.
   3. c.  A pencil for each child.
   4. d.  Map of the New York–Ohio Area, found at the end of lesson 1.

Note to the teacher: As you discuss baptism and confirmation, be sensitive to the feelings of any children in your class who have not been baptized and confirmed.

Suggested Lesson Development

Invite a child to give the opening prayer.

Attention Activity

Give each child a pencil and a copy of the maze found at the end of the lesson. Ask the children to find and mark the path from the point marked “Gate” to the point marked “Eternal Life.” (If you have one large copy of the maze, have the children work together to find the path.)

Have the children compare their mazes to see if they all found the same path. Point out that there is only one clear path through the maze. The other paths are all eventually blocked.

Explain to the children that life can be like a maze sometimes. We can make many different decisions and follow many different paths, but only one path will lead us to eternal life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That path is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• • If the path through the maze represents the gospel, what do you think the “Gate” represents?

Read or have a child read 2 Nephi 31:17 aloud. Explain that baptism into the church of Jesus Christ is the “gate” that starts us on the path to eternal life.

• • What do we receive after we are baptized that helps us make right choices and stay on the path to eternal life? (The gift of the Holy Ghost.)
• • What do we do each week that helps us remember the important ordinances of baptism and confirmation? (Partake of the sacrament.)

Remind the children that after the Apostasy, the gospel of Jesus Christ was no longer on the earth. The priesthood was not on the earth either, so no one could properly be baptized, be confirmed, or partake of the sacrament. The gospel and the priesthood had to be restored in the latter days.

Scriptural and Historical Accounts

Briefly review how the priesthood and the church of Jesus Christ were restored in these latter days (see lessons 8 and 11). Explain that when the priesthood was restored, men who held it were able to baptize, confirm, and bless and pass the sacrament. This was the first time since the Apostasy that these ordinances had been done with the proper authority.

Teach the children about the Lord’s instructions regarding baptism, confirmation, and the sacrament, as given in the scriptures listed in the “Preparation” section, and about the early Saints’ desires to be baptized and confirmed, as described in the following historical account. Display the map at appropriate times.

Joseph Smith received a revelation that said all people who wanted to join the church of Jesus Christ must repent of their sins, become humble, and be willing to serve Jesus Christ (see D&C 20:37). They could then be baptized into the Church and have their sins forgiven.

At the meeting where the Church was organized, those people who had already been baptized were confirmed as members of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The people at the meeting also partook of the sacrament. After the meeting other people were baptized, including the Prophet’s mother and father, Lucy Mack Smith and Joseph Smith Sr. The Prophet’s parents were very happy to be baptized, and Joseph was also filled with joy. Lucy Mack Smith wrote that when her husband came up out of the water where he was baptized, “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!’” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, p. 168).

The Church began to grow. People listened to the teaching of Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and other missionaries, and many wanted to join the Church. Some people had already been baptized into other churches, and they wondered why it was necessary to be baptized again. Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 22. In this revelation the Lord explained that the people who had been baptized into other churches had not been baptized by someone with the proper priesthood authority, so they needed to be baptized again by someone who did have the authority.

Two months after the Church was organized, Joseph and Emma Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and others traveled to Colesville, New York, because several people from that area wanted to be baptized. When they arrived in Colesville, they built a dam in a stream to make a pond for the baptism. But that night a mob of their enemies tore down the dam. The next day was Sunday, and the Saints held a meeting where Oliver Cowdery preached and other people bore their testimonies of repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some members of the mob were at the meeting, and afterwards they insulted and bothered the Saints.

On Monday morning the Church members repaired the dam and held a baptismal service for the Prophet’s wife, Emma, and twelve other people. By the time the service was over, the mob had gathered again and threatened to harm the Saints. When the Saints went to a nearby home, the mob followed them, but Heavenly Father protected the Saints and the mob did not harm them.

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A meeting was planned that evening to confirm those who had been baptized that day, but just before the meeting began, a constable (law enforcement officer) came and arrested Joseph Smith for being a “disorderly person, … setting the country in an uproar by preaching the Book of Mormon” (History of the Church, 1:88). The constable knew that the mob was planning to harm Joseph, so he put Joseph in a wagon and drove away from the mob. As they drove away, one of the wagon wheels came off, and they were nearly surrounded again by the mob. They quickly replaced the wheel and drove on. The constable took Joseph to another town. That night the constable slept with a loaded gun by his side, in case he needed to protect Joseph from the mob.

The next day a trial was held, but Joseph was released because there was no evidence against him. He was immediately arrested again by a different constable and put on trial in another town, but again there was no evidence, and Joseph was finally allowed to go home.

