THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • SEPTEMBER 2002

Cultural Arts in Nauvoo, p. 40 Loving a Wayward Child, p. 8 The Prodigal ,Sonby Jeffrey Craven

A modern prodigal heeds the call of the Savior’s ancient parable: “And when he came to himself, he said, . . . I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. . . . And he arose, and came to his father” (Luke 15:17–18, 20). SEPTEMBER 2002 • VOLUME 32, NUMBER 9

2 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE Patience, a Heavenly Virtue President Thomas S. Monson 8 Letting Go without Giving Up Name Withheld 11 Hope for Parents of Wayward Children 12 The Book of Mormon: The Heart of Missionary Proselyting Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 18 For Each Season of My Life Richard F. Taylor 20 Knowing What You Believe, Believing What You Know Letting Go without Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander Giving Up 26 Jonah and the Second Chance 8 Elder Juan Uceda 30 Hezekiah’s Tunnel Vision Charles A. Muldowney 34 In a Quiet House Rebecca M. Taylor 40 In Beauty and Holiness: The Cultural Arts in Nauvoo Carma de Jong Anderson 48 Telling Personal Stories Richard Nash 52 Not Just Teaching a Lesson Diane M. Tingey 54 GOSPEL CLASSICS Excerpts from The Charted For Each Season Course of the Church of My Life in Education 18 President J. Reuben Clark Jr. 62 Choosing—and Being— the Right Spouse Thomas B. Holman 68 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES 71 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE Loving Lifelong Learning 72 RANDOM SAMPLER 74 NEWS OF THE CHURCH Not Just Teaching Knowing a Lesson What You Believe, 52 20 Believing What You Know

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, TEXT PROGRAMMER: Sally J. Odekirk at 1-800-537-5971. The Ensign Talking Book, for Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust MAGAZINE GRAPHICS MANAGER: M. M. Kawasaki individuals with visual impairment or physical QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen disability, is available free of charge or through L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Neal A. SENIOR DESIGNERS: C. Kimball Bott, donations. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Fay P. Andrus, Tadd R. Peterson TO SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS OR ART: Send submis- M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, DESIGNER: Thomas S. Child sions to the address above or via e-mail at Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. PRINTING DIRECTOR: [email protected]. For re- Holland, Henry B. Eyring Kay W. Briggs DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Kris T. Christensen turn delivery by mail, manuscripts and art EDITOR: Dennis B. Neuenschwander must be accompanied by a self-addressed, ADVISERS: J. Kent Jolley, W. Rolfe Kerr, © 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights stamped envelope. Stephen A. West reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is pub- TO CHANGE ADDRESSES: lished monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ Old address as well as MANAGING DIRECTOR: Ronald L. Knighton new is needed. Call the subscription helpline at EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Richard M. Romney of Latter-day Saints, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3224, USA. 1-800-537-5971, or send changes to the address GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg below. MANAGING EDITOR: Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, Brian K. Kelly POSTMASTER: ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS: and at additional mailing offices. Send address changes to The Charted Don L. Searle, Salt Lake Distribution Center TO SUBSCRIBE: Send $10.00 U.S. check or money Jonathan H. Stephenson Church Magazines, P.O. Box 26368 Course of the ASSOCIATE EDITORS: order for the Ensign (pronounced N’sign) to Judith M. Paller, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA. 54 LaRene Porter Gaunt, Linda Stahle Cooper Church Magazines at address at right. Credit Church in ASSISTANT EDITORS: Rebecca M. Taylor, card orders (American Express, MasterCard, CANADA POST INFORMATION Education Kerry G. Smith, Barbara Jean Jones Visa, Discover Card) are accepted by phone Publication Agreement #40017431 F IRST P RESIDENCY M ESSAGE Patience, a Heavenly Virtue

B Y P RESIDENT T HOMAS S. MONSON “Keep your shirt on,” “Slow down,” “Don’t be in such First Counselor in the First Presidency a hurry,” “Follow the rules,” “Be careful” are more than trite expressions. They describe sincere counsel everal years ago I met an old and speak the wisdom of experience. friend I had not seen for some The mindless and reckless speeding of a youth- time. He greeted me with the filled car down a winding and hazardous canyon Ssalutation, “How is the world treat- road can bring a sudden loss of control, the careening ing you?” I don’t recall the specifics of my reply, but of the car with its precious cargo over the precipice, his provocative question caused me to reflect on my and the downward plunge that ofttimes brings per- many blessings and my gratitude for life itself and the manent incapacity, perhaps premature death, and privilege and opportunity to serve. grieving hearts of loved ones. The glee-filled moment At times the response to this same question brings can turn in an instant to a lifetime of regret. an unanticipated answer. Some years ago I attended a Oh, precious youth, please give life a chance. stake conference in Texas. I was met at the airport by Apply the virtue of patience. the stake president, and while we were driving to the stake center, I said, “President, how is everything go- PATIENCE IN ADVERSITY ing for you?” He responded: “I wish you had asked me that In sickness, with its attendant pain, patience is re- question a week earlier, for this week has been rather quired. If the only perfect man who ever lived—even eventful. On Friday I was terminated from my em- Jesus of Nazareth—was called upon to endure great ployment, this morning my wife came down with suffering, how can we, who are less than perfect, ex- bronchitis, and this afternoon the family dog was pect to be free of such challenges? struck and killed by a passing car. Other than these Who can count the vast throngs of the lonely, the things, I guess everything is all right.” aged, the helpless—those who feel abandoned by the caravan of life as it moves relentlessly onward and APPLY THE VIRTUE OF PATIENCE then disappears beyond the sight of those who pon- der, who wonder, and who sometimes question as Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of they are left alone with their thoughts. Patience can a more serious nature. There seems to be an unend- be a helpful companion during such stressful times. ing supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem Occasionally I visit nursing homes, where long- is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to suffering is found. While attending Sunday services at such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heav- one facility, I noticed a young girl who was to play her enly virtue of patience is required. violin for the comfort of those assembled. She told me The counsel heard in our youth is still applicable she was nervous and hoped she could do her best. As today and should be heeded. “Hold your horses,” she played, one called out, “Oh, you are so pretty, and

2 ow great was Job’s misery, how terrible his loss, how torturedH his life. But Job honored the trust given him. Job personi- fied patience. KAPP JOB, BY GARY

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 3 you play so beautifully.” The strains of the moving His precious life that the grave would be deprived bow across the taut strings and the elegant movement of its victory, that death would lose its sting, that life of the young girl’s fingers seemed inspired by the im- eternal would be our gift. promptu comment. She played magnificently. Ta ken from the cross, buried in a borrowed tomb, Afterward, I congratulated her and her gifted ac- this man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, arose on companist. They responded, “We came to cheer the the morning of the third day. His Resurrection was frail, the sick, and the elderly. Our fears vanished as discovered by Mary and the other Mary when they we played. We forgot our own cares and concerns. approached the tomb. The great stone blocking the We may have cheered them, but they truly did in- entrance had been rolled away. Came the query of spire us.” two angels who stood by in shining garments: “Why Sometimes the tables are reversed. A dear and seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, cherished young friend, Wendy Bennion of Salt Lake but is risen.”2 City, was such an example. Almost seven years ago, Paul declared to the Hebrews, “Wherefore seeing she quietly departed mortality and returned “to that we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of God who gave [her] life.”1 She had struggled for over witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin five long years in her which doth so easily beset battle with cancer. Ever us, and let us run with pa- cheerful, always reach- tience the race that is set 3 JAMES TISSOT JAMES ing out to help others, before us.” BY never losing faith, she attracted others to her OTHER EXAMPLES as a magnet attracts metal shavings. While OF PATIENCE ill and in pain, a friend Perhaps there has never THE RAISING OF THE CROSS, THE RAISING of hers, feeling down- occurred such a demonstra- cast with her own situ- tion of patience as that ex- ation, visited Wendy. emplified by Job, who was Nancy, Wendy’s described in the Holy Bible mother, knowing as being perfect and up- Wendy was in extreme right and one who feared pain, felt that perhaps God and eschewed evil.4 the friend had stayed He was blessed with great too long. She asked ur Savior patiently bore the sorrows wealth and riches in abun- Wendy, after the friend Oof the world and suffered excruciating dance. Satan obtained leave had left, why she had pain and grief. from the Lord to try to allowed her to stay so tempt Job. How great was long when she herself was in so much pain. Wendy’s Job’s misery, how terrible his loss, how tortured his response: “What I was doing for my friend was a lot life. He was urged by his wife to curse God and die. more important than the pain I was having. If I can His later reply bespoke his faith: “I know that my re- help her, then the pain is worth it.” deemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms de- 5 THE SAVIOR’S PATIENCE stroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” What faith, what courage, what trust. Job lost possessions— Wendy’s attitude was reminiscent of Him who all of them. Job lost his health—all of it. Job honored bore the sorrows of the world, who patiently suffered the trust given him. Job personified patience. excruciating pain and disappointment, but who, with Another who portrayed the virtue of patience silent step of His sandaled feet, passed by a man who was the Prophet Joseph Smith. After his supernal ex- was blind from birth, restoring his sight. He approached perience in the grove called Sacred, where the the grieving widow of Nain and raised her son from Father and the Son appeared to him, he was called the dead. He trudged up Calvary’s steep slope, carry- upon to wait. At length, after Joseph suffered ing His own cruel cross, undistracted by the constant through over three years of derision for his beliefs, jeers and taunting that accompanied His every step. the angel Moroni appeared to him. And then more For He had an appointment with divine destiny. In a waiting and patience were required. Let us remem- very real way He visits us, each one, with His teach- ber the counsel found in Isaiah: “My thoughts are ings. He brings cheer and inspires goodness. He gave not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,

4 ROBERT BARRETT ROBERT BY WHY SEEK YE THE LIVING AMONG DEAD,” “

saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than his man of sorrows arose on the morning of the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, the third day. His Resurrection reminds us to and my thoughts than your thoughts.”6 T“run with patience the race that is set before us.”

THE SAVIOR’S INVITATION Today in our hurried and hectic lives, we could Yes, Jesus loves me! well go back to an earlier time for the lesson taught Yes, Jesus loves me! us regarding crossing dangerous streets. “Stop, look, Yes, Jesus loves me! and listen” were the watchwords. Could we not ap- The Bible tells me so!9 ply them now? Stop from a reckless road to ruin. Look upward for heavenly help. Listen for His invita- And so does the Book of Mormon, so does the tion: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy Doctrine and Covenants, and so does the Pearl of laden, and I will give you rest.”7 Great Price. Let the scriptures be your guide, and He will teach us the truth of the beautiful verse: you will never find yourself traveling the road to nowhere. Life is real! Life is earnest! Today, some are out of work, out of money, out of And the grave is not its goal; self-confidence. Hunger haunts their lives, and dis- Dust thou art, to dust returnest, couragement dogs their paths. But help is here—even Was not spoken of the soul.8 food for the hungry, clothing for the naked, and shel- ter for the homeless. We will learn that each of us is precious to our Thousands of tons move outward from our Elder Brother, even the Lord Jesus Christ. He truly Church storehouses weekly—even food, clothing, loves us. medical equipment and supplies to the far corners His life is the flawless example of one afflicted of the earth and to empty cupboards and needy with sorrows and disappointments, who nonethe- people closer to home. less provided the example of forgetting self and I am inspired by the devotion which prompts serving others. The remembered verse of childhood busy and talented dentists and doctors on a regular echoes afresh: basis to leave their practices and donate their skills to

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 5 struggled in the performance of their duties. I any years ago in eastern Germany, patient found the dullness of despair on the faces of many Mwaiting was required. Little by little, wards passersby but a bright and beautiful expression of were formed and stakes created. Then miracle of love emanating from our members. In Görlitz the miracles, a holy temple of God was dedicated. building in which we met was shell-pocked from the war, but the interior reflected the tender care of our those who need such help. They travel to faraway leaders in bringing brightness and cleanliness to an places to repair cleft palates, correct malformed otherwise shabby and grimy structure. The Church bones, and restore crippled bodies—all for the love had survived both a world war and the cold war of God’s children. The afflicted who have patiently which followed. The singing of the Saints brightened waited for corrective help are blessed by these every soul. They sang the old Sunday School favorite: “angels in disguise.” If the way be full of trial; Weary not! PATIENCE IN GERMANY If it’s one of sore denial, Weary not! If it now be one of weeping, In the words of a well-known song, I wish you There will come a joyous greeting, could “come fly with me” to eastern Germany, where When the harvest we are reaping—Weary not! I have visited many times. Not long ago, as I traveled along the autobahns, I reflected on a time almost Do not weary by the way, 35 years before when I saw on the same autobahns Whatever be thy lot; just trucks carrying armed soldiers and policemen. There awaits a brighter day Barking dogs everywhere strained on their leashes, To all, to all who weary not!10 and informers walked the streets. Back then, the flame of freedom had flickered and burned low. A I was touched by their sincerity. I was humbled wall of shame sprang up, and a curtain of iron came by their poverty. They had so little. My heart filled down. Hope was all but snuffed out. Life, precious with sorrow because they had no patriarch. They life, continued on in faith, nothing wavering. Patient had no wards or stakes—just branches. They could waiting was required. An abiding trust in God not receive temple blessings—neither endowment marked the life of each Latter-day Saint. nor sealing. No official visitor had come from When I made my initial visit beyond the wall, it Church headquarters in a long time. The members was a time of fear on the part of our members as they were forbidden to leave the country. Yet they

6 trusted in the Lord with all their hearts, and they An humble and a contrite heart. leaned not to their own understanding. In all their Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, ways they acknowledged Him, and He directed Lest we forget, lest we forget.14 អ their paths.11 I stood at the pulpit, and with tear- NOTES filled eyes and a voice choked with emotion, I made 1. Alma 40:11. a promise to the people: “If you will remain true 2. Luke 24:5–6. and faithful to the commandments of God, every 3. Heb. 12:1. 4. See Job 1:1. blessing any member of the Church enjoys in any 5. Job 19:25–26. other country will be yours.” 6. Isa. 55:8–9. That night as I realized what I had promised, I 7. Matt. 11:28. dropped to my knees and prayed: “Heavenly Father, 8. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “A Psalm of Life,” lines 5–8. 9. “Jesus Loves Me!” Alexander’s Gospel Songs, comp. Charles M. I’m on Thy errand; this is Thy Church. I have spoken Alexander (1908), 139. words that came not from me, but from Thee and 10. “If the Way Be Full of Trial, Weary Not,” Deseret Sunday Thy Son. Wilt Thou, therefore, fulfill the promise in School Songs (1909), no. 158. 11. See Prov. 3:5–6. the lives of this noble people.” There coursed through 12. Ps. 46:10. my mind the words from the psalm, “Be still, and 13. See D&C 25:12. know that I am God.”12 The heavenly virtue of pa- 14. “God of Our Fathers, Known of Old,” Hymns, no. 80. tience was required. Little by little the promise was fulfilled. First, patriarchs were ordained, then lesson manuals produced. Wards were formed and stakes created. Chapels and stake centers were begun, completed, and dedicated. Then, miracle of miracles, a holy tem- IDEAS FOR HOME TEACHERS ple of God was permitted, designed, constructed, Preparation and dedicated. Finally, after an absence of 50 years, Study Romans 5:1–5 and Mosiah 23:21–22 and approval was granted for full-time missionaries to consider ways that patience has been helpful in your life. enter the nation and for local youth to serve else- As you study this message, prayerfully choose one or two where in the world. Then, like the wall of Jericho, statements of truth you feel will most benefit those you the Berlin Wall crumbled, and freedom, with its teach. For each statement choose a teaching method or attendant responsibilities, returned. activity that is appropriate for the ages and circumstances All of the parts of the precious promise of almost of the family members. A few examples of how this could 35 years earlier were fulfilled, save one. Tiny Görlitz, be done are listed below. where the promise had been given, still had no chapel of its own. Now, even that dream became a Suggestions for Teaching reality. The building was approved and completed. 1. Ask a family member to perform a task that requires Dedication day dawned. Sister Monson and I, along patience and asking for help, such as putting together a with Elder and Sister Dieter Uchtdorf, held a meeting complex puzzle, solving a difficult math problem, or read- of dedication in Görlitz. The same songs were sung as ing and explaining a difficult chapter in the scriptures. were rendered all those years earlier. The members Why did the task seem difficult? How could patience have knew the significance of the occasion, marking the to- helped in completing the task? President Monson said, tal fulfillment of the promise. They wept as they sang. “Life is full of difficulties. . . . Our problem is that we often The song of the righteous was indeed a prayer unto expect instantaneous solutions.” What can a person do to the Lord and had been answered with a blessing develop more patience? upon their heads.13 2. Ask family members to tell of times when the Savior At the conclusion of the meeting we were reluc- showed patience. President Monson said, “[Jesus] patiently tant to leave. As we did so, seen were the waving suffered excruciating pain and disappointment.” Discuss hands of all, heard were the words, “Auf Wiedersehen, ways Jesus’ promise in Matthew 11:28 could help a person auf Wiedersehen; God be with you till we meet again.” have greater patience. Patience, that heavenly virtue, had brought to 3. Tell of a time when having patience helped you. Invite humble Saints its heaven-sent reward. The words of family members to share their experiences with patience. Rudyard Kipling’s “Recessional” seemed so fitting: Then read or invite family members to take turns reading the story of the Latter-day Saints in Germany. President The tumult and the shouting dies; Monson said that patience brought to the humble Saints The captains and the kings depart. of eastern Germany “its heaven-sent reward.” Testify of Still stands thine ancient sacrifice, the importance of patience in your life.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 7 LETTING GO WITHOUT GIVING UP

Our mentally ill son and his diagnosis sounded formidable and we left the doc- tor’s office feeling numb and afraid, it was a relief to substance abuse changed our lives finally have an explanation for our son’s erratic behavior. dramatically. Could we ever learn to deal with his destructive actions? LEARNING TO COPE Though our teenage son’s future looked bleak and N AME W ITHHELD forbidding, my husband and I prayed that through love and stricter discipline we could help him. But hen he was a boy, our son’s report cards discipline was met with fierce denial and anger. were often disappointing even though he Innocent comments were interpreted negatively. was intelligent. He sometimes became an- The tension in our home became almost tangible. gryW and aggressive. At other times he showed un- Because I was doing most of the disciplining, our usual anxiety. By high school he seemed increasingly son directed most of his anger at me. It came to unhappy and unable to fit in with friends. He began the point where he couldn’t even stand next to to skip school frequently. His bizarre haircuts and me without becoming defensive and angry. odd clothing became a source of friction. It seemed that everything I did was wrong. A doctor told us these behaviors were normal As my husband and I searched for answers, we teenage rebellion and he would grow out of them in a went through a time of intense personal struggle few years, but my instincts told me otherwise. Other and individual testing. As solid as I thought my actions made us more apprehensive. Our son spent faith in Jesus Christ was, I soon realized that my level long periods of time at the sink, washing his hands of faith was inadequate for the trials I was facing. I over and over again; he wouldn’t touch things for needed faith to move mountains, yet I felt equipped fear of becoming contaminated. He isolated himself with a shovel instead of dynamite and earthmovers. in his bedroom. I began to pray more fervently, pleading many times I became consumed with uncertainty and fear. My each day for wisdom and strength. I attended the tem- husband and I were trying to rear our two children ple more frequently for solace, peace, and revelation. in love and righteousness. We prayed together and I received priesthood blessings that gave me hope and taught our children the gospel. We read the scriptures guidance. I began fasting weekly with my husband as together. We sang Primary songs and hymns at family we realized the need for greater spiritual strength. home evening. We attended church together. Our Inspiration and insight began to come. Once I was son’s Church teachers and peers often praised his sitting in church on Mother’s Day, wondering if I was gospel knowledge. Yet in spite of this, his life and his up to the challenges that my son presented. The chil- interest in the gospel were crumbling. dren began singing, “Mother, I love you; mother, I do. My husband and I felt something was seriously Father in Heaven has sent me to you” (Children’s wrong. Our son’s behavior did not seem normal, Songbook, 207). The words stunned me and brought while our daughter was doing well. For years we an important realization: Heavenly Father had sent searched for answers but found none that helped. our son to us. Whatever the reason, he was meant to Then, at last, a psychiatrist correctly diagnosed our be ours, and we were trusted to handle the difficult

ILLUSTRATED BY KEITH LARSON BY ILLUSTRATED son as having a serious mental illness. Though the assignment of raising him.

8 THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 9 LETTING GO noticed my son studying one of these pictures. Whenever he comes Our son moved out of the house home, he is reminded of our faith shortly after graduating from high without our saying a word. school and began living a lifestyle totally foreign to us. We worried FINDING HOPE that he was now using drugs regu- larly. Occasionally, he came home Throughout this long ordeal, for Sunday dinner and attended the scriptures have helped me church with us, but his behavior to endure. I have often found continued to deteriorate. comfort by reading that the sons of Of necessity, we began letting Mosiah were the “vilest of sinners” go of the hopes and dreams we (Mosiah 28:4), yet through repen- once held for our son and gradu- tance were totally forgiven and ally came to accept the full reality became great missionaries. When of his situation. His illness was the I read about Jesus Christ calling major cause of his substance abuse forth those with any manner and greatly complicated any recov- of afflictions to be healed (see ery attempts. Our lives became a 3 Ne. 17:7–9), I find comfort in roller coaster as our son took us on the thought that He can heal a wild ride of ups and downs. He today just as He healed then. initially chose not to take the med- One day I was dusting a framed ications his doctor prescribed, pre- hroughout this long ordeal, saying that I had purchased for my ferring to medicate himself with I have found comfort in the son when he was a child. It de- illegal drugs. Every day seemed to Tscriptures. scribed the meaning of his name, bring a new crisis, and every phone accompanied by an appropriate call seemed to bring unwelcome scripture. Although I had read it news: “I quit my job,” “I’m in jail,” many times before, the scripture “Someone stole my paycheck,” “My car has broken suddenly had new meaning. It said: “The Lord stood down,” “I have hepatitis.” I often felt completely with me, and strengthened me. . . . The Lord shall drained and wondered if our years of fasting and deliver me . . . and will preserve me unto his heav- prayer were making any difference. enly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:17–18). The Lord is mind- On one such day, I opened the Doctrine and ful of our son, from day to day, and when our son Covenants and read: “Blessed art thou for what is ready, the Lord has the power to help him over- thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and come his addictions. A warm feeling came over me behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast as I realized that the Savior was indeed watching received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been over him. so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where Living with our son’s mental illness and substance thou art at this time” (D&C 6:14). The Spirit whis- abuse has not been easy, but through my experiences, pered that our son was indeed being helped by I have come to know and love my Savior more deeply. our fasts. I have found that the only way to find true peace and At first I tried to override my son’s agency with happiness is by putting my trust in Him. I have come my prayers. Finally understanding that no amount to know that eventually—whether in this life or in of pleading could make our son come back, I began the eternities—my son will find the same peace in the to pray that he would receive the experiences he gospel that I have found. My testimony of the Savior needed to help him want to come back. I believe and the power of His atoning sacrifice increases daily. that even with his illness, our son has some ability The Savior suffered for my sins. He suffered for my to choose for himself. My husband and I came to son’s sins. And I believe that one day, through His realize that we needed to learn to control our own sacrifice and His love, our son will return to the feelings, attitudes, and reactions to his choices. teachings of his youth. អ While our son is often not open to gospel discus- More on this topic: See John K. Carmack, “When Our Children Go sions, I have found other ways to bear my testimony Astray,” Ensign, Feb. 1997, 6; Jan Underwood Pinborough, “Mental Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope,” Ensign, Feb. 1989, to him. I have made our home a place of “silent ser- 50; “When Children Rebel,” Ensign, Mar. 1985, 30; Marvin K. mons.” On our walls hang cross-stitched scriptures Gardner, “Keeping the Door Open and the Stew Hot: Loving and and framed pictures of the Savior and temples. I once Helping a Wayward Child,” Ensign, Aug. 1982, 8.

