THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • NOVEMBER 2005

General Conference Addresses MAY NOT BE COPIED NOT MAY Joseph’s Nauvoo, by Al Rounds “Verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a house to my name, even in this place, that you may prove yourselves unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, and eternal life” (D&C 124:55). NOVEMBER 2005 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 11

2 Conference Summary for the 175th 53 Called and Chosen 107 Sweet Moments Semiannual General Conference President James E. Faust Bonnie D. Parkin 56 Do Your Duty—That Is Best 110 That We May All Sit Down SATURDAY MORNING SESSION President Thomas S. Monson in Heaven Together 4 Opening Remarks 60 If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear Kathleen H. Hughes President Gordon B. Hinckley President Gordon B. Hinckley 112 Knowing the Lord’s Will for You 6 Blessings Resulting from Reading Anne C. Pingree the Book of Mormon SUNDAY MORNING SESSION 114 Instruments in the Hands of God Elder L. Tom Perry 67 The Prophet : President James E. Faust 10 Be Prepared . . . Be Ye Strong Teacher by Example from Henceforth President Thomas S. Monson 64 General Authorities of The Church Bishop Keith B. McMullin 70 On Zion’s Hill of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 13 The Sanctity of the Body President Boyd K. Packer 118 They Spoke to Us: Making Susan W. Tanner 74 A Pattern for All Conference Part of Our Lives 16 Journey to Higher Ground Elder Merrill J. Bateman 120 Teachings for Our Time Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 76 My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures 121 Guidelines for Relief Society Home, 20 The Light in Their Eyes Cheryl C. Lant Family, and Personal Enrichment President James E. Faust 78 Truth Restored Meetings and Activities Elder Richard G. Scott SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION 122 Aaronic Priesthood and Young 81 Forgiveness Women Resource Guides 23 The Sustaining of Church Officers President Gordon B. Hinckley 125 General Auxiliary Presidencies President Thomas S. Monson 126 News of the Church 24 Priesthood Authority in the Family SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION and the Church 85 Jesus Christ—the Master Healer Elder Dallin H. Oaks Elder Russell M. Nelson 28 To Young Women 88 Preparations for the Restoration Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and the Second Coming: 31 True Happiness: A Conscious “My Hand Shall Be over Thee” Decision Elder Robert D. Hales Elder Benjamín De Hoyos 92 Sacrifice Is a Joy and a Blessing 33 The Book of Mormon, the Elder Won Yong Ko Instrument to Gather Scattered 94 Gospel Covenants Bring Israel Promised Blessings Elder C. Scott Grow Elder Paul E. Koelliker 35 “If Christ Had My Opportunities . . .” 96 Compass of the Lord Elder Paul K. Sybrowsky Elder Lowell M. Snow 37 Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early 98 “Feed My Sheep” and Be Steady Elder Ulisses Soares Elder Henry B. Eyring 100 Christlike Attributes—the 41 What Matters Most Is What Wind beneath Our Wings Lasts Longest Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf Elder M. Russell Ballard 103 Benediction PRIESTHOOD SESSION President Gordon B. Hinckley 44 Becoming a Missionary Elder David A. Bednar GENERAL RELIEF 48 Man’s Search for Divine Truth SOCIETY MEETING Elder Charles Didier 105 Video: 50 The Blessings of General Instruments Conference in the Hands Elder Paul V. Johnson of God “The Iron Rod,” Hymns, no. 274, Holst, arr. Conference Summary for the 175th Galbraith, unpublished; “Where Love Is,” Children’s Songbook, 138–39, arr. Cardon, Semiannual General Conference unpublished (flute: Jeannine Goeckeritz; harp: Tamara Oswald); “Come, Ye Children of the Lord,” Hymns, no. 58; “We Thank SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 1, 2005, Benediction: Elder Adhemar Damiani. Music Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Hymns, no. 19, GENERAL SESSION by a father-and-son priesthood choir from arr. Wilberg, unpublished. Presiding: President Gordon B. Hinckley. stakes in Orem, ; Donald Ripplinger, SATURDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 24, 2005, Conducting: President Thomas S. Monson. director; John Longhurst, organist: “Truth GENERAL RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING Invocation: Elder Harold G. Hillam. Restored,” Beethoven and Jones, arr. Presiding: President Gordon B. Hinckley. Benediction: Elder Darwin B. Christenson. Ripplinger, unpublished; “I’ll Go Where Conducting: Bonnie D. Parkin. Invocation: Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Craig You Want Me to Go,” Hymns, no. 270, arr. Barbara D. Lockhart. Benediction: Lilian B. Jessop and Mack Wilberg, directors; Clay Fjeldsted, unpublished; “Ye Elders of Israel,” DeLong. Music by a Relief Society choir from Christiansen, organist: “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, no. 319; “True to the Faith,” Hymns, stakes in Orem, Utah; Dyanne Riley, direc- Hymns, no. 6; “Jesus, the Very Thought of no. 254, arr. Ripplinger, unpublished. tor; Linda Margetts and Bonnie Goodliffe, Thee,” Hymns, no. 141; “He, Watching over organists: “Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, Israel,” Mendelssohn; “Guide Us, O Thou SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 2, 2005, no. 3, arr. Margetts and Riley, unpublished; Great Jehovah,” Hymns, no. 83; “I’m Trying GENERAL SESSION “When I Feel His Love,” Perry, unpublished; to Be like Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, Presiding: President Gordon B. Hinckley. “How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85, 78–79, arr. Bradford, pub. Nature Sings; Conducting: President Gordon B. Hinckley. arr. Wilberg, unpublished. “I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134, arr. Invocation: Elder F. Burton Howard. Wilberg, unpublished. Benediction: Elder Ned B. Roueché. Music CONFERENCE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE by the Tabernacle Choir; Craig Jessop and Recordings of conference sessions are SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 1, 2005, Mack Wilberg, directors; Richard Elliott and GENERAL SESSION available at distribution centers, generally John Longhurst, organists: “The Morning within two months following conference. Presiding: President Gordon B. Hinckley. Breaks,” Hymns, no. 1; “Joseph Smith’s Available formats include audio and video Conducting: President James E. Faust. First Prayer,” Hymns, no. 26, arr. Wilberg, cassette, compact disc, and digital video Invocation: Elder John H. Groberg. unpublished; “A Poor Wayfaring Man of disc. Recordings for individuals who are Benediction: Elder F. Melvin Hammond. Grief,” Hymns, no. 29, arr. Wilberg, unpub- deaf (three DVDs with a signing inset; item Music by a Young Women and Young Men lished; “Sweet Is the Work,” Hymns, no. no. 00070 010) are available from distribu- choir from stakes in Bountiful, Woods Cross, 147; “The Seer, Joseph, the Seer,” Hymns tion centers for $10.25 per set. For more and North Salt Lake, Utah; Michael Huff, (1948), no. 296, arr. Beesley, pub. IRI information, call 1-800-537-5971 or log on director; Linda Margetts and Bonnie (tenor: Stanford Olsen); “Ode for Joseph,” to www.ldscatalog.com. Goodliffe, organists: “Awake and Arise,” Bradshaw, pub. Jackman; “Praise to the Hymns, no. 8, arr. Huff, unpublished; “On a Man,” Hymns, no. 27, arr. Wilberg, pub. CONFERENCE TALKS ON INTERNET Golden Springtime,” Children’s Songbook, Jackman. To access general conference talks on the 88, arr. Huff, unpublished; “High on the Internet in many languages, visit www.lds.org. Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5; “On This Day SUNDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 2, 2005, GENERAL SESSION Click on “Gospel Library” and “General of Joy and Gladness,” Hymns, no. 64, arr. Conference.” Then select a language. Huff, unpublished. Presiding: President Gordon B. Hinckley. Conducting: President Thomas S. Monson. HOME AND VISITING TEACHING MESSAGES SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 1, 2005, Invocation: Elder H. Aldridge Gillespie. For home and visiting teaching messages, PRIESTHOOD SESSION Benediction: Elder Dennis E. Simmons. please select an address that best meets the Presiding: President Gordon B. Hinckley. Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Craig Jessop needs of those you visit. Conducting: President Thomas S. Monson. and Mack Wilberg, directors; Bonnie Invocation: Elder Stephen B. Oveson. Goodliffe and Linda Margetts, organists: ON THE COVER One by One, by Walter Rane, © 2003, By the Hand of Mormon Foundation, may not be copied.

CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHY Scenes of general conference in Salt Lake City were taken by Craig Dimond, Welden C. Andersen, John Luke, Matthew Reier, Christina Smith, Scott Davis, Les Nilsson, Rod Boam, Amber Clawson, and Shannon Norton; in by Adriano Vedovi; in France by David Anderson; in Mexico by Israel Gutierrez; in by Rod Humiecki and Lee Kochenderfer; in Peru by Mason Warr; and in Samoa by Judith Johnston Niuelua.

2 NOVEMBER 2005 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 11

AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust QUORUM OF THE TWELVE: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar EDITOR: Jay E. Jensen ADVISERS: Monte J. Brough, Gary J. Coleman, Yoshihiko Kikuchi MANAGING DIRECTOR: David L. Frischknecht PLANNING AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Victor D. Cave GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Allan R. Loyborg SPEAKERS LISTED IN TOPIC INDEX MAGAZINES EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Richard M. Romney Motherhood, 107, 114 MANAGING EDITOR: Don L. Searle ALPHABETICAL ORDER Abuse, 24 Obedience, 10, 16, 37, 44, EDITORIAL STAFF: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Linda Stahle Ballard, M. Russell, 41 Activation, 35, 98 48, 50, 60, 76, 78, 94, 96, Cooper, Monica L. Dickinson, LaRene Gaunt, Jenifer L. Greenwood, Carrie Kasten, Sally J. Odekirk, Adam C. Bateman, Merrill J., 74 Agency, 16, 31, 78, 100, 112 100, 112 Olson, Judith M. Paller, Sara R. Porter, Rebecca M. Taylor, Bednar, David A., 44 Apostasy, 53, 78, 88 Patience, 67, 98 Roger Terry De Hoyos, Benjamín, 31 Atonement, 74, 78, 81, 85 Peace, 48 MANAGING ART DIRECTOR: M. M. Kawasaki Didier, Charles, 48 Authority, 24 Physical bodies, 13, 28 ART DIRECTOR: J. Scott Knudsen Eyring, Henry B., 37 Beauty, 13, 28 Plan of salvation, 37, 74, 78 DESIGN AND PRODUCTION STAFF: Cali R. Arroyo, Collette Nebeker Aune, C. Kimball Bott, Thomas S. Child, Colleen Faust, James E., 20, 53, 114 Blessings, 6, 92 Pornography, 50 Hinckley, Jane Ann Peters, Scott Van Kampen Grow, C. Scott, 33 Book of Mormon, 6, 33, 70, Prayer, 37 Hales, Robert D., 88 74, 76, 88 Preparation, 10, 37, 44, 60, 70 MARKETING MANAGER: Larry Hiller PRINTING DIRECTOR: Craig K. Sedgwick Hinckley, Gordon B., 4, 60, Callings, 53, 56 Priesthood, 24, 44, 53, 56, 60 DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR: Kris T Christensen 81, 103, 105 Children, 41, 76 Prophets, 6, 16, 48, 50, 53 Holland, Jeffrey R., 28 Church growth, 4, 70 © 2005 BY INTELLECTUAL RESERVE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Protection, 60 Hughes, Kathleen H., 110 Conversion, 35, 48, 85, 100 The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) is published monthly by Relief Society, 105, 107, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. Johnson, Paul V., 50 Courage, 67 110, 114 North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Ko, Won Yong, 92 Covenants, 20, 33, 44, 94, Repentance, 37, 81, 85 Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and at Koelliker, Paul E., 94 110, 112 Restoration, 74, 88, 103 additional mailing offices. Lant, Cheryl C., 76 Debt, 53 Retention, 98 McMullin, Keith B., 10 Diligence, 67, 96 TO SUBSCRIBE: By phone, call 1-800-537-5971 to order Revelation, 20, 48, 50, 70 using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Monson, Thomas S., 23, Divine nature, 28, 78 Righteousness, 4, 10, 16, 31, Express. Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, send 56, 67 Duty, 56 60, 76 $10 U.S. check or money order to Distribution Services, Nelson, Russell M., 85 Example, 33, 67 Sacrifice, 92, 94 P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368. Oaks, Dallin H., 24 Faith, 10, 37, 56, 60, 67, 94, Scripture study, 6, 37, 41, TO CHANGE ADDRESS: Send both old and new address Packer, Boyd K., 70 96, 98, 100, 112 48, 70, 76, 88, 92, 112 information to Distribution Services at the above address. Parkin, Bonnie D., 107 Family, 24, 41 Second Coming, 88 Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect. Perry, L. Tom, 6 Forgiveness, 81 Self-reliance, 60 SUBMIT MANUSCRIPTS OR ART TO: [email protected] Pingree, Anne C., 112 General conference, 50, 96 (e-mail) or Ensign Editorial, 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420, Service, 16, 35, 56, 60, 107, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Unsolicited material is Scott, Richard G., 78 Happiness, 20, 31, 41 110, 114 welcome, but no responsibility is assumed. For return, Snow, Lowell M., 96 Healing, 85 Single adults, 24, 114 include self-addressed, stamped envelope. Soares, Ulisses, 98 Holy Ghost, 16, 20, 48, 78 Smith, Joseph, 67, 88, 103, The Ensign can be found on the Internet at www.lds.org. Sybrowsky, Paul K., 35 Honesty, 67 105 Click on “Gospel Library.” Tanner, Susan W., 13 Humanitarian service, 60 Submission, 112 Text and visual material in the Ensign may be copied for Uchtdorf, Dieter F., 100 Jesus Christ, 10, 31, 37, 70, Sustaining, 53 incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated Wirthlin, Joseph B., 16 74, 78, 81, 85, 100 Teaching, 67 in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions Joy, 92 Temples and work, should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, Leadership, 24, 53 4, 13, 16, 94 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; Light of Christ, 20 Testimony, 28, 33 e-mail: [email protected]. Love, 67, 81, 98, 110 Tithing, 37 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Distribution Marriage, 24, 41 Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, Truth, 48 USA. Missionary work, 33, 35, 44, Womanhood, 24, 28, 114 67, 112 Word of Wisdom, 13 CANADA POST INFORMATION: Publication Agreement #40017431 Modesty, 13, 28 Young Women, 28 Morality, 13, 41, 78

NOVEMBER 2005 3 SATURDAY MORNING SESSION October 1, 2005 Opening Remarks PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

The growth of the Church from its infancy to its present stature is phenomenal, and we have only scratched the surface.

soldiers were buried in graves around the earth. Now it is all gone. Rudyard Kipling wrote of its demise in his “Recessional”:

Far-called, our navies melt away; On dune and headland sinks the fire. Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! (“God of Our Fathers, Known of Old,” Hymns, no. 80)

There is now another empire. It is the empire of Christ the Lord. It is the empire of the restored gospel. It is the kingdom of God. And the sun never sets on this kingdom. It has not y brothers and sisters, I add come of conquest, of conflict, or war. my welcome to you to this It has come of peaceful persuasion, of Mgreat world conference of the testimony, of teaching, one here and Church. The spacious Conference another there. Center in Salt Lake City is filled to As all of you are aware, this year we capacity, and other halls in this commemorate the 200th birthday of are likewise filled. We speak beyond the Prophet Joseph Smith and the here to you in many lands and climes. 175th anniversary of the organization We welcome you, every one. We love of the Church. you as brethren and sisters. The growth of the Church from its I was on a in the British infancy to its present stature is phe- Isles more than 70 years ago. Part of nomenal, and we have only scratched the British Empire was still intact. That the surface. empire was the most widely extended The building of temples is an indica- better citizen of the community. political family of nations on the face tion of this growth. We now have 122 Temple service is the end product of of the earth. It was said that the sun operating in many parts of the world. all of our teaching and activity. never set on the British Empire. The Our people are being greatly blessed Last year 32 million ordinances Union Jack flew around the world. by these. Every individual who quali- were performed in the temples. Great good came of that empire fies for a temple recommend is also This is more than have been per- in many areas. But there was also qualified as a faithful Latter-day Saint. formed in any previous year. At tremendous suffering. It came as a He or she will be a full-tithe payer, will the moment, some of our temples result of conquest, oppression, war, observe the Word of Wisdom, will have are crowded to capacity and and conflict. The remains of British good family relationships, and will be a beyond. The needs and desires

4 The Conference Center auditorium is filled to capacity just prior to the beginning of a conference session. of our faithful Saints must be met. morning we make public announce- at this time because it has not yet been We have previously announced a ment of that. You may ask why we announced but soon will be. There are new temple in the southeast quadrant favor Utah so generously. It is because yet others under consideration. On all of the Salt Lake Valley. We have two the degree of activity requires it. But of those I have named, we have the other excellent sites in the west and we are also moving forward with new property, and work in various degrees southwest areas of the valley through temples in Rexburg and Twin Falls, of completion is going forward. the kindness of the developers of Idaho; in Sacramento, ; in We are grateful for the consecra- these properties. The first one on Helsinki, Finland; in Panama City, tions of our people which make all which we will build is in the so-called Panama; in Curitiba, Brazil; and of this possible. Daybreak development, and this another which I had better not name One of the most troublesome

NOVEMBER 2005 5 aspects of our temple activity is that as we get more and more temples scattered across the earth there is Blessings Resulting duplication of effort in proxy work. People in various nations simultane- ously work on the same family lines and come up with the same names. from Reading the They do not know that those in other areas are doing the same thing. We, therefore, have been engaged for some time in a very difficult under- Book of Mormon taking. To avoid such duplication, the ELDER L. TOM PERRY solution lies in complex computer Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles technology. Preliminary indications are that it will work, and if this is so, it will be a truly remarkable thing Now it is up to us to study the Book of Mormon and learn with worldwide implications. of its principles and apply them in our lives. Now, as many of you know, we have been conducting stake confer- ences through the use of satellite transmission. The Church has grown as universal as mankind. It is the only so large that it is no longer possible book that contains within its covers a for members of the First Presidency, promise that by divine power the the Quorum of the Twelve, and other reader may know with certainty of General Authorities to visit individual its truth. stakes, except for reorganizations and “Its origin is miraculous; when the divisions. Satellite transmission has story of that origin is first told to one made it possible for us to speak in unfamiliar with it, it is almost unbe- Salt Lake City and be heard and seen lievable. But the book is here to be in stake centers and other facilities felt and handled and read. No one around the globe. It is a miraculous can dispute its presence. . . . and wonderful thing. “No other written testament so It is in this same way that many of clearly illustrates the fact that when you are participating in our confer- men [and women] and nations walk ence today. We are joined together as in the fear of God and in obedience a vast international family in music to His commandments, they prosper and prayer and in the instruction and and grow, but when they disregard testimony of our Brethren. look forward each month to the Him and His word, there comes a Thank you for all you do, you won- arrival of this wonderful magazine, decay that, unless arrested by righ- derful Latter-day Saints. Thank you I the Ensign. It fortifies me with teousness, leads to impotence and for the tremendous efforts of Area messages from the First Presidency, death” (“A Testimony Vibrant and Seventies, of bishoprics and stake which are included in each issue. True,” Liahona and Ensign, Aug. presidencies, of auxiliary leaders, of The August issue of the Ensign and 2005, 4–5). temple and mission presidencies, and Liahona brought with it a challenge Why is the reading of the Book of the many, many, many more who give from President Hinckley to read or Mormon so important to us today? so generously of time, effort, and reread the Book of Mormon before It is because the major writers of the means, to advance the kingdom of the end of the year. Book of Mormon fully understood God on the earth. Why does President Hinckley that their writings were primarily for I pray, my brethren and sisters, that believe reading the Book of Mormon the people of a future generation the choicest blessings of heaven may will be so beneficial to each of us? rather than for the people of their rest upon you, in the sacred name of He states: own generation. Moroni wrote to our Jesus Christ, amen. ■ “Its appeal is as timeless as truth, generation, “I speak unto you as if ye

6 were present” (Mormon 8:35). The prophet Nephi stated: “Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand” (2 Nephi 25:21). The Book of Mormon is a voice of warning to this generation. See how vividly it describes conditions on the earth today: “And no one need say [these records] shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for out of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak from the dead. “And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness. “Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches. “Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands; Lord will uphold such at the last day. blessing today. Those people never “And there shall also be heard of But wo unto such, for they are in the had the book—it was meant for us. wars, rumors of wars, and earth- gall of bitterness and in the bonds of Mormon, the ancient prophet after quakes in divers places. iniquity” (Mormon 8:26–31). whom the book is named, abridged “Yea, it shall come in a day when President reaf- centuries of records. God, who knows there shall be great pollutions upon firmed the fact that the Book of the end from the beginning, told him the face of the earth; there shall be Mormon is of particular value to our what to include in his abridgment that murders, and robbing, and lying, and time when he said: we would need for our day” (“The deceivings, and whoredoms, and all “The Book of Mormon was written Book of Mormon Is the Word of manner of abominations; when there for us today. God is the author of the God,” Ensign, May 1975, 63). shall be many who will say, Do this, or book. It is a record of a fallen people, How often we read the record pri- do that, and it mattereth not, for the compiled by inspired men for our marily as a history of a fallen people,

NOVEMBER 2005 7 failing to remember that it was com- silver, and his precious things, and According to President Hinckley’s piled by inspired prophets for the took nothing with him, save it were plan, we should be reading now in purpose of helping us come unto his family, and provisions, and tents, the book of Alma—somewhere Christ. The major writers of the Book and departed into the wilderness” between chapters 4 and 12. Are you of Mormon did not intend it to be a (1 Nephi 2:4). ahead of schedule or behind? history book at all. In fact, Jacob said After journeying some distance, When the first attempt to get the that his brother Nephi commanded Lehi had a dream in which the Lord brass plates failed, Nephi’s brothers him that he “should not touch, save it said that they should not journey far- wanted to give up and return to their were lightly, concerning the history of ther without returning to Jerusalem family in the wilderness. But Nephi this people” (Jacob 1:2). and obtaining the record of their encouraged them to keep trying and Each time we read the book we fathers which was engraven on plates proposed another approach to obtain should probably ask ourselves: “Why of brass. These plates also contained the record: “Let us be faithful in keep- did these writers choose these partic- the words of the prophets and com- ing the commandments of the Lord; ular stories or events to include in the mandments of the Lord. The assign- therefore let us go down to the land record? What value are they for us ment was given to Lehi’s four sons to of our father’s inheritance, for behold today?” make the journey back to obtain the he left gold and silver, and all manner Among the lessons we learn from record. of riches. And all this he hath done the Book of Mormon are the cause Upon arriving at Jerusalem, they because of the commandments of the and effect of war and under what con- cast lots to decide who would go to Lord. . . . ditions it is justified. It tells of evils and the house of Laban and ask for the “And it came to pass that we went dangers of secret combinations, which brass plates. The lot fell to Laman. He in unto Laban, and desired him that are built up to get power and gain over approached Laban, “and behold, it he would give unto us the records . . . , the people. It tells of the reality of came to pass that Laban was angry, for which we would give unto him Satan and gives an indication of some and thrust him out from his presence; our gold, and our silver, and all our of the methods he uses. It advises us and he would not that he should have precious things” (1 Nephi 3:16, 24). on the proper use of wealth. It tells us the records. Wherefore, he said unto Nephi’s example teaches us that of the plain and precious truths of the him: Behold thou art a robber, and I the blessings of the scriptures are far gospel and the reality and divinity of will slay thee” (1 Nephi 3:13). Laman more valuable than property and Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice escaped with his life but without the other worldly things. Pursuing the for all mankind. It informs us of the brass plates. things of the world can sometimes gathering of the house of Israel in the One thing that strikes me about this give us momentary pleasures but not last days. It tells us of the purpose and first attempt is that the brothers did lasting joy and happiness. When we principles of missionary work. It warns not seem to have a good plan. This seek after the things of the Spirit, the us against pride, indifference, procras- teaches us an important lesson that we rewards are eternal and will bring us tination, the dangers of false traditions, can apply to our study of the scrip- the satisfaction we seek through this hypocrisy, and unchastity. tures. Let us show our commitment to mortal experience. Now it is up to us to study the reading the Book of Mormon by President Hinckley has encouraged Book of Mormon and learn of its prin- approaching our study with a specific us to read the Book of Mormon to lift ciples and apply them in our lives. plan. us above the things of the world, to The Book of Mormon begins with a In his article in the Ensign and enjoy the things of the Lord. He said, great story on the importance of fami- Liahona, President Hinckley issued “a “Without reservation I promise you lies having and using the scriptures. challenge to members of the Church that if each of you will observe this Lehi, a prophet-father, was warned that throughout the world and to our simple program, regardless of how there were people who were seeking friends everywhere to read or reread many times you previously may have to take away his life because of his dec- the Book of Mormon.” Then he read the Book of Mormon, there will larations concerning their wickedness. offered us a plan to accomplish the come into your lives and into your He was instructed to take his family challenge: “If you will read a bit more homes an added measure of the Spirit and flee. than one and one-half chapters a day, of the Lord, a strengthened resolution “And it came to pass that he you will be able to finish the book to walk in obedience to His command- departed into the wilderness. And before the end of this year” (Liahona ments, and a stronger testimony of he left his house, and the land of his and Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6). August and the living reality of the Son of God” inheritance, and his gold, and his September are now past history. (Liahona and Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6).

8 These blessings are far more valuable in their possession, Nephi and his Mormon provides convincing evi- than material possessions. brothers could return to their father dence of the Prophet Joseph’s min- When Nephi and his brothers in the wilderness and continue their istry and of the Restoration of the offered to exchange their wealth for journey. Church of Jesus Christ. President the brass plates, Laban stole their If we will approach President Hinckley, in the last general confer- property and tried to take their lives. Hinckley’s challenge with faith, we ence in April, said this about the Thoroughly discouraged after yet have the sure promise of our prophet Book of Mormon: “It is a tangible another failed attempt, Laman and of the blessings we will receive result- thing that can be handled, that can Lemuel again wanted to give up on ing from our study of the Book of be read, that can be tested. . . . I what they felt was an impossible task. Mormon. We will find, as Nephi and would think that the whole Christian Nephi, however, was unwavering in his family did, that the scriptures are world would reach out and welcome his commitment to obey the Lord’s “desirable; yea, even of great worth it and embrace it as a vibrant testi- commandments. He reasoned with unto us” (1 Nephi 5:21). We can also mony. It represents another great and his brothers this way: “Let us go up receive the blessing Moroni promised basic contribution which came as a again unto Jerusalem, and let us be as he closed his writings of the Book revelation to the Prophet [Joseph]” faithful in keeping the command- of Mormon: (“The Great Things Which God Has ments of the Lord; for behold he is “Yea, come unto Christ, and be Revealed,” Liahona and Ensign, May mightier than all the earth, then why perfected in him, and deny yourselves 2005, 82). not mightier than Laban and his fifty, of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny I pray that each of us will read the yea, or even than his tens of thou- yourselves of all ungodliness, and love Book of Mormon by the end of the sands?” (1 Nephi 4:1). God with all your might, mind and year in response to the challenge of Approaching the assignment with strength, then is his grace sufficient our current prophet, Gordon B. faith in the Lord brought the desired for you, that by his grace ye may be Hinckley, to honor the prophet of the result. As Nephi went forward to perfect in Christ; and if by the grace Restoration, Joseph Smith. May we obtain the record, being led by the of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can have a plan that we will follow in faith Spirit, Laban was delivered into his in nowise deny the power of God” to taste and be filled with that which hands. Through his faith and obedi- (Moroni 10:32). is of infinite and eternal value, even ence, Nephi secured for himself and This is the year we celebrate the the word of God found in the Book of his family the blessings of having the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Mormon, is my humble prayer in the scriptures. Now, with the brass plates Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 9 crime, and family decay approaching epic proportions. The tsunami in Be Prepared . . . southern Asia and hurricanes in the United States, with their terrible tolls, are the most recent calamities captur- ing our attention. Hearts and hands Be Ye Strong from around the world reach out to those so profoundly affected. For a brief period differences yield to com- from Henceforth passion and love. We are indebted to those who, BISHOP KEITH B. McMULLIN when buffeted by calamities, remind Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric us of man’s dependence upon God. A widow in a refugee camp, anguish- ing over the brutal slaying of her sons, Tragedies never triumph where personal righteousness weeps the words, “I must not lose prevails. my faith.” Survivors, overwhelmed by Katrina’s fury, send out the plea, “Pray for us.”1 Causes of such calamities are the of the day. Eventually, he asked why subject of seemingly endless debate. the Church was doing missionary Commentators, politicians, scientists, work in his city. and many others have opinions as to This was not unexpected. An the causes. impression had come to me some The Lord Jesus Christ said, con- weeks before that he would ask this cerning the Restoration of His gospel: question and what my response “Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing should be. I replied: “The gospel of the calamity which should come upon Jesus Christ provides answers and the inhabitants of the earth, called solutions to all of the world’s prob- upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., lems, including those confronting the and spake unto him from heaven, and good people of your city. This is why gave him commandments; . . . we are here.” “Search these commandments, for I fully expected the mayor would they are true and faithful, and the want to know more. Instead, his mood prophecies and promises which are changed. Skepticism then disdain took in them shall all be fulfilled.”2 control of his countenance. He blus- Let us turn our attention to the rea- ave you ever found yourself tered about my naive approach to chal- sons or purposes for such calamities. in a conversation where you lenges in the world and brought our Fortunately, debate is not needed here Hwere suddenly required to visit to an abrupt close. No further because we have the fulness of Christ’s remain silent while your point of view explanation was permitted. gospel on which we can rely. Search was misconstrued and belittled? Such This morning, I should like to com- the words of the prophets in the Book a thing happened to me almost 25 plete that conversation. I hope the of Mormon and the Bible; read the years ago, and the frustration of that good mayor is listening because what teachings of Jesus Christ in the 24th unfinished conversation has remained follows is vital to a troubled world. chapter of Matthew;3 study the Lord’s to this day. We are sobered by the terrible latter-day revelations in the Doctrine As , I had been calamities of recent years. They occur and Covenants.4 Herein we learn the invited, with others from the Church, with increasing frequency and inten- purposes of God in such matters. to meet with the mayor of one of the sity. Natural forces are ferocious in Calamities are a form of adversity, cities in our mission. He was cordial their scope, human assaults are merci- and adversity is a necessary part of as he welcomed us into his office. Our less in their carnage, and unchecked Heavenly Father’s plan for the happi- conversation touched upon concerns appetites are leading to licentiousness, ness of His children.

10 President Gordon B. Hinckley (center); President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency (left); and President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency.

If our hearts are right before God, knowing good from evil; to act ultimately control our personal adversity will school us, help us over- for themselves and not to be acted world. We do! come our carnal nature, and nurture upon, save it be by the punishment The Prophet Joseph Smith the divine spark within us. Were it not of the law at the great and last day, declared: “Happiness is the object for adversity, we would not know to according to the commandments and design of our existence; and will “choose the better part.”5 Adversity which God hath given. be the end thereof, if we pursue the helps us see where we need to “Wherefore, men are free accord- path that leads to it; and this path is repent, to bring into subjection baser ing to the flesh; and all things are virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holi- instincts, to embrace righteousness given them which are expedient unto ness, and keeping all the command- and enjoy “peace of conscience.”6 man. And they are free to choose lib- ments of God.”9 The more we cleave unto righ- erty and eternal life, through the great And so, most honorable mayor, the teousness, the more we enjoy the Mediator of all men, or to choose cap- gospel of Jesus Christ does provide protecting care of our Savior. He is tivity and death, according to the cap- answers to all of the world’s problems, the Creator and Lord of the universe. tivity and power of the devil; for [the precisely because it provides solu- He will calm the winds and the waves.7 devil] seeketh that all men might be tions to the ills of every living soul. His teachings and Atonement will heal miserable like unto himself.”8 Every time calamity strikes, there the repentant soul. He is the Messiah We will do well to remember that is a corresponding sacred obligation or Deliverer, and because of Him, the devil is the destroyer. that falls upon each of us to become each of us can be in charge of his or It is true that in this life we are only better. We should ask ourselves, her personal world, even as tragedies as free as our mortal circumstances “What part of my life needs to change beset us. Listen to these truths: allow. We may not be able to stay the so that the weight of chastisement “The Messiah cometh in the ful- course of war in distant lands or with need not be felt?” ness of time, that he may redeem the our puny arm hold back the tempests In the scriptures the Lord makes children of men from the fall. And that rage or run freely when our body clear what He expects of us as such because that they are redeemed from is imprisoned by failing health. But it judgments descend. He says: “Gird up the fall they have become free forever, is verily true that such things do not your loins and be prepared. Behold,

NOVEMBER 2005 11 the kingdom is yours, and the enemy without hesitation, knowing well the shall not overcome.”10 meaning, the breadth, and the impor- The Church and its members are tance of our mission. It is a time to commanded to be self-reliant and do what is right regardless of the con- independent.11 Preparation begins sequences that might follow. It is a with faith, which enables us to time to be found keeping the com- weather vicissitudes as they come. We mandments. It is a season to reach see earth life as a preparatory journey. out with kindness and love to those Faith in the Lord and His gospel con- in distress and to those who are wan- quers fear and begets spirituality. dering in darkness and pain. It is a Spirituality grows as we “pray, and time to be considerate and good, . . . walk uprightly before the Lord.”12 decent and courteous toward one It is “the consciousness of victory another in all of our relationships. over self and of communion with the In other words, to become more Infinite.”13 Christlike.”20 Faith, spirituality, and obedience This admonition by the Lord’s produce a prepared and self-reliant prophet points our way through people. As we obey the covenant of these turbulent times. To all who suf- tithing, we are shielded from want and fer, our hearts reach out to you. May the power of the destroyer. As we Heavenly Father, in His infinite mercy, obey the fast and give generously to make light your burdens and fill your care for others, our prayers are heard lives with that peace which “passeth and family fidelity increases. Similar all understanding.”21 You are not blessings come as we obey the coun- alone. Our love and faith and prayers sel of the prophets and live within our at hand: let us therefore cast off the are joined with yours. Press forward means, avoid unnecessary debt, and works of darkness, and let us put on in righteousness and all will be well. set aside sufficient of life’s necessities the armour of light. In the name of Jesus Christ, to sustain ourselves and our families “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; amen. ■ for at least a year. This may not always not in rioting and drunkenness, not in NOTES be easy, but let us do our “very best,”14 chambering and wantonness, not in 1. Quoted in Evan Thomas, “The Lost City,” and our stores shall not fail—there strife and envying. Newsweek, Sept. 12, 2005, 44. 2. D&C 1:17, 37. 15 shall be “enough and to spare.” “But put ye on the Lord Jesus 3. See also Joseph Smith—Matthew. And again the Lord says, “Be ye Christ, and make not provision for the 4. See D&C 45; 88; 101; 133. 19 5. “Father in Heaven, We Do Believe,” Hymns, strong from henceforth; fear not, for flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” no. 180. 16 the kingdom is yours.” Our duty as Latter-day Saints is to 6. Mosiah 4:3. Strength and resiliency come prepare ourselves, this earth, and its 7. See Matthew 8:25–27; Mark 4:39. 8. 2 Nephi 2:26–27; emphasis added. by righteous living. One is not righ- inhabitants for the Second Coming of 9. History of the Church, 5:134–35. teous who is a saint on Sunday and a the Lord Jesus Christ. Being prepared 10. D&C 38:9. slacker the remainder of the week. and being strong as the gospel teaches 11. See D&C 78:13–14; Providing in the Lord’s Way: A Leader’s Guide to Welfare (welfare Unchecked appetites are destructive ensure happiness here and hereafter handbook, 1990), 5. and cause men to “trifle . . . with and make this “grand millennial mis- 12. D&C 68:28. sacred things.”17 President Brigham sion” possible. 13. David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1969, 8. Young taught, “The sin that will cleave Our beloved President Hinckley 14. See Gordon B. Hinckley, “Standing Strong to all the posterity of Adam and Eve has admonished: “Now, my brethren and Immovable,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 21. is, that they have not done as well as and sisters, the time has come for us 15. D&C 104:17. 18 they knew how.” to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes 16. D&C 38:15. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the and stretch our minds to a greater 17. D&C 6:12. 18. Discourses of , sel. John A. pathway to righteousness. Tragedies comprehension and understanding Widtsoe (1954), 89. never triumph where personal righ- of the grand millennial mission of this 19. Romans 13:12–14. teousness prevails. Let us, therefore, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- 20. “This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 71; see also “Opening Remarks,” heed the counsel of the Apostle Paul: day Saints. This is a season to be Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 4. “The night is far spent, the day is strong. It is a time to move forward 21. Philippians 4:7.

12 and present it pure before God in the Celestial Kingdom. The great princi- The Sanctity ple of happiness consists in having a body. The Devil has no body, and herein is his punishment” (The Words of Joseph Smith, ed. Andrew F. Ehat of the Body and Lyndon W. Cook [1980], 60). SUSAN W. TANNER Satan learned these same eternal truths about the body, and yet his pun- Young Women General President ishment is that he does not have one. Therefore he tries to do everything he The Lord wants us to be made over—but in His image, can to get us to abuse or misuse this not in the image of the world, by receiving His image precious gift. He has filled the world with lies and deceptions about the in our countenances. body. He tempts many to defile this great gift of the body through unchastity, immodesty, self-indulgence, and addictions. He seduces some to plan of happiness for us. As it states in despise their bodies; others he tempts the family proclamation: “Spirit sons to worship their bodies. In either and daughters knew and worshiped case, he entices the world to regard God as their Eternal Father and the body merely as an object. In the accepted His plan by which His chil- face of so many satanic falsehoods dren could obtain a physical body and about the body, I want to raise my gain earthly experience to progress voice today in support of the sanctity toward perfection and ultimately real- of the body. I testify that the body is a ize his or her divine destiny as an gift to be treated with gratitude and heir of eternal life” (“The Family: A respect. Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, The scriptures declare that the Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, body is a temple. It was Jesus Himself 102). In fact, we “shouted for joy” who first compared His body to a tem- (Job 38:7) to be part of this plan. ple (see John 2:21). Later Paul admon- Why were we so excited? We ished the people of Corinth, a wicked understood eternal truths about our city teeming with all manner of lascivi- bodies. We knew that our bodies ousness and indecency: “Know ye not have just returned from a visit would be in the image of God. We that ye are the temple of God, and where I welcomed into the world knew that our bodies would house that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? I our newest little granddaughter, our spirits. We also understood that If any man defile the temple of God, Elizabeth Claire Sandberg. She is per- our bodies would be subject to pain, him shall God destroy; for the temple fect! I was awestruck, as I am each illness, disabilities, and temptation. of God is holy, which temple ye are” time a baby is born, with her fingers, But we were willing, even eager, to (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). toes, hair, beating heart, and her dis- accept these challenges because we What would happen if we truly tinctive family characteristics—nose, knew that only with spirit and ele- treated our bodies as temples? The chin, dimples. Her older brothers and ment inseparably connected could we result would be a dramatic increase sister were equally excited and fasci- progress to become like our Heavenly in chastity, modesty, observance of nated by their tiny, perfect little sister. Father (see D&C 130:22) and “receive the Word of Wisdom, and a similar They seemed to sense a holiness in a fulness of joy” (D&C 93:33). decrease in the problems of pornog- their home from the presence of a With the fulness of the gospel on raphy and abuse, for we would regard celestial spirit newly united with a the earth, we are again privileged to the body, like the temple, as a sacred pure physical body. know these truths about the body. sanctuary of the Spirit. Just as no In the premortal realm we learned Joseph Smith taught: “We came to unclean thing may enter the temple, that the body was part of God’s great this earth that we might have a body we would be vigilant to keep impurity

NOVEMBER 2005 13 of any sort from entering the temple body is God’s sacred creation. to be used, with judgment, not to of our bodies. Respect it as a gift from God, and do excess, neither by extortion” (D&C Likewise, we would keep the out- not defile it in any way. Through your 59:20). My husband used this scripture side of our bodily temples looking dress and appearance, you can show to teach our children about the law of clean and beautiful to reflect the the Lord that you know how precious chastity. He said that the “word extor- sacred and holy nature of what is your body is. . . . The way you dress is tion . . . literally means to ‘twist out [or inside, just as the Church does with a reflection of what you are on the against].’ Our use of . . . the body must its temples. We should dress and act inside” ([2001], 14–15). not be twisted [against] the divinely in ways that reflect the sacred spirit Modesty is more than a matter of ordained purposes for which [it was] inside us. avoiding revealing attire. It describes given. Physical pleasure is good in its A short while ago as I visited one not only the altitude of hemlines and proper time and place, but even then of the great tourist-filled cities of the necklines but the attitude of our it must not become our god” (John S. world, I felt an overwhelming sadness hearts. The word modesty means Tanner, “The Body as a Blessing,” that so many people in the world had “measured.” It is related to moderate. Ensign, July 1993, 10). fallen prey to Satan’s deception that It implies “decency, and propriety . . . The pleasures of the body can our bodies are merely objects to be in thought, language, dress, and become an obsession for some; so too flaunted and displayed openly. behavior” (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., can the attention we give to our out- Imagine the contrast and my joy Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. appearance. Sometimes there is when I entered a classroom of mod- [1992], 2:932). a selfish excess of exercising, dieting, estly and appropriately dressed young Moderation and appropriateness makeovers, and spending money on women whose countenances glowed should govern all of our physical the latest fashions (see Alma 1:27). with goodness. I thought, “Here are desires. A loving Heavenly Father has I am troubled by the practice of eight beautiful girls who know how to given us physical beauties and pleas- extreme makeovers. Happiness comes show respect for their bodies and ures “both to please the eye and to from accepting the bodies we have who know why they are doing it.” In gladden the heart” (D&C 59:18), but been given as divine gifts and enhanc- For the Strength of Youth it says: “Your with this caution: that they are “made ing our natural attributes, not from

14 remaking our bodies after the image of the world. The Lord wants us to be made over—but in His image, not in the image of the world, by receiving His image in our countenances (see Alma 5:14, 19). I remember well the insecurities I felt as a teenager with a bad case of acne. I tried to care for my skin prop- erly. My parents helped me get med- ical attention. For years I even went without eating chocolate and all the greasy fast foods around which teens often socialize, but with no obvious Women,” Ensign, Sept. 1988, 11). are so grateful, suffer from natural lim- healing consequences. It was difficult Oh, how I pray that all men and itations. Some people are born with for me at that time to fully appreciate women will seek the beauty praised disabilities, and some suffer the pains this body which was giving me so by the prophet—beauty of body, of disease throughout their lives. All of much grief. But my good mother mind, and spirit! us as we age experience our bodies taught me a higher law. Over and over The restored gospel teaches that gradually beginning to fail. When this she said to me, “You must do every- there is an intimate link between happens, we long for the day when thing you can to make your appear- body, mind, and spirit. In the Word of our bodies will be healed and whole. ance pleasing, but the minute you Wisdom, for example, the spiritual We look forward to the Resurrection walk out the door, forget yourself and and physical are intertwined. When that Jesus Christ made possible, when start concentrating on others.” we follow the Lord’s law of health for “the soul shall be restored to the body, There it was. She was teaching me our bodies, we are also promised wis- and the body to the soul; yea, and the Christlike principle of selflessness. dom to our spirits and knowledge to every limb and joint shall be restored Charity, or the pure love of Christ, our minds (see D&C 89:19–21). The to its body; yea, even a hair of the “envieth not, and is not puffed up, spiritual and physical truly are linked. head shall not be lost; but all things seeketh not her own” (Moroni 7:45). I remember an incident in my shall be restored to their proper and When we become other-oriented, or home growing up when my mother’s perfect frame” (Alma 40:23). I know selfless, we develop an inner beauty sensitive spirit was affected by a physi- that through Christ we can experience of spirit that glows in our outward cal indulgence. She had experimented a fulness of joy that is available only appearance. This is how we make our- with a new sweet roll recipe. They when spirit and element are insepara- selves in the Lord’s image rather than were big and rich and yummy—and bly connected (see D&C 93:33). the world’s and receive His image in very filling. Even my teenage brothers Our bodies are our temples. We are our countenances. President Hinckley couldn’t eat more than one. That not less but more like Heavenly Father spoke of this very kind of beauty that night at family prayer my father called because we are embodied. I testify comes as we learn to respect body, upon Mom to pray. She buried her that we are His children, made in His mind, and spirit. He said: head and didn’t respond. He gently image, with the potential to become “Of all the creations of the Almighty, prodded her, “Is something wrong?” like Him. Let us treat this divine gift of there is none more beautiful, none Finally she said, “I don’t feel very spiri- the body with great care. Someday, if more inspiring than a lovely daughter tual tonight. I just ate three of those we are worthy, we shall receive a per- of God who walks in virtue with an rich sweet rolls.” I suppose that many fected, glorious body—pure and clean understanding of why she should do of us have similarly offended our spir- like my new little granddaughter, only so, who honors and respects her body its at times by physical indulgences. inseparably bound to the spirit. And as a thing sacred and divine, who culti- Especially substances forbidden in the we shall shout for joy (see Job 38:7) to vates her mind and constantly enlarges Word of Wisdom have a harmful effect receive this gift again for which we the horizon of her understanding, who on our bodies and a numbing influ- have longed (see D&C 138:50). May nurtures her spirit with everlasting ence on our spiritual sensitivities. we respect the sanctity of the body truth” (“Understanding Our Divine None of us can ignore this connection during mortality so that the Lord may Nature,” Liahona, Feb. 2002, 24; of our spirits and bodies. sanctify and exalt it for eternity. In the “Our Responsibility to Our Young These sacred bodies, for which we name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 15 iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold Journey them by the prophets of the Lord.”2 Since the days of Adam, the Lord has spoken to His prophets, and while His message differs according to the to Higher Ground specific needs of the time, there is one ELDER JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN consistent, never-changing theme: Depart from iniquity and journey to Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles higher ground. As people heed the words of the We are faced with a choice. We can trust in our prophets, the Lord blesses them. own strength, or we can journey to higher ground When they disregard His word, how- ever, distress and suffering often fol- and come unto Christ. low. Over and over, the Book of Mormon teaches this great lesson. In its pages we read of the ancient inhab- itants of the American continent who, sea. For hundreds and perhaps thou- because of their righteousness, were sands of years, their ancestors have blessed of the Lord and became pros- studied the ocean, and they have perous. Yet often this prosperity passed their knowledge down from turned into a curse in that it caused father to son. them to “harden their hearts, and . . . One thing in particular they were forget the Lord their God.”3 careful to teach was what to do when There is something about prosper- the ocean receded. According to their ity that brings out the worst in some traditions, when that happened, the people. In the book of Helaman, we “Laboon”—a wave that eats people— learn of one group of Nephites who would arrive soon after. experienced great loss and slaughter. When the elders of the village saw Of them we read, “And it was because the dreaded signs, they shouted to of the pride of their hearts, because everyone to run to high ground. of their exceeding riches, yea, it was Not everyone listened. because of their oppression to the One elderly fisherman said, “None poor, withholding their food from the of the kids believed me.” In fact, his hungry, withholding their clothing n December 26, 2004, a pow- own daughter called him a liar. But the from the naked, and smiting their erful earthquake struck off the old fisherman would not relent until humble brethren upon the cheek, coast of Indonesia, creating a all had left the village and climbed to making a mock of that which was O 1 deadly tsunami that killed more than higher ground. sacred, [and] denying the spirit of 200,000 people. It was a terrible The Moken people were fortunate prophecy and of revelation.”4 tragedy. In one day, millions of lives in that they had someone with convic- This sorrow would not have were forever changed. tion who warned them of what would afflicted them “had it not been for But there was one group of people follow. The villagers were fortunate their wickedness.”5 If only they had who, although their village was because they listened. Had they not, heeded the words of the prophets of destroyed, did not suffer a single they may have perished. their day and journeyed to higher casualty. The prophet Nephi wrote about the ground, their lives would have been The reason? great disaster of his day, the destruc- dramatically different. They knew a tsunami was coming. tion of Jerusalem. “As one generation The natural consequence that The Moken people live in villages hath been destroyed among the Jews comes to those who depart from the on islands off the coast of Thailand because of iniquity,” he said, “even so way of the Lord is that they are left to and Burma (Myanmar). A society of have they been destroyed from gener- their own strength.6 While in the heat fishermen, their lives depend on the ation to generation according to their of our success we might assume that

16 our own strength is sufficient, those a prophet approached and prophe- them to be “priests of the high who rely upon the arm of the flesh sied that the Lord would rend the places.”12 In short, in spite of the great soon discover how weak and unreli- kingdom from Solomon and give blessings he had received from the able it truly is.7 ten of the twelve tribes of Israel to Lord, the king was evil above all those For example, Solomon, at first, Jeroboam. before him.13 In later generations, obeyed the Lord and honored His law. Through His prophet, the Lord Jeroboam was the standard by which Because of this, he prospered and promised Jeroboam if he would do evil kings of Israel were compared. was blessed not only with wisdom but what is right, “I will be with thee, and Because of such wickedness, the with wealth and honor. If he contin- build thee a sure house, as I built for Lord turned away from Jeroboam. As ued in righteousness, the Lord prom- David, and will give Israel unto thee.”11 a result of the king’s wickedness, the ised to “establish the throne of [his] The Lord chose Jeroboam and Lord decreed that the king and all of kingdom upon Israel for ever.”8 promised remarkable blessings to him his family would be destroyed until But even after heavenly visita- if only he would obey the command- not one was left. This prophecy was tions, even after receiving blessings ments and journey to higher ground. later fulfilled to the letter. The seed of above all men, Solomon turned away After Solomon’s death, the words of Jeroboam perished from the earth.14 from the Lord. Because of this, the the prophet were fulfilled, and ten of Solomon and Jeroboam are exam- Lord decreed that the kingdom the twelve tribes of Israel followed ples of a great, tragic cycle so often would be torn from him and given Jeroboam. illustrated in the Book of Mormon. to his servant.9 After receiving such favor, did the When the people are righteous, the The name of that servant was new king obey the Lord? Lord prospers them. Prosperity often Jeroboam. Jeroboam was an industri- Unfortunately, he did not. He set leads to pride, which leads to sin. Sin ous man from the tribe of Ephraim up golden calves and encouraged his leads to wickedness and to hearts that whom Solomon had promoted to people to worship them. He created become hardened to things of the manage a portion of his laborers.10 his own “priesthood” by selecting Spirit. Eventually, the end of this road One day, as Jeroboam was traveling, whomsoever he would, consecrating leads to heartbreak and sorrow.