Meanwhile, the Saints in Colesville had been praying that Joseph would be safe and would be able to return and confirm them as members of the Church. At the end of August, Joseph and Oliver Cowdery returned with some other men to Colesville. On the way they came upon a large group of men working on the road. Some of these men were enemies of the Prophet, but although they looked closely at the Prophet and his friends, the men did not recognize any of them and allowed them to pass by. Because of this miracle, Joseph arrived safely in Colesville, and the members there were able to be confirmed and partake of the sacrament.

Earlier in August, Joseph had planned a small meeting to confirm his wife, Emma, and another woman. When Joseph went to get wine for the sacrament, he was met by an angel. The angel told him not to buy wine from his enemies (see D&C 27:3). The angel also told him that it did not matter what was eaten or drunk in the sacrament as long as those who were partaking remembered Christ’s atonement (see D&C 27:2).

Discussion and Application Questions

Study the following questions and the scripture references as you prepare your lesson. Use the questions you feel will best help the children understand the scriptures and apply the principles in their lives. Reading and discussing the scriptures with the children in class will help them gain personal insights.

• • Why are we baptized? (For remission of our sins and to become members of the church of Jesus Christ; see D&C 20:37.) What must we do to prepare to be baptized? (D&C 20:37.) If we truly repent and are baptized, what are we promised regarding our sins? (They will be forgiven; see D&C 58:42.)
• • What authority, or priesthood, is necessary to perform baptisms? (JS—H 1:69.) How did Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive this priesthood? (JS—H 1:68–71.) Why were baptisms done in other churches not accepted by the Lord? (D&C 22.)
• • After we have been baptized, how are we confirmed? (D&C 20:41.) What priesthood authority is necessary for this ordinance? (JS—H 1:70, 72.) When we are confirmed as members of the Church, what gift do we receive? How must we live to remain worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost?
• • Why do you think Joseph Smith was joyful when his parents were baptized? Why are you grateful you were baptized into the true church of Jesus Christ?
• • How did the enemies of the Church try to prevent the Saints in Colesville from being baptized? What kept the newly baptized Saints from being confirmed the same day? How was Joseph Smith protected from the mob?
• • Why do you think many Saints were willing to face dangers in order to be baptized and confirmed? How do you think they felt when they were baptized and confirmed? How do you feel when you do what is right?
• • What did the angel tell Joseph Smith about what we should use for the sacrament? (D&C 27:2). What do we use today? (See the section heading to D&C 27.) What should we remember when we partake of the sacrament? (D&C 27:2.)
• • When we partake of the sacrament bread, what do we promise to do? (D&C 20:77.) When we partake of the sacrament water, what do we promise to do? (D&C 20:79.) What does it mean to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to always remember him? How do you remember Jesus during the week?
• • How does partaking of the sacrament remind us of the covenants we made when we were baptized?

Enrichment Activities

You may use one or more of the following activities any time during the lesson or as a review, summary, or challenge.

1. 1.  Have one or more children read aloud Mosiah 18:8–10, and have another child read aloud Doctrine and Covenants 20:37.
   Write on the chalkboard:
   We witness (promise) at baptism that we will:

   Serve others.

   Keep the commandments.

   Stand as witnesses of God at all times.