10 HOPE FOR PARENTS OF WAYWARD CHILDREN

JOSEPH SMITH LORENZO SNOW (1805–44) (1814–1901) First President of the Church Fifth President of the Church

“ he Prophet Joseph Smith de- “ f you succeed in passing through clared—and he never taught a these trials and afflictions and re- moreT comforting doctrine—that the ceiveI a resurrection, you will, by the eternal sealings of faithful parents power of the Priesthood, work and and the divine promises made to labor, as the Son of God has, until them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would you get all your sons and daughters in the path of ex- save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. altation and glory. This is just as sure as that the sun Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of rose this morning over yonder mountains. Therefore, the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they mourn not because all your sons and daughters do will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching not follow in the path that you have marked out to out after them and drawing them back to the fold. them, or give heed to your counsels. Inasmuch as we Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. succeed in securing eternal glory, and stand as sav- They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will iors, and as kings and priests to our God, we will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but save our posterity” (in Collected Discourses, comp. if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols. [1987–92], 3:364). loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray BOYD K. PACKER for your careless and disobedient children; hold on Acting President of the Quorum to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you of the Twelve Apostles see the salvation of God” (Orson F. Whitney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110). “ he measure of our success as Tparents . . . will not rest solely BRIGHAM YOUNG on how our children turn out. (1801–77) That judgment would be just Second President of the Church only if we could raise our families in a perfectly moral environment, and that now is “ et the father and mother, who not possible. are members of this Church “It is not uncommon for responsible parents to andL Kingdom, take a righteous lose one of their children, for a time, to influences course, and strive with all their over which they have no control. They agonize over might never to do a wrong, but to rebellious sons or daughters. They are puzzled over do good all their lives; if they have one child or one why they are so helpless when they have tried so hundred children, if they conduct themselves to- hard to do what they should. wards them as they should, binding them to the “It is my conviction that those wicked influences Lord by their faith and prayers, I care not where one day will be overruled. . . . those children go, they are bound up to their parents “We cannot overemphasize the value of temple by an everlasting tie, and no power of earth or hell marriage, the binding ties of the sealing ordinance, can separate them from their parents in eternity; and the standards of worthiness required of them. they will return again to the fountain from whence When parents keep the covenants they have made they sprang” (quoted in Joseph Fielding Smith, at the altar of the temple, their children will be for- Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, ever bound to them” (“Our Moral Environment,” 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:90–91). Ensign, May 1992, 68). អ

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 11 IC GERBER Y PATR , LEFT: PHOTO BY JED CLARK; ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION B PHOTO BY , LEFT: , RIGHT: PHOTO BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; INSET PHOTO BY , RIGHT: HEINRICH HOFMANN; INSET BY DETAIL OF CHRIST’S IMAGE, DETAIL

12 The BOOKof MORMON The Heart of Missionary Proselyting

Conversion to this inspired book Book of Mormon and pray about it. Missionaries need to know how to use the Book of Mormon to is conversion to the gospel of arouse mankind’s interest in studying it, and they Jesus Christ. need to show how it answers the great questions of the soul. Missionaries need to read with those they teach various passages from the Book of Mormon on B Y E LDER J OSEPH B. gospel subjects. . . . W IRTHLIN “I challenge all of us to prayerfully consider steps Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that we can personally take to bring this new witness for Christ more fully into our own lives and into a ourteen years ago, President world that so desperately needs it. . . . Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) “I have a vision of thousands of missionaries going gave a landmark address in into the mission field with [marvelous testimonies of generalF conference titled “Flooding this sacred book] so that they might feed the needs of the Earth with the Book of Mormon.” a spiritually famished world. In this masterful discourse, he called the Church to “I have a vision of the whole Church getting repentance and gave us his prophetic vision of the nearer to God by abiding by the precepts of the Book role the Book of Mormon must play in our lives and of Mormon. in the Church. I wish to remind you of that vision. “Indeed, I have a vision of flooding the earth with Also, I want to discuss how well we have followed the Book of Mormon” (Ensign, Nov. 1988, 4–6). his counsel these many years later. How are we do- We need to have that same vision if we are to be ing in flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon? successful in fulfilling the Lord’s wishes. We may be President Benson taught: doing fine in terms of quantity, but how about in “The Book of Mormon is the instrument that terms of quality? I believe there is much room for God designed to ‘sweep the earth as with a flood, to improvement. gather out [His] elect.’ (Moses 7:62.) This sacred vol- ume of scripture needs to become more central in our THE POWER OF THE BOOK preaching, our teaching, and our missionary work. . . . “The time is long overdue for a massive flooding In 1839 the Prophet Joseph Smith and several of the earth with the Book of Mormon for the many other Church leaders had the opportunity to address reasons which the Lord has given. In this age of elec- a congregation of 3,000 people in Philadelphia who tronic media and the mass distribution of the printed were not members of the Church. Sidney Rigdon word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now spoke first. Attempting to establish common ground, move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. . . . he taught the gospel by referring to the Bible and its “. . . We hardly fathom the power of the Book of prophecies. When Joseph arose to speak, he was dis- Mormon, nor the divine role it must play, nor the ex- pleased. He said that if others did not have the tent to which it must be moved. . . . courage to testify of him, then he would testify of “I challenge our mission leaders to show their mis- himself and of the Book of Mormon. Because of his sionaries how to challenge their contacts to read the speech, many were touched by the Spirit and were

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 13 baptized into the Church (see Parley P. Pratt, Joseph Smith’s account of how it came forth is as Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt [1985], 260). sobering as it is true. It is a ‘sudden death’ proposi- You may have many opportunities to teach and to tion. Either the Book of Mormon is what the Prophet bear witness of the gospel. May I suggest that you emu- Joseph said it is, or this Church and its founder are late the example of the Prophet and take every oppor- false, a deception from the first instance onward. tunity to bear witness of the truthfulness of the Book of “Not everything in life is so black and white, but Mormon and of the divine mission of Joseph Smith. the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and its key- When President David O. McKay’s father was stone role in our religion seem to be exactly that. serving a mission in Scotland, he encountered antag- Either Joseph Smith was the prophet he said he was, onism toward the Church. He decided to preach the a prophet who, after seeing the Father and the Son, doctrines of the gospel without mentioning the later beheld the angel Moroni, repeatedly heard Restoration or the Book of Mormon. As the days counsel from Moroni’s lips, and eventually received passed, President McKay said, his father continued at his hands a set of ancient gold plates that he then with this approach until his mind became so dark- translated by the gift and power of God, or else he ened and despondent that he felt he would have to did not. And if he did not, he would not be entitled leave his mission and go home. to the reputation of New England folk hero, or well- As a last resort, he decided to go into a cave and meaning young man or writer of remarkable fiction. pray for help. While he was praying, a voice came to No, nor would he be entitled to be considered a great him, “Testify that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.” teacher, a quintessential American religious leader, or He consequently changed his approach and began the creator of great devotional literature. If he had to testify of the Book of Mormon and of the Prophet lied about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith. As a result, President McKay said, his fa- he would certainly be none of these. ther discovered that many were touched by the spirit “I am suggesting that one has to take something of his words and believed and were baptized (see of a do-or-die stand regarding the restoration of the David O. McKay, Cherished Experiences from the Writings gospel of Jesus Christ, and the divine origins of the of David O. McKay, comp. Clare Middlemiss [1976], 11). Book of Mormon. Reason and righteousness require I hope we can learn from this experience. If you it. Joseph Smith must be accepted either as a prophet want to reach people, if you want to change hearts, of God or else as a charlatan of the first order, but no if you want to be successful in your missionary work, one should tolerate any ludicrous, even laughable testify of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. middle ground about the wonderful contours of a Before we go any further, we must understand young boy’s imagination or his remarkable facility for why this inspired book of scripture is the heart of turning a literary phrase. That is an unacceptable po- missionary proselyting. Conversion to it is conversion sition to take—morally, literarily, historically, or theo- to Christ, because this book contains the words of logically” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 345–46). Christ. The very title page of the Book of Mormon proclaims its purpose: “To the convincing of the Jew MISSIONARIES NEED TO BE PREPARED and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.” Additionally, conversion to this inspired book is To more effectively flood the earth with the Book conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ, because it of Mormon, we must begin by better preparing our contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The missionaries. We need missionaries who come into Lord told Joseph Smith in the Doctrine and Covenants, the mission field with burning testimonies of it. Even “And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this more importantly, we need more missionaries—in- church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which cluding member missionaries—who are truly con- are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which verted and have had spiritual experiences with the is the fulness of the gospel” (D&C 42:12). Book of Mormon. A missionary will not be effective if Finally, conversion to the Book of Mormon is con- he or she does not have a strong testimony of this sa- version to the divine, prophetic calling of the Prophet cred volume of scripture. Indeed, I believe a mission- Joseph Smith. It is the divine evidence of the truthful- ary’s effectiveness and success is directly related to ness of Joseph Smith’s calling. Either this is all true, or his or her own conversion to, testimony of, and love it is not. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of of the Book of Mormon. the Twelve Apostles explained it best when he wrote: I have great faith in our young people who are “To consider that everything of saving significance called to serve missions. I believe they are better pre- in the Church stands or falls on the truthfulness of pared with greater testimonies of this book. Let me the Book of Mormon and, by implication, the Prophet share the example of one young man, Brian Yoho.

14 When Brian was 14 years old, he decided it was time own hard-earned money and sent it to his missionary for him to read the Book of Mormon, since Joseph brother. Brian later served a full-time mission in Japan. Smith was 14 when he received the First Vision. Brian Is there any doubt that Brian caught President read constantly, and he loved the book so much that Benson’s prophetic vision of the Book of Mormon? he read it four times in one year. We need more missionaries and members prepared, One day Brian went to the Church distribution cen- like Brian, with a great love and understanding of the ter with his mother. As they were leaving, Brian told Book of Mormon. his mother to go on ahead, as he wanted to purchase The proper use of this scripture in proselyting something alone. Normally that may be a red flag for a consists of much more than just placing a Book of mother, but after all, what could he buy at the Church Mormon in a home. The goal is not simply to see how distribution center that would be harmful? many copies of it we can give away. The immediate Brian’s mother respected his wish and waited in goal when placing the Book of Mormon should be to the car for him to make his secret purchase. A few have the investigator read it and receive the mission- minutes later, Brian got into the car with a large box. ary discussions. The ultimate goal is for the book to His mother asked what was in the box. “Oh, nothing,” lead the person to come unto Christ and be converted he replied. When they got home, Brian then wrote on to the true Church. the box the address of his older brother, who was cur- rently serving a mission, and asked his mother to ship THE STORY OF SAMUEL SMITH it to his older brother. He still wouldn’t tell his mother what was in the box. So she wrote her son in the mis- This sacred book has been the center of our mis- sion field, asking what was in the box that Brian had sionary work in this dispensation from the beginning, sent to him. He wrote back, explaining that Brian had as we know from the example of the first missionary, sent him a box of copies of the Book of Mormon to Samuel H. Smith (1808–44), brother to the Prophet hand out to people in his mis- Joseph. We learn many things from his story about

sion. Brian had been so how to use it in missionary work. SAM LAWLOR BY ILLUSTRATED touched by his reading from the Book of Mormon that he had a great desire to share it. He bought the box with his

“ f you will read this book with a prayer- fulI heart and ask God to give you a witness, you will know of the truth of this work,” Samuel Smith told Phineas Young. His is a story of great faith and courage in the face You have to remember that this had never of discouraging circumstances. He was not called as been done before. He didn’t have a companion the first missionary by accident. After receiving a spir- to show him how to use the Book of Mormon. itual confirmation of the truthfulness of what his There was no missionary training center for this prophet-brother had been telling him, he became the young man. third person baptized in this dispensation—following So Samuel left Palmyra to travel throughout the Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. countryside, seeking converts and interested individ- He began his mission with a sure knowledge of uals who would purchase a copy of the Book of the truthfulness of the sacred work being performed Mormon. He walked 25 miles that first day, and upon by Joseph Smith and also of the truthfulness of the reaching an inn, he asked the innkeeper if he would Book of Mormon. As one of the Eight Witnesses, buy one of the books. When the innkeeper learned Samuel was privileged to be shown the plates by more of his mission, Samuel was forced to leave and Joseph, and was able to hold the plates in his hands spent that first night under an apple tree. and examine the ancient writing thereon. He was also The next day Samuel met a Methodist preacher one of the six charter members of the Church when it named John P. Greene. Mr. Greene was not personally was organized on 6 April 1830. interested in reading the book, but he said he would Shortly before he received his formal missionary keep it to see if anyone else wanted to buy it. Samuel call, Samuel sold a copy of the Book of Mormon to did not give up. He called again on the Greene family Phineas Young, a traveling preacher. In this initial en- and found that Mr. Greene’s wife, Rhoda Young counter he held a book in his hand and offered it to Greene—a sister of Phineas Young—had read the Phineas. book. She later convinced her husband that he “There is a book, sir, I wish you to read.” needed to read it as well. Samuel did not baptize Phineas hesitated. “Pray, sir, what book have one soul on that first mission, but those two copies you?” of the Book of Mormon that were given to Phineas “The Book of Mormon, or, as it is called by some, Young and John P. Greene eventually were the the Golden Bible.” means of converting a whole neighborhood, “Ah, sir, then it purports to be a revelation?” including Brigham Young and his family and “Yes. It is a revelation from God.” Heber C. Kimball and his family. The young man showed Phineas the last two I love the story of Samuel Smith. He overcame pages of the book and had him read the testimony great odds and used the Book of Mormon effectively. of the witnesses. The young man continued, “If you He bore testimony and invited the people to read will read this book with a prayerful heart and ask from its pages. He then followed up with them as God to give you a witness you will know of the truth best he could under the circumstances to encourage of this work.” them to read more. He never gave up. He had faith His earnest demeanor and forthright manner im- that God was in control and would use him as He pressed Phineas, who told the young man he would needed. Lastly, he carried copies of the Book of certainly read it. Phineas asked his name; he told him Mormon with him. Like Samuel, we should see it was Samuel H. Smith. to it that we always have copies of this book ready “Ah, you are one of the witnesses.” to give away. “Yes, I know the book to be a revelation from God, translated by the gift and power of the Holy THE NEEDS OF PROSPECTIVE CONVERTS Ghost, and that my brother, Joseph Smith, Jun., is a Prophet, Seer and Revelator” (quoted in Remember, prospective converts are like sprouting S. Dilworth Young, Brigham Young—His Life plants. They are all sprouting, but at different stages (First Half), Brigham Young University Speeches and degrees. Some are still seeds planted far beneath of the Year [17 Mar. 1964], 3). the ground, needing lots of sun, water, and time to When Samuel left on his first mission, shortly fol- grow. Such prospective converts may need years to lowing the organization of the Church, he was armed sprout and blossom. Others are very close to the sur- with a testimony of the truth and little else. But he face and only need a little sun, water, and patience to needed little else. He had a testimony, and he had poke through the ground to the full rays of the sun. copies of the Book of Mormon—the missionary tool These prospective converts only need someone to for conversion. He carried a knapsack with him that love them. They only need to hear the truth as taught he filled with as many copies of this book as he could by the missionaries and gain a testimony of the Book carry. He probably even carried one in his hand. of Mormon. They only need to make and keep the

16 commitments that will lead them to conversion and JED CLARK PHOTO BY baptism. Others, of course, are sprouting and blos- soming when missionaries contact them, and they are fully prepared for the message of the Restoration. The Doctrine and Covenants states that such people “are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” (D&C 123:12). By using the Book of Mormon effectively, we can accelerate that sprouting process. It contains the fulness of the gospel and the greatest witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and His divine mission. Teach of the Savior and His mission from its pages. We must teach of Christ more often. When we do, the Spirit will attend us more often, and true conver- sion will result. This book of truth has many uses in missionary work: it helps people feel the Spirit, it helps answer concerns and questions, and it helps people make commitments. I know that as we use this sacred book effectively, our converts will be like those of Ammon’s converts who “were converted unto the Lord, [and] never did fall away” (Alma 23:6; emphasis added). No member of this Church is fully converted until he or he world needs this she has a burning testimony of the Book of Mormon. great book of scrip- The world needs this great book of scripture more tureT more than ever. And than ever. And people are hungering for it. This book people are hungering for is now translated and available in more than 100 lan- it. We will not rest until guages. We will not rest until every man and woman every man and woman can read this book in his or her tongue. Many people can read this book in his still do not have it in their own language. We are do- or her tongue. ing the best that we can in that regard. Please do not take the Book of Mormon for granted. Pray for a vision of how you can use the Book of Mormon more effectively in your missionary work. I promise that as you do so, your mind will be enlightened with the direction that you should take. I pray that we may catch the vision of this great work, particularly of flooding the earth with this great book of scripture. អ From an address to new mission presidents, Provo Missionary Training Center, 23 June 1999. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT Most Ensign articles can be used for family home evening discussions. The following questions are for that purpose or for personal reflection: 1. Why should the Book of Mormon be central to our missionary efforts? 2. What can we do to strengthen our own testimonies of the Book of Mormon? 3. How can we more effectively use the Book of Mormon in our missionary work?

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 17 B Y R ICHARD F. TAYLOR

n response to the energy crisis of the late 1970s, touched my heart. I also learned for myself that the Oakland California Temple turned many of its Moroni’s promise is true. My life changed because outside lights off. Almost immediately the San of my brothers’ love and efforts. They presented FIrancisco Port Authority requested they be relit. The the message of the Book of Mormon in a way that temple is located on a hillside across from the Golden appealed to me for that season of my life. Gate Bridge, which enables its lights to serve as an When I was a full-time missionary, the Book of important reference point for ships navigating into Mormon enabled me to teach ideas with which I had the harbor. little experience. Studying it enabled the Holy Ghost Like one of those ships, I am trying to navigate my to help me overcome my inadequacies. I discovered way home to our Father in Heaven. My life’s journey that I could “liken all scriptures” to myself and profit has taken me into uncharted waters, and like the from inspired direction (see 1 Ne. 19:23). It also ships entering the San Francisco harbor, I have helped me find patterns in human behavior. I wit- needed a reference point that is constant and reliable. nessed in the lives of my investigators the truth Guidance based simply on someone’s opinion is not taught in the Book of Mormon, that those who follow sufficient, for my objective is too important. I have the Spirit are blessed, while those who follow the needed direction that I can count on and that is spe- opinions of the world become subject to the natural cific to my needs—for each season of my life. consequences of their choices. The Book of Mormon The Book of Mormon has provided that guidance. helped me see these kinds of patterns so I could make It has been a conduit for the Spirit of the Lord to help successful choices and teach others during that sea- me navigate through troubled times by providing son of my life. specific counsel. And while the content of this book When I became a parent, the Book of Mormon has not changed over the years, the Holy Spirit has became a lesson manual on family life. I read about helped me find applications to fit my ever-changing other parents rejoicing over the righteousness of a circumstances. child (see Alma 38:2) and grieving when a child stum- As a child, I learned about the Book of Mormon bles (see Alma 39:3). I was encouraged when I read from my mother. She read its stories to me, and they about a father who by faith, prayer, and patience captured my imagination. I learned about Lehi leav- helped his wayward child (see Mosiah 27:14). ing Jerusalem with his family to avoid destruction. Discourses on agency and accountability have com- As a younger brother in my family, I delighted in forted me as I have struggled with my own children Nephi’s example of leadership. Camping in the over the answers to life’s questions (see Hel. 14:30–31). wilderness and using the Liahona sounded exciting. The Book of Mormon has shown me how the experi- I also learned that obedience to the Lord’s command- ences of others can help me avoid the consequences ments is rewarded. I discovered things that interested of wrong choices. It helped me find answers for that me for that season of my life. season of my life. When I was a teenager, my parents succumbed to Throughout my life the Book of Mormon has been the temptations of the world. They encouraged my a gold mine, with rich veins of spiritual truth to bless activity in the Church, but their examples had more me in direct proportion to my diligence in excavating impact than their words. My older brothers came to them. From its pages I have gained confidence to my rescue. One had just returned from a full-time conquer my trials. It has whispered to me “from the mission, and the other was a newlywed. They recog- dust.” nized that certain pressures could easily lead me in Like a ship entering the harbor, I need a point of the wrong direction. It was my returned-missionary reference that is constant and reliable. The Book of brother who rekindled my interest in the Book of Mormon has provided that direction for each season Mormon. He told me stories of battles for freedom, of my life. I love the Book of Mormon! អ massive destruction, and hand-to-hand combat. Richard F. Taylor is a member of the Clayton Valley First Ward,

ILLUSTRATED BY STEVE KROPP BY ILLUSTRATED As I read about these battles, the Spirit of the Lord Walnut Creek California Stake. ForEach Season

18 The Book of Mormon has always been there to help me— as a child, teenager, full-time of My Life missionary, and parent.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 19 KNOWING What You Believe, BELIEVING What You Know We need to ponder our spiritual experiences, learn from them, and be strengthened by them.