NOVEMBER 2005 17 When the wicked city of Nineveh heard the warning voice of the prophet Jonah, they cried mightily to the Lord, repented, and were saved from destruction.16 Because the people in Enoch’s day were evil, the Lord commanded Enoch to open his mouth and warn the people to turn from their wicked- ness and serve the Lord their God. Enoch set aside his fears and did as he was commanded. He traveled among the people, crying with a loud voice, testifying against their works. The scriptures tell us that “all men were offended because of him.” They spoke among themselves of “a strange thing in the land” and a “wild man” that had come among them.17 Although many hated Enoch, the humble believed his words. They aban- doned their sins and journeyed to higher ground, and “they were blessed upon the mountains, and upon the high places, and did flourish.”18 In their case, instead of prosperity leading to pride and sin, it led to compassion and righteousness. “And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.”19 After His Resurrection, the Savior came to the Americas. Because of His wondrous ministry, the people’s hearts This pattern is repeated not only nature. The early Saints of this dispen- were softened. They abandoned their in the lives of individual people but sation were persecuted and driven sins and journeyed to higher ground. by cities, nations, and even the world. from their homes. Some lost their They cherished His words and sought The consequences of ignoring the lives. But, perhaps because they had to follow His example. Lord and His prophets are certain endured so much, they developed an They lived so righteously that there and often accompanied by great sor- inner strength that was a necessary were no contentions among them, row and regret. In our day the Lord preparation for the work they were and they dealt justly one with another. has warned that wickedness will ulti- yet to do. They shared freely of their substance mately lead to “famine, and plague, The same happens in our day one with another, and they prospered and earthquake, and the thunder of as well. exceedingly. heaven” until “the inhabitants of the Because we are not immune to Of this people it was said that earth be made to feel the wrath, and calamities, we must learn from them. “surely there could not be a happier indignation, and chastening hand of While the scriptures show the people among all the people who had an Almighty God.”15 consequences of disobedience, they been created by the hand of God.”20 It is important to understand, how- also show what can happen when In our day we face a similar choice. ever, that many fine and good people people listen to the Lord and heed We can foolishly ignore the prophets are affected by calamities of man and His counsel. of God, depend on our own strength,

18 and ultimately reap the consequences. God to man. His voice sounds in har- Or we can wisely draw near to the mony with those prophetic voices of Lord and partake of His blessings. all ages past. King Benjamin described both “I invite every one of you,” he has paths and both consequences. He said said, “wherever you may be as mem- that those who forsake the Lord will bers of this church, to stand on your be “consigned to an awful view of feet and with a song in your heart their own guilt and abominations, move forward, living the gospel, lov- which doth cause them to shrink from ing the Lord, and building the king- the presence of the Lord into a state dom. Together we shall stay the of misery and endless torment.”21 course and keep the faith, the But those who journey to higher Almighty being our strength.”25 ground and keep the commandments Brothers and sisters, we are called of God “are blessed in all things, both to journey to higher ground. temporal and spiritual; and if they We can avoid the sorrow and dis- hold out faithful to the end they are tress that comes as a consequence of received into heaven, that thereby disobedience. they may dwell with God in a state of We can partake of peace, joy, and never-ending happiness.”22 sustain their spouses and children. eternal life if we will heed the words How do we know which direction In the spirit of love and kindness, of the prophets, be sensitive to the we are headed? When the Savior they build up those around them. influence of the Holy Ghost, and fill walked the earth He was asked to They give freely of their substance to our hearts with love for our Heavenly name the greatest commandment. others. They mourn with those that Father and our fellowman. Without hesitation He said: “Thou mourn and comfort those that stand I leave my witness that the Lord shalt love the Lord thy God with all in need of comfort.24 will bless all who embark upon the thy heart, and with all thy soul, and This journey to higher ground is the paths of discipleship and journey to with all thy mind. pathway of discipleship to the Lord higher ground, in the name of Jesus “This is the first and great Jesus Christ. It is a journey that will ulti- Christ, amen. ■ commandment. mately lead us to exaltation with our NOTES “And the second is like unto it, Thou families in the presence of the Father 1. “Sea Gypsies See Signs in the Waves,” CBS shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. and the Son. Consequently, our jour- News, 60 Minutes transcript, Mar. 20, 2005, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/ “On these two commandments ney to higher ground must include the 03/18/60minutes/main681558.shtml. hang all the law and the prophets.”23 house of the Lord. As we come unto 2. 2 Nephi 25:9. 3. Helaman 12:2. In these verses, the Lord offers a Christ and journey to higher ground, 4. Helaman 4:12. clear way of knowing if we are on the we will desire to spend more time in 5. Helaman 4:11. right path. Those who journey to His temples, because the temples rep- 6. See Helaman 4:13. 7. See John 15:5: “Without me ye can do higher ground love the Lord with all resent higher ground, sacred ground. nothing.” their hearts. We see in their lives In every age we are faced with a 8. See 1 Kings 9:4–5. manifestations of that love. They seek choice. We can trust in our own 9. See 1 Kings 11:9–10. 10. See 1 Kings 11:28. their God in prayer and plead for His strength, or we can journey to higher 11. 1 Kings 11:38. Holy Spirit. They humble themselves ground and come unto Christ. 12. See 1 Kings 12:28–30; 13:33. and open their hearts to the teach- Each choice has a consequence. 13. See 1 Kings 14:9. 14. See 1 Kings 15:29. ings of the prophets. They magnify Each consequence, a destination. 15. D&C 87:6. their callings and seek to serve rather I bear witness that Jesus the Christ 16. See Jonah 3:4–10. 17. See Moses 6:37–38. than be served. They stand as wit- is our Redeemer, the living Son of the 18. Moses 7:17. nesses of God. They obey His com- living God. The heavens are open, and 19. Moses 7:18. mandments and grow strong in their a loving Heavenly Father reveals His 20. 4 Nephi 1:16. 21. Mosiah 3:25. testimony of the truth. word unto man. Through the Prophet 22. Mosiah 2:41. They also love Heavenly Father’s Joseph Smith the gospel was restored 23. Matthew 22:37–40. children, and their lives manifest that to earth. In our day a prophet, seer, 24. See Mosiah 18:9. 25. “Stay the Course—Keep the Faith,” in love. They care for their brothers and revelator, President Gordon B. Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 96; or and sisters. They nurture, serve, and Hinckley, lives and reveals the word of Ensign, Nov. 1995, 72.

NOVEMBER 2005 19 man that cometh into the world.”2 The Lord is the true light, “and the Spirit The Light enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.”3 This light shows in our countenances as well as in our eyes. in Their Eyes Paul Harvey, a famous news com- PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST mentator, visited one of our Church school campuses some years ago. Second Counselor in the First Presidency Later he observed: “Each . . . young face mirrored a sort of . . . sublime A sacred light comes to our eyes and countenances assurance. These days many young when we have a personal bond with our loving eyes are prematurely old from count- less compromises with conscience. Heavenly Father and His Son. But [these young people] have that enviable headstart which derives from discipline, dedication, and consecration.”4 Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Those who truly repent receive the Studies was later built. Before this Spirit of Christ and are baptized into lease could be signed, President Ezra this Church unto the remission of Taft Benson and Elder Jeffrey R. their sins. Hands are laid upon their Holland, then president of Brigham heads, and through the priesthood of Young University, agreed with the God they receive the Holy Ghost.5 It is Israeli government on behalf of the “the gift of God unto all those who Church and the university not to pros- diligently seek him.”6 As Elder Parley P. elyte in Israel. You might wonder why Pratt characterized it, the gift of the we agreed not to proselyte. We were Holy Ghost is, “as it were, . . . joy to required to do so in order to get the the heart, [and] light to the eyes.”7 building permit to build that magnifi- The Holy Ghost is that Comforter cent building which stands in the promised by the Savior before He was historic city of Jerusalem. To our crucified.8 The Holy Ghost gives wor- knowledge the Church and BYU have thy Saints both spiritual guidance and scrupulously and honorably kept that protection. It increases our knowledge nonproselyting commitment. After and our understanding of “all things.”9 y dear brothers, sisters, and the lease had been signed, one of our This is of immense value at a time friends all over the world, I friends insightfully remarked, “Oh, we when spiritual blindness is increasing. Mhumbly seek your under- know that you are not going to prose- Secularism is expanding in much of standing and the aid of our Father’s lyte, but what are you going to do the world today. Secularism is defined Spirit as I speak to you this morning. about the light that is in their eyes?” as “indifference to or rejection or I greatly appreciated the brief He was referring to our students who exclusion of religion and religious con- prophetic message of President were studying in Israel. siderations.”10 Secularism does not Hinckley at the beginning of this What was that light in their eyes accept many things as absolutes. Its conference. I testify that President which was so obvious to our friend? principal objectives are pleasure and Hinckley is our prophet, who richly The Lord Himself gives the answer: self-interest. Often those who embrace enjoys the guidance of the Head of “And the light which shineth, which secularism have a different look about this Church, who is our Lord and giveth you light, is through him who them. As Isaiah observed, “The show Savior Jesus Christ. enlighteneth your eyes, which is the of their countenance doth witness I recently recalled a historic meet- same light that quickeneth your under- against them.”11 ing in Jerusalem about 17 years ago. It standings.”1 Where did that light come Yet with all the secularism in the was regarding the lease for the land on from? Again the Lord gives the answer: world, many people hunger and yearn which the ’s “I am the true light that lighteth every for the things of the Spirit and hearing

20 the word of the Lord. As Amos proph- the Lord lifts us out of spiritual blind- blockbusters. They are huge, and esied: “Behold, the days come, saith ness “into his marvellous light.”13 some of them are unique to our faith. the Lord God, that I will send a famine What are we doing to keep the light These precious beliefs are based in the land, not a famine of bread, nor shining in our own eyes and counte- upon our faithfulness and include the a thirst for water, but of hearing the nances? Much of that light comes from following, not necessarily in order of words of the Lord: our discipline, dedication, and conse- importance: “And they shall wander from sea to cration14 to some important absolutes. 1. God and His Son are glorified sea, and from the north even to the The foremost of these absolutes is personages. God the Father is our liv- east, they shall run to and fro to seek that there is a God who is the Father ing Creator, and His Son, Jesus Christ, the word of the Lord, and shall not of our souls to whom we account for is our Savior and Redeemer. We have find it.”12 our actions. Second, that Jesus is the been created in God’s image.17 We Where can we hear the words of Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. know this because Joseph Smith saw the Lord? We can hear them from Third, that the great plan of happiness Them, They talked to him, and he our prophet, President Gordon B. requires obedience to God’s com- talked to Them.18 Hinckley, the First Presidency, the mandments. Fourth, that the greatest 2. Temple blessings seal husband Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and gift of God is eternal life.15 and wife together, not only for this life the other General Authorities. We Other blessings add further to the but for eternity. Children and posterity can also hear them from our stake light in our eyes. They are the gifts of can be linked together by this sealing. presidents and bishops. Missionaries the Spirit that come from the Savior.16 3. Every worthy male member of can hear them from their mission Joy, happiness, fulfillment, and peace the Church can hold and exercise the presidents. We can read them in the are the gifts of the Spirit that flow priesthood of God. He can exercise scriptures. We can also hear the still, from the power of the Holy Ghost. this divine authority within his family small voice which comes through the In terms of happiness here and in and in the Church under call by one Holy Ghost. Hearing the words of the eternities, many of our beliefs are who has authority.

NOVEMBER 2005 21 4. Additional holy scriptures include her, and she was baptized soon after.21 the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and All of this because she noticed the light Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. in that young student nurse’s face. 5. Living apostles and prophets Once when President Brigham speak the word of God in our day, Young was asked why we are some- under the direction of President times left alone and often sad, his Gordon B. Hinckley, who is the response was that man has to learn prophet, seer, and revelator, the to “act as an independent being . . . source of continuous revelation in to see what he will do . . . and try his our time. independency—to be righteous in 6. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the dark.”22 That becomes easier to available to all members. When the do when we see the “gospel glow Prophet Joseph Smith was asked . . . radiating from . . . illuminated “wherein [the LDS Church] differed individuals.”23 . . . from the other religions of the Service in this Church is a mar- day,” he replied that it was in “the gift velous blessing and privilege that of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of brings light to our eyes and our hands, . . . [and] that all other consid- countenances. As the Savior recom- erations were contained in the gift of mended, “Let your light so shine the Holy Ghost.”19 before this people, that they may 7. The ennobling of womanhood. see your good works and glorify Women have full equality with men your Father who is in heaven.”24 before the Lord. By nature, the roles Words cannot express the blessings of women differ from those of men. prayer, and in a day or two the that come to us through service in This knowledge has come to us with answer came. She took some foam- this Church. The Lord promises that the Restoration of the gospel in the ing hydrogen peroxide with her for if we magnify our callings we will find fulness of times, with an acknowledg- the next visit. As this was painless, happiness and joy. ment that women are endowed with the old woman let her use it on her Alma asks if we have received His the great responsibilities of mother- leg. Then they talked about more image in our countenances.25 A hood and nurturing. More opportu- serious treatment at the hospital. sacred light comes to our eyes and nities have come to women since Constance assured her the hospital countenances when we have a per- 1842, when the Prophet Joseph would make her stay as pleasant as sonal bond with our loving Heavenly Smith, in the name of God, turned possible. In a day or two the woman Father and His Son, our Savior and the key in their behalf than from did get the courage to enter the hos- Redeemer. With this bond our faces the beginning of humankind on pital. When Constance visited her, will mirror that “sublime assurance”26 the earth.20 the woman smiled as she said, “You that He lives. Some years ago, Constance, a stu- convinced me.” Then, quite unex- I bear my personal witness of the dent nurse, was assigned to try and pectedly, she asked Constance, “What divinity of this holy work in which we help a woman who had injured her church do you belong to?” Constance are engaged. Testimonies come leg in an accident. The woman refused told her she was a member of The through revelation.27 This testifying medical help because she had had a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day revelation came to my heart as a young negative experience with someone at Saints. The woman said: “I knew it. I boy. I do not recall any specific event the hospital. She was afraid and had knew you were sent to me from the that prompted this confirming revela- become something of a recluse. The first day that I saw you. There was a tion. It just seemed always to be part of first time Constance dropped by, the light in your face that I had noticed in my consciousness. I am grateful for injured woman ordered her out. On others of your faith. I had to put my this confirming knowledge that has the second try, she did let Constance trust in you.” made it possible to handle the vicissi- in. By now the woman’s leg was cov- In three months’ time that festering tudes of life which come to all of us. ered with large ulcers, and some of leg was completely healed. Members We have been and will be stirred by the flesh was rotting. But still she of the ward where the old woman the testifying messages of the Brethren didn’t want to be treated. lived remodeled her house and fixed and sisters in this conference. I believe Constance made it a matter of up her yard. The missionaries met with this confirming experience should

22 SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION October 1, 2005 relate to you. You may very well receive an affirmation that what is said is true. Brigham Young taught, “Not The Sustaining only the Saints who are present, . . . but those of every nation, continent, or island who live the religion taught by our Savior and his Apostles, and of Church Officers also by Joseph Smith; . . . also bear the PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON same testimony, their eyes have been quickened by the Spirit of God, and First Counselor in the First Presidency they see alike, their hearts have been quickened, and they feel and under- stand alike.”28 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- I know with all my heart and day Saints; Thomas Spencer Monson as soul that God lives. I believe He will First Counselor in the First Presidency; enlighten our lives with His love for and James Esdras Faust as Second each of us if we strive to be worthy Counselor in the First Presidency. of that love, in the holy name of Those in favor may manifest it. Jesus Christ, amen. ■ Those opposed, if any, may so

NOTES manifest. 1. D&C 88:11; emphasis added. It is proposed that we sustain 2. D&C 93:2. Thomas Spencer Monson as President 3. D&C 84:46. 4. News broadcast, Dec. 8, 1967, typescript, 1. of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; 5. See D&C 20:37. Boyd Kenneth Packer as Acting 6. 1 Nephi 10:17. President of the Quorum of the 7. Key to the Science of Theology: A Voice of Warning (1978), 61. Twelve Apostles; and the following as 8. See John 14:26. members of that quorum: Boyd K. 9. John 14:26. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. 10. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed. (2003), “secularism,” 1123. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell 11. 2 Nephi 13:9. y brothers and sisters, Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. 12. Amos 8:11–12. President Hinckley has Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. 13. 1 Peter 2:9. 14. See Paul Harvey, news broadcast, Mrequested that I now present Holland, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Dec. 8, 1967. to you the General Authorities, Area Uchtdorf, and David A. Bednar. 15. See D&C 14:7. 16. See D&C 46:11. Seventies, and general auxiliary presi- Those in favor please manifest it. 17. See Genesis 1:26–27. dencies of the Church for your sus- Any opposed. 18. See Joseph Smith—History 1:17–18. taining vote. It is proposed that we sustain the 19. History of the Church, 4:42. 20. See , “Address to It is proposed that we sustain counselors in the First Presidency Members of the Relief Society,” Relief Gordon Bitner Hinckley as prophet, and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, Society Magazine, Dec. 1945, 717; see seer, and revelator and President of seers, and revelators. also Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 40. 21. See Constance Polve, “A Battle Won,” Tambuli, Mar. 1981, 29–32; New Era, Apr. 1980, 44–45. 22. Brigham Young’s Office Journal, Jan. 28, 1857, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 23. Neal A. Maxwell, “Be of Good Cheer,” in Conference Report, Oct. 1982, 97; or Ensign, Nov. 1982, 67. 24. 3 Nephi 12:16. 25. See Alma 5:14. 26. Paul Harvey, news broadcast, Dec. 8, 1967. 27. See Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, ed. John A. Widtsoe (1998), 35. 28. Discourses of Brigham Young, 31.

NOVEMBER 2005 23 All in favor please manifest it. Contrary, if there be any, by the same sign. Priesthood It is proposed that we release Elders John H. Groberg and David E. Sorensen as members of the Presi- dency of the Quorums of the Seventy Authority and as members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and designate them as emeritus General Authorities. It is pro- posed that we release Elders F. Burton in the Family Howard, F. Melvin Hammond, and Harold G. Hillam as members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and and the Church designate them as emeritus General Authorities. ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS All who wish to join with us in Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles doing so please manifest it. We extend a release to Elders There are many similarities and some differences in the way Darwin B. Christenson, Adhemar Damiani, H. Aldridge Gillespie, priesthood authority functions in the family and in the Church. Stephen B. Oveson, Ned B. Roueché, and Dennis E. Simmons as members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Those who wish to join with us in home. But Mother continued to doing so please manifest it. direct the family, including calling on We also extend a release to Jairo which one of us would pray when we Mazzagardi as an Area Seventy. knelt together each morning. I was All who wish to join us in express- puzzled. I had been taught that the ing appreciation please manifest it. priesthood presided in the family. It is proposed that we sustain There must be something I didn’t Elders Neil L. Andersen and Ronald A. know about how that principle Rasband as members of the Presidency worked. of the Quorums of the Seventy. About this same time, we had a All in favor please manifest it. neighbor who dominated and some- Any opposed by the same sign. times abused his wife. He roared like It is proposed that we sustain a lion, and she cowered like a lamb. Sione M. Fineanganofo as an Area When they walked to church, she Seventy to succeed Pita R. Vamanrav, always walked a few steps behind who recently passed away. him. That made my mother mad. She All in favor please manifest it. was a strong woman who would not Any opposed by the same sign. y subject is priesthood accept such domination, and she was It is proposed that we sustain the authority in the family and angry to see another woman abused other General Authorities, Area Min the Church. in that way. I think of her reaction Seventies, and general auxiliary presi- whenever I see men misusing their dencies as presently constituted. I. authority to gratify their pride or Those in favor please manifest it. My father died when I was seven. exercise control or compulsion upon Any opposed may manifest it. I was the oldest of three small chil- their wives in any degree of unrigh- It appears that the sustaining has dren our widowed mother struggled teousness (see D&C 121:37). been unanimous in the affirmative. to raise. When I was ordained a dea- I have also seen some faithful Thank you, brothers and sisters, for con, she said how pleased she was to women who misunderstand how your continued faith and prayers. ■ have a priesthood holder in the priesthood authority functions.

24 Mindful of their partnership relation- ship with their husband in the family, some wives have sought to extend that relationship to their husband’s priesthood calling, such as bishop or mission president. In contrast, some single women who have been abused by men (such as in a divorce) mistak- enly confuse the priesthood with male abuse and become suspicious of any priesthood authority. A person who has had a bad experience with a par- ticular electrical appliance should not forego using the power of electricity. Each of the circumstances I have described results from misunderstand- ing priesthood authority and the great principle that while this authority pre- sides in both the family and the Church, the priesthood functions in a different way in each of them. This principle is understood and applied by the great Church and family leaders I have known, but it is rarely explained. Even the scriptures, which record vari- ous exercises of priesthood authority, seldom state expressly which princi- ples only apply to the exercise of priesthood authority in the family or in the Church or which apply in both of them.

II. with careful concern for the other. she could not provide because we In our theology and in our prac- Church programs and activities had no male role model in the home. tice, the family and the Church have a should not be so all-encompassing I remember her urging me to watch mutually reinforcing relationship. The that families cannot have everyone and try to be like the good men in family is dependent upon the Church present for family time. And family our ward. She pushed me to partici- for doctrine, ordinances, and priest- activities should not be scheduled in pate in Scouting and other Church hood keys. The Church provides the conflict with sacrament meeting or activities that would provide this teachings, authority, and ordinances other vital Church meetings. opportunity. necessary to perpetuate family rela- We need both Church activities and In a church where there are many tionships to the eternities. family activities. If all families were single members, who do not presently We have programs and activities in complete and perfect, the Church have the companionship the Lord both the family and the Church. Each could sponsor fewer activities. But in a intends for all of his sons and daugh- is so interrelated that service to one is world where many of our youth grow ters, the Church and its families should service to the other. When children see up in homes where one parent is miss- also have special concern for the needs their parents faithfully perform Church ing, not a member, or otherwise inac- of single adults. callings, it strengthens their family rela- tive in gospel leadership, there is a tionships. When families are strong, special need for Church activities to fill III. the Church is strong. The two run in in the gaps. Our widowed mother Priesthood authority functions in parallel. Each is important and neces- wisely saw that Church activities would both the family and the Church. The sary, and each must be conducted provide her sons with experiences priesthood is the power of God used

NOVEMBER 2005 25 to bless all of His children, male and also includes ordained fathers giving Partnership. A most important dif- female. Some of our abbreviated priesthood blessings. ference in the functioning of priest- expressions, like “the women and the However, priesthood keys are nec- hood authority in the family and in priesthood,” convey an erroneous essary to authorize the ordaining or the Church results from the fact that idea. Men are not “the priesthood.” setting apart of family members. This is the government of the family is patri- Priesthood meeting is a meeting of because the organization the Lord has archal, whereas the government of those who hold and exercise the made responsible for the performance the Church is hierarchical. The con- priesthood. The blessings of the and recording of priesthood ordi- cept of partnership functions differ- priesthood, such as baptism, receiv- nances is the Church, not the family. ently in the family than in the Church. ing the Holy Ghost, the temple Boundaries. Church organizations The family proclamation gives this endowment, and eternal marriage, like wards, quorums, or auxiliaries beautiful explanation of the relation- are available to men and women alike. always have geographic boundaries ship between a husband and a wife: The authority of the priesthood func- that limit the responsibility and While they have separate responsibili- tions in the family and in the Church, authority of the callings associated ties, “in these sacred responsibilities, according to the principles the Lord with them. In contrast, family relation- fathers and mothers are obligated to has established. ships and responsibilities are not help one another as equal partners” When my father died, my mother dependent upon where different fam- (“The Family: A Proclamation to the presided over our family. She had no ily members reside. World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; priesthood office, but as the surviv- Duration. Church callings are Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102; emphasis ing parent in her marriage she had always temporary, but family relation- added). become the governing officer in her ships are permanent. President Spencer W. Kimball said family. At the same time, she was Call and release. Another contrast this: “When we speak of marriage as a always totally respectful of the priest- concerns the initiation and termina- partnership, let us speak of marriage hood authority of our bishop and tion of positions. In the Church, a as a full partnership. We do not want other Church leaders. She presided priesthood leader who holds the nec- our LDS women to be silent partners over her family, but they presided essary keys has the authority to call or or limited partners in that eternal over the Church. release persons serving under his assignment! Please be a contributing direction. He can even cause that they and full partner” (The Teachings of IV. lose their membership and have their Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. There are many similarities and names “blotted out” (see Mosiah Kimball [1982], 315). some differences in the way priest- 26:34–38; Alma 5:56–62). In contrast, President Kimball also declared, hood authority functions in the family family relationships are so important “We have heard of men who have said and in the Church. If we fail to recog- that the head of the family lacks the to their wives, ‘I hold the priesthood nize and honor the differences, we authority to make changes in family and you’ve got to do what I say.’ ” encounter difficulties. membership. That can only be done He decisively rejected that abuse of Keys. One important difference by someone authorized to adjust fam- priesthood authority in a marriage, between its function in the Church ily relationships under the laws of declaring that such a man “should not and in the family is the fact that all man or the laws of God. Thus, while be honored in his priesthood” (The priesthood authority in the Church a bishop can release a Relief Society Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 316). functions under the direction of the president, he cannot sever his rela- There are cultures or traditions in one who holds the appropriate priest- tionship with his wife without a some parts of the world that allow hood keys. In contrast, the authority divorce under the laws of man. Again, men to oppress women, but those that presides in the family—whether his sealing for eternity cannot be abuses must not be carried into the father or single-parent mother—func- ended without a cancellation proce- families of the Church of Jesus Christ. tions in family matters without the dure under the laws of God. Similarly, Remember how Jesus taught: “Ye need to get authorization from anyone a youth serving in a class or quorum have heard that it was said by them of holding priesthood keys. This family presidency can be released by priest- old time, . . . but I say unto you . . .” authority includes directing the activi- hood authority in the ward, but par- (Matthew 5:27–28). For example, ties of the family, family meetings like ents cannot divorce a child whose life the Savior contradicted the prevailing family home evenings, family prayer, choices are offensive to them. Family culture in His considerate treatment teaching the gospel, and counseling relationships are more enduring than of women. Our guide must be the and disciplining family members. It Church relationships. gospel culture He taught.

26 If men desire the Lord’s blessings in their family leadership, they must exercise their priesthood authority according to the Lord’s principles for its use: “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge” (D&C 121:41–42). When priesthood authority is exer- cised in that way in the patriarchal family, we achieve the “full partner- ship” President Kimball taught. As declared in the family proclamation: “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus V. presence in our home. She spoke of Christ. Successful marriages and fami- I conclude with some general com- the eternal duration of their temple lies are established and maintained on ments and a personal experience. marriage. She often reminded us of principles of faith, prayer, repentance, The theology of The Church of what our father would like us to do so forgiveness, respect, love, [and] com- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints cen- we could realize the Savior’s promise passion” (Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; ters on the family. Our relationship to that we could be a family forever. Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). God and the purpose of earth life are I recall an experience that shows Church callings are performed explained in terms of the family. We the effect of her teachings. Just before according to the principles that gov- are the spirit children of heavenly par- Christmas one year, our bishop asked ern all of us in working under priest- ents. The gospel plan is implemented me, as a deacon, to help him deliver hood authority in the Church. These through earthly families, and our Christmas baskets to the widows of principles include the persuasion and highest aspiration is to perpetuate the ward. I carried a basket to each gentleness taught in the 121st section, those family relationships throughout door with his greetings. When he which are especially necessary in the eternity. The ultimate mission of our drove me home, there was one basket hierarchal organization of the Church. Savior’s Church is to help us achieve remaining. He handed it to me and The principles I have identified for exaltation in the celestial kingdom, said it was for my mother. As he drove the exercise of priesthood authority and that can only be accomplished in away, I stood in the falling snow won- are more understandable and more a family relationship. dering why there was a basket for my comfortable for a married woman than No wonder our Church is known as mother. She never referred to herself for a single woman, especially a single a family-centered church. No wonder as a widow, and it had never occurred woman who has never been married. we are distressed at the current legal to me that she was. To a 12-year-old She does not now experience priest- and cultural deteriorations in the posi- boy, she wasn’t a widow. She had a hood authority in the partnership rela- tion of marriage and childbearing. At a husband, and we had a father. He was tionship of marriage. Her experiences time when the world seems to be los- just away for a while. with priesthood authority are in the ing its understanding of the purpose of I anticipate that glorious future day hierarchical relationships of the marriage and the value of childbearing, when the separated will be reunited Church, and some single women feel it is vital that Latter-day Saints have no and all of us will be made complete they have no voice in those relation- confusion about these matters. as the Lord has promised. I testify of ships. It is, therefore, imperative to The faithful widowed mother who Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son have an effective ward council, where raised us had no confusion about the of the Eternal Father, whose priest- male and female ward officers sit down eternal nature of the family. She hood authority and whose Atonement together regularly to counsel under always honored the position of our and Resurrection make it all possible, the presiding authority of the bishop. deceased father. She made him a in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 27 obedience to become a rightful heir in His eternal kingdom, an “[heir] of To Young Women God, and joint-[heir] with Christ.”2 Seek to comprehend the significance ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND of these doctrines. Everything Christ Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught He taught to women as well as men. Indeed, in the restored light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, a woman, Be a woman of Christ. Cherish your esteemed place including a young woman, occupies in the sight of God. He needs you. This Church needs you. a majesty all her own in the divine The world needs you. design of the Creator. You are, as Elder James E. Talmage once phrased it, “a sanctified investiture which none shall dare profane.”3 of a dozen kinds present themselves Be a woman of Christ. Cherish daily, yet most of you strive to do what your esteemed place in the sight of is right. God. He needs you. This Church This afternoon I wish to raise my needs you. The world needs you. A voice in praise of you, to express my woman’s abiding trust in God and love, my encouragement, and my unfailing devotion to things of the admiration for you. Because this pre- Spirit have always been an anchor cious eldest grandchild of whom I when the wind and the waves of life spoke is a young woman, I am going to were fiercest.4 I say to you what the address my remarks to the young Prophet Joseph said more than 150 women of the Church, but I hope the years ago: “If you live up to your privi- spirit of what I say can apply to women leges, the angels cannot be restrained and men of all ages. However today, as from being your associates.”5 Maurice Chevalier used to sing, I want All of this is to try to tell you how to “thank heaven for little girls.” your Father in Heaven feels about you First of all, I want you to be proud and what He has designed for you to you are a woman. I want you to feel become. And if for a time any of you ather Time played a rude trick the reality of what that means, to know are less visionary than this or seem on me just a few months ago. who you truly are. You are literally a bent on living beneath your privilege, FI arose one morning all bright spirit daughter of heavenly parents then we express even greater love for eyed and bushy tailed, greeted the with a divine nature and an eternal you and plead with you to make your dawn with a smile—only to realize destiny.1 That surpassing truth should teenage years a triumph, not a tragedy. suddenly that with the birthday to be fixed deep in your soul and be fun- Fathers and mothers, prophets and be celebrated that day I now had a damental to every decision you make apostles have no motive except to teenage grandchild. I thought about as you grow into mature womanhood. bless your life and to spare you every it for a minute and then did what any There could never be a greater authen- possible heartache we can spare you. responsible, dignified adult would do. tication of your dignity, your worth, For you to fully claim Heavenly I got back in bed and pulled the cov- your privileges, and your promise. Father’s blessings and protection, we ers over my head. Your Father in Heaven knows your ask you to stay true to the standards Traditional joking aside about the name and knows your circumstance. of the gospel of Jesus Christ and not harrowing experience of raising He hears your prayers. He knows your slavishly follow the whims of fads and teenagers, I want to say to my own hopes and dreams, including your fashions. The Church will never deny granddaughter and the vast majority fears and frustrations. And He knows your moral agency regarding what of the youth of the Church whom I what you can become through faith in you should wear and exactly how meet around the world how extraordi- Him. Because of this divine heritage you should look. But the Church narily proud we are of you. Moral and you, along with all of your spiritual sis- will always declare standards and physical danger exists almost every- ters and brothers, have full equality in will always teach principles. As Sister where around you and temptations His sight and are empowered through Susan Tanner taught this morning,

28 one of those principles is modesty. In Our clothing or footwear need never feeling [confident] is to always listen the gospel of Jesus Christ, modesty in be expensive, indeed should not to your inner self—[the real you.]”8 appearance is always in fashion. Our be expensive, but neither should it And in the kingdom of God, the real standards are not socially negotiable. appear that we are on our way to the you is “more precious than rubies.”9 The For the Strength of Youth beach. When we come to worship the Every young woman is a child of des- pamphlet is very clear in its call for God and Father of us all and to par- tiny and every adult woman a power- young women to avoid clothing that take of the sacrament symbolizing the ful force for good. I mention adult is too tight, too short, or improperly Atonement of Jesus Christ, we should women because, sisters, you are our revealing in any manner, including be as comely and respectful, as digni- greatest examples and resource for bare midriffs.6 Parents, please review fied and appropriate as we can be. We these young women. And if you are this booklet with your children. should be recognizable in appearance obsessing over being a size 2, you Second only to your love, they need as well as in behavior that we truly are won’t be very surprised when your your limits. Young women, choose disciples of Christ, that in a spirit of daughter or the Mia Maid in your your clothing the way you would worship we are meek and lowly of class does the same and makes her- choose your friends—in both cases heart, that we truly desire the Savior’s self physically ill trying to accomplish choose that which improves you and Spirit to be with us always. it. We should all be as fit as we can would give you confidence standing In this same vein may I address an be—that’s good Word of Wisdom in the presence of God.7 Good even more sensitive subject. I plead doctrine. That means eating right friends would never embarrass you, with you young women to please be and exercising and helping our bodies demean you, or exploit you. Neither more accepting of yourselves, includ- function at their optimum strength. should your clothing. ing your body shape and style, with a We could probably all do better in I make a special appeal regarding little less longing to look like someone that regard. But I speak here of opti- how young women might dress for else. We are all different. Some are tall, mum health; there is no universal Church services and Sabbath worship. and some are short. Some are round, optimum size. We used to speak of “best dress” or and some are thin. And almost every- Frankly, the world has been brutal “Sunday dress,” and maybe we should one at some time or other wants to with you in this regard. You are bom- do so again. In any case, from ancient be something they are not! But as one barded in movies, television, fashion times to modern we have always been adviser to teenage girls said: “You can’t magazines, and advertisements with invited to present our best selves live your life worrying that the world is the message that looks are every- inside and out when entering the staring at you. When you let people’s thing! The pitch is, “If your looks are house of the Lord—and a dedicated opinions make you self-conscious you good enough, your life will be glam- LDS chapel is a “house of the Lord.” give away your power. . . . The key to orous and you will be happy and

NOVEMBER 2005 29 very fact appear to the Prophet Joseph Smith, himself a young man called by God from your very age group. I testify that these divine beings spoke to him, that he heard Their eternal voices, and he saw Their glorified bodies.13 That experience was as real in its own setting as the Apostle Thomas’s was when the Savior said to him, “Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: . . . be not faithless, but [be] believing.”14 To my granddaughter and to every other young person in this Church I bear my personal witness that God is popular.” That kind of pressure is to compete with beauty as portrayed in reality our Father and Jesus Christ immense in the teenage years, to say in media all around us. Yet at the end is in reality His Only Begotten Son in nothing of later womanhood. In too of the day there would still be those the flesh, the Savior and Redeemer of many cases too much is being done “in the attitude of mocking and the world. I testify that this really is to the human body to meet just such pointing their fingers” as Lehi saw,12 the Church and kingdom of God on a fictional (to say nothing of superfi- because however much one tries in earth, that true prophets have led this cial) standard. As one Hollywood the world of glamour and fashion, it people in the past and a true prophet, actress is reported to have said will never be glamorous enough. President Gordon B. Hinckley, leads recently: “We’ve become obsessed A woman not of our faith once it now. May you know the unending with beauty and the fountain of wrote something to the effect that in love the leaders of the Church have youth. . . . I’m really saddened by the her years of working with beautiful for you and may you let the eternal way women mutilate [themselves] in women she had seen several things realities of the gospel of Jesus Christ search of that. I see women [includ- they all had in common, and not one lift you above temporal concerns and ing young women] . . . pulling this up of them had anything to do with teenage anxieties I pray, in the name and tucking that back. It’s like a slip- sizes and shapes. She said the loveli- of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ pery slope. [You can’t get off of it.] . . . est women she had known had a NOTES It’s really insane . . . what society is glow of health, a warm personality, a 1. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the doing to women.”10 love of learning, stability of character, World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102. In terms of preoccupation with self and integrity. If we may add the 2. Romans 8:17. and a fixation on the physical, this is sweet and gentle Spirit of the Lord 3. James E. Talmage, “The Eternity of Sex,” Young Woman’s Journal, Oct. 1914, 602. more than social insanity; it is spiritu- carried by such a woman, then this 4. See J. Reuben Clark, in Conference Report, ally destructive, and it accounts for describes the loveliness of women in Apr. 1940, 21, for a lengthy tribute to much of the unhappiness women, any age or time, every element of women of the Church. 5. History of the Church, 4:605. including young women, face in the which is emphasized in and attain- 6. For the Strength of Youth (pamphlet, 2001), modern world. And if adults are pre- able through the blessings of the 15. occupied with appearance—tucking gospel of Jesus Christ. 7. See D&C 121:45. 8. Julia DeVillers, Teen People, Sept. 2005, and nipping and implanting and May I conclude. Much has been 104. remodeling everything that can be said lately in entertainment media 9. Proverbs 3:15. remodeled—those pressures and anx- about the current craze for “reality 10. Halle Berry, quoted in “Halle Slams ‘Insane’ Plastic Surgery,” This Is London, Aug. 2, ieties will certainly seep through to shows.” I am not sure what those are, 2004, www.thisislondon.com/showbiz/ children. At some point the problem but from the bottom of my heart I articles/12312096?source=PA. 11. 1 Nephi 12:18. becomes what the Book of Mormon share this gospel reality with the 12. See 1 Nephi 8:27. See Douglas Bassett, 11 called “vain imaginations.” And in beautiful generation of young women “Faces of Worldly Pride in the Book of secular society both vanity and imagi- growing up in this Church. Mormon,” Ensign, Oct. 2000, 51, for an excellent discussion of this issue. nation run wild. One would truly My solemn declaration to you is 13. See Joseph Smith—History 1:24–25. need a great and spacious makeup kit that the Father and the Son did in 14. John 20:27.

30 they sought to take away his life. I quote the prophet Nephi: “I . . . will True Happiness: show unto you that the tender mer- cies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even A Conscious unto the power of deliverance.”2 When I was serving as a missionary in northern Mexico, a few days after the baptismal service of the Valdez Decision family, we received a telephone call ELDER BENJAMÍN DE HOYOS from Brother Valdez asking us to come Of the Seventy to his house. He had an important question for us. Now that he knew the will of the Lord regarding the Word of Happiness is a condition of the soul. This joyous state comes Wisdom, and even though it would be as a result of righteous living. difficult to find a new job, he won- dered if he should continue to work for the cigarette company where he had worked for many years. Only a few The account in the book of days later Brother Valdez again asked Helaman expressed it in a concise us to come by and visit him. He had way: “Thus we may see that the Lord decided to quit his job because he was is merciful unto all who will, in the not willing to go against his convic- sincerity of their hearts, call upon his tions. Then with a smile and emotion holy name. in his voice, he told us that the very “Yea, thus we see that the gate of day he quit his old job, another com- heaven is open unto all, even to those pany had called to offer him a much who will believe on the name of Jesus better position. Christ, who is the Son of God. Yes, we find happiness in the midst “Yea, we see that whosoever will of the trial of our faith. The Lord mani- may lay hold upon the word of God, fests Himself to us through His tender which is quick and powerful, which mercies, which we find along the road shall . . . lead the man of Christ in a of happiness. We see with increased strait and narrow course . . . clarity His hand in our lives. “And land their souls, yea, their Happiness is a condition of the immortal souls, at the right hand of soul. This joyous state comes as a ife is good, if we live in such a God in the kingdom of heaven.”1 result of righteous living.3 way to make it so.” This was a My beloved brothers and sisters, Some years ago while I was serving Lpart of an inspirational message we need to recognize that “wanting as a mission president, my wife, Evelia, I read many years ago. What the mes- to” is the determining factor which witnessed a touching scene of happi- sage calls “a good life” comes as a leads us to lay hold upon the word of ness when she saw a faithful family result of the way we do things, of God and be happy. Perseverance in enter the chapel. This mother and her the words we choose to say, and making correct decisions is what two small children had walked from even of the kind of thoughts we leads us to happiness. their humble home under oppressive choose to have. Happiness comes as a result of our heat to church that day. They never No one needs to feel alone on the obedience and our courage in always imagined they would find Elder Cruz, road of life, for we are all invited to doing the will of God, even in the the dedicated missionary who, the come unto Christ and be perfected most difficult circumstances. When year before, had shared the message in Him. Happiness is the purpose of the prophet Lehi warned the inhabi- of the restored gospel with them. This the gospel and the purpose of the tants of Jerusalem, they mocked him, wonderful surprise was key in their redeeming Atonement for all men. and, as with other ancient prophets, recognizing the great happiness the

NOVEMBER 2005 31 gospel had brought into their lives. Book of Mormon summarized the and are heavy laden, and I will give The children ran to embrace him, and history of his people by saying, “And you rest.”9 I know that He lives and while tears of joy ran down the cheeks it came to pass that we lived after the that He continually calls at our door. of Elder Cruz, the mother clasped his manner of happiness.”7 He has restored His Church and the hands in hers and profoundly thanked Happiness is defined in the Book fulness of the gospel through the him for all he had done to bless their of Mormon by the prophet-king Prophet Joseph Smith and the com- family. Surely they found that happi- Benjamin as “the blessed and happy ing forth of the Book of Mormon. ness which is prepared and reserved state of those [that] keep the com- Even today He directs His Church for the Saints.4 mandments of God. For behold, they and kingdom through our beloved The Prophet Joseph stated, are blessed in all things, both tempo- prophet, President Gordon B. “Happiness is the object and design ral and spiritual.”8 Hinckley. of our existence; and will be the end Yes, my beloved brothers and sis- I leave with you my love and my thereof, if we pursue the path that ters, life is good if we live in such a humble testimony, in the name of leads to it; and this path is virtue, way to make it so. Believing, desiring, the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. ■

uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, deciding, and choosing correctly are NOTES and keeping all the commandments the simple actions that define an 1. Helaman 3:27–30; emphasis added. of God.”5 increase in happiness and an increase 2. 1 Nephi 1:20; emphasis added. 3. See Guide to the Scriptures, “Joy,” 137. After the struggles of the long in the inner assurance that transcends 4. See 2 Nephi 9:43. journey to the promised land and this life. 5. History of the Church, 5:134–35. after 30 years of faithful efforts to Let us remember that the Lord 6. See 2 Nephi 5:10. 6 7. 2 Nephi 5:27. keep the commandments of God, Himself still calls to us saying, 8. Mosiah 2:41. the untiring prophet Nephi of the “Come unto me, all ye that labour 9. Matthew 11:28.

