Friday, March 12, 2021

First Presidency Letter of July 11, 1877, on Children and the Sacrament

In a circular letter of the First Presidency, July 11, 1877, we read the following encouraging young children to receive the sacrament, as well as how to accommodate such by local leaders:

 

In order that children may have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, and be taught the value and importance of that ordinance, we desire the bishops and their counselors in the various Wards to administer the sacrament every Sunday morning in the Sunday Schools. In settlements where there are Meeting Houses sufficiently spacious to admit of children attending the public meetings on Sunday afternoon, we suggest that they be encouraged to go there. If it should not require too much walking, they might assemble first at the place where the Sunday School is held, and from there walk, under the guidance of their superintendents and teachers, to the meeting. But whether this be done or not, they should have seats set apart for them to occupy in the Meeting House, and while there they should be in charge of their teachers. These seats should be made very comfortable, so that the children will not get uneasy; the children should be waited upon with water to drink. This need not interfere with the administration of the sacrament in the schools; for though some of the children may partake of it there and at meeting also, there others would miss it altogether if they did not partake of it in the school room. The proper observance of the Lord's day would be greatly increased among the rising generation if this were to become a custom in all our settlements. At the present time this day is not properly respected by old and young. Too many look upon it as a day for the enjoyment of worldly pleasure, and not for the worship of God. Many children who attend Sunday schools in the morning think they have the right to play the remainder of the day, and they act accordingly, frequently to the annoyance of the well-disposed.

 

Children who are capable of repentance should be baptized when they reach the proper age, according to the revelations. Up to that age they are entitled to the sacrament.

 

For more on Eucharistic theology, see my book:

 

Do This in Memory of Me: A Biblical and Historical Analysis of Roman Catholic Dogmatic Teachings Concerning the Eucharist and Sacrifice of the Mass (Amazon link [*])

 

 

(*) If one cannot afford a copy (or if you are Roman Catholic), I am more than happy to send a PDF for free. Just email me at IrishLDS87ATGmailDOTCom