B Y E LDER D ENNIS B. 1. We can know N EUENSCHWANDER some things without Of the Presidency of the Seventy knowing all things. When Nephi desired a s we read in Alma 30, Korihor confirmation of his father’s had made many untrue vision, the angel asked him, allegations about the Church “Knowest thou the condescension

Y PAUL KILLPACK Y PAUL andA was brought before Alma, who of God?” Nephi’s answer was, listened but was not challenged by Korihor’s claims. “I know that he loveth His children; Alma recognized the allegations to be false—not only nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all because he knew the doctrines of the Church and the things” (1 Ne. 11:16–17). Nephi seemed satisfied to history of his people but because he had unshakable permit his knowledge of some things to expand his confidence in his own personal experiences with the faith and give him confidence in areas where his gospel. knowledge was not quite as complete. We would It is a good thing for us to know what we believe. do well to nurture this understanding. President We should know and be familiar with the doctrines, Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) taught that “faith ordinances, covenants, and teachings of the Church is based on past experience. It is not blind obedi- and its modern-day prophets. Equally important, ence, even without total understanding, to follow

ARDNER, AND JOHN LUKE; ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION B ARDNER, AND JOHN LUKE; however, to knowing what we believe is believing a Father who has proved himself” (The Teachings of what we know. Believing what we know has to do Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 59). with recognizing, trusting, and learning from our For example, each time the Lord answers a prayer, own spiritual experiences. my knowledge that He does answer prayer is Deeply personal spiritual experiences are granted strengthened. This knowledge expands my faith to us for our own edification and occupy an important and confidence into those times when His answers place in our education. Such experiences will always do not come as quickly or when His timing is far be in harmony with the doctrines of the Church and different from my own. the teachings of its living prophets. In an academic setting we understand this I am passing through the same educational principle of not knowing all things quite thoroughly. process you are. Along the way I have made a few We are comfortable with the idea that we must take observations about learning from the experiences basic courses before we move on to more advanced the Lord has granted me. I would like to share a work. The absence of complete knowledge in a

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE BUNDERSON, CRAIG DIMOND, QUENTIN G PHOTOGRAPHY BY few of my observations with you. discipline does not hinder us in knowing some

20 lma teaches that if we will nourish the word, it will Abecome “a tree springing up unto everlasting life,” and we will “pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious.”

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 21 things about that discipline. In fact, our pursuit of The people of Alma’s day did not immediately additional knowledge is driven by our understanding understand how to plant and nourish the word in that we do not know all things. their hearts. Alma answered by giving them three Learning takes time. Though we understand this basic steps: pray in all circumstances, read and in our secular lives, we are often impatient in our understand the scriptures, and believe in the Son of spiritual development. We sometimes feel that the God (see Alma 33). In this progressive revelation of Lord ought to reveal more than He does in order to spiritual knowledge by virtue of our diligence, faith, remove some of the discomfort we experience when and long-suffering, we can surely know some things we realize that we do not have a ready answer for without knowing all things. every question. In Primary, however, we memorize 2. Spiritual experiences are very personal and the ninth article of faith, which teaches us that more may not be understood by others. is yet to come: “We believe all that God has revealed, The Lord cautions us to exercise great care all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He in how, where, and with whom we share our will yet reveal many great and important things spiritual experiences. We cannot expect a basically pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” unbelieving world to understand experiences of a Alma teaches that spiritual growth takes effort deeply personal and spiritual nature. as well as time: “If ye will nourish the word, yea, A most interesting example of this is found in nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your the ninth chapter of John: “And as Jesus passed by, faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking he saw a man which was blind from his birth” (v. 1). forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and Jesus spat on the ground, made clay of the spittle, behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, life. “And because of your diligence and your faith and then told him to go wash. “He went his way and your patience with the word in nourishing it, . . . therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (v. 7). by and by ye shall pluck the What was the reaction among the people to this fruit thereof, which is miracle? Did they accept it as a confirmation of their most precious, . . . faith? First his neighbors didn’t even recognize him. and ye shall feast “And they which before had seen him that he was upon this fruit blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?” (v. 8). even until ye “Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: are filled, that but he said, I am he” (v. 9). They asked him, “How ye hunger not, were thine eyes opened?” (v. 10). He answered their neither shall ye question very simply, surely anticipating that they thirst” (Alma would accept his response and take joy in his good 32:41–42). fortune. “A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight” (v. 11). His was a simple explanation and testimony of a deeply personal spiritual experience. The neighbors, PHOTO BY MATT REIER MATT PHOTO BY however, could or would not understand, so they brought him to the Pharisees, who also asked him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see” (v. 15). The reaction of the Pharisees is also insightful. As the miracle

he Lord cautions us to exercise great careT in choosing when to share our spiritual experiences. was performed on the Sabbath, some said, “This appreciate such things and will hold them as sacredly man,” speaking of Jesus, “is not of God, because he as we do, as a confirmation of their own faith. keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a This leads me to a third observation regarding man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was spiritual experiences. a division among them” (v. 16). 3. Spiritual experiences not understood by others Didn’t the Pharisees completely miss the point? will often be rejected, but their rejection does not They pressed the blind man again, not to gain change the experiences. understanding of the miracle but to determine his Joseph Smith writes in his history that he shared opinion of him who had performed the miracle. his experience of the First Vision among the professors “What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thy of religion, which caused great persecution towards eyes?” Again, a simple answer: “He is a prophet” (v. 17). him. In his reflection, the Prophet compared himself “But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that to the Apostle Paul in his defense before King Agrippa. he had been blind, and received his sight, until they The Prophet writes that Paul “related the account called the parents of him that had of the vision he had when he saw a received his sight. light, and heard a voice; but still there “And they asked them, saying, were but few who believed him; some Is this your son, who ye say was born said he was dishonest, others said he blind? how then doth he now see? was mad; and he was ridiculed and “His parents answered them and reviled. But this did not destroy the said, We know that this is our son, reality of his vision” (JS—H 1:24; and that he was born blind: emphasis added).

“But by what means he now seeth, The Prophet continues: “So it was JOHN SCOTT we know not” (vv. 18–21). with me. I had actually seen a light, Even his parents failed to and in the midst of that light I saw appreciate the miracle in their son’s two Personages, and they did in

life. Because they feared the Jews, reality speak to me; and though I was THE FIRST VISION, BY the parents simply said, “He is of age; hated and persecuted for saying that ask him” (v. 23). Again they called the any doubted the Prophet I had seen a vision, yet it was true; man who was blind and again pressed Joseph Smith’s First and while they were persecuting me, him about Jesus, saying, “Give God M reviling me, and speaking all manner the praise: we know that this man is a Vision, but that did not change of evil against me falsely for so saying, sinner” (v. 24). the reality of his experience. I was led to say in my heart: Why I suppose by now, after several explanations, the persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually man was growing increasingly impatient, which is seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, felt in the terseness of his reply. “Whether he be a or why does the world think to make me deny what I sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, whereas I was blind, now I see” (v. 25). No amount and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, of explanation, however simple and straightforward, neither dared I do it” (JS—H 1:25). would help others to understand and accept what If others do not enjoy spiritual experiences, it he himself had experienced. After all the explana- does not mean that we do not. I am reminded of tion and testimony, they reviled the recipient of the an experience in New York as a graduate student. miracle and said, “Thou art his disciple; but we are I was serving as a seventies stake missionary. The Moses’ disciples” (v. 28). The man answered them bishop called one evening and told me that some again, “Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye members were involved in a discussion with a group know not from whence he is, and yet he hath of what we would now call born-again Christians. opened mine eyes” (v. 30). They answered him and The members were challenged by the conversation said: “Thou was altogether born in sins, and dost and had called him for help. He asked me if I would thou teach us? And they cast him out” (v. 34). In the be available to enter the discussion, which I did. end, no one accepted the miracle, the doer of the Through that evening, it became clear that my new miracle, or the recipient of the miracle. No one even friends rejected the idea that Joseph Smith could seemed happy that the blind man could see. have had a vision. My response was a question. The spiritual experiences the Lord grants to us “What is the highest and most sacred personal are extremely personal. We should share them only experience you could have?” Their answer was: selectively or not at all. If we do choose to share them, “A revelation of Jesus.” I answered, “Why then it should be only with those who can understand and would you deny another that same blessing?”

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 23 This leads to a closely related fourth observation and gave it to them, and at that point their eyes regarding our spiritual experiences. were opened and they knew Him, but He vanished 4. As others may reject our spiritual experiences, out of their sight. Only upon reflection did the they will often try to dissuade us from believing them. disciples understand what had occurred. “Did not There will always be those who are not content to our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by simply reject your spiritual experiences but will do the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” all they can to convince you to deny what you your- (Luke 24:32). self have experienced. One of the most interesting This is a common experience for all of us. It seems examples I could find in the scriptures relating to this to me that we often do not immediately recognize the principle is the reaction of the Nephites toward the importance of what is happening to us. signs given at the birth of the Savior. Many of us have served full-time Samuel the Lamanite had come missions. Every successful missionary among them only a few years before teaches the investigator to recognize the signs were to be given. He made the Spirit. At the height of a wonderful clear predictions of the signs they gospel discussion, a missionary will would witness. These would not ask the question, “What do you feel be simple things. The sun was to right now?” It is a difficult feeling for go down, but there would be no the investigator to describe. Usually,

JOSEPH BRICKEY darkness through the whole night. phrases like “I feel warmth” or “I feel BY “A new star” would appear, and there peace and comfort” are heard. What would be “many signs and wonders they feel is something they have never in heaven” (see Hel. 14:3–6). Such experienced in quite the same way. would be their amazement that they It is then that the missionary explains would all fall to the earth (see v. 7). what is happening and what it means.

MOSES OVERCOMES SATAN, SATAN, MOSES OVERCOMES It seems to me that such occur- So it is often with us. Only with good rences would be hard to miss. Yet oses’ previous experience teachers may we sometimes begin to when all happened according to the with God helped him understand that which is occurring in prophecy, many people found them withstandM Satan’s temptation. our lives. Knowing this, the Lord has hard to believe. “And it came to pass,” told us continually to ponder His we read, “that from this time forth there began to word in order that we may understand. be lyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to 6. Trusting our spiritual experiences will help harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not keep us from deception. believe in those signs and wonders which they had A most revealing experience regarding this seen” (3 Ne. 1:22). principle is that which occurred to Moses (see Moses Surely we have undergone spiritual experiences 1:1–13). “Moses was caught up into an exceedingly in our lives that have amazed us. We ponder them high mountain” (v. 1), where he saw God face to face and wonder about them. Satan will always be there and talked with Him. The glory of God was upon to whisper in our ears that they either did not Moses so that he could endure His presence. God happen as we remember them, or he will try to showed Moses some of the workings of this earth. persuade us to deny them altogether. When this marvelous vision was complete, God Referring to pondering and reflection leads me withdrew from Moses, and Moses was left to himself. to a fifth observation. Satan now came, tempting and commanding Moses 5. Sometimes only upon reflection, or when to worship him. Moses queried him, asking: “Who art someone else points it out, do we recognize what thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude we have experienced. of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I The experience of the disciples on the road to should worship thee?” (v. 13). Moses, because of his Emmaus on the day of the Lord’s Resurrection previous experience with God, understood the decep- exemplifies this. He appeared to them and tion that was being offered to him. “For behold, I questioned their sadness as He spoke with them could not look upon God, except his glory should along the road. They rehearsed the events of the come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. last few days. The Savior took the opportunity to But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not teach them from the scriptures concerning the so, surely?” (v. 14). Moses then commanded Satan prophets and Himself. When they came into the to depart. Moses’ knowledge and trust in his first village, they invited Him to stay with them. He ate experience most assuredly kept him from the with them, took bread and blessed it and broke it deception of his second experience.

24 On 2 August 1913, the First Presidency published an interview with a General Authority is required. a statement, which bears the title “A Warning Voice.” Not long ago I interviewed a brilliant individual for a Their statement embodies a basic principle that, if position. His training was in a discipline that could followed, will keep us from deception: “In secular as possibly pose some challenge to his testimony. I asked well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine him whether he had ever wavered in his faith or, in guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but the course of his study, ever lost his testimony. He this does not convey authority to direct others, and answered the question candidly and told me, yes, he is not to be accepted when contrary to Church had. His integrity was impressive. I asked him how covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, he had overcome the challenge. The answer was demonstrated truths, or good common sense” (in simple. He said, “I went back to my missionary James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency journals and read them in order to rediscover what of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. I once knew to be true.” [1965–75], 4:285–86). Those who fall away from Spiritual experiences are granted to us by a loving the Church generally struggle with this principle. Heavenly Father. They are meant to strengthen us Recognizing and understanding our own spiritual and educate us in His ways. We need to ponder experiences within the gospel framework keep us our lives that we may comprehend our spiritual safe from deception. experiences, learn from them, and be strengthened 7. Spiritual experiences confirm our testimonies by them. អ and help us to endure moments of doubt and From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on uncertainty. 19 May 1998. President Kimball has said that “faith grows through spiritual experience” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 76). When I was a mission president, I would ask missionaries leaving the mission field to write piritual experiences, down for their final interview with me the major which are granted to us lessons they had learned through the course of their Sby a loving Heavenly Father, mission. What I heard most often was: “I learned the are intended to strengthen us importance of prayer,” “I learned that God answers prayer,” “I learned the importance of regular scripture and educate us in His ways. study,” or “I learned to appreciate hard, disciplined work.” Never did I hear anything that related to the goals of the mission, the number of baptisms, or number of hours worked. After reviewing what they had learned, I returned their written accounts to them with the counsel that they keep them in a safe place. I told them that a time would come in their lives when matters would not be so clear as they had been in the mission field. It was then that they were to retrieve and read what they had written about their own spiritual experiences. You may know that before one is considered for employment at BYU, onah JAND THE SECOND CHANCE

The Prophet Jonah was displeased when the people of Nineveh repented. Are we ever guilty of not giving people a second chance at repenting?

B Y E LDER J UAN U CEDA Area Authority Seventy

t is comforting to know that we worship a God who is merciful and who allows His children many Ichances to learn His ways and be obedi- ent to them. Who among us would be saved without a second chance––more than one oppor- tunity to prove ourselves in the sight of God? The story of the people of the city of Nineveh and the prophet Jonah shows that the test of life is a multipart exam and reminds us to be more long-suffering with those who slip and fall.

NINEVEH The people of the city of Nineveh (see Bible Map 9 [1999 ed.]) were distant relatives of the children of Israel. Their common ancestor was the prophet Noah who, about 1,200 years before the time of Jonah, had three sons. For centuries these peoples seem to have had little contact with each other. The Ninevites, also known as Assyrians (see Bible Dictionary, “Assyria,” 615–16), wor- shiped the false god Ashur, while the children of Israel worshiped Jehovah, or Jesus Christ. About 780 B.C. the Lord spoke to the Israelite prophet Jonah, saying “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me”

26 fter the fish released Jonah upon the dry land, the word of Athe Lord came unto him a second time. Jonah was now determined to put aside his fears and obey the Lord. ILLUSTRATED BY DANIEL LEWIS DANIEL BY ILLUSTRATED

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 27 (Jonah 1:2). Although Jonah was a good man (see Israel’s most brutal enemies! This would be a great 2 Kgs. 14:25) and a likely associate of the prophet blessing to his people. Jonah entered Nineveh and, Amos, he was not happy with this assignment and according to the scriptures, prophesied, “Yet forty “fled from the presence of the Lord” (Jonah 1:10). days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). Why might Jonah have reacted this way? “Warfare As the 40 days came to a close, Jonah left the city and was a science to the leaders of Assyria [and it was built himself a shelter from which he hoped to watch their] effectiveness in warfare that struck terror to a grand show of destruction (see Jonah 4:5). the hearts of the Near Eastern world. They were But to Jonah’s surprise and disappointment, no 1 savage and brutal as well.” So Jonah’s refusal to destruction came. The people believed and began to go to Nineveh, a mortal weakness in response repent! When news of Jonah’s words reached the to fear, is somewhat understandable. king of Nineveh, the king and his nobles turned to the Lord. They sent out a decree commanding that a THREE DAYS TO RECONSIDER period of fasting, humility, repentance, and prayer be observed throughout the city. Oh, how they wanted Jonah quickly fled in the opposite direction from an opportunity to repent! And in a plea strikingly Nineveh, toward the seaport of Joppa, where he similar to Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish, the boarded a ship headed for what is probably present- proclamation said, “Who can tell, if we will repent, day Spain (see Bible Dictionary, “Tarshish,” 780). But and turn unto God, but he will turn away from us his the Lord gave Jonah a second chance. He first sent a fierce anger, that we perish not?” (JST, Jonah 3:9). The storm to halt the ship’s progress at sea (see Jonah 1:4). Lord was pleased with the Ninevites’ change of heart As the ship’s crew began to fear for their lives, the and spared them. How merciful is the Lord to the captain became convinced that God’s wrath toward children of men! someone on board was the cause of the storm. The When the anticipated calamity did not come to crew and passengers cast lots (see Bible Dictionary, pass, Jonah complained to the Lord, saying that he “Lots, Casting of,” 726), and when it became clear knew the Lord was merciful and that He would that Jonah was the guilty one, the crew asked Jonah, never destroy those people. Jonah also claimed he “What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be had fled originally because he knew his preaching to calm unto us?” (Jonah 1:11). Jonah now realized these people would do no good. He then asked the that his efforts to hide from the Lord were futile Lord to take his life, for he felt it was not worth living and replied, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the anymore (see Jonah 4:2–3). How sad that Jonah could sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that not rejoice in the success of his missionary labors! for my sake this great tempest is upon you” (v. 12). The Lord, in His infinite mercy, then prepared an- Resigned to his certain death, the men threw Jonah other lesson for Jonah, giving him yet another chance overboard. As Jonah sank into the water, the storm to see the situation from the Lord’s point of view. immediately ceased, and a “great fish” sent by the Lord suddenly appeared and swallowed Jonah, thus THE GOURD AND THE WORM preserving his life (see v. 17). How merciful is the Lord to the children of men! One morning as Jonah sat in his shelter, frustrated For three days and three nights Jonah was in the and confused, the Lord caused a gourd, or bean plant belly of the fish. He humbled himself and acknowl- whose vines have large, broad leaves, to grow up edged his sin. Jonah knew that he deserved to die but over Jonah, giving him shade from the heat of the was grateful God had shown him such extraordinary sun. This pleased Jonah and lifted his spirits. How- mercy. With strengthened faith in God he resolved: ever, at dawn the next day the Lord sent a worm to “I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the chew upon the plant. As the sun rose in the sky, the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). Therefore, “the Lord spake unto Lord also sent a scorching east wind off of the desert, the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land” which caused the plant to wither and die. Soon the (Jonah 2:10). hot sun burned upon Jonah’s head, and he became angry again and wished to die. His distemper over A SECOND CHANCE the dead vine showed that, again in his mortal weak- ness, he was more concerned about his own comfort “And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the than the possible destruction of an entire city full of second time” (Jonah 3:1; emphasis added). This time people. Jonah was determined to put aside his fears and obey The Lord chastised Jonah for his selfishness and the Lord. After all, he probably thought, if he fulfilled asked him a question: “Should not I spare Nineveh, his duty in Nineveh, the Lord would destroy one of that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand

28 [120,000] persons that cannot discern between their us backslide, many stumble, and I believe firmly in right hand and their left hand?” (Jonah 4:11). the gospel of the second chance. But the gospel of the second chance means that having once been found 3 GOD IS MERCIFUL weak, . . . thereafter we become steadfast.” In our family, Church, and community relation- One Bible commentator has explained Jonah 4:11 ships, we should exercise patience and mercy by ex- by paraphrasing the Lord’s response to Jonah as fol- tending the same chance for loving forgiveness to lows: “How much is the city better than the shrub? others that the Lord gave to the prophet Jonah and . . . And shall I destroy them, rather than thy shade to the people of Nineveh. អ should be withered or thy word apparently fail? And besides, these persons are young, and have not of- NOTES 1. Old Testament Student Manual, 1 Kings–Malachi (1981), 113. fended, (for they know not the difference between 2. Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible . . . with a Commentary and Critical their right hand and their left,) and should not I feel Notes, 6 vols. (1973), 4:706. more pity for those innocents than thou dost for the 3. “Stand Up and Be Counted,” Ensign, Feb. 1982, 71. 2 fine flowering plant?” Elder Juan Uceda is an Area Authority Seventy serving in the South Throughout the story of Jonah we can see the very America West Area. personal manner in which the Lord mercifully relates More on this topic: See Keith W. Perkins, “Thou Art Still Chosen,” to His children. “Remember the worth of souls is Ensign, Jan. 1993, 14–19; James M. Perry, with Robert J. Woolley, “ ‘Lord, Is It I?’: What I Learned from Martin Harris and Jonah,” great in the sight of God” (D&C Ensign, July 1989, 32–33; John A. Tvedtnes, “Jonah,” Ensign, June 18:10). His influence in our 1974, 26–27. lives also testifies of that same mercy. We must not, how- ever, mistake His mercy for a license to endlessly repeat our sins. President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, has said: “Many of

n our family relationships, we should extend the same chancesI for loving forgive- ness that the Lord gave to the prophet Jonah and the people of Nineveh.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 29 ezekiah s TUNNEL VISION ’

What can we learn from King Hezekiah’s H failure to accept the will of the Lord?

