Introduction

POINTS OF DIFFERENCE.

The Seventy's Year Book No. IV, differs from the other numbers in two particulars:

First, in that there are no special lessons suggested as in the three previous numbers; nor are there any suggestions as to the manner of treating a subject. In the three preceding numbers of the Year Book suggestions on "discourse building" were made; for gathering the materials, arranging a plan, beginning the discourse, conducting it, and completing it, (see Year Book No. III Lesson XXXI), together with such side suggestions on "clearness" and "strength"—the two great essentials in the expression of thought—as were considered necessary. It is now concluded that the manner of thought expression, so far as our Year Books for the present are concerned, might be allowed to rest there; leaving it to the student to refer to those suggestions—to which the class teachers at need should direct his attention—and to the consultation of such special works as treat exclusively upon the manner of expression to be found in the current text books on composition and rhetoric, used in our high schools, and academies. I would also suggest in this line Pittenger's little work on "Extempore Speech, How to acquire and practice it;" and also the admirable work of Professor Nelson of the Brigham Young University, Provo, on "Preaching and Public Speaking," a new and revised edition of which has been recently issued by the Deseret News Publishing Company.

Second. Instead of giving an Analysis of each lesson followed by unconnected Notes bearing upon the subjects compiled from a wide range of authorities—a method largely followed in the Year Book No. III—the author has written a connected treatise upon the Atonement, and for that reason has substituted the word "Discussion" for the word "Notes" as being more appropriate to the method of treatment. Other than this the general plan of the work is the same as that followed in the previous Year Books.

A PRELIMINARY READING SUGGESTED.

It is suggested to all the classes that the first step in dealing with the present Year Book, should be to require every member to read the entire treatise through. This should be done rapidly, not with the thought that such reading will yield a complete and thorough understanding of, or mastery of the subject, but just to get acquainted somewhat with the spirit of the treatise, the scope of the inquiry, the largeness of it, the majesty and glory of the subject. All which will enable the student to be somewhat conscious, as he seeks to master the separate lessons, of the conclusions to which he is being led. Without such preliminary reading, except where students already have clear views of the Atonement, each lesson will be something of a groping forward without always appreciating to what culmination the movement of the respective lessons is tending.

The preliminary reading need not occupy more than one week. No more time than that should be allowed for it. It is supposed that this Year Book will be completed by the first of January, 1912.