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