32 ago. Nealtican is the center of a thriving stake of Zion. Mexico has The Book 200 stakes and a million members of the Church. Many stake and ward leaders are highly educated and finan- cially secure. Thousands of young of Mormon, men and women from Mexico are serving full-time missions. Truly the vision seen by Lehi and the Instrument interpreted by Nephi is coming to pass. “And at that day shall the rem- nant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are to Gather the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel Scattered Israel of their Redeemer, which was minis- ELDER C. SCOTT GROW tered unto their fathers by him; Of the Seventy wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer.”1 Truly the people of Mexico and Jesus Christ gave us the Book of Mormon as the instrument other Latin American countries are to gather scattered Israel. among the descendants of prophets. The Book of Mormon is their inheri- tance. Jesus Christ did minister unto their fathers. After His Resurrection, Jesus exceptions, all the missionaries were Christ descended out of heaven, from the United States. clothed in a white robe, and stood in I remember the people of the the midst of their ancestors here in Nealtican Branch. All buildings in the the Americas. He stretched forth His town were made of adobe, except hand and said: “Behold, I am Jesus the Catholic cathedral and the LDS Christ, whom the prophets testified chapel. I remember standing in the shall come into the world. small adobe house of the branch “. . . I am the light and the life of president. It had a dirt floor, win- the world.”2 dows with no glass, and a rug hang- “Therefore, hold up your light that ing over the entryway. There was no it may shine unto the world. Behold I furniture in the house. His family am the light which ye shall hold up.”3 had no shoes. To the Church in our day, the But they were a happy people. Savior repeated that counsel when He He told me that they had sold every- said, “Verily I say unto you all: Arise thing they had to buy bus tickets to and shine forth, that thy light may the Mesa temple, where they were be a standard for the nations.”4 Jesus hirty-six years ago I served a sealed for time and all eternity. Many Christ is the light that we hold up as mission in southeast Mexico. At of the branch members had done the a standard to all nations. We offer the Tthat time there were no stakes, same thing. additional light of Jesus Christ as with the largest cities in the mission A month ago I returned to Mexico revealed in the Book of Mormon: having only two branches. There were to serve in the Mexico North Area Another Testament of Jesus Christ. limited opportunities for education Presidency. The Mexico of today is President Hinckley has challenged and much poverty. With two or three much different from that of 36 years us to read or reread the Book of

NOVEMBER 2005 33 Mormon before year-end, in commem- Many times he would go to the Jesús wanted to know more. He oration of the 200th anniversary of the Church building and look through was especially intrigued by the picture birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. By the iron fence at the missionaries and depicting Christ’s appearance in so doing, we honor Joseph Smith, who the Mutual youth playing games. They America. He gave the missionaries his translated the Book of Mormon “by seemed to be so wholesome, and he address. He waited for months, but the gift and power of God.”5 wanted to be part of them. He would they never made contact with him. When the ancient prophet Moroni lean his chin on the fence, hoping Three more years passed. Some appeared to Joseph, he told him “that that they would notice him and invite friends invited his family to a family God had a work for [him] to do; and him to participate with them. It never home evening. They gave him a copy that [his] name should be had for happened. of the Book of Mormon. good and evil among all nations, kin- As Jesús recounted his story to me, As soon as he began to read it, he dreds, and tongues, or that it should he said, “It is sad. I was a young man knew the Book of Mormon was true. be both good and evil spoken of and could have served a full-time Finally, 12 years after he first became among all people.”6 mission.” aware of the Church, he and his wife That prophecy has come to pass. He moved to Monterrey, Mexico. were baptized. So many years had The name of Joseph Smith is known Nine years later he was visiting a been lost. If missionaries had just and revered throughout the world, friend across town when the mission- talked to him, if the Mutual youth had even in the remote village of aries knocked at the door. His friend just noticed a lonely teenager looking Nealtican, Mexico. wanted to send them away. Jesús over the fence, if the missionaries in Recently, a member in Monterrey, begged him to let the missionaries Monterrey had found him at home, Mexico, told me how the Book of talk to them for just two minutes. His his life would have been different dur- Mormon changed his life. As a friend consented. ing those 12 years. Gratefully, mem- teenager, Jesús Santos was impressed The missionaries talked about the ber neighbors invited him for a family by the LDS missionaries he saw walk- Book of Mormon, how Lehi’s family home evening and shared with him ing down the dusty streets. He wanted traveled from Jerusalem to the that book which has such great con- to talk to them about their church but Americas, and how the resurrected verting power, the Book of Mormon. was told by a friend that you have to Jesus Christ visited Lehi’s descendants Today Jesús Santos serves as the presi- wait for them to contact you. in America. dent of the Monterrey Mexico Temple.

34 Jesus Christ gave us the Book of Mormon as the instrument to gather scattered Israel. At the time of His “If Christ Had My appearance in America, He told the people, “And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign Opportunities . . .” unto them, that they may know that ELDER PAUL K. SYBROWSKY the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of Of the Seventy the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house Our Savior Jesus Christ teaches us the importance of seeking 7 of Israel.” after the one who is lost. The Book of Mormon is its own witness to the people of Latin America and of all nations. Its very coming forth in these latter days bears witness that God has once again begun to understand. Enos! It was Enos who gather scattered Israel. had gone into the forests to hunt but In my mind’s eye, I can still hungered for his own soul. Though see Jesús Santos as a ragged 18- his record does not say that he was year-old boy looking over the lost in that forest, the story of Enos fence at the chapel. Can you see teaches us that he came out found— him? Can you invite him and others and then, feeling a desire for the wel- like him to be one with us? Whom fare of his brothers. do you know that would respond In the New Testament, our Savior to your invitation to read the Book Jesus Christ teaches us the importance of Mormon? Will you invite them? of seeking after the one who is lost: Don’t wait. “What man of you, having an hun- I testify that Joseph Smith is the dred sheep, if he lose one of them, prophet of the Restoration. The Book doth not leave the ninety and nine in of Mormon: Another Testament of the wilderness, and go after that Jesus Christ is the means whereby which is lost, until he find it? people from all nations shall be gath- “And when he hath found it, he ered into The Church of Jesus Christ any years ago, when our old- layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing” of Latter-day Saints. This Church is est children were six, four, (Luke 15:4–5). founded upon apostles and prophets, Mand two, my wife and I Since the Fall of Adam, all man- just as it was in ancient days. President sprang a pop quiz on them. We had kind are in a lost and fallen state. Gordon B. Hinckley is the Lord’s been reading daily as a family from Like most of you, my being “found” anointed prophet on the earth today. the Book of Mormon. started with two faithful missionaries. Jesus Christ is our Savior and our “Who was the man,” my wife In the year 1913, in Copenhagen, Redeemer. This is His Church and His inquired, “who went into the forests Denmark, Elders C. Earl Anhder and kingdom. He is our King Immanuel. I to hunt, but, instead, prayed all day Robert H. Sorenson taught my grand- so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, and into the night?” parents the gospel of Jesus Christ and amen. ■ After a few moments of silence, baptized them. My parents taught me she ventured to help: “His name the importance of hard work, hon- NOTES starts with an E . . . e . . . e . . . e . . . e.” esty, and integrity. However, in one 1. 1 Nephi 15:14; emphasis added. 2. 3 Nephi 11:10–11. From the corner of the room, our short generation we became lost to 3. 3 Nephi 18:24. two-year-old called out, “Nos!” activity in the Church and a knowl- 4. D&C 115:5. This child was the one who was edge of the gospel. Looking back, I 5. Book of Mormon introduction. 6. Joseph Smith—History 1:33. playing in the corner—the one that recall, at a very young age, my play- 7. 3 Nephi 21:7; emphasis added. we had thought was too little to mates inviting me to Primary. My first

NOVEMBER 2005 35 Church experience was built around hard floor, like Enos I came away If Christ had my opportunities, what Primary friendships. found. I was to serve a full-time mis- would He do? our decisions in life will As a boy several months shy of my sion. My heart is filled with gratitude be Christ-centered. 12th birthday, one Saturday afternoon for the many who assisted in helping I know personally that our I answered a knock at my front door. me to come to know who I am and to beloved Elder Neal A. Maxwell Several of my friends—deacons know of Christ and His gospel. I came always sought to find the one. For, dressed in white shirts and ties— to understand that my way home is as Nephi, he labored “diligently to sought me out to come to my very through our Savior Jesus Christ. write, to persuade [all of us] to first priesthood meeting. Our leader “And he shall come into the world believe in Christ, and to be recon- walked beside me as we made our way to redeem his people; and he shall ciled to God” (2 Nephi 25:23). I down the hill to the Tabernacle on take upon him the transgressions of know that Elder Maxwell made Temple Square. That was April general those who believe on his name; and more than one call to those, even conference priesthood session. these are they that shall have eternal to the one, that he was trying to Lloyd Bennett was my Scout- life, and salvation cometh to none bring unto Christ. master. Very often on a Saturday else” (Alma 11:40). Whether we are a Primary teacher, afternoon he would pick me up and The Old Testament prophet Isaiah, Young Men or Young Women leader, take me to the Scout office to buy in seeing our day when the gospel Scoutmaster, home teacher, visiting needed badges and supplies. As we would be fully restored, declared: teacher, or friend, the Lord will use rode, we talked. He became a trusted “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I us, if we will listen, to seek out and friend. Lloyd Bennett, like so many, will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, find the one. took time for the one. and set up my standard to the people: How grateful I am for the decision These wonderful friends and lead- and they shall bring thy sons in their to serve a full-time mission, which ers understood Elder M. Russell arms, and thy daughters shall be became a great turning point in my Ballard’s recent counsel to “find . . . carried upon their shoulders” life. Young men, you have the privi- one more” (“One More,” Liahona and (Isaiah 49:22). lege of serving, even to labor dili- Ensign, May 2005, 71), and they under- As we care for the one, brothers gently. Stay worthy; prepare to preach stood what that entailed. Sometimes and sisters, we see the fulfillment of the gospel; do not delay—go and it’s the one in the corner whom we that prophecy. Can you see how you serve! Young women, you can do so hadn’t considered. have been carried in arms and on much to build the kingdom. Dear My own Enos experience came at shoulders—carried to safety? seniors, we need you! 18 years of age as I knelt in my army What would our Savior do with the Our family had the privilege of barracks in Fort Ord, California. After opportunities that we have to affect serving in Canada with wonderful, the lights were out and I knelt on a the one? As we apply that principle dedicated elders, sisters, and senior

36 missionaries. With heart to heart, spirit to spirit, and in the strength of the Lord, they sought after the one Spiritual and found him or her, as dedicated missionaries do the world over. “And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many Preparedness: to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer” (Mosiah 27:36). Each one of us can make a differ- Start Early ence in someone’s life, even his or her eternal life, but we must act; we must do; we must labor diligently. and Be Steady Perhaps you have received an impres- sion to invite someone to return to ELDER HENRY B. EYRING church or to hear the message of the Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles restored gospel for the first time. Go ahead, follow that impression. Why The great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to don’t we all invite someone to come tomorrow and listen to a prophet’s and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. voice? Would you do that? Will you make that invitation today? With faith and a willing heart (even desire), we must trust that the Spirit will give us But there is another even more “in the very hour, yea, in the very important preparation we must make moment, what [we] shall say” (D&C for tests that are certain to come to 100:6). I know that to be so. each of us. That preparation must be How grateful I am for this call to started far in advance because it takes serve once again, this time in Australia. time. What we will need then can’t I express my eternal love and apprecia- be bought. It can’t be borrowed. It tion to my wife and our nine missionary- doesn’t store well. And it has to have minded children for their love and been used regularly and recently. support. I bear solemn witness that What we will need in our day of the fulness of the gospel is restored testing is a spiritual preparation. It is upon the earth, that Joseph Smith is a to have developed faith in Jesus prophet of God, and that the Book of Christ so powerful that we can pass Mormon is the word of God. Today the test of life upon which everything we are led by a living prophet, even for us in eternity depends. That test is President Gordon B. Hinckley. And I part of the purpose God had for us in know that God lives, and I know that the Creation. Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and ost of us have thought about The Prophet Joseph Smith gave us Redeemer. It is in the Shepherd’s lov- how to prepare for storms. the Lord’s description of the test we ing arms and on His shoulders that we MWe have seen and felt the suf- face. Our Heavenly Father created the are carried home. Like Enos, may I fering of women, men, and children, world with His Son, Jesus Christ. We humbly say: “I must preach . . . unto and of the aged and the weak, caught have these words to tell us about the this people, and declare the word in hurricanes, tsunamis, wars, and purpose of the Creation: “We will go according to the truth which is in droughts. One reaction is to ask, down, for there is space there, and we Christ. And I have . . . rejoiced in it “How can I be prepared?” And there is will take of these materials, and we above that of the world” (Enos 1:26). a rush to buy and put away whatever will make an earth whereon these To these truths, I bear witness in the people think they might need for the may dwell; And we will prove them name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ day they might face such calamities. herewith, to see if they will do all

NOVEMBER 2005 37 resurrection, and also from everlast- ing death by the power of the atone- ment, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.”2 It will take unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to choose the way to eternal life. It is by using that faith we can know the will of God. It is by act- ing on that faith we build the strength to do the will of God. And it is by exer- cising that faith in Jesus Christ that we can resist temptation and gain forgive- ness through the Atonement. We will need to have developed and nurtured faith in Jesus Christ long before Satan hits us, as he will, with doubts and appeals to our carnal desires and with lying voices saying that good is bad and that there is no sin. Those spiritual storms are already raging. We can expect that they will worsen until the Savior returns. However much faith to obey things whatsoever the Lord their God could not see with our natural eyes. God we now have, we will need to shall command them.”1 We were promised that we would strengthen it continually and keep it So, the great test of life is to see have Jehovah, Jesus Christ, as our refreshed constantly. We can do that whether we will hearken to and obey Savior and Redeemer. He would by deciding now to be more quick God’s commands in the midst of the assure that we would all be resur- to obey and more determined to storms of life. It is not to endure rected. And He would make it possible endure. Learning to start early and storms, but to choose the right while for us to pass the test of life if we exer- to be steady are the keys to spiritual they rage. And the tragedy of life is to cised faith in Him by being obedient. preparation. Procrastination and fail in that test and so fail to qualify to We shouted for joy at the good news. inconsistency are its mortal enemies. return in glory to our heavenly home. A passage from the Book of Let me suggest to you four settings We are the spirit children of a Mormon, another witness of Jesus in which to practice quick and steady Heavenly Father. He loved us and He Christ, describes how hard the test is obedience. One is the command to taught us before we were born into and what it will take to pass it: feast upon the word of God. A second this world. He told us that He wished “Therefore, cheer up your hearts, is to pray always. A third is the com- to give us all that He had. To qualify and remember that ye are free to act mandment to be a full-tithe payer. And for that gift we had to receive mortal for yourselves—to choose the way the fourth is to escape from sin and its bodies and be tested. Because of of everlasting death or the way of terrible effects. Each takes faith to those mortal bodies, we would face eternal life. start and then to persevere. And all pain, sickness, and death. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can strengthen your capacity to know We would be subject to tempta- reconcile yourselves to the will of and obey the Lord’s commands. tions through the desires and weak- God, and not to the will of the devil You already have had the Lord’s nesses that came with our mortal and the flesh; and remember, after ye help to get started. In August, you bodies. Subtle and powerful forces of are reconciled unto God, that it is received this promise from President evil would tempt us to surrender to only in and through the grace of God Gordon B. Hinckley if you would read those temptations. Life would have that ye are saved. the Book of Mormon through by the storms in which we would have to “Wherefore, may God raise you end of the year: “Without reservation make choices using faith in things we from death by the power of the I promise you that if each of you will

38 observe this simple program, regard- Book of Mormon, I will pray that the of faith by starting early and being less of how many times you previ- Holy Ghost will help me know what steady in obedience. I will store it ously may have read the Book of God would have me do. There is a away against the times when I will be Mormon, there will come into your promise of that plea being answered tested in storms.” There is a better lives and into your homes an added in the book itself: “Wherefore, I said way to prepare, because great faith measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a unto you, feast upon the words of has a short shelf life. We could decide strengthened resolution to walk in Christ; for behold, the words of to persist in studying the words of obedience to His commandments, Christ will tell you all things what ye Christ in the scriptures and the teach- and a stronger testimony of the living should do.”4 ings of living prophets. This is what I reality of the Son of God.”3 I will act quickly on what the Holy will do. I will go back to the Book of That is the very promise of in- Ghost tells me I should do as I read Mormon and drink deeply and often. creased faith we need to be spiritually and ponder the Book of Mormon. And then I will be grateful for what prepared. But if we delayed the start When I complete the project in the prophet’s challenge and promise of our obedience to that inspired invi- December, I will have had many expe- did to teach me how to gain greater tation, the number of pages we had to riences of stretching my faith to be faith and maintain it. read each day grew larger. If we then obedient. And so my faith will be Personal prayer can also build our missed reading for even a few days, strengthened. And I will know from faith to do what God commands. We the chance of failure grew. That’s why my own experience what comes from are commanded to pray always that I chose to read ahead of my daily plan going to the scriptures early and con- we will not be overcome. Some of the to be sure I will qualify for the prom- sistently to know what God wants me protection we need will be direct ised blessings of the spirit of resolu- to do and then doing it. If we do that, intervention of God. But more of it tion and testimony of Jesus Christ. we will be better prepared for the will come from building our faith to When December ends, I will have greater storms when they come. obey. We can pray every day to know learned about starting at the moment We will then have a choice of what what God would have us do. We can a command from God comes and to do after January 1. We can choose commit to start to do it quickly when being steady in obedience. to sigh with relief and say to our- the answer comes. My experience is More than that, as I read in the selves: “I have built a great reservoir that He always answers such petitions.

NOVEMBER 2005 39 Then, we can choose to obey. As we all will need. And it will qualify us in do, we will build faith enough that we the moments of crisis to receive the will not be overcome. And we will gain Lord’s promise that “if ye are pre- the faith to go back again and again pared ye shall not fear.”6 for further instruction. When the That will be true when we face the storms come, we will be ready to go storms of life and the prospect of and do what the Lord commands. death. A loving Heavenly Father and The Savior showed us a great His Beloved Son have given us all the example of such a prayer of submis- help They can to pass the test of life sion. He prayed in the Garden of set before us. But we must decide to Gethsemane as He worked out the obey and then do it. We build the Atonement that His Father’s will faith to pass the tests of obedience would be done. He knew that His over time and through our daily Father’s will would be for Him to do choices. We can decide now to do what was so painful and so terrible quickly whatever God asks of us. And that we cannot comprehend it. He we can decide to be steady in the prayed not simply to accept the small tests of obedience which build Father’s will but to do it. He showed the faith to carry us through the great us the way to pray in perfect and tests, which will surely come. determined submission. I know that you and I are children The principle of exercising faith of a loving Heavenly Father. I know early and steadily applies as well to the that His Son, Jesus Christ, lives and commandment to pay tithing. We that He is our Savior and that He paid should not wait until the annual tithing the price of all of our sins. He was res- settlement to decide to be a full-tithe urrected, and He and Heavenly Father payer. We can decide now. It takes time appeared to the boy Joseph Smith. I to learn to control our spending with know that the Book of Mormon is the faith that what we have comes from forgiveness. The best time to resist word of God, translated through the God. It takes faith to pay our tithing temptation is early. The best time to gift and power of God. I know that promptly and without procrastination. repent is now. The enemy of our souls this is the true Church of Jesus Christ. If we decide now to be a full-tithe will place thoughts in our minds to I know that through the Holy payer and if we are steady in paying it, tempt us. We can decide early to exer- Ghost we can learn what God would blessings will flow throughout the cise faith, to cast out evil thoughts have us do. I testify that He can give year, as well as at the time of tithing before we act on them. And we can us the power to do what He asks of settlement. By our decision now to be choose quickly to repent when we do us, whatever it is and whatever trials a full-tithe payer and our steady efforts sin, before Satan can weaken our faith may come. to obey, we will be strengthened in and bind us. Seeking forgiveness is I pray that we will choose to obey our faith and, in time, our hearts will always better now than later. the Lord quickly, always, in quiet be softened. It is that change in our As my father lay in his bed near times and in storms. As we do, our hearts through the Atonement of death, I asked him if he didn’t think it faith will be strengthened, we will find Jesus Christ, beyond the offering of was a time to repent and pray for for- peace in this life, and we will gain the our money or goods, that makes it giveness for any sins that were not yet assurance that we and our families possible for the Lord to promise full- resolved with God. He probably can qualify for eternal life in the world tithe payers protection in the last heard a little hint in my voice that he to come. I so promise you, in the days.5 We can have confidence that we might fear death and the Judgment. name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ will qualify for that blessing of protec- He just chuckled quietly, smiled up at tion if we commit now to pay a full me, and said, “Oh no, Hal, I’ve been NOTES 1. Abraham 3:24–25. tithe and are steady in doing it. repenting as I went along.” 2. 2 Nephi 10:23–25. The same power of an early choice Decisions now to exercise faith and 3. “A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Liahona to exercise faith and to be persistent be steady in obedience will in time and Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6. 4. 2 Nephi 32:3. in obedience applies to gaining the produce great faith and assurance. 5. See D&C 64:23. faith to resist temptation and to gain That is the spiritual preparedness we 6. D&C 38:30.

40 proclamation to the world on the family, which was issued by the First What Matters Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1995 (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. Most Is What 1995, 102). It was then and is now a clarion call to protect and strengthen families and a stern warning in a Lasts Longest world where declining values and mis- placed priorities threaten to destroy ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD society by undermining its basic unit. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The proclamation is a prophetic document, not only because it was issued by prophets but because it was As your leaders, we call upon members of the Church ahead of its time. It warns against everywhere to put family first and to identify specific ways many of the very things that have to strengthen their individual families. threatened and undermined families during the last decade and calls for the priority and the emphasis families need if they are to survive in an envi- had lost everything and needed food, ronment that seems ever more toxic medical attention, and help of all to traditional marriage and to parent- kinds, but what they wanted and child relationships. needed most was their families. The proclamation’s clear and sim- Crisis or transition of any kind ple language stands in stark contrast reminds us of what matters most. In to the confused and convoluted the routine of life, we often take our notions of a society that cannot even families—our parents and children agree on a definition of family, let and siblings—for granted. But in alone supply the help and support times of danger and need and change, parents and families need. You are there is no question that what we care familiar with such words from the about most is our families! It will be proclamation as these: even more so when we leave this life • “Marriage between a man and a and enter into the spirit world. Surely woman is ordained of God.” the first people we will seek to find • “Gender is an essential character- there will be father, mother, spouse, istic of individual premortal, mortal, children, and siblings. and eternal identity and purpose.” everal of the Brethren and I I believe the mission statement for • “Husband and wife have a recently visited a few of the mortality might be “to build an eternal solemn responsibility to love and care Srefugee centers in Louisiana, family.” Here on this earth we strive to for each other and for their children.” Mississippi, and Texas where devas- become part of extended families with • “Children are entitled to birth tated and displaced victims of Hurri- the ability to create and form our own within the bonds of matrimony, and cane Katrina were staying as they part of those families. That is one of to be reared by a father and a mother began to try to put their lives back the reasons our Heavenly Father sent who honor marital vows with com- together. Their stories and situations us here. Not everyone will find a com- plete fidelity.” are tragic and poignant in many ways, panion and have a family in mortality, • “The disintegration of the family but in all that I heard, what touched but everyone, regardless of individual will bring upon individuals, communi- me the most was the crying out for circumstances, is a precious member ties, and nations the calamities fore- family: “Where is my mother?” “I can’t of God’s family. told by ancient and modern prophets.” find my son.” “I’ve lost a sister.” These Brothers and sisters, this year And the last words of the procla- were hungry, frightened people who marks the 10th anniversary of the mation express the simple truth that

NOVEMBER 2005 41 If we live and act upon this knowl- edge, we will attract the world to us. Parents who place a high priority on their families will gravitate to the Church because it offers the family structure, values, doctrine, and eter- nal perspective that they seek and cannot find elsewhere. Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiri- tual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to the family is “the fundamental unit of to become more like God. strengthen our families. Indeed, noth- society.” And yet most parents throughout ing is more critically connected to hap- Today I call upon members of the the world continue to know both piness—both our own and that of our Church and on committed parents, the importance and the joy that are children—than how well we love and grandparents, and extended family attached to natural families. Friends of support one another within the family. members everywhere to hold fast to mine who just returned from speaking President Harold B. Lee spoke of this great proclamation, to make it a to families and parents on several con- the Church as a crucial “scaffolding” banner not unlike General Moroni’s tinents reported to me that the hopes that helps build the individual and the “title of liberty,” and to commit our- and concerns of parents are remark- family (see Conference Report, Oct. selves to live by its precepts. As we ably similar throughout the earth. 1967, 107). The Church is the king- are all part of a family, the proclama- In India a concerned Hindu dom of God on earth, but in the king- tion applies to everyone. mother said, “All I want is to be a big- dom of heaven, families will be both Public opinion surveys indicate that ger influence on my children than the source of our eternal progress people everywhere in the world gen- the media and the peer group.” And and joy and the order of our Heavenly erally consider the family as the high- a Buddhist mother in Malaysia said, Father. As we are often reminded, we est priority; yet in recent years the “I’d like my boys to be able to operate will be released one day from our broader culture seems to ignore or in the world, but I don’t want them Church callings; but if we are worthy, misdefine the family. Consider some to be of the world.” Parents from all we will never be released from our of the changes of the past decade: different cultures and faiths are saying family relationships. • Many larger national and interna- and feeling the same things we are as Joseph F. Smith said: “There can be tional institutions that used to support parents in the Church. no genuine happiness separate and and strengthen families now try to The world needs to know what the apart from the home, and every effort supplant and even sabotage the very proclamation teaches, because the made to sanctify and preserve its families they were created to serve. family is the basic unit of society, of influence is uplifting to those who toil • In the name of “tolerance,” the economy, of our culture, and of and sacrifice for its establishment. the definition of family has been our government. And as Latter-day Men and women often seek to substi- expanded beyond recognition to the Saints know, the family will also be the tute some other life for that of the point that “family” can be any individ- basic unit in the celestial kingdom. home; they would make themselves uals of any gender who live together In the Church, our belief in the believe that the home means with or without commitment or chil- overriding importance of families is restraint; that the highest liberty is dren or attention to consequence. rooted in restored doctrine. We know the fullest opportunity to move about • Rampant materialism and selfish- of the sanctity of families in both direc- at will. There is no happiness without ness delude many into thinking that tions of our eternal existence. We service, and there is no service families, and especially children, are a know that before this life we lived with greater than that which converts the burden and a financial millstone that our Heavenly Father as part of His fam- home into a divine institution, and will hold them back rather than a ily, and we know that family relation- which promotes and preserves family sacred privilege that will teach them ships can endure beyond death. life” (Teachings of Presidents of the

42 Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 382). it. Be wise and do not involve children But their efforts may not be enough. Now, one may ask, How do we pro- or yourselves in so many activities Our most basic institution of family tect and preserve and strengthen our out of the home that you are so busy desperately needs help and support homes and families in a world pulling that the Spirit of the Lord cannot be from the extended family and the so hard in opposite directions? Let me recognized or felt in giving you the public institutions that surround us. make three simple suggestions: promised guidance for yourself and Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, 1. Be consistent in holding daily your family. grandparents and cousins can make a family prayer and weekly family home 3. Create meaningful family bonds powerful difference in the lives of chil- evenings. Both of these invite the that give your children an identity dren. Remember that the expression Lord’s Spirit, which provides the help stronger than what they can find with of love and encouragement from an and power we need as parents and their peer group or at school or any- extended family member will often family leaders. The Church curricu- place else. This can be done through provide the right influence and help a lum and magazines have many good family traditions for birthdays, for child at a critical time. ideas for family home evening. Also holidays, for dinnertime, and for The Church itself will continue to consider holding a family testimony Sundays. It can also be done through be the first and foremost institution— meeting where parents and children family policies and rules with natural the “scaffolding,” as it were—to help can express their beliefs and feelings and well-understood consequences. build strong families. I can assure you to each other in a private and per- Have a simple family economy where that those who lead the Church have sonal setting. children have specific chores or great concern about the well-being of 2. Teach the gospel and basic values household duties and receive praise your families, and thus you will see in your home. Establish a love for read- or other rewards commensurate to increasing efforts to prioritize and to ing the scriptures together. Too many how well they do. Teach them the focus on family needs. But as your of our parents are abdicating this importance of avoiding debt and of leaders, we call upon members of the responsibility to the Church. While earning, saving, and wisely spending Church everywhere to put family first seminary, auxiliaries, and priesthood money. Help them learn responsibility and to identify specific ways to quorums are important as a supple- for their own temporal and spiritual strengthen their individual families. ment to parental gospel instruction, self-reliance. Further, we call upon all public the main responsibility rests in the In today’s world, where Satan’s institutions to examine themselves home. You might want to choose one aggression against the family is so and to do less that might harm fami- gospel subject or a family value and prevalent, parents must do all they can lies and more that will help them. then watch for opportunities to teach to fortify and defend their families. We call upon the media to offer

NOVEMBER 2005 43 PRIESTHOOD SESSION October 1, 2005

more that promotes traditional family values and is uplifting and supportive of families and less that popularizes Becoming immorality and materialism. We call upon government and political leaders to put the needs of children and parents first and to think a Missionary in terms of family impact in all legisla- ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR tion and policy making. We call upon Internet providers Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Web site creators to become more responsible regarding their You and I, today and always, are to bear witness potential for influence and to adopt of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. the conscious objective of protecting children from violence, pornography, . . . Missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual filth, and sleaze. identity and heritage. We call upon educational entities to teach universal values and family and parenting skills, supporting par- ents in their responsibility to raise station in life, we are all missionaries. children to become the leaders of Proclaiming the gospel is not an families in generations yet to come. activity in which we periodically and We call upon our own Church temporarily engage. And our labors as members to reach out in love to missionaries certainly are not confined neighbors and friends of other faiths to the short period of time devoted and include them in the use of the to full-time missionary service in many resources the Church has to our youth or in our mature years. help families. Our communities and Rather, the obligation to proclaim neighborhoods will be safer and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is stronger as people of all faiths work inherent in the oath and covenant of together to strengthen families. the priesthood into which we enter. It is important to remember that Missionary work essentially is a priest- all larger units of society depend on hood responsibility, and all of us who the smallest and most fundamental hold the priesthood are the Lord’s unit, the family. No matter who or authorized servants on the earth and what we are, we help ourselves when are missionaries at all times and in all we help families. ll of us who have received the places—and we always will be. Our Brothers and sisters, as we hold up holy priesthood bear the very identity as holders of the priest- like a banner the proclamation to the A sacred obligation to bless the hood and the seed of Abraham is in world on the family and as we live and nations and families of the earth by large measure defined by the respon- teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, we proclaiming the gospel and inviting sibility to proclaim the gospel. will fulfill the measure of our creation all to receive by proper authority the My message tonight is applicable to here on earth. We will find peace and ordinances of salvation. Many of us all of us in our priesthood duty to pro- happiness here and in the world to have served as full-time missionaries, claim the gospel. My specific purpose come. We should not need a hurricane some of us presently are serving as in this priesthood meeting, however, or other crisis to remind us of what full-time missionaries, and all of us is to talk candidly with the young men matters most. The gospel and the now are serving and will continue to of the Church who are preparing for Lord’s plan of happiness and salvation serve as lifelong missionaries. We are the call to serve as missionaries. The should remind us. What matters most missionaries every day in our families, principles I will discuss with you are is what lasts longest, and our families in our schools, in our places of em- both simple and spiritually significant, are for eternity. Of this I testify in the ployment, and in our communities. and they should cause us to ponder, name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ Regardless of our age, experience, or to evaluate, and to improve. I pray for

44 the companionship of the Holy Ghost renewing covenants as we attend “The Apostle Paul taught that the for me and for you as we consider church. The issue is not going to or Lord’s teachings and teachers were together this important subject. through the temple; rather, the issue given that we may all attain ‘the is having in our hearts the spirit, the measure of the stature of the fulness A Frequently Asked Question covenants, and the ordinances of the of Christ’ (Eph. 4:13). This process In meetings with young members Lord’s house. The issue is not going requires far more than acquiring of the Church around the world, I on a mission; rather, the issue is knowledge. It is not even enough for often invite those in attendance to ask becoming a missionary and serving us to be convinced of the gospel; questions. One of the questions I am throughout our entire life with all of we must act and think so that we are asked most frequently by young men our heart, might, mind, and strength. converted by it. In contrast to the is this: “What can I do to prepare It is possible for a young man to go on institutions of the world, which teach most effectively to serve as a full-time a mission and not become a mission- us to know something, the gospel of missionary?” Such a sincere question ary, and this is not what the Lord Jesus Christ challenges us to become deserves a serious response. requires or what the Church needs. something. . . . My dear young brethren, the single My earnest hope for each of you “. . . It is not enough for anyone most important thing you can do young men is that you will not simply just to go through the motions. The to prepare for a call to serve is to go on a mission—but that you will commandments, ordinances, and become a missionary long before you become missionaries long before you covenants of the gospel are not a list go on a mission. Please notice that in submit your mission papers, long of deposits required to be made in my answer I emphasized becoming before you receive a call to serve, long some heavenly account. The gospel rather than going. Let me explain before you are set apart by your stake of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us what I mean. president, and long before you enter how to become what our Heavenly In our customary Church vocabu- the MTC. Father desires us to become” (“The lary, we often speak of going to Challenge to Become,” Liahona, Jan. church, going to the temple, and The Principle of Becoming 2001, 40; Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32). going on a mission. Let me be so bold Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught us Brethren, the challenge to become as to suggest that our rather routine most effectively about the challenge applies precisely and perfectly to mis- emphasis on going misses the mark. to become something instead of just sionary preparation. Obviously, the The issue is not going to church; doing expected things or performing process of becoming a missionary rather, the issue is worshipping and certain actions: does not require a young man to wear

NOVEMBER 2005 45 lifestyle will not be overwhelming, burdensome, or constraining. Thus, a key element of raising the bar includes working to become a mis- sionary before going on a mission. Fathers, do you understand your role in helping your son to become a missionary before he goes on a mis- sion? You and your wife are key in the process of his becoming a missionary. Priesthood and auxiliary leaders, do you recognize your responsibility to assist parents and to help every young man become a missionary before he goes on a mission? The bar also has been raised for parents and for all members of the Church. Prayerful pondering of the principle of becom- ing will invite inspiration tailored to the specific needs of your son or to the young men whom you serve. The preparation I am describing is not oriented only toward your mis- sionary service as a 19- or 20- or 21- year-old young man. Brethren, you are preparing for a lifetime of mission- ary work. As holders of the priest- hood, we are missionaries always. If you truly progress in the process of becoming a missionary, both before going on a mission and in the mission field, then when the day arrives for your honorable release as a full-time a white shirt and tie to school every You will not suddenly or magically missionary, you will depart from day or to follow the missionary guide- be transformed into a prepared and your field of labor and return to your lines for going to bed and getting up, obedient missionary on the day you family—but you will never cease although most parents certainly would walk through the front door of the your missionary service. A priesthood support that idea. But you can increase Missionary Training Center. What you holder is a missionary at all times and in your desire to serve God (see D&C have become in the days and months in all places. A missionary is who and 4:3), and you can begin to think as and years prior to your missionary what we are as bearers of the priest- missionaries think, to read what mis- service is what you will be in the MTC. hood and as the seed of Abraham. sionaries read, to pray as missionaries In fact, the nature of the transition pray, and to feel what missionaries feel. through which you will pass in the The Seed of Abraham You can avoid the worldly influences MTC will be a strong indicator of your The heirs of all the promises and that cause the Holy Ghost to withdraw, progress in becoming a missionary. covenants made by God to Abraham and you can grow in confidence in rec- As you enter the MTC, you obvi- are referred to as the seed of Abraham ognizing and responding to spiritual ously will miss your family, and many (see Bible Dictionary, “Seed of promptings. Line upon line and pre- aspects of your daily schedule will be Abraham,” 771). These blessings are cept upon precept, here a little and new and challenging. But for a young obtained only by obedience to the there a little, you can gradually man well on his way to becoming a laws and ordinances of the gospel of become the missionary you hope to be missionary, the basic adjustment to Jesus Christ. Brethren, the process and the missionary the Savior expects. the rigors of missionary work and of becoming a missionary is directly

46 related to understanding who we are of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. as the seed of Abraham. Rather, missionary work is a manifes- Abraham was a great prophet tation of our spiritual identity and who desired righteousness and was heritage. We were foreordained in the obedient to all of the commandments premortal existence and born into he received from God, including the mortality to fulfill the covenant and command to offer as a sacrifice his promise God made to Abraham. We precious son, Isaac. Because of are here upon the earth at this time his steadfastness and obedience, to magnify the priesthood and to Abraham is often referred to as the preach the gospel. That is who we father of the faithful, and Heavenly are, and that is why we are here— Father established a covenant with today and always. and promised great blessings to You may enjoy music, athletics, or Abraham and his posterity: be mechanically inclined, and some- “Because thou hast done this day you may work in a trade or a pro- thing, and hast not withheld thy son, fession or in the arts. As important as thine only son: Christ and the authority of the priest- such activities and occupations can “That in blessing I will bless thee, hood. Thus, the phrase “bear this be, they do not define who we are. and in multiplying I will multiply thy ministry and Priesthood unto all First and foremost, we are spiritual seed as the stars of the heaven, and as nations” refers to the responsibility beings. We are sons of God and the the sand which is upon the sea shore; to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ seed of Abraham: and thy seed shall possess the gate of and to invite all to receive by proper “For whoso is faithful unto the his enemies; priesthood authority the ordinances obtaining these two priesthoods of “And in thy seed shall all the of salvation. Truly, great responsibility which I have spoken, and the magni- nations of the earth be blessed; rests upon the seed of Abraham in fying their calling, are sanctified by because thou has obeyed my voice” these latter days. the Spirit unto the renewing of their (Genesis 22:16–18). How do these promises and bless- bodies. Thus, Abraham was promised a ings relate to us today? Either by lit- “They become the sons of Moses great posterity and that the nations of eral lineage or adoption, every man and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, the earth would be blessed through and boy within the sound of my voice and the church and kingdom, and the that posterity. tonight is a rightful heir to the prom- elect of God” (D&C 84:33–34). How are the nations of the earth ises made by God to Abraham. We are My dear brethren, we have been blessed through the seed of Abraham? the seed of Abraham. One of the pri- given much, and much is required of The answer to this important ques- mary reasons we receive a patriarchal us. May you young men more fully tion is found in the book of Abraham: blessing is to help us more fully understand who you are as the seed “And I will make of thee [Abraham] understand who we are as the poster- of Abraham and become missionaries a great nation, and I will bless thee ity of Abraham and to recognize the long before you go on a mission. After above measure, and make thy name responsibility that rests upon us. coming back to your homes and fami- great among all nations, and thou My beloved brethren, you and lies, may you returned missionaries shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after I, today and always, are to bless all always be missionaries. And may all of thee, that in their hands they shall peoples in all the nations of the us rise up as men of God and bless bear this ministry and Priesthood earth. You and I, today and always, the nations of the earth with greater unto all nations; are to bear witness of Jesus Christ testimony and spiritual power than “And I will bless them through thy and declare the message of the we ever have before. name; for as many as receive this Restoration. You and I, today and I declare my witness that Jesus is Gospel shall be called after thy name, always, are to invite all to receive the the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. I and shall be accounted thy seed, and ordinances of salvation. Proclaiming know that He lives! And I witness that shall rise up and bless thee, as their the gospel is not a part-time priest- we, as holders of the priesthood, are father” (Abraham 2:9–10). hood obligation. It is not simply an His representatives in the glorious We learn in these verses that activity in which we engage for a lim- work of proclaiming His gospel, today Abraham’s faithful heirs would have ited time or an assignment we must and always. In the sacred name of the blessings of the gospel of Jesus complete as members of The Church Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 47 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his Man’s Search servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Third, give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles. To give heed is to pay special attention. It is for Divine Truth to listen to those who have been ELDER CHARLES DIDIER called by God to be the especial living witnesses of Jesus Christ for our time. Of the Presidency of the Seventy It implies that they are recognized in this role, that a response is given to Following the Lord’s pattern to hear and give heed to divine their invitation to receive a personal truth will help you build a personal spiritual foundation spiritual confirmation that their teach- ings are true, and that a commitment and determine what you will become. to follow them will be made. In summary, the Lord has a pattern of sharing divine truth with prophets to guide and bless us through the the principles of righteousness. As the challenges and evils of life: hear and Lord said, “In righteousness shalt heed. Our personal spiritual founda- thou be established” (3 Nephi 22:14). tion needs to be built upon this pat- Where is divine truth to be found? tern if we want to enjoy the blessings It is to “hear the voice of the Lord, . . . of the Lord. So it is not enough to [hear] the voice of His servants, . . . search the scriptures to know the give heed to the words of the prophets mind of the Lord. It must be followed and apostles” (D&C 1:14). Hear and by an act of faith, accepting to do the heed. To hear is relatively simple. To will of the Lord by obeying His com- heed and apply what is heard becomes mandments, before we can enjoy the life’s perpetual challenge. blessings of the Lord. A personal spiri- First, hear the voice of the Lord. tual confirmation of this process by Communication from the Lord about asking and believing that we will divine truth or spiritual knowledge is receive becomes, then, the prayer of found in the scriptures. It is called our lifetime. revelation—literally, “to make known In reality, the communication or or uncover” (Bible Dictionary, hearing about divine truth can be mong this vast audience tonight “Revelation,” 762). It is given to summarized in three words: revela- are three special guests—three “know how to worship, and know tion, commandments, blessings. A dear old school friends. They what you worship” (D&C 93:19). However, it is going to be a lifetime made a long trip from Belgium, my Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “Only challenge to first hear and then heed native country, to be here to celebrate with revelation can we do the Lord’s the voice of the Lord and His ser- the 50th anniversary of our high work according to His will in His vants. Why? “For the natural man is an school graduation and to attend this way and according to His timing” enemy to God . . . and will be, forever conference. To them, to you priest- (“Revelation,” First Worldwide and ever, unless he yields to the entic- hood holders, and especially to you Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. ings of the Holy Spirit” (Mosiah 3:19). young men preparing to become mis- 2003, 5). “Without revelation, all Spiritual preparation is a prerequisite sionaries, I dedicate this message. It would be guesswork, darkness, and to receive a personal spiritual impres- is about man’s search for divine truth. confusion” (Bible Dictionary, 762). sion. The rest of the verse reads that Once found, it is to be applied in this Second, hear the voice of His ser- we must become “a saint through the world of increased religious con- vants. Revelation or divine truth is atonement of Christ the Lord” and fusion and moral decadence. It must given by the will of the Lord to His also become “as a child, submissive, become the personal spiritual founda- servants in different ways and times meek, humble, patient, full of love, tion that leads us to live according to and is also found in the scriptures. willing to submit to” the will of the

48 Lord, meaning His commandments. Then says the Lord, “When we obtain any blessing . . . , it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21). Let us now understand this pattern with a recent example of hearing and then giving heed to the words of the prophets and apostles of our time. The First Presidency recently extended an invitation to all members of the Church to read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ before the end of the year. The chal- lenge ended with a promise: “[You] will be blessed with an added mea- sure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (First Presidency letter, July 25, 2005). Why would we need to grow a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God as found in the Book of Mormon? Today there is much confusion in the Christian world about the doctrine of Christ—not only about His divine nature but even about His Atonement and Resurrection, His gospel, and especially the command- ments related to it. The result is a belief in a self-made-man Christ, a pop- ular Christ, and a silent, crucified Christ. Wrong religious beliefs lead to wrong religious behaviors. A personal spiritual foundation can and must rely on a personal spiritual confirmation by the Holy Ghost of the living reality of Jesus Christ, the prophets, and the scriptures contain- ing the revelations of the Lord. More specifically, the living reality of Christ power of the Holy Ghost is given on experience as a convert, as an exam- is associated with the Restoration of the Lord’s conditions to anyone who ple of this spiritual process. When His gospel and its message “that Jesus is willing to ask in faith, believing that the missionaries came to our home, I Christ is the Savior of the world, that an answer can come by that power. had the desire to listen to the mes- Joseph Smith is his revelator and It starts by listening to the voice of sage of the Restoration of the gospel. prophet in these last days, and that the Lord, His servants, His prophets My motivation was mainly curiosity. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- and apostles, and it continues by giv- Attending church, I heard more new day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once ing heed to their words. Spiritual spiritual knowledge. It was interesting again established on the earth” (Book knowledge of the Restoration is a and I liked it, but I was missing the of Mormon introduction). matter of faith. essential: giving heed. I had to build This spiritual confirmation by the May I share my personal spiritual a personal spiritual foundation upon

NOVEMBER 2005 49 the living reality of Christ and the con- firmation that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration. That con- The Blessings firmation came only when I gave heed and tested my beginning faith in the Book of Mormon, the physical evi- dence of modern revelation. of General However, acquiring that knowl- edge was not enough; it had to be fol- lowed by a commitment to transform my faith into certainty that the Book Conference of Mormon was true and so was ELDER PAUL V. JOHNSON Joseph Smith as a prophet. My faith in Of the Seventy Christ had never been in question. I trusted the Lord and His promises. Peace in my mind, inner peace, was Decide now to make general conference a priority in your the answer—no more questions. The life. Decide to listen carefully and follow the teachings that spiritual foundation was set and fol- are given. lowed by a commitment in my heart to accept the covenant of baptism. Then came the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide me and help me make righ- teous decisions to endure to the end. of Aaronic Priesthood holders around I knew from then on what to do with the world. my future in this mortal life. I speak to you Aaronic Priesthood Test divine revelation. Hear the holders tonight. We live in an exciting voice of the Lord. It is real; it is per- and wonderful time. The fulness of sonal; it is true. Reason does not and the gospel has been restored and is cannot replace revelation. Quoting spreading across the earth. The keys President James E. Faust, “Do not let of the priesthood are on the earth, your private doubts separate you and saving ordinances are available to from the divine source of knowl- those worthy of them. There are mil- edge” (“Lord, I Believe; Help Thou lions of good people on the earth Mine Unbelief,” Liahona and Ensign, striving to do what is right in their Nov. 2003, 22). lives and in their families and in their Test and feel the powerful effect communities. of the word of God upon your mind This wonderful time in which we as given by the Lord’s servants (see live is also filled with peril. You live in Alma 31:5). challenging times where many temp- Test, ask and receive in faith, then t is a sacred responsibility to tations and dangers await you. You give heed to the words of prophets address you in this general priest- have already been exposed to some and apostles, and you will “receive a Ihood meeting. I always look for- of those temptations and dangers. crown of eternal life” (D&C 20:14). ward to attending these priesthood You may have even seen individuals Now, just remember, in conclusion, sessions with my sons. I have great whose lives have been damaged by that following the Lord’s pattern to memories of sitting by them in our succumbing to some of the evils so hear and give heed to divine truth will stake center as we listened to the prevalent in the world. help you build a personal spiritual teachings of the General Authorities. How can you, as an Aaronic Priest- foundation and determine what you These meetings made a difference in hood holder, be safe in these chal- will become in this life and in the life my life when I was a young man, and lenging times so you can fully do hereafter. they continue to make a difference in your part in this great work and find In the name of Jesus Christ, my life now. I know they have been an true happiness in this life and the life amen. ■ influence on my sons and on millions to come?