B Y C HARLES A. MULDOWNEY serpent of Moses destroyed (see Num. 21:9) because it had become an idolatrous object (see 2 Kgs. 18:4). ezekiah became king of Judah at age 25. His Hezekiah gathered the leaders of the people to teen years were filled with impressions from rededicate the temple and invited all of Israel and the lifestyle of his wicked and idolatrous fa- Judah to come to the temple and celebrate the ther,H King Ahaz (see 2 Kgs. 16:1–20). Yet Hezekiah Passover. “So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for rose above that influence to become a zealous reli- since the time of Solomon the son of David king of gious and political reformer. “He trusted in the Lord Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem” (2 Chron. God of Israel . . . [and] kept his commandments. . . . 30:26). Hezekiah’s leadership in bringing about a And the Lord was with him; and he prospered whith- spiritual renewal of his people was an unqualified ersoever he went forth” (2 Kgs. 18:5–7). Hezekiah success. reigned 29 years (about 726–697 B.C.), sustained by the inspired counsel of the great prophet Isaiah. COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF Hezekiah’s life is a study in courage and faithful- ness before the Lord in the face of extreme opposi- Hezekiah inherited from his father a problematic tion. However, when his greatest test in life came, he relationship with the king of Assyria. His father had faltered, leaving a tarnished legacy and laying the bought an alliance with the Assyrians with “the silver foundation for the eventual scattering and destruc- and gold that was found in the house of the Lord” tion of his people. His life provides an important les- (2 Kgs. 16:8). Hezekiah, however, courageously re- son for anyone facing the inevitable event of mortal belled against the Assyrian menace. When Assyria death. under Sargon II invaded Judah, a wise Hezekiah was ready for them. He had fortified the walls of RELIGIOUS REFORMER Jerusalem, appointed military officers, ensured Jerusalem’s adequate water supplies, and prepared Hezekiah’s goal was to cleanse his kingdom of all the hearts of the people for battle (see 2 Chron. 32:1–8). idolatry. His first act as king was to order the repair When Sargon was killed in Anatolia, Hezekiah and reopening of the temple at Jerusalem, which had defied the demands of Sargon’s son Sennacherib been looted and defiled by his father. He told all the and had a tunnel built to bring water into Jerusalem priests, “Sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the should they come under attack (see Bible Dictionary, house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry “Hezekiah’s Tunnel,” 702). In response to this rebel- forth the filthiness out of the holy place” (2 Chron. lion, Sennacherib invaded Judah and devastated the

29:5). He also took the bold step of having the brass land like a river that runs “over all his banks,” as had MICHAEL MALM BY ILLUSTRATED

30 hen Hezekiah con- tracted a fatal disease, heW experienced a lapse of faith and loss of judgment and asked the prophet Isaiah for a dramatic sign.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 31 been prophesied by Isaiah (see Isa. 8:6–8). The Assyrians Isa. 38:2–3, 9–20). He developed spiritual tunnel vi- then laid siege to Jerusalem, causing much suffering sion, becoming so obsessed with his desire to live that and despair among the people. As conditions in the he lost an eternal perspective. city worsened, Sennacherib sent three officials to the The Lord heard Hezekiah’s complaints and sent walls of Jerusalem with a message to frighten and Isaiah to tell him: “I have seen thy tears: behold, I will demoralize the people. Speaking in Hebrew they heal thee. . . . And I will add unto thy days fifteen mocked Hezekiah and spoke against the Lord, tell- years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the ing the people to not let Hezekiah persuade them hand of the king of Assyria” (2 Kgs. 20:5–6). Hezekiah to trust in the Lord. “Hath any of the gods of the na- then asked Isaiah for a sign, that he might be more tions delivered his land out of the hand of the king fully convinced of the Lord’s intentions (see 2 Kgs. 20:8). of Assyria?” the message asked. This kind of request often “How then could the Lord de- demonstrates a lapse of faith liver Jerusalem from Assyria?” and loss of judgment (see (see Isa. 36:15, 18, 20). Alma 32:16). Isaiah asked When Hezekiah heard this, Hezekiah whether a simple or he tore his clothes, put on sack- a dramatic sign would please cloth,1 and went into the tem- him. Hezekiah asked for the ple. He asked the prophet Isaiah dramatic one. The Lord then WILLIAM HENRY MARGETSON WILLIAM HENRY what he should do. Isaiah as- moved the shadow on the sun- sured him that the Lord would dial of Hezekiah’s father back- not let these insults go unpun- ward 10 degrees, a miracle ished. Isaiah also prophesied that seems to have fully satis- specifically how the Assyrian fied Hezekiah’s seemingly

CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE, BY siege would soon end (see inappropriate desire (see Isa. 37:1–7). 2 Kgs. 20:9–11). Hezekiah went again to the he example of the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane provides a striking temple and pled with the Lord ACCORDING TO THY WILL for his people: “Of a truth, Lord, contrastT to those who resist God’s will. the kings of Assyria have laid Although this miracle might waste all the nations. . . . Now therefore, O Lord our initially appear to be a great blessing, Hezekiah soon God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms became lifted up in pride (see 2 Chron. 32:24–25). of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even And though he humbled himself again, the people thou only” (Isa. 37:18, 20). As an answer to his peti- of Judah paid a price for his pride. tion, the Lord sent an angel that smote the army of Not long after the successful defeat of the Sennacherib, destroying 185,000 men. The Assyrians Assyrians, Hezekiah was visited by the son of the withdrew from Jerusalem and returned to Assyria king of Babylon. Hezekiah showed him all the royal (see Isa. 37:36–38). treasures and armaments (see Isa. 39:2). This was a serious mistake, for it initiated a Babylonian lust for FACED WITH DEATH Judah’s possessions. Isaiah condemned Hezekiah’s action and prophesied that all the treasures he had Shortly before the final defeat of Sennacherib, shown would be “carried to Babylon: nothing shall be Hezekiah contracted a fatal disease and became left” and that Judah’s royal family would be forced “sick unto death” (Isa. 38:1). The Lord in His mercy into exile in Babylon (see Isa. 39:6–8). directed Hezekiah to set his house in order and pre- During Hezekiah’s extra 15 years, his wife bore a pare to die, “for thou shalt die, and not live,” the son, Manasseh, the heir to the throne. Manasseh be- prophet Isaiah testified. Hezekiah wept bitterly and gan to reign at age 12 and ruled for 55 horrible years. prayed incessantly for the Lord to extend his life. He He had the prophet Isaiah murdered and reversed reasoned with the Lord, complaining that his life all of the religious reforms of his father. He erected al- should be spared because (1) he was a good person tars to Baal, installed idols in the temple, and burned and therefore didn’t deserve to die; (2) he was still his sons to death on these altars. He appealed to wiz- in the prime of life, and death would rob him of his ards for spiritual direction and hid the scriptures. His best years; and (3) he would greatly miss his family. evil influence was a principal cause of the eventual Hezekiah also accused the Lord of unjustly taking his destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (see life, thus revealing that he had little understanding of 2 Kgs. 24:3–4). or faith in the joy of the Lord in the spirit world (see We do not know what would have happened to

32 Judah had Hezekiah died as prophesied by Isaiah. For many of us, facing our own impending death But Bishop John H. Vandenberg (1904–92) has said: or the death of a loved one will be a great test of our “There have been some noble men who unwittingly faith in the Lord. The example of Hezekiah is a warn- sought to counsel the Lord. One such man was ing that we not ask at that moment for our will to be Hezekiah. . . . As one reviews [his life], one wonders, done. We are to put the question of life and death would it not have been better for Hezekiah to have into the hands of the Lord and pray to know His will, submissively accepted the Lord’s first decree, ‘. . . Set trusting in His tender love for each of us. We must thine house in order; for thou shalt die.’ ”2 pray with the attitude of the Savior, who by example The example of the Savior provides a striking con- has said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be trast to those who resist God’s will or attempt to alter thine forever” (Moses 4:2). អ it to conform with what they think should happen. NOTES In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing His great test 1. Sackcloth is a dark, coarse material made of goat’s hair. It of suffering and imminent death, Jesus prayed to was worn to signify the burden of heavy affliction and sincerity the Father, “If thou be willing, remove this cup of heart. 2. “Follow Counsel,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1964, 1062. from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be 3. Marion G. Romney: His Life and Faith (1988), 141. done” (Luke 22:42). The Lord has said, “He that Charles A. Muldowney is a member of the Valley Forge Second Ward, asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will Valley Forge Pennsylvania Stake. of God” (D&C 46:30). More on this topic: See Russell M. Nelson, “Doors of Death,” Ensign, In 1967 Ida Romney, wife of President Marion G. May 1992, 72–74; Spencer W. Kimball, “He Did It with All His Romney (1897–1988), experienced a stroke. She lay Heart, and Prospered,” Ensign, Mar. 1981, 2–5. in the hospital for weeks. Her condition worsened despite prayers and priesthood blessings. President Romney realized the outcome of this condition could be death or a serious handicap. Yet he did not want to pray for her healing unless it was the Lord’s will. He prayed and searched the scriptures for direction. One evening as he prayed to discover the Lord’s will, he ended his prayer, “Thy will be done.” He seemed to feel or hear a voice which said, “It is not contrary to my will that Ida be healed.” It was almost 2:00 A.M.He rushed to the hospital and blessed her, promising that she would be healed, and she made a miracu- lous recovery. Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy wrote concerning this experience, “By refusing to ask a special favor without first ascer- taining the will of the Lord, [President Romney] had unknowingly demon- strated the quality of his faith.”3 or many of us, facing our own impending Fdeath or the death of a loved one will be a great test of our faith in the Lord.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 33 B Y R EBECCA M. TAYLOR Assistant Editor

I wept, and nothing could console me. My child, my long-awaited child, My hoped-for, dreamed-for, prayed-for child, At last had come. But she was not given a Perfect body. She could not be what I Hoped for, dreamed for, prayed for. And the tears fell. (Maria Elena Dahlquist, “My Journey” [1984])

ristiana Dahlquist Silver grew up in a quiet house. With four younger brothers and sisters, it wasn’t Kbecause she lacked siblings. Sometimes, though, when her cousins would come to visit, she would watch as they would drag every toy out of the closet, shouting and laughing and tumbling over each other like a litter of puppies—and she would think, “I guess my family is different.” But most of the time, Kristiana didn’t think much about that. Having four siblings who couldn’t talk was something she was used to. All four had the same un- named congenital birth defect, with its same manifesta- tions: microcephaly (small head), tiny body, weakened immune system, intellectual impairments, inability to communicate with spoken words or to walk without assistance. : PHOTO © REID ROWLAND As newlyweds, Kristiana’s parents, David and Maria Elena Dahlquist, had dreamed of a large family that en- joyed spending time together. David, who in 1975 be- came choir director at Payson High School in Payson, Utah, imagined teaching his children to sing; Maria Elena, an avid violinist, had visions of a family string quartet. The children came quickly. Kristiana, the eldest, was

ILLUSTRATED BY RICHARD RUSSELL; BELOW BY ILLUSTRATED born on 22 October 1974, a happy and healthy baby. A IN A

34 QUIE Unable to speak or walk, the Dahlquists’ disabled children have taught lessons that don’t require words.

T HOUSETHE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 35 year later, Maria Elena and David learned they were to have Rebekah examined by a specialist. While expecting another child. When Rebekah was born on David was at work, Maria Elena took Rebekah to 23 May 1976, David noticed right away that her color- a neurologist with infant Jenny in tow. ing was unusual: instead of a healthy pink, her skin The doctor became concerned as he examined was almost purple. But she recovered quickly from Rebekah. He discovered that her retinas were speckled, her birth, and the Dahlquists thought they had a rare phenomenon. Then he noticed that her sister, brought another healthy child into the world. five-month-old Jenny, seemed far too quiet. Maria For the first part of her young life, Rebekah seemed Elena hadn’t been worried about the baby. “She’s just to progress like any other baby. At 22 months, how- worn out from the summer heat,” she thought. ever, she still wasn’t walking. Her head was smaller Upon further examination, it appeared that Jenny than normal, which meant her brain was not growing had the same symptoms Rebekah had. The doctor as it should, but the doctor assured the Dahlquists that soberly announced his conclusions to Maria Elena: she would continue to develop. Kristiana had also pro- Something was seriously wrong with both little girls, gressed slowly at first, and she was now an un- but he was not aware of any similar cases, did not usually bright little kindergartner, so her know if the syndrome even had a name, and parents were not overly concerned. could not tell Maria Elena what to expect— Another baby, Jenny, joined the beyond the fact that the abilities of the two family on 4 February 1979. The fol- girls would be severely impaired. lowing summer, three-year-old Stunned by these revelations, Maria Rebekah was balancing herself Elena, carrying a child in each arm, man- against furniture, but she still aged to find her way to her car. She col- wasn’t walking or talking. lapsed in the front seat, clutched her Finally the Dahlquists decided two children to her, and sobbed.

t girls’ camp, Kristiana fed Rebekah her meals Aand carried her around the campsite.

36 Jenny

Kristiana Sean

Ryan

Rebekah

I questioned Maria Elena says. And could not find the answers. Life quickly settled into a routine of spoon-feed- Why me? Why did this happen to me? ing four little mouths, bathing, dressing, changing di- Doubts assailed my soul—doubts of my worthiness, apers, and more feeding. For Kristiana, helping her Doubts of the goodness of God, doubts of my purpose. parents care daily for her brothers and sisters was What did I do to deserve this? normal. “That’s just the way it was,” she says. “I And no one answered. knew there was a reason my family was that way (“My Journey”) and that someday I’d learn what the reason was. But it was OK to wait; I didn’t have to know right away.” David and Maria Elena knew there was a possibil- Kristiana genuinely enjoyed growing up with her ity a fourth baby might inherit the same rare condi- little brothers and sisters. Often she would put one or tion, but they could not deny the strong prompting two of them in her red wagon and take them around they received that another child was to join their the neighborhood. On Halloween she insisted on family. And after all, Kristiana was perfectly normal. taking all of them trick-or-treating. One of her par- So on 29 May 1981, their first son, Ryan, was born. ents would drive the car, and at each house Kristiana “He did have a small head, but he was so alert,” says would lug a costumed brother or sister to the door, Maria Elena. “He played with toys that Rebekah and yell “Trick or treat!” and ask for five pieces of candy. Jenny couldn’t play with.” Ryan followed the devel- Rebekah followed Kristiana into the Young opmental charts for the first 10 months—and then his Women organization. When Rebekah was healthy progress slowed dramatically. enough, Kristiana determined that her little sister “When the children were really small, we func- would attend camp with her. While at camp, she fed tioned like a typical family,” says Maria Elena. David Rebekah her meals, slept with her in the same bunk, agrees but adds, “You go through a grieving process and carried her around the campsite. Kristiana was with each revelation of illness, as if a child had died. accustomed to taking care of Rebekah—so she was Again, that’s what happened when Ryan was diag- surprised at the camp testimony meeting when the nosed.” other young women, one after another, expressed Ryan was 19 months old when the Dahlquists’ last how touched they were by Kristiana’s example. child, Sean, was born—a Christmas baby they again “Rebekah was my sister,” Kristiana says simply. “We hoped would be without problems. But again, Sean went lots of places together, so I hadn’t given it much followed the pattern set by Rebekah, Jenny, and thought. That testimony meeting was the first time I Ryan. “By the time Sean came, we were far more ac- was able to see the impact our family had on others.” cepting of their conditions,” says David. “Still, we When Kristiana moved away from home in 1992 grieved.” to attend college, members of the ward began step- It took several years for the severity of the chil- ping in to help. They assisted with housework or sat dren’s conditions to become fully apparent. For the with the family during sacrament meeting when first few years the children seemed like most other needed. “We’ve learned it’s OK to ask for help, even toddlers. “I think I was in denial for a long time,” though it’s hard,” says Maria Elena.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 37 I prayed The Dahlquist And found sweet solace with the family today: Ryan, front left; Spirit. Maria Elena, I sought to know the reason, the back left; David;

PHOTO BY ROBERT CASEY ROBERT PHOTO BY purpose, Bill Silver To gain the strength to go on. (Kristiana’s husband) with Line upon line, I learned to accept, son, Andrew; To have faith. Kristiana. And my spirit grew. (“My Journey”)

“If someone had told me when I got married that I would have five children and four of them would be predicted the four children disabled, that I would have four in would not live past age 13, so the family has con- diapers for many years, I might have sidered each additional year a gift. changed my mind about children and said, Each of the Dahlquist children has contributed to ‘No, I can’t do it,’” says Maria Elena. “But the family in his or her own unique way. Jenny, for I didn’t know and thus have strug- example, loved to cuddle and be held. “My favorite gled and learned how to do what time was early in the morning when I would get has to be done. With the help of the up to read my scriptures,” David once wrote. “If Lord, it was made easier.” Jenny was awake, I would take her with me to The Dahlquists and their the love seat, where she would sit quietly by my physicians have yet to hear of side. She snuggled and I studied. We didn’t say others afflicted by the same un- much, but I learned a great lesson from those ex- named syndrome the Dahlquist periences. How often do we take the time out children have had. Doctors first of our busy lives to simply sit and commune,

avid treasured the early mornings when JennyD sat by his side as he studied the scriptures.

38 THE LORD LOVES THOSE WITH DISABILITIES particularly with those we love? that he may know according Jenny gave me those opportuni- “There are clearly to the flesh how to succor ties on a daily basis.” his people according to their In November 1995, at age 19, special cases of infirmities.” Rebekah passed away. Maria individuals in “The Lord knows what it’s Elena, David, and Kristiana mortality who have special limita- like to no longer be able to run,” each turned to the gospel and says David. “He knows the feel- the scriptures to help them tions in life, which conditions we ing of knees that bend only cope with their loss. “After mortals cannot now fully fathom. with pain, of a mind that no Rebekah died, a lot of the scrip- . . . They are in the Lord’s hands, longer remembers, of a back tures made even more sense,” that’s not nearly as strong—and says Kristiana. She found the and he loves them perfectly. Indeed, He knows how to succor if we prophet Jacob’s words to be some of those who have required will but ask.” especially comforting: much waiting upon in this life may The family understands that “For as death hath passed the days they have remaining upon all men, to fulfil the mer- be waited upon again by the rest of with 21-year-old Ryan are few. ciful plan of the great Creator, us in the next world—but for the His health has declined, and he there must needs be a power of highest of reasons.” is slowly losing some of his abil- resurrection. . . . ities. “We treasure every day we Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “Meeting the Challenges “. . . The spirit and the body of Today,” in 1978 Devotional Speeches of the have with him,” says David. is restored to itself again, and Year (1979), 153. “We don’t look forward to say- all men become incorruptible, ing good-bye, but we know it’s and immortal, and they are liv- going to happen.” In the mean- ing souls” (2 Ne. 9:6, 13). time, they cherish his sociable personality—the way “I think that all my years of scripture study in he looks around in church for someone to notice and seminary finally came together,” Kristiana says. “I be- interact with him. And they savor their quiet mo- gan to really understand what the Resurrection and ments at home with him and remember the memo- the plan of salvation were all about.” ries they have shared as a family. Two years after Rebekah died, 18-year-old Jenny “We look at it as a blessing that they’ve been had difficulty breathing and was rushed to the hospi- with us so long, even though it’s been hard,” says tal. She lingered there for two days before passing Kristiana, who is now married with a healthy child away with her parents at her side. Then, in December of her own. “My knowledge of the gospel has grown of last year, Sean passed away at age 19—just two so much, and my acceptance of the Lord’s will has days after his Christmas birthday. also grown.” Though separated from three of their children Maria Elena says her children have taught her to through death, the Dahlquists feel their family bonds focus on what is truly important. Her four youngest have only grown stronger. “There is no question that might not have had the same kind of beauty other the spirit lives on after death,” says David. “We may children have, she says, “but you love who they are. not understand a lot about the blessings of being It doesn’t make a difference what they look like or born in the covenant and being sealed to our parents, sound like or walk like. You value the eternal soul but there is a definite claim family members have on of every child.” each other. Death is nothing to be feared, even though you don’t look forward to the separation.” I rejoiced The Dahlquists have drawn strength from the And saw purpose to my life and their lives. Atonement. At Rebekah’s funeral, David quoted I felt the greatness of their spirits. Alma 7:11–12: I learned the joy of simple things, “And [Christ] shall go forth, suffering pains and Of little steps, of today. afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this I felt the love of others who accepted, who understood, that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will Who loved, who taught, who shared. take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his And I found great joy. people. (“My Journey”) អ “A nd he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and More on this topic: See Boyd K. Packer, “The Moving of the Water,” Ensign, May 1991, 7–9; James E. Faust, “The Works of God,” he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bow- Ensign, Nov. 1984, 54–60; Pat Cowley, “Living with and Loving els may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, Our Handicapped Children,” Ensign, Sept. 1984, 44–47.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 39 Left: A banner honoring the Nauvoo Legion and its general—the Prophet Joseph Smith. Below: A rare old watercolor com- memorates one of the last addresses given by the Prophet Joseph Smith to the Nauvoo Legion. Y STEVE BUNDERSON Y ROBERT CAMPBELL; BACKGROUND: PHOTO B BACKGROUND: CAMPBELL; Y ROBERT Y AND ART; CENTER PAINTING B CENTER PAINTING Y AND ART;

Right: Emma Smith, an excellent horsewoman, had several riding crops, including this one with her name engraved on the ivory handle. Background: Black lace belonging to Rachel Grant, mother of President Heber J. Grant; the shoulder epaulets are from the Nauvoo SOME ARTIFACTS COURTESY ISDUP PIONEER MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND OF CHURCH HISTOR COURTESY SOME ARTIFACTS Legion uniform of Elder Charles C. Rich.

40 In Beauty and Holiness T he CULTURAL ARTS in NAUVOO

As early Latter-day Saints worked to build up the kingdom of God on earth, they also strove to improve themselves in education and the arts. For them, books and musical instruments were as necessary as shovels and plows.

B Y C ARMA DE J ONG A NDERSON

n Saturday morning, 6 May 1843, at 9:30 A.M., eager citizens of Nauvoo gathered for a military parade featuring the Nauvoo Legion. The 37-year-old Prophet Joseph Smith, tall and strong Oastride his black horse, led the parade. The Prophet wore white breeches, a rich blue tailcoat trimmed with gold, and a black-plumed felt hat trimmed with silk braid. On her white horse, Emma Smith wore a black velvet riding habit with quantities of tiny military buttons and a large plumed bonnet with a black lace riding veil. She carried an ivory- handled riding crop. A dozen ladies on horseback, each adorned in a long riding dress, followed Emma. Brigham Young, legion chaplain and Apostle, wore white pants and a black coat with gold buttons. Made up of local citizens willing to fill a well-demonstrated need for protection of the city, the Nauvoo Legion could rightly boast of more spirit and better training than other local and state militias. However, its soldiers were by no means all neatly dressed in standard issue. Their makeshift uniforms were blue, green, or red coats and

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 41 Though on the frontier, Nauvoo, with its brick homes and picket fences provided a high standard of living for its people. Y DAVID KOCH AND LYNDE MADSEN MOTT AND LYNDE KOCH Y DAVID RIGHT AND BELOW: PAINTINGS B PAINTINGS RIGHT AND BELOW:

Right: Phebe Ann Hawks, Margaret Cook, Sarah Kimball, Bathsheba Smith, and Sarah Cleveland visit in front of the red brick store on 17 March 1842—the day the Female Relief Society (now known simply as Relief Society) was organized. Background: Woodworking tools.

