Hic et Nunc

“Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith”

Each of us can be learning every day of our life. Time goes so fast that it makes fast learners of all of us—if we are seeking diligently. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord counseled the Saints: “Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118.) If we can hold on to the thirst for knowledge during our whole life, every day will be more zestful, and the speed with which we learn will not be nearly so important as what we learn. – Ardith Green Kapp (I Walk By Faith, Deseret Book, 1987)

Joseph Smith was keenly interested in providing members with educational opportunities, and many Latter-day Saints were genuinely interested in various branches of learning. He actively supported a variety of educational programs in the 1830s in Kirtland, Ohio. The first school established under his direction was called the School of the Prophets. It was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, in January 1833 for priesthood leaders. Students met in the Newel K. Whitney store. One portion of the store was used for merchandising and post office needs. Another portion had been remodeled and had become the temporary home of Joseph Smith and his family. A small upstairs room in the northeast corner of the building served as a schoolroom. It was adjacent to the southeast room which was, in reality, the headquarters of the Church and sometimes called the revelation or translating room. In that southeast room, the Prophet worked on the translation of the Bible, dictated many revelations, and presided over conferences or meetings of Latter-day Saints.

OVERVIEW:

• The School of the Prophets provides a pattern for us to follow in our learning.
• We should learn “by study and also by faith.”
• We should continue to learn throughout our lives.
• In the temple we gain an education for eternity.

Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 23.

pax vobiscum

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