50 It is not surprising that in the face of tremendous evil and temptation the Lord does not leave us to find our way on our own. In fact, there is more than enough guidance available to each of us if we will listen. You have received the gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and inspire you. You have the scriptures, parents, Church leaders and teachers. You also have the words of the prophets, seers, and revelators who live in our day. There is so much guidance and direction available that you won’t make major mistakes in your life unless you consciously ignore the guidance you receive. Tonight I would like to focus on one of these sources of guidance— the living prophets, seers, and revela- tors that we sustained today. In fact, I would like to focus on one of the main ways we get direction from them—general conference. Conferences have been part of the Church since the beginning of this dispensation. The first conference was held just two months after the Church was organized. We meet twice a year to be instructed by the General Authorities and general officers of the Church. The proceedings of these conferences are available through var- ious means, both print and electronic. My mother loved general confer- ence. She always tuned in the radio and TV and turned the volume loud enough that it was difficult to find a That is no way to listen to confer- witness about each of the prophets place in the house where conference ence. I have since repented. I have since that time. couldn’t be heard. She wanted her grown to love general conference, I’m When I was in the mission field, children to listen to the talks and sure partly because of my mother’s the Church didn’t have the satellite would ask us from time to time what love for the words of the living system, and the country where I we remembered. Once in a while I prophets. I remember listening to the served did not have broadcasts of went outside with one of my brothers sessions of a particular conference all general conference. My mother sent to play ball during a Saturday confer- alone in an apartment while I was in me audiotapes of the sessions, and I ence session. We would take a radio college. The Holy Ghost witnessed listened to them over and over again. with us because we knew our mother to my soul that Harold B. Lee, the I grew to love the voices and the might quiz us later. We would play ball President of the Church at that time, words of the prophets and apostles. and occasionally take a break to listen was truly a prophet of God. This hap- Recently I was reading the journal carefully so we could report to Mom. pened before I went into the mission of my great-grandfather, Nathaniel I doubt my mother was fooled when field, and I was excited to testify of a Hodges, who was called on a mission we both happened to remember the living prophet because I had come to to England in 1883. He told of coming same thing from an entire session. know for myself. I have had that same to Salt Lake City to be set apart for his

NOVEMBER 2005 51 On the day the Church was organ- ized, Joseph Smith received a revela- tion that included an important principle for all Church members. Speaking to the Church about Joseph Smith the Lord said, “Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and com- mandments which he shall give unto you . . . for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth.”4 Now listen to the blessings prom- ised to those who heed: “For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of dark- ness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good.”5 Those are powerful promises that can keep us safe in these treacherous times. We need them, and the Lord will give them to each of us if we are willing to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators. Decide now to make general con- ference a priority in your life. Decide mission and attending conference next verse said, “Ye shall bind your- to listen carefully and follow the while he was there. Listen to his selves to act in all holiness before teachings that are given. Listen to or description of that conference: “Went me.”3 This willingness to take action read the talks more than once to bet- to meetings in large Tabernacle all on what we have learned opens the ter understand and follow the coun- day. There were splendid instructions doors for marvelous blessings. sel. By doing these things, the gates given. The remarks of Joseph F Smith A year ago in the priesthood session of hell will not prevail against you, the and George Q Cannon and President of conference President Hinckley powers of darkness will be dispersed were particularly power- spoke about the dangers of pornogra- from before you, and the heavens will ful. I heard some of the oldest inhabi- phy. I don’t think I’ve heard a more shake for your good. tants say they never attended a more direct prophetic warning to members I know that our Heavenly Father powerful and Spiritual Conference.”1 of the priesthood. You young brothers loves us and has a perfect plan for I think the members of the who listened and heeded his words His children. I know that Jesus is the Church have similar feelings about have already been blessed and will be Christ and that He lives. I testify that each general conference. It seems blessed more than you can now under- the gospel of Jesus Christ has been that each is more powerful and spiri- stand. Your future family will reap great restored to the earth. We have true tual than the last. blessings because of your obedience. prophets, seers, and revelators on In order for the messages of gen- Imagine how the world would be the earth today who have “the words eral conference to change our lives, impacted if every priesthood holder of eternal life.”6 To this I testify in the we need to be willing to follow the blocked pornography from his life in name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

counsel we hear. The Lord explained response to the prophet’s counsel. NOTES in a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Every time we are obedient to the 1. Journal of Nathaniel Morris Hodges, vol. 1, Smith “that when ye are assembled words of the prophets and apostles Apr. 8, 1883, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, typescript, together ye shall instruct and edify we reap great blessings. We receive 1–2. each other, that ye may know . . . how more blessings than we can under- 2. D&C 43:8. to act upon the points of my law and stand at the time, and we continue to 3. D&C 43:9. 2 4. D&C 21:4–5. commandment.” But knowing “how receive blessings long after our initial 5. D&C 21:6. to act” isn’t enough. The Lord in the decision to be obedient. 6. John 6:68.

52 than any other group. We are the old- est group ever to lead the Church. Called and Chosen My association with some of these men for almost half a century qualifies PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST me, I think, to state with confidence Second Counselor in the First Presidency that my Brethren, without exception, are good, honorable, and trustworthy men. I know their hearts. They are the Those called, sustained, and set apart are entitled servants of the Lord. Their only desire to our sustaining support. is to labor in their great callings and build up the kingdom of God on earth. Our Brethren who are serving in this day and time are proven, tried, President Hinckley some years ago for and true. Some are not as physically the television program 60 Minutes, he strong as they used to be, but their said, “[People will say] this is a church hearts are so pure, their experience so run by old men.” To this, President great, their minds so sharp, and their Hinckley replied, “Isn’t it wonderful to spiritual wisdom so deep that it is a have a man of maturity at the head— comfort just to be in their presence. a man of judgment who isn’t blown I was humbled and overwhelmed to about by every wind of doctrine?”2 So be called as an Assistant to the Twelve if any of you think the present leader- Apostles 33 years ago. A few days later ship is too old to lead the Church, President Hugh B. Brown counseled President Hinckley may need to give me that the most important thing I you some further counsel about the should do is to always be in harmony wisdom that comes with age! with my Brethren. President Brown Of the 102 Apostles called in this did not elaborate. He just said, “Stick dispensation, only 13 have served with the Brethren.” I interpreted that longer than President Hinckley. He to mean that I should follow the coun- has served longer as an Apostle than sel and direction of the President of y dear brethren of the priest- Brigham Young, President Hunter, the Church, the First Presidency, and hood, please accept our President Lee, President Kimball, and Quorum of the Twelve. That resonated Mappreciation for all you do to many others. It is wonderful to have as something I wanted to do with all carry forward the Lord’s work world- his inspired leadership. Please forgive my heart. wide. I desire to speak about the me for saying that I myself feel at times Others may not agree with that sacred offices of those priesthood that I am standing on the edge of eter- counsel, but it warrants some consid- leaders who have been “called and nity. At age 85, I am the third oldest of eration. I have concluded that spiritual chosen”1 to guide the Church in this all the living General Authorities. I guidance in large measure depends day. This is a special year for at least have not sought this honor. I have just upon being in harmony with the two reasons: first, we are celebrating lived for it. President of the Church, the First the 200th anniversary of the birth I believe that never before in the Presidency, and the Quorum of the of the Prophet Joseph Smith this history of the Church has there been Twelve—all of whom are sustained, as December, and second, President more unity than exists among my they were today, as prophets, seers, Gordon B. Hinckley celebrated his Brethren of the First Presidency, the and revelators. I do not know how we 95th birthday this past June. I testify Quorum of the Twelve, and the other can expect to be in full harmony with that the Prophet Joseph Smith General Authorities of the Church, the Spirit of the Lord if we are not in was called and chosen as the first who have been called and chosen and harmony with the President of the prophet of this dispensation and that who are now guiding the Church. I Church and the other prophets, seers, President Gordon B. Hinckley is the believe there is ample evidence of and revelators. present prophet, seer, and revelator this. The present leadership of God’s When I was a deacon, my father of this Church. earthly kingdom has enjoyed the took me and my older brother to When Mike Wallace interviewed Savior’s guiding inspiration longer general priesthood meeting in the

NOVEMBER 2005 53 The First Presidency talks with members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles following a session of conference.

Tabernacle. I remember how thrilled I peace and joy and thanksgiving. But end.” He was rebaptized in March was to be in the presence, for the first now it is darkness, pain, sorrow, misery 1846 and came west with the original time, of the prophet of God, President in the extreme. I have never since seen company of pioneers in 1847. He Heber J. Grant, and the other prophets a happy moment.”3 He died in a sleigh- died in Salt Lake City in 1861 in full and apostles. I listened intently to their ing accident in 1856 at the age of 45. fellowship at the age of 54.4 messages and took the things they said Luke S. Johnson was also called to My counsel to the members of the into my heart. Over the years their the original Quorum of the Twelve in Church is to support the President of subjects have been repeated many 1835. His spiritual resolve weakened the Church, the First Presidency, times. I expect that some of them will over some financial speculation in Quorum of the Twelve, and other be repeated yet again in this confer- 1837. Looking back later he said: “My General Authorities with our whole ence. They are essential for our salva- mind became darkened, and I was hearts and souls. If we do, we will be tion, and we need the repetition. left to pursue my own course. I lost in a safe harbor. Since the beginning of the world, the Spirit of God, and neglected my President Brigham Young said he history has recorded many examples duty; the consequence was, that recollected many times the Prophet of those who have not been in har- at a Conference held in Kirtland, Joseph Smith saying that he “had to mony with the prophets. In the early September 3, 1837, . . . I was cut off pray all the time, exercise faith, live his days of our dispensation, several of the from the Church.” By December religion, and magnify his calling, to Twelve, to their regret, did not stay 1837 he joined the apostates in pub- obtain the manifestations of the Lord, loyal to the Prophet Joseph Smith. licly denouncing the Church and was and to keep him steadfast in the One of these was Lyman E. Johnson, excommunicated for apostasy in faith.”5 All of us may expect some chal- a member of the original Quorum 1838. For eight years he had a med- lenges to our faith. These challenges of the Twelve who was excommuni- ical practice in Kirtland. Then in 1846 may come in different ways. You may cated for unrighteous conduct. He he and his family returned to the not always like the counsel that the later lamented his spiritual downfall. fellowship of the Saints. Said he: “I Church leaders give to you. They are He said: “I would suffer my right hand have stopped by the wayside and not trying to be popular. They are try- to be cut off, if I could believe it again. stood aloof from the work of the ing to help us avoid the calamities and Then I was full of joy and gladness. My Lord. But my heart is with this peo- disappointments that come through dreams were pleasant. When I awoke ple. I want to be associated with the disobedience to God’s laws. in the morning my spirit was cheerful. saints; go with them into the wilder- We also need to support and sus- I was happy by day and by night, full of ness and continue with them to the tain our local leaders, because they

54 also have been “called and chosen.” as the Great Depression and World Every member of this Church may War II. What I have experienced makes receive counsel from a bishop or a me afraid not to do what I can to pro- branch president, a stake or a mission tect myself and my family against the president, and the President of the consequences of such catastrophes. I Church and his associates. None of am grateful to the Brethren for this these brethren asked for his calling. wise counsel. None is perfect. Yet they are the ser- The President of the Church will vants of the Lord, called by Him not lead the people of the Church through those entitled to inspiration. astray. It will never happen. President Those called, sustained, and set apart Hinckley’s counselors sustain him are entitled to our sustaining support. fully, as do the Quorum of the I have admired and respected Twelve, the Quorums of the Seventy, every bishop I have ever had. I have and the Presiding Bishopric. As a tried not to question their guidance result, as I have said before, a special and have felt that in sustaining and love and harmony exist in the presid- following their counsel I was pro- was a good sport, and because he was ing councils of the Church for our tected against the “sleight of men, responsible for raising the money, he President and for each other. and cunning craftiness.”6 This was willingly consented to sit on the dunk- The priesthood of God is a shield. because each of these called and cho- ing seat. Soon some began to buy balls It is a shield against the evils of the sen leaders was entitled to the divine and to throw them at the target. world. That shield needs to be kept revelation that comes with the calling. Several hit the mark, and the bishop clean; otherwise, our vision of our Disrespect for ecclesiastical leaders was drenched. After half an hour of purpose and the dangers around us has caused many to suffer spiritual this, he began to shake with the cold. will be limited. The cleansing agent is weakening and downfall. We should While some of the people thought personal righteousness, but not all look past any perceived imperfec- this was great fun, my father was will pay the price to keep their shields tions, warts, or spots of the men very offended that the office of the clean. The Lord said, “For many are called to preside over us, and uphold bishop had been so belittled and called, but few are chosen.”7 We are the office which they hold. held up to ridicule or even contempt. called when hands are laid upon our Many years ago we used to have Even though the money raised was heads and we are given the priest- money-raising events in our wards to intended for a good cause, I can still hood, but we are not chosen until we pay for the utilities and other local remember feeling ashamed that have demonstrated to God our righ- expenses and activities now paid by some of our people did not show teousness, our faithfulness, and our the general Church funds and the more respect for both the office and commitment. local unit budget allowance. We used the man who had by night and day Brethren, this work is true. Joseph to have bazaars, fairs, dinners, and served us so well as our good shep- Smith saw the Father and the Son, other fund-raising activities. At that herd. As holders of the priesthood of and he heard and followed Their time my ward had a wonderful, God, we should set the example of instruction. That was the beginning devoted, committed bishop. sustaining the leadership of the of this great work, the responsibility A member of a neighboring ward Church to our families, our friends, for which now rests upon us. I bear found that a dunking machine was a and our associates. solemn witness of its divinity, in the successful money-raising activity. The holy scriptures as well as the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ Participants would pay to throw base- local and General Authorities of the balls at a marked mechanical arm. Church provide a safety net of counsel NOTES Hitting the bull’s-eye would trigger a 1. D&C 55:1. and guidance for the people of the 2. Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, release, plunging the person sitting on Church. For example, all my life the Volume 1: 1995–1999 (2005), 509. the seat of the machine into a big basin Brethren have from this and other pul- 3. Quoted in Brigham Young, Deseret News, Aug. 15, 1877, 484. of cold water. Our ward decided to use pits urged our people to live within 4. See Susan Easton Black, Who’s Who in the this machine, and someone suggested their incomes, stay out of debt, and Doctrine and Covenants (1997), 156–57. that more people would pay for balls save a little for a rainy day, for rainy 5. Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 469. to throw if the bishop would be willing days always come. I have lived through 6. Ephesians 4:14. to sit on the dunking seat. Our bishop times of great economic difficulty, such 7. Matthew 22:14.

NOVEMBER 2005 55 Jamboree. My purpose in being there was to speak to the 5,000 Latter-day Do Your Duty— Saint young men and their leaders who had spent the previous week par- ticipating in the activities of the jam- boree. They sat reverently in a natural That Is Best amphitheater as an impressive 400- PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON voice Aaronic Priesthood chorus sang: First Counselor in the First Presidency A Mormon boy, a Mormon boy, I am a Mormon boy. The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is I might be envied by a king, 1 a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and For I am a Mormon boy. an opportunity to bless the lives of others. The sacrament was blessed, with 65 priests officiating at the many large sacrament tables which had been placed throughout the assembled To you deacons, may I say that I group. Approximately 180 deacons recall the time when I was ordained a then passed the sacrament. Within the deacon. Our bishopric stressed the time it would take to handle the pass- sacred responsibility which was ours ing of the sacrament in a crowded to pass the sacrament. Emphasized ward chapel, this large gathering was were proper dress, a dignified bear- served. What an awe-inspiring sight ing, and the importance of being I witnessed that morning as these clean inside and out. As we were Aaronic Priesthood young men taught the procedure in passing the participated in this holy ordinance. sacrament, we were told how we It is important for each deacon to should assist Louis McDonald, a par- be guided to a spiritual awareness of ticular brother in our ward who was the sacredness of his ordained calling. afflicted with a palsied condition, that In one ward, the lesson was effec- he might have the opportunity to par- tively taught pertaining to the collec- take of the sacred emblems. tion of fast offerings. How I remember being assigned to On fast day, the ward members pass the sacrament to the row where were visited by deacons and teachers rethren of the priesthood, Brother McDonald sat. I was fearful so that each family could make a con- assembled here in the Confer- and hesitant as I approached this tribution. The deacons were a bit dis- Bence Center and worldwide, wonderful brother, and then I saw his gruntled, having to arise earlier than I am humbled by the responsibility smile and the eager expression of usual to fulfill this assignment. which is mine to address a few gratitude that showed his desire to The inspiration came for the bish- remarks to you. I pray for the Spirit partake. Holding the tray in my left opric to take a busload of the dea- of the Lord to attend me as I do so. hand, I took a small piece of bread cons and teachers to Welfare Square I am aware that our audience and pressed it to his lips. The water in Salt Lake City. Here they saw needy this evening ranges from the most was later served in the same way. I felt children receiving new shoes and recently ordained deacon to the eld- I was on holy ground. And indeed I other items of clothing. Here they est high priest. To each, the restora- was. The privilege to pass the sacra- witnessed empty baskets being filled tion of the Aaronic Priesthood to ment to Brother McDonald made with groceries. There was no money Joseph Smith and by better deacons of us all. exchanged. One brief comment was John the Baptist and the Melchizedek Just two months ago, on Sunday, made: “Young men, this is what the Priesthood to Joseph and Oliver by July 31, I was at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, money you collect on fast day pro- Peter, James, and John are sacred and attending an LDS sacrament meeting vides—even food, clothing, and shel- treasured events. held during the National Scout ter for those who are in need.” The

56 Aaronic Priesthood young men smiled more, stepped higher, and served more willingly in filling their assignments. Now, pertaining to the teachers and priests, every one of you should be given the assignment to home teach with a companion who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. What an opportunity to prepare for a mission. What a privilege to learn the discipline of duty. A young man will automati- cally turn from concern for self when he is assigned to “watch over” others.2 President David O. McKay coun- seled: “Home teaching is one of our most urgent and most rewarding opportunities to nurture and inspire, to counsel and direct our Father’s children. . . . [It] is a divine service, a divine call. It is our duty as Home Teachers to carry the divine spirit into every home and heart.”3 Home teaching answers many prayers and permits us to see the occurrence of living miracles. As I think of home teaching, I am reminded of a man by the name of Johann Denndorfer from Debrecen, Hungary. He had been converted to the Church years before in Germany, and now, following World War II, he found himself virtually a prisoner in his own land of Hungary. How he longed for contact with the Church. Then his home teachers visited. Brother Walter Krause and his com- panion went from the northeastern portion of Germany all the way to Hungary to fulfill their home teaching assignment. Before they left from their homes in Germany, Brother Krause had said to his companion, “Would you like to go home teaching with me this week?” His companion asked, “When will he said, “Oh, in about a week.” hands with them; rather, he went to we leave?” And away they went to visit Brother his bedroom and took from a secret Brother Krause’s response: Denndorfer and others. Brother hiding place his tithing that he had “Tomorrow.” Denndorfer had not had home teach- saved for years. This tithing he gave to Then came the question, “When ers since before the war. Now, when his home teachers, and then he said, will we come back?” he saw the servants of the Lord, he “Now I can shake your hands.” Brother Krause did not hesitate; was overwhelmed. He did not shake Now a word for the priests in the

NOVEMBER 2005 57 tonight may be shy by nature or might consider yourselves inadequate to respond to a calling. Remember that this work is not yours and mine alone. We can look up and reach out for divine help. Like some of you, I know what it is to face disappointment and youthful humiliation. As a boy, I played team softball in elementary and junior high school. Two captains were chosen, and then they, in turn, selected the players they desired on their respec- tive teams. Of course, the best players were chosen first, then second, and third. To be selected fourth or fifth was not too bad, but to be chosen last and relegated to a remote position in Aaronic Priesthood. You young men Robert Williams, a priest.” the outfield was downright awful. I have the opportunity to bless the Robert left my side, stepped into know; I was there. sacrament, to continue your home the font, took little Nancy by the How I hoped the ball would never teaching duties, and to participate in hand, and helped her into that water be hit in my direction, for surely I the sacred ordinance of baptism. which cleanses human lives and pro- would drop it, runners would score, Fifty-five years ago, I knew a young vides a spiritual rebirth. He spoke the and teammates would laugh. man, Robert Williams, who held words, “Nancy Ann McArthur, having As though it were just yesterday, I the office of priest in the Aaronic been commissioned of Jesus Christ, remember the very moment when all Priesthood. As the bishop, I was his I baptize you in the name of the that changed in my life. The game quorum president. When he spoke, Father, and of the Son, and of the started out as I have described: I was Robert stuttered and stammered, void Holy Ghost. Amen.” chosen last. I made my sorrowful way of control. He was self-conscious, shy, And he baptized her. Not once did to the deep pocket of right field and fearful of himself and everybody else; he stutter! Not once did he falter! A watched as the other team filled the this impediment was devastating to modern miracle had been witnessed. bases with runners. Two batters then him. Rarely did he accept an assign- Robert then performed the baptismal went down on strikes. Suddenly, the ment; never would he look another ordinance for two or three other next batter hit a mighty drive. I even person in the eye; always would children in the same fashion. heard him say, “This will be a home he gaze downward. Then one day, In the dressing room, I hurried to run.” That was humiliating, since the through a set of unusual circum- congratulate Robert. I expected to ball was coming in my direction. Was stances, he accepted an assignment hear this same uninterrupted flow of it beyond my reach? I raced for the to perform the responsibility to bap- speech. I was wrong. He gazed down- spot where I thought the ball would tize another. ward and stammered his reply of drop, uttered a prayer while running, I sat next to Robert in the baptistry gratitude. and stretched forth my cupped of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. I knew he I testify to you that when Robert hands. I surprised myself. I caught the needed all the help he could get. He acted in the authority of the Aaronic ball! My team won the game. was dressed in immaculate white, pre- Priesthood, he spoke with power, with This one experience bolstered my pared for the ordinance he was to per- conviction, and with heavenly help. confidence, inspired my desire to form. I asked him how he felt. He Just over two years ago it was my practice, and led me from that last-to- gazed at the floor and stuttered almost privilege to speak at the funeral serv- be-chosen place to become a real uncontrollably that he felt terrible. ices for Robert Williams and to pay contributor to the team. We both prayed fervently that tribute to this faithful priesthood We can experience that burst of he would be made equal to his task. holder who tried his best throughout confidence. We can feel that pride of The clerk then said, “Nancy Ann his life to honor his priesthood. performance. A three-word formula McArthur will now be baptized by Some of you young men here will help us: Never give up.

58 From the play Shenandoah comes the spoken line which inspires: “If we don’t try, then we don’t do; and if we don’t do, then why are we here?” Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates self- ish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive. President George Albert Smith, that modest yet effective visiting, along with one of my coun- that is best; Leave unto [the] Lord the leader, declared, “It is your duty first selors, a widow and her mature hand- rest!”6 of all to learn what the Lord wants icapped daughter. As we left their Active service in the Aaronic Priest- and then by the power and strength apartment, a lady from the apartment hood will prepare you young men to of His holy Priesthood to magnify across the hall was standing outside receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, your calling in the presence of your her door and stopped us. She spoke to serve missions, and to marry in the fellows in such a way that the people with a foreign accent and asked if I holy temple. will be glad to follow you.”4 were a bishop; I replied that I was. You will ever remember your And how does one magnify a call- She told me that she noticed I often Aaronic Priesthood quorum advisers ing? Simply by performing the service visited with others. Then she said, and your fellow quorum members, that pertains to it. An elder magnifies “No one visits me or my bedfast hus- thereby experiencing the truth, “God the ordained calling of an elder by band. Do you have time to come in gave us memories, that we might learning what his duties as an elder and visit with us, even though we are have June roses in the December of are and then by doing them. As with not members of your church?” our lives.”7 an elder, so with a deacon, a teacher, As we entered her apartment, we Young men of the Aaronic a priest, a bishop, and each who noticed that she and her husband Priesthood, your future beckons; holds office in the priesthood. were listening to the Tabernacle Choir prepare for it. May Heavenly Father Brethren, it is in doing—not just on the radio. We talked with the cou- ever guide you as you do so. May He dreaming—that lives are blessed, ple for a while, then provided a bless- guide all of us as we strive to honor others are guided, and souls are ing to the husband. the priesthood which we hold and to saved. “Be ye doers of the word, and Following that initial visit, I magnify our callings, I pray humbly, in not hearers only, deceiving your own stopped by as often as I could. The the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ selves,”5 counseled James. couple eventually met with the mis- May all within the sound of my sionaries, and the wife, Angela NOTES 1. Evan Stephens, “A Mormon Boy,” in Jack M. voice make a renewed effort to qualify Anastor, was baptized. Sometime Lyon and others, eds., Best-Loved Poems of for the Lord’s guidance in our lives. later, her husband passed away, and I the LDS People (1996), 296. 2. See D&C 20:53. There are many who plead and pray had the privilege of conducting and 3. Priesthood Home Teaching Handbook, for help. There are those who are dis- speaking at his funeral services. Sister rev. ed. (1967), ii–iii. couraged and in need of a helping Anastor, with her knowledge of the 4. In Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 14. 5. James 1:22. hand. Greek language, later was to translate 6. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Legend Many years ago when I served as a the widely used pamphlet Joseph Beautiful,” in The Complete Poetical Works bishop, I presided over a large ward Smith Tells His Own Story into the of Longfellow (1893), 258. 7. Paraphrasing James Barrie, in Peter’s with over 1,000 members, including Greek language. Quotations: Ideas for Our Time, comp. 87 widows. On one occasion, I was I love the motto: “Do [your] duty; Laurence J. Peter (1977), 335.

NOVEMBER 2005 59 tonight. We cannot say enough of thanks to them. Please know of our If Ye Are Prepared gratitude, of our love, and of our prayers in your behalf. Two of our Area Seventies, Brother John Anderson, who resides in Florida, Ye Shall Not Fear and Brother Stanley Ellis, who lives in PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY Texas, have directed much of this effort. But they would be the first to say that the credit belongs to the great We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His numbers of men and boys who have protection and guidance. . . . We cannot expect His help given assistance. Many have worn shirts that say “Mormon Helping Hands.” if we are unwilling to keep His commandments. They have won the love and respect of those they have assisted. Their assis- tance has gone not only to members of the Church in trouble, but to great we do not always act according to our numbers of those concerning whom knowledge. But I think that for the no religious affiliation has been made. most part we are trying. We are trying They have followed the pattern of to be the kind of men our Father the Nephites as recorded in the book would have us be. That is a very high of Alma: “They did not send away objective, and I commend all of you any who were naked, or that were who are trying to reach it. May the hungry, or that were athirst, or that Lord bless you as you seek to live were sick, or that had not been nour- exemplary lives in every respect. ished; and they did not set their Now, as all of us are aware, the Gulf hearts upon riches; therefore they States area of the United States has were liberal to all, both old and recently suffered terribly from raging young, both bond and free, both winds and waters. Many have lost all male and female, whether out of the they had. The damage has been astro- church or in the church, having no nomical. Literally millions have suf- respect to persons as to those who fered. Fear and worry have gripped the stood in need” (Alma 1:30). hearts of many. Lives have been lost. Women and girls in many parts y dear brethren of the With all of this, there has been a of the Church have rendered a priesthood, wherever you great outpouring of help. Hearts have Herculean effort in providing hygiene M may be across this broad been softened. Homes have been and cleaning kits by the tens of thou- world—what a tremendous body you opened. Critics love to talk about the sands. The Church has provided have become, men and boys of every failures of Christianity. Any such should equipment, food, water, and comfort. race and kindred, all a part of the take a look at what the churches have We have contributed substantial family of God. done in these circumstances. Those of amounts of money to the Red Cross How precious is His gift to us. He many denominations have accom- and other agencies. We have given mil- has given to us a portion of that plished wonders. And far from the lions from fast offerings and humani- which is His divine authority, the eter- least among these has been our own tarian funds. To every one of you I say nal priesthood, the power by which Church. Great numbers of our men thanks in behalf of your beneficiaries He brings to pass the immortality and have traveled considerable distances, and thanks in behalf of the Church. eternal life of man. It follows that bringing with them tools and tents and Now, I do not say, and I repeat when much has been given to us radiant hope. Men of the priesthood emphatically that I do not say or infer, much is required of us (see Luke have given thousands upon thousands that what has happened is the punish- 12:48; D&C 82:3). of hours in the work of rehabilitation. ment of the Lord. Many good people, I know that we are not perfect There have been three and four thou- including some of our faithful Latter- men. We know the perfect way, but sand at a time. There are some there day Saints, are among those who have

60 suffered. Having said this, I do not of the world to this time, no, nor ever “And the earth was carried up hesitate to say that this old world is shall be. upon the city of Moronihah, that in no stranger to calamities and catas- “And except those days should be the place of the city there became a trophes. Those of us who read and shortened, there should no flesh be great mountain. . . . believe the scriptures are aware of the saved: but for the elect’s sake those “. . . The whole face of the land was warnings of prophets concerning days shall be shortened” (Matthew changed, because of the tempest and catastrophes that have come to pass 24:6–8, 19, 21–22). the whirlwinds, and the thunderings and are yet to come to pass. In the Book of Mormon we read and the lightnings, and the exceed- There was the great Flood, when of unimaginable destruction in the ingly great quaking of the whole earth; waters covered the earth and when, Western Hemisphere at the time of “And the highways were broken up, as Peter says, only “eight souls were the Savior’s death in Jerusalem. and the level roads were spoiled, and saved” (1 Peter 3:20). Again I quote: many smooth places became rough. If anyone has any doubt concern- “And it came to pass in the thirty “And many great and notable cities ing the terrible things that can and and fourth year, in the first month, on were sunk, and many were burned, will afflict mankind, let him read the the fourth day of the month, there and many were shaken till the build- 24th chapter of Matthew. Among arose a great storm, such an one as ings thereof had fallen to the earth, other things the Lord says: “Ye shall never had been known in all the land. and the inhabitants thereof were hear of wars and rumours of wars. . . . “And there was also a great and ter- slain, and the places were left deso- “For nation shall rise against rible tempest; and there was terrible late” (3 Nephi 8:5–10, 12–14). nation, and kingdom against king- thunder, insomuch that it did shake What a terrible catastrophe that dom: and there shall be famines, and the whole earth as if it was about to must have been. pestilences, and earthquakes, in divide asunder. The plague or Black Death of the divers places. “And there were exceedingly sharp fourteenth century took millions of “All these are the beginning of lightnings, such as never had been lives. Other pandemic diseases, such sorrows. . . . known in all the land. as smallpox, have brought untold “And woe unto them that are with “And the city of Zarahemla did suffering and death through the child, and to them that give suck in take fire. centuries. those days! . . . “And the city of Moroni did sink In the year A.D. 79 the great city of “For then shall be great tribulation, into the depths of the sea, and the Pompeii was destroyed when Mount such as was not since the beginning inhabitants thereof were drowned. Vesuvius erupted.

NOVEMBER 2005 61 Chicago was ravaged by a terrible Lord; and whether we die, we die fire. Tidal waves have swamped areas unto the Lord” (Romans 14:8). of Hawaii. The San Francisco earth- We can heed warnings. We have quake in 1906 ruined the city and been told that many had been given took some 3,000 lives. The hurricane concerning the vulnerability of New that hit Galveston, Texas, in 1900 Orleans. We are told by seismologists killed 8,000. And more recently, as that the Salt Lake Valley is a potential you know, has been the terrible earthquake zone. This is the tsunami of Southeast Asia, where reason that we are extensively reno- thousands of lives were lost and vating the Tabernacle on Temple where relief efforts are still needed. Square. This historic and remarkable How portentous are the words of building must be made to withstand revelation found in the 88th section the shaking of the earth. of the Doctrine and Covenants con- We have built grain storage and cerning the calamities that should storehouses and stocked them with befall after the testimonies of the eld- the necessities of life in the event of a ers. The Lord says: he built it, and the rains came. disaster. But the best storehouse is “For after your testimony cometh The Lord has said, “If ye are pre- the family storeroom. In words of rev- the testimony of earthquakes, that pared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). elation the Lord has said, “Organize shall cause groanings in the midst of The primary preparation is also set yourselves; prepare every needful her, and men shall fall upon the forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, thing” (D&C 109:8). ground and shall not be able to stand. wherein it says, “Wherefore, stand ye Our people for three-quarters of a “And also cometh the testimony of in holy places, and be not moved, until century have been counseled and the voice of thunderings, and the the day of the Lord come” (D&C 87:8). encouraged to make such prepara- voice of lightnings, and the voice of We sing the song: tion as will assure survival should a tempests, and the voice of the waves calamity come. of the sea heaving themselves beyond When the earth begins to tremble, We can set aside some water, basic their bounds. Bid our fearful thoughts be still; food, medicine, and clothing to keep “And all things shall be in commo- When thy judgments spread us warm. We ought to have a little tion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail destruction, money laid aside in case of a rainy day. them; for fear shall come upon all Keep us safe on Zion’s hill. Now what I have said should not people” (D&C 88:89–91). (“Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,” occasion a run on the grocery store How interesting are descriptions of Hymns, no. 83) or anything of that kind. I am saying the tsunami and the recent hurri- nothing that has not been said for a canes in terms of the language of this We can so live that we can call upon very long time. revelation, which says, “The voice of the Lord for His protection and guid- Let us never lose sight of the dream the waves of the sea heaving them- ance. This is a first priority. We cannot of Pharaoh concerning the fat cattle selves beyond their bounds.” expect His help if we are unwilling to and the lean, the full ears of corn, and Man’s inhumanity to man ex- keep His commandments. We in this the blasted ears; the meaning of which pressed in past and present conflict Church have evidence enough of was interpreted by Joseph to indicate has and continues to bring unspeak- the penalties of disobedience in the years of plenty and years of scarcity able suffering. In the Darfur region of examples of both the Jaredite and (see Genesis 41:1–36). Sudan, tens of thousands have been the Nephite nations. Each went from I have faith, my dear brethren, that killed and well over a million have glory to utter destruction because of the Lord will bless us, and watch over been left homeless. wickedness. us, and assist us if we walk in obedi- What we have experienced in the We know, of course, that the rain ence to His light, His gospel, and His past was all foretold, and the end falls on the just as well as the unjust commandments. He is our Father and is not yet. Just as there have been (see Matthew 5:45). But even though our God, and we are His children, and calamities in the past, we expect more the just die they are not lost, but are we must be in every way deserving of in the future. What do we do? saved through the Atonement of the His love and concern. That we may Someone has said it was not rain- Redeemer. Paul wrote to the Romans, do so is my humble prayer, in the ing when Noah built the ark. But “For whether we live, we live unto the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

62 Whether they arrive by bus, on foot for the priesthood session, or together as families, Latter-day Saints in Samoa enjoy sharing general conference together. More than 30 percent of people living in Samoa are members of the Church.

Above: A congregation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sustains Church leaders during the Saturday afternoon session. Right: Full- time missionaries in Brazil display copies of the Book of Mormon, the subject of several conference addresses.

NOVEMBER 2005 63 GENERAL AUTHORITIES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

October 2005

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

President Thomas S. Monson President Gordon B. Hinckley President James E. Faust First Counselor Second Counselor THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Boyd K. Packer L. Tom Perry Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks M. Russell Ballard Joseph B. Wirthlin

Richard G. Scott Robert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Uchtdorf David A. Bednar

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SEVENTY

Earl C. Tingey D. Todd Christofferson Charles Didier Merrill J. Bateman Robert C. Oaks Neil L. Andersen Ronald A. Rasband (in alphabetical order) (in alphabetical order)

THE FIRST QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY THE SECOND QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY

Carlos H. Amado Monte J. Brough Sheldon F. Child L. Whitney Clayton Gary J. Coleman Spencer J. Condie Gene R. Cook Mervyn B. Arnold Douglas L. Callister Craig C. Christensen Shirley D. Christensen James M. Dunn Daryl H. Garn

Quentin L. Cook Claudio R. M. Costa Benjamín De Hoyos Robert K. Dellenbach John B. Dickson David F. Evans Christoffel Golden Jr. D. Rex Gerratt Ronald T. Halverson Keith K. Hilbig Spencer V. Jones Won Yong Ko Gerald N. Lund

Walter F. González C. Scott Grow Bruce C. Hafen Donald L. Hallstrom Richard G. Hinckley Jay E. Jensen Marlin K. Jensen Clate W. Mask Jr. Dale E. Miller Robert F. Orton William W. Parmley Wolfgang H. Paul Wayne S. Peterson

Kenneth Johnson Paul V. Johnson W. Rolfe Kerr Yoshihiko Kikuchi Paul E. Koelliker John M. Madsen Richard J. Maynes H. Bryan Richards R. Conrad Schultz W. Douglas Shumway Lowell M. Snow Donald L. Staheli Robert R. Steuer

Lynn A. Mickelsen Dennis B. Glenn L. Pace Paul B. Pieper Bruce D. Porter Carl B. Pratt Lynn G. Robbins David R. Stone H. Bruce Stucki Paul K. Sybrowsky William R. Walker Robert J. Whetten Richard H. Winkel Neuenschwander

Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. Steven E. Snow Ulisses Soares Francisco J. Viñas Lance B. Wickman W. Craig Zwick Robert S. Wood H. Ross Workman THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC

Richard C. Edgley H. David Burton Keith B. McMullin First Counselor Presiding Bishop Second Counselor Above left: Priesthood holders in Mexico City anticipate the general conference broadcast. Above: Members in Mexico enjoy hearing sessions in Spanish and watching speakers on the large screen at the meetinghouse.

Left: In Peru two young men in the city of Chosica arrive at the Church building early, eager to listen to conference talks.

Below left: The Johansson family of Troy, Michigan, sustains Church leaders while watching the broadcast at home.

Below: Two members in France greet each other with a customary kiss on the cheek.

66 SUNDAY MORNING SESSION October 2, 2005

the pain. Young Joseph, however, told them, “You won’t need to tie me.” The Prophet The doctors suggested he take some brandy or wine so that the pain might not be so severe. “No,” young Joseph replied. “If my father will sit Joseph Smith: on the bed and hold me in his arms, I will do whatever is necessary.” Joseph Smith Sr. held in his arms his small Teacher child, and the doctors removed the diseased piece of bone. Although young Joseph was lame for some time afterward, he was healed.1 At such a by Example young age and countless other times throughout his life, Joseph Smith PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON taught us courage—by example. First Counselor in the First Presidency Before Joseph’s 15th year, his fam- ily moved to Manchester, New York. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles He later described the great religious revival which seemed everywhere which [Joseph Smith] so beautifully taught—by example— present at this time and of prime con- that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel cern to nearly everyone. Joseph, him- of Jesus Christ. self, longed to know which church he should join. He writes in his history: “I often said to myself: . . . Who of not have known what a profound all these parties are right; or, are they impact he would have upon the all wrong together? If any one of them world. A choice spirit had come to be right, which is it, and how shall I dwell in its earthly tabernacle; he has know it? affected our lives and has taught us— “While I was laboring under the through his own example—essential extreme difficulties caused by . . . lessons. Today I should like to share a these parties of religionists, I was few of those lessons with you. one day reading the Epistle of James, When Joseph was about six or first chapter and fifth verse. . . : If seven years old, he and his brothers any of you lack wisdom, let him ask and sisters were stricken with typhus of God, that giveth to all men liber- fever. Although the others recovered ally, and upbraideth not; and it readily, Joseph was left with a painful shall be given him.”2 sore on his leg. The doctors, using the Joseph reported that he knew he best medicine they had, treated him, must either put the Lord to the test and yet the sore persisted. In order to and ask Him or perhaps choose to save Joseph’s life, they said, he would remain in darkness forever. Early one y brothers and sisters, in this have to lose his leg. Thankfully, how- morning he stepped into a grove, bicentennial year of his birth, ever, soon after that diagnosis, the now called sacred, and knelt and MI should like to speak of our doctors returned to the Smith home prayed, having faith that God would beloved Prophet Joseph Smith. and reported that there was a new give him the enlightenment which he On December 23, 1805, Joseph procedure which might save Joseph’s so earnestly sought. Two personages Smith Jr. was born in Sharon, leg. They wanted to operate immedi- appeared to Joseph—the Father and Vermont, to Joseph Smith Sr. and ately and had brought some cord with the Son—and he was told, in answer Lucy Mack Smith. On the day of his which to tie little Joseph to the bed so to his question, that he was to join birth, as the proud parents looked that he wouldn’t thrash about, since none of the churches, for none of down upon this tiny baby, they could they had nothing with which to dull them was true. The Prophet Joseph

NOVEMBER 2005 67 commenced the difficult assignment of translation. One can but imagine the dedication, the devotion, and the labor required to translate in fewer than 90 days this record of over 500 pages covering a period of 2,600 years. I love the words Oliver Cowdery used to describe the time he spent assisting Joseph with the translation of the Book of Mormon: “These were days never to be forgotten—to sit under the sound of a voice dictated by the inspiration of heaven, awakened the utmost gratitude of this bosom!”4 The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us diligence—by example. As we know, the Prophet Joseph sent forth missionaries to preach the restored gospel. He himself served a mission in Upper New York and in Canada with Sidney Rigdon. He not only inspired others to volunteer for missions, but he also taught the importance of missionary work— by example. I think one of the sweetest lessons taught by the Prophet Joseph, and yet one of the saddest, occurred close to the time of his death. He had seen in vision the Saints leaving Nauvoo and going to the Rocky Mountains. He was anxious that his people be led away Smith taught us the principle of was true. . . . For I had seen a vision; I from their tormentors and into this faith—by example. His simple prayer knew it, and I knew that God knew it, promised land which the Lord had of faith on that spring morning in and I could not deny it.”3 Despite the shown him. He no doubt longed to be 1820 brought about this marvelous physical and mental punishment at with them. However, he had been work which continues today through- the hands of his opponents which issued an arrest warrant on trumped out the world. the Prophet Joseph Smith endured up charges. Despite many appeals to A few days after his prayer in the throughout the remainder of his life, Governor Ford, the charges were not Sacred Grove, Joseph Smith gave an he did not falter. He taught honesty— dismissed. Joseph left his home, his account of his vision to a preacher by example. wife, his family, and his people and with whom he was acquainted. To his After that great First Vision, the gave himself up to the civil authorities, surprise, his communication was Prophet Joseph received no addi- knowing he would probably never treated with “contempt” and “was the tional communication for three years. return. cause of great persecution, which con- However, he did not wonder; he did These are the words he spoke as tinued to increase.” Joseph, however, not question; he did not doubt the he journeyed to Carthage: “I am did not waver. He later wrote, “I had Lord. He waited patiently. He taught going like a lamb to the slaughter; but actually seen a light, and in the midst us the heavenly virtue of patience— I am calm as a summer’s morning; I of that light I saw two Personages, and by example. have a conscience void of offense they did in reality speak to me; and Following the visits of the angel towards God, and towards all men.”5 though I was hated and persecuted for Moroni to young Joseph and his In Carthage Jail he was incarcerated saying that I had seen a vision, yet it acquisition of the plates, Joseph with his brother Hyrum and others.