42 white wool pantaloons, varying in design “IN BEAUTY, AND IN HOLINESS” and quality. Nevertheless, the legion, car- With basic needs provided for, residents of rying their small arms, created a dramatic Nauvoo could pursue higher levels of living. display. The Saints were mostly from the poor and mid- After the parade had completed its dle classes of New England and the British Isles. long route around the city, the crowd Fewer than 10 percent had much wealth or educa- gathered at the parade grounds below tion. Still, they responded readily to their leaders’ the Nauvoo Temple to hear an enthusias- counsel to develop the cultural arts for their spiri- tic speech by General Joseph Smith, with tual and intellectual edification. This created music by the Nauvoo Brass Band. At 7:30 strong support for a beginning library, artwork, that evening, many Saints crowded into music, dance, and theater. the large room over the Prophet’s red A revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith in brick store to attend an entertainment 1832 had taught that Zion’s virtue and beauty go billed as “Mr. Vicker’s Performance of hand in hand. “For Zion must increase in beauty, Wire Dancing.” Although it had been a and in holiness” (D&C 82:14; emphasis added). long day, the entertainment continued And the thirteenth article of faith affirmed that the until 11:30 P.M. Saints seek after all things “virtuous [and] lovely.” In the unique frontier society of Nauvoo, the BUILDING THE CITY BEAUTIFUL Saints actively sought refinement. The Saints had arrived in Commerce, MEETING IN THE RED BRICK STORE Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River in the summer of 1839. They had The Prophet Joseph’s general store, made of found a half dozen families living there red brick, was more grand than the log stores of its and as many as 30 vacant log cabins time. It boasted beautiful counters, drawers, and abandoned by homesteaders. An un- pillars painted with graining to simulate more healthy bog harbored “the ague,” a valuable materials—“a very respectable represen- malarial fever usually followed by tation of oak, mahogany and marble for a back- pneumonia and often by death. But the woods establishment,” wrote the Prophet in a homeless Latter-day Saints envisioned letter.2 The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo was possibilities so resplendent that they re- organized in the upper room in March 1842, with named the spot Nauvoo, a Hebrew word Emma Hale Smith as president. Some early public meaning “beautiful.” school classes were held in this all-purpose room, The Saints bought four acres on a glo- as well as parties, lectures, and meetings of the rious rise of land for their temple—the fo- city council, Church leaders, and Nauvoo Legion cal point of their spiritual vision. They staff. It was used as a courtroom and was also the had already bought farming land—about site of the city’s first theatrical programs. 650 acres on “the flats” and thousands of acres across the river in Iowa—enough ATTENDING THE THEATER to provide food for a large city. As they dug drainage ditches to divert water from the The Prophet Joseph organized a dramatic com- flats, the stagnant pools of malarial water began pany in Nauvoo and was “foremost in encourag- to disappear. ing the production of classical plays.”3 Believing In the first year after the Saints began arriving that the theater could both teach and inspire, he in Nauvoo, 250 houses were built. By the next attended plays himself, on occasion responding year 1,200 structures had been built. By 1845 with tears to noble presentations.4 Most of the Nauvoo had 11,000 citizens, rivaling the popula- nine plays were historical, and they featured tion of Chicago. And by 1846 it supported 85 themes of heroism, friendship, love, and faith. shops and industries, including mills, lime kilns, They were entertainment, but they also taught a silk weaver, and a daguerreotype shop. A principles of truth. library was begun, and art was displayed. Some British immigrants had enjoyed the theaters people referred to Nauvoo as “the great city in the of England and were especially eager to continue wilderness.”1 their drama in America.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 43 T AINTING BY MINERVA TEICHER MINERVA AINTING BY P

A brass band always added energy and excitement to parades and special occasions.

Nauvoo Saints had resilient spirits, and the cul- and instrumental musi- tural arts played an important role in their frontier cians completed their lives. Despite hardships, privation, and religious own concert hall. persecution, they not only worked to build up Professor Gustavus God’s kingdom on earth, but to improve them- Hills conducted a selves through education and the higher arts. Teacher’s Lyceum of Music. Meanwhile, ENCOURAGING EDUCATION William Pitt gathered together some highly Taking to heart the teaching that “the glory of skilled instrumentalists God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and into a brass band. Its mu- truth” (D&C 93:36), the Saints valued intellectual sic accompanied numer- as well as spiritual achievements. Church leaders ous gatherings of the planned to build a University of the City of Saints. Over the years the Nauvoo, which was to teach “Arts, Sciences, and band became a beloved Learned Professions.”5 institution of the Saints. The Saints left Nauvoo before facilities could In addition, the Nauvoo be built, but classes were held in homes for higher Quadrille Band played at mathematics, philosophy, chemistry, Hebrew, dances. And the Nauvoo German, Greek, Latin, French, Spanish, and Legion formed a band.6 English. To provide schools for the hosts of chil- dren not already in private schools, the city made ENJOYING DANCING four administrative divisions for public schools and began building substantial structures. There In the larger homes of was even a low-cost school for the poorest families, Nauvoo, dancing was who paid, as possible, in pennies. ever present, including reels and the square and round dances of FILLING THE AIR WITH MUSIC Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and England. With its energetic and fancy stepping, dance played The Prophet Joseph himself organized the first an important part in the lives of the Saints. of several choral groups in Nauvoo and attended their singing schools. Emma Smith, who had a fine LEARNING TO PAINT soprano voice, often sang obbligato parts in choral groups and filled the Smith home with sweet mu- Watercolor paintings were the artistic fashion sic. Caroling awakened the Prophet’s family at of the day, and the Prophet Joseph encouraged 1:00 A.M. Christmas morning 1843. In 1845 vocal the young to learn to paint in this medium, even

44 Above: Joseph and Emma Smith enjoy a dance together at a social gathering in the Mansion House. Right: William Folsom, a popular theater actor in Nauvoo. Background: Musical instru- ments, including a brass horn, a violin, and a drum owned by William Fowler, author of “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” (Hymns, no. 19). PHOTO COURTESY LDS CHURCH ARCHIVES PHOTO COURTESY

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 45 A, BY GREGORY SIEVERS GREGORY A, BY NAUVOO AND THE MAID OF IOW NAUVOO

Left: Sketchbook of Bathsheba Smith, wife of Elder George A. Smith. Above: Nauvoo residents enjoyed an occasional recreational excursion on the steamboat Maid of Iowa. Picnic food and some form of music—flutes, fiddles, or accor- dion, with voices singing happily— made for a delightful trip. Background: Books and a paint box. though it consumed pre- Nauvoo, he performed both feats cious and expensive paper. of physical strength and comic Joseph and Emma recitations—an unusual combina- Smith’s daughter Julia, tion. He recited “Major Jones’ along with a number of oth- Courtship” in Southern dialect ers, took watercolor lessons and a Yankee dialect piece. from Mary Elizabeth Rollins After the performance, the Lightner. As a young mother, Prophet remarked at a social gath- Mary had developed her ering that he wished he could hear TESY ISDUP PIONEER MEMORIAL MUSEUM painting skills in Missouri. the comic pieces again. Hiram B. She did so well that she fed Clawson, a talented young man, her family on earnings from immediately obliged the Prophet pictures she painted after by repeating both of Rice’s recita- the exodus from Missouri tions on the spot. Amazed that the and “improved the time” young man had memorized both

giving painting lessons pieces in just two hearings, the COUR PAINTING SUTCLIFFE MAUDSLEY aboard a boat bound for Prophet delightedly began to plan St. Louis.7 a series of theatricals, since there Sutcliffe Maudsley, was local talent in abundance.10 who had emigrated from England in 1842, was A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT Nauvoo’s first professional artist. He, with William W. Sutcliffe Maudsley’s painting of Tr uly the Saints in Nauvoo fol- Major, painted portraits of Bathsheba Smith. lowed the Prophet Joseph Smith community leaders, as well in using the cultural arts to help as historical murals.8 build the kingdom of God on the earth. After the physical and emotional trauma the Saints had ENCOURAGING FRIENDLY DEBATE suffered in New York, Ohio, and Missouri, their achievement in building Nauvoo into a beautiful Public lectures, lyceum discussion city rich in cultural arts is nothing short of aston- groups, and a vigorous debating society oc- ishing. Only a people convinced of the innate po- cupied great numbers of citizens. When the tential of man and persuaded of God’s immediate debaters let a heated argument get out of help could have had sufficient courage to build control, the Prophet sometimes stepped in. such great things out of such small means. អ Mercy Fielding Thompson heard him pro- duce “clear and masterly explanations of NOTES deep and difficult questions,” cooling both sides 1. Ida Blum, Nauvoo: Gateway to the West (1974), 68. 9 2. Letter from Joseph Smith to Edward Hunter, 5 Jan. 1842, into reasonable discussion. in History of the Church 4:491. 3. George D. Pyper, The Romance of an Old Playhouse (1937), 24–25. ATTRACTING TRAVELING SHOWS 4. See Helen Mar Whitney, A Woman’s View: Helen Mar Whitney’s Reminiscences of Early Church History, ed. Jeni B. As Nauvoo grew and illness decreased, the Holzapfel and Richard N. Holzapfel (1997), 227. Saints could devote greater energy and resources 5. History of the Church, 4:243. to entertainment and the arts. In the spring of 1843 6. See George W. Givens, In Old Nauvoo: Everyday Life in the City of Joseph (1990), 177. public performances of all kinds increased. 7. Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, July 1926, 201. A circus and wild animal menagerie came to 8. See Richard G. Oman, “Artists, Visual,” in Daniel H. town in September. In that era, these kinds of attrac- Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. (1992), 1:70. 9. Reminiscence of Mercy R. (Fielding) Thompson, Juvenile tions could always draw a crowd. A special arena Instructor, 1 July 1892, 399. must have been built, because circus advertisements 10. See Young Woman’s Journal, Apr. 1919, 220. listed box tickets at 50 cents and 25-cent tickets for Carma de Jong Anderson is a member of the Edgemont 14th the pit. Two hundred visitors came up the river on a Ward, Provo Utah Edgemont Stake. ferry to attend the circus. This article is excerpted from a forthcoming book by the author, When traveling entertainer Dan Rice came to The Cultural Arts in Nauvoo.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 47 each gospel princi- ples found in the scriptures;T then tell a personal experience that relates to them.

48 Telling Personal STORIES Relating personal experiences can have a powerful influence on those we teach at home or in church. B Y R ICHARD N ASH

story I heard in sacrament meeting several end of the mooring line. He grabbed his son, feeling years ago changed the way I pray each day. grateful for how directly the Lord had answered his A member of our bishopric stood up and said, prayers. Since the day I heard that talk, I’ve asked the “IA know the Lord answers prayers.” He told how he Lord to watch over and protect my family. prays every night, sometimes almost by rote, for the One of the most effective methods we can use Lord to watch over and protect his family. Then he when teaching or participating in a discussion— shared an experience about a night his family stayed whether in the home, a Church classroom, or sacra- on a houseboat while on a waterskiing trip. He awoke ment meeting—is to share a personal experience suddenly at 5:30 A.M. and for no apparent reason got and then relate it to the point we are making. These up and walked to the back of the boat. To his horror he points or main ideas should come from the scrip- found his two-year-old son stretched out over the wa- tures, the words of living prophets, or other appro- ter, with his toes on the houseboat and his little hands priate sources. Telling stories from your life––something

on a speedboat that was drifting slowly away to the that has happened to you––adds power to what you DILLEEN MARSH BY ILLUSTRATED

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 49 A SEAL OF LIVING REALITY “Perhaps the teach. The events that have shaped note how often our leaders use our character and make us who we perfect pattern personal experiences in their talks. are can be tools in the hands of the in presenting For example, Elder Henry B. Lord to help others when we use Eyring of the Quorum of the them appropriately. Some specific faith-promoting Twelve Apostles shared this in counsel from our Church leaders stories is to a recent conference address: includes: teach what is found in the “The afternoon my mother died, “Teachers and class members we went to the family home from are encouraged to share insights, scriptures and then to put a the hospital. We sat quietly in the feelings, and experiences that re- seal of living reality upon it by darkened living room for a while. late to principles in the lesson. . . . telling a similar and equivalent Dad excused himself and went to This helps teachers and class mem- his bedroom. He was gone for a few bers strengthen friendships and thing that has happened in our minutes. When he walked back into see how gospel principles apply to dispensation and to our people the living room, there was a smile 1 daily life.” and––most ideally––to us as on his face. He said that he’d been “Relating personal experiences concerned for Mother. During the can have a powerful influence in individuals.“ time he gathered her things from helping others live gospel princi- Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85), her hospital room and thanked the ples. When you tell about what you “The How and Why of Faith-Promoting staff for being so kind to her, he Stories,” New Era, July 1978, 5. have experienced yourself, you act thought of her going into the spirit as a living witness of gospel truths. world just minutes after her death. If you speak truthfully and with pure intent, the He was afraid she would be lonely if there was no one Spirit will confirm the truth of your message in the to meet her. hearts of those you teach.”2 “He had gone to his bedroom to ask Heavenly Father to have someone greet Mildred, his wife and MODERN STORYTELLERS my mother. He said that he had been told in answer to his prayer that his mother [my grandmother] had The example of our Church leaders shows the met his sweetheart. I smiled at that too. Grandma impact of telling personal experiences. President Eyring was not very tall. I had a clear picture of her Gordon B. Hinckley is a model for using personal rushing through the crowd, her short legs moving stories to teach gospel principles. In discussing pro- rapidly on her mission to meet my mother. fanity, for instance, President Hinckley said: “Dad surely didn’t intend at that moment to teach “When I was a small boy in the first grade, I expe- me about prayer, but he did.”4 rienced what I thought was a rather tough day at school. I came home, walked in the house, threw my PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND THE SCRIPTURES book on the kitchen table, and let forth an expletive that included the name of the Lord. My mother was The prophet Nephi was a master at blending the shocked. She told me quietly, but firmly, how wrong scriptures into his personal experiences. He referred I was. She told me that I could not have words of that to this practice as “likening” (see 1 Ne. 19:23). One ex- kind coming out of my mouth. ample is when his brothers were ready to give up on “She led me by the hand into the bathroom, where obtaining the plates of brass and he said, “Let us go she took from the shelf a clean washcloth, put it under up; let us be strong like unto Moses” (1 Ne. 4:2; empha- the faucet, then generously coated it with soap. She sis added). said, ‘We’ll have to wash out your mouth.’ She told Here's how President Thomas S. Monson, First me to open it, and I did so reluctantly. Then she Counselor in the First Presidency, also wove a scrip- rubbed the soapy washcloth around my tongue and ture verse into a personal experience: “As a 12-year-old teeth. I sputtered and fumed and felt like swearing boy I had the privilege to serve as the secretary of my again, but I didn’t. I rinsed and rinsed my mouth, but deacons quorum. I recall with joy the many assign- it was a long while before the soapy taste was gone. ments we members of that quorum had the opportu- In fact, whenever I speak of that experience, I can still nity to fill. . . . The most frightening one, however, taste the soap. The lesson was worthwhile. I think I happened at the leadership session of our ward con- can say that I have tried to avoid using the name of ference . . . [when] without the slightest warning, the Lord in vain since that day.”3 President Perschon stood and said, ‘We will now hear The next time you listen to general conference, from Thomas S. Monson, secretary of the deacons

50 quorum, to give us an accounting of his service and that, and it strengthens their connection to the bear his testimony.’ I don’t recall a thing I said, but I teacher and the principle being taught. have never forgotten the experience. Brethren, re- 3. They are memorable. The details of a story help member the Apostle Peter’s admonition, ‘Be ready al- your listeners better remember what you teach. ways to give an answer to every man that asketh you Illustrating a principle with a story enhances a reason of the hope that is in you.’ ” [see 1 Pet. 3:15].5 your listeners’ ability to retain information. When you tell a personal story to support a THE POWER OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES gospel principle, you are restating the principle, only in a different way. Why are personal experiences so effective? 4. Personal stories are easy to tell. When you rely 1. They make the principles we are teaching more more on your memory than on your notes, you will credible. The people we teach are more likely to accept probably be less nervous and more confident and our words when they know we have tried to live natural in your presentation. By telling the story in what we are teaching. What we have done carries the way you normally talk, the real you is much more greater weight in their minds than what we say. likely to come through. Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy has counseled: When we share appropriate personal experiences “One reason why personal experiences are so effec- by the Spirit and follow other principles of effective tive is that they have touched our hearts—and when teaching, the Lord will use the gospel principles we we speak of things that we feel deeply, it is more have learned to touch the hearts of those who are lis- likely that we’ll be able to touch the hearts of others. tening and change lives for good. We will be able to If you read a lesson and tell a story in someone else’s more effectively fulfill our responsibilities as teachers words, it won’t have the same impact. . . . It is easier of the gospel of Jesus Christ. អ for us to apply a truth if we can see it in action in someone else’s life. And it is easier to commit to live NOTES a truth if we can feel the Spirit through those experi- 1. Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and 6 Auxiliary Leaders (1998), 304. ences of other people.” 2. Teaching, No Greater Call (1999), 180. 2. Personal experiences are interesting. Who can ig- 3. “Take Not the Name of God In Vain,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 46. nore the heartfelt story of how a particular event has 4. “Write upon My Heart,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 87. influenced or changed one’s life? Stories seem to have 5. “Duty Calls,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 50–51. a magic that entices people of all ages. When we tell 6. Teaching by the Spirit (2000), 64, 122–23. others of our experiences, we are inviting them onto Richard Nash is a member of the Parleys Fifth Ward, Salt Lake the sacred ground of our memories. Listeners sense Parleys Stake.

CAUTIONS FOR the truth is the right thing to do, espe- the wrong impression of why you are cially when you are teaching princi- telling stories about yourself. “Be thou SHARING PERSONAL ples of the gospel. Any variation from humble; and the Lord thy God shall EXPERIENCES the truth will cause you to lose the lead thee by the hand” (D&C 112:10). Spirit, which will dramatically diminish 5. Be cautious about sharing 1. Avoid embarrassing details. the impact of your lesson. Although the best stories come di- personal spiritual experiences. rectly from your life, sometimes details 3. Make sure your story relates “There are some things just too sacred about those events can be embarrass- to a gospel principle. to discuss,” says President Boyd K. ing to you and even hurtful to anyone A story told merely to entertain will Packer, Acting President of the who is characterized in an unflattering defeat the purpose of why we have Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Such way. Avoid using stories without the gathered: to be “nourished by the experiences should not be shared, but permission of those who are in the sto- good word of God” (Moro. 6:4). Tie “harbored and protected and regarded ries. Leave out details that are unnec- your stories to the scriptures and with the deepest reverence” (Teach Ye essary to the point. Be sensitive to the the principles found in Church lesson Diligently [1975], 71). The Lord has feelings of others. Pray for the guid- manuals. said, “Remember that that which ance of the Spirit. cometh from above is sacred, and 4. Avoid making yourself the hero must be spoken with care, and by con- 2. Don’t stretch the truth. of your stories. straint of the Spirit” (D&C 63:64). Trust To make a story more dramatic or If you are always the paragon of virtue that the Spirit will prompt you when it emotional, it may be tempting to alter in your stories, the one who never is appropriate to share experiences or exaggerate some details of what makes a mistake, you will lose credi- that are deeply personal. Wait for such actually happened. Don’t do it. Telling bility. Your students could easily get promptings. អ

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 51 NotJust

was so full of gratitude for the Savior and for my Iteacher that I could not speak.

52 TEACHING A LESSON t B Y D IANE M. TINGEY ur prophets and other leaders have asked us smile, her mouth opened, and she told the mother time after time to go about doing good, to do what a lovely child she had. The Spirit touched the an- our duty, and to be good examples. Sometimes gry woman. She looked at her child through new eyes, Owe may wonder what difference it makes. A Relief her face and heart softened, and she agreed with Jane Society teacher who was just doing her best to teach as if it were a new revelation. The mother and child her lesson completely changed my life one Sunday. went their way, their lives changed for the better. Jane Several years ago I found myself in a position I said she felt drained of energy by the experience and never would have imagined. My hopes for happiness went to her car to weep, regain her composure, and were turning to despair, and I was fearful and anxious. express gratitude to Heavenly Father. My self-confidence was plummeting, and the feeling As Jane related this story, our hearts in Relief that I had no one to confide in about my troubles con- Society were touched and our eyes were wet with tributed to my feelings of isolation. Each day was a tears. She continued by saying how much the Savior struggle, and nights were sleepless. At times my life loves each one of us. She looked around the room seemed a ruin, hardly worth continuing, I thought. and said to various sisters, “Jesus loves Sarah,” and A belief in God and concern for my small daughter’s “He loves Sister White.” She looked right at me and future kept me hanging on. said, “Jesus loves Diane.” She then continued the rest I had not been active in the Church for some time. of the lesson. However, some wonderful visiting teachers and neigh- I have no idea what else she said that day. When she bors gently encouraged me until I felt comfortable at- looked at me and said that Jesus loves me, I felt what I tending church. I was usually late and often missed can only describe as a lightning bolt of the Spirit, and I meetings, but I felt more and more as though I could knew without a doubt that despite my faults, the Savior not survive the week without the peace and safety I truly loved me. It was almost overpowering, and it was found in Relief Society. the strongest witness I have ever had. After the closing One Sunday, Jane was teaching the lesson in Relief prayer, I quickly found my daughter and returned home Society. She is a fun, bubbly person and a gifted teacher. without stopping to chat with anyone. I was so pro- I cannot recall exactly what the lesson was about that foundly affected and so full of gratitude for the Savior day, but it seems that Jane was talking about being wor- and for Jane that I could not speak. thy so we could be instruments in the hands of the Many times I longed to tell Jane what happened Lord to bless the lives of others. that day, and how thankful I am that she was doing her She related an incident from her life as an illustra- duty and living her life so she could be an instrument tion. She had been shopping in the basement of a in the hands of the Lord. Time has passed. I moved far thrift store and overheard a mother repeatedly away and lost track of Jane. And though she probably scolding her young child. The little girl was in a thought she was just teaching a lesson, she was in fact stroller and obviously was not excited about the the “small means” (see 1 Ne. 16:29) to a spiritual mira- bargains. As Jane listened, she thought that the cle that gave me hope and changed my life forever. mother sounded as though she might be angry I am certain this sort of thing happens many times, enough to become abusive. Jane, a mother of four perhaps unknown to teachers and parents who are the small children, felt uncomfortable, but headed means of effecting great changes in the lives of their off to another aisle. As she walked away, she felt spiritually thirsty students and family members. They compelled to turn back and approach the woman. are just doing their duty, performing what the Lord She did not know what she would do or say and asks of them. We cannot underestimate the wondrous was not eager to interfere, yet she obeyed the spir- and good things that are brought to pass when we do itual prompting. what small and simple things the Lord asks us to do (see When she came close to the woman and child, Alma 37:6). អ Jane felt an overwhelming sense of compassion Diane M. Tingey is a member of the Dayton Branch, Chattanooga

and love for them. She smiled her infectious Tennessee Stake. CRAIG DIMOND PHOTO BY

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 53 nowing our true position, weK can change our bearings if they need changing; we can lay down anew our true course. Excerpts from the CCHARHARTEDTED CCOUOURSERSE of the Church in EDUCATION

