1913-10—Improvement Era—The Elders Reference

The Elders Reference

Improvement Era, v16 n12, December 1913, pp. 1243-1244.

The Elders Reference is a book of some sixty-four pages of matter designed for elders of the Eastern States Mission, and published by the late President Ben E. Rich, in New York, June 2, of this year. It contains a sermon delivered by President Joseph F. Smith directed to elders going on missions, and containing practical suggestions to them, also a series of practical notes by President Francis M. Lyman of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles to be referred to daily by missionaries. There are several pages of practical instructions to the missionaries on the methods of performing their work, such as instructing the candidates for baptism, administering the sacrament, excommunications, recognition of authority, fast offerings, responsibility of senior elders, debates, keeping promises, answering letters promptly, keeping records, traveling together, clothing, cleanliness, wasting time in pleasure seeking, let the mysterious alone, the length of a mission, how to baptize, confirm, ordain, keeping a journal, conduct, tithing, borrowing money, and many other practical points upon which elders need instruction. There are also daily hints to missionaries, and counsel to returning missionaries, by President Joseph F. Smith. The book concludes with a fourteen or fifteen page appendix, containing important sayings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is printed in handy form for pocket use.