68 On June 27, 1844, Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor, and were together there when an angry mob stormed the jail, ran up the stairway, and began firing through the door of the room they occupied. Hyrum was killed, and John Taylor was wounded. Joseph Smith’s last great act here upon the earth was one of selfless- ness. He crossed the room, most likely “thinking that it would save the lives of his brethren in the room if he could get out, . . . and sprang into the win- dow when two balls pierced him from the door, and one entered his right breast from without.”6 He gave his life; Willard Richards and John Taylor were spared. “Greater love hath no man the missionaries. He said, “Heavenly Father and Jesus the Son.” The mis- than this, that a man lay down his life Father, bless these two unfortunate, sionaries then departed the doorstep. for his friends.”7 The Prophet Joseph misguided missionaries, that they may I heard this same Mr. Pollard in a Smith taught us love—by example. return to their homes and not waste testimony meeting state the experi- In retrospect, over 160 years later, their time telling the people of Canada ences of that memorable day. He said: although the events of June 27, 1844, about a message which is so fantastic “That evening, sleep would not come. were tragic, we are provided comfort and about which they know so little.” I tossed and turned. Over and over in as we realize that Joseph Smith’s As they arose from their knees, Mr. my mind I heard the words, ‘Joseph Martyrdom was not the last chapter in Pollard asked the missionaries never Smith was a prophet of God. I know this account. Although those who to return to his home. As they left, he it. . . . I know it. . . . I know it.’ I could sought to take his life felt that the said mockingly to them, “You can’t scarcely wait for morning to come. I Church would collapse without him, tell me you really believe that Joseph telephoned the missionaries, using his powerful testimony of truth, the Smith was a prophet of God, anyway!” their number which was printed on teachings he translated, and his decla- and he slammed the door. the small card containing the Articles ration of the Savior’s message go on The missionaries had walked but a of Faith. They returned, and this time today in the hearts of over 12 million short distance when the junior com- my wife, my family, and I joined in the members throughout the world, who panion said timidly, “Elder, we didn’t discussion as earnest seekers of truth. proclaim him a prophet of God. answer Mr. Pollard.” As a result, we have all embraced the The testimony of the Prophet The senior companion responded: gospel of Jesus Christ. We shall ever Joseph continues to change lives. “We’ve been rejected. Let’s move on.” be grateful to the testimony of truth Some years ago I served as the presi- The young missionary persisted, brought to us by those two coura- dent of the Canadian Mission. In however, and the two returned to Mr. geous, humble missionaries.” Ontario, Canada, two of our mission- Pollard’s door. Mr. Pollard answered In the 135th section of the aries were proselyting door-to-door the knock and angrily said, “I thought Doctrine and Covenants we read the on a cold, snowy afternoon. They had I told you young men never to return!” words of John Taylor concerning the not had any measure of success. One The junior companion then said, Prophet Joseph: “Joseph Smith, the elder was experienced; one was new. with all the courage he could muster, Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has The two called at the home of Mr. “Mr. Pollard, when we left your door, done more, save Jesus only, for the Elmer Pollard, and he, feeling sympa- you said that we didn’t really believe salvation of men in this world, than thy for the almost frozen missionaries, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I any other man that ever lived in it.”8 invited them in. They presented their want to testify to you, Mr. Pollard, that I love the words of President message and asked if he would join in I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of Brigham Young, who said, “I feel like prayer. He agreed, on the provision God, that by inspiration he translated shouting Hallelujah, all the time, that he could offer the prayer. the sacred record known as the Book when I think that I ever knew Joseph The prayer he offered astonished of Mormon, that he did see God the Smith, the Prophet whom the Lord

NOVEMBER 2005 69 raised up and ordained, and to whom He gave keys and power to build up the kingdom of God on earth.”9 On Zion’s Hill To this fitting tribute to our beloved Joseph, I add my own testimony that I PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER know he was God’s prophet, chosen Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. I pray that as we cel- ebrate the 200th anniversary of his Every soul who willingly affiliates with The Church of birth, we may learn from his life. May Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and seeks to abide by its we incorporate into our own lives the principles and ordinances is standing “on Zion’s hill.” divine principles which he so beauti- fully taught—by example—that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our (2 Timothy 3:13). He was right. lives reflect the knowledge we have Nevertheless, when I think of the that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His future, I am overwhelmed with a Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, feeling of positive optimism. and that we are led today by another Paul told young Timothy to con- prophet of God—even President tinue in the things he had learned Gordon B. Hinckley. from the Apostles and said he would This conference marks 42 years be safe because “from a child thou since I was called to the Quorum of hast known the holy scriptures, which the Twelve Apostles. In my first meet- are able to make thee wise unto salva- ing with the First Presidency and tion through faith which is in Christ Quorum of the Twelve in the temple, Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). the hymn which we sang, honoring A knowledge of the scriptures is Joseph Smith, the Prophet, was and is important. From them we learn about a favorite of mine. I close with a verse spiritual guidance. from that hymn: I have heard people say, “I would have willingly endured persecution Praise to the man who communed have lived a long time and watched and trials if I might have lived in the with Jehovah! the standards upon which civiliza- early years of the Church when there Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. I tion must depend for survival was such a flow of revelation pub- Blessed to open the last dispensation, swept aside one piece at a time. lished as scripture. Why is that not Kings shall extol him, and nations We live in a day when the age- happening now?” revere.10 old standards of morality, marriage, The revelations that came through home, and family suffer defeat after the Prophet Joseph Smith, printed as I testify of this solemn truth, in the defeat in courts and councils, in par- scripture, laid the permanent founda- name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ liaments and classrooms. Our happi- tion of the Church through which the ness depends upon living those very gospel of Jesus Christ could go forth NOTES standards. to “every nation” (2 Nephi 26:13).1 1. See Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, ed. Scot Facer Proctor The Apostle Paul prophesied that The scriptures define the office of and Maurine Jensen Proctor (1996), 69–76. in our day, these last days, men would the Prophet and President and his 2. Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11. 3. Joseph Smith—History 1:21–22, 25. be “disobedient to parents, . . . with- Counselors, the Quorum of the 4. Joseph Smith—History 1:71, footnote. out natural affection, . . . despisers of Twelve Apostles, quorums of the 5. D&C 135:4. those that are good, . . . lovers of Seventy, the Presiding Bishopric, and 6. History of the Church, 6:618. 7. John 15:13. pleasures more than lovers of God” the stakes and wards and branches. 8. D&C 135:3. (2 Timothy 3:2–4). They define the offices of the 9. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: And he warned: “Evil men and Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods. Brigham Young (1997), 343. 10. William W. Phelps, “Praise to the Man,” seducers shall wax worse and worse, They establish the channels through Hymns, no. 27. deceiving, and being deceived” which inspiration and revelation can

70 flow to the leaders and teachers and parents and to individuals. The opposition and trials are differ- ent now. If anything, they are more intense, more dangerous than in those early days, aimed not so much at the Church as at us as individuals. The early revelations, published as scriptures for the permanent guidance of the Church, define the ordinances and covenants and are still in force. One of those scriptures promises, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). Let me tell you what has been done to prepare us. Perhaps you will then understand why I do not fear the future, why I have such positive feel- ings of confidence. I cannot possibly describe in detail or even list all that has been put in place by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in recent years. In them you will see continuing revelation, open to the Church and to each individual mem- ber. I will describe a few of them. More than 40 years ago, it was determined to make the doctrine quickly and easily available to every member of the Church by preparing a Latter-day Saint edition of the scrip- tures. We set out to cross-reference the King James Bible with the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great to lead the people to do that which terribly persecuted. Tyndale suffered in Price. The text of the King James Bible was just—yea, it had had more power- a freezing prison in Brussels. His cloth- was left completely unaltered. ful effect upon the minds of the peo- ing was worn to rags, and he was terri- Work was done centuries ago to ple than the sword, or anything else, bly cold. He wrote to the bishops prepare for our day. Ninety percent of which had happened unto them— asking for his coat and cap. He begged the King James Bible is as translated therefore Alma thought it was expedi- for a candle, saying, “It is indeed weari- by William Tyndale and John Wycliffe. ent that they should try the virtue of some sitting alone in the dark.”3 They We owe much to those early transla- the word of God” (Alma 31:5). were so enraged at this request that he tors, those martyrs. That is exactly what we had in was taken from prison and, before a William Tyndale said, “I will cause mind when we began the scripture large crowd, burned at the stake. a boy that driveth the plough shall project: that every member of the Wycliffe escaped death by burning, know more of the Scripture than [the Church could know the scriptures but the Council of Constance had his clergy].”2 and understand the principles and body exhumed, burned at the stake, Alma had come through great trials doctrines to be found in them. We set and his ashes scattered.4 and faced even greater ones. And the out to do in our day what Tyndale and The Prophet Joseph Smith had record says, “And now, as the preach- Wycliffe had done in theirs. borrowed the volumes of the Book of ing of the word had a great tendency Both Tyndale and Wycliffe were Martyrs by the sixteenth-century

NOVEMBER 2005 71 Smith’s vision of the redemption of the dead. Then, just as this work was being closed for printing, the mar- velous revelation on the priesthood was received and announced in an official declaration (see D&C Official Declaration 2), proving that the scrip- tures are not closed. Then came the enormous challenge of translation into the languages of the Church. Now the triple combination, with the Guide to the Scriptures, has been published in 24 languages, with others to follow. The Book of Mormon is now printed in 106 languages. Forty- nine translations are under way. Other things were done. The Book of Mormon was given a subtitle—the Book of Mormon: Another Testament English cleric John Foxe from the Several years into the project, we of Jesus Christ. mother of of the asked how they were progressing With the foundation doctrines in Seventy. After he read them, he said, with the tedious, laborious listing of place as solid as the granite in the Salt “I have, by the aid of the Urim and topics in alphabetical order. They Lake Temple and open to everyone, Thummim, seen those martyrs, and wrote, “We have been through more could witness the constant flow they were honest, devoted followers Heaven and Hell, past Love and Lust, of revelation to the Church. “We of Christ, according to the light they and now we’re working toward believe all that God has revealed, all possessed, and they will be saved.”5 Repentance.” that He does now reveal, and we To cross-reference more than Original manuscripts of the Book believe that He will yet reveal many 70,000 verses of scripture and provide of Mormon came into our hands. great and important things pertaining footnotes and helps was known to be These made possible the correction to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of enormously difficult, perhaps even of printers’ errors which creep into Faith 1:9). impossible. But it was begun. It took scriptural translations. While the scripture publication 12 years and the help of over 600 peo- Most notable in the Topical Guide moved on, another great work was ple to complete. Some were experts are the 18 pages, single-spaced, small begun. This, too, would take years. in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew or had a print, under the heading “Jesus The entire curriculum of the Church knowledge of ancient scriptures. But Christ,” the most comprehensive was restructured. All courses of study most were ordinary, faithful members compilation of scriptural information in priesthood and auxiliary organiza- of the Church. on the name Jesus Christ that has tions—for children, youth, and The spirit of inspiration brooded ever been assembled in the history of adults—were revised to center on the over the work. the world. Follow these references, scriptures, to center on Jesus Christ, The project would have been and you will open the door to whose to center on the priesthood, and to impossible without the computer. Church this is, what it teaches and by center on the family. A remarkable system was designed what authority, all anchored to the Hundreds of volunteers worked to organize tens of thousands of foot- sacred name of Jesus Christ, the Son year in and year out. Some of them notes to open the scriptures to every of God, the Messiah, the Redeemer, were experts in writing, curriculum, ploughboy and every ploughgirl. our Lord. instruction, and other related fields, With a subject-matter index, a Two new revelations were added to but most were ordinary members member can, in just a few minutes, the Doctrine and Covenants—section of the Church. It was all anchored look up such words as atonement, 137, a vision given to Joseph Smith in the scriptures, with emphasis on repentance, Holy Ghost and find the Prophet on the occasion of the the authority of the priesthood and revealing references from all four administration of the endowment, with focus on the sacred nature of scriptures. and section 138, President Joseph F. the family.

72 The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”6 They then published “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.”7 Seminaries and institutes of reli- gion spread across the world. The teachers and students learn and teach by the Spirit (see D&C 50:17–22), and both are taught to understand the scriptures, the words of the prophets, the plan of salva- tion, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Apostasy and Restoration, the unique position of the restored Church, and to identify the princi- ples and doctrines found in them. Students are encouraged to develop a habit of daily scripture study. for ordinance work and two more When thy judgments spread Monday night was reserved for announced yesterday. destruction, family home evening. All activities of Genealogy was renamed “Family Keep us safe on Zion’s hill.8 the Church are to yield so that fami- History.” Faithful members are aided lies can be together. by the newest technology to prepare Every soul who willingly affiliates In natural sequence, missionary and bring names to the temple. with The Church of Jesus Christ of work was re-anchored to the revela- These things all witness of continu- Latter-day Saints and seeks to abide tions under the title “Preach My ing revelation. There are other things, by its principles and ordinances is Gospel.” Each year more than 25,000 too numerous to describe in detail. standing “on Zion’s hill.” missionaries are released to return to There is in the Church a central Each can receive assurance which their homes in 148 countries, after core of power deeper than programs comes through inspiration and testi- spending two years learning the doc- or meetings or associations. It does fies that Jesus is the Christ, the Son trine and how to teach by the Spirit not change. It cannot erode. It is of God, that The Church of Jesus and sharing their testimonies. constant and certain. It never recedes Christ of Latter-day Saints is just as Principles of priesthood govern- or fades. He declared it to be, “the only true ment have been clarified. The place While the Church is housed in and living church upon the face of of the quorums of the priesthood— chapels, it lives in the heart and soul the whole earth” (D&C 1:30). In the Aaronic and Melchizedek—has of every Latter-day Saint. name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ been magnified. Always, everywhere, Everywhere in the world, humble NOTES there are leaders who hold the members draw inspiration from the 1. See also Revelation 5:9; 14:6; 1 Nephi 19:17; Mosiah 3:13, 20; 15:28; 16:1; Alma keys—bishops and presidents—to scriptures to guide them through life, 9:20; 37:4; D&C 10:51; 77:8, 11; 133:37. give guidance, to clarify misunder- not fully understanding that they have 2. In David Daniell, introduction to Tyndale’s standings, to detect and correct found that “pearl of great price” New Testament, trans. William Tyndale (1989), viii. false doctrines. (Matthew 13:46) about which the 3. In Daniell, introduction to Tyndale’s New The course of study for adults in Lord spoke to His disciples. Testament, ix. 4. See John Foxe, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, ed. Priesthood and Relief Society is based When Emma Smith, wife of the G. A. Williamson (1965), 18–20. on the teachings of the Presidents of Prophet Joseph, collected hymns for 5. In Edward Stevenson, Reminiscences of the Church. the first hymnbook, she included Joseph, the Prophet, and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon (1893), 6. Church magazines have been “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,” 6. “The Family: A Proclamation to the redesigned and are published now in which is, in fact, a prayer: World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, 50 languages. Nov. 1995, 102. 7. “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the An awesome era of temple build- When the earth begins to tremble, Apostles,” Liahona and Ensign, Apr. 2000, 2. ing goes on, with 122 temples opened Bid our fearful thoughts be still; 8. Hymns, no. 83.

NOVEMBER 2005 73 12:1–10). In the parable, Jesus reminds the people of the many prophets who A Pattern for All have been sent through the ages to raise up righteous nations. He then ELDER MERRILL J. BATEMAN states how the messengers were Of the Presidency of the Seventy rejected again and again. Some were beaten and sent away empty. Others were killed. And then, prophesying The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a pattern for all. . . . about His own ministry, Jesus tells His It is the good news—the timeless doctrine and atoning listeners that the Father decided to powers of the Lord Jesus Christ. send His “one son, his well beloved” (Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 12:7), saying, “They will reverence my son” (Matthew 21:37). The prophetic call through all ages Jesus, however, knowing His own has been, “Come unto Christ, and be fate, then declared: perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32; see “But those husbandmen said . . . , also Matthew 5:48; John 10:10; 14:6), This is the heir; come, let us kill him, that salvation is through the Only and the inheritance shall be ours. Begotten Son of the Father (see John “And they took him, and killed 1:14, 18; D&C 29:42). The call is uni- him, and cast him out of the vineyard” versal and applies to all of God’s chil- (Mark 12:7–8). dren, whether African, Asian, Following the Savior’s death and European, or any other nationality. those of His Apostles, doctrines and As the Apostle Paul declared to the ordinances were changed, and apos- Athenians, all of us “are the offspring tasy set in again. This time spiritual of God” (Acts 17:29). darkness lasted for hundreds of years The Father’s plan of life, with its before rays of light would once more central focus on Christ’s Atonement, penetrate the earth. The Apostle Peter was prepared before the foundation knew of this Apostasy and prophesied of the world (see Abraham 3:22–28; following the Savior’s Ascension that ecently, a participant on a radio Alma 13:3). It was given to Adam and the Lord would not return for His program questioned the inter- Eve, and they were commanded to Second Coming until there was a R national appeal of the Church, teach it to their children (see Moses “restitution of all things” (see Acts given its origins in New York, its head- 5:6–12). Over time, the posterity of 3:19–21). The Apostle Paul also proph- quarters in Utah, and the Book of Adam rejected the gospel, but it was esied of a time when the members Mormon story of an ancient American renewed through Noah and then would “not endure sound doctrine” people. As I thought of friends in Asia, again through Abraham (see Exodus (2 Timothy 4:3–4) and that a “falling Africa, Europe, and other parts of the 6:2–4; Galatians 3:6–9). The gospel away” (2 Thessalonians 2:2–3) would world, it was apparent that the discus- was offered to the Israelites in precede the Second Coming of Christ. sant did not understand the universal Moses’s day. But a sterner taskmaster He, too, referred to the “restitution of nature of the restored gospel or the was required to bring them to Christ, all things,” saying that the Savior “in all-encompassing applicability of its given centuries in apostasy (see the dispensation of the fulness of ordinances, covenants, and blessings. Exodus 19:5–6; D&C 84:19–24). times . . . might gather together in one The worldwide significance of the The fulness of the gospel was finally all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). Prophet Joseph Smith’s First Vision restored to Israel by the Savior The Lord directed the Restoration and the Book of Mormon are not Himself in the meridian of time. of the gospel through the Prophet measured by location, but by their One of the most illuminating pas- Joseph Smith. The “restitution of all message regarding man’s relationship sages of scripture regarding this things” began in the Sacred Grove to God, the Father’s love for His chil- sequence of apostasy and restoration with the Father and the Son appear- dren, and the divine potential within is found in Jesus’s parable of the ing to Joseph Smith. In vision, Joseph each human being. wicked husbandmen (see Mark learned of God’s personal nature—

74 that the Father and the Son are sepa- contained in the Book of Mormon. take it again. This commandment rate, exalted beings with bodies of One of the titles given to the Savior have I received of my Father” flesh and bone. is that of Only Begotten Son of the (John 10:17–18). At the beginning of most dispensa- Father. For example, the Apostle John The infinite nature received from tions, a book is given to the newly in his Gospel states that he beheld His Father gave Jesus power to per- called prophet. Moses received tablets the majesty and glory of the Lord on form the Atonement, to suffer for the (see Exodus 31:18). Lehi was given a the Mount of Transfiguration and that sins of all. The prophet Alma in the book to read concerning the destruc- His glory was that of the “only begot- Book of Mormon teaches that Jesus tion of Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi ten of the Father” (John 1:14; see also not only took upon Himself our sins 1:11–14). Ezekiel was given “a roll of a v. 18). The Book of Mormon likewise but also our pains, afflictions, and book” (Ezekiel 2:9–10) containing the uses this title many times. temptations. Alma also explains that Lord’s message for the house of Judah Unlike mortals who inherit the Jesus took upon Himself our sick- in his day. John the Revelator on the seeds of death from both parents, nesses, death, and our infirmities. Isle of Patmos was shown a book with Jesus was born of a mortal mother (See Alma 7:11–13.) This He did, seven seals (see Revelation 5; D&C but an immortal Father. The seeds of Alma said, so that His “bowels may 77:6). Is it any wonder, then, that the death received from Mary meant that be filled with mercy, according to the Lord would provide a book containing He could die, but the inheritance flesh, that he may know . . . how to the fulness of the gospel as part of the from His Father gave Him infinite life, succor his people” (Alma 7:12). “restitution of all things”? The Book of which meant death was a voluntary The prophet Abinadi further states Mormon has the power to draw all act. Thus, Jesus told the Jewish peo- that “when his soul has been made an men and women to Christ. Its refer- ple, “For as the Father hath life in offering for sin he shall see his seed” ences to the Savior’s Atonement are himself; so hath he given to the Son (Mosiah 15:10). Abinadi then identi- the clearest on record with regard to to have life in himself” (John 5:26). fies the Savior’s seed as the prophets its purpose and powers. On another occasion He stated: and those who follow them. For many The Holy Spirit has whispered to “Therefore doth my Father love years I thought of the Savior’s experi- my soul that Joseph saw the Father me, because I lay down my life, that ence in the garden and on the cross and the Son in the Sacred Grove and I might take it again. as places where a large mass of sin that the Book of Mormon is true. I am “No man taketh it from me, but was heaped upon Him. Through the grateful for the additional knowledge I lay it down of myself. I have power words of Alma, Abinadi, Isaiah, and concerning the Savior’s Atonement to lay it down, and I have power to other prophets, however, my view has

NOVEMBER 2005 75 changed. Instead of an impersonal mass of sin, there was a long line of people, as Jesus felt “our infirmities” My Soul Delighteth (Hebrews 4:15), “[bore] our griefs, . . . carried our sorrows . . . [and] was bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:4–5). in the Scriptures The Atonement was an intimate, CHERYL C. LANT personal experience in which Jesus came to know how to help each of us. Primary General President The Pearl of Great Price teaches that Moses was shown all the inhabi- There is absolutely nothing more important we can do tants of the earth, which were “num- for our families than to strengthen them in the scriptures. berless as the sand upon the sea shore” (Moses 1:28). If Moses beheld every soul, then it seems reasonable that the Creator of the universe has the power to become intimately this phrase! I have thought about acquainted with each of us. He learned hungering and thirsting after knowl- about your weaknesses and mine. He edge as I read the scriptures, but experienced your pains and sufferings. delighting in them is something else. He experienced mine. I testify that He I find that what I take away from the knows us. He understands the way in scriptures is determined by what I which we deal with temptations. He bring. Each time I read them, I am, in knows our weaknesses. But more than a sense, bringing a new person with that, more than just knowing us, He new eyes to the experience. Where I knows how to help us if we come to am in my life, the experiences I am Him in faith. That is why a young having, and my attitude all affect how Hispanic woman suddenly realized much I will gain. I love the scriptures. that she was more than a speck in the I treasure the truths I find as I read universe when the Holy Spirit gave her them. Joy fills my heart as I receive a witness of the Restoration. She felt encouragement, direction, comfort, God’s love, that she was His daughter, strength, and answers to my needs. and realized that He knew her. It also Life looks brighter, and the way opens explains why the plan of salvation ur beloved prophet has before me. I am reassured of my seemed familiar to my Japanese friend recently asked us to read the Heavenly Father’s love and concern as the missionaries taught him and as OBook of Mormon before the for me every time I read. Surely this is the Holy Spirit confirmed his purposes end of the year. As I have accepted a delight to me. As one little boy in a on earth and his potential. this invitation, I have found myself Sunbeam class put it, “I feel happy I testify that the restored gospel of discovering new and exciting things about the scriptures!” Jesus Christ is a pattern for all. It is in this book even though I have read Second, “My heart pondereth not the location of events that mat- it many times before. For instance, I them.” How I love to carry the scrip- ters; it is the good news—the timeless rediscovered 2 Nephi 4:15, which tures with me in my heart! The spirit doctrine and atoning powers of the reads, “For my soul delighteth in of what I have read rests there to Lord Jesus Christ. I bear witness that the scriptures, and my heart pon- bring me peace and comfort. The He lives, that He is the Christ. I testify dereth them, and writeth them for knowledge I have gained gives me that the gospel restored through the the learning and the profit of my guidance and direction. I have the Prophet Joseph Smith is Peter’s “resti- children.” confidence born out of obedience. tution of all things.” I bear witness This scripture teaches us how to Sometimes I have the luxury of that President Gordon B. Hinckley is read the Book of Mormon. It men- immersing myself in the scriptures. the Lord’s prophet today. In the name tions three important ideas. Sometimes I read them in snatches. of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ First, “My soul delighteth.” I love However, it doesn’t seem to matter

76 where or when I read the scriptures; I I, of course, do not write scriptures Search, ponder, and pray can still carry them in my heart. I have as did Nephi, but when I read the Are the things that I must do. found that by reading them in the scriptures and live the principles The Spirit will guide, and, deep morning I am able to carry the influ- learned, those scriptures become inside, ence of the Spirit with me throughout written in my life. They govern my I’ll know the scriptures are true.1 the day. When I read them midday, it actions and are written there for my is usually because a need has taken children to see and follow. I can build I find that if I pray not only to me there where I am able to find a legacy, a tradition of righteous living, have a witness of the truthfulness of answers and directions that influence based on the principles I learn in the the scriptures but also to have the my decisions and actions. When I scriptures. Spirit with me as I read, my sensitiv- read them at night, the sweet, com- Doctrine and Covenants 93:39–40 ity is heightened, and I see ever so forting messages from the Lord linger teaches: “And that wicked one cometh much more clearly. I can see where in my subconscious mind as I rest. and taketh away light and truth, I am in my life and where my Many times I awaken at night with through disobedience, from the chil- Heavenly Father wants me to be. I ideas or thoughts that originate from dren of men, and because of the tradi- can understand principles of truth, the words I read just before drifting tion of their fathers. and I can see how to make the off to sleep. My mind may go many “But I have commanded you to needed changes in my life. I can feel places during the day, but my heart bring up your children in light and assured that the Lord will help and securely embraces the words of the truth.” strengthen me to accomplish the Lord found in the scriptures and By reading the scriptures, I can task. Thus the scriptures become “pondereth them.” be assured that I will know the “light written in my life. Through this I have learned that and truth” that will bless me and my When we read the scriptures we “as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is family. As I know what to do, I can are hearing the voice of the Savior. he” (Proverbs 23:7). As I ponder the work to bring my actions—my He is not absent from our lives. scriptures, something happens to me. “traditions”—into line with what He is actively positioned in the I have a stronger desire to live close I know. Then my example will not verses of these holy books. Our to my Heavenly Father. I long to serve lead my children astray but rather prophet has asked us to draw closer Him. I want to live the principles that will lead them to the scriptures and to the Savior by reading the Book I learn in the scriptures, and as I do, to the truth that is found there. of Mormon. my heart “writeth them for the learn- I love the Primary song that And what of our children? How ing and the profit of my children.” teaches: blessed is the child whose parents

NOVEMBER 2005 77 base their lives on the teachings in the scriptures! There is absolutely nothing more important we can do Truth Restored for our families than to strengthen them in the scriptures. Parents, call ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT your families together to read the Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles scriptures, and work to make it possi- ble in your busy family schedules. Children, respond quickly and The Father’s plan of salvation and happiness . . . happily when you are called to will help you overcome every challenge in life. scripture study. President Gordon B. Hinckley gave us an invitation, but he also gave us promises if we choose to accept. born as mortals on earth. The primary He promised “an added measure of purpose of life was explained. We the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened were told: resolution to walk in obedience to “We will make an earth whereon His commandments, and a stronger these may dwell; testimony of the living reality of the “And we will prove them herewith, Son of God.”2 to see if they will do all things whatso- One of my daughters, who is in a ever the Lord their God shall com- wonderful place in her life where her mand them; greatest blessings are her greatest “And they who keep their first estate challenges (she has three small chil- [that is to be obedient in the premor- dren), said to me: “Mom, I am doing tal existence] shall be added upon; . . . it. I am reading the Book of Mormon. and they who keep their second estate And I am holding on to those won- [that is, to be obedient during mortal derful promises. They are exactly life] shall have glory added upon their what I need in my life right now.” heads for ever and ever.”1 Are these blessings what you Those words express the most need in your life? They are ours for ll around us we see a growing fundamental purpose of your being the taking. As individuals, let us desire for spiritual direction on earth. That purpose is to prove pledge to follow the prophet. As A the world over as a result of yourself obedient to the command- families, let us claim our blessings. increasing natural and human-caused ments of the Lord and thereby grow President Hinckley, we love you, disasters. This yearning for spiritual in understanding, capacity, and every we have heard your voice, and we guidance is a consequence of our worthy trait. It is to receive every will follow. being children of a divine Heavenly required ordinance and to make and May I bear my testimony that I Father. It is understandable that keep every needed covenant. It is to know that Heavenly Father lives and when we face difficulty we turn to our form and nourish a family. This expe- loves us. I know that Jesus Christ is Creator for help. Our loving Heavenly rience includes having periods of our Savior. I know that the scriptures Father knew that deteriorating world trial and happiness, with the objec- are true. They are the word of God. I conditions, severe personal chal- tive of returning triumphantly, having know that Gordon B. Hinckley is our lenges, and disasters would lead His met well the challenges and opportu- prophet today. I know that as we fol- children to seek His spiritual nourish- nities of mortal life to receive the low him, we receive great blessings ment. The challenge is how to prop- glorious blessings promised for such from our Father in Heaven. I am so erly find it. obedience. grateful for this witness. In the name We lived in the presence of God So that the period of mortal testing of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ our Holy Father and His Beloved Son, and growth would yield its greatest NOTES Jesus Christ, in a premortal existence. benefit, you were taught and prepared 1. “Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s There we gained an understanding of for the circumstances you would per- Songbook, 109. 2. “A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Liahona the Father’s plan of salvation and the sonally encounter in mortality. Our and Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6. promise of help when we would be Father’s pattern for guiding you

78 through mortal life was explained. He would choose from among the most valiant, obedient spirit children prophets and other authorized ser- vants to hold His priesthood, to be taught His truth, and to be guided to disseminate that truth among His children on earth. God would give each child moral agency, the right to choose His counsel or to ignore it. All would be encouraged but not forced to obey. You understood that while you could choose your path on earth, you could not determine the outcome of your choices. That would be decided by eternal law. Should one live to qualify for all of the richest promised blessings but for reasons beyond his or her control not be able to obtain them on earth, there would be a compensating opportunity in postmortal life. Your memory of premortal life would be kept from you to assure that it would be a valid test, but there would be guidance given to show you how to live. Our Father’s plan for salvation be chosen in a series of dispensations How do we know these truths? in this life with the opportunity of to keep truth on earth for the faithful How can you confirm their validity? returning to Him would be called the despite its distortion or rejection You see around you great confusion gospel of Jesus Christ. by many. regarding the nature of God, His From before the Creation of this You learned that the Light of Christ teachings, and the purpose of life. earth, there was rebellion against our would provide that guidance. It gives How then does God, our Heavenly Father’s plan, instigated by a brilliant light and life to all things. It prompts Father, guide His children on earth? but evil spirit we know as Lucifer or all individuals throughout the earth to How does He communicate truth and Satan. He proposed a modification of distinguish truth from error, right from His will so that faithful, believing chil- the requirements. So convincing was wrong. The Light of Christ is not a per- dren can make the right choices and his argument that one-third of the son. It is a power and influence that receive the blessings Heavenly Father Father’s spirit children followed Satan comes from God our Father through wants them to have? I will explain. and were cast out. They lost the His Son, Jesus Christ, and, when fol- From the foundation of this earth, extraordinary opportunity to grow and lowed, can lead a person to qualify for God our Father has consistently fol- the critical advantage of a mortal body. the more definitive guidance and inspi- lowed His plan I have just described. Our Holy Father, who knows each ration of the Holy Ghost. You were Adam labored to share our Father’s of His children perfectly, realized that told that transgression would weaken plan with his children and descen- over time many would be tempted, the influence of the Holy Ghost, but it dants. Many believed and were become worldly, and reject the testi- could be restored through proper blessed. But many chose to use their mony and teachings of His prophets. repentance. You rejoiced to know that divine gift of moral agency to refuse Spiritual darkness would replace the the obedient who would receive the His teachings and His gospel. The light of truth in a condition called an proper ordinances with the necessary disobedient rejected the truth, dis- apostasy. The period from the intro- covenants and remain faithful would torted the teachings and ordinances, duction of truth to its general loss inherit celestial glory and live in the and distanced themselves from through sin would be called a dispen- presence of the Father and His Son God. In time, the light of truth was sation. Prophet after prophet would throughout the eternities. replaced by spiritual darkness, and

NOVEMBER 2005 79 guidance you need. That support will give you the strength to live as you know you ought to live, no matter how world conditions degrade. What occasion would be so stupen- dously important as to warrant this unprecedented visit of God the Father? It was to initiate the “dispen- sation of the fulness of times” foretold by prophets of the old and new testa- ments. The time had come for the Father to gather “all things in Christ,”3 commit all the keys of the kingdom, and restore the knowledge communi- cated in past dispensations4 as He established the final dispensation of the gospel for this earth. Knowing that it would be difficult for many to believe that such a glori- the priesthood and the true Church instance of which we have knowledge ous Restoration did occur, the Savior were lost among the people. that God the Father Himself appeared provided a tangible witness to estab- Prophets such as Enoch, Noah, in person. This was done with His pre- lish the truth of it, namely the Book Abraham, and Moses renewed the cious Holy Son, Jesus Christ, to an of Mormon. The way to confirm the truth for their dispensation, but in audience of one. That one was young reality of the Restoration is described time their efforts were rejected by Joseph Smith Jr., an extraordinary in its pages. Also, He provided addi- most. In the meridian of time Jesus spirit prepared before the foundation tional illuminating scripture needed Christ, the Beloved Son of God, was of the earth. He would become the for our time in the Doctrine and born on earth. He restored the truth greatest prophet sent to earth. About Covenants and the Pearl of Great and ministered with love and compas- to come forth was the return of Price through Joseph Smith. No won- sion. He established His Church again priesthood authority, the complete der so much of Joseph Smith’s min- on earth with apostles and prophets. Restoration of the Church established istry is focused on the Savior, His Through intense suffering He fulfilled by the Savior, with additional scripture Atonement and doctrine. His Holy Father’s divine commission required for our time provided by con- While this precious, vital message to become our Savior and Redeemer. tinuing revelation from the Savior. has been proclaimed across the He allowed Himself to be crucified. He Our benevolent Father came from world, Satan has been most effective was resurrected and overcame physi- His vast creations to this earth to clar- in causing people to ignore it or to cal death. His infinite atoning sacrifice ify truth, to disperse the intense look in the wrong places for it. The is a supernal gift that allows the repen- clouds of spiritual darkness, to estab- vast majority of Father’s children have tant to be forgiven of sins and qualify lish His true identity, to restore a ful- not only forgotten their Father in for eternal life. But even so the Son of ness of truth, and to provide the only Heaven and the purpose of mortal God was rejected by all but a few. His way to obtain secure, spiritual guid- life, but they rarely even think of Him Apostles and Church members were ance. This momentous Restoration nor ponder for what purpose they are persecuted and many killed. The earth began with the Father’s simple phrase here in mortality. They have been led sank into a long and dreadful period of “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”2 to be absorbed by mundane things intense spiritual darkness. There followed a Restoration of truth, that distract them from the essential The scriptures record that through- priesthood, sacred ordinances, and ones. Don’t you make that mistake. out history, on occasions of excep- the true Church, with the Father’s As a servant of Jesus Christ, I testify tional importance, God the Father’s plan of salvation and happiness. When that what I have described is true. It is voice has been heard. On repeated that plan is lived, it will help you over- not sufficient to have a vague under- occasions Jesus Christ has personally come every challenge in life. It will standing of truth or the reality of the appeared to select individuals. Yet help you qualify, through faith and Father and His Son, our Savior. Each there is only one supernal, singular obedience, to have the divine spiritual of us must come to know who They

80 really are. You must feel how very much They love you. You must trust that as you consistently live the truth Forgiveness the best you can, They will help you realize the purpose of your earth life PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY and strengthen you to qualify for the blessings promised. To be obedient to the commandments of God requires Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, an understanding of them. It necessi- accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way. tates faith in them. That comprehen- sion is best obtained through personal study of doctrine. That is one of the reasons that in July of this year, and to bear testimony of the divinity President Hinckley and his counselors of the Lord’s work. invited all members to read the Book I often think of a poem I read long of Mormon by the end of the year. ago. It goes like this: They promised, “Those who read the Book of Mormon will be blessed with Let me live in a house by the side an added measure of the Spirit of the of the road, Lord, a greater resolve to obey His Where the race of men go by— commandments, and a stronger testi- The men who are good and the men mony of the living reality of the Son of who are bad, God.”5 I have tested and proven that As good and as bad as I. promise in my own life and have con- firmed its truth. If you have conscien- I would not sit in the scorner’s seat, tiously obeyed that counsel, you know Or hurl the cynic’s ban;— what I mean. If you have not yet Let me live in a house by the side begun, there is still time to have your of the road life enriched by reading the pages of And be a friend to man. the Book of Mormon. Please do it. y dear brothers and sisters, (Sam Walter Foss, “The House by the As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus I thank my Father in Heaven Side of the Road,” in James Dalton Christ, I solemnly testify that God Mthat He has prolonged my Morrison, ed., Masterpieces of our Father and Jesus Christ through life to be a part of these challenging Religious Verse [1948], 422) Joseph Smith brought to pass the times. I thank Him for the opportu- Restoration I have described, that nity of service. I have no desire but That is the way I feel. the resplendent light of truth and the to do all that I can in furthering the Age does something to a man. It Church of Jesus Christ are again on work of the Lord, in serving His faith- seems to make him more aware of earth, that the true nature of God the ful people, and in living at peace with the need for kindness and goodness Father and His Son has been again my neighbors. and forbearance. He wishes and prays revealed, and that the proper way to I recently traveled around the that men might live together in peace receive spiritual guidance has been world, more than 25,000 miles, visit- without war and contention, argu- clarified. I testify that God’s plan of ing Alaska, Russia, Korea, Taiwan, ment and conflict. He grows increas- salvation has been made available to Hong Kong, India, Kenya, and ingly aware of the meaning of the all who will honestly seek it. Embrace , where in this last place we great Atonement of the Redeemer, of it. Live it for your peace and happi- dedicated a new temple. We then the depth of His sacrifice, and of grati- ness. In the name of Jesus Christ, dedicated the Newport Beach tude to the Son of God, who gave His amen. ■ California Temple. I have just been to life that we might live.

NOTES Samoa for another temple dedica- I wish today to speak of forgive- 1. Abraham 3:24–26. tion, another 10,000 miles. I do not ness. I think it may be the greatest 2. Joseph Smith—History 1:17. enjoy travel, but it is my wish to get virtue on earth, and certainly the most 3. Ephesians 1:10. 4. See D&C 128:18–21. out among our people to extend needed. There is so much of mean- 5. See First Presidency letter, July 25, 2005. appreciation and encouragement, ness and abuse, of intolerance and

NOVEMBER 2005 81 thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son” (Luke 15:14–21). And the father caused that a great feast should be held, and when his other son complained, he said to him, “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found” (v. 32). When there has been wrongdoing and then there has come repentance, followed by forgiveness, then literally the offender who was lost is found, and he who was dead is made alive. How wonderful are the blessings of mercy and forgiveness. The Marshall Plan following World War II with the gift of millions of dol- lars helped put Europe on its feet. In Japan, after this same war, I saw great steel mills, the money for which I was told had come from America, Japan’s former enemy. How much better this world is because of the forgiveness of a generous nation in behalf of its former enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord taught: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him hatred. There is so great a need for did eat: and no man gave unto him. the other also. repentance and forgiveness. It is the “And when he came to himself, he “And if any man will sue thee at the great principle emphasized in all of said, How many hired servants of my law, and take away thy coat, let him scripture, both ancient and modern. father’s have bread enough and to have thy cloke also. In all of our sacred scripture, there spare, and I perish with hunger! “And whosoever shall compel thee is no more beautiful story of forgive- “I will arise and go to my father, and to go a mile, go with him twain. ness than that of the prodigal son will say unto him, Father, I have sinned “Give to him that asketh thee, and found in the 15th chapter of Luke. against heaven, and before thee, from him that would borrow of thee Everyone should read and ponder it “And am no more worthy to be turn not thou away. occasionally. called thy son: make me as one of thy “Ye have heard that it hath been “And when [the prodigal] had spent hired servants. said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, all, there arose a mighty famine in that “And he arose, and came to his and hate thine enemy. land; and he began to be in want. father. But when he was yet a great “But I say unto you, Love your “And he went and joined himself to way off, his father saw him, and had enemies, bless them that curse you, a citizen of that country; and he sent compassion, and ran, and fell on his do good to them that hate you, and him into his fields to feed swine. neck, and kissed him. pray for them which despitefully use “And he would fain have filled his “And the son said unto him, Father, you, and persecute you” (Matthew belly with the husks that the swine I have sinned against heaven, and in 5:38–44).

82 Those are very strong words. Do you really think you could fol- low that injunction? They are the words of the Lord Himself, and I think they apply to each of us. The scribes and Pharisees brought before Jesus a woman taken in adul- tery so that they might entrap Him. “But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. “And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman stand- ing in the midst. “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man con- demned thee? “She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I con- demn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:6–11). The Savior taught of leaving the ninety and nine to find the lost dying agony He cried out, “Father, for- them no more” (D&C 58:42). sheep, that forgiveness and restitu- give them; for they know not what There are so many in our day who tion might come. they do” (Luke 23:34). are unwilling to forgive and forget. Isaiah declared: In our day the Lord has said in Children cry and wives weep because “Wash you, make you clean; put revelation: fathers and husbands continue to away the evil of your doings from “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye bring up little shortcomings that are before mine eyes; cease to do evil; ought to forgive one another; for he really of no importance. And there “Learn to do well; seek judgment, that forgiveth not his brother his tres- also are many women who would relieve the oppressed, judge the passes standeth condemned before make a mountain out of every little fatherless, plead for the widow. the Lord; for there remaineth in him offending molehill of word or deed. “Come now, and let us reason the greater sin. A time back, I clipped a column together, saith the Lord: though your “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I from the Deseret Morning News, sins be as scarlet, they shall be as will forgive, but of you it is required to written by Jay Evensen. With his per- white as snow; though they be red forgive all men” (D&C 64:9–10). mission, I quote from a part of it. like crimson, they shall be as wool” The Lord has offered a marvelous Wrote he: (Isaiah 1:16–18). promise. Said He, “He who has “How would you feel toward a The great crowning love of the repented of his sins, the same is for- teenager who decided to toss a 20- Savior was expressed when in His given, and I, the Lord, remember pound frozen turkey from a speeding

NOVEMBER 2005 83 News, Aug. 21, 2005, p. AA3). What a great story that is, greater because it actually happened, and that it happened in tough old New York. Who can feel anything but admi- ration for this woman who forgave the young man who might have taken her life? I know this is a delicate and sensi- tive thing of which I am speaking. There are hardened criminals who may have to be locked up. There are unspeakable crimes, such as deliber- ate murder and rape, that justify harsh penalties. But there are some who could be saved from long, stulti- car headlong into the windshield of Cushing, than in exacting any sort of fying years in prison because of an the car you were driving? How would revenge. She pestered prosecutors unthoughtful, foolish act. Somehow you feel after enduring six hours of for information about him, his life, forgiveness, with love and tolerance, surgery using metal plates and other how he was raised, etc. Then she accomplishes miracles that can hap- hardware to piece your face together, insisted on offering him a plea deal. pen in no other way. and after learning you still face years Cushing could serve six months in The great Atonement was the of therapy before returning to nor- the county jail and be on probation supreme act of forgiveness. The mag- mal—and that you ought to feel lucky for 5 years if he pleaded guilty to nitude of that Atonement is beyond you didn’t die or suffer permanent second-degree assault. our ability to completely understand. brain damage? “Had he been convicted of first- I know only that it happened, and that “And how would you feel after degree assault—the charge most it was for me and for you. The suffer- learning that your assailant and his fitting for the crime—he could have ing was so great, the agony so intense, buddies had the turkey in the first served 25 years in prison, finally that none of us can comprehend it place because they had stolen a credit thrown back into society as a middle- when the Savior offered Himself as a card and gone on a senseless shop- aged man with no skills or prospects. ransom for the sins of all mankind. ping spree, just for kicks? . . . “But this is only half the story. The It is through Him that we gain for- “This is the kind of hideous crime rest of it, what happened the day this giveness. It is through Him that there that propels politicians to office on all played out in court, is the truly comes the certain promise that all promises of getting tough on crime. remarkable part. mankind will be granted the bless- It’s the kind of thing that prompts “According to an account in the ings of salvation, with resurrection legislators to climb all over each other New York Post, Cushing carefully and from the dead. It is through Him in a struggle to be the first to intro- tentatively made his way to where and His great overarching sacrifice duce a bill that would add enhanced Ruvolo sat in the courtroom and tear- that we are offered the opportunity penalties for the use of frozen fowl in fully whispered an apology. ‘I’m so through obedience of exaltation and the commission of a crime. sorry for what I did to you.’ eternal life. “The New York Times quoted the “Ruvolo then stood, and the victim May God help us to be a little district attorney as saying this is the and her assailant embraced, weeping. kinder, showing forth greater forbear- sort of crime for which victims feel no She stroked his head and patted his ance, to be more forgiving, more will- punishment is harsh enough. ‘Death back as he sobbed, and witnesses, ing to walk the second mile, to reach doesn’t even satisfy them,’ he said. including a Times reporter, heard her down and lift up those who may have “Which is what makes what really say, ‘It’s OK. I just want you to make sinned but have brought forth the happened so unusual. The victim, your life the best it can be.’ According fruits of repentance, to lay aside old Victoria Ruvolo, a 44-year-old former to accounts, hardened prosecutors, grudges and nurture them no more. manager of a collections agency, was and even reporters, were choking For this I humbly pray, in the sacred more interested in salvaging the life back tears” (“Forgiveness Has Power name of our Redeemer, even the Lord of her 19-year-old assailant, Ryan to Change Future,” Deseret Morning Jesus Christ, amen. ■

84 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION October 2, 2005

heal the sick was conferred upon wor- thy priesthood bearers in earlier dis- Jesus Christ— pensations9 and again in these latter days, when His gospel has been restored in its fulness.10 the Master Healer Influence of Prayer on Healing ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON We can also access His healing power through prayer. I’ll never for- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles get an experience that Sister Nelson and I had about three decades ago Faith, repentance, baptism, a testimony, and enduring with President Spencer W. Kimball conversion lead to the healing power of the Lord. and his beloved Camilla. We were in Hamilton, New Zealand, for a large conference with the Saints. I was not a at that time. I had been invited to participate in this and I express special gratitude to the similar meetings in other Pacific Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His Islands while serving as general presi- loving-kindness and for His open invi- dent of the Sunday School. And as a tation to come unto Him.1 I marvel at doctor of medicine, I had attended His matchless power to heal. I testify President and Sister Kimball for many of Jesus Christ as the Master Healer. It years. I knew each of them very is but one of many attributes that char- well—inside and out. acterize His incomparable life. A Saturday evening cultural pro- Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, gram had been prepared for this con- the Son of God, the Creator, the ference by local youth of the Church. great Jehovah, the promised Immanuel, Unfortunately, President and Sister our atoning Savior and Redeemer, Kimball both became very ill, each our Advocate with the Father, our with a high fever. After receiving great Exemplar. And one day we will priesthood blessings, they rested at stand before Him as our just and the nearby home of the president of merciful Judge.2 the New Zealand Temple. President Kimball asked his counselor, President y beloved brothers and sis- Miracles of Healing N. Eldon Tanner, to preside at the cul- ters, I extend love and greet- As the Master Healer, Jesus tural event and to excuse President Mings to each of you. From the directed His friends to “go . . . and and Sister Kimball. Brethren, I express gratitude for your tell . . . what things ye have seen and Sister Nelson went with President goodness, for your many generous heard; how that the blind see, the and Sister Tanner and other leaders to acts of kindness, for your prayers and lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the event, while President Kimball’s sustaining influence in our lives. Our the deaf hear, [and] the dead are secretary, Brother D. Arthur Haycock, challenges are like yours. We are all raised.”3 and I watched over our feverish subject to sorrow and suffering, to The books of Matthew,4 Mark,5 friends. disease and death. Through times Luke,6 and John7 repeatedly report that While President Kimball was sleep- good and bad, the Lord expects each Jesus went about preaching the gospel ing, I was quietly reading in his room. of us to endure to the end. As we all and healing all types of sickness. Suddenly President Kimball was awak- go forward together in His sacred When the risen Redeemer ened. He asked, “Brother Nelson, work, the Brethren realize the impor- appeared to the people of ancient what time was this evening’s program tance of your thoughtful considera- America, He mercifully invited those to begin?” tion, so lovingly offered and gratefully “afflicted in any manner”8 to come “At seven o’clock, President received. We love you and pray for unto Him and be healed. Kimball.” you, as you pray for us. Marvelously, His divine authority to “What time is it now?”