This prophetic 1938 address to course. Let us imitate this prudence, and, before we float farther on the waves of this debate, refer to the Church educators offers much point from which we departed, that we may at least to guide parents and other teachers be able to conjecture where we now are. . . .” Now, I hasten to express the hope that you will in their duties. not think that I think this is a Webster-Hayne occa- sion or that I think I am a Daniel Webster. If you were B Y P RESIDENT J. REUBEN to think those things—or either of them—you would C L ARK J R . (1871–1961) make a grievous mistake. I admit I am old, but I am First Counselor in the not that old. But Webster seemed to invoke so sensi- First Presidency ble a procedure for occasions where, after a wander- s a schoolboy I was thrilled ing on the high seas or in the wilderness, effort is to with the great debate be- be made to get back to the place of starting, that I tween those two giants, thought you would excuse me if I invoked and in a [Daniel]A Webster and [Robert way used this same procedure to restate some of the Young] Hayne. The beauty of their more outstanding and essential fundamentals under- oratory, the sublimity of Webster’s lofty expression of lying our Church school education. patriotism, the forecast of the civil struggle to come for the mastery of freedom over slavery, all stirred me OUR PRIME DOCTRINAL POSITIONS to the very depths. The debate began over the Foot Resolution concerning the public lands. It developed The following are to me those fundamentals: into consideration of great fundamental problems of The Church is the organized priesthood of God. constitutional law. I have never forgotten the open- The priesthood can exist without the Church, but the ing paragraph of Webster’s reply, by which he Church cannot exist without the priesthood. The mis- brought back to its place of beginning this debate sion of the Church is, first, to teach, encourage, assist, that had drifted so far from its course. That para- and protect the individual member in his striving to graph reads: live the perfect life, temporally and spiritually, as laid “Mr. President: When the mariner has been down in the gospel: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as tossed for many days in thick weather, and your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” said the on an unknown sea, he naturally avails Master (Matt. 5:48). Secondly, the Church is to main- himself of the first pause in the storm, tain, teach, encourage, and protect, temporally and the earliest glance of the sun, to spiritually, the membership as a group in its living of take his latitude, and ascertain the gospel; thirdly, the Church is militantly to pro- how far the elements claim the truth, calling upon all men to repent, and to have driven him live in obedience to the gospel, for “every knee [must]

from his true bow, and every tongue confess” (Mosiah 27:31). HENRIE CARY BY ILLUSTRATED

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 55 In all this there are for the Church and for each foundation beliefs are the laws and principles laid and all of its members two prime things which may down in the Articles of Faith. These facts also, and not be overlooked, forgotten, shaded, or discarded: each of them, together with all things necessarily First––that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Only implied therein or flowing therefrom, must stand, Begotten of the Father in the flesh, the Creator of the unchanged, unmodified, without dilution, excuse, world, the Lamb of God, the Sacrifice for the sins of apology, or avoidance; they may not be explained the world, the Atoner for Adam’s transgression; that away or submerged. Without these two great beliefs He was crucified; that His spirit left His body; that He the Church would cease to be the Church. died; that He was laid away in the tomb; that on the Any individual who does not accept the fulness third day His spirit was reunited with His body, of these doctrines as to Jesus of Nazareth or as to the which again became a living being; that He was Restoration of the gospel and holy priesthood is not a raised from the tomb a resurrected being, a Latter-day Saint; the hundreds of thousands of faith- perfect being, the Firstfruits of ful, God-fearing men and women the Resurrection; that He later who compose the great body of the ascended to the Father; and that Church membership do believe because of His death and by and n all our teaching there these things fully and completely; through His Resurrection every Iare two prime things and they support the Church and man born into the world since the which may not be over- its institutions because of this belief. beginning will be likewise literally looked, shaded, or dis- I have set out these matters be- resurrected. This doctrine is as old carded: that Jesus Christ is cause they are the latitude and lon- as the world. Job declared: the Son of God, and that gitude of the actual location and “And though after my skin the Father and the Son in position of the Church, both in this worms destroy this body, yet in very deed appeared to the world and in eternity. Knowing our my flesh shall I see God: true position, we can change our “Whom I shall see for myself, Prophet Joseph. bearings if they need changing; we and mine eyes shall behold, and can lay down anew our true course. not another” (Job 19:26–27). And here we may wisely recall that The resurrected body is a body of flesh and Paul said, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, bones and spirit, and Job was uttering a great preach any other gospel unto you than that which and everlasting truth. These positive facts, and all we have preached unto you, let him be accursed“ other facts necessarily implied therein, must all be (Gal. 1:8). . . . honestly believed, in full faith, by every member of the Church. THE EDUCATION OF OUR YOUTH The second of the two things to which we must all give full faith is that the Father and the Son actually As I have already said, I am to say something and in truth and very deed appeared to the Prophet about the religious education of the youth of the Joseph in a vision in the woods; that other heavenly Church. I shall bring together what I have to say visions followed to Joseph and to others; that the under two general headings—the student and the gospel and the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of teacher. I shall speak very frankly, for we have passed the Son of God, were in truth and fact restored to the the place where we may wisely talk in ambiguous earth from which they were lost by the apostasy of words and veiled phrases. We must say plainly what the Primitive Church; that the Lord again set up His we mean, because the future of our youth, both Church, through the agency of Joseph Smith; that the here on earth and in the hereafter, Book of Mormon is just what it professes to be; that to as also the welfare of the the Prophet came numerous revelations for the guid- whole Church, are ance, upbuilding, organization, and encouragement at stake. of the Church and its members; that the Prophet’s successors, likewise called of God, have received rev- elations as the needs of the Church have required, and that they will continue to receive revelations as the Church and its members, living the truth they already have, shall stand in need of more; that this is in truth The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and that its

56 What our youth want. The youth of the Church, They are prepared to understand the truth your students, are in great majority sound in thought which is as old as the gospel and which was ex- and in spirit. The problem primarily is to keep them pressed thus by Paul (a master of logic and meta- sound, not to convert them. physics unapproached by the modern critics who The youth of the Church are hungry for things of decry all religion): the Spirit; they are eager to learn the gospel, and they “For what man knoweth the things of a man, want it straight, undiluted. save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the They want to know about the fundamentals I things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of have just set out—about our beliefs; they want to God. gain testimonies of their truth; they are not now “Now we have received, not the spirit of doubters but inquirers, seekers after truth. Doubt the world, but the spirit which is of God; must not be planted in their hearts. Great is the bur- that we might know the things that are den and the condemnation of any teacher who sows freely given to us of God” (1 Cor. doubt in a trusting soul. 2:11–12). These students crave the faith their fathers and “For they that are after the mothers have; they want it in its simplicity and pu- flesh do mind the things rity. There are few indeed who have not seen the of the flesh; manifestations of its divine power; they wish to be not only the beneficiaries of this faith, but they want to be themselves able to call it forth to work. They want to believe in the ordi- nances of the gospel; they wish to understand them so far as they may.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 57 but they that are after the Spirit the things of the These students (to put the matter shortly) are Spirit” (Rom. 8:5). prepared to understand and to believe that there is a “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall natural world and there is a spiritual world; that the not fulfil the lust of the flesh. things of the natural world will not explain the things “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the of the spiritual world; that the things of the spiritual Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one world cannot be understood or comprehended by the to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye things of the natural world; that you cannot rational- would. ize the things of the Spirit, because first, the things of “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the the Spirit are not sufficiently known and compre- law” (Gal. 5:16–18). hended, and secondly, because finite mind and rea- Our youth understand too the principle declared son cannot comprehend nor explain infinite wisdom in modern revelation: “Ye cannot behold with your and ultimate truth. natural eyes, for the present time, the design of These students already know that they must be your God concerning those things which honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and do shall come hereafter, and the glory which good to all men, and that “if there is anything virtu- shall follow after much tribulation” ous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we (D&C 58:3). . . . seek after these things” (A of F 1:13)—these things What our youth already they have been taught from very birth. They should know. These students are pre- be encouraged in all proper ways to do these things pared to believe and under- which they know to be true, but they do not need to stand that all these things have a year’s course of instruction to make them be- are matters of faith, not lieve and know them. to be explained or un- These students fully sense the hollowness of derstood by any teachings which would make the gospel plan a mere process of human system of ethics; they know that Christ’s teachings reason, and prob- are in the highest degree ethical, but they also know ably not by any they are more than this. They will see that ethics re- experiment late primarily to the doings of this life and that to of known make of the gospel a mere system of ethics is to con- physical fess a lack of faith, if not a disbelief, in the hereafter. science. They know that the gospel teachings touch not only this life but the life that is to come, with its salvation and exaltation as the final goal. These students hunger and thirst, as did their fa- thers before them, for a testimony of the things of the Spirit and of the hereafter, and knowing that you cannot rationalize eternity, they seek faith and the knowledge which follows faith. They sense by the Spirit they have that the testimony they

58 seek is engendered and nurtured by the testimony school system teaches ethics. The students of semi- of others and that to gain this testimony which they naries and institutes should of course be taught the seek for, one living, burning, honest testimony of a ordinary canons of good and righteous living, for righteous God-fearing man that Jesus is the Christ these are part, and an essential part, of the gospel. and that Joseph was God’s prophet is worth a thou- But there are the great principles involved in eternal sand books and lectures aimed at debasing the gospel life, the priesthood, the Resurrection, and many like to a system of ethics or seeking to rationalize infinity. other things, that go way beyond these canons of Two thousand years ago the Master said: good living. These great fundamental principles also “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask must be taught to the youth; they are the things the bread, will he give him a stone? youth wish first to know about. “Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?” A testimony. The first requisite of a teacher for (Matt. 7:10–11). teaching these principles is a personal testimony of These students, born under the covenant, can un- their truth. No amount of learning, no amount of derstand that age and maturity and intellectual train- study, and no number of scholastic degrees can take ing are not in any way or to any degree necessary to the place of this testimony, which is the sine qua non communion with the Lord and His Spirit. They know [essential quality] of the teacher in our Church school the story of the youth Samuel in the temple; of Jesus system. No teacher who does not have a real testi- at 12 years confounding the doctors in mony of the truth of the gospel as re- the temple; of Joseph at 14 seeing God vealed to and believed by the Latter-day the Father and the Son in one of the he youth of the Saints, and a testimony of the sonship most glorious visions ever beheld by Church are hun- and messiahship of Jesus and of the di- man. They are not as were the gryT for things of the vine mission of Joseph Smith—including Corinthians, of whom Paul said: “I in all its reality the First Vision—has any have fed you with milk, and not with Spirit; they are eager place in the Church school system. . . . meat: for hitherto ye were not able to to learn the gospel, Moral and intellectual courage. But bear it, neither yet now are ye able” and they want it for you teachers the mere possession of a (1 Cor. 3:2). straight, undiluted. testimony is not enough. You must have They are rather as was Paul him- besides this, one of the rarest and most self when he declared to the same precious of all the many elements of hu- Corinthians: “When I was a child, I spake as a child, man character—moral courage. For in the absence of I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but moral courage to declare your testimony, it will reach when I became a man, I put away childish things” the students only after such dilution as will make it (1 Cor. 13:11). difficult if not impossible for them to detect it; and These students as they come to you are spiritually the spiritual and psychological effect of a weak and working on toward a maturity which they will early vacillating testimony may well be actually harmful reach if you but feed them the right food. They come instead of helpful. to you possessing spiritual knowledge and experience The successful . . . teacher must also possess an- the world does not know. other of the rare and valuable elements of character— So much for your students and what they are and a twin brother of moral courage and often mistaken what they expect and what they are capable of. I am for it—I mean intellectual courage—the courage to telling you the things that some of you teachers have affirm principles, beliefs, and faith that may not told me and that many of your youth have told me. always be considered as harmonizing with such May I not say now a few words to you teachers? knowledge—scientific or otherwise. . . . An object of pity (not of scorn, as some would COUNSEL TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS OF YOUTH have it) is that man or woman, who having the truth and knowing it, finds it necessary either to repudiate In the first place, there is neither reason nor is the truth or to compromise with error in order that there excuse for our Church religious teaching and he may live with or among unbelievers without sub- training facilities and institutions, unless the youth jecting himself to their disfavor or derision as he sup- are to be taught and trained in the principles of the poses. Tragic indeed is his place, for the real fact is gospel, embracing therein the two great elements that all such discardings and shadings in the end that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph was God’s bring the very punishments that the weak-willed prophet. The teaching of a system of ethics to the stu- one sought to avoid. For there is nothing the world dents is not a sufficient reason for running our so values and reveres as the man who, having righ- seminaries and institutes. The great public teous convictions, stands for them in any and all

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 59 circumstances; there is nothing toward which the Educate for eternity. You teachers have a great mis- world turns more contempt than the man who, hav- sion. As teachers you stand upon the highest peak in ing righteous convictions, either slips away from education, for what teaching can compare in priceless them, abandons them, or repudiates them. For any value and in far-reaching effect with that which deals Latter-day Saint psychologist, chemist, physicist, ge- with man as he was in the eternity of yesterday, as he ologist, archaeologist, or any other scientist to explain is in the mortality of today, and as he will be in the for- away or misinterpret or evade or elude or, most of all, ever of tomorrow. Not only time but eternity is your to repudiate or to deny the great fundamental doc- field. Salvation of yourself not only, but of those who trines of the Church in which he professes to believe, come within the purlieus [confines] of your temple, is is to give the lie to his intellect, to lose his self-respect, the blessing you seek and which, doing your duty, you to bring sorrow to his friends, to break the hearts and will gain. How brilliant will be your crown of glory, bring shame to his parents, to besmirch the Church with each soul saved an encrusted jewel thereon. and its members, and to forfeit the respect and honor But to get this blessing and to be so crowned, you of those whom he has sought, by his course, to win as must, I say once more, you must teach the gospel. . . . friends and helpers. . . . You do have an interest in matters purely cultural Your spiritual trust. Another thing which must be and in matters of purely secular knowledge; but, I re- watched in our Church institutions is this: It must not peat again for emphasis, your chief interest, your es- be possible for men to keep positions sential and all but sole duty, is to teach of spiritual trust who, not being con- the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as verted themselves, being really unbe- ou do not have to that has been revealed in these latter lievers, seek to turn aside the beliefs, sneak up behind days. You are to teach this gospel us- education, and activities of our youth, Your spiritually experi- ing as your sources and authorities and our aged also, from the ways they enced youth and whis- the standard works of the Church and should follow, into other paths of edu- the words of those whom God has cation, beliefs, and activities which per religion in their called to lead His people in these last (though leading where the unbeliever ears; you can come days. You are not, whether high or would go) do not bring us to the places right out, face to face, low, to intrude into your work your where the gospel would take us. That and talk with them. own peculiar philosophy, no matter this works as a conscience-balm to the what its source or how pleasing or ra- unbeliever who directs it is of no im- tional it seems to you to be. To do so portance. This is the grossest betrayal of trust, and would be to have as many different churches as we there is too much reason to think it has happened. . . . have seminaries—and that is chaos. I have already indicated that our youth are not The philosophies of the world. You are not, children spiritually; they are well on toward the nor- whether high or low, to change the doctrines of the mal spiritual maturity of the world. To treat them as Church or to modify them as they are declared by children spiritually, as the world might treat the same and in the standard works of the Church and by age-group, is therefore and likewise an anachronism. those whose authority it is to declare the mind and I say once more there is scarcely a youth that comes will of the Lord to the Church. The Lord has declared through your seminary or institute door who has not that He is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” been the conscious beneficiary of spiritual blessings (2 Ne. 27:23). or who has not seen the efficacy of prayer or who has I urge you not to fall into that childish error, so not witnessed the power of faith to heal the sick or common now, of believing that merely because man who has not beheld spiritual outpourings of which has gone so far in harnessing the forces of nature and the world at large is today ignorant. You do not have turning them to his own use, that therefore the truths to sneak up behind this spiritually experienced youth of the Spirit have been changed or transformed. It is and whisper religion in his ears; you can come right a vital and significant fact that man’s conquest of the out, face to face, and talk with him. You do not need things of the Spirit has not marched side by side with to disguise religious truths with a cloak of worldly his conquest of things material. The opposite some- things; you can bring these truths to him openly, in times seems to be true. Man’s power to reason has their natural guise. Youth may prove to be not more not matched his power to figure. Remember always fearful of them than you are. There is no need for and cherish the great truth of the Intercessory Prayer: gradual approaches, for “bedtime” stories, for cod- “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee dling, for patronizing, or for any of the other childish the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou devices used in efforts to reach those spiritually inex- hast sent” (John 17:3). This is an ultimate truth; so perienced and all but spiritually dead. are all spiritual truths. They are not changed by the

60 discovery of a new element, a new ethereal wave, nor your wisdom, enlighten you by experience, bestow by clipping off a few seconds, minutes, or hours of a upon you patience, charity, and, as among your most speed record. precious gifts, endow you with the discernment of You are not to teach the philosophies of the world, spirits that you may certainly know the spirit of righ- ancient or modern, pagan or Christian, for this is the teousness and its opposite as they come to you; may field of the public schools. . . . He give you entrance to the hearts of those you teach All that has been said regarding the character of and then make you know that as you enter there you religious teaching, and the results which in the very stand in holy places that must be neither polluted nor nature of things must follow a failure properly to defiled, either by false or corrupting doctrine or by teach the gospel, applies with full and equal force to sinful misdeed; may He enrich your knowledge with seminaries, to institutes, and to any and every other the skill and power to teach righteousness; may your educational institution belonging to the Church faith and your testimonies increase, and your ability school system. to encourage and foster them in others grow greater A tribute and blessing. The First Presidency every day—all that the youth of Zion may be taught, earnestly solicit the wholehearted help and coopera- built up, encouraged, heartened, that they may not tion of all you men and women who, from your work fall by the wayside but go on to eternal life, that these on the firing line, know so well the greatness of the blessings coming to them, you through them may be problem which faces us and which so vitally and inti- blessed also. And I pray all this in the name of Him mately affects the spiritual health and the salvation who died that we might live, the Son of God, the of our youth, as also the future welfare of the whole Redeemer of the world, Jesus Christ, amen. អ Church. We need you, the Church needs you, the For the complete text of this address, see James R. Clark, comp., Lord needs you. Restrain not yourselves, nor with- Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of hold your helping hand. . . . Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. (1965–75), 6:44–58. Capitalization, grammar, paragraphing, and . . . I pay my tribute to your industry, your loyalty, punctuation standardized; subheads added. your sacrifice, your willing eagerness for service in the cause of truth, your faith in God and in His work, and your earnest desire to do the things that our or- dained leader and prophet would have you do. And I entreat you not to make the mistake of thrusting aside your leader’s counsel or of failing to carry out his wish or of refusing to follow his direc- tion. David of old, privily cutting off only the skirt of Saul’s robe, uttered the cry of a smit- ten heart: “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord” (1 Sam. 24:6). May God bless you always in all your righteous endeavors, may He quicken your understanding, increase

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 61 CHOOSING AND BEING THE RIGHT SPOUSE

B Y T H O M A S B. HO LMA N Prophetic counsel teaches us that finding a marriage partner takes spiritual sensitivity, maturity, and preparation— including preparing ourselves to be the right spouse.

resident Gordon B. Hinckley has counseled that mate with whom life can be most compatible and beau- marriage “will be the most important decision of tiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any your life. . . . Marry the right person in the right good woman can have happiness and a successful mar- placeP at the right time.”1 But who is the right person? riage if both are willing to pay the price.”4 Where is the right place? When is the right time? Fortunately, President Hinckley and other Church THE RIGHT PERSON leaders have given us inspired counsel concerning these questions. Moreover, some 60 years of research Many of us have the mote and beam problem confirms the wisdom of their counsel. (see Matt. 7:3–5)—that is, we can easily see the faults The right place is, of course, the temple. “There is of others, but not our own. So before we start holding no substitute for marrying in the temple,” counsels others up to scrutiny to see if they are worthy of us, President Hinckley. “It is the only place under the maybe we ought to work first on becoming a “right heavens where marriage can be solemnized for eter- person” for someone else. Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the nity. Don’t cheat yourself. Don’t cheat your companion. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered this counsel: Don’t shortchange your lives.”2 “If the choice is between reforming other Church mem- But how to find the right person? bers [including fiancés, spouses, and children] or our-

Y CHARLES M BAIRD We sometimes are given false expectations by selves, is there really any question about where we movies, plays, and fiction based on the idea that there should begin? The key is to have our eyes wide open is a “one-and-only” somewhere out there whom we are to our own faults and partially closed to the faults of intended to marry. This would mean that finding a others—not the other way around! The imperfections mate is simply a matter of waiting to lock eyes with the of others never release us from the need to work on right someone “across a crowded room,” as the song in our own shortcomings.”5 Therefore, when we focus South Pacific says,3 heading off hand in hand to the clos- on finding the right person, we should also focus on est temple and then living happily ever after. No mat- becoming the right person for someone else. The ter how romantic this idea is, it is not supported by strengths we bring to a marriage will undoubtedly prophetic counsel. President Spencer W. Kimball contribute to the success of the marriage. (1895–1985) taught: “‘Soul mates’ are fiction and an illu- The first quality many young people look for in a sion; and while every young man and young woman potential spouse is someone with whom they can “fall

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LUKE; ELECTRONIC COMPOSITION B JOHN LUKE; PHOTOGRAPHY BY will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a in love,” which often means someone for whom they

62 efore we start holding others up to scrutiny toB see if they are worthy of us, maybe we ought to work first on becoming a “right person” for some- one else.

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 63 OME ACTORS TO ONSIDER feel a strong physical attraction. Elder Bruce R. S F C McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve More than 60 years of research studies bear out the Apostles said, “The right person is someone for whom truth of these inspired recommendations by priesthood the natural and wholesome and normal affection that leaders. So do my personal experience and observation should exist does exist.” But he went on to add, “It is through years of teaching university classes about good the person who is living so that he or she can go to the marriage relationships. Research suggests several areas temple of God and make the covenants that we there that we need to look at in choosing a spouse9 if we want make.”6 to have the greatest chance of success in marriage. These Being “in love” and attracted to a person is a good are the individual attributes and deeply held values of the start, but clearly not enough. President Gordon B. person, the quality of the relationship we are able to build Hinckley and Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of with that person, the person’s background, and the things the Twelve Apostles have suggested several other fac- in our own lives that affect our decisions. Let’s consider tors we should keep in mind. each of these. “Choose a companion of your own faith. You are First, we need to know a lot about the person we much more likely to be happy,” said President Hinckley. are thinking of marrying. As Elder Scott suggested, the “Choose a companion you can always honor, you can al- person’s beliefs about family life are very important. ways respect, one who will complement you in your own Research confirms that the more a potential spouse life, one to whom you can give your entire heart, your en- values marriage and family life, the better that mar- tire love, your entire allegiance, your entire loyalty.”7 riage can be. Studies show also that the kind of person Elder Scott suggested several attributes of a potential spouse that will contribute to happiness in marriage: “a deep love of the Lord and of His commandments, a determination to live them, one that is kindly understanding, forgiving of others, and willing to give of self, with the desire to have a family crowned with beautiful children and a commitment to teach them the principles of truth in the home.”8

“ hoose a compan- ion you can alwaysC honor, you can always respect, one who will complement you in your own life, one to whom you can give your entire heart,” President Gordon B. Hinckley has counseled.

