ORGANIZATION OF THE MANUAL
The student manual is organized topically in alphabetical order, similar to an encyclopedia. It contains an index that cross-references articles that cover more than one topic.
Several types of quotations are listed under the topical headings. The first is “Selected Teachings,” portions of talks or quotations that relate to that topic. These quotations are often presented under subheadings that relate to the main topic.
The second type of quotation is a complete talk about the chosen topic. Most topics have selected teachings and one or more complete talks. This type of organization emphasizes to the reader the power of the law of witnesses. Elder Henry B. Eyring, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught the importance of the law of witnesses:
“In our own time, we have been warned with counsel on where to find safety from sin and from sorrow. One of the keys to recognizing those warnings is that they are repeated. For instance, more than once in these general conferences, you have heard our prophet say that he would quote a preceding prophet and would therefore be a second witness and sometimes even a third. Each of us who has listened has heard President Kimball give counsel on the importance of a mother in the home and then heard President Benson quote him, and we have heard President Hinckley quote them both. The Apostle Paul wrote that ‘in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established’ ( 2 Corinthians 13:1 ). One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time.
“Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense to those with strong faith” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 32; or Ensign, May 1997, 25 ).