NOVEMBER 2005 85 at four different times and locations, note the pattern. • To people of the Holy Land, the Lord said that His people “should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.”15 • To people of ancient America, the resurrected Lord extended this invita- tion: “Return unto me, . . . repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you.”16 • To leaders of His Church, He taught, “Continue to minister; for ye “It’s almost seven,” I replied. to by His living prophet! know not but what they will return President Kimball quickly said, “Tell I recognize that, on occasion, some and repent, and come unto me with Sister Kimball we are going!” of our most fervent prayers may seem full purpose of heart, and I shall heal I checked President Kimball’s tem- to go unanswered. We wonder, “Why?” them.”17 perature. It was normal! I took Sister I know that feeling! I know the fears • Later, during the “restitution of Kimball’s temperature. It was also and tears of such moments. But I also all things,”18 the Lord taught the normal! know that our prayers are never Prophet Joseph Smith regarding the They quickly dressed and got into ignored. Our faith is never unappreci- pioneers, “After their temptations, and an automobile. We were driven to the ated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, stadium of the Church College of Father’s perspective is much broader will feel after them, and if they harden New Zealand. As the car entered the than is ours. While we know of our not their hearts, and stiffen not their arena, there was a very loud shout mortal problems and pain, He knows necks against me, they shall be con- that erupted spontaneously. It was of our immortal progress and poten- verted, and I will heal them.”19 most unusual! After we took our tial. If we pray to know His will and The sequence of His pattern is sig- seats, I asked Sister Nelson about that submit ourselves to it with patience nificant. Faith, repentance, baptism, a sudden sound. She said that when and courage, heavenly healing can testimony, and enduring conversion President Tanner began the meeting, take place in His own way and time. lead to the healing power of the Lord. he dutifully excused President and Baptism is a covenant act—a sign Sister Kimball because of illness. Then Steps toward Healing of a commitment and a promise. one of the young New Zealanders was Afflictions can come from spiritual Testimony develops when the Holy called upon to pray. as well as physical causes. Alma the Ghost gives conviction to the earnest With great faith, he gave what Sister Younger remembered that his sin was seeker of the truth. True testimony fos- Nelson described as a rather lengthy so painful that he wished to “become ters faith; it promotes repentance and but powerful prayer. He so prayed: extinct both soul and body, that [he] obedience to God’s commandments. “We are 3,000 New Zealand youth. We might not be brought to stand in the Testimony engenders enthusiasm to are assembled here, having prepared presence of . . . God, to be judged of serve God and fellow human beings.20 for six months to sing and dance for [his] deeds.”12 At such times, how can Conversion means “to turn with.”21 Thy prophet. Wilt Thou heal him and we be healed by Him? Conversion is a turning from the ways deliver him here!” After the “amen” We can more fully repent! We can of the world to, and staying with, the was pronounced, the car carrying become more fully converted! Then ways of the Lord. Conversion includes President and Sister Kimball entered the “Son of Righteousness”13 can more repentance and obedience. Conver- the stadium. They were identified fully bless us by His healing hand. sion brings a mighty change of heart.22 immediately, and instantly everyone Early in His mortal ministry, Jesus Thus, a true convert is “born again,”23 shouted for joy!11 announced that He had been sent “to walking with a newness of life.24 I had witnessed the healing power heal the brokenhearted.”14 Wherever As true converts, we are motivated of the Lord! I had also witnessed re- He taught them, His pattern was con- to do what the Lord wants us to do25 velation as received and responded sistent. As I quote His words spoken and to be who He wants us to be.26

86 The remission of sins, which brings divine forgiveness, heals the spirit. How do we know if we are truly converted? Self-examination tests are available in the scriptures. One measures the degree of conversion prerequisite to baptism.27 Another measures our willingness to serve others. To His disciple Peter, the Lord said, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art con- verted, strengthen thy brethren.”28 Willingness to serve and strengthen others stands as a symbol of one’s readiness to be healed.

Magnitude of His Healing John the Beloved declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world!”29 What power! Only the Master Healer could take away the sin of the world. Our debt to Him is incalculably great. Well do I remember an experience while speaking to a group of mission- aries. After I had invited questions, one elder stood. With tears in his eyes, he asked, “Why did Jesus have to suffer so much?” I asked the elder to open his book of hymns and recite words from “How Great Thou Art.” He read:

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in, That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.30 With my body on the tree it’s time to deepen our faith in God, to I have ransomed even thee. . . . work hard, and to serve others. Then Then I asked this elder to read He will heal our broken hearts. He will from “Reverently and Meekly Now.” Oh, remember what was done bestow upon us personal peace33 and These words are particularly poignant That the sinner might be won. comfort.34 Those great gifts will not be because they are written as the Lord On the cross of Calvary destroyed, even by death. would express His own answer to the I have suffered death for thee.31 very question that had been asked: Resurrection—the Consummate Act Jesus suffered deeply because of Healing Think of me, thou ransomed one; He loves us deeply! He wants us to The gift of resurrection is the Think what I for thee have done. repent and be converted so that He Lord’s consummate act of healing. With my blood that dripped like rain, can fully heal us. Thanks to Him, each body will be Sweat in agony of pain, When sore trials come upon us,32 restored to its proper and perfect

NOVEMBER 2005 87 frame.35 Thanks to Him, no condition is hopeless. Thanks to Him, brighter days are ahead, both here and here- Preparations after. Real joy awaits each of us—on the other side of sorrow. I testify that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ—the Master Healer— for the Restoration in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOTES and the Second 1. See Matthew 11:28–30. Indeed, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. 2. See Russell M. Nelson, “Jesus the Christ, Our Master and More,” Liahona, Apr. 2000, 4–19; Ensign, Apr. 2000, 4–17. Coming: “My Hand 3. Luke 7:22. 4. See Matthew 4:23; 8:1–3, 5–13, 16–17; 9:1–8, 32–35; 12:15; 14:14, 34–36; 15:29–31. 5. See Mark 1:32–34, 40–45; 2:1–12; 6:53–56; Shall Be over Thee” 7:31–37. ELDER ROBERT D. HALES 6. See Luke 4:40–41; 5:12–15, 17–26; 7:1–10; 11:14; 22:50–51. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 7. See John 4:46–53. 8. 3 Nephi 17:7. 9. See Matthew 10:5–8; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; 4 Nephi 1:5. [The Lord’s] hand has been over the work of the Restoration 10. See D&C 84:65–70. from before the foundation of this world and will continue 11. See Spencer J. Condie, Russell M. Nelson: Father, Surgeon, Apostle (2003), 172–74. until His Second Coming. 12. Alma 36:15. 13. 3 Nephi 25:2; see also Malachi 4:2. 14. Luke 4:18; see also Isaiah 61:1. 15. Matthew 13:15; see also Isaiah 6:10; John 12:40; Acts 28:27. 16. 3 Nephi 9:13. gospel of Jesus Christ. This he did 17. 3 Nephi 18:32. under the direction of our Savior, 18. Acts 3:21. 19. D&C 112:13; see also D&C 124:104. who said to an earlier prophet, “My 20. Thus keeping the two great command- name is Jehovah, and I know the end ments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and from the beginning; therefore my 1 with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; hand shall be over thee.” and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). I acknowledge the Lord’s hand in 21. Conversion comes from two Latin roots: con, meaning “with,” and vertere, meaning the Restoration of the gospel. Through “to turn.” the inspired sacrifices of God’s children 22. See Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:12–14. through the ages, the foundation of 23. See John 3:3–7; 1 Peter 1:23; Mosiah 27:24–26; Alma 5:49; 7:14; Moses 6:59; the Restoration was laid, and the world Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 6:62. is preparing for the Second Coming of 24. See Romans 6:3–4. our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 25. See Mosiah 5:2–5. 26. See 3 Nephi 27:21, 27. His gospel was first established on 27. See D&C 20:37; Mosiah 18:10. the earth beginning with Adam and 28. Luke 22:32. 29. Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:29. has been taught in every dispensation 30. Hymns, no. 86; see also Psalm 8:3–9; 9:1–2; through such prophets as Enoch, Mosiah 4:5–13. his year we are commemorating Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others. 31. Hymns, no. 185; see also D&C 19:16–19; 45:3–5. the 200th anniversary of the Each of these prophets foretold the 32. See “Did You Think to Pray?” Hymns, no. birth of the Prophet Joseph coming of Jesus Christ to atone for the 140, verse 3. T Smith. To the world we testify that he sins of the world. Those prophecies 33. See John 14:27. 34. See Isaiah 40:1; John 14:16–17, 26. was the prophet of God foreordained have been fulfilled. The Savior did 35. See Alma 11:43; 40:23. to bring about the Restoration of the establish His Church. He called His

88 Apostles and established His priest- common people throughout Europe. translate the Bible, others were hood. Most importantly, He laid down Then, about 400 years after the inspired to prepare the means to pub- His life and took it up that all will rise Savior’s death, the Bible was trans- lish it. By 1455 Johannes Gutenberg again, thus carrying out the atoning lated by Jerome into Latin. But still had invented a press with movable sacrifice. But that was not the end. the scriptures were not widely avail- type, and the Bible was one of the After the Savior’s Resurrection, He able. Copies had to be written by first books he printed. For the first commissioned His Apostles to lead the hand, usually by monks, each taking time it was possible to print multiple Church and administer gospel ordi- years to complete. copies of the scriptures and at a cost nances. Faithful to this charge, they Then, through the influence of the many could afford. were persecuted, and some were Holy Ghost, an interest in learning Meanwhile, the inspiration of God eventually martyred. As a result, the began to grow in the hearts of people. also rested upon explorers. In 1492 Lord’s priesthood authority was no This Renaissance or “rebirth” spread Christopher Columbus set out to find longer on earth, and the world fell into throughout Europe. In the late 1300s, a new path to the Far East. Columbus spiritual darkness. In the centuries that a priest named John Wycliffe initiated a was led by the hand of God in his followed, God’s children had the Light translation of the Bible from Latin into journey. He said, “God gave me the of Christ, could pray, and could feel English. Because English was then an faith, and afterwards the courage.”2 the influence of the Holy Ghost. But emerging, unrefined language, church These inventions and discoveries the fulness of the gospel had been lost. leaders deemed it unsuitable to con- set the stage for further contributions. There was no one left on earth with vey God’s word. Some leaders were In the early 1500s young William the power and authority to lead the certain that if people could read and Tyndale enrolled at Oxford University. Church or perform sacred ordinances interpret the Bible for themselves, its There he studied the work of the such as baptism, conferral of the gift of doctrine would be corrupted; others Bible scholar Erasmus, who believed the Holy Ghost, and the saving ordi- feared that people with independent that the scriptures are “the food of [a nances of the temple. Almost everyone access to the scriptures would not man’s] soul; and . . . must permeate was denied access to the scriptures, need the church and would cease to the very depths of [his] heart and and most people were illiterate. support it financially. Consequently, mind.”3 Through his studies, Tyndale Making the scriptures available Wycliffe was denounced as a heretic developed a love for God’s word and and helping God’s children learn to and treated accordingly. After he died a desire that all God’s children be able read them was the first step to the and was buried, his bones were dug up to feast on it for themselves. Restoration of the gospel. Originally and burned. But God’s work could not At about this time, a German priest the Bible was written in Hebrew be stopped. and professor named Martin Luther and Greek, languages unknown to While some were inspired to identified 95 points of error in the

NOVEMBER 2005 89 In time, that version would find its way to a new land and be read by a 14-year- old plowboy named Joseph Smith. Is it any wonder that the King James Version is the approved English Bible of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints today? Religious persecution in England continued under James’s son Charles, and many were prompted to seek free- dom in new lands. Among them were the Pilgrims, who landed in the Americas in 1620, the very part of the world Columbus had explored over 100 years earlier. Other colonists soon followed, including those like Roger Williams, founder and later governor of Rhode Island, who continued to church of his day, which he boldly be grown into a perfect man.”5 search for Christ’s true Church. sent in a letter to his superiors. In Turbulent political times brought Williams said that there was no regu- Switzerland, Huldrych Zwingli printed change. Because of a disagreement larly constituted church of Christ on 67 articles of reform. John Calvin in with the church in Rome, King Henry earth, nor any person authorized to Switzerland, John Knox in Scotland, VIII declared himself the head of the administer any church ordinance, nor and many others assisted in this church in England and required that could there be until new Apostles were effort. A reformation had begun. copies of the English Bible be placed sent by the great Head of the church, Meanwhile, William Tyndale had in every parish church. Hungry for for whose coming he was seeking.8 become a trained priest and was fluent the gospel, people flocked to these Over a century later, such religious in eight languages. He believed a churches, reading the scriptures to feeling guided founders of a new direct translation from Greek and one another until their voices gave nation on the American continent. Hebrew into English would be more out. The Bible was also used as a Under God’s hand, they secured reli- accurate and readable than Wycliffe’s primer to teach reading. Though mar- gious freedom for every citizen with translation from Latin. So Tyndale, tyrdoms continued across Europe, an inspired Bill of Rights. Fourteen enlightened by the Spirit of God, trans- the dark night of ignorance was com- years later, on December 23, 1805, lated the New Testament and a portion ing to an end. Declared one preacher the Prophet Joseph Smith was born. of the Old Testament. His friends before being burned, “We shall this The preparation was nearing its com- warned him that he would be killed day light such a candle, by God’s pletion for the Restoration. for doing so, but he was undaunted. Grace, in England, as I trust shall As a young man, Joseph “was called Once, while disputing with a learned never be put out.”6 up to serious reflection”9 on the sub- man, he said, “If God spare my life, ere We express gratitude to all who lived ject of religion. Because he was born in many years I will cause a boy that dri- in England and throughout Europe a land of religious freedom, he could veth the plough shall know more of who helped kindle that light. By God’s question which of all the churches was the scripture than thou dost.”4 grace, the light grew brighter. Aware of right. And because the Bible had been Eventually Tyndale, like others, was the divisions within his own country, translated into English, he could seek killed for his efforts—strangled and English King James I agreed to a new an answer from the word of God. He burned at the stake near Brussels. But official version of the Bible. It has been read in the book of James, “If any of the belief for which he gave his life was estimated that over 80 percent of you lack wisdom, let him ask of not lost. Millions have come to experi- William Tyndale’s translations of the God,”10 and he did as directed. In ence for themselves what Tyndale New Testament and a good portion of answer to Joseph’s prayer, God the taught throughout his life: “The nature the Old Testament (the Pentateuch, Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, of God’s word is, that whosoever read or Genesis through Deuteronomy, appeared to him.11 This humble farm it, . . . it will begin immediately to make and Joshua through Chronicles) were boy was the prophet chosen by God to him every day better and better, till he retained in the King James Version.7 restore the ancient Church of Jesus

90 Christ and His priesthood in these lat- ter days. This restoration was to be the last, the dispensation of the fulness of times, restoring all the priesthood blessings which man could possess on earth. With this divine commission, his work was not to reform nor was it to protest what was already on the earth. It was to restore what had been on earth and had been lost. The Restoration, begun with the First Vision in 1820, continued with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. On September 21, 1823, Joseph Smith was visited by the angel Moroni, who taught him of an ancient record con- taining “the fulness of the everlasting gospel . . . preparatory to the second effects of these events upon the men; . . . the keys of the kingdom are coming of the Messiah.”12 Recorded on world, Elder Parley P. Pratt wrote: planted on the earth to be taken away plates of gold, the Book of Mormon no more for ever. . . . No matter what gives an account of Christ’s ministry in The morning breaks, the shadows becomes of me.”18 Sadly, three months the Western Hemisphere, just as the flee; later, on June 27, Joseph Smith the Bible records His life and ministry in Lo, Zion’s standard is unfurled! Prophet and his brother Hyrum were the Holy Land. Joseph received the The dawning of a brighter day, . . . martyred at Carthage, Illinois. gold plates four years later and, in Majestic rises on the world.15 Elder John Taylor, who was with December of 1827, began to translate the Prophet when he was martyred, the Book of Mormon.13 The long night was finally over, and testified of him, “Joseph Smith, the While translating, Joseph Smith revelation streamed forth, resulting Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has and his scribe Oliver Cowdery read in additional scripture. The Doctrine done more, save Jesus only, for the about baptism. Their desire to receive and Covenants was accepted by the salvation of men in this world, than this blessing for themselves prompted Church on August 17, 1835. The Pearl any other man that ever lived in it.”19 the restoration of the Aaronic of Great Price translation of the book I testify that the work of the Priesthood on May 15, 1829, under of Abraham also began in that year. Prophet Joseph Smith is the Savior’s the hands of John the Baptist.14 Further authority to act in the work. In the Lord’s service the path is There followed the restoration of name of the Lord soon followed. not always easy. It often requires sacri- the Melchizedek Priesthood, which The Kirtland Temple was dedicated fices, and we will likely experience was bestowed on Joseph and Oliver on March 27, 1836.16 In that temple, adversity. But in serving Him, we dis- by the Apostles Peter, James, and the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith cover that His hand is truly over us. John, who held the keys. After cen- and Oliver Cowdery, followed by So it was for Wycliffe, Tyndale, and turies of spiritual darkness, the power the appearances of Moses, Elias, thousands of others who prepared and authority to act in God’s name, and Elijah, who gave additional the way for the Restoration. So it was to perform sacred ordinances, and priesthood keys to the Prophet.17 for the Prophet Joseph Smith and all to lead His Church were once again This gospel light would never again who helped usher in the restored upon the earth. be taken from the earth. In 1844 Joseph gospel. So it is and will be for us. The first printed copies of the Smith conferred all the keys of the The Lord expects us to be as faith- Book of Mormon were published on priesthood upon Brigham Young, John ful, as devoted, as courageous as March 26, 1830. A few days later, on Taylor, , and their fel- those who went before us. They April 6, Christ’s true Church in these low Apostles. The Prophet said: “I have were called to give their lives for the latter days was once again organized, lived until I have seen this burden, gospel. We are called to live our lives at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in which has rested on my shoulders, for the same purpose. In these last Fayette, New York. Describing the rolled on to the shoulders of other days we have special reason to do so.

NOVEMBER 2005 91 Before that sacred night in Bethlehem, the events of history and the words of the prophets of all dis- Sacrifice Is a Joy pensations prepared the way for the first coming of the Lord and His Atonement. Similarly, history and prophecy laid the groundwork for and a Blessing the Restoration of the gospel through ELDER WON YONG KO the Prophet Joseph Smith. Do we have eyes to see that the events and Of the Seventy prophecies of our time are preparing us for the Savior’s Second Coming? I pray that we will all become Saints willing to sacrifice and I bear special witness that our become eligible for the Lord’s special blessings. Savior Jesus Christ lives. I testify that His hand has been over the work of the Restoration from before the foun- dation of this world and will continue until His Second Coming. kept their faith (see Alma 14:7–13). That each of us will prepare our- Also we think of Jesus Christ, who selves to greet Him is my humble condescended to come down from prayer. In His holy name, even Jesus His Father’s presence to this earth Christ, amen. ■ and made the sacrifice to save the

NOTES world through more severe pain than 1. Abraham 2:8. anyone else has ever endured. 2. Quoted in Mark E. Petersen, The Great In this last dispensation of the Prologue (1975), 29. 3. Quoted in Benson Bobrick, Wide as the gospel, many pioneers lost their lives Waters: The Story of the English Bible and and made the ultimate sacrifice to the Revolution It Inspired (2001), 89. keep their faith. 4. Quoted in S. Michael Wilcox, Fire in the Bones: William Tyndale—Martyr, Father of Today we are not likely to be asked the English Bible (2004), 47. to make such a big sacrifice as giving 5. Quoted in Wilcox, Fire in the Bones, xv. up our lives, but we can see many 6. Quoted in Bobrick, Wide as the Waters, 168; see also James E. Kiefer, Biographical examples of Saints who make painful Sketches of Memorable Christians of the sacrifices to keep their faith and testi- Past, “Hugh Latimer, Bishop and Martyr,” http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/269 monies alive. Maybe it is more diffi- .html. rothers and sisters, good after- cult to make the small sacrifices in our 7. See Wilcox, Fire in the Bones, 125–26, 197; noon. The Prophet Joseph daily lives. For instance, it could be Fox’s Book of Martyrs, William Byron Smith taught that “a religion regarded as a small sacrifice to keep Forbush, ed. (1926), 181. B 8. See William Cullen Bryant, ed., Picturesque that does not require the sacrifice of the Sabbath day holy, to read the America; or, the Land We Live In, 2 vols. all things never has power sufficient scriptures daily, or to pay our tithing. (1872–74), 1:500–502; see also LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, to produce the faith necessary unto But these sacrifices cannot be easily rev. ed. (1966), 29. life and salvation” (Lectures on Faith made unless we have the mind and 9. Joseph Smith—History 1:8. [1985], 69). If we summarize the his- the determination to make the sacri- 10. James 1:5. 11. See Joseph Smith—History 1:11–20. tory of the scriptures, we can say that fices that are needed to be able to 12. Book of Mormon introduction. it is the history of sacrifice. keep those commandments. 13. See Joseph Smith—History 1:27–62. We can find wonderful examples in 14. See D&C 13; Joseph Smith—History As we make these small sacrifices, 1:66–72; Church History in the Fulness of the scriptures of those who sacrificed we are compensated by more bless- Times, 2nd ed. (Church Educational System their lives in order to keep their faith ings from the Lord. King Benjamin Manual, 2003), 55. 15. “The Morning Breaks,” Hymns, no. 1. and testimonies. One example is from said, “And ye are still indebted unto 16. See D&C 109. the story of Alma and Amulek when him, and are, and will be, forever and 17. See D&C 110. they had to watch with pain the ever” (Mosiah 2:24). And, as he did 18. Quoted by Wilford Woodruff in Deseret News, Dec. 21, 1869, 2. people of Ammonihah who were with his own people, King Benjamin 19. D&C 135:3. thrown into the fire and died but encourages us so that we will receive

92 more blessings as we continue to obey the Lord’s word. I think that the very first blessing coming from sacrifice is the joy that we can feel when we pay the price. Perhaps the very thought that the sacri- fice itself could be a blessing becomes a blessing. When we have that kind of thought and feel the joy, we might have received a blessing already. Recently, I have found that kind of blessing among the Saints in Korea who participated in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Church in Korea and the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s birth. I would like to tell you briefly about their sacrifices and the joy and bless- ings they received. with their wives and children for this the Lord comforts us by saying, To celebrate the gospel, which celebration. They made the sacrifice “Wherefore, be not weary in well- gave hope and courage to people in when they came to Korea on their doing, for ye are laying the founda- Korea who were hurt so much by the missions a long time ago. This time tion of a great work” (D&C 64:33). Korean War, the members started to they made another sacrifice of time The blessings surely come to us. prepare for this celebration more and money to bring their families and Please remember that the sacrifice than a year ago. Many of the members participate in the celebration during itself might be a form of blessing. Let in Korea—the Primary, young men, the hot summer. But they rejoiced us make the sacrifice of small things. young women, young single adults, and were grateful for all the celebra- When we read the Book of Relief Society sisters, and others— tions in which they participated. Mormon while rubbing our sleepy gathered together to practice for the To encourage the Korean Saints eyes, let us remember that we are fol- celebration. They prepared many tra- and others, the Lord sent His prophet, lowing the counsel of our prophet ditional folk dances, including the President Gordon B. Hinckley, to and receive the joy that comes from flower dance, circle dance, fan dance, Korea. President Hinckley himself that knowledge. We have many bills and farmer dance. They played made a great sacrifice for this trip by to pay, but when we pay tithing, let us drums; performed tae kwon do, scheduling a 13-day, around-the-world feel joy for having the opportunity to drama, ballroom dances, and musical trip and came to Korea to meet with donate something to the Lord. numbers; showed animation; and the Saints whom he has loved for And then greater blessings will be gave choir performances. many years and to personally convey poured out on us. It will be just like Because the young men produced the special love of the Lord. Nobody our surprise and joy when we receive such loud drum sounds, neighbors felt that this was a sacrifice. Instead, an unexpected gift. complained, and they had to stop we had tears of joy and gratitude. As President Spencer W. Kimball practicing. It was really difficult to This is the blessing we are talking said, “As we give, we find that ‘sacrifice practice for long periods of time, but about, isn’t it? brings forth the blessings of heaven!’ they did it with joy. I could not find Brothers and sisters, do not be [“Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27.] anyone complaining about their effort afraid of sacrifice. Please enjoy the And in the end, we learn it was no sac- and sacrifice when they had to get up happiness and blessings from the sac- rifice at all” (“Becoming the Pure in at 4:00 in the morning to ride the bus rifice itself. Heart,” Ensign, Mar. 1985, 5). I pray for the joint practice. They felt great Occasionally there is a time gap that we will all become Saints willing to joy and gratitude for the blessings of between the sacrifice and the bless- sacrifice and become eligible for the the Lord and for the opportunity to ing. The sacrifice may come according Lord’s special blessings. The Lord will show their appreciation. to our time schedule, but the blessing watch over us so that it will not be too Also many returned missionaries may not come by our, but by the difficult to endure any sacrifice. In the from overseas came back to Korea Lord’s, calendar. Because of this, name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 93 take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the Gospel Covenants covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives. “And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at Bring Promised the right hand of God” (Mosiah 5:7–9). Giving careful attention to covenant making is critical to our Blessings eternal salvation. Covenants are agreements we make with our ELDER PAUL E. KOELLIKER Heavenly Father in which we com- Of the Seventy mit our hearts, minds, and behavior to keeping the commandments defined by the Lord. As we are faith- By keeping the covenants of the gospel, all of the momentary ful in keeping our agreement, He trials of life can be transcended. covenants, or promises, to bless us, ultimately with all that He has. In the Old Testament we are taught the Lord’s covenant pattern in Noah’s blessed with faithful and energetic chil- experience with a wicked world and dren and grandchildren, who have the Lord’s plan for cleansing the taught us much and continue to do so. earth. Because of Noah’s faithful, I feel particularly blessed that my steadfast commitment, the Lord said brother, sisters, and I were born of to him: righteous parents who have remained “But with thee will I establish my faithful to their temple covenants and covenant; and thou shalt come into have willingly sacrificed all, that we the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy might be securely invested in our wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. . . . Heavenly Father’s plan. To my angel “And Noah did . . . all that the Lord mother, I can only say thank you for commanded him” (Genesis 6:18; 7:5). keeping the chain of love and gospel After the floods were abated, they ordinances strong in our lives. went forth out of the ark. I have mentioned these sacred “And Noah builded an altar unto relationships because of the happi- the Lord. . . . ness that I feel knowing there is a “And God spake unto Noah, and to binding covenant with each of them his sons [who were] with him, saying, oday I desire to express my sealed in the holy temple. I am pro- “And I, behold, I establish my deep feelings of reverence and foundly grateful to know that regard- covenant with you, and with your Tlove for our Father in Heaven; less of any challenges that yet await seed after you” (Genesis 8:20; 9:8–9). for His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; and us, there is hope and confidence in We too have entered into sacred for the Holy Spirit. I further bear my knowing that by keeping the covenants with the Lord that we might witness of the sacred call of President covenants of the gospel, all of the be preserved from the adversary. Just Gordon B. Hinckley as the Lord’s momentary trials of life can be tran- as in Noah’s time, we live in a day of prophet, seer, and revelator. I sustain scended. The scriptures teach us that prophetic promise and fulfillment. In him with all my heart and energy. all will eventually be well as we are the past eight years, 71 new temples I am grateful for the covenant of faithful to our covenants. King have been dedicated—a feat, under marriage in the temple to a gracious Benjamin taught: the direction of the Lord’s prophet, eternal companion, whom I love and “Because of the covenant which ye which may in some ways be like the cherish. She continually sets an exam- have made ye shall be called the chil- building of the ark in Noah’s day. ple of caring service to those who dren of Christ. . . . Our living prophet, President are in need. Our marriage has been “Therefore, I would that ye should Gordon B. Hinckley, has invited us

94 to come through the door of the temple, where we can enter into covenants with the Lord. As in Noah’s day, our efforts to live these covenants may often be accom- panied by a measure of sacrifice. This sacrifice, regardless of how great or small, often determines how commit- ted in mind and heart we are to be submissive to the will of our Heavenly Father. The pattern of sacrifice often includes a season of struggle where we must evaluate and weigh the con- sequences of our decisions. Choices may not always be clear or easy, so we struggle on. When we finally deter- mine to rid ourselves of struggle and to sacrifice our will for the Lord’s, we are lifted to a new level of under- standing. This process is often more recognizable in our lives when we experience a significant tragedy or responsibility to search out our kindred would think it would be highly moti- challenge. dead and open the door for all who vational for each of us to keep our Just a few weeks ago a young man, desire to make covenants and worthily covenant to find the names of our while at a Scout camp in the moun- receive the gospel ordinances. deceased family members and fill all tains east of Salt Lake City, was struck The work among those who lived the available hours in every temple. I by lightning, which took his life. His previously is aggressively going for- can, with some confidence, report parents, grief stricken and devastated ward with the forces of heaven com- there is still available time in many at the sudden loss of their son, strug- missioned by the Lord. In President temples to accommodate the counsel gled quietly and asked why this hap- Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the dead, of the First Presidency to put aside pened. Because their hearts were he records: some of our leisure time and devote submissive and their faith strong, there “But behold, from among the more time to performing temple ordi- came a great outpouring of love from righteous, he organized his forces and nances. I pray that we will be respon- the Lord. In the midst of their grief appointed messengers, clothed with sive to this invitation to come to the came a quiet, tender resolve to accept power and authority, and commis- door of the temple. without anger the outcome of this sioned them to go forth. . . . I feel humbled at the opportunity experience. With their acceptance “I beheld that the faithful elders of to serve in this trusted calling and came a larger vision of the purpose this dispensation, when they depart pray that I may act upon my of life and a remembrance of the from mortal life, continue their labors covenants with the Lord and be sub- covenants that were in place. Though in the preaching of the gospel of missive to the direction of the Spirit. still filled with anguish from their sud- repentance and redemption” (D&C I declare my solemn witness of the den loss, they found themselves stand- 138:30, 57). Lord Jesus Christ and the Restoration ing on a higher plane committed to The scriptures further teach us of His gospel through the Prophet hold even faster to their covenants and that the messengers included “the Joseph Smith. I express my love for to live such that they might be assured prophets who had testified of [the the covenants and ordinances of the of a joyful reunion with their son. Redeemer] in the flesh” (D&C temple and commit to redouble my In this dispensation, covenant 138:36). Some of those messengers effort to participate in these holy making has taken on a new perspec- might have included Peter, Paul, Alma, houses of God. I know, as we make tive different from the days of Noah. John, Joseph, and Nephi. and keep sacred covenants, the Lord We are not only responsible to Having read this vision of President will bring us to His sacred presence. I make covenants for ourselves, but Smith’s and knowing of the mission- testify of this in the name of Jesus additionally we have been given the aries assigned to do this work, one Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 95 placed there by the hand of God. It was a compass, a Liahona in their lan- Compass guage, and its pointers were con- structed to guide them on their journey, allowing them to steer a course where they could prosper and of the Lord remain safe in the more fertile parts ELDER LOWELL M. SNOW of their route. But that was not all. Writing appeared on this compass Of the Seventy that was plain and easy to read and even changed from time to time, giv- Prophets and apostles through the ages are our compass ing the family better understanding 4 from the Lord. His direction through them is plain. concerning the ways of the Lord. During their journey, this Liahona, or compass, proved to be invaluable in helping Lehi’s family prosper and eventually arrive at their destination. roads and trails. There are so many But it is important to note Nephi’s paths to follow, so many voices calling observation that it was only through out “lo, here” or “lo, there.”1 There is the faith, diligence, and heed they such a variety and volume of media gave to the compass that it worked. flooding our personal space, most of Of this marvelous helper that guided it intent on herding us down a path them through the wilderness Nephi that is broad and traveled by many. simply observed, “And thus we see When pondering which of these that by small means the Lord can voices to listen to or which road bring about great things.”5 among the many is right, have you Nephi’s conclusion was not lost ever asked yourself, as Joseph Smith on Alma 500 years later when he did: “What is to be done? Who of all reminded his own son about the these [voices and roads is] right; or, importance of the Liahona. He are they all wrong together? If any explained to Helaman that the Lord one of them be right, which is it, and prepared this compass to show their how shall I know it?”2 My witness to fathers the course they should travel you is that Jesus Christ continues to in the wilderness, but because that rothers and sisters, as I sat here mark the path, lead the way, and miraculous device worked by small I felt a great desire to express define every point on our journey. His means, their fathers were slothful and Bmy love to you and to assure all path is strait and narrow and leads forgot to exercise their faith and dili- who are under the sound of my voice toward “light and life and endless gence. As a result, this marvelous of the love of their Heavenly Father. day.”3 May I share an example from device ceased to work, and they did On behalf of the Brethren, I express the scriptures with you. not progress in their journey or travel gratitude for your willingness to come At the Lord’s command, Lehi and a straight course but tarried in the this day to be nourished by the good his children left Jerusalem and began wilderness and were afflicted because word of God. an epic journey toward a land of of their negligence.6 I enjoy hiking in the mountains, promise. After being camped for a “O my son,” Alma continued, “do and as I move along in the backcoun- season in a valley by the river, the not let us be slothful because of the try I often use a compass, maps, and Lord told Lehi one night it was time easiness of the way; for so was it with signs to guide me toward my destina- to continue their journey into the our fathers; for so was it prepared for tion. These tools prove to be very wilderness. With much on his mind, them, that if they would look they helpful, even invaluable, when I am he walked out his tent door the next might live; even so it is with us. The faced with unknown roads and trails morning and, to his great astonish- way is prepared, and if we will look that run in every direction. ment, found an object before him on we may live forever. And now, my son, Life is full of many intersecting the ground that could only have been see that ye take care of these sacred

96 things, yea, see that ye look to God and live.”7 The Lord provides guidance and direction to individuals and families today, just as He did with Lehi. This very general conference is a modern Liahona, a time and place to receive inspired guidance and direction that prospers us and helps us follow God’s path through the more fertile parts of mortality. Consider that we are gath- ered to hear counsel from prophets and apostles who have prayed might- ily and prepared carefully to know what the Lord would have them say. We have prayed for them and for our- selves that the Comforter would teach us the mind and will of God. Surely there is no better time or place for the Lord to direct His people than in this conference. The teachings of this conference are the compass of the Lord. In the coming days you may, as Lehi did, walk out your front door and find a Liahona, Ensign, or other Church publication in your mailbox, and it will contain the proceedings of this conference. As with the Liahona of old, this new writing will be plain and easy to read and will give you and your family understanding concerning the ways and paths of the Lord. As Nephi and Alma both remind us, the Lord provides direction for our journey according to the faith, diligence, and heed we give to that like His yoke, is easy. But do not be complete man’s earthly journey; and direction. He is not likely to reveal deceived by the easiness of His way, that a prophet today, President new paths if we have not faithfully assuming it to be a small matter or a Gordon B. Hinckley, points the way followed Him along those He has thing of naught, but rather take care for those who will look and live for- already marked. Provident prospering of these sacred things and look to ever. That we will exercise our faith along the way comes to those who Him so you can be like Him and live and diligently give heed to the direc- diligently follow inspired counsel, with Him—forever. tions and pointers of latter-day making it their “walk and talk” until I stand today as a witness that our Liahonas, I pray in the name of Jesus once again a new writing appears to Father’s promises will all be fulfilled; Christ, amen. ■ help them progress in their journey that He sent His Only Begotten to the NOTES toward the land of promises. earth to mark the path and lead the 1. See Joseph Smith—History 1:5. 2. Joseph Smith—History 1:10. My brothers and sisters, prophets way; that the Father and the Son 3. “How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” and apostles through the ages are our appeared to Joseph Smith on the Hymns, no. 195. compass from the Lord. His direction morning of a beautiful, clear day early 4. See 1 Nephi 16:9–16. 5. 1 Nephi 16:29. through them is plain; the charted in the spring of 1820, restoring there- 6. See Alma 37:38–41. course from them is sure. His path, after all that is required to successfully 7. Alma 37:46–47.

NOVEMBER 2005 97 reach out to the sheep who are facing the same circumstances and lift them “Feed My Sheep” up and encourage them to proceed on the journey towards eternal life. ELDER ULISSES SOARES This need today is as great as or Of the Seventy perhaps even greater than when the Savior walked on this earth. As shep- herds we must understand that we People are most receptive to our influence when they feel should nurture each one of our sheep that we truly love them, and not only because we have to bring them to Christ, which is the a calling to fulfill. purpose of all we do in this Church. Any activity, meeting, or program should focus on this same objective. As we stay in tune with the needs of people according to their specific the people, we can strengthen them needs. A good example of this and help them overcome their chal- occurred when He was near lenges, so they will remain steadfast in Capernaum, and Jairus, a ruler of the the way which will lead them back to synagogue, fell down at Jesus’s feet our Heavenly Father’s presence and and pleaded with the Lord to come help them endure to the end. into his house and bless his daughter, The gospel of Jesus Christ is about who was dying. Jesus went with Jairus people, not programs. Sometimes, in even though the crowd made it diffi- the haste of fulfilling our Church cult for Him to move fast. responsibilities, we spend too much And then a messenger came telling time concentrating on programs, Jairus his daughter was already dead. instead of focusing on people, and Even grieving as he was, Jairus kept end up taking their real needs for his steadfast faith in the Lord, who granted. When things like that hap- comforted the heart of that father, pen, we lose the perspective of our saying: callings, neglect people, and prevent “Fear not: believe only, and she them from reaching their divine n one occasion the Savior shall be made whole. potential to gain eternal life. asked a question to Peter “And when he came into the As I was about to have my 12th Othree times: house, he suffered no man to go in, birthday, my bishop invited me for an “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou save Peter, and James, and John, and interview and taught me how to pre- me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; the father and the mother of the pare to receive the Aaronic Priesthood thou knowest that I love thee. [Jesus] maiden. and be ordained a deacon. As the saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”1 “And all wept, and bewailed her: interview was coming to an end, he Because He was deeply concerned but he said, Weep not; she is not pulled out a set of forms from his desk with the welfare of our Heavenly dead, but sleepeth. . . . and challenged me to fill them out. Father’s children, the Lord gave Peter “. . . And took her by the hand, and They were mission call papers. I was the special charge of feeding the called, saying, Maid, arise. astonished. After all, I was only 11. But sheep. He reaffirmed this same con- “And her spirit came again, and she that bishop had a vision of the future cern in modern times through a reve- arose straightway: and he com- and of the blessings that would be lation given to Joseph Smith: manded to give her meat.”3 mine if I prepared properly to serve a “Now, I say unto you, and what I Jesus showed patience and love to mission when my time came. say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: all who came to Him seeking relief for He showed he really cared about Arise and gird up your loins, take up their physical, emotional, or spiritual me. He told me the steps I should your cross, follow me, and feed my illnesses and who felt discouraged take to prepare both financially and sheep.”2 and downtrodden. spiritually to serve the Lord. After that As we study the scriptures, we To follow the Savior’s example, day, he, and then the bishop who was notice that the Savior ministered to each one of us must look around and called after him, interviewed me at

98 least twice a year until I was 19 and encouraged me to remain faithful in my preparation. They kept my missionary forms in the files and mentioned them when- ever we had an interview. With my par- ents’ help and with the encouragement of loving and patient bishops, I served a mission. The mission helped me gain a perspective of the blessings God has in store for all who endure to the end. It does not matter whether it is a child, youth, or adult—everyone needs to feel loved. We have been counseled for several years to focus on working with new converts and less-active mem- bers. People will remain in the Church when they feel someone cares for them. Among the last instructions the Savior gave His Apostles, He said: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”4 People are most receptive to our influence when they feel that we truly love them, and not only because we have a calling to fulfill. As we express hope to the disheartened, and seek- provoked, thinketh no evil; true love for people, they will be able ing after the ones who were lost. He “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but to feel the influence of the Spirit and showed people how much He loved rejoiceth in the truth; may feel motivated to follow our and understood them and how pre- “Beareth all things, believeth all teachings. It is not always easy to love cious they were. He acknowledged things, hopeth all things, endureth all people for what they are. The prophet their divine nature and eternal value. things. . . . Mormon explained what we should Even when calling people to repen- “And now abideth faith, hope, char- do if such challenges arise: tance, He condemned the sin without ity, these three; but the greatest of “Wherefore, my beloved condemning the sinner. these is charity.”6 brethren, pray unto the Father with In his first epistle to the Corinthians, As we follow the Savior’s example all the energy of heart, that ye may the Apostle Paul emphasized the need and teachings, we can assist people to be filled with this love, which he of expressing this true love to each fulfill their earthly mission and return hath bestowed upon all who are true sheep of the Lord’s flock: to live with our Heavenly Father. followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; “And though I bestow all my goods Of this I bear you my testimony in that ye may become the sons of to feed the poor, and though I give the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ God; that when he shall appear we my body to be burned, and have not shall be like him, for we shall see charity, it profiteth me nothing. NOTES 1. John 21:16. him as he is; that we may have this “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; 2. D&C 112:14. hope; that we may be purified even charity envieth not; charity vaunteth 3. Luke 8:50–52, 54–55; see also vv. 41–42, as he is pure.”5 not itself, is not puffed up. 49. 4. John 13:34–35. Christ Himself ministered to peo- “Doth not behave itself unseemly, 5. Moroni 7:48. ple, lifting the heavy laden, giving seeketh not her own, is not easily 6. 1 Corinthians 13:3–7, 13.