64 President Hinckley advises seeking—someone to family relationships. President David O. McKay honor, respect, and give our whole heart to, someone (1873–1970) taught, “In choosing a companion, it is who inspires love, allegiance, and loyalty—will usually necessary to study the disposition, the inheritance, and have good mental and emotional health, including ma- training of the one with whom you are contemplating turity, self-control, and a healthy sense of self-respect. making life’s journey.”12 The self-respect that prepares one well for marriage Both research studies and experience show the wis- is not, as President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) said, dom of President McKay’s counsel. Good family envi- “an abnormally developed self-esteem that becomes ronments and family relationships tend to lead to good haughtiness, conceit, or arrogance, but a righteous self- quality marriages by the children; poor family environ- respect that might be defined as ‘belief in one’s own ments and family relationships often foreshadow poor worth, worth to God, and worth to man.’”10 One young marriages by the children from these homes. Young wife’s comments about her husband illustrate how a adults from divorced families, for example, may experi- poor sense of self-worth can harm a marriage. “I love ence some depression and anger and have trouble him and I hope he will change. He has poor self-es- trusting or committing to others as a result of the teem. In any discussion of problems in our relation- trauma of parental divorce. Whether their parents ship, he puts up defenses and throws everything back divorced or not, some individuals may have been on me or says he is worthless.” exposed to poor models of communication and conflict Tw o immature behaviors are impulsive spending and resolution in their families. Children from families that losing one’s temper. One young woman broke up with a were emotionally cold and distant, chaotic, dangerous, young man after she observed his problem in controlling unpredictable, detached, full of conflict, or where ad- his anger. She said to me: “He had a bad temper, and he dictions or violence were chronic problems may need was power oriented and controlling. I really thought that special help in overcoming such an upbringing. he would abuse me or my children if I married him.” Fortunately, however, our backgrounds do not have There is a need to find a person not only of good to control the outcome of our lives or our marriages. character but also one with whom we can have a good While we can do little to change our “gene pool,” we relationship. The way we communicate in can choose how to respond to the events and condi- dating and courtship is a key to building a solid tions of our upbringing, and courtship is one of the marital relationship. Sincere, positive communication most opportune times to do so. President McKay also practiced in dating and courtship increases the likeli- said: “In our early youth, our environment is largely hood of greater commitment, better conflict resolution, determined for us, but . . . in courtship and marriage and more love between partners in marriage. we can modify, aye, can control to a very great extent, Good communication begins with a righteous heart. our environment. Morally speaking, we can carve the “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth very atmosphere in which we live.”13 speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). On the other hand, communi- Even if we came from a less-than-perfect family envi- cation from a selfish heart is generally just manipula- ronment, we are not doomed to suffer the consequences tion. Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of our parents’ iniquities “unto the third and fourth gen- of the Twelve Apostles said: “If we would know true eration” (Deut. 5:9). The very scriptures that warn of love and understanding one for another, we must real- wickedness being passed on unto the third and fourth ize that communication is more than a sharing of generation also show the way out of a troubled family words. It is the wise sharing of emotions, feelings, and background. Doctrine and Covenants 124:50, for exam- concerns. It is the sharing of oneself totally.”11 ple, tells us that the iniquities of the fathers will be visited Steve and Linda, who divorced after five years of upon the head of the children “so long as they [the chil- marriage, realized this on looking back. Linda said it dren] repent not, and hate me.” Thus repentance and this way: “We had problems, I think, from the time we loving the Lord help free us from the sins of our parents. started dating. Neither of us is really good at communi- The Book of Mormon is also full of examples of how cating. I think I am a little better now than when we to deal with parental influences. It talks about these influ- were dating. But neither one of us discussed our ences in terms of “the traditions of their fathers” (Alma thoughts and feelings; we would get full of anger and 9:17). The story of the Lamanites who responded to the neither one of us would talk.” teaching of Ammon and his brethren is a powerful exam- ple of a people who overcame generations of wicked tra- THE EFFECT OF HERITAGE ditions. In brief, the Book of Mormon teaches us that we can overcome these negative effects by having faith in In addition to weighing a potential spouse’s charac- the Lord, allowing ourselves to be taught by inspired ter and our ability to create a good couple relationship leaders, learning the lessons of the scriptures, suffering in with that person, we need to consider past and present patience the afflictions that parents may have brought

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 65 upon us, and repenting of any of the unrighteous habits the time I didn’t feel like I was getting a response. I and behaviors we may have picked up (see Mosiah 1:5; prayed, ‘Heavenly Father, this is so important, I need Alma 9:16–17; Alma 17:9, 15; Alma 25:6; Hel. 15:7). to know whether or not it’s right.’ Then toward the It is important to have family and friends on our end of our courtship, I went to the temple. I was so side and supportive of the upcoming marriage, Elder frustrated because I wasn’t getting an answer either Richard L. Evans (1906–71) of the Quorum of the way. After praying and waiting for an answer, I got Twelve Apostles advised. “Don’t let this choice [of a more frustrated and gave up. That was when an im- marriage partner] ever be made except with earnest, pression came to me: ‘You already know the answer.’ searching, prayerful consideration, confiding in parents, Then I realized that God had answered my prayers. [and] in faithful, mature, trustworthy friends.”14 Loving The decision to marry Becky always made sense and parents who genuinely want the best for us, and “faith- felt right. I can see now that God had been telling me ful, mature, trustworthy friends,” can often act as a in my heart and in my mind that it was a good deci- sounding board and counsel us on how best to proceed. sion. And later, at the time of the ceremony, I had an- other confirmation that what I was doing was right.” THE RIGHT TIME Third, we may seek several witnesses if we feel the need for additional confirmation. Sometimes we may President Hinckley offered this counsel about timing: have difficulty distinguishing between spiritual im- “I hope you will not put off marriage too long. I do not pressions and our own emotions, desires, or fears. speak so much to the young women as to the young A spiritual witness may be confirmed again in various men whose prerogative and responsibility it is to take ways. In His infinite love, mercy, and patience, our the lead in this matter. Don’t go on endlessly in a frivo- Heavenly Father is generous with His counsel and lous dating game. Look for a choice companion, one you response to His children. can love, honor, and respect, and make a decision.”15 Fourth, we can learn to discern the differences Waiting too long is clearly ill advised. But jumping between inspiration, infatuation, and desperation. into marriage too quickly can also be a problem. Inspiration, as we have already seen, comes when one is President Lee advised that a young man not think of living worthily, exercises agency righteously, and studies marriage until he is able to take care of a family of his the situation out carefully. It can be confirmed by multi- own, to be independent. “He must make sure that he has ple spiritual enlightenments and peaceful feelings (see found the girl of his choice, they have gone together long D&C 6:15, 22–23). Infatuation is usually manifest by an enough that they know each other, and that they know immature “love” that includes great anxiety, possessive- each other’s faults and they still love each other. . . . ness, selfishness, clinging, and overdependence; this Brethren, think more seriously about the obligations of may be more likely with individuals who lack emotional marriage for those who bear the holy priesthood at a and spiritual maturity. Desperation is often associated time when marriage should be the expectation of every with social or cultural circumstances that create an at- man who understands [his] responsibility.”16 Women mosphere (at least in the person’s mind) of “now or also need to wait until they are mature enough to as- never”; pressure from peers, family, or cultural norms sume the responsibilities of a wife and mother, without may lead to an unwise decision. A desire to get away waiting too long while pursuing less important things. from an unpleasant family situation or fear of failure in school or work can cause someone to look desperately to MAKING THE DECISION marriage as a way out of a problem. Such fears and anxi- eties often speak so loudly in our minds that we cannot After thoughtfully and prayerfully considering all hear the still, small whisperings of the Holy Spirit. of these factors, we must be sure the decision we make Fifth, the spiritual confirmation needs to come to is based on inspiration, not infatuation or desperation. both parties involved. A person should not feel that if As we seek a spiritual confirmation, we need to keep his or her prospective partner receives a confirmation, at least five things in mind. he or she is therefore released from the necessity of seek- First, we must be worthy to receive the inspiration ing a similar personal confirmation. Elder Dallin H. we need. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has Second, we must understand the balance between discussed this issue: “If a revelation is out- agency and inspiration. As Elder McConkie taught, side the limits of stewardship, you know “We make our own choices, and then we present the it is not from the Lord, and you are not matter to the Lord and get his approving, ratifying bound by it. I have heard of cases where seal.”17 The experience of one young man illustrates a young man told a young woman she this: “There are two things in my life that I’ve always should marry him because he felt would be important: a career and marriage. Yet at had received a revelation that she

66 9. Thomas B. Holman and others, Premarital Prediction of Marital was to be his eternal companion. If this is a true revela- Quality and Break Up (2001), 13. tion, it will be confirmed directly to the woman if she 10. Stand Ye in Holy Places (1974), 7. seeks to know. In the meantime, she is under no obliga- 11. “Family Communications,” Ensign, May 1976, 52. tion to heed it. She should seek her own guidance and 12. Gospel Ideals (1953), 459. 13. Gospel Ideals, 462. make up her own mind. The man can receive revelation 14. “This You Can Count On,” Improvement Era, Dec. 1969, 73. to guide his own actions, but he cannot properly receive 15. “Thou Shalt Not Covet,” Ensign, Mar. 1990, 6. revelation to direct hers. She is outside his 16. “President Harold B. Lee’s General Priesthood Address,” 18 Ensign, Jan. 1974, 100. stewardship.” 17. “Agency or Inspiration?” New Era, Jan. 1975, 42. Not long ago, my wife, Linda, and I were reminisc- 18. “Revelation,” in BYU Speeches of the Year, 1981 (1982), 25. ing about our courtship, and as I looked back, it 19. Ensign, May 1999, 26. seemed to me that I had been immature and inexperi- Thomas B. Holman is a member of the Aspen Second Ward, Orem Utah enced. I asked how she had dared to marry me. Her Aspen Stake. simple answer was, “I saw potential.” More on this topic: Richard G. Scott, “Receive the Temple Blessings,” In that same vein, as we search for a mate with Ensign, May 1999, 25; Jonn D. Claybaugh, “Dating: A Time to Become whom we can spend the eternities, we would do well to Best Friends,” Ensign, Apr. 1994, 18. remember Elder Scott’s counsel to recognize potential for growth: “I suggest that you not ignore many possi- ble candidates who are still developing these attributes, seeking the one who is perfected in them. You will likely not find that perfect person, and if you did, there would certainly be no interest in you. These attributes are best polished together as husband and wife.”19 អ

NOTES 1. “Life’s Obligations,” Ensign, Feb. 1999, 2. 2. Ensign, Feb. 1999, 2. 3. Oscar Hammerstein II, “Some Enchanted Evening,” 1949. 4. Marriage and Divorce (1976), 16. 5. “A Brother Offended,” Ensign, May 1982, 39. 6. In Conference Report, Oct. 1955, 13. 7. Ensign, Feb. 1999, 2. 8. “Receive the Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 1999, 26.

s we search for a mate with whom Awe can spend the eter- nities, we would do well to remember the wise counsel to recog- nize potential for growth. LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

Alone in a Foreign Country By Maria Mabilia

few years ago my husband and I were returning home to Italy from the Frankfurt AGermany Temple. With us in the car were another couple and a young man about to leave on a full-time mission. We had spent a wonderful week attending the temple, but as we journeyed home, my heart was agitated and I could not figure out why. While we were still in Germany, I noted that Angelo, my husband, took a wrong turn. But trying not to worry the other passengers, I didn’t say anything. Suddenly a huge truck coming from the opposite direction ran into us. The force of the blow sent our car spinning out of control. Angelo was powerless; all we could do was pray. Our car finally stopped when it smashed against a tree. All the windows broke out, and glass was everywhere. Even my eye- glasses were broken into pieces. I soon learned that six other cars were involved and some of the victims were in serious condition. The paramedics arrived right away and took my husband, the couple traveling with us, and some of the other victims to the hospital. The young, soon-to-be missionary and I were left at the accident scene. I felt confused and lost since I was in a foreign country without my husband and without any information about what was happening. And so I continued to turn my heart to Heavenly Father in prayer. His answer came almost immediately. A man approached me. He

ILLUSTRATED BY BRIAN CALL BY ILLUSTRATED was German, but he spoke to me

68 fter the paramedics in English. Even though I don’t took my husband speak either English or German, I The Home away,A I felt lost and was able to understand when he frightened. offered to take us to the hospital. Since he was on a bicycle, he said Teachers Who he would return home to get his car. We were alone again. But in a Wouldn’t Quit few minutes another man ap- By David Head proached. He spoke Italian! I was so happy that I hugged him and year after my wife, started to cry. He also wanted to Anthea, and I joined the help us, but he too had to get his Church in 1965, we were car. Asealed with our two small daugh- Both men soon returned. They ters in the London England loaded our suitcases in their cars Te mple. and took us to the hospital. The At that time the Church in second man left, but the first Britain had only one stake. stayed with me the entire day, Because there was a great need helping me find my husband, for priesthood leadership, I was buy new glasses, and locate a ho- soon called to serve as a branch tel room for the night. Above all, president in a town 15 miles away he gave me encouragement and from my home branch. I wel- moral support. comed the challenge this new When he came back the next calling brought and eventually day, I couldn’t help but think of served in the district presidency the parable of the good Samaritan. and then in the bishopric when This man, although he didn’t our branch became a ward. know my husband or me, helped As our family grew in the us through a very difficult time. gospel, the sales management po- That day I located and con- sition I held became more and tacted some local Church mem- more demanding, often requiring bers. Almost immediately the me to be away from home two or mission president and the bishop three nights a week. The pres- arrived. They were strangers to sures of my life, combined with us, but in their faces I saw the newfound friends not of our pure love of Jesus Christ. While faith, caused me to start to have my husband and our traveling doubts regarding some aspects of companions recovered, the Church doctrine. Church members helped us. Each I had received a good educa- time they came to visit, they tion and enjoyed deep discus- brought their love. sions with these new intellectual The most important blessing friends. They tried to use the we received during this time of scriptures to prove that the adversity was the reminder of the Church was not following some great love God has for His chil- basic concepts laid down as com- dren. Now I know from experi- mandments since the time of ence that if we trust in Him, He Adam. I should have borne testi- will never leave us alone but will mony to the truth of the restored be at our side through everyday gospel and turned away. Instead, people. អ I began to listen to them, and my Maria Mabilia is a member of the Como little doubts about doctrine Branch, Como Italy District. started to grow. Soon I stopped

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 69 paying tithing and going to the unassembled during my absence. though I finally agreed to allow temple. When I stopped attend- Upon returning home, I found our our baby to be blessed by others. ing church, my wife protested, as home teachers had already assem- Brother Gorman stood in my did our daughters when we bled the shed. place and was the mouthpiece for ceased holding family home I particularly admired our sen- a beautiful blessing on our son, evening. ior home teacher, Des Gorman, an Ronan. As I listened, I received a As this was happening, two Irish Canadian. He was a genuine powerful witness from the Spirit. people from the Church never person who truly cared for peo- I had been proud. I had made gave up on me. Our home teach- ple. To me he represented the some big mistakes. I had nearly ers invited me to church every Church, so I felt that the Church lost my testimony of the truthful- Sunday, sometimes by a visit and must be a good organization, even ness of the restored gospel. I still other times by a phone call. They if I wasn’t attending. had my family, but I had almost visited our home at least once Eventually we were blessed lost the sweet peace the gospel and sometimes twice each month. with a baby boy. Our home teach- brings. Many tears flowed as my They even knew when we ers reminded me that it is a priest- wife, Brother Gorman, and the needed something. I especially re- hood practice to name and bless a bishopric hugged me as I felt the member the time I ordered a gar- baby at fast and testimony meet- sorrow that leads to repentance. den shed that was delivered ing. I did not want to participate, From that time on, I have been active in the Church, with our home teachers continuing to sup- port me. Our baby boy is now a returned missionary, married in the temple, and raising a family of his own. I feel his life is a trib- ute to the man who gave him a name and a blessing. I shall ever be grateful to two dedicated home teachers who took their assignment seriously. Although Brother Gorman has been deceased for some years, I know I won’t forget him for his patient consistence in inviting me back. He never gave up. Today I continue to seek to emulate his quiet and loving persistence in my own home teaching and Church callings. អ David Head is a member of the Worcester Ward, Cheltenham England Stake.

ur home teachers seemed to know whenO we needed some- thing. Once while I was away, they even assem- bled a garden shed I had ordered.

70 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

our Creator. We should also seek been, things which are, things learning by faith in God, the giver which must shortly come to pass; Loving Lifelong of revelation. . . . Seekers who things which are at home, things have paid the price in perspiration which are abroad; the wars and Learning have been magnified by inspira- the perplexities of the nations, and tion. The acquisition of knowl- the judgments which are on the Read the following with the sisters you edge by revelation is an extra land; and a knowledge also of visit, and discuss the questions, scrip- bonus to seekers in the sciences countries and of kingdoms.” tures, and teachings from our Church and the arts, but it is the funda- leaders. Share your experiences and mental method for those who President Spencer W. Kimball testimony, and invite those you teach seek to know God and the doc- (1895–1985): “We must be trained to do the same. trines of his gospel. In this area of to clarify minds, heal broken knowledge, scholarship and rea- hearts, and create homes where President Gordon B. Hinckley: son are insufficient” (“Alternate sunshine will make an environ- “You belong to a church which es- Voices,” Ensign, May 1989, 29). ment in which mental and spiri- pouses education. . . . Train your- tual health may be nurtured. . . . selves to make a contribution to D&C 88:77–79: “I give unto you Our schooling must not only teach the society in which you . . . live. a commandment that you shall us how to bridge the Niagara River There is an essence of the divine teach one another the doctrine of gorge, or the Golden Gate, but in the improvement of the mind. the kingdom. Teach ye diligently must teach us how to bridge the ‘The glory of God is intelligence, and my grace shall attend you, deep gaps of misunderstanding or, in other words, light and truth.’ that you may be instructed more and hate and discord in the world” (D&C 93:36.) ‘Whatever principle perfectly in . . . all things that per- (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, of intelligence we attain unto in tain unto the kingdom of God, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 391). this life, it will rise with us in the that are expedient for you to resurrection.’ (D&C 130:18.) . . . understand; Of things both in President Brigham Young Education is an investment that heaven and in the earth, and un- (1801–77): “I shall not cease learn- never ceases to pay dividends of der the earth; things which have ing while I live, nor when I arrive one kind or another” (“Rise to the in the spirit-world; but shall there Stature of the Divine within You,” learn with greater facility; and Ensign, Nov. 1989, 96). “ here is an essence when I again receive my body of the divine in the [in the resurrection], I shall learn D&C 88:118: “A s all have not faith, Timprovement of the mind.” a thousand times more in a thou- seek ye diligently and teach one sand times less time; and then I another words of wisdom; yea, do not mean to cease learning, but seek ye out of the best books shall still continue my researches” words of wisdom; seek learning, (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: even by study and also by faith.” Brigham Young [1997], 195).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the • How can an understanding of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “line upon line, precept upon pre- “We seek learning by studying the cept” (D&C 98:12) guide our efforts accumulated wisdom of various to become lifelong learners? disciplines and by using the •How does a love for learning affect powers of reasoning our families and all who fall within placed in us by our sphere of influence? អ ILLUSTRATED BY JULIE ANN ALLEN BY ILLUSTRATED

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 71 RANDOM SAMPLER

pedal. Moving parts should be example, if the “Swell to Great” Tips for played legato. When the finger- coupler is on, the organist can ing becomes awkward, sacrifice play the Great manual and hear the legato of the alto and tenor stops from the Swell division. The Beginning parts first. It is sometimes desir- pedal board Bass coupler, if avail- able to tie frequently repeating able, offers an improvement to Organists notes, particularly in the bass and the performance of an organist tenor parts. Use a precise attack who is not yet using the pedal ur ward has five organists and release of the keys. An expe- board. who alternate playing for rienced organist can suggest fin- Registration: The registration sacrament meetings. How gering that could be marked in a refers to the stops selected for a isO it that we have more than the personal hymnbook. particular hymn. The stops can be usual one or two? The answer is Tonal families: There are four manually selected or, with some that we encourage our pianists to tonal families on an organ: organs, programmed. For hymns, learn to play the organ. Principal (Diapason), 8’ and 4’ Principals and Flutes can Competent pianists who want be used for the manuals, with 16’ to play the organ can learn basic and 8’ stops selected from the skills that will quickly en- pedal division. For clarity and able them to play in brighter sounds, 4’, 2’, and mix- church. Following ture stops could be used. Strings are tips for play- also add clarity. Reeds add power ing the organ and brilliance. Each stop has a and a quick in- unique quality, volume, and troduction to pitch. Beginners can experiment the instrument: with the stops until they feel con- Pedal board and fident using them. volume (expression) Vibrato, tremolo, tremulant, and pedals: The begin- crescendo pedal: These controls are ning organist should not recommended for congrega- not worry about us- tional hymns. ing the pedal board. Hopefully, many beginning Proper pedal board organists will pursue formal technique can be training. In addition to building learned later. Keep musical skills through practice the volume steady when and training, accompanists an appropriate level is es- should remember to pray to con- tablished with the volume tribute to the spirit of the meet-

pedals. ing.—Paul R. Howarth, Quail

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piano, trying to play smoothly for one manual to be heard from it is hard to know how to raise T

F E without using the damper (right) a different manual or pedal. For them properly. But I do know L

72 husband would need sturdy Emergency clothes and work gloves. I also found ideas from information I had saved from Home, Family, Preparedness and Personal Enrichment lessons. distribution centers. Regarding emer- At the start of our family night, gency storage, the booklet advises Game we discussed possible natural dis- everyone to have portable containers aster situations and the impor- with the following: water; food requir- ften when I watch the tance of being prepared so we ing no refrigeration or cooking; medica- news on television, I see don’t have to be afraid (see D&C tions and critical medical histories as reports of natural disas- 38:30). After our discussion, we needed; change of clothing, including ters.O With each new report, I am divided our family into teams and sturdy shoes and two pairs of socks; reminded of the counsel given by gave each group an empty laun- sanitary supplies; first aid booklet Church leaders to be prepared. dry basket and part of our list. and equipment; candles; waterproof Since our family did not have Then we had our scavenger hunt matches; ax; shovel; can opener; and an emergency supply kit and throughout the house, collecting blankets (see p. 7). The booklet also preparing one seemed over- the needed supplies. The children recommends preparing a portable whelming, I wanted to find a had a great time gathering the packet with valuable family docu- doable solution. As my husband items and choosing which cloth- ments, such as family history records. and I counseled together, we real- ing to include. Within an hour, ized that we didn’t have to ac- we had items for a complete complish the task alone—we emergency kit—tailored for our could enlist our children’s help. family’s needs. What once had To involve everyone and make seemed an overwhelming task preparing for an emergency seem became a fun activity for our fun instead of daunting or upset- family, and we now feel better ting, we decided to have a scav- prepared should an emergency enger hunt as part of family home arise.—Windy L. Hasson, Celeste evening. Together we could Ward, Las Vegas Nevada gather items for an emergency Sandstone Stake preparedness kit. Considering family members’ individual The Church offers helpful suggestions needs, I made a list of supplies for preparing emergency supplies in a for our search. For starters, the booklet titled Essentials of Home baby would need a bottle, for- Production and Storage (item no. mula, and diapers, while my 32288; U.S. $.75), available in that my calling as a parent is I have also included “The To further personalize my important, sacred, and eternal. Family: A Proclamation to the manual, I have added ideas for Fortunately, as members of the World,” additional counsel family home evening and family Church, we have many resources from Church leaders, and traditions, as well as goals we to assist us in rearing and teach- the resource book Teaching, have set together. ing our children. With the aid of No Greater Call (item no. 36123; I know that motherhood these resources, I have compiled U.S. $2.00). The Church also is a sacred, important calling. my own motherhood “manual.” offers many other helpful When I get caught up in the In a three-ring binder, which materials such as A Parent’s everyday tasks of caring for I keep close to my scriptures, I Guide (31125; U.S. $1.25) Family my children, I know that my have included scriptural verses Guidebook (31180; no charge), motherhood manual will help pertinent to being a parent. For the Family Home Evening Resource me quickly refocus my perspec- instance, Mosiah 4:15 reminds me Book (31106; U.S. $5.00), and tive.—Brenda Minor, Suncrest to teach my children “to walk in For the Strength of Youth (36550; Fifth Ward, Orem Utah Suncrest the ways of truth and soberness.” no charge). Stake

