Cover

ANCIENT APOSTLES

WRITTEN FOR
THE DESERET SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION
By David O. McKay
General Superintendent

Second Edition

Salt Lake City, Utah
1921

PREFACE

"Ancient Apostles" is written as one of the series of text booksprepared for use in the Sunday Schools of the Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints. Its purpose is to give a simple account ofthe leading incidents in the lives of the chief Apostles of Christin the Holy Land, with the view of developing faith in the heartsof the children in the principles of the Gospel, and in the divineorganization of the Church.

Prominent traits of character in the different disciples are pointedout as the circumstances in the lessons permit. These should be soemphasized in the presentation to the class that the pupils will beled not only to appreciate them as commendable and emulative, but torealize that by personal exertion all these good traits may becometheirs. Virtuous and honorable actions are the stones by which we buildthe mansion of character.

Each chapter is planned, also, to emphasize one general aim, whichshould be correlated with the incident or incidents with which thepersonality of the Apostle and his companions is associated. Since itis difficult, if not impossible to teach morality and doctrine withoutpersonality, the wise teachers will ever keep in mind that the persons,settings, actions, and conversations in this little work are only ameans of teaching truths and principles of conduct that will contributeto the moulding of God-like character in their boys and girls.

The suggestive outlines and aims in the appendix are offered as helpsand guides to teachers. Only a few suggestive applications areoffered; but no lesson should be given, or even prepared, without theteachers attempting, at least, to devise the most efficient means ofintroducing into the children's daily lives the aims and ideals taught.

The sincere wish of the author is that at least part of the pleasureexperienced in writing these lessons may be realized by those whoprepare to teach them, and by those who read them, and that theirstudious efforts through the blessings of the Lord, will bring to themthat peace and satisfaction which come with the realization of havinghelped to make better and more efficient the men and women of tomorrow.