NOVEMBER 2005 99 In recent years, I have often con- templated that being a member of The Christlike Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites us to ask similar ques- tions. What are the basics, the funda- mental principles of our membership Attributes— in the kingdom of God on earth? After all is said and done, what will really carry us at times of greatest need to the Wind beneath our desired eternal destination? The Church, with all its organiza- tional structure and programs, offers many important activities for its mem- Our Wings bers aimed at helping families and individuals to serve God and each ELDER DIETER F. UCHTDORF other. Sometimes, however, it can Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles appear that these programs and activ- ities are closer to the center of our Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring heart and soul than the core doc- trines and principles of the gospel. power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives Procedures, programs, policies, and of all Latter-day Saints. patterns of organization are helpful for our spiritual progress here on earth, but let’s not forget that they are subject to change. As with all pilots, I enjoyed the fact In contrast, the core of that they were impressed by the the gospel—the doctrine and apparent complexity of this plane and the principles—will never change. that they wondered what kind of mag- Living according to the basic gos- nificent and brilliant person it takes to pel principles will bring power, operate it! At this point of my story, strength, and spiritual self-reliance my wife and children would kindly into the lives of all Latter-day Saints. interrupt and say with a twinkling in Faith is such a principle of power. their eyes, “Pilots are born with a We need this source of power in our great measure of natural humility!” lives. God works by power, but this To the visitors in my cockpit, I power is usually exercised in response would explain that it takes a great to our faith. “Faith without works aerodynamic design, many auxiliary is dead” (James 2:20). God works systems and programs, and powerful according to the faith of His children. engines to make this flying machine The Prophet Joseph Smith ex- equal to the task of bringing comfort plained, “I teach them correct princi- and safety to those joining the flight. ples, and they govern themselves” y dear brothers and sisters, To simplify my explanation by (quoted by John Taylor, in “The my dear friends: During my focusing on the basics, I would add Organization of the Church,” Mprofessional life as an airline that all you really need is a strong for- Millennial Star, Nov. 15, 1851, 339). pilot, I sometimes had passengers ward thrust, a powerful upward lift, To me, this teaching is beautifully visit the cockpit of my Boeing 747. and the right aircraft attitude, and the straightforward. As we strive to under- They asked about the many switches, laws of nature will carry the 747 and stand, internalize, and live correct instruments, systems, and procedures its passengers safely across conti- gospel principles, we will become and how all this technical equipment nents and oceans, over high moun- more spiritually self-reliant. The prin- would help such a huge and beautiful tains and dangerous thunderstorms ciple of spiritual self-reliance grows airplane fly. to its destination. out of a fundamental doctrine of the

100 Church that God has granted us— agency. I believe that moral agency is one of the greatest gifts of God unto His children, next to life itself. When I study and ponder moral agency and its eternal consequences, I realize that we are truly spirit chil- dren of God and therefore should act accordingly. This understanding also reminds me that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are part of a great world- wide family of Saints. The organizational structure of the Church allows great flexibility accord- ing to the size, growth pattern, and needs of our congregations. There is the basic unit program with a very simple organizational structure and fewer meetings. We also have large wards with great organizational resources to serve one another. All are established within the inspired programs of the Church to help mem- bers “come unto Christ, and be per- fected in him” (Moroni 10:32). All these varied options are equal in divine value because the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the same in each unit. I testify as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that He lives, that the gospel is true, and that it offers the answers to all early days of the Church? Many rea- vacuum must, can, and will be filled personal and collective challenges sons can be named: to escape perse- with the message of the restored the children of God have on this cution, to help build the Church in gospel as our wonderful members live earth today. America, to improve their economic and proclaim this gospel with greater This summer my wife and I visited circumstances, the desire to be close courage and faith. with members of the Church in many to a temple, and many more. With the expansion of the Church countries throughout Europe. In Europe still feels the consequence in Europe, there are now countries some parts of Europe, the Church of this exodus. But the strength that where the Church has been for less has been present for many years, comes from several faithful genera- than 15 years. I spoke with a mission even since 1837. There is a great her- tions of Church members is now president serving in his homeland of itage of faithful members in Europe. becoming more apparent. We see Russia who has been a member for Currently, we have more than 400,000 more young men and women and only seven years. He told me, “The members in Europe. As we look at all more senior couples serve missions same month I was baptized I was the generations who have emigrated for the Lord; we see more temple called as a branch president.” Did from Europe to America during the marriages; we see more confidence he feel overwhelmed at times? nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and courage by the members to share Absolutely! Did he try to implement that total number could easily be mul- the restored gospel. Among the peo- the full range of Church programs? tiplied a few times. ples of Europe and many other parts Fortunately not! How did he grow so Why did so many faithful members of the world, there is a spiritual vac- strong in such a small congregation, leave their home countries in those uum of Christ’s true teachings. This in such a short time? He explained,

NOVEMBER 2005 101 “I knew with all my soul the Church character. As spirit children of our was true. The doctrine of the gospel Heavenly Father, we do have the filled my mind and my heart. As we potential to incorporate Christlike joined the Church, we felt part of a attributes into our life and character. family. We felt warmth, trust, and love. The Savior invites us to learn His We were only few, but we all tried to gospel by living His teachings. To fol- follow the Savior.” low Him is to apply correct principles They supported each other, they and then witness for ourselves the did the best they could, and they blessings that follow. This process is knew the Church was true. It was not very complex and very simple at the the organization that had attracted same time. Ancient and modern him, but the light of the gospel, and prophets described it with three this light strengthened those good words: “Keep the commandments”— members. nothing more, nothing less. In many countries the Church is Developing Christlike attributes in still in its beginnings, and the organi- our lives is not an easy task, especially zational circumstances are sometimes when we move away from generalities far from perfect. However, the mem- have—but they are not enough. Even and abstractions and begin to deal bers may have a perfect testimony of friendship is not enough. with real life. The test comes in prac- the truth in their hearts. As the mem- We recognize that we are living in a ticing what we proclaim. The reality bers will stay in their countries and time of turmoil, disaster, and war. We check comes when Christlike attrib- build the Church, despite economic and many others feel strongly the great utes need to become visible in our challenges and hardships, future gen- need for a “defense, and for a refuge lives—as husband or wife, as father erations will be grateful to those from the storm, and from wrath when or mother, as son or daughter, in our courageous modern-day pioneers. it shall be poured out without mixture friendships, in our employment, in They abide by the loving invitation of upon the whole earth” (D&C 115:6). our business, and in our recreation. the First Presidency given in 1999: How do we find such a place of safety? We can recognize our growth, as can “In our day, the Lord has seen fit The prophet of God, even President those around us, as we gradually to provide the blessings of the gospel, Hinckley, has taught: “Our safety lies increase our capacity to “act in all including an increased number of in the virtue of our lives. Our strength holiness before [Him]” (D&C 43:9). temples, in many parts of the world. lies in our righteousness” (“Till We The scriptures describe a number Therefore, we wish to reiterate the Meet Again,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 105; of Christlike attributes we need to long-standing counsel to members of Ensign, Nov. 2001, 90). develop during the course of our lives. the Church to remain in their home- Recall with me how Jesus Christ They include knowledge and humility, lands rather than immigrate to the instructed His Apostles, clearly and charity and love, obedience and dili- United States. . . . directly, at the beginning of His mortal gence, faith and hope. These personal “As members throughout the world ministry, “[Come,] follow me, and I will character qualities stand independent remain in their homelands, working make you fishers of men” (Matthew of the organizational status of our to build the Church in their native 4:19). This was also the beginning of Church unit, our economic circum- countries, great blessings will come the ministry of the Twelve Apostles, stances, our family situation, culture, to them personally and to the Church and I suspect that they had a feeling race, or language. Christlike attributes collectively” (First Presidency letter, of inadequacy, as I deeply have, being are gifts from God. They cannot be Dec. 1, 1999). one who has also been called to this developed without His help. The one May I add a word of caution to sacred work. May I suggest that the help we all need is given to us freely those of us who live in large wards Savior Himself teaches us here a lesson through the Atonement of Jesus and stakes. We have to be careful that about core doctrine and priorities in Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ and the center of our testimony is not life. Individually, we need to first “fol- in His Atonement means relying com- located in the social dimension of the low Him,” and as we do this, the Savior pletely on Him—trusting in His infi- Church community or the wonderful will bless us beyond our own capacity nite power, intelligence, and love. activities, programs, and organizations to become what He wants us to be. Christlike attributes come into our of our wards and stakes. All of these To follow Christ is to become lives as we exercise our agency righ- things are important and valuable to more like Him. It is to learn from His teously. Faith in Jesus Christ leads to

102 action. When we have faith in Christ, we trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when we Benediction do not completely understand the rea- sons for them. In seeking to become PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY more like the Savior, we need to reevaluate our lives regularly and rely, through the path of true repentance, God our Eternal Father lives. . . . Jesus is the Christ, upon the merits of Jesus Christ and the Redeemer of mankind. They have restored Their work in the blessings of His Atonement. this last and final dispensation through the instrumentality Developing Christlike attributes of the Prophet Joseph. can be a painful process. We need to be ready to accept direction and cor- rection from the Lord and His ser- vants. This worldwide conference with its music and spoken word offers spiri- He had nothing. His parents had tual power, direction, and blessings nothing. He lived in a rural commu- “from on high” (D&C 43:16). It is a nity, scarcely recognized outside its time when the voice of personal inspi- borders. And yet the angel said to him ration and revelation will bring peace that “he was a messenger sent from to our souls and will teach us how to the presence of God . . . ; that God become more Christlike. This voice had a work for [Joseph] to do; and will be as sweet as the voice of a dear that [his] name should be had for friend, and it will fill our souls when good and evil among all nations, kin- our hearts are sufficiently contrite. dreds, and tongues, or that it should By becoming more like the Savior, be both good and evil spoken of we will grow in our ability to “abound among all people” (Joseph Smith— in hope, through the power of the History 1:33). Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13). We will How could such a thing be? Joseph “lay aside the things of this world, must have wondered. He must have and seek for the things of a better” been absolutely stunned. (D&C 25:10). And yet it has all come to pass. And This leads me back to my aerody- ell, my brothers and sisters, far greater will yet come to pass. namic analogy from the beginning. we have had a remarkable On December 23 of this year, 2005, I spoke of focusing on the basics. Wconference. It has literally we intend to honor his birthday with Christlike attributes are the basics. been an inspirational feast at the table a great celebration in tribute to him. They are the fundamental principles of the Lord. The music, the prayers, I intend, if possible, to go to the that will create “the wind beneath our the talks have been wonderful. We place of his birth to repeat what wings.” As we develop Christlike have been informed and uplifted; our Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President attributes in our own lives, step-by- faith has been strengthened. of the Church, did on December 23, step, they will “bear [us] up as on The growth of the Church has 1905, a century ago. On that occasion eagles’ wings” (D&C 124:18). Our faith been made evident by the fact that he dedicated the monument which in Jesus Christ will provide power and our words have been translated into marks the place of the Prophet’s birth a strong forward thrust; our unwaver- 80 languages and our message has and where a memorial cottage has ing and active hope will provide a been broadcast by satellite all across also been built. powerful upward lift. Both faith and the world and heard by people in When I am in Vermont, Presidents hope will carry us across oceans of many, many lands. It is all the wonder- Monson and Faust, with others of the temptations, over mountains of afflic- ful fruition of the words spoken by General Authorities, will be here in tions, and bring us safely back to our Moroni to the boy prophet on the the Conference Center. This great hall eternal home and destination. night of September 21, 1823. will be filled, and the program will be Of this I testify in the name of He was a young man, then a poor carried far and wide by satellite. There Jesus Christ, amen. ■ farm boy with very little education. will be appropriate music and words

NOVEMBER 2005 103 of tribute spoken both in South with you, my beloved brethren and Royalton and Salt Lake City to the sisters of this grateful Church. God great prophet of this dispensation. bless you every one. What the choir sang so magnifi- Now in closing, I wish to thank all cently this morning in tribute to the of those who have done so very, very Prophet will be but a dress rehearsal much to make of this a great confer- for the occasion in December. We ence, the many who work behind the look forward to this and hope all of scenes, to make all of this possible. you will be with us at that time. They work night and day to bring We leave with you our testimony about this great result—the ushers, of the divinity of this work. What a the technicians, the security force, the wonderful work it is. How empty our first-aid people, the traffic officers, the lives would be without it. God our translators, the secretaries who labor Eternal Father lives. He loves us. He over our talks and type them time watches over us. Jesus is the Christ, after time. the Redeemer of mankind. They God bless all of us, I humbly pray. have restored Their work in this last May we strive to walk in righteousness and final dispensation through the before Him, I humbly ask, and leave instrumentality of the Prophet my benediction with you in the sacred Joseph. I so testify in all solemnity and holy name of our Redeemer, even and leave my love and my blessing the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. ■

104 GENERAL RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING September 24, 2005

Smith was elected president, she said that “each member should be Video: Instruments ambitious to do good.”2 That was the spirit then, and that is the spirit now. It must continue to be the guiding principle through all the generations in the Hands that lie ahead—that “each member should be ambitious to do good.” Emma Smith: “We are going to do something extraordinary. ... We of God expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls.”3 Joseph Smith: “This Society is to get instruction [through] the order which video shown during the gen- natural instincts of women to reach God has established—[through] the eral Relief Society meeting out to assist in promoting the com- medium of those appointed to lead.”4 A featured President Gordon B. mon good, to help those in distress, “It is natural for females to have feel- Hinckley narrating the history of and to improve their own minds and ings of charity—you are now placed in Relief Society. During the video the talents. And on that occasion Joseph a situation where you can act accord- Prophet Joseph Smith, Emma Smith, Smith organized them into a society. ing to those sympathies which God has Lucy Mack Smith, and the early sisters Joseph Smith: This “Society of planted in your bosoms. If you live up of Relief Society were portrayed meet- Sisters might provoke the brethren to to these principles how great and glori- ing in the red brick store. good works in looking to the wants of ous!—if you live up to your privilege, President Hinckley: The growth of the poor—searching after objects of the angels cannot be restrained from the Relief Society from 18 members, charity, and in administering to their being your associates. . . . Not war, not when it was organized on March 17, wants—to assist; by correcting the jangle, not contradiction, but meek- 1842, in the frontier city of Nauvoo, to morals and strengthening the virtues ness, love, purity, these are the things more than five million 160 years later, of the community.”1 that should magnify us. . . . with members in communities large President Hinckley: From that “And the blessings of heaven will and small across the world, is a saga modest beginning has grown what I flow down. . . . both extraordinary and remarkable. regard as the largest and most effec- “When you go home never give The elements from which the tive organization of its kind in all the a cross word, but let kindness, Relief Society grew predate its organi- world. charity and love, crown your works zation. Those elements include the At that first meeting, when Emma H. henceforward. . . . “As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand—let them be enlarged towards others—you must be longsuff’ring and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the souls of men! . . . “. . . And I now turn the key to you in the name of God and this Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intel- ligence shall flow down from this time—this is the beginning of better days to this Society.”5 President Hinckley: That prophetic statement has stood as a charter through a century and a half of the Emma Smith, depicted in video, listens as her husband, Joseph, discusses Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Relief Society. Christ of Latter-day Saints.

NOVEMBER 2005 105 the best and the deepest of any organi- zation in existence in the world. You are called by the voice of the Prophet of God to do it, to be uppermost, to be the greatest and the best, the purest and the most devoted to the right.”7 God bless the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. May the spirit of love, which has motivated its members for more than a century and a half, continue to grow and be felt over the world. May A sister dressed in period costume portrays Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph’s mother. their works of charity touch for good the lives of uncounted numbers Lucy Mack Smith, mother of the performed, the food that has been wherever they find expression. And Prophet, in speaking to the sisters in put on barren tables, the faith that has may light and understanding, learn- Nauvoo said: been nurtured in desperate hours of ing and knowledge, and eternal truth Lucy Mack Smith: “We must cher- illness, the wounds that have been grace the lives of generations of ish one another, watch over one bound up, the pains that have been women yet to come, throughout the another, comfort one another and ameliorated by loving hands and quiet nations of the earth because of this gain instruction, that we may all sit and reassuring words, the comfort singular and divinely established insti- down in heaven together.”6 that has been extended in times of tution. May they recognize, one and President Hinckley: The history death and consequent loneliness? all, their great responsibility and of the organization has shown that Speaking of the Relief Society, blessing to be “instruments in the women of the Church have not had President Joseph F. Smith said on hands of God to bring about this to wait to sit together in heaven to one occasion: “This organization is great work” (Alma 26:3). ■ taste the sweet fruit of the kind of divinely made, divinely authorized, NOTES activities she described. divinely instituted, divinely ordained 1. Relief Society Minutes, Mar. 17, 1842, They have experienced much of Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of of God to minister for the salvation Latter-day Saints, 7. heaven on earth as in life they have of the souls of women and of men. 2. Relief Society Minutes, Mar. 17, 1842, 13. cherished one another, comforted Therefore there is not any organiza- 3. Relief Society Minutes, Mar. 17, 1842, 12. 4. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, 40. one another, and instructed one tion that can compare with it, . . . that 5. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, another. Who can gauge the miracu- can ever occupy the same stand and 38–40. lous effects upon the lives of millions platform that this can. . . . 6. Relief Society Minutes, Mar. 24, 1842, 18–19. of women whose knowledge has been “. . . Make [Relief Society] first, 7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: increased, whose vision has been ex- make it foremost, make it the highest, Joseph F. Smith (1998), 184. tended, whose lives have been broad- ened, and whose understanding of the things of God has been enriched by reason of countless lessons effec- tively taught and learned in meetings of the Relief Society? Who can measure the joy that has come into the lives of these women as they have mingled together, social- izing in the atmosphere of the ward or branch, enriching the lives of one another through companionships that have been sweet and treasured? Who, even in the wildest stretch of imagination, can fathom the uncount- able acts of charity that have been Relief Society general president Bonnie D. Parkin comforts a woman in Africa.

106 Parmley about his memories of his mother, LaVern Parmley, who served Sweet Moments as the Primary general president for 23 years. He didn’t refer to her talks BONNIE D. PARKIN at conferences or the many programs Relief Society General President she implemented. He spoke of one of his sweetest moments when he was 17 and preparing to go away to col- If we are seeking the Lord and His guidance, if our direction lege. He remembered sitting with his is to return to our Father in Heaven, the sweet moments mother as she taught him how to sew will come. on a button. With children of all ages, small and simple acts have lasting impact. Not all of us have children to teach The Prophet Joseph Smith set the the basics of sewing to. The early sis- course for Relief Society when he said ters were a diverse group just like us. to the sisters in 1842: “It is natural for Some were married, some single, females to have feelings of charity— some widowed, but they were united you are now placed in a situation in purpose. As I’ve been with you in where you can act according to those many lands and many places, I have sympathies which God has planted in felt your love. Sisters, I love you, and I your bosoms. If you live up to these know the Lord loves you too. principles how great and glorious!”2 Now, many of you are single. You The sisters of the early Relief are students; you are working; you Society were stirred to action by the are new to Relief Society. Some of you Prophet Joseph. Today, we too have have been longtime members. Please opportunities to serve as “instru- believe me when I say each of you is ments in the hands of God to bring valued and needed. Each of you about this great work.”3 brings love, energy, perspective, and What does it mean to be an instru- testimony to the work. Your efforts to ment in everyday terms? I think it live close to the Spirit bless us all ow thankful we are for our means to nurture others. Joseph because you have learned to rely on living prophet, President Smith called it acting “according to the Spirit for strength and direction. HGordon B. Hinckley, and for those sympathies” in our hearts. I One evening a single sister, his words “God bless the Relief have had many sweet moments when Cynthia, felt prompted to go and see Society of The Church of Jesus Christ I have felt the Lord using me as an a sister she visit taught. The sister of Latter-day Saints.”1 Every sister in instrument. I believe that you too wasn’t home. As Cynthia walked this Church belongs to Relief Society. have been guided and helped as you home, she noticed a nurse outside Every one of us can feel the love that teach, comfort, and encourage. a hospital with two children, both is so plentiful in this divinely insti- Yet as women we are pretty hard serious-burn victims. When Cynthia tuted organization. on ourselves! Believe me when I say heard the nurse call the little girl’s My heart is tender for you sisters each of us is much better than we name, a flash of recognition crossed who have been seriously impacted by think. We need to recognize and cele- her mind: she had known these two recent natural disasters. I rejoice at brate what we’re doing right. Much of children as a missionary in Bolivia the accounts of righteous women what we do seems small and insignifi- four years before. Becoming reac- serving and being served. Through cant—just a part of daily living. When quainted on the lawn of the hospital, service, both the servant and the we are called “to give an account to it was obvious the children were heal- served experience the love of the Jehovah,”4 as the Prophet Joseph ing physically, but without any family Lord. At this time of trial, I pray that counseled, I know that we will have support, they were suffering emotion- you will feel His love and also my love much to share. ally. Cynthia began visiting the chil- and the love of your many Relief Let me give you an example. dren and nurturing them. Heeding Society sisters. Recently I asked Elder William W. the prompting of the Spirit, Cynthia

NOVEMBER 2005 107 became God’s instrument for blessing witness that the Lord lives and loves received grand applause. two homesick children. us. As I’ve said before, if I could have Then it was Kristen’s turn. She Was that effort because she was sin- one thing happen for each of you, it handed the professor her blank sheet, gle? No. It was because she was atten- would be that you feel the love of the trying to hold back the tears. The pro- tive to the Spirit and had yielded her Lord in your life daily. fessor had been one of her teachers heart to God. If we are in tune with the Sometimes that love comes in and had praised her performance. He Spirit, if we are seeking the Lord and unexpected ways. Kristen was finish- looked at her blank paper. Without His guidance, if our direction is to ing a graduate degree and had missing a beat he announced, return to our Father in Heaven, the recently given birth to her second “Kristen holds the most critical role in sweet moments will come. And we will child. She felt the other graduates had all of society.” He was quiet for a few treasure them, for we have become accomplished so much more and was seconds, then declared in a powerful instruments in the hands of God. reluctant to attend the graduation din- voice, “She is the mother of her chil- Sometimes our lives take unex- ner. Her fears were confirmed when, dren.” Instead of a few courteous pected turns, and we have to move at the dinner, the students were asked claps, people rose to their feet. from “plan A” to “plan B.” One single to list their professional accomplish- There was just one standing ovation sister wrote: “I don’t think I ever felt ments. Kristen recalled: “I suddenly that night; it was for the mother in true happiness in my adult life until I felt embarrassed and ashamed. I had the room. came to the conclusion that my worth nothing to call myself, no lofty posi- Mothers, you are instruments in as a person and as a daughter of my tion, no impressive job title.” To make God’s hands, with a divine responsi- Heavenly Father had nothing to do matters worse, the professor read bility to teach and nurture your chil- with my marital status. At that point, the lists as he presented a diploma to dren. Little ones so need your kind I began to focus on my spiritual and each student. The woman ahead of and loving hand. As you put them personal growth and not on whether I Kristen had many accomplishments: first, He will direct you how to best was ever going to marry.”5 she already had a PhD, was receiving serve them. See how much we learn and grow a second master’s degree, and she’d All of you with older children are when we share with one another our even been a mayor! The woman needed in your homes. Yes, there are

108 frustrations, but there are lots of joys. Look for them! Having raised four industrious sons, I learned a thing or two about being an instrument: Enjoy the energy of these years! Make your home a safe, happy, relaxed place where friends are welcome. Listen, love, share your stories of your child- hood and teenage years with your children. Have expectations for your chil- dren. We had a curfew and told our sons that the Holy Ghost goes to bed at midnight. When they didn’t come home, a few times the Holy Ghost told me to go out and find them. That surprised a few of their dates! We laugh about that now—but I must admit, laughter comes easier as they have grown older. Be there for your children. Sit on the bed and enjoy the late-night talks—try to stay awake! Pray for the Lord to inspire you. Forgive often. Choose your battles. Testify frequently of Jesus Christ and His goodness and of the Restoration. And most of all, let and what she did. While living in a teach in nursery with a happy heart; them know of your trust in the Lord. senior residence, Mary asked the show by your attitude that you are If your children are grown and manager if they could use a room for finding joy in the journey. The Prophet gone; if you are single, divorced, or church services. He told her no Joseph said of such efforts, “If you live widowed; don’t let your circumstance because the center was nondenomina- up to your privileges, the angels can- dictate your willingness to share your tional. She refused to accept his not be restrained from being your life experiences. Your voice is needed. answer! With some other senior sis- associates.”6 In a Relief Society Sunday lesson in ters, Mary persisted until the company I testify we are engaged in the my ward, we were discussing what provided a room. Soon a branch was work of God. Thank you for your makes a good marriage. One sister, organized, and members were meet- devotion to your families, to Relief Lisa, said: “I probably shouldn’t say ing each Sunday to partake of the Society, and to the Church. Thank you anything because I’m divorced. But sacrament and renew their covenants. for being instruments in the hands of what keeps me going is my temple Age is not a barrier to becoming an God to bring about this great work. covenants.” After the lesson, I asked instrument in the hands of God. May you feel God’s love in your lives some new young adult Relief Society There are countless ways to be and may you share that love with oth- sisters what in this lesson had con- instruments in God’s hands. For exam- ers is my prayer, in the name of Jesus nected to them. They said, “Lisa’s ple, be the kind of visiting teacher Christ, amen. ■ comment impacted us most.” you’ve always wanted; ask a young sin- Now, my dear older sisters, I see gle adult about what she likes to do NOTES 1. Instruments in the Hands of God (video God’s image in your noble counte- rather than why she’s not married; shown during the 2005 general Relief nances. How your wisdom, patience, share instead of accumulate; carefully Society meeting). 2. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, and experience have touched so many choose your dress, speech, and choice Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of lives! My amazing mother-in-law, Mary, of entertainment; smile at your hus- Latter-day Saints, 38. in her 90s used to say, “People think band or child who knows they’ve 3. Alma 26:3. 4. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, 34. because I’m old I don’t know any- caused frustration and heartache; put 5. Personal correspondence. thing.” Let me tell you what she knew your arm around a young woman; 6. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, 38.

NOVEMBER 2005 109 us—gets in our way. We get angry, we become frustrated, we berate our- That We May All selves and others—and when we do, we cannot be the conduit of love we need to be if we are to become an instrument in Heavenly Father’s Sit Down in hands. Being willing to forgive our- selves and others becomes an inte- gral part of our ability to have the love of the Lord in our lives and to do Heaven Together His work. KATHLEEN H. HUGHES When I began preparing this talk, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency I did all the things I knew I should do: I went to the temple, I fasted, I read the scriptures, I prayed. And I wrote a When we become instruments in the hands of God, talk. But, sisters, when you choose to we are used by Him to do His work. write about charity, you need to feel charitable. And I didn’t. And so, after many prayers and tears, there came a realization to my mind that I had to of us to become that instrument. ask forgiveness of those who, unbe- I love the message of Sister Lucy knownst to them, were the cause of Mack Smith, who, frail and failing my uncharitable thoughts. It was with age, rose to speak to her sisters hard. But it was healing. And I testify in an early Relief Society meeting in to you that the Lord’s Spirit returned. Nauvoo. I want you to remember, she To become consistently charitable is a woman who had been a power- is a lifelong quest, but each act of love house—a great leader. She was very changes us and those who offer it. much the kind of woman I see in Let me tell you the story of a young Relief Society today. But that day she woman I met recently. Alicia, as a said, “We must cherish one another, teenager, had drifted far from the watch over one another, comfort one Church, but later she felt stirrings to another and gain instruction that we return. She often visited her grand- may all sit down in heaven together.”1 father in a retirement home on Those words speak of the sisters Sundays. On one of those days she becoming “instruments in the hands decided to attend the Latter-day Saint of God.”2 Which one of us does not meetings there. She opened the door isters, tonight we are gathered long to be cherished, watched over, and found a Relief Society meeting, in a general Relief Society meet- comforted, and instructed in the but no empty seats. As she was about Sing. You look wonderful. As we things of God? How does it happen? to leave, a woman motioned to her meet, I cannot help but think of that One kindness, one expression of love, and scooted over to make room for first Relief Society meeting. I imagine one thoughtful gesture, one willing her on her chair. Alicia said: “I won- in my mind’s eye the Prophet Joseph hand at a time. But my message is dered what the woman would think speaking to the sisters and preparing not to those who receive such acts of me. I was covered with body pierc- them for their part in building the of charity but to all of us who must ings, and I smelled of smoke. But she kingdom of God. I hear the prayers practice such holiness every day. To didn’t seem to mind; she simply of the women’s hearts: “I have made become like Jesus Christ, the Prophet made a place for me at her side.” covenants to do Thy work, but help Joseph taught, “you must enlarge Alicia, heartened by this woman’s me, Lord, to now become an instru- your souls toward others.”3 charity, returned to activity. She has ment in Thy hands.” Their prayer is All of us long to possess Christ’s served a mission and is now sharing our prayer. pure love, called charity, but our that same kind of love with other Mortality is the time for each one humanness—the “natural woman” in women. The elderly sister who shared

110 her chair understood that there is a place for every woman in Relief Society. Sisters, we gather for strength, but we bring with us all our weaknesses and imperfections. Alicia told me something I will never forget. She said: “I only do one thing for myself when I go to church: I take the sacrament for me. The rest of the time I watch for others who need me, and I try to help and nur- ture them.” When we become instruments in the hands of God, we are used by Him to do His work. Like Alicia, we need to turn to those around us and watch for ways we can nurture and assist. We must think about those at the door looking in and draw them to us—that we may all sit down in heaven together. Not all of us may think there is room for another per- sounds. Together they walked slowly of Jesus Christ upon us. We carry that son on our chair, but there are always to their handcart. Thirteen died name with us each day, and the Spirit chairs to be found if we have love in that terrible night. Julia and Emily prompts us to live in concert with the our hearts. survived.”4 Savior’s teachings. As we do, we In 1856, Julia and Emily Hill, sisters Sisters, without each other, these become instruments in the hands of who had joined the Church as teen- women probably would not have God. And the Spirit lifts us to higher agers in England and been disowned lived. In addition, they helped others levels of goodness. by their family, had finally earned pas- survive this devastating portion of the The greatest manifestation of char- sage for their way to America and had journey, including a young mother ity is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, almost reached their longed-for Zion. and her children. It was Emily Hill granted to us as a gift. Our diligent They were crossing the American Woodmansee who later wrote the seeking for this gift requires that we plains with the Willie handcart com- beautiful words to the song “As Sisters not only are willing to receive it but pany when they and many others in Zion.” The verse “We’ll comfort the are willing to share it as well. As we were stranded on the trail by an early weary and strengthen the weak”5 share this love with others, we emerge October storm. Sister Deborah takes on new meaning when you as “instruments in the hands of God Christensen, a great-granddaughter of imagine her experience on the snow- to do this great work.”6 We will be pre- Julia Hill, experienced this touching packed plains. pared to sit down with our sisters in dream about them. She said: As with the Hill sisters, many of us heaven—together. “I could see Julia and Emily will not survive our tests in mortality I bear testimony of the Savior, that stranded in the snow on the windy without help from others. And just as He lives and that He loves us. He summit of Rocky Ridge with the rest true: in helping others we keep our knows what we can become—in spite of the Willie handcart company. They own spirits alive. of our imperfections now. In the had no heavy clothing to keep them Lucy Mack Smith and the sisters of name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ warm. Julia was sitting in the snow, the early Relief Society experienced NOTES shaking. She could not carry on. the pure love of Christ, charity that 1. Relief Society Minutes, Mar. 24, 1842, Emily, who was freezing as well, knew knows no bounds. They had the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 18–19. that if she did not help Julia stand up, truths of the gospel to guide their 2. Alma 26:3. Julia would die. As Emily wrapped lives; they had a living prophet; they 3. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, 39. her arms around her sister to help had a Father in Heaven who listened 4. Debbie J. Christensen, “Julia and Emily: Sisters in Zion,” Ensign, June 2004, 34. her up, Julia began to cry—but no and answered their prayers. Sisters, so 5. Hymns, no. 309. tears came, only soft whimpering do we. At baptism we took the name 6. Alma 26:3.

NOVEMBER 2005 111 I hate to admit it, but I was disap- pointed and troubled. At that point in Knowing the my life, I had barely read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover. Without question, I was unprepared to serve a mission. So I put my patriarchal bless- Lord’s Will for You ing in a drawer. I did, however, begin ANNE C. PINGREE a serious regimen of scripture study each day as I focused on rearing my Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency growing family. The years passed, and my husband May the Lord bless each of you in your personal quest and I concentrated on preparing our to know His will for you and to submit your will to His. children to serve missions. In send- ing our sons to many lands, I hon- estly believed I had fulfilled my missionary duty. Then my husband was called to be I start where my journey ended— a mission president in an unsettled, in this sublime truth taught by Elder chaotic country in the developing Neal A. Maxwell: “The submission of world. It was 10,000 miles from home one’s will is really the only uniquely and light-years away from the culture personal thing we have to place on and communication I knew. But, in God’s altar. The many other things the instant of my call as a full-time we ‘give,’ . . . are actually the things missionary, I felt a little like Alma and He has already given or loaned to us. the sons of Mosiah—that I was called However, when you and I finally sub- to be an “[instrument] in the hands of mit ourselves, by letting our individ- God to bring about this great work.”5 ual wills be swallowed up in God’s I also felt something I am not sure will, then we are really giving some- they did—overwhelming fear! thing to Him! It is the only possession Over subsequent days I pulled out which is truly ours to give!”2 my patriarchal blessing and read it I bear witness, my beloved sisters, again and again, searching for deeper that in order to truly be an instrument understanding. Even knowing I was in the hands of God, in order to fully going to live out a promise I had o become an instrument in the have that blessing bestowed upon us received from a patriarch decades hands of God is a great privilege in “the day of this life” in which we earlier did not alleviate my concerns. Tand sacred responsibility. “perform [our] labors,”3 we must, as Could I leave my married and unmar- Wherever we live, whatever our cir- Elder Maxwell says, “finally submit ried children and my aging father and cumstances, no matter our marital ourselves”4 to the Lord. mother-in-law behind? Would I know status or age, the Lord needs each The refining process in my life that the right things to do and say? What one of us to fulfill her unique part in led to my testimony of this principle would my husband and I eat? Would building His kingdom in this final dis- began unexpectedly when in my mid- I be safe in a country that was politi- pensation. It is my testimony that we 30s, I received my patriarchal bless- cally unstable and dangerous? I felt can know what the Lord wants us to ing. I had fasted and prayed in inadequate on every level. do—and experience “the blessing preparation, wondering in my heart, In my quest for peace, I redoubled which hath been bestowed upon us, “What does the Lord want me to do?” my efforts to attend the temple. I that we have been made instruments Full of happy anticipation and with pondered the meaning of my cove- in the hands of God to bring about our four young children in tow, my nants in a way I had never done this great work.”1 My desire tonight husband and I went to the elderly before. For me, at this defining cross- is to share part of my very personal patriarch’s home. The blessing he roads in my life, my temple covenants journey of coming to understand gave me emphasized missionary served as a foundation and catalyst. how we become such instruments. work—over and over again. Yes, I feared, but I realized I had

112 chosen to make personal, binding, to ask, “Father, how can I do what and help me was just the beginning. I sacred commitments I meant to Thou hast called me to do?” One had much more to learn about becom- keep. When all was said and done, morning shortly before leaving for ing an instrument in God’s hands. this wasn’t someone else’s service our mission field, two friends brought Far from home in a strange land, to perform. This was my mission call, a gift—a small hymnal to take with my husband and I embarked on our and I determined to serve. me. Later, on that same day, the service, much as pioneers, with faith Joseph Smith’s father pronounced answer to my months of prayerful in every footstep. We were quite liter- this blessing upon his son’s head: pleadings came from that hymnal. As ally alone much of the time—finding “The Lord thy God has called thee by I sought solace in a quiet place, these our way within a culture we didn’t name out of the heavens. Thou hast words came clearly into my mind: understand—expressed in dozens of been called . . . to the great work of languages we could not speak. The the Lord: to do a work in this genera- Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not sentiment of Sarah Cleveland, one tion which no other . . . would do as dismayed, of our early Relief Society leaders in thyself, in all things according to the For I am thy God and will still give Nauvoo, described our feelings: “We will of the Lord.”6 The Prophet Joseph thee aid. have entered into this work in the was called to his unique part of “the I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and name of the Lord. Let us boldly go great work of the Lord,” and as over- cause thee to stand, forward.”8 whelmed and unprepared as I felt, I Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent My first lesson in the process of knew I was called to my portion of hand.7 becoming an instrument in God’s the work, too. This insight was helpful hand had been to search the scrip- and gave me courage. Realizing in a most personal man- tures, fast, pray, attend the temple, In my constant prayers I continued ner that the Lord would be with me and live faithful to the covenants I had

NOVEMBER 2005 113 made in the house of the Lord. My second lesson was that in order to “boldly go forward,” I needed to rely Instruments in the completely on the Lord and seek earnestly for personal revelation. In order to receive that revelation, I would have to live worthily to have Hands of God the constant companionship of the PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST Holy Ghost with me. My last lesson was precisely what Second Counselor in the First Presidency Elder Maxwell explained. In even the smallest details of each day, I submit- Your influence for good is incalculable and indescribable. ted my will to the Lord’s, for I so needed His help, His guidance, and His protection. As I did, gradually my relationship with my Father in Heaven changed—in profound ways—that Pingree have inspired us. The choir continue to bless me and my family. has touched our hearts. As I look into My life’s journey is different from your faces I can feel your goodness. I yours. Each of you could teach me commend each of you for your day- much from your experiences of sub- to-day works of righteousness. Even mitting your will to the Lord’s as you though your works may be known to earnestly seek to know His will for only a few, they are recorded in the you. We can rejoice together in the Lamb’s book of life,1 which one day restored gospel of Jesus Christ, grate- will be opened to witness of your fully acknowledging the blessing of dedicated service, devotion, and having a testimony of the Savior and deeds as “instruments in the hands of His Atonement for each of us. This I God to bring about this great work.”2 know—our individual efforts to Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “We become instruments in the hands of know so little . . . about the reasons for God have not been easy and have the division of duties between woman- stretched us spiritually, enriching our hood and manhood as well as between mortal journeys in the most personal, motherhood and priesthood. These glorious ways. resident Hinckley has author- were divinely determined in another Dear sisters, may the Lord bless ized me on behalf of the First time and another place. We are accus- each of you in your personal quest to PPresidency to express our tomed to focusing on the men of God know His will for you and to submit appreciation to all who have helped because theirs is the priesthood and your will to His. I testify that our indi- in any way to preserve life and prop- leadership line. But paralleling that vidual will “is the only possession erty following the recent disasters authority line is a stream of righteous which is truly ours to give.”9 In the which have happened and are still influence reflecting the remarkable name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ continuing in our country. women of God who have existed in all My dear sisters, I am humbled by ages and dispensations, including our NOTES 1. Alma 26:3. this great responsibility and privilege own. Greatness is not measured by 2. In Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 30; of addressing you daughters of God coverage in column inches, either in or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24; emphasis added. 3. Alma 34:32. in many lands. We have been edified newspapers or in the scriptures. The 4. Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24. and uplifted by the short video pre- story of the women of God, therefore, 5. Alma 26:3. sentation by President Hinckley. We is, for now, an untold drama within 6. In Gracia N. Jones, Emma’s Glory and 3 Sacrifice: A Testimony (1987), 43–44. are grateful that President Hinckley a drama.” 7. “How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85. and President Monson are here with Some of you sisters may feel inade- 8. Relief Society Minutes, Mar. 30, 1842, us this evening. We are strengthened quate because you can’t seem to do all Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 24. by their support and influence. Sister you want to do. Motherhood and par- 9. Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24; emphasis added. Parkin, Sister Hughes, and Sister enting are most challenging roles. You

114 also have Church callings that you ful- door and let go of the hurt. If, after especially that of motherhood. fill so capably and conscientiously. In time, we can forgive whatever may In the work of the kingdom, men addition, many of you, besides all this, have caused the hurt, we will tap and women are equally important. have to work as well as care for your “into a life-giving source of comfort” God entrusts women to bear and nur- family. My heart goes out to the wid- through the Atonement, and the ture His children. No other work is ows and the single-parent sisters who “sweet peace” of forgiveness will be more important. Motherhood is such bear so much of the responsibility of ours.4 Some injuries are so hurtful and an important role for women. Sacred parenting. In general you noble sisters deep that healing comes only with blessings and righteous influence are doing a much better job of holding help from a higher power and hope have flowed into my own life and my it all together and making it work than for perfect justice and restitution in family’s lives from my beloved wife, you realize. May I suggest that you the next life. Sisters, you can tap into her mother, my own mother, grand- take your challenges one day at a time. that higher power and receive pre- mothers, my precious daughters, and Do the best you can. Look at every- cious comfort and sweet peace. granddaughters. The treasured rela- thing through the lens of eternity. If I fear you sisters do not realize in tionship of each woman in my life is you will do this, life will take on a dif- the smallest part the extent of your beyond expression. This is especially ferent perspective. influence for good in your families, in true of my eternal companion, Ruth. I believe that all of you sisters want the Church, and in society. Your influ- We want you single sisters to know to be happy and find the peace that ence for good is incalculable and of our great love for you. You can be the Savior promised. I think many of indescribable. President Brigham powerful instruments in the hands of you try very hard to keep up with all Young said: “The sisters in our Female God to help bring about this great of your responsibilities. I do not wish Relief Societies have done great good. work. You are valued and needed. to offend anyone. I am reluctant to Can you tell the amount of good that Other women, even though married, mention a matter but feel it should be the mothers and daughters in Israel may not be mothers. For those in said. Sometimes we carry unhappy are capable of doing? No, it is impossi- either of these circumstances, please feelings about past hurts too long. We ble. And the good they will do will be assured that the Lord loves you spend too much energy dwelling on follow them to all eternity.”5 I truly and has not forgotten you. You can do things that have passed and cannot believe you are instruments in the something for another person that no be changed. We struggle to close the hands of God in your many roles, one else ever born can do. You may

NOVEMBER 2005 115 be able to do something for another in their behalf than from the begin- is a wonderful expression of your car- woman’s child that she may not be ning of humankind on the earth.8 ing and conscientious nature. In con- able to do herself. I believe some From the beginning, women in the trast, when the brethren give a lesson compensatory blessings will come in Church have been instruments in the they don’t even decorate the table this life and in the hereafter to sisters hands of God. When the temple was with as much as a shriveled dande- in those circumstances. These bless- being built in Kirtland, the women lion! Occasionally, however, you are ings and a comforting peace will provided support for the workers, as too hard on yourselves. You think that come to you if you can love God President Heber C. Kimball said: if your offering is not quite perfect, it “with all thy heart, and with all thy “Our women were engaged in is not acceptable. I tell you, however, soul, and with all thy strength, and spinning and knitting in order to that if you have done your best, which with all thy mind; and thy neighbour clothe those who were laboring at the you usually do, your humble offering, as thyself.”6 You can still be highly suc- building, and the Lord only knows the whatever it may be, will be acceptable cessful in whatever you do as instru- scenes of poverty, tribulation, and dis- and pleasing to the Lord. ments in the hands of God to bring tress which we passed through in In these days, visiting teachers do about this great work. order to accomplish this thing. My much good. Twelve years ago, Suzy Women affect so very much of wife toiled all summer in lending her was called to be Dora’s visiting what happens in the world for good aid towards its accomplishment. She teacher. A widow with no children, or otherwise. In some measure, wives had a hundred pounds of wool, Dora had a difficult personality and and mothers control the flow of bless- which, with the assistance of a girl, was almost a recluse. When Suzy first ings that come into their homes. As she spun in order to furnish clothing began visiting Dora, she was met at you sustain the priesthood callings of for those engaged in the building of the doorstep but never invited in. your husband and encourage your the Temple, and although she had the Several months later, Suzy took a treat sons in their priesthood activities, privilege of keeping half the quantity to Dora, but Dora said she could not your homes will be richly blessed. of wool for herself, as a recompense accept it. When Suzy asked why not, You should also urge your children for her labor, she did not reserve even she answered, “Because you’ll want to help others who are in need. Our so much as would make her a pair of something in return.” Suzy assured home has been blessed because of stockings; but gave it for those who her, “All I want is your friendship.” my wife’s involvement in Relief were laboring at the house of the After that, visiting became easier. Society all of our married life. She was Lord. She spun and wove and got Gradually, Suzy found ways to do a ward and then a stake Relief Society the cloth dressed, and cut and made things for Dora and to listen when lis- president during a period of some up into garments, and gave them tening was needed. She would also years. As she went about her duties to those men who labored on the tell her about the wonderful people and attended her meetings, our home Temple; almost all the sisters in in the ward, the lessons, and the con- was blessed with the sweet spirit of Kirtland labored in knitting, sewing, ferences, thus making her feel a part service she brought home with her. spinning, etc. for the purpose of for- of the ward. As Dora’s health began You are members, as we have warding the work of the Lord.”9 to deteriorate, Suzy’s visits were daily, heard tonight, of the greatest society Polly Angell, wife of the Church and they became close friends. When for women in the world. And as architect, said that the Prophet told Dora died, Suzy was able to eulogize President Hinckley just told us in the them: “Well sisters, you are always on the woman others called “unap- video, the Prophet Joseph Smith hand. The sisters are always first and proachable” as a “remarkable woman” declared: “This Society is to get foremost in all good works. Mary was and “a cherished friend.”11 She knew instruction through the order which [the] first [at the tomb to see the her as few others could because of God has established—through the risen Lord]; and the sisters now are her service as a visiting teacher. medium of those appointed to lead— the first to work on the inside of the Relief Society is a sisterhood and a and I now turn the key to you in the temple.”10 place where women are instructed name of God, and this Society shall You sisters have divine attributes of to build their faith and to accomplish rejoice, and knowledge and intelli- sensitivity and love for things beauti- good works. As President Hinckley gence shall flow down from this ful and inspiring. These are gifts you has often said, we all need friends. time—this is the beginning of better use to make our lives more pleasant. Friendship fills us with warmth and days to this Society.”7 More opportu- Often when you sisters prepare and love. It is not confined to the young nities have come to women since the give a lesson you put an attractive or the old, the rich or the poor, the Prophet Joseph Smith turned that key cloth and flowers on the table, which little known or the public figure.