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 73 NEWS OF THE CHURCH

ground the temple that of the Seventy; Bishop once stood here.” He peti- H. David Burton, Presiding tioned: “We pray that Bishop; and Margaret D. Thou wilt accept of this Nadauld, Young Women our offering. The hearts of general president. Elder the children have literally D. Todd Christofferson turned to those fathers and Elder Dennis B. who worked on the origi- Neuenschwander of the nal building. They have Presidency of the Seventy done so with love and a offered the invocation and wonderful spirit of conse- the benediction. crated effort.” Members of the President Hinckley First Presidency and the added: “Bless this city of Quorum of the Twelve Nauvoo, which came to Apostles participated at be known as the city of each of the 13 dedicatory Joseph. May it shine with a sessions through Sunday, renewed luster as the home 30 June. The first dedica- of a temple of God. May tory session and the last this sacred house stand as a were broadcast live via memorial to him who lived satellite to members gath-

PHOTO BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN PHOTO BY here and was buried here, ered at approximately The new Nauvoo temple sits on the same site as the original Joseph Smith, the great 2,300 locations around and has almost the same outward appearance. prophet of this dispensa- the world, and rebroad- tion, and his brother casts of the first session Nauvoo Illinois Temple Dedicated Hyrum, whom he loved.” were scheduled at other President Thomas S. times. arly on the evening of original Nauvoo] temple.” Monson, First Counselor This was the first tem- 27 June, President The dedication began in the First Presidency, ple dedication broadcast on GordonE B. Hinckley dedi- at 6:00 P.M. Central Day- also spoke in the first an international scale, and cated the Nauvoo Illinois light Time on the same dedicatory session, as did its reach far exceeded that Temple in a session broad- date—27 June—when the President Boyd K. Packer, of any previous Church cast to thousands of mem- Prophet Joseph and his Acting President of the satellite broadcast. An ex- bers participating in 72 brother were martyred Quorum of the Twelve panded satellite system al- countries. The place and in Carthage Jail, about Apostles; Elder Ben B. lowed it to go to areas of the time were closely tied 15 miles away, in 1844. Banks of the Presidency the world that have never to the history of the Adjusting for daylight Church and its first savings time, even the President, Joseph Smith, hour was the same. charging the event with a In the dedicatory sense of history as well as prayer he offered on the sacredness. temple, President Hinckley As a time capsule was said: “We thank Thee that sealed in the cornerstone those harsh days are now box earlier in the day, long past. We thank Thee President Hinckley spoke of for this season in which we an “unseen audience” that live, with the many bless- he expected to be present ings of peace and prosper- for the dedication, includ- ity which we enjoy at ing the Prophet Joseph Thy hands. Thy Spirit Smith, his brother Hyrum, has brooded over us and and “many others who moved upon us, and in gave their life and their obedience to its prompt-

time and their energies to ings we have now recon- CRAIG DIMOND PHOTO BY the construction of [the structed on this hallowed President Hinckley prepares to seal the temple cornerstone.

74 before received any type of the Lord Jesus Christ, who Church satellite broadcast, said, ‘Whosoever shall lose including Japan, Korea, his life for my sake and the Australia, New Zealand, gospel’s, the same shall Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, the save it’ ” (Mark 8:35). Philippines, Hong Kong, President Hinckley Taiwan, Thailand, Armenia, then spoke of the Perpet- Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, ual Education Fund, de- and Romania. signed to help the many The dedication of the young men and women Nauvoo Illinois Temple is who may return to poverty significant because this in their home countries af- building is in large part a ter they finish their mis- re-creation of the temple sions and do not have the that the Prophet Joseph opportunity to get an edu- Smith had located on this cation. They receive loans

bluff overlooking the JOHN BEUTLER PHOTO BY to finance their education Mississippi River. The new President Hinckley’s remarks about the volunteer efforts of Church in their own country, then temple is built on the same members were repeatedly greeted with applause. pay these loans back. site and to virtually the A quarter of a million same exterior specifica- people have sent in dona- tions and design as the President Hinckley Addresses tions to the fund. “We original Nauvoo Temple. have, without touching the Thousands of today’s L.A. World Affairs Council corpus, earnings enough members have ancestors to provide loans to more who contributed to the “ olunteer service is the 5,300 retired Church than 3,000 individuals,” building of that original the genius of this members on missions who said President Hinckley. temple, and every member Church,”V said President are having a tremendous “Today, only 14 months can feel a kinship to those Gordon B. Hinckley, impact in serving others: after the first announce- pioneers who sacrificed so speaking to the Los two widows teaching and ment, we have made loans much for their faith. Angeles World Affairs encouraging Jamaicans in to 720 young people in More than 330,000 peo- Council on 12 June 2002. need; two brothers, retired Brazil, 696 in Chile, 338 in ple—from every state in President Hinckley doctors, who established a Peru, 194 in Mexico, 523 in the United States and from focused his remarks on neonatal clinic and a gen- the Philippines, and 634 70 other countries—toured the elderly and on the eral practice to help the in other countries,” he the Nauvoo Illinois Temple Church’s Perpetual Edu- disadvantaged in Ho Chi reported. “I am confident during the seven-week cation Fund as he ad- Minh City; and twenty the number will rise public open house before dressed the more than retired people teaching dramatically.” its dedication. Visitors in- 2,100 people attending English to Thai children One young man from cluded prominent business the event. They included in Bangkok. Concepción, Chile, wrote and government leaders as diplomats, professors, local “Now I know, of to the President: “This is a well as officials from other government officials, me- course, that there are great blessing. Today I can religious faiths. dia representatives, and many other volunteer change the future and give Music for the dedica- Church members hosting groups doing a great ser- something better to my tory sessions was provided their guests. Religious lead- vice in the world,” he said. children. Thanks to all by members of the Taber- ers of many faiths were “But I know of no other or- who have made this nacle Choir and by choirs represented. ganization which so har- possible.” of local Latter-day Saints. President Hinckley nesses the abilities, the Loans from the Perpet- The Nauvoo Illinois spoke first about the chal- capacities, and the willing- ual Education Fund are Te m p le is the Church’s lenging service opportuni- ness of retired men and helping finance training 113th. It will serve 13,000 ties available to retirees and women in an organized in fields from automobile Latter-day Saints in west- the thousands of individu- program of Christian ser- mechanics to hotel admin- ern Illinois, eastern Iowa, als taking advantage of vice in many areas of the istration and Web technol- and northeastern Missouri, these opportunities. “God world. ogy.—Kathleen Lubeck in stakes in Nauvoo, Peoria, bless them for their great “These people are expe- Peterson, Harbor Hills Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and dedicated service.” riencing in a very real way Ward, Newport Beach and Iowa City. ■ He highlighted a few of the promise of the Master, California Stake ■

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 75 25 New Area

Presidency 1 2 10 3 Assignments 26 8

he First Presidency has an- 9 4 nounced changes in assign- T 7 ments for Area Presidencies. 6 5 The changes are effective 15 August 2002. All presi- 11 dency members belong to 12 the Quorums of the Seventy. 13 20 * Indicates Area Authority Seventy. 14 5

16 1. North America Northwest 5. North America Southeast 11. Mexico North

15

17

18

WILLIAM R. QUENTIN L. STEPHEN A. KEITH GENE R. H. ALDRIDGE ROBERT J. GARY J. *ADRIÁN BRADFORD COOK WEST CROCKETT COOK GILLESPIE 19 WHETTEN COLEMAN OCHOA FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

2. North America Central 6. North America Southwest 12. Mexico South

BRUCE C. DONALD L. LYNN A. H. BRUCE F. BURTON STEPHEN B. *ARMANDO RICHARD H. *BENJAMIN HAFEN STAHELI MICKELSEN STUCKI HOWARD OVESON GAONA WINKEL DE HOYOS FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

3. North America Northeast 7. North America West 9. Utah South 13. Central America

GLENN L. SPENCER J. H. BRYAN DUANE B. LYNN G. VAL R. W. ROLFE JOHN H. NED B. JULIO E. ENRIQUE R. E. ISRAEL PACE CONDIE RICHARDS GERRARD ROBBINS CHRISTENSEN KERR GROBERG ROUECHÉ ALVARADO* FALABELLA* PÉREZ* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

4. North America East 8. Utah North 10. Idaho 14. South America North

J. KENT DALE E. GORDON T. MONTE J. CREE-L MERRILL C. *D. REX *C. SCOTT *RONALD L. WALTER F. CLAUDIO R. M. *ROBERTO JOLLEY MILLER WATTS BROUGH KOFFORD OAKS GERRATT GROW LOVELAND GONZÁLEZ COSTA GARCIA FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

76 24. Australia/New Zealand 26. Europe West 27. Europe East

27

JOHN M. KENNETH *LINDSAY T. WAYNE S. HAROLD G. W. CRAIG KEITH K. DOUGLAS L. ROBERT F. MADSEN JOHNSON DIL PETERSON HILLAM ZWICK HILBIG CALLISTER ORTON FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

28 25. Europe Central 28. Asia North 29

22

RONALD A. D. LEE MARLIN K. YOSHIHIKO DONALD L. GARY S. RASBAND TOBLER JENSEN KIKUCHI HALLSTROM MATSUDA* FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND 23 FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

29. Asia

21 24

E. RAY JOHN B. *D. ALLEN BATEMAN DICKSON ANDERSEN FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

15. South America West

CARLOS H. DAVID R. *WILLY F. AMADO STONE ZUZUNAGA FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

16. Brazil North 18. Chile 20. Africa West 22. Philippines

ROBERT R. ADHEMAR *PEDRO J. FRANCISCO J. JEFFREY R. CARL B. H. ROSS SHELDON F. R. CONRAD ANGEL DALLIN H. RICHARD J. STEUER DAMIANI PENHA VIÑAS HOLLAND PRATT WORKMAN CHILD SCHULTZ ABREA OAKS MAYNES FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

17. Brazil South 19. South America South 21. Africa Southeast 23. Pacific Islands

DARWIN B. NEIL L. *PAULO R. L. WHITNEY JAY E. *CARLOS E. STEVEN E. ROBERT C. *DAVID J. ROBERT K. RONALD T. DENNIS E. CHRISTENSON ANDERSEN GRAHL CLAYTON JENSEN AGÜERO SNOW OAKS BARNETT DELLENBACH HALVERSON SIMMONS FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND FIRST PRESIDENT SECOND COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR COUNSELOR

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 77 New Visitors’ Facilities in New York, Ohio

n 1 July, following the Nauvoo temple dedi- cation,O President Hinckley traveled to Palmyra, New

York, to dedicate the newly KIRKLAND LYMAN PHOTO BY Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf completed Hill Cumorah The new, larger Hill Cumorah center will handle growing numbers Visitors’ Center. of visitors to historic sites and the annual Hill Cumorah pageant. Changes President Hinckley In the dedicatory David Brown, visitors’ spoke fondly of visiting the prayer, President Hinckley center director. “During in Presidency Hill Cumorah as a return- prayed that the Spirit of the Kirtland era, we be- ing missionary 67 years the Lord would touch the lieve God revealed to the of the Seventy earlier and of watching hearts and minds of the Prophet Joseph Smith the President Heber J. Grant people who would visit essential organization and he First Presidency has and other Church leaders the center and that they much of the doctrine of called Elder Dieter F. unveil the statue of the an- would come away with a the Church that is still in TUchtdorf as a member of gel Moroni on the hilltop. greater appreciation of the place today. Kirtland was the Presidency of the He also spoke of how in- events that transpired the site of the first Latter- Seventy. He succeeds Elder trigued he is by the events there. day Saint temple and Ben B. Banks. that occurred there. One week earlier, on the Church’s first imple- Elder Uchtdorf began President Hinckley 24 June, the Church mentation of the welfare, his service in the Presi- bore testimony of the opened the doors of an- Church education, and dency on 15 August. The Restoration, the Prophet other new visitors’ center international missionary other members of the Joseph Smith, the Book of in Kirtland, Ohio, along programs.” Presidency are Elder Mormon, and Heavenly with two other historic Church leaders hope to Earl C. Tingey, Elder Father and Jesus Christ. He structures, one rebuilt and dedicate other restored D. Todd Christofferson, then challenged members the other restored. and reconstructed sites in Elder David E. Sorensen, in the audience to be true The Historic Kirtland historic Kirtland by sum- Elder Dennis B. and faithful to the restored Visitors’ Center is de- mer 2003 as part of the Neuenschwander, Elder gospel and to stand ready signed to resemble the Ohio bicentennial celebra- Charles Didier, and Elder to declare the truth of that gristmill that Church tion. These sites include Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. divine gift. “I know that members saw when they the John Johnson Inn, the Elder Uchtdorf was the Church that came out arrived in the area in the Newel K. Whitney Store called to the Second Quo- of these events and others 1830s. The years 1831 to and Home, an 1819 school- rum of the Seventy in 1994. that followed is true,” 1838 were “a defining pe- house, a 170-year-old In 1996 he was sustained to President Hinckley said. riod for the Church,” said sawmill, and an ashery. ■ the First Quorum of the Seventy and has served as president of several areas, most recently the North President Hinckley America West Area. He has also served as Assistant Celebrates Executive Director of the Correlation Department. 92nd Birthday Elder Uchtdorf was President Gordon B. Hinckley prepares to cut born in Czechoslovakia and the cake for a brief celebration of his 92nd birthday with the General Authorities and has lived most of his life in other colleagues in the Church Administration Germany. He and his wife, Building on Friday, 21 June. He was born Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, 23 June 1910. ■ have two children. CRAIG DIMOND PHOTO BY

78 Hadley, president of the Ghana Missionary Training Missionary Center, in his remarks. Fires Affect Members Also present at the Training Center dedication were Elder in Arizona, Colorado Stucki’s counselors, Elder Dedicated H. Ross Workman and n June and July some from bishops’ storehouses Elder R. Conrad Schultz 12,000 Church members in Mesa, Arizona, and Salt in Ghana of the Seventy; Area wereI evacuated from their Lake City. Authority Seventies Elder homes in Arizona, where Other blazes in south- he first missionary Emmanuel O. Opare Sr. wildfires burned over ern Colorado burned some training center in and Elder Emmanuel A. 400,000 acres and de- 66,000 acres, causing the TAfrica was dedicated in Kissi; and other local stroyed some 200 houses. evacuation of 1,100 peo- Ghana on 17 May. The Church leaders. ■ Approximately 35 Latter- ple. Several members’ center is the Church’s 16th day Saint families lost their homes were extensively and will serve missionaries homes. Local Church units damaged and one de- called from West Africa. worked actively with the stroyed. Church members Speaking at the dedica- 1881 Canadian Red Cross to provide shel- worked with the Red tion, Elder H. Bruce Stucki ter and supplies for dis- Cross to provide meals of the Seventy, President Census placed families. Church and lodging for most evac- of the Africa West Area, humanitarian funds were uees. Church welfare re- quoted counsel from the Available used to purchase food and sources were donated to Doctrine and Covenants: other supplies. In addition, the Southwest Colorado “Seek not to declare my earching for ancestors several semitrailer loads of Chapter of the Red Cross word, but first seek to ob- in Canada just got eas- emergency items were to help purchase food and tain my word, and then ier.S Information concern- transferred to the area other items. ■ shall your tongue be ing 4.3 million people loosed; then, if you desire, living in Canada in 1881 is you shall have my Spirit now available on CD. and my word, yea, the This census data power of God unto the includes the provinces convincing of men” (D&C of British Columbia, Mani- Comment 11:21). Then he added that toba, New Brunswick, the Lord has indicated the the Northwest Territories, NAUVOO TEMPLE ISAAC WAS NOT A CHILD fulness of the gospel will Nova Scotia, Ontario, I just wanted to thank While the picture be taught to people in their Prince Edward Island, you for a wonderful maga- on page 25 of the June own tongue and their own and Quebec. zine. I’m particularly 2002 Ensign is moving, language (see D&C 90:11). The National Archives thankful for the July 2002 it regrettably perpetuates Missionaries at the of Canada microfilmed the issue featuring articles on a falsehood that Isaac center will receive instruc- 1881 census, and the the Nauvoo Illinois Temple. was a child at the time tion in both English and Church purchased a copy How wonderful these arti- of his prospective sacri- French. Instructors will be of it. Latter-day Saint vol- cles were in helping pre- fice. This is likely not local returned missionaries. unteers in Canada ex- pare me for the temple’s accurate, and people “The purpose of the tracted the census into dedication. What a power- would miss one signifi- training center is—under computer databases, and ful witness the Spirit bore cant point: that Isaac, the influence of the Spirit the Church and Family regarding the rebirth of this being an adult, could and in an atmosphere of History Department pro- historic, sacred building. have easily stopped love, trust, confidence, and cessed the information. Thanks once again for his aged father’s hand respect—to help mission- The Institute of Canadian the Spirit-filled articles that but chose to willingly aries draw nearer to God Studies at the University of have deepened my under- submit to his father, as and begin to obtain power Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, standing of and apprecia- did the Savior. We do so that more of Heavenly helped in preparing the tion for the early Saints’ not have enough detail Father’s children will ac- data for publication. sacrifices and the sacrifices to know Isaac’s age at cept the gospel of Jesus The CD package (item of today’s Saints as well in the time, but it is likely Christ, receive saving ordi- no. 50179; U.S. $11.00), in- the rebuilding of this sa- he was not a child as nances, and come unto cludes Resource File Viewer cred, holy house of God. depicted. ■ Michelle Piercy Boyd Peters Him,” said Stephen Merrill 4.0 and three CDs. Greencastle, Pennsylvania Fullarton, South Australia

THE ENSIGN/SEPTEMBER 2002 79 Quiet Blessings Four of their five children Making the Most were born with a severe disability. Terrible burdens? No, sources of joy. See “In of This Issue a Quiet House,” page 34. Tips for Beginning Organists SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2002 How did one ward train five organists? Discover on • “I wish my children the gospel? Gain a prophetic page 72 some tips to help had come equipped view into the hearts and accomplished pianists learn with instruction minds of youth in the to play the organ. manuals,” mothers Church from President J. often say. The Reuben Clark Jr., page 54. Did You Know? good news is that Most articles in the Ensign many Church A Cultural Oasis can easily be turned resources can on the Frontier into family home help. See page 73. In spite of hard- evening lessons. If ship and privation, you need a family Second Chances the Saints in Nauvoo home evening on • Jonah got a second actively sought re- obedience and mak- To Strengthen Your Family chance to change his life— finement through ing the right choices, for example, turn to • Can the Lord really but he didn’t want others to music, art, and the “Hezekiah’s Tunnel watch over every one of us have the same opportunity. theater. See page 40. Vision,” beginning on page in our day-to-day activities? Are we ever guilty of not giv- Growing through Spiritual 30. You could use questions Two stories in Latter-day ing others a second chance? Experiences like these for discussion: Saint Voices strongly reaffirm See page 26. “Spiritual experiences con- “What would you do if you that the answer is yes. See • In response to King firm our testimonies and knew you were going to “The Home Teachers Who Hezekiah’s pleas, the Lord help us to endure moments die and the Lord told you Wouldn’t Quit” or “Alone in spared him from death. But of doubt and uncertainty,” He would give you 15 more a Foreign Country,” pages was it a blessing? See page 30. writes Elder Dennis B. years? What choices would 68–70. Who Will You Marry? Neuenschwander of the you make?” “When we • What do a scavenger Looking for just the right Presidency of the Seventy. To look at the choices of King hunt and an emergency person to marry? Have learn more about the nature Hezekiah in the Old supply kit have in com- you thought about whether Testament, do they seem mon? Find out how and purpose of spiritual you’re the right person to be good ones?” “What you can bring experiences, see page 20. for someone else? See can we do to make the right them together “Choosing—and Being— Do You Have a Wayward Child? choices every day?” in family the Right Spouse,” page 62. home It is possible to keep both sanity and hope when you GOSPEL TOPICS evening, Being a Better Teacher page 73. struggle with a wayward Adversity, 2, 34 Mental illness, 8 • Do you think your family child. Turn to page 8 to see Book of Mormon, Mercy, 26 or your students won’t care how one family does it. 12, 18 Missionary work, 12 about your personal experi- Conversion, 12 Motherhood, 72 Home Teachers and Cultural arts, 40 Music, 72 ences? Sharing them can make Nauvoo, 40 Visiting Teachers Death, 30 you a better teacher. Learn Disabilities, 34 Old Testament, 26, 30 why and how, page 48. Find the monthly mes- Education, 61 Parenting, 8, 72 • Ever wondered if sages on pages 2 and 71. Emergency pre- Patience, 2 paredness, 73 Prayer, 68 teenagers are really Faith, 20 Repentance, 26 ready to learn Family, 34 Scripture study, 18 Family home Service, 2, 68 evening, 73 Sharing stories, 48 Hezekiah, 30 Spirituality, 54 Holy Ghost, 18, 52 Spouses, 62 Hope, 8 Teaching, 48, 52, 54 Humility, 30 Testimony, 12, 20, 54 Inspiration, 20 Value of life, 34 Jesus Christ, 2 Wayward children, Jonah, 26 8, 11 Love, 52 Youth, 54 Marriage preparation, 62 Moroni Buries the Plates, by Clark Kelley Price

“Behold, I am Moroni. . . . And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord. . . . For he truly saith that no one shall have [the plates] to get gain; but the record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless” (Morm. 8:12, 14).

NERVA TEICHERT NERVA MI BY DANCE, PIONEER THE BACK: life. While some observers were surprised that a people of faith life. While some observers surprised were atter-day Saints were noticed on the rough American frontier not noticed on the rough American frontier Saints were atter-day only for their firm faith but also for the vibrancy of their cultural should be so merry, their leaders (the Prophet Joseph Smith with his should be so merry, upper left, and Brigham Young, wife Emma at a ball, front cover, of praising and the worthiness above) taught the value of recreation God through the arts. L

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