   Take upon us the name of Jesus Christ.
   Discuss briefly what each of these covenants (promises) means.
   Have two other children read the sacrament prayers from Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Ask the children to listen to the prayers and raise their hands whenever they hear a covenant mentioned that is the same as or similar to one we make at baptism.
   Discuss how listening to the sacrament hymn and the sacrament prayers can help us remember the promises we made when we were baptized.
2. 2.  Help the children understand the importance of continuing to obey the commandments after baptism (see 2 Nephi 31:17–20). Before class, list on separate pieces of paper statements that indicate ways we can stay on the strait and narrow path after baptism (such as praying, reading the scriptures, paying tithing, and obeying parents) and ways we can stray from the path (such as fighting with brothers and sisters, telling lies, or disobeying the Word of Wisdom).
   Explain to the children that the gospel of Jesus Christ is sometimes referred to as the “strait and narrow path” (see 2 Nephi 31:18). Place a long piece of string, rope, or tape on the floor to symbolize the strait and narrow path.
   Ask a volunteer to stand at one end of the piece of string, rope, or tape you have placed on the floor. Give each child in the class one or more of the statements you have prepared. As the children read the statements aloud, one at a time, have the child on the path decide if the statement keeps him or her on the strait and narrow path. If it does, have the child take one small step forward. If it does not, have the child take a step off the path to the side. When another positive statement is read, have the child step back on the path. Continue until the child reaches the other end of the string or tape.
   Remind the children that obeying the commandments and doing what Jesus Christ wants us to do will help us prepare to live with him and Heavenly Father eternally. You may want to give the children pencils and paper and ask them to write down one or two things they will do this week to help them stay on the strait and narrow path.
3. 3.  As a child reads Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, list on the chalkboard the characteristics of a person who is ready to be baptized. The list may include the following:
   • •  Is humble
   • •  Has a broken heart
   • •  Has a contrite spirit
   • •  Is willing to take upon himself or herself the name of Jesus Christ
   • •  Is repentant
   • •  Is determined to serve the Lord until the end
   • •  Shows by works he or she is sincere
   Discuss with the children these characteristics and how we can continue to develop them after we are baptized. Encourage the children to read and think about Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 during the week to help them prepare to take the sacrament.
4. 4. 
   Display the picture John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus (picture 208 in the Gospel Art Picture Kit or 62133 in the meetinghouse library).
   • •  Where was Jesus Christ baptized?
   • •  Where were you baptized?
   Explain that many people today are baptized in baptismal fonts filled with warm, clear water. But people can be baptized anywhere there is enough water to completely immerse a person. Today as well as in times past, people have been baptized in streams, lakes, oceans, water tanks, and swimming pools. Joseph Smith was baptized in a river, and many other Presidents of the Church were baptized in streams, ponds, or canals. Howard W. Hunter was baptized in a swimming pool. (See William G. Hartley, “Our Prophets’ Outdoor Baptisms,” Friend, Mar. 1988, pp. 30–31; and “President Howard W. Hunter: The Lord’s ‘Good and Faithful Servant,’” Ensign, Apr. 1995, p. 9.)

   
   

   http://www.lds.org/friend/1988/03/our-prophets-outdoor-baptisms?lang=eng&query=william+g.+hartley,+%E2%80%9Cour+prophets%E2%80%99+outdoor+baptisms,%E2%80%9D+friend,+mar.
   
   updated:  https://www.lds.org/friend/1997/08/our-prophets-places-of-baptism?lang=eng
   
   Remarkably, President Monson is our only church president who was baptized in a traditional baptismal font.  He was baptized in the Tabernacle Baptistry on Temple Square in September of 1935.  All of our other prophets were baptized in naturally-occurring bodies of water or swimming pools.  -- http://www.ldsfacts.net/apostle10.htm
   
   President Thomas S. Monson said this about his own baptism at the April 2007 General Conference:
   
   "I recall the time I approached baptism, when I was eight years of age. My mother talked with me about repentance and about the meaning of baptism; and then, on a Saturday in September of 1935, she took me on a streetcar to the Tabernacle baptistry which, until recently, was here in this [tabernacle]. At the time it was not as customary as it is now for fathers to baptize their children, since the ordinance was generally performed on a Saturday morning or afternoon, and many fathers were working at their daily professions or trades. I dressed in white and was baptized. I remember that day as though it were yesterday and the happiness I felt at having had this ordinance performed."
   http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_was_thomas_s_monson_baptized
   
   
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   • •  Does it matter where a person is baptized?
   • •  What is important about how a person is baptized?
   Remind the children that it is important to be baptized by immersion by a person with the proper priesthood authority, regardless of where one is baptized.
5. 5.  Explain that many people who desire to be baptized face challenges. For example, sometimes people do not have the support of their families and friends. In some countries where the Church is just starting to grow, it can be difficult to find a place to baptize people.
   Tell about someone who overcame challenges to be baptized. You may want to use the following account:
   In the Republic of Kenya, Africa, Church members had to make many preparations to hold baptisms. They brought a water tank from a neighboring country. They spent five hours pumping water from a well and carrying it to the church building, which was four miles from the well. The level of the water in the tank was not high enough to completely immerse the person being baptized, so ten people stood inside the font to raise the level of the water. (See E. Dale LeBaron,“Pioneers in East Africa,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, p. 22.)
6. 6.  Help the children review or memorize the fourth article of faith.
7. 7.  Help the children sing or say the words to “When I Am Baptized”(Children’s Songbook, p. 103) or “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized”(Children’s Songbook, p. 102).

Conclusion

Testimony

Express your feelings of gratitude for the ordinances of baptism, confirmation, and the sacrament and for the blessings you receive because of these ordinances.

Suggested Home Reading

Suggest that the children study Doctrine and Covenants 20:72–79 and2 Nephi 31:17–21 at home as a review of this lesson.

Suggested Family Sharing

Encourage the children to share with their families a specific part of the lesson, such as a story, question, or activity, or to read with their families the “Suggested Home Reading.”

Invite a child to give the closing prayer.