116 Whatever our circumstances, we all need someone who will listen to us with understanding, pat us on the back when we need encouragement, and nurture in us the desire to do better and to be better. Relief Society is designed to be such a circle of friendship, brimful with understand- ing hearts that generate love and accomplishment because, above all, it is a sisterhood. This general Relief Society meeting is being broadcast to several countries across the globe. It’s good to think of sisters gathering in various locations her feelings about Relief Society. She forth and fill the whole earth.”15 to share the same messages we are said she had grown up in a ward Dear sisters, our beloved fellow hearing and to be together as friends. where the sisters took a great interest workers in the kingdom, whose names One sister from Ethiopia attended in her, even while she was in Young are recorded in the Lamb’s book of such a gathering in Fredericksburg, Women, so that when it came time for life,16 may you continue to go forward. Virginia, and observed, “We had sat her to go to Relief Society, she was Go forward in faith and humility. Do down as friends, mothers, and daugh- excited and so were they. She noticed not let Satan or any of his seductive ters, but rose up as sisters.”12 the “wide variety of personalities, evil power have influence over you. A sister missionary serving in interests, backgrounds, and ages in Give no occasion to the adversary17 Thailand wrote about sitting with sis- that Relief Society” and remarked, “I nor allow him to diminish your God- ters in Bangkok for last year’s broad- now . . . have a group of friends that given, unique sensitivity to the Spirit cast. She said, “I felt such a strength spans the decades—from teenagers of the Lord. May that Spirit ever guide from this tiny group of Thai women, to great-great-grandmothers and you to sacred feelings in your every doing their best to follow counsel everything in between.”14 thought and activity as you reach out from women in Salt Lake they have A great future lies ahead of you to others in love and mercy, I pray in never met.”13 Isn’t it remarkable to younger sisters. It may not be exactly the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ feel the bond of sisterhood that spans as you have planned, but it can be NOTES the oceans and rivers in many coun- wonderfully satisfying and can accom- 1. See Revelation 21:27. tries as we join together in this meet- plish great good. For you young 2. Alma 26:3. 3. “The Women of God,” Ensign, May 1978, ing! Truly the key was turned by the women to be in companionship with 10. Prophet Joseph Smith when he met mature, experienced, righteous sisters 4. See “My Journey to Forgiving,” Ensign, Feb. with that small band of women in is both an opportunity and a blessing. 1997, 43. 5. Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Nauvoo to organize the Relief Society President Hinckley’s beloved wife, Widtsoe (1954), 216. in 1842! Marjorie Pay Hinckley, put it so well 6. Luke 10:27. And now, lastly, I should like to say when she said: “We are all in this 7. Relief Society Minutes, Apr. 28, 1842, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of a few words to you younger sisters. together. We need each other. Oh, Latter-day Saints, 40. You have an important place in this how we need each other. Those of 8. See George Albert Smith, “Address to great sisterhood. Most of you have us who are old need you who are Members of the Relief Society,” Relief Society Magazine, Dec. 1945, 717. been endowed with a testimony of young. And, hopefully, you who are 9. “History of Joseph Smith,” Times and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. young need some of us who are old. Seasons, Apr. 15, 1845, 867. With that testimony and with your It is a sociological fact that women 10. Quoted in Edward W. Tullidge, Women of Mormondom (1877), 76. youthful strength, influence, and need women. We need deep and 11. Letter in possession of Relief Society office. intelligence, you can receive the satisfying and loyal friendships with 12. Letter in possession of Relief Society office. 13. Letter in possession of Relief Society office. blessings that come in fulfilling the each other. These friendships are a 14. Letter in possession of Relief Society office. responsibility to be “instruments in necessary source of sustenance. We 15. In Virginia H. Pearce, ed., Glimpses into the the hands of God to bring about this need to renew our faith every day. Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley (1999), 254–55. great work.” We need to lock arms and help 16. See Philippians 4:3. One young sister recently shared build the kingdom so that it will roll 17. See 1 Timothy 5:14.

NOVEMBER 2005 117 Christ. What did he do, and how did that help the young Joseph Smith? They Spoke to Us (Clue: Read President Boyd K. Packer’s talk on page 70.) 3. When and by whom was “The Making Conference Part of Our Lives Family: A Proclamation to the World” given? (Clue: Search Elder M. Russell Ballard’s talk on page 41.) 4. What did President Hinckley ask us to do by the end of the year, and what did he promise us if we do it? (Clue: Mentioned in several talks. Look in Elder Charles Didier’s hat will you do to make the For Children talk on page 48 for one example.) teachings in general confer- 1. Into how many languages was Wence part of your life or your general conference translated? (Clue: family’s life? You could use some of Search President Gordon B. Hinckley’s the following ideas for discussion or talk on page 103.) study, or you could make up your 2. William Tyndale played an impor- own questions or choose your own tant part in preparing the world for topics. (Numbers in parentheses refer the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus to the beginning page number of the talks.) The accompanying list of sto- ries may also help.

Girls attend conference at the Apia Samoa Navu Stake Center. Right: For Youth Missionaries coordinate with 5. What did President Gordon B. conference goers at the Hinckley call “the great principle Niteroi Brazil emphasized in all of scripture, both Stake Center. ancient and modern”? He said, “It may be the greatest virtue on earth, and certainly the most needed.” (81) 6. Have you ever been chosen last to play on a team? President Thomas S. Monson knows how you feel; he’s been there too. See how things turned out for him and why he says, “Never give up.” (56) 7. Often people of other faiths notice something different about us, something special.

118 See what President important thing you can do to Consider singing and talking about James E. Faust says prepare for a mission call. (44) them in family home evening. about the impor- 10. What historical events prepared tance of our example For Family Home Evening the way for the gospel to be preached to others in “The Light or Personal Study in your country or to your family? in Their Eyes.” (20) 9. What hymns did Elder Russell M. Elder Robert D. Hales spoke of some 8. What is the difference between Nelson use to answer a missionary’s of them and of how they have helped going on a mission and becoming a question about the Atonement? (85) prepare the way for the Second missionary? See what Elder David A. Which hymns about the Savior are Coming. (88) Bednar says is the single most especially inspiring to your family? 11. Elder Merrill J. Bateman spoke about the real and personal nature of Jesus Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane. (74) How have you felt its effects in STORIES TO READ AND SHARE your life? 12. Elder Paul K. Sybrowsky asks, In the talks beginning on the pages listed below, you’ll find stories you can tell “What would Christ do if He had my and insights you can share. opportunities?” (35) How can we make Christ-centered decisions about Village moves to higher ground before tsunami, 16 our opportunities? How can we use Nurse helps woman with injured leg, 20 them to build the kingdom of God? ■ New member quits job with a cigarette company, 31 Man’s 12-year search for the Church, 33 Deacons, Scoutmaster fellowship young Paul Sybrowsky, 35 Charles Didier’s conversion, 48 Young Paul V. Johnson plays ball during general conference, 50 Lyman E. Johnson regrets his apostasy, 53 Bishop sits in a dunking machine, 53 Home teachers travel one week to visit a member, 56 Priest who stutters baptizes a girl, 56 Deacons and teachers visit Welfare Square to see the fruits of fast offerings, 56 Thomas S. Monson visits a Greek couple, 56 Thousands of Church members serve hurricane victims in the Gulf States, 60 Missionaries testify of Joseph Smith to doubtful man, 67 Woman forgives young man who injured her, 81 President and Sister Kimball healed during a visit to New Zealand, 85 Bishop challenges 11-year-old Ulisses Soares to fill out mission call papers, 98 Young woman finds acceptance at Relief Society, 110 Two sisters, members of the Willie handcart company, help each other survive, 110 Devoted visiting teacher befriends “unapproachable” sister, 114

JOSEPH SMITH SEEKS WISDOM FROM THE BIBLE, BY DALE KILBOURN seek counsel from their • Make an outline of how Teachings for Our Time leaders regarding any you want to teach the special emphasis. principles and doctrines. Those attending fourth- Your outline should Sunday lessons are encour- include questions that he following instruc- published each May and aged to study and bring help class members: tions for fourth- November. The talks are to class the latest general –Look for principles and T Sunday Melchizedek also available online (in conference issue of the doctrines in the talk(s) Priesthood and Relief many languages) at magazine. Ward and you are teaching. Society lessons replace www.lds.org. branch leaders should –Think about the those in Information for Each lesson can be pre- ensure that all members meaning of the princi- Priesthood and Auxiliary pared from one or more have access to the Church ples and doctrines. Leaders on Curriculum, talks. Stake and district magazines. –Share their understand- 2005 through 2008. presidents may choose ing, ideas, experiences, Melchizedek Priesthood which talks should be used, Suggestions for Preparing and testimonies of the and Relief Society meetings or they may assign this re- a Lesson from Talks principles and doctrines. on the fourth Sunday of sponsibility to bishops and • Pray that the Holy Spirit –Apply these principles each month will be devoted branch presidents. These will be with you as you and doctrines in their to “Teachings for Our priesthood leaders should study and teach the lives. Time.” All “Teachings for stress the value of having talk(s). You may at times • Review chapters 31–32 Our Time” lessons will be the Melchizedek Priesthood be tempted to set aside of Teaching, No Greater taught from talks in the brethren and the Relief the conference talks and Call. most recent general confer- Society sisters study the prepare the lesson using ence issue of the Liahona same talks on the same other materials. But the “What matters most or Ensign. These issues are Sundays. Teachers should conference talks are the is that members feel the approved curriculum. influence of the Spirit, Your assignment is to increase their understand- help others learn and ing of the gospel, learn to live the gospel as taught apply gospel principles in in the most recent gen- their lives, and strengthen eral conference of the their commitment to live Church. the gospel” (Teaching • Review the talk(s), Guidebook [2001], 12). looking for principles Please send comments and doctrines that meet about “Teachings for Our the needs of class mem- Time” to Curriculum bers. Also look for sto- Development, 50 East ries, scripture references, North Temple Street, Room and statements from the 2420, Salt Lake City, UT talk(s) that will help you 84150-3220, USA; e-mail: teach the principles and cur-development@ doctrines. ldschurch.org. ■ Months Fourth-Sunday Lesson Materials

November 2005– Talks published in the November 2005 April 2006 Liahona or Ensign*

May–October 2006 Talks published in the May 2006 Liahona or Ensign*

* These talks are available online (in many languages) at www.lds.org.

120 Guidelines for Relief Society Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Meetings and Activities Effective January 1, 2006

he purposes of home, during meetings and activi- family, and personal ties as outlined in the Tenrichment are to Church Handbook of strengthen faith in Jesus Instructions, Book 2 on Christ and to teach parent- page 202. ing and homemaking skills. Enrichment is a time for sis- HOME, FAMILY, AND ters to socialize, learn, and PERSONAL ENRICHMENT be uplifted. The enrich- ment program includes the MEETINGS following: Ward Enrichment Meetings • Meetings: Home, fam- Ward Relief Societies ily, and personal enrich- should hold four enrich- ment meetings held ment meetings each year. one or two enrichment bring together sisters quarterly (rather than One of these meetings meetings each year. The who have common needs, monthly) for all sisters. should be used to com- stake Relief Society presi- interests, or circum- • Activities: Enrichment memorate the March 17, dency directs these meet- stances. The activities activities offered regularly 1842, organization of the ings with the assistance of should offer a safe, (weekly, monthly, or as Relief Society. stake specialists, if neces- relaxed, and engaging determined by ward Relief The meetings are sary (see Church Hand- environment where sisters Society leaders) for sisters planned by the home, fam- book of Instructions, learn and share ways to with similar needs and ily, and personal enrichment Book 2, 196). One of these strengthen homes, fami- interests. leader under the direction meetings should be held lies, and individuals. In planning meetings of the Relief Society presi- in conjunction with the an- Enrichment activities and activities, leaders dency. Specialists may be nual broadcast of the gen- are planned by the Relief should (1) consider the assigned to help (see eral Relief Society meeting. Society presidency; the needs and interests of sis- Church Handbook of Note: These ward home, family, and personal ters in the ward, (2) coun- Instructions, Book 2, 199). and stake meetings re- enrichment leader; and sel with priesthood leaders, A president’s report may place ward and stake specialists, as needed. and (3) plan activities with be part of these meetings. special events (see Leaders should be flexible prayer and purpose (see Enrichment meetings Church Handbook of in planning activities, which Church Handbook of are held at a time other Instructions, Book 2, 205). may be held in the meet- Instructions, Book 2: than on Sunday or Monday inghouse or other appro- Priesthood and Auxiliary evening. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES priate places as often as Leaders, 222). Efforts needed. For more infor- should be made to involve Stake Enrichment Enrichment activities mation about enrichment all sisters. Meetings are less structured than activities, see Church If necessary, a children’s In addition to ward home, family, and personal Handbook of Instructions, class should be provided meetings, the stake holds enrichment meetings and Book 2, pages 204–5. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 121 Robert D. Hales, “Finding Faith in Consider using the story at the begin- Aaronic Priesthood the Lord Jesus Christ,” Liahona and ning of the article. Ensign, Nov. 2004, 70. Use Elder Hales’s Russell M. Nelson, “Our Sacred suggestions on how to develop faith in Duty to Honor Women,” Liahona, July and Young Women Jesus Christ to supplement the lesson. 1999, 45; Ensign, May 1999, 38. Elder Duty to God (Teacher), “Family Nelson’s remarks can be used in the Resource Guides Activities,” no. 1. section on honoring mothers. Lesson 6: The Holy Ghost Lesson 10: Family Unity Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Gordon B. Hinckley, “Your Family,” he following resources may be authority to introduce the lesson. Christ,” Liahona and Ensign, Apr. New Era, June 2003, 4. Use President Tused to supplement, but not William W. Parmley, “The Priceless 2005, 8. President Packer’s remarks Hinckley’s comments in any part of replace, lessons in Aaronic Priesthood Gift of the Priesthood,” Ensign, could supplement the lesson. the lesson. Manual 1 and Young Women Manual Feb. 2005, 62. Consider using Elder Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Scott Bean, “The Truth about My 1. In the references, Duty to God Parmley’s comments in the discussion Lord,” Tambuli, Dec. 1988, 32; Ensign, Family,” Liahona, Mar. 2003, 30; New stands for the Aaronic Priesthood: on increasing priesthood power. Jan. 1983, 51. President Packer’s com- Era, Mar. 2003, 26. Consider using this Fulfilling Our Duty to God guide- Duty to God (Teacher), “Spiritual ments could be used in your discus- story in the section on how families books. Personal Progress stands for Development,” no. 1; (Priest), sion on being prepared to receive the help us develop. the Young Women Personal Progress “Quorum Activities,” no. 4. Holy Ghost. Duty to God (Priest), “Family booklet. Some Duty to God and Lesson 2: The Calling of a Deacon Duty to God (Teacher), “Family Activities,” no. 4. Personal Progress activities listed in “The Deacons Quorum,” Liahona, Activities,” no. 5. Lesson 11: “As I Have Loved You, the guides may be worked on during Jan. 2005, 42; Ensign, Jan. 2005, 54. Lesson 7: “A Mighty Change Love One Another” lesson time, or you may encourage Use the questions from this article to of Heart” Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of quorum or class members to complete discuss teamwork. Thomas S. Monson, “Pathways to Kindness,” Liahona and Ensign, May them at home. Additional teaching “The Miracle of the Priesthood,” Perfection,” Liahona, July 2002, 111; 2005, 26. Consider supplementing suggestions are found in the Liahona Liahona, Apr. 2004, 26; New Era, Apr. Ensign, May 2002, 99. Include Andy’s experience with Elder on page 1, in the New Era on the 2004, 12. Use the questions about President Monson’s comments on Wirthlin’s first story. “What’s In It for You” page, and in Aaronic Priesthood responsibilities self-discipline. Kathleen H. Hughes, “What Teaching, No Greater Call. while discussing the duties of a deacon. M. Russell Ballard, “Go For It!” Greater Goodness Can We Know: Please teach the lessons in the Duty to God (Deacon), “Spiritual New Era, Mar. 2004, 4. Supplement Christlike Friends,” Liahona and order they are printed. The manual Development,” no. 4. the lesson with the article. Ensign, May 2005, 74. Use Sister does not include a specific Easter les- Lesson 3: Administering Lesson 8: “Honour Thy Father” Hughes’s flat tire story to supplement son. If you want to teach a special the Sacrament James E. Faust, “Them That the case studies. Easter lesson, consider using scrip- Dallin H. Oaks, “The Aaronic Honour Me I Will Honour,” Liahona, Duty to God (Deacon), tures, conference addresses, Church Priesthood and the Sacrament,” July 2001, 53; Ensign, May 2001, 45. “Citizenship and Social Development,” magazine articles, pictures, and hymns Liahona, Jan. 1999, 43; Ensign, Nov. Add President Faust’s comments in the no. 1. that focus on the life and mission of 1998, 37. Consider using this article discussion about reverence for God. Lesson 12: Following the Savior. during the discussion on passing the Dallin H. Oaks, “Honour Thy the Living Prophet To find non-English versions of the sacrament. Father and Thy Mother,” Ensign, May Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Following resource guides in some languages, go Matthew Baker, “Sacrament 1991, 14. Use Elder Oaks’s comments in Faith,” Liahona, July 2003, 16; to www.lds.org, click on the world Service,” New Era, Oct. 2002, 20. on how to honor fathers in the corre- New Era, July 2003, 4. Use the open- map, and select a language. Click on Consider using experiences in the arti- sponding section of the lesson. ing and closing paragraphs of the “Liahona,” then the November 2005 cle to discuss the importance of the Duty to God (Priest), “Spiritual article to enhance the lesson’s issue. sacrament. Development,” no. 12. conclusion. The English version of the resource Duty to God (Priest), “Quorum Lesson 9: Respect for Mothers Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Global guides can be found at www.lds.org Activities,” no. 1. and Their Divine Role Church Blessed by the Voice of the by clicking on “Gospel Library.” There Lesson 4: Gathering Fast Offerings Russell M. Nelson, “Next to the Prophets,” Liahona and Ensign, are links to the most current resource Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Angels,” New Era, Mar. 2005, 4. Nov. 2002, 10. Use Elder Uchtdorf’s guides in the right column. Example,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 115; Future resource guides will be Ensign, Nov. 2001, 98. President printed in the May and November Monson’s discussion on fast offerings issues of the Liahona and Ensign. could be used with the section about The Church magazines (in some our attitude toward fast offerings. languages) can be found online at Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of www.lds.org. the Fast,” Liahona, July 2001, 88; Ensign, May 2001, 73. Elder Wirthlin’s comments on fast offerings could be Aaronic Priesthood used with the “Empathy for the Manual 1 Needy” section. The following resources may be Duty to God (Deacon), “Quorum used to supplement, but not replace, Activities,” no. 2. lessons 1–24. Lesson 5: Faith in Jesus Christ Lesson 1: The Priesthood Gordon B. Hinckley, “Over- Jeffrey R. Holland, “Our Most Distin- powering the Goliaths in Our Lives,” guishing Feature,” Liahona and Ensign, Liahona, Feb. 2002, 2; Ensign, Jan. May 2005, 43. Use Elder Holland’s re- 2002, 2. Use this article to discuss marks on obtaining priesthood David and Goliath.

122 testimony of the living prophets to supplement the lesson. R. Conrad Schultz, “Faith Obedience,” Liahona, July 2002, 32; Ensign, May 2002, 29. Use pertinent sections of the article to reinforce the need for obedience. Duty to God (Priest), “Family Activities,” no. 5. Lesson 13: Every Member Is a Missionary M. Russell Ballard, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 37. Incorporate Elder Ballard’s ways to be a member missionary into the section about sharing the gospel. Henry B. Eyring, “True Friends,” Liahona, July 2002, 29; Ensign, May 2002, 26. Use the story about Brother Lupahla being introduced to the Church by his friend in the section “There Are Many Ways to Share the Bonnie D. Parkin, “Choosing “How Could This Happen to Me?” of Prayer,” Liahona, July 2002, 62; Gospel.” Charity: That Good Part,” Liahona and Ensign, July 2004, 43. Incorporate the Ensign, May 2002, 59. Consider adding Duty to God (Priest), “Spiritual Ensign, Nov. 2003, 104. Sister Parkin’s “Lessons Learned” section into the dis- President Faust’s description of prayer Development,” no. 11. discussion of Mary and Martha could cussion about avoiding and overcom- after the role-play discussion. Lesson 14: Serving Others supplement the discussion of the ing temptation. Russell M. Nelson, “Sweet Power L. Tom Perry, “Learning to Serve,” characteristics of charity. Duty to God (Teacher), “Spiritual of Prayer,” Liahona and Ensign, May Liahona, May 2002, 10; Ensign, Aug. Duty to God (Teacher), “Citizen- Development,” no. 5. 2003, 7. Use this article to illustrate 1996, 10. Use the conclusion of the ship and Social Development,” no. 4. Lesson 20: Proper Use of Agency how one receives answers to prayers. article to summarize the lesson. Lesson 17: Personal Journals L. Aldin Porter, “Our Destiny,” New Duty to God (Deacon, Teacher, Taylor Woodruff, “Getting the Spencer W. Kimball, “The Angels Era, Oct. 2000, 44. Use teachings from Priest), “Duty to God Certificate Point,” New Era, Oct. 2003, 46. Add May Quote from It,” Tambuli, June the article to supplement the lesson’s Requirements,” no. 3. the article’s insights about service 1977, 16; New Era, Feb. 2003, 32. Use conclusion. Lesson 24: Christ-Centered projects to the opening story of the ideas from the article to supplement “Our Progress toward Perfection,” Repentance lesson. the scripture discussion at the begin- Liahona, Feb. 2005, 34; Ensign, Feb. Richard G. Scott, “Peace of Sharon Barber, “Serving: The ning of the lesson. 2005, 28. Consider using the “Walking Conscience and Peace of Mind,” Desire That Never Grows Old,” Jeffrey S. McClellan, “A Journal for by Faith” section from the article to Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 15. Ensign, Feb. 2003, 26. Choose a story Today and Tomorrow,” Liahona, Aug. enhance the first section of the lesson. Add Elder Scott’s counsel to any part to illustrate the principles taught in 1996, 30. Use the journal ideas from Lesson 21: Pure Thoughts: of the lesson. the second section. the article to enhance discussion on Clean Language Jay E. Jensen, “Do You Know How Duty to God (Priest), “Spiritual keeping a journal. Dallin H. Oaks, “Pornography,” to Repent?” Liahona, Apr. 2002, 14; Development,” no. 9; (Deacon), Duty to God (Priest), “Edu- Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 87. New Era, Nov. 1999, 4. Consider sub- “Quorum Activities,” no. 5. cational, Personal, and Career Use Elder Oaks’s teachings on pornog- stituting the mission story in the arti- Lesson 15: Unity and Brotherhood Development,” no. 7; (Deacon), raphy to supplement the lesson. cle for the story in the lesson. in the Priesthood “Spiritual Development,” no. 8. “Clean Thoughts,” New Era, Feb. Duty to God (Teacher), “Family L. Tom Perry, “What Is a Quorum?” Lesson 18: The Word of Wisdom 2001, 15. Consider adding this idea list Activities,” no. 5. Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 23. Masayuki Nakano, “Blessed by to the section on controlling our Use selected teachings about brother- the Word of Wisdom,” Liahona, June thoughts. Young Women Manual 1 hood to reinforce the corresponding 2005, 32; Ensign, June 2005, 62. Add Lesson 22: Covenants Guide The following resources may be section of the lesson. this story to the section about the Our Actions used to supplement, but not replace, Christine Reid, “The Deacons of blessings we receive by living the Dennis B. Neuenschwander, lessons 1–24. Coventry,” New Era, Jan. 2005, 12. Word of Wisdom. “Ordinances and Covenants,” Lesson 1: A Daughter of God Add selected stories of brotherhood “Questions and Answers,” New Liahona, Nov. 2001, 16; Ensign, Aug. Gordon B. Hinckley, “How Can from the article to the lesson’s Era, May 2004, 16. Add the counsel on 2001, 20. Consider adding Elder I Become the Woman of Whom I conclusion. nutritional supplements to the section Neuenschwander’s descriptions of Dream?” Liahona, July 2001, 112; Duty to God (Teacher), “Citizen- of the lesson about drug abuse. covenants throughout the lesson. Ensign, May 2001, 93. Relate the ship and Social Development,” no. 10; Duty to God (Deacon), “Edu- Richard J. Maynes, “Keeping Our yearbook story to emphasize divine (Priest), “Spiritual Development, no. 7. cational, Personal, and Career Covenants,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. potential. Lesson 16: Charity Development,” no. 12. 2004, 92. Use Elder Maynes’s illustra- David A. Bednar, “The Tender Gene R. Cook, “Charity: Perfect Lesson 19: Overcoming Temptation tion of the sons of Helaman as an Mercies of the Lord,” Liahona and and Everlasting Love,” Liahona, July Richard G. Scott, “How to Live Well example of covenant keeping. Ensign, May 2005, 99. Use the story 2002, 91; Ensign, May 2002, 82. The amid Increasing Evil,” Liahona and Duty to God (Priest), “Family of the priesthood leader’s dream to section on suffering could enhance Ensign, May 2004, 100. Use appropri- Activities,” no. 2. emphasize that Heavenly Father the lesson discussion of “charity ate sections of the article to enhance Lesson 23: Pray for Guidance and Jesus Christ know each of us suffereth long, and is kind.” the lesson’s opening discussion. James E. Faust, “The Lifeline personally.

NOVEMBER 2005 123 Feb. 2004, 16. Use this article to supplement the discussion on “Supporting Your Father.” Personal Progress, “Good Works Value Experiences,” nos. 1–7. Lesson 11: Growing and Maturing in Self-reliance, Part 1 Boyd K. Packer, “Spiritual Crocodiles,” Liahona, Oct. 2002, 8; New Era, Oct. 2001, 8. Consider using the article in place of the poem and to discuss how to confront spiritual dangers. Mary Ellen W. Smoot, “Seeking Solutions,” Ensign, Feb. 2002, 42. After the quiz, review the four solutions to solving problems, using the examples from the article where needed. Personal Progress, “Knowledge Margaret D. Nadauld, “Hold High difference between the Spirit of Susan W. Tanner, “Strengthening Value Experiences,” no. 4. the Torch,” Liahona, July 2002, 108; Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Future Mothers,” Liahona, June 2005, Lesson 12: Growing and Maturing Ensign, May 2002, 96. Use the article to Sharon G. Larsen, “Your Celestial 16; Ensign, June 2005, 20. Consider in Self-reliance, Part 2 supplement the lesson’s conclusion. Guide,” Liahona, July 2001, 104; substituting the article for the lesson. James E. Faust, “Who Do You Personal Progress, “Divine Nature Ensign, May 2001, 86. Tell Sister Personal Progress, “Knowledge Think You Are?—A Message to Youth,” Value Experiences,” no. 1. Larsen’s experience in place of Value Project,” bullets 1, 2, 5. Liahona, June 2001, 2; “Who Do You Lesson 2: Jesus Christ, the Savior Jenny’s story. Lesson 8: Attitudes about Think You Are?” Ensign, Mar. 2001, 2; The First Presidency and Quorum Personal Progress, “Choice and Our Divine Roles New Era, Mar. 2001, 4. Substitute the of the Twelve Apostles, “He Lives,” Accountability Value Experiences,” James E. Faust, “The Virtues dramatizations with the examples Liahona and Ensign, Dec. 2004, 6. Use no. 5. of Righteous Daughters of God,” from the article. the testimonies of the prophets and Lesson 5: Finding Joy Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 108; Russell M. Nelson, “Identity, apostles to supplement the lesson. in Our Divine Potential “Ten Ways to Make a Difference,” New Priority, and Blessings,” Ensign, Aug. James E. Faust, “The Atonement: James E. Faust, “Who Do You Era, Nov. 2004, 4. Discuss the 10 2001, 6. After Elder McConkie’s quote, Our Greatest Hope,” Liahona, Jan. Think You Are?—A Message to Youth,” virtues in the article to help the young discuss “Connecting Identity, Priority, 2002, 19; Ensign, Nov. 2001, 18. Liahona, June 2001, 2; “Who Do You women learn about their divine roles. and Blessings” from the article. Consider using the article during the Think You Are?” Ensign, Mar. 2001, 2; M. Russell Ballard, “Women of Lesson 13: Sustaining discussion about the Atonement. New Era, Mar. 2001, 4. Use the five Righteousness,” Liahona, Dec. 2002, Priesthood Bearers Robert D. Hales, “Finding Faith in ideas to discuss how to find joy in dif- 34; Ensign, Apr. 2002, 66. Use the arti- Russell M. Nelson, “Personal the Lord Jesus Christ,” Liahona and ferent stages of life. cle to supplement the lesson. Priesthood Responsibility,” Liahona Ensign, Nov. 2004, 70. Use Elder Hales’s Margaret D. Nadauld, “The Joy of Personal Progress, “Divine Nature and Ensign, Nov. 2003, 44. Review the suggestions on how to develop faith in Womanhood,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 17; Value Experiences,” no. 6. five personal objectives in discussing Jesus Christ to supplement the lesson. Ensign, Nov. 2000, 14. Use the article Lesson 9: Honoring Parents how to sustain priesthood holders. Personal Progress, “Faith Value to supplement the lesson. Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an J. Richard Clarke, “To Honor the Experiences,” no. 5. Personal Progress, “Divine Nature Example,” Liahona and Ensign, May Priesthood,” Ensign, May 1991, 41; Lesson 3: Following the Example Value Experiences,” no. 1. 2005, 112. Use the section about honor- “No Big Deal?” New Era, Sept. 2001, of Jesus Christ Lesson 6: Finding Joy Now ing parents to supplement the lesson. 46. Use in a discussion on how to L. Tom Perry, “Discipleship,” Thomas S. Monson, “Finding “Our Greatest Happiness,” strengthen young priesthood holders. Liahona, Jan. 2001, 72; Ensign, Nov. Peace,” Liahona and Ensign, Mar. Liahona, June 2003, 26; New Era, June Lesson 14: Patriarchal Leadership 2000, 60. Use the article in place of the 2004, 3. Use the three sections in the 2003, 12. Use the quotes on parents for in the Home last story in the lesson. article to discuss ways to find joy. a handout or to introduce the lesson. The Quorum of the Twelve Elaine S. Dalton, “He Knows You James E. Faust, “The Virtues Personal Progress, “Divine Nature Apostles, “Father, Consider Your by Name,” Liahona and Ensign, May of Righteous Daughters of God,” Value Experiences,” no. 5. Ways,” Ensign, June 2002, 12. After the 2005, 109. Use the article to supple- Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 108; Lesson 10: Supporting Family discussion on the quiz, use to review ment the discussion on following “Ten Ways to Make a Difference,” New Members the roles of a father. Jesus Christ. Era, Nov. 2004, 4. List the 10 virtues in James E. Faust, “Enriching Our L. Tom Perry, “Fatherhood, an Personal Progress, “Divine Nature the article, and discuss how they can Lives through Family Home Evening,” Eternal Calling,” Liahona and Ensign, Value Experiences,” no. 4. make us happy. Liahona and Ensign, June 2003, 2. May 2004, 69. Use to talk about the Lesson 4: Seeking the Companion- “Questions and Answers,” Discuss the nine suggestions and role of fathers today. ship of the Holy Ghost Liahona, Apr. 2005, 22; New Era, Apr. how they can help strengthen family Lesson 15: The Melchizedek James E. Faust, “Communion with 2005, 16. Use this article to start a dis- relations. Priesthood the Holy Spirit,” Liahona, Mar. 2002, cussion on how to be happy despite Camielle Call-Tarbet, “A Note from Boyd K. Packer, “What Every Elder 2; Ensign, Mar. 2002, 3. Use the sec- inadequacies. Michael,” Liahona, May 2001, 23; New Should Know—and Every Sister as tion on how to receive revelation in Lesson 7: Homemaking Era, June 1998, 17. Read the story to Well: A Primer on Principles of the conclusion. Thomas S. Monson, “Hallmarks of start the discussion on “Supporting Priesthood Government,” Tambuli, Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of a Happy Home,” Liahona and Ensign, Each Brother and Sister.” Nov. 1994, 15; Ensign, Feb. 1993, 6. Christ,” Liahona and Ensign, Apr. Oct. 2001, 2. Use the four hallmarks in “Questions and Answers,” Use to supplement the lesson. 2005, 8. Use the article to explain the the article to conclude the lesson. Liahona, Feb. 2004, 30; New Era, John H. Groberg, “Priesthood

124 General Auxiliary Presidencies

SUNDAY SCHOOL Power,” Liahona, July 2001, 51; Ensign, how to begin family history. May 2001, 43. Use to supplement the Pamela J. Reid, “Pink and White section “Receiving the Melchizedek Pages,” Ensign, Aug. 2001, 59. Include Priesthood Is a Great Blessing.” the story after the question about Personal Progress, “Divine Nature keeping a personal record. Value Experiences,” no. 5. Personal Progress, “Faith Value Lesson 16: Women and Project,” bullet 3. Priesthood Bearers Lesson 20: Reach Out to Others James E. Faust, “Fathers, Mothers, M. Russell Ballard, “Doctrine of Marriage,” Liahona and Ensign, Aug. Inclusion,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 40; Daniel K Judd A. Roger Merrill William D. Oswald 2004, 2. Use as needed to complement Ensign, Nov. 2001, 35. Use examples First Counselor President Second Counselor the lesson. from the article to encourage friend- Sheri L. Dew, “It Is Not Good for ship with everyone. RELIEF SOCIETY Man or Woman to Be Alone,” Liahona, Alison Tanner, “Noticing Sarah,” Jan. 2002, 13; Ensign, Nov. 2001, 12. New Era, Apr. 2002, 9. Include this Use to supplement the section story as an example of reaching out “Women Have an Important to others. Relationship to Men and the Personal Progress, “Divine Nature Priesthood.” Value Experiences,” no. 3. Lesson 17: The Purpose Lesson 21: A Righteous Example of Covenants and Ordinances Influences Others Russell M. Nelson, “Prepare for Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Blessings of the Temple,” Ensign, Mar. Example,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 115; 2002, 16. Use to supplement discus- Ensign, Nov. 2001, 98. Substitute one Kathleen H. Hughes Bonnie D. Parkin Anne C. Pingree sion on making sacred covenants. of President Monson’s experiences for First Counselor President Second Counselor Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Sister Casper’s story. “Ordinances and Covenants,” James E. Faust, “The Virtues YOUNG MEN Liahona, Nov. 2001, 16; Ensign, Aug. of Righteous Daughters of God,” 2001, 20. Consider including in the Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 108. discussion about the responsibilities Include President Faust’s 10 virtues in of keeping covenants. the lesson application. F. David Stanley, “The Most Lesson 22: Repentance Important Step,” Liahona, Oct. 2001, Richard G. Scott, “Peace of 34; New Era, June 2000, 20. Use the Conscience and Peace of Mind,” article to explain the power gained Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 15. through living covenants. Include Elder Scott’s counsel in the Personal Progress, “Integrity Value section on “Repentance Is a Dean R. Burgess Charles W. Dahlquist II Michael A. Neider Experiences,” no. 1. Continuing Process.” First Counselor President Second Counselor Lesson 18: Temple Marriage— Jay E. Jensen, “Do You Know How Requirement for Eternal Family to Repent?” Liahona, Apr. 2002, 14; YOUNG WOMEN Life New Era, Nov. 1999, 4. Insert the arti- Gordon B. Hinckley, “The cle’s conditions of repentance in the Marriage That Endures,” Liahona and first section. Ensign, July 2003, 2. Use the article to Lesson 23: Forgiveness replace or enhance stories throughout Gordon B. Hinckley, “You Can Be the lesson. Forgiven,” New Era, Oct. 2001, 4. Add Russell M. Nelson, “Personal “This Is the Time” to the fourth sec- Preparation for Temple Blessings,” tion of the lesson. Liahona, July 2001, 37; Ensign, May Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., “Forgive- 2001, 32. Include ideas from the sec- ness,” Liahona, Feb. 2003, 26; Ensign, tion on preparing for temple marriage. Feb. 2003, 48. Use the article to sup- Julie B. Beck Susan W. Tanner Elaine S. Dalton Special issue, Liahona, Oct. 2004; plement the section on how the Savior First Counselor President Second Counselor New Era, Oct. 2004. Use to supple- taught forgiveness. ment the lesson. Lesson 24: Prayer and Meditation PRIMARY Personal Progress, “Integrity Value James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Project,” bullet 5. Prayer,” Liahona, July 2002, 62; Lesson 19: Personal Records Ensign, May 2002, 59. Consider James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon replacing H. Burke Peterson’s quote That Is You,” Liahona and Ensign, with President Faust’s counsel on Nov. 2003, 53. Use with the section prayer. “Records of Progenitors Can Bring Joy Russell M. Nelson, “Sweet Power and Strength.” of Prayer,” Liahona and Ensign, May Boyd K. Packer, “Your Family 2003, 7. Insert Elder Nelson’s teach- History: Getting Started,” Liahona ings about prayer in the last section. Margaret S. Lifferth Cheryl C. Lant Vicki F. Matsumori and Ensign, Aug. 2003, 12. After Personal Progress, “Faith Value First Counselor President Second Counselor the quiz, use the article to show Experiences,” no. 1. ■

NOVEMBER 2005 125 Prophet’s birthplace in Vermont just as President Joseph F. Smith did to mark the 100th anniversary of the Prophet’s birth. Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will participate in the celebration broadcast from the Conference Center. Simultaneous interpreta- tion for this general confer- ence was done in 80 languages—more than any past conference—through in- terpreters stationed both in the Conference Center and in 26 international remote stu- A member listens to conference in one of 80 languages (inset) at the Conference Center (above). dios. All sessions of confer- ence were televised via the Members Hear General Conference, Church satellite system to nearly 6,000 Church-owned Announcements in 80 Languages sites in 81 countries. Live au- dio was available online in up wo new temples and a During his opening re- an additional temple site has to 61 languages for most ses- special celebration marks, President Gordon B. been acquired in the southwest sions. DVD or videotape T planned for Joseph Hinckley announced that a part of the Salt Lake Valley. recordings will be sent to Smith’s birthday highlighted new temple will be built in In his closing remarks, Church units in areas where announcements during South Jordan, Utah, in the President Hinckley an- satellite and other transmis- the proceedings of the western part of the Salt Lake nounced that he plans to sions are not available, making 175th Semiannual General Valley. President Hinckley also commemorate the 200th an- general conference proceed- Conference, which was inter- announced that to meet de- niversary of Joseph Smith’s ings available to members in preted into 80 languages. mands as membership grows, birthday by traveling to the more than 160 countries. ■

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” concerning the importance of founding families on righ- Reaches 10-Year Milestone teousness. The proclamation By Nicole Seymour, Church Magazines was issued before society at decade has passed of the Quorum of the Twelve community, and world meet- large recognized the extent since President Apostles said, “It was then ings concerning the family; a of the decline of the family, A Gordon B. Hinckley and is now a clarion call to pillar of strength in political said David C. Dollahite, introduced “The Family: A protect and strengthen fami- circles; a missionary tool; and professor in the School of Proclamation to the World” lies and a stern warning in a a building block for greater Family Life at Brigham Young on September 23, 1995. Since world where declining values Church emphasis on the University. then, the proclamation issued and misplaced priorities family. Before introducing the by the First Presidency and threaten to destroy society by proclamation at the general Quorum of the Twelve undermining its basic unit” A Warning Ahead of Its Time Relief Society meeting in Apostles has stood as a stan- (see this issue, p. 41). In modern society, where 1995, President Hinckley de- dard in defense of the family. Based on gospel truths, family values have deterio- scribed the state of society: Speaking of the proclama- the proclamation has been rated, the proclamation “The world we are in is a tion, Elder M. Russell Ballard a guide in the home, the offers eternal truths world of turmoil, of shifting

126 values. Shrill voices call out “Happiness in family life is for one thing or another in most likely to be achieved betrayal of time-tested stan- when founded upon the dards of behavior. The moral teachings of the Lord Jesus moorings of our society have Christ” (Liahona, Oct. 2004, been badly shaken” (“Stand 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). Strong against the Wiles of Virna Rodríguez of the the World,” Ensign, Nov. Panorama Ward, Guatemala 1995, 98). City Guatemala Mariscal The proclamation clearly Stake, told the Church states doctrine that pro- magazines that in a world motes the sanctity of the of confusion, the proclama- family in a society where tion is a guide: “It has families are being under- helped us prioritize our ac- mined by adultery, divorce, tivities, know our responsi- cohabitation, abuse, homo- bilities, and recognize our sexuality, abortion, teen blessings.” pregnancies, pornography, Lee Mei Chen Ho from the disobedient children, eco- Tao Yuan Third Ward, Tao nomic struggles, an increas- Yuan Taiwan Stake, said the ing unwillingness among proclamation has taught her married couples to bear and that family relationships help rear children, and more. develop divine characteristics Elder Henry B. Eyring of such as faith, patience, and the Quorum of the Twelve love. “When I try to improve Apostles explained how the myself according to the eternal perspective of the proclamation, I can experi- proclamation provides a bet- ence real happiness,” she ter perspective for under- said. standing the value of family The proclamation offers The proclamation on the family has been a guide to families relations: “A child hearing and solutions, according to and even world leaders for 10 years. believing the words of the Richard G. Wilkins, professor proclamation regarding fami- of law at Brigham Young and government leaders to ideas to craft statements that lies united eternally would University. “The fact is . . . the protect family values: “We support marriage and family begin a lifetime of looking for family is the best place for call upon responsible citizens life,” he said. a holy temple where ordi- men, women, and children to and officers of government On December 6, 2004, nances and covenants perpet- be,” he said. “There are prob- everywhere to promote the United Nations General uate family relationships lems in families, and they those measures designed to Assembly recognized the find- beyond the grave” (“The need to be fixed. . . . The maintain and strengthen the ings of the November 2004 Family,” Liahona, Oct. 1998, proclamation addresses the family as the fundamental Doha Declaration, which con- 12; Ensign, Feb. 1998, 10). things that go wrong in fami- unit of society.” tains many of the proclama- lies. It reminds people that “There are a number of tion’s central teachings. A Guide for Families our homes can be, and [pro-family] organizations Among the principles con- “The more surely you rear should be, a refuge and a that have been established in tained in the declaration that your children in the ways of sanctuary.” the last 10 years,” Brother are similar to those in the the gospel of Jesus Christ, Dollahite said. Many of those proclamation is the concept with love and high expecta- A Call to World Leaders organizations are acquainted that marriage is between man tion, the more likely that Since 1995, the proclama- with Latter-day Saint beliefs and woman, with each part- there will be peace in their tion has been translated into concerning the family. “The ner of equal esteem. lives,” said President Hinckley 77 languages and distributed proclamation has been used At the European Regional (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 99). to many world leaders. The as the basis or at least as one Dialogue Conference on the The proclamation states: proclamation asks citizens of the sources of language or Family in Geneva, Switzerland,

NOVEMBER 2005 127 in August 2004, Bonnie D. A Banner to the World Parkin, Relief Society general Brother Dollahite, editor 2006 Mutual Theme president, was given the op- or coeditor of several books portunity to speak. She sup- on the proclamation, said: “I Encourages Youth to ported her comments with think that anyone who reads the proclamation. it with an open mind and an “Arise and Shine Forth” open heart is going to be he 2006 Mutual A Compass for Research touched by the Spirit. They theme for young and Advocacy may not recognize why it just Tmen and women Elder Merrill J. Bateman of seems to ring true to them, around the world is the Presidency of the Seventy but, as does scripture, to hon- “Arise and shine forth, has said, “The proclamation est hearts and minds it very that thy light may be a serves not only as a hand- much rings true.” standard for the na- book for family living, but In El Salvador, Church tions” (D&C 115:5). also as a compass for family members partner with school “We are grateful research and advocacy” (“The administrators throughout for valiant youth who Eternal Family,” BYU the country to teach moral show their love for Magazine, winter 1998, 29). lessons. One of the lessons is the Savior by letting Brother Wilkins, manag- about families, and among His light shine forth ing director of the World other Church materials, the in their lives,” says a Family Policy Center, said the proclamation is used. statement released by center’s goal is to “develop A teacher in El Salvador the Young Men and good, scholarly support from attended a chapel open Young Women general BYU and around the world house because she had seen presidencies. for the principles in the the moral lessons given in Youth leaders are en- Youth around the world proclamation and to bring the schools. “I have seen the couraged to emphasize the will focus on the theme them to the attention of change in my students’ lives, theme during Mutual and “Arise and shine forth” world leaders, because many and I said to myself, ‘I will other youth activities. The in 2006. people understand and share go to see if I can find some- theme can also be used for the values of the proclama- thing to help my own fam- youth talks and thoughts and Restoration by living gospel tion.” He said reasoned evi- ily,’ ” she said. “After visiting can provide focus to activities standards and serving dence and discussion tend to the presentations, I think such as dance and music fes- others.” bring support for the family the only thing I have to do tivals, youth conferences, and Youth can use the 2006 from large international is to make the decision to camps. theme to explore ways to give audiences. change. I want to receive The Young Men and Young service, share the gospel, and Each year BYU hosts 40 to the missionaries because I Women general presidencies live gospel standards as out- 50 ambassadors from various need help for my children” expressed the hope that the lined in For the Strength of nations for a conference on (Central America News of youth and their leaders will Youth. the family. The proclamation the Church, in Liahona, build on their experiences in “We bear testimony that is presented to every leader Jan. 2004, N13). 2005 celebrating the Prophet the Lord loves you and at the research-oriented con- “Today I call on members Joseph Smith and the needs you to help build His ference. “We don’t preach to of this Church and on com- Restoration. kingdom,” the statement the ambassadors about reli- mitted parents, grandparents, “With testimonies of the said. “You can be a light that gion,” Brother Wilkins said. and extended family mem- restored gospel vibrant and dispels darkness, revealing “We bring in distinguished bers everywhere to hold fast strong, we can now share our by your example the path to sociologists who talk about to this great proclamation,” feelings, our experiences, and celestial glory in the king- how marriage between a Elder Ballard said, “to make it our talents with the world,” dom of God. ‘Arise and man and a woman is unique a banner not unlike General the statement from the gen- shine forth,’ that the Spirit and produces more positive Moroni’s ‘title of liberty,’ and eral presidencies said. “What of the Lord may continue outcomes for society and in- to commit ourselves to live by a glorious responsibility it is to bear witness of the dividuals than other forms of its precepts” (see this issue, to be shining examples—to Restoration of the gospel relationships.” p. 42). ■ share our testimonies of the through you.” ■

128 After creating the title of liberty, Captain Moroni “went forth among the people, waving the rent part creating thetitleofliberty, amongthepeople, wavingtherentpart CaptainMoroni “wentforth After of his garment intheair.,saying:Behold,whosoeverwill maintainthistitleupontheland, of hisgarment maintain their rights,andtheirreligion,that theLord Godmay bless them”(Alma46:19–20). let them come forth inthestrengthofLord, andenterintoacovenantthatthey will let themcomeforth Come Forth, by Walter Rane

© 2003, BY THE HAND OF MORMON FOUNDATION, MAY NOT BE COPIED “And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: “Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. “. . . And this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come” (3 Nephi 11:13–15). 2 25911 Nov 05 25911 